UPSC solved previous year questions

UPSC PYQ with Answers

Every question on this page has an answer or explanation. Browse 1,760 solved UPSC previous year questions from 2016–2026 and open any question to check the answer and understand the concept behind it.

Questions
1,760
Years covered
2016–2026
Subjects
154
With answers
1,760

Latest UPSC PYQ with Answers

161–180 of 320
  1. Q165 2024 Mains GS3

    What is the present world scenario of intellectual property rights with respect to life materials? Although, India is second in the world to file patents, still only a few have been commercialized. Explain the reasons behind this limited commercialization. (Answer in 150 words)

    Answer explanation

    Introduction Life-material patents sit at the intersection of innovation, public health, biodiversity and ethical limits on ownership of living resources.…

    BiotechnologyIntellectual propertyPatent commercialisation
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  2. Q166 2024 Mains GS3

    What is the technology being employed for electronic toll collection on highways? What are its advantages and limitations? What are the proposed changes that will make this process seamless? Would this transition carry any potential hazards? (Answer in 150 words)

    Answer explanation

    Introduction India primarily uses RFID-based FASTag for automatic toll deduction, while GNSS-based distance charging is proposed for more seamless collection.…

    Electronic tollingFastag and gnssScience and technology
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  3. Q167 2024 Mains GS3

    Industrial pollution of river water is a significant environmental issue in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to deal with this problem and also the government’s initiatives in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)

    Answer explanation

    Introduction Untreated industrial effluent adds toxic chemicals, heavy metals and organic load to rivers, damaging ecosystems, livelihoods and public health.…

    EnvironmentIndustrial effluentsRiver conservation
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  4. Q175 2024 Mains GS3

    The world is facing an acute shortage of clean and safe freshwater. What are the alternative technologies which can solve this crisis? Briefly discuss any three such technologies citing their key merits and demerits. (Answer in 250 words)

    Answer explanation

    Introduction Water stress requires demand management alongside technologies that expand reliable supply without shifting ecological costs elsewhere.…

    Alternative water sourcesEnvironmentTechnology
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  5. Q178 2024 Mains GS3

    Flooding in urban areas is an emerging climate-induced disaster. Discuss the causes of this disaster. Mention the features of two such major floods in the last two decades in India. Describe the policies and frameworks in India that aim at tackling such floods. (Answer in 250 words)

    Answer explanation

    Introduction Urban floods arise when intense rainfall exceeds drainage capacity, with climate change increasing extreme precipitation and sea-level risks.…

    Climate changeDisaster managementFlood governance
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  6. Q179 2024 Mains GS3

    India has a long and troubled border with China and Pakistan fraught with contentious issues. Examine the conflicting issues and security challenges along the border. Also give an account of the development being undertaken in these areas under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) and Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme. (Answer in 250 words)

    Answer explanation

    Introduction Unresolved boundaries, difficult terrain and cross-border threats make border development inseparable from national security and local welfare.…

    Badp and bimBorder managementIndia china pakistan borders
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  7. Q180 2024 Mains GS3

    Social media and encrypted messaging services pose a serious security challenge. What measures have been adopted at various levels to address the security implications of social media? Also suggest other remedies to address the problem. (Answer in 250 words)

    Answer explanation

    Introduction Social platforms enable mobilisation, disinformation, radicalisation, fraud and encrypted coordination while also serving legitimate democratic communication.…

    CybersecurityEncrypted communicationsInternal security
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