GS-II UPSC PYQ 2011

Who is Nawaf Salam and why has he been in the news recently? <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q8e-->

"Compared to the South Asian Trade Area (SAFTA), the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multisectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation Free Trade Area (BIMSTEC FTA) seems to be more promising." Critically evaluate. <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q1c-->

Trace the progress of India's efforts for a joint counter-terrorism strategy with China. What are the likely implications of the recent Xinjiang violence on these efforts? <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q2b-->

International Year of Chemistry. <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q5a-->

Why has Operation Shady Rat been in the news recently? <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q7e-->

INSPIRE programme of the Department of Science and Technology. <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q5d-->

Who is Mustafa Abdul-Jalil and why has he been in the news recently? <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q8b-->

Omega-3 fatty acids in our food. <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q5f-->

"Strategic interests seem to be replacing commercial interests for the host country with regard to Cam Ranh bay." Amplify. <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q4c-->

F-22 'Raptor' aircraft. <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q5j-->

Why has Tiangong-1 been in the news recently? <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q7a-->

Differences between Compact Disc (CD), Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) and Blu-ray Disc. <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q5n-->

"As regards the increasing rates of melting of Arctic Sea ice, the interests of the Arctic Council nations may not coincide with those of the wider world." Explain. <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q4a-->

On a Formula-one (F-1) racing car track, information to drivers is generally signalled through the standardized use of flags of different colours. Describe the meaning associated with any six of the flags listed below: (i) White Flag (ii) Black Flag (iii) Yellow Flag (iv) Blue Flag (v) Black and White Flag divided diagonally (vi) Chequered Flag (vii) Yellow and Red Striped Flag. <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q4e-->

Why has Gliese 581g been in the news recently? <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q7c-->

List the Central Asian Republics and identify those of particular strategic and economic importance to India. Examine the opportunities and bottlenecks in enhancing relations with these countries. <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q1a-->

World Food Programme (WFP) of the United Nations (UN). <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q6d-->

The scourge of e-waste. <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q5b-->

Bring out the importance of the Small and Medium Enterprises Expo and Conference held in Dubai last year for Indian business. <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q2c-->

Why has the MABEL robot been in the news recently? <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q7d-->

'Concentrated' solar energy and 'photovoltaic' solar energy. <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q5k-->

What are the salient features of the political and economic relationship between India and South Africa? <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q2d-->

Various applications of Kevlar. <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q5m-->

'Arsenic-bug' and the significance of its discovery. <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q5i-->

Why has SAGA-220 been in the news recently? <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q7f-->

Strategy adopted by Colombia to eliminate its drug cartels. <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q6c-->

Why has the OPERA detector at Gran Sasso been in the news recently? <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q7i-->

"The causes and implications of the Jasmine Revolution and its spread are as much economic in nature as they are political." Critically evaluate. <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q3a-->

Why has the L'Aquila earthquake been in the news recently? <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q7h-->

Why has Billion Acts of Green been in the news recently? <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q7g-->

Success of international intervention in Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast). <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q6b-->

Is there still a role for the concept of balance of power in contemporary international politics? Discuss. <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q4b-->

The admonishing population of vultures. <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q5h-->

Difference between 'spin-drying' and 'tumble-drying' technology with reference to drying of washed clothes. <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q5g-->

Functions of the World Customs Organisation (WCO). <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q6a-->

Why has Natalie Portman been in the news recently? <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q8d-->

Critically examine the security and strategic implications of the so-called 'string of pearls' theory for India. <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q1b-->

Why has the K-computer been in the news recently? <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q7b-->

Sculpture of the broken chair in front of the UN building at Geneva. <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q6e-->

Analog hybrid and IP systems in CCTV technology. <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q5l-->

Why has the 'News International' newspaper been in the news recently? <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q8a-->

In the context of the 'Euro-zone' debt crisis, examine the proposed 'six-pack' solution. Do you think that this has a better chance of success than the earlier stability and growth pact? <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q3b-->

The Kessler syndrome with reference to space debris. <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q5e-->

Who is Abel Kirui and why has he been in the news recently? <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q8c-->

Subsequent to the Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) waiver in 2008, what are the agreements on nuclear energy that India has signed with different countries? <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q2a-->

To what extent has the withdrawal of al-Shabab from Mogadishu given peace a real chance in Somalia? Assess. <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q4d-->

Why has Saturn's Titan been in the news recently? <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q7j-->

Designer poultry eggs. <!--qid:MAINS_2011_GS-II_Q5c-->