CGPSC MAINS 2017 Paper-3

Discuss the major points of Queen’s Proclamation of 1858 along with its significance.

by

Points to Remember: Proclamation’s context: The aftermath of the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. Key provisions: Transfer of power, assurance of religious freedom, and administrative changes. Significance: Impact on governance, British-Indian relations, and the Indian nationalist movement. Long-term consequences: Shaping India’s political landscape. Introduction: The Queen’s Proclamation of 1858, issued by Queen Victoria, marked a pivotal … Read more

Explain the organization and aims of ‘NITI Aayog’.

by

Points to Remember: NITI Aayog’s evolution from the Planning Commission. Its role as a think tank and policy advisor. Focus on cooperative federalism and collaborative governance. Key initiatives and achievements. Challenges and areas for improvement. Introduction: NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India), established on January 1, 2015, replaced the Planning Commission of India. The … Read more

Explain with an example the election procedure of the President of India.

by

Points to Remember: The President of India is the head of state, elected indirectly by an electoral college. The election process is governed by the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952. The process involves nomination, campaigning, and counting of votes. The winning candidate must secure an absolute majority of votes. Introduction: The President of India … Read more

Give arguments in favor and against the State Legislative Council.

by

Points to Remember: The role of a State Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) in India’s bicameral state legislatures. Arguments supporting the Council’s existence and its benefits. Arguments against the Council, highlighting its perceived inefficiencies and costs. The overall impact of the Council on effective governance and legislative processes. Introduction: India’s federal structure allows states to choose … Read more

Discuss the people’s participation in development administration.

by

Points to Remember: Meaning and importance of people’s participation Forms of participation (direct and indirect) Challenges and obstacles to participation Strategies for enhancing participation Success stories and case studies Introduction: People’s participation in development administration is a cornerstone of good governance and sustainable development. It signifies the active involvement of citizens in the planning, implementation, … Read more

Explain the features of the Federal Government.

by

Points to Remember: Separation of Powers: Distinct roles for the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Checks and Balances: Mechanisms preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful. Federalism: Power divided between a central government and constituent units (states/provinces). Written Constitution: A supreme law outlining the structure and powers of the government. Supremacy Clause: Federal law … Read more

Explain the similarities and differences between Jainism and Buddhism.

by

Points to Remember: Similarities: Emphasis on non-violence (ahimsa), karma and rebirth, meditation, monastic life, renunciation of worldly attachments. Differences: Views on the nature of the self (atman), path to liberation (moksha/nirvana), and the role of monastic orders. Introduction: Jainism and Buddhism, two ancient Indian religions, share striking similarities, particularly in their emphasis on non-violence and … Read more

Elaborate on the Alvars and Nayanars sects of South India.

by

Points to Remember: Alvars and Nayanars were two distinct bhakti movements in South India. Alvars focused on Vaishnavism (worship of Vishnu), while Nayanars focused on Shaivism (worship of Shiva). Both movements emphasized devotion (bhakti) as the path to salvation. They left behind a rich legacy of hymns (divya prabandham and tevaram) and temples. Introduction: The … Read more

Explain the relationship between Oudh and the British East India Company.

by

Points to Remember: British expansionist policies in India. The Nawabs of Oudh and their weakening power. The Doctrine of Lapse and its application to Oudh. The 1857 Rebellion’s connection to Oudh. The eventual annexation of Oudh. Introduction: The relationship between Oudh (Awadh) and the British East India Company was a complex and ultimately exploitative one, … Read more

Describe the early Peasant Movements led by Mahatma Gandhi.

by

Points to Remember: Chronological order: Focus on the early movements before Gandhi’s mass campaigns. Key characteristics: Identify the methods, goals, and outcomes of these movements. Regional variations: Acknowledge the diverse nature of peasant struggles across India. Gandhi’s role: Highlight his evolving leadership and strategies. Introduction: Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership significantly shaped the Indian independence movement. While … Read more