Government Policies & Interventions — UPSC Questions
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Previous year questions and Mains practice questions on this exact syllabus topic, collected from every GainingSun analysis mapped to it. Each question links back to the analysis it came from, so you can read the material behind the answer.
Previous year questions (from 6 analyses)
Questions UPSC has set on this syllabus topic, as cited in our analyses.
No directly relevant verified UPSC Mains PYQ is available.
From Census Duty Explained: Private Teachers, Article 23 and Limits on State Power
How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna? (UPSC Mains GS3, 2018) [18]
From Saving Girdled Trees: Bridge Grafting, Tiger Habitats and Forest Rights Explained
Public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that the private sector could help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives would you suggest? (UPSC Mains GS2, 2015)
From Cancer Drug Price Caps in India: How the New 30% Trade Margin Rule Works
With reference to casual workers employed in India, consider the following statements: (UPSC Prelims 2021) All casual workers are entitled for Employees Provident Fund coverage. All casual workers are entitled for regular working hours and overtime payment. The government can by a notification specify that an establishment or industry shall pay wages only through its bank account. Which of the above statements are correct? A) 1 and 2 only B) 2 and 3 only C) 1 and 3 only D) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Answer: D
Examine the role of 'Gig Economy' in the process of empowerment of women in India. (UPSC Mains 2021, GS Paper I, 150 words, 10 marks)
No directly relevant verified UPSC Mains PYQ is available.
From Brazil’s Ethanol Pathway Explained: Lessons for India’s E20 and Biofuel Strategy
Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our Government for this purpose? (UPSC Mains GS3, 2020)
From PM Surya Ghar & PM-KUSUM: Why India's Decentralised Solar Schemes Lag Behind Target
Mains practice questions (from 20 analyses)
Practice questions written for this topic, each tied to the current affairs that would answer it.
Census administration requires extensive public participation, but administrative necessity must operate within statutory and constitutional limits. Discuss with reference to compulsory deployment of private-school teachers. (250 words)
From Census Duty Explained: Private Teachers, Article 23 and Limits on State Power
“Rescuing damaged trees is only one part of restoring a protected forest.” Discuss with reference to the girdling of trees in Udanti–Sitanadi Tiger Reserve. Explain how scientific restoration, geospatial monitoring and community forest rights can be integrated into conservation management. (250 words)
From Saving Girdled Trees: Bridge Grafting, Tiger Habitats and Forest Rights Explained
The Government of India's decision to regulate trade margins on expensive cancer medicines highlights the tension between pharmaceutical market freedom and the right to affordable healthcare. Critically examine the effectiveness and limitations of trade-margin rationalisation in improving access to cancer treatment. Suggest measures to balance public health, patient affordability and pharmaceutical innovation. (250 words, 15 marks)
From Cancer Drug Price Caps in India: How the New 30% Trade Margin Rule Works
The proposed Target Retirement Sum (TRS)-based pension scheme under EPFO 3.0 marks a shift from fragmented social security towards universal old-age income protection. Discuss the design features of the proposed scheme and examine the challenges in extending contributory pensions to India's unorganised and gig workforce. (250 words, 15 marks)
India’s ethanol blending programme offers energy-security and farmer-income benefits, but its rapid transition also raises concerns over consumer choice, vehicle compatibility, food security and water use. Discuss with lessons from Brazil’s ethanol pathway.
From Brazil’s Ethanol Pathway Explained: Lessons for India’s E20 and Biofuel Strategy
Decentralised solar generation is central to India's clean energy transition, yet flagship schemes such as PM Surya Ghar and PM-KUSUM continue to fall short of their targets. Critically examine the structural and fiscal reasons for this shortfall, and suggest measures to accelerate adoption. (250 words)
From PM Surya Ghar & PM-KUSUM: Why India's Decentralised Solar Schemes Lag Behind Target
"The reduction of key indicators in the NFHS-6 factsheet has reignited the debate between data harmonisation and statistical transparency in India." In this context, examine the importance of independent, comparable health survey data for evidence-based policymaking, and suggest measures to balance efficiency with accountability in India's official statistical system. (250 words, GS Paper II — Governance)
"The financialisation of housing has transformed homes from places to live into assets to trade, deepening the affordability crisis in cities." In the light of the World Cities Report 2026, examine the drivers of urban housing unaffordability in India and suggest measures to ensure the right to adequate housing. (250 words)
From World Cities Report 2026: Global Housing Crisis, Financialisation & Baku Call Explained
"India's move to mandate domestically manufactured solar cells under ALMM List-II reflects the classic tension between import substitution and cost-efficient clean energy deployment." In light of the structural mismatch between India's solar module and cell manufacturing capacities, critically examine the opportunities and risks of this localisation policy for India's renewable energy goals. (250 words, 15 marks)
The US Section 301 investigation into India’s labour practices and ILO treaty ratification highlights the growing linkage between trade and labour standards. In this context, examine the role of the ILO in global governance and discuss how India should balance its domestic labour reforms with international trade commitments.
From Explained: US Launches Section 301 Probe into India’s ILO Treaty Ratification
The transition to the G-RAM-G scheme highlights the challenges of reforming rural employment programmes. In this context, examine the significance of wage revision in livelihood security and discuss how the new Viksit Bharat rural employment framework can strengthen rural economy while protecting workers’ rights.
From Explained: NREGS Wage Hike Halted for G-RAM-G Scheme Rollout
Discuss the importance of high-level coordination mechanisms like the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM) in managing the domestic impact of international crises such as the West Asia conflict, with special reference to energy security, supply chain resilience and the need to counter misinformatio
Discuss the significance of the faster wage growth recorded by women across all job categories in the PLFS 2025 data for achieving gender equality in India’s labour market, and analyse the challenges that still remain in reducing the overall gender pay gap.
Evaluate the challenges in implementing the Jal Jeevan Mission and discuss the potential impact of budget reductions on India's goal of achieving universal rural water access by 2028.
Discuss the role of public-private partnerships in enhancing the conservation and management of India's cultural heritage, highlighting the potential benefits and challenges in light of recent policy changes.
Discuss the role of energy conservation in achieving India's sustainable development goals, with reference to key government initiatives and their impact on environmental and economic fronts. (250 words)
From President of India Presents National Energy Conservation Awards on National Energy Conservation Day
Examine the role of reverse brain drain initiatives in enhancing India's scientific and technological self-reliance, with reference to global geopolitical shifts in higher education policies.
Evaluate the role of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in enhancing healthcare accessibility and reducing financial vulnerabilities for India's vulnerable populations.
Examine the role of rare earth elements in ensuring India's energy security and economic independence, and suggest policy measures to overcome challenges in domestic production and supply chain vulnerabilities.
From Rare Earth Elements: Driving Global Trade Wars and India's Push for Self-Reliance
Evaluate the role of regulatory measures like the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) mandate in balancing the promotion of electric vehicles for environmental sustainability with ensuring road safety in the context of India's urban mobility challenges.