50 UPSC-level study questions answers.

 UPSC-level study questions along with brief, high-quality answers. These cover a mix of General Studies (GS), current affairs, polity, and Indian history — key areas for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (Prelims + Mains).

1. What is the Doctrine of Basic Structure in the Indian Constitution?

Answer:
The Basic Structure Doctrine was established in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973). It holds that Parliament can amend any part of the Constitution but cannot alter its basic structure, which includes features like the supremacy of the Constitution, secularism, federalism, and judicial review.

2. Explain the difference between Money Bill and Finance Bill.

Answer:
A Money Bill (Article 110) deals strictly with issues like taxation, borrowing, or expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India and can only be introduced in Lok Sabha with the President’s recommendation.
A Finance Bill includes Money Bill provisions and other financial matters. It is broader and undergoes regular procedures like any other bill.

3. What is Article 370 and why was it significant?

Answer:
Article 370 granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, allowing it to have its own Constitution and laws except in defense, foreign affairs, and communication. It was abrogated on August 5, 2019, integrating J&K more closely with the Union of India.

4. What is the difference between Tropical Cyclone and Temperate Cyclone?

Answer:

• Tropical Cyclones: Form over warm oceans, are intense, and occur between 5°–30° latitudes.

• Temperate Cyclones: Form in mid-latitudes (30°–60°), are larger but less intense, and associated with fronts.

5. What is the One Nation One Election proposal?

Answer:
This proposal suggests simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and all State Assemblies to save time, reduce expenditure, and improve governance. Critics argue it may weaken federalism and violate democratic diversity.

6. Describe the impact of the Green Revolution in India.

Answer:
The Green Revolution (1960s–70s) led to increased food grain production, especially in wheat and rice. It ensured food security and reduced imports, but caused regional inequality, environmental degradation, and monoculture dependency.

7. What is QUAD? What are its objectives?

Answer:
The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) involves India, the USA, Japan, and Australia. Its aim is to promote a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, focusing on maritime security, counter-terrorism, and economic cooperation.

8. What is the role of the Election Commission of India?

Answer:
Under Article 324, the Election Commission oversees free and fair elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice President. It has powers to supervise, direct, and control elections.

9. What are the key features of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020?

Answer:

• 5+3+3+4 structure instead of 10+2

• Emphasis on mother tongue/regional language

• Focus on skill development, coding, vocational training

• Higher education reforms: Multidisciplinary approach, academic bank of credits

10. What is a carbon credit? How does it help in combating climate change?

Answer:
A carbon credit allows an entity to emit one tonne of CO₂ equivalent. Companies that emit less can sell surplus credits, promoting emission reduction through market mechanisms and helping meet international climate targets.

11. What is the difference between Parliamentary and Presidential forms of government?

Answer:

• Parliamentary System (India, UK): Executive is accountable to the legislature; PM is head of government.

• Presidential System (USA): Executive is independent of legislature; President is both head of state and government.

12. What is the purpose of the NITI Aayog?

Answer:
Formed in 2015, NITI Aayog replaced the Planning Commission. It acts as a policy think tank, promotes cooperative federalism, innovation, and data-driven governance to help India achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs).

13. Explain the concept of Sustainable Development.

Answer:
Sustainable Development means meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations. It balances economic growth, environmental protection, and social inclusion, and is key to climate change mitigation.

14. What is MPLADS? Why is it controversial?

Answer:
MPLADS (Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme) allows MPs to recommend development work in their constituencies.
Controversy: Critics say it blurs separation of powers, encourages political favoritism, and lacks transparency.

15. What is Article 32 of the Indian Constitution?

Answer:
Article 32 guarantees the Right to Constitutional Remedies — citizens can directly approach the Supreme Court for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights. Dr. Ambedkar called it the “heart and soul” of the Constitution.

16. What is the National Green Tribunal (NGT)?

Answer:
Established in 2010, the NGT deals with environmental protection and conservation of forests. It has special jurisdiction and ensures speedy disposal of environmental cases.

17. Describe the role of RBI in controlling inflation.

Answer:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) controls inflation through monetary policy tools like:

• Repo rate

• Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR)

• Open Market Operations
  It aims to maintain price stability while supporting growth.

18. What was the Non-Cooperation Movement?

Answer:
Launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920, the movement aimed to resist British rule through peaceful non-compliance: boycott of schools, courts, and foreign goods. It was withdrawn in 1922 after the Chauri Chaura incident.

19. What is e-RUPI?

Answer:
e-RUPI is a digital voucher-based payment solution launched by the Indian government. It enables cashless and contactless transfers for targeted welfare schemes (e.g., health subsidies), ensuring end-use without leakage.

20. What are wetlands and why are they important?

Answer:
Wetlands are ecosystems where land meets water (e.g., lakes, marshes). They:

• Support biodiversity

• Act as natural water purifiers

• Help in flood control

• Store carbon and mitigate climate change

India is a party to the Ramsar Convention and has 80+ Ramsar sites (as of 2024).

21. What is the difference between GDP and GNP?

Answer:

• GDP (Gross Domestic Product): Value of goods and services produced within a country's borders.

• GNP (Gross National Product): GDP + income earned by nationals abroad – income earned by foreigners in the country.

22. What is Electoral Bond? Why is it controversial?

Answer:
Electoral Bonds are financial instruments to fund political parties anonymously.
Controversy: Critics argue it lacks transparency, favors ruling parties, and undermines free and fair elections.

23. What is One Health Approach?

Answer:
The One Health approach recognizes that the health of humans, animals, and the environment are interconnected. It aims to tackle zoonotic diseases like COVID-19 through integrated surveillance and policy.

24. What is Mission Karmayogi?

Answer:
Launched in 2020, it’s a civil services capacity building program to develop a future-ready bureaucracy with tech-driven, competency-based training.

25. What is Blue Economy?

Answer:
Blue Economy refers to sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ocean ecosystem health. It includes fisheries, renewable energy, shipping, and coastal tourism.

26. What is the function of the Finance Commission in India?

Answer:
Set up every five years under Article 280, the Finance Commission recommends:

• Distribution of taxes between Center and States

• Grants-in-aid

• Measures to improve fiscal federalism

27. What is Agnipath Scheme?

Answer:
Launched in 2022, it is a military recruitment reform for short-term contracts (4 years) in the armed forces. Selected youth are called Agniveers. Aim: modernize and reduce the average age of the forces.

28. Explain the significance of the Indo-Pacific region in India’s foreign policy.

Answer:
The Indo-Pacific is crucial for trade, energy security, and maritime cooperation. India promotes rule-based order via QUAD, Act East Policy, and SAGAR doctrine to counterbalance China's influence.

29. What is Deepfake Technology?

Answer:
Deepfakes use AI and machine learning to manipulate videos or audio to make it appear someone said or did something they didn't. Risks: Misinformation, cybercrime, election manipulation.

30. What are PM Gati Shakti and National Logistics Policy?

Answer:

• PM Gati Shakti: A digital platform integrating 16 ministries for infrastructure planning and faster execution.

• National Logistics Policy (2022): Aims to reduce logistics cost to 8% of GDP, enhance supply chain efficiency.