APPSC

APPSC Essay Previous Paper Questions as Per Syllabus

The candidates are required to attempt three essays, one from each of the three sections, in about 800 words each.

This paper is designed to test candidate's:

(i) knowledge / awareness of a variety of Subjects and

(ii) their ability to compose a sustained piece of writing in the form of an essay.

Areas of Testing:

This paper would test the following:

Ability to compose a well-argued piece of writing
Ability to express coherently and sequentially
Awareness of the subject chosen

Evaluation / Marking:

Credit will be given for the following:

Observing established rules and format for essay writing
Grammatical correctness of expression
Originality of thought and expression.

Notified as Read as:

Paper-I, General Essay Contents:

(i) Current Affairs

(ii) Socio - Political issues

(iii) Socio - Economic issues (iv)Socio - Environmental issues

(v) Cultural and Historical aspects (vi) Issues related to civic awareness (vii) Reflective topics

Paper-I, General Essay Section-I:

(i) Current Affairs

Section-II: (ii) Socio - Political issues (iii) Socio - Economic issues

(iv) Socio - Environmental issues

Section-III: (v) Cultural and Historical aspects. (vi) Issues related to civic awareness

(vii) Reflective topics

Socio-Environment:

1. The Draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification of 2020: An Analysis (2020)

2. How to Maintain a Proper Balance Between Developmental Activities and Water Conservation? (2020)

3. In Stephen Hawking’s words, “Mankind must move to outer space within a century”. In the backdrop of his prediction, what are the factors leading to pessimism in turning around the global environmental degradation ? Discuss. (2017)

4. With constant rise in global temperatures, greenhouse gases and global sea levels, it is disastrous that climate change talks at Copenhagen between major nations have failed to come to a consensus. Explain why our leaders have failed to come to a mutual understanding for combating climate change. (2011)

Foreign Policy:

1. Chinese Aggression and India: A Strategic Response (2020)

2. There is a marked shift in India’s foreign policy initiatives under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Discuss the important changes and developments. (2017)

3. Explain "BREXIT"? Discuss its likely impact on governance, politics and economy of European Union? (2016)

4. "The London riots of last year (August, 2011) exposed a widespread disillusionment with the establishment." - Explain the statement in the light of the growing economic crisis in Europe. (2012)

5. With Portugal, Greece, Italy and Spain staring at a bleak future, the world economic situation can be considered to be in a dire state. With developing economies being highly dependent on their developed counterparts for investments, there will be an effect on stock markets, employment and balance of payments. State your reasons whether or not the developing world will be affected. (2011)

6. The relations of India with the ASEAN countries is part of the "Look East Policy'. Does the same hold good with the Indo-EU relations? Do they follow "Look West Policy'? Elucidate. (2011)

7. Explain the history, governance and politics of the European Union. (2008)

8. Discuss the importance of Indo-US nuclear agreement. Analyse the causes for its opposition, and state whether Hyde Act curtails India's independence in foreign policy.(2008)

Medical & Health:

1. Measures to Combat Outbreak of Covid 19: The Role of the Government and the Individual (2020)

2. India is called the “surrogacy hub” of the World. Can commercial surrogacy be seen just as another industry ? Evaluate in light of the bill regulating surrogacy pending before the Parliament. (2017)

Education:

1. “Most of India’s college graduates are unemployable,” said ex-President Pranab Mukherjee, during his tenure. The crisis in higher education needs to be addressed through policy measures. Comment. (2017)

2. Primary education is the foundation for empowerment of Children. Discuss the impact on the democratic rights of the children and discrimination between rich and poor children, in light of heavy commercialization of primary education? (2016)

3. Explain the inclusive higher education and the role of Fee Reimbursement Scheme in Andhra Pradesh.(2012)

4. Reality shows have become a major part of the prime time television. They are influencing mindset of numerous households making them believe and live in a hypothetical world. State the effect of reality shows on our society. (2011)

5. Discuss the initiatives of the Andhra Pradesh Government with regard to Rastriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA),a centrally sponsored literacy programme, outlining its objectives, functions and impact. (2011)

Disaster Management:

1. What is 'Drought' ?What are the implications of drought ?Discuss the various steps taken by the government in this regard. How do you tackle the problem fi there is drought continuously for three years? (2008)

Science and Tech:

1. Write an essay on the recent achievement of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) which has launched 10 satellites by PSLV-C9. (2008)

Women and Child:

1. Should there be Reservation for Women in Politics? (2020)

Socio-Economic Development:

1. Does the Rise or Fall of the Economic Growth Rate Really Make a Difference to the Poorest of the Poor? (2020)

2. There is a global resurgence of nationalism or right wing. Discuss its implications for democracy and the neo-liberal economic policies? (2017)

3. "Despite huge gains in economic output, our current social, political and economic systems are exacerbating inequalities, rather than reducing them". In view of the above statement, discuss the importance of inclusive growth? (2016)

4. "River linking is a panacea for the woes of farmers of Andhra Pradesh". In light of the above statement, explain how river linking can solve the problem of water scarcity in Andhra Pradesh. Also describe Patti Seema project of Andhra Pradesh and its benefits?(2016)

5. Examine the role of self-help groups (SHGs) and micro finance institutions (MFIs) in meeting the credit requirements of rural people in Andhra Pradesh?(2016)

6. Write an essay on the crisis in agriculture and farmers suicides in India. (2012)

7. The concept of development is pushed down from the top by the MNCs bypassing nations states. This misplaced conception of development is not totally favoured by the sates and the people in the developing world for socio-economic and political reasons. Is there a way to integrate or combine the two different conceptions of development of the free market and the individual state? (2011)

8. There are a variety of public-private partnerships models on which the government relies upon. Explain various models with illustrations. Comment on the PPP model in Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Hyderabad. (2011)

9. Write an essay on the Economic Crisis, Structural Reforms and the Prospects of Growth in India.(2008)

10. Discuss the pros and cons of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Andhra Pradesh. (2008)

11. Write an essay on the implementation and operation of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in Andhra Pradesh.(2008)

Socio-Political Issues:

1. The Constitution of India provides protection to life and liberty of a citizen. At the same time, growing events of terrorism, naxalism and mob violence, underscore the need for stringent laws for control. Discuss the measures to be taken for striking a balance between both. (2017)

2. What is the present situation of Dalits in India? Despite numerous developmental schemes and stringent laws for protection, why there is no substantial progress at the ground level? (2016)

3. "Sedition laws have no place in a democracy" - Comment on the above sentence, in the context of the recent conflicts in our country? (2016)

4. "The civil society has to play an active role, when institutions of democracy have not served the people of India as well as they were expected to." - Discuss the statement in the context of the struggle for Jan Lokpal Bill. (2012)

5. Write an essay on decentralised democracy and empowerment of weaker sections, in the light of recent developments in Panchayati Raj system in Andhra Pradesh.(2012)

6. Assess the power of courts to intervene in executive policy in the context of judicial activism of recent days. (2012)

7. Assess the power of courts to intervene in executive policy in the context of judicial activism of recent days. (2012)

8. Democratic decentralization or Panchayati Raj aims at making democracy real by bringing the millions into the functioning of their representative government at the lowest level. However, parallel bodies at various levels diluted its aims and functions. Discuss with illustrations from Andhra Pradesh. (2011)

9. Analyse reasons for the decreasing proportion of female population in India and suggest solutions to contain this trend.(2008)

10. Discuss the working of Pachayati Raj in Andhra Pradesh with a focus on devolution of powers to local bodies. (2008)

Security:

1. Discuss the progress in recent Indian efforts in evolving joint counter terrorism strategy with different allies? What is the implication of current violence in Kashmir Valley on these efforts? (2016)

2. How do you assess the global terrorism and intervention of US in the internal affairs of Afghanistan and Pakistan ? (2012)

Issues related to Civic Sense

1. The Role of the Youth in Preserving India’s Cultural Heritage (2020)

2. Civic Sense and Public Spaces: An Urgent Need to Behave Responsibly (2020)

Reflective:

1. My First Public Speaking Experience (2020)

A.P. Centric:

1. After reorganisation, the State of Andhra Pradesh is without a separate capital. The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh envisages a world class city. While analysing the progress so far in realising the goal, evaluate Amaravathi as a “city for all”. (2017)

2. 2017 has been declared as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for development. In this context, discuss the initiatives taken by the Government of Andhra Pradesh for promotion of tourism. What additional steps may be taken to sustain tourism as an industry ? (2017)

3. Regional disparity is one of the key factors for demand of bifurcation of States in India. In light of this, how can balanced regional development be ensured in the State of Andhra Pradesh ? (2017)

4. "Government of India announced special package but did not grant special status to Andhra Pradesh". Explain whether special status would have any advantage over the present special package?(2016)

5. Examine the causes and consequences of the emerging sub-regionalism and demand for smaller states in India.(2012)

6. Evaluate the health programmes in Andhra Pradesh with a focus on the working of 'Rajiv Arogya Sree' Scheme. (2012)

Draft Work on Dalit movement in Andhra Pradesh

Q) Trace the origin and growth of Adi-Andhra movement in Modern Andhra Desha and examine the role of Gurram Joshua and Boyi bheemanna in the growth of Dalit consciousness? - 2011, G-I

Ans:-

Adi-Andhra Movement in Andhra desha is developed along with the Self-respect movement of intermediate castes. Justice party played major influence in the development of Adi-Andhra Movement. In 1891, First Maha sabha of untouchables/ Periya sabha was held. Later, in 1917, Provincial Panchama Conference was held at Vijayawada in 1917 under the leadership of Guduri Ramachandra Rao.

From this point onwards, Dalits started to increase their political consciousness. Later in 1919, Adi-Andhra Conference was held by Bhagya Reddy Verma, a Dalit leader in Machilipatnam. It is the conference, where dalit community passed resolution against calling Dalit people with Derogative Names and against the Jogini and Devadasi System, which have been reducing the stature of a Dalit woman.

From now on, Dalit movement evolved into two phases. One from 1921-1932, where Dalit people led themselves and from 1932 onwards, Gandhiji spearheaded the Dalit upliftment until his death.

1921-1932:-

i. First District level Dalit Conference, 1921 – It was held in Amalapuram under the leadership of Undru Tathayya.

ii. First Cooperative societies, were started in 1922 under leadership of Galla chandaryya.

iii. First School for the development of Dalit community was started at Ponnu Manda by Undru Tathayya in 1922. When upper caste teachers refused to educate the Dalits, he brought teachers from Burma and ran the school for the upliftment of Dalit Community.

iv. First Training School, Lakshmi Industrial Training School was established at Rama Chandrapuram by Jwala Ranga Swamy. He established this institution to train Dalit Women to empower themselves. For his social services, he is called Seva Durandhra and Adi Andhra Mahatma.

From 1932:-

i. In 1932, when M.K.Gandhi started Harijan Upliftment programme, Harijan Sevak Sanghas are started in Vijayawada.

ii. In 1933, when he visited Vijayawada, donations were collected for the welfare of Dalits. Those donations were called as HARIJAN BIKSHA.

iii. On December 17^th, 1935, Gandhiji himself spearheaded the temple entry movement of Dalits in Siddhantam Village in Krishna District.

Dalit leaders quickly understood the importance of literature and journalism, they started different journals of their own. For example, Jwala Ranga Swamy started Jai Bheem & Veera Bharati, Didlu Pullaya started Adi Andhra Journal, Undru Tathayya started Nava Jeevan Journal.

Dalit Literature:-

Dalit Literature was first started by Kusuma Darmanna kavi and Kusuma Venkata Ramayya. Kusuma Dharmanna Kavi produced seminal works such as “Ma koddhu ee nalla dora thanam”, “Harijana Satakam” and others, which revolutionized the Dalit Consciousness and later paved a way for the development dalit literature under Gurram Joshua and Boyi Bheemanna kavi.

Gurram Jashua:-

Gurram Jashuva (or G Joshua) (28 September 1895 – 24 July 1971) was a Telugu poet. His Original name was Anil Kumar.

GURRAM JASHUA

Jashuva was born to Virayya and Lingamma in Vinukonda, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, India. His father belonged to the Yadava caste and his mother belonged to the Madiga caste. Due to poverty and the intercaste marriage of his parents, his childhood was difficult in a society in which some castes were considered untouchable. His parents raised him as a Christian, He graduated with Ubhaya Bhasha Praveena (as a scholar of Telugu and Sanskrit languages).

Jashuva initially worked as primary school teacher. He then worked as Telugu producer in All India Radio, Madras between 1946-1960.

Protests against untouchability and segregation have been common themes in all his works. His main works include Gabbilam (A Bat), Firadausi (A Rebel) and Kandiseekudu (A Refugee). Some of Jashua's verses had been incorporated into the popular mythological play, Harischandra, especially those in the cremation grounds scene.

Gabbilam (1941) is Jashuva's best known work, fashioned after Kalidasa's Megha Sandesam. It is not a yaksha using the cloud as a messenger to convey his longing to his loved one. Instead it is a hunger and poverty stricken individual requesting a bat visiting him from a nearby Siva temple, to convey his prayers to God. He muses at the irony of his situation, where a bat is allowed inside a temple but not a human being! He cautions the bat to convey his message to Siva as it hangs from the roof close to his ear, at a time when the priest is not around. Jashuva used his other favorite emotion, "patriotism" as he describes the various historic places the bird will fly over en route to Lord Siva in Kasi. He even takes the bird on detours to visit some historic place of pride for Indians.

Jashua’s writings, especially Gabbilam, often called the Dalit Bible, captured and recorded the psychosomatic agony of living under the gaze of caste. With an untouchable whose rebellious spirit questioned the legitimacy of Hindu Brahmanical ideology cast as its hero, Gabbilam’s revolutionary intervention subverted the content and form of the classical Telugu literary sphere. It was a socially and politically relevant text. Because in it, Jashua also engaged with anti-colonial nationalism and other issues of his time. Jashua remains peerless in his ability to express the dark realities of caste harnessed into a literary rhythm, as he continues to be read and admired even by non-Dalits.

Firadausi (1932) is his another major work. The story is about the Persian poet Firdausi, in the court of the King Mahmud of Ghazni. According to story, the king promises the poet, a gold mohur for every word in a work he commissions the poet to write. After the poet spends ten years of his life, toiling day and night to create a master piece, the king, coming under the influence of jealous courtiers, reneges on his promise and offers only silver coins. The poet heartbroken at this breach of trust commits suicide. Jashuva's depiction of the anguish of the poet is superb and moves the readers to tears.

Gurram Jashua was strong Gandhi follower and believed in Non-Violent Dalit movement.

Boyi Bhemanna:-

i. He was the scholar, who believed that “PEN is MIGHTIER than SWORD”.

Boyi Bhimanna

ii. He said “Nagna Satyam Vedantam, Alankrita Satyam Kavitvam” (Truth naked is philosophy; if clothed, poetry.) His literature reflected the Truth, in various forms.

iii. His theory was Rasa Advaita – Beauty, Love and cosmic union flowing in sublime manner all through

iv. His national-award winning work “Gudiselu Kaalipotunnai” (Huts are on Fire) raised a myriad of social issues in which he also expounded his theory on the Tiger-Jackal-Sheep psyche of the humans.

v. He believed that MOKSHA/SALVATION is birthright of every being.

vi. “Paaleru”, a social drama penned by him about 70 years back brought about a social revolution among Harijans. It was staged widely and inspired by the message that every Harijan boy and girl should be educated and empowered, thousands of Paalerus i.e. farm boys working under bonded labour system left their homes to be educated and had become IAS officers, Academicians etc. This Drama still is relevant today.

Example, Bojja Rahul IAS.

vii. His work Paleru ignited minds of the Dalit youth and made them to threw yoke of exploitation and made them independent individuals to fight for their rights.

viii. His Frankness, speaking out his mind without any hesitation, not getting bounded by any isms or schools of thought, his original and revolutionary thinking were the reasons for his earning name in the literary world as a “rebel”.

ix. Apart from his great literary contribution, he was a freedom fighter, actively participated in Quit India Movement and did lot of ground work during freedom struggle. He was a close associate of the great leaders of the State who lead the state during freedom struggle and shaped the state policies.

x. When Dr. Ambedkar had visited Kakinada, Bhimanna was asked to read out his poetry. Dr. Ambedkar was so impressed by rendition of his poetry in English, he published Bhimanna’s poems as an editorial in his “National Herald” published from Calcutta in those days.

Snippets:-

1891 - First Periya/Untouchables Sabha was held

1917 - Provincial Panchama Conference @ Vijayawada under Guduri Ramachandra Rao

1919 - Adi-Andhra Conference @ Mahilipatnam under Bhagya Reddy Verma

From then onwards, Dalit Movement developed into two Phases:

i. 1921 - 1932 Phase

1921 - First District Level Conference @ Amalapuram under Undru Tathayya.

1922 - First Dalit School @ Ponnu Manda by Undru Tathayya.

First Industrial Training School & an Institution for Dalit Women are established by Jwala Ranga Swami.

ii. 1932 Gandhi Phase:

1932 - Harijan Sevak Sanghs are established in Vijayawada.

1933 - Donations in the name of the Harijan Biksha

Dec 17th, 1935 - Temple Entry Movement in Siddhantam Village, Krishna District

Dalit Literature:

Kusuma Dharmanna Kavi & Kusuma Venkata Ramayya

Kusuma Dharmanna Kavi - "Ma koddhu ee NALLA Doratanam" & "Harijana Satakam"

Gurram Jashua:

Gabbilam, Firadausi and Kandiseekudu are important ones.

Boyi Bheemanna:

His Poetry is called Rasa Advaita containing Cosmic union of Beauty and Love flowing in sublime manner all through his works. Ex: Gudiselu Kalipothunnayi, PALERU

Q) Trace the origin and growth of Adi-Andhra movement in Modern Andhra Desha and examine the role of Gurram Joshua and Boyi bheemanna in the growth of Dalit consciousness? - 2011, G-I

Ans:-

From now on, Dalit movement evolved into two phases. One from 1921-1932, where Dalit people led themselves and from 1932 onwards, Gandhiji spearheaded the Dalit upliftment until his death.

1921-1932:-

i. First District level Dalit Conference, 1921 – It was held in Amalapuram under the leadership of Undru Tathayya.

ii. First Cooperative societies, were started in 1922 under leadership of Galla chandaryya.

From 1932:-

i. In 1932, when M.K.Gandhi started Harijan Upliftment programme, Harijan Sevak Sanghas are started in Vijayawada.

ii. In 1933, when he visited Vijayawada, donations were collected for the welfare of Dalits. Those donations were called as HARIJAN BIKSHA.

iii. On December 17^th, 1935, Gandhiji himself spearheaded the temple entry movement of Dalits in Siddhantam Village in Krishna District.

Dalit Literature:-

Gurram Jashua:-

Gurram Jashuva (or G Joshua) (28 September 1895 – 24 July 1971) was a Telugu poet. His Original name was Anil Kumar.

Jashuva initially worked as primary school teacher. He then worked as Telugu producer in All India Radio, Madras between 1946-1960.

Gurram Jashua was strong Gandhi follower and believed in Non-Violent Dalit movement.

Boyi Bhemanna:-

i. He was the scholar, who believed that “PEN is MIGHTIER than SWORD”.

ii. He said “Nagna Satyam Vedantam, Alankrita Satyam Kavitvam” (Truth naked is philosophy; if clothed, poetry.) His literature reflected the Truth, in various forms.

iii. His theory was Rasa Advaita – Beauty, Love and cosmic union flowing in sublime manner all through

v. He believed that MOKSHA/SALVATION is birthright of every being.

Example, Bojja Tharakam IAS.

vii. His work Paleru ignited minds of the Dalit youth and made them to threw yoke of exploitation and made them independent individuals to fight for their rights.

x. When Dr. Ambedkar had visited Kakinada, Bhimanna was asked to read out his poetry. Dr. Ambedkar was so impressed by rendition of his poetry in English, he published Bhimanna’s poems as an editorial in his “National Herald” published from Calcutta in those days.

Values. Are they Universal or particularistic? Are they Subjective or Cultural specific? Are they Objective or Context specific?

Q) “Some people think values are universal and eternal in nature, whereas few other think values are cultural and context specific and they change w.r.t. time, place and circumstances.” Give your perception in this regard with due justification. (main, 2013)

Value is something, to which we give importance. These are abstract things or preference that people wish to uphold.

Values are universal:-

Love, compassion, Peace, tolerance, taking care of elders and some other are universal in nature. the humanity exists, survives and continues with these values. Whether it is India or usa, whether it is Islam or christianity, whether it is Google or IAS, all are abiding by these values with some degree.

Value are cultural specific:-

Some values are culture specific. For examples, Eating Non-vegetarianism is value among the westerners and some non-vegetairian people in India too but in some traditional communities of India, vegetarianism is norm and valued the most. Such difference arises on the basis of culture of individual.

Values changes with time and space:-

If we look at the Indian history, it is prohibited to cross the sea by an individual in his life time. but right now, there is no such prohibitions. because of changes in the perspective.

Earlier, no lower caste people are allowed into the temples but now, all sections of the people are allowed.

A traditional woman, who is wearing saree at home and functions, wears pant and shirt to suit the work culture of IPS. that means values are determined by space too.

Value changes with Circumstance:-

In all laws, killing is prohibited but in recent judgement Supreme court allowed the passive Euthanasia to save the dignity of individual.

Thats why, we can say value can be universal as well as particularistic and subjective as well as cultural specific and eternal and time specific too. Thats why, i can say, values cannot be judged on basis of categories of inconsistent. Values are complex whole, which consists of all possible preferences of humanity.

YOGI VEMANA

Q) Vemana is a great Poet, Social Reformer and Philosopher. Discuss?

Ans:-

As per C.P.Brown, Yogi vemana born as “Paidipala Pulla” in 1652 in Cuddapah. In his days of youth, he was he was addicted to prostitution. Later, he realised his mistakes and renounced the world and became great poet, reformer and philosopher.

Vemana is a great poet:-

Vemana wrote “Vemana” Shatakam. In his poetry, he used “Aataveladhi” Chandhassu of telugu. His style of poetry, we can observe a mixture of satire, lucidity and poignancy. Knowledge in his poetry pointed sharply towards the Social, Political and Religious evils.

His political views:-

17^th century in renadu was the age of chaos. There was no central authority and stable government. Polygars used to oppress the people for taxes. Even Tavernier, a French traveller mentioned that Nawab of Gandikota gave heinous punishments to common people.

In his poetry, he appealed the masses about the weakness of the ruling community and tried to increase political consciousness among the masses.

At Village level:-

To create the smooth and prosper administration, Vemana appealed all the officers of village to sort out their differences and work for the welfare of whole.

For example:-

కాపు లేని ఊరు కరణానికి కీడు; కరణం పగ చేత కాపు కి కీడు ; కాపు కరణములుకావడికుండలు; విశ్వదాభిరామ వినురవేమ!

His Social Views:-

He tried to increase moral conscience among the people. He tried to foster the Peace & Harmony within the family and society at large. He desisted the poverty and appealed the rich to take care of the poor in the times of need.

Ignorance:- He tried to educate the masses, who were befooled by their greed. In the society of 17^th century, there were practises of Conjuring. Many jugglers practised Parusavedi Vidhya, as per which, There was a belief that

when Salt and tamarind are mixed in the Tin Foil and heated them along with other metals, Gold would be made after some time.

Due to Parusa Vidhya many people lost their properties and became paupers. Vemana appealed the masses not to be fooled by jugglers.

Religious reforms:-

Vemana opposed idolatry, Life after death, elaborate rituals and he even blamed VEDAs for creating differences among the masses in the name of Varnas and Castes.

In this way, vemana tried to eradicate the social, political and Religious ignorance through his Telegu poems. That’s why, he is a great poet, For Going against caste, vedas, idolatry and others in 17th century, he is a social reformer, He was unique philosopher in the times of Bhakti period. When the entire india from north to south was draped with bhakti & Sufi movements, Vemana appealed the masses to respect all humans and promoted egalitarianism. His central teachings lies on HUMANISM. That's why he is a philosopher.