1. Instructions for UPSC Mains-2018 GS Paper1
  2. Questions (Linear Format)
  3. Answer Sources for UPSC Mains GS1-2018
  4. Analysis: UPSC Examiner’s Intellectual Bankruptcy continues
  5. Was the GSM1 Paper lengthier than past?
  6. GSM1-Topicwise Questions since Pattern change in 2013
  7. [Block-1] History
  8. [Block-2] Social Science
  9. [Block-3] Geography

Instructions for UPSC Mains-2018 GS Paper1

  • On 29th September, 2018, Union Public Service Commission conducted the GS Paper1 of civil services (Mains) exam for the recruitment of IAS, IPS and other officers.
  • Maximum Marks: 250 | Time Allowed : Three Hours (9AM to 12 Noon)
  • There are TWENTY questions printed both in HINDI and in ENGLISH.
  • All questions are compulsory.
  • Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the Admission Certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this Question-cum-Answer (QUA) Booklet in the space provided.
  • No marks will be given for answers written in a medium other than the authorized one.
  • Answers to questions no. 1 to 10 should be in 150 words, whereas answers to questions no. 11 to 20 should be in 250 words.
  • Keep the word limit indicated in the questions in mind.
  • Any page or portion of the page left be blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet mast clearly struck off.

Questions (Linear Format)

Answer following Question no. 1 to 10 in 150 words and 10 marks each

  1. Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss. भारतीय कला विरासत का संरक्षण वर्तमान समय की आवश्यकता है। चर्चा कीजिये।
  2. Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travellers in the reconstruction of the history of India. भारत के इतिहास की पुनरचना में चीनी और अरबी यात्रियों के वृतान्तों के महत्त्व का आकलन कीजिये।
  3. Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times. वर्तमान समय में महात्मा गाँधी के विचारों के महत्त्व पर प्रकाश डालिए।
  4. Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation? भारतीय प्रादेशिक नौपरिवहन उपग्रह प्रणाली (आई. आर. एन. एस. एस.) की आवशक्यता क्यों है ? यह नौपरिवहन में किस प्रकार सहायक है ?
  5. Why is India taking keen interest in resources of Arctic Region? भारत आर्कटिक प्रदेश के संसाधनों में किस कारन गहन रूचि ले रहा है ?
  6. Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics. ‘मेटल प्लूम’ को पारिभाषित कीजिये और प्लेट विवर्तनिकी में इसकी भूमिका को स्पस्ट कीजिये।
  7. What are the consequences of spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystem? समुद्री परिस्थितिकी पर ‘मृतक्षेत्रों’ (डेड जोन्स) के विस्तार के क्या – क्या परिणाम होते है ?
  8. “Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment. ”जाती व्यवस्था नई -नई पहचानो और सहचरी रूपों को धारण कर रही है। अतः भारत में जाती व्यवस्था का उन्मूलन नहीं किया जा सकता है। ” टिपण्णी कीजिये।
  9. ‘Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing.’ Explain by giving reasons. ”भारत की सरकार द्वारा निर्धनता उन्मूलन के विभिन्न कार्यक्रमो के क्रियांवयन के बावजूद , निर्धनता अभी भी विद्यमान है।” कारण प्रस्तुत करते हुऐ  स्पष्ट कीजिये।
  10. How the Indian concept of secularism is different from the western model of secularism? Discuss. धर्मनिरपेक्षतावाद की भारतीय संकल्पना, धर्मनिरपेक्षतावाद के पाश्च्यात  मोडल से किन किन  बातों में भिन्न है? चर्चा कीजिये।

Answer following Question no. 11 to 20 in 250 words and 15 marks each:

  1. The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss. श्री चैतन्य महाप्रभु के आगमन से भक्ति आंदोलन को एक असाधारण नै दिशा मिली थी।  चर्चा करें।
  2. Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India. चर्चा करे कि  क्या हल के समय में नए राज्यों का निर्माण, भारत की अर्थव्यवस्था के लिए लाभप्रद है या नहीं  है।
  3. Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to other colonies? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there? अंग्रेज किसी कारन भारत से करारबद्ध श्रमिक अन्य उपनिवेशो में ले गए थे ? क्या वे वह पर अपनी सांस्कृतिक पहचान को परिरक्षित रखने में सफल रहे है ?
  4. “The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system.” How can it be made effective in urban areas? ”भारत में अवक्षयी ( डिप्लिटिंग ) भौम जल संसाधनों का आदर्श समाधान जल संरक्षण प्रणाली है। शहरी क्षेत्रो में उसको किस प्रकार प्रभावी बनाया जा सकता है?
  5. Define blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India. ‘नीली क्रांति ‘ को परिभाषित करते हुए भारत में मत्स्य पालन की समस्याओ और रणनीतियों को समझाइये।
  6. What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identify industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics. भारत में औद्योगिक गलियारों का क्या महत्त्व है? औद्योगिक गलियारों को चिन्हित करते हुवे उनके प्रमुख अभिलक्षणो को समझाइये।
  7. Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in India and explain the nature of convergence, collaboration and competition for its success. भारत में ‘महत्वकांक्षी जिलों के कायाकल्प ‘ के लिये मूल रणनीतियों का उल्लेख कीजिए  और उसकी सफलता के लिए , अभिसरण, सहयोग व पप्रतिस्पर्धा की प्रकृति को स्पष्ट कीजिए।
  8. ‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata. Substantiate your view. ‘भारत में महिलाओ के आंदोलन ने , निमन्तर सामाजिक स्तर की महिलाओ के मुद्दो को सम्बोधित नहीं किया है।  अपने विचार को प्रमाणित सिद्ध कीजिए।
  9. ‘Globalization is generally said to promote cultural homogenization but due to this cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian Society. Elucidate. ‘आम  तौर पे कहा जाता है कि वैशवीकरण सांस्कृतिक समांगीकरण को बढ़ावा देता है, परन्तु ऐसा प्रतीत होता है की भारतीय समाज में उसके कारण  सांस्कृतिक विसिष्टताए सृदढ़ हो गई है। ‘ स्पष्ट कीजिये।
  10. 20. ‘Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation. Argue by giving suitable illustrations.’  ‘साम्प्रदायिकता या तो शक्ति संघर्ष के कारन उभर कर आती है या तो आपेक्षिक वचन के कारण  उभरती  है।  उपयुक्त उदाहरणों को प्रस्तुत करते हुए तर्क दीजिए।

Answer Sources for UPSC Mains GS1-2018

UPSC Mains-2018 General Studies Paper-1 GSM1 Analysis

  • Following table doesn’t aim to suggest in any manner that paper was easy because verbatim answer for xyz question was given in xyz book. I only aim to demonstrate that expensive coaching material is unnecessary.
Question Answer Source
1. Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss. Essay-ish, multiple sources from NCERT, newspapers and magazines.
2. Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travellers in the reconstruction of the history of India.
3. Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times. Essay-ish, multiple sources from books to newspapers.
4. Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation? Ch. 8 of Science and Technology by Ravi Agrahari (Mcgraw-hill) Available in English | हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध.
5. Why is India taking keen interest in resources of Arctic Region? theHindu science-tech updates on climate studies. So, by extension it’d have been somewhere in visionIAS’s monthly PDF updates within last 2 years.
6. Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics. Geography optional subject books.
7. What are the consequences of spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystem? Was in news because of Gulf of Oman. TheHindu-2018-May.
8. “Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment. NCERT Sociology Class11-12, combined with newspaper columns.
9. ‘Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing.’ Explain by giving reasons. Essay-ish, multiple sources from Economic Survey to NITI Reports and Newspaper columns.
10. How the Indian concept of secularism is different from the western model of secularism? Discuss. Verbatim Answer in NCERT Sociology Class12 Indian Society- page 135. “In the western context the main sense of these terms has to do with the separation of church and state.

The Indian meanings of secular and secularism include the western sense but also involve others…e.g. the secular Indian state declares public holidays to mark the festivals of all religions.”
11. The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss. While NIOS Culture PDF, Tamilnadu Class11 History and Art & Culture by Nitin Singhania (McGraw-Hill) Available in English | हिन्दी मे भी उपलब्ध! and has barely one paragraph worth material on this Saint. You’ve to compare and contrast it with other Saints / Philosophers to fill up 250 words.
12. Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India. Economic Survey 2016-17 chapter.13 had talked about aid curse, resource curse, governance deficit in certain states. Same covered in my lecture as well.
13. Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to other colonies? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there? Ch.8 of International Relations by Pavneet Singh (McGraw-Hill). Available in English at Amazon.
14. “The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system.” How can it be made effective in urban areas? Yojana, Newspaper columns. But difficult to articulate in real exam for 250 words.
15. Define blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India. Verbatim Answer in Kurukshetra Magazine January 2017 Page 45 onwards.
16. What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identify industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics. Verbatim Answer in Ch.11 Industries of Indian Geography by Majid Hussain (McGraw-Hill)- Available in English | हिन्दी मे भी उपलब्ध!
17. Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in India and explain the nature of  convergence, collaboration and competition for its success. Have to dig NITI Ayog reports because they are the ones who compiled list of ‘aspirational districts. Anyways this is more relevant to GSM3 than GSM1.
18. ‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata. Substantiate your view. Essay-ish question. IGNOU BA Sociology ESO-12 Ch. 30 Women’s movements in India. click me for Free PDF
19. ‘Globalization is generally said to promote cultural homogenization but due to this cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian Society. Elucidate. Essay-ish question. NCERT Sociology Class12- Social Change ch.6 combined with newspaper columns. Social Change and Development in India | हिन्दी मे भी उपलब्ध
20. ‘Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation. Argue by giving suitable illustrations. Essay-ish question. NCERT Sociology Class12- Indian Society: Ch.6 combined with newspaper columns. Free PDF English | हिन्दी मे भी उपलब्ध

Analysis: UPSC Examiner’s Intellectual Bankruptcy continues

  • In 2013, in all its wisdom and foresight, UPSC changed syllabus of Mains GS Exam. Total 113 topics spread across four papers. However, you can see that it was prepared in haste:
  • Geography, climate and disaster: half split and recurring between GSM1 and 3.
  • Poverty, population and welfare recurring in the syllabus of GSM1 and GSM2.
  • This problem, compounded with the ability to generate unique questions in each topic, had begun to show chink in the UPSC’s armor, evident in following ways:
Asking same question again and again
  • GSM1-2014: Indian secularism debates are different from West?
  • GSM1-2018: How the Indian concept of secularism is different from West?
Not respecting the syllabus boundaries of Science – Tech. Space technology questions are part of GSM3. Yet, asking about it in GSM1

  • GSM1-2017: JUNO Mission
  • GSM1-2018: IRNSS India’s DESHI GPS
Not respecting the syllabus boundaries of Environment. Climate change induced damage is relevant to syllabus of GSM1, whereas Climate change adaptation-mitigation are more relevant to GSM3. Yet asking about Rain-water harvesting in GSM1-2018.
Pingponging between GSM1 and GSM3
  • GSM3-2014: Pink revolution
  • GSM3-2017: All types of agriculture revolutions
  • GSM1-2018: Blue revolution.
Pingponging between GSM2 and GSM1
  • GSM2-2017: Evaluate how far successive governments have progressed in dealing with hunger and poverty issues.
  • GSM1-2018: Why poverty still existing despite government schemes.

Additionally,

  • Nothing from Post-independent India’s history.
  • Only one question from freedom struggle.
  • Women issues, impact of Globalization – both make re-appearance after being absent in 2016 and 2017’s paper.
  • Anyways, not much point in analyzing paper when the examiner himself is going to digress outside the syllabus in framing questions- जो परीक्षक सिलेबस का ही लिहाज न करे, उसके भविष्य के पेपर्स का कोई पूर्वानुमान कैसे लगा सकता है! Still, if you have any further thoughts / analysis to share, do post it in the comment section below!

Was the GSM1 Paper lengthier than past?

Mains Exam Essay# (3 hrs, 250 marks) GSM1*: (3 hrs, 250 marks)

word length
2013 2500 words 5000 words: 5 markers = 100 words, 10 marks = 200 words.
2014 2400 words 3750 words: all questions worth 10 marks and 150 words each
2015 2400 words 3000 words: all questions worth 12.5 marks and 150 words each.
2016 2400 words 4000 words: all questions worth 12.5 marks and 150 words each
2017 2400 words 4000 words: 10 questions worth 150 words and 10 questions worth 250 words.
2018 2400 words 4000 words: same as 2018.

Thus, it was no lengthier than previous year’s paper. But definitely more vague, skewed towards social science than ever before since 2013’s syllabus change.

GSM1-Topicwise Questions since Pattern change in 2013

In 2013, UPSC changed the syllabus-pattern of Mains examination and the number of general studies papers were increased from two to four. Out of them, GS Paper-I deals with History, Culture, Society and Geography. Overall breakup looks like this

Category GS Mains Paper-1 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
History Culture 20 40 25 25 10 35
History Freedom struggle 30 30 25 37.5 65 10
History World History 40 30 25 12.5 10 15
History Post independence 50 0 0 0 0 0
Society Religion, Region, empowerment 10 10 37.5 37.5 50 35
Society Poverty, Population, Development 0 10 25 12.5 0 40
Society Globalization Impact 10 0 12.5 12.5 0 15
Society Women 10 30 12.5 0 0 15
Geography Climate 10 20 37.5 12.5 60 10
Geography Disaster 10 10 0 12.5 15 0
Geography Urbanization 10 0 25 25 15 15
Geography Physical 20 20 0 0 10 20
Geography Resources 20 20 25 62.5 0 10
Geography Industrial Location 10 30 0 0 15 30
Total 250 250 250 250 250 250

 

[Block-1] History

UPSC Mains-2018 General Studies Paper-1 GSM1 History Culture

History: Art & Culture

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Salient aspects of Art, Architecture, literature from Ancient to Modern Times

Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss. 2018
Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travellers in the reconstruction of the history of India. 2018
The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss. 2018
How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of Gupta numismatic art is not at all noticeable in later times? 2017
Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate. 2016
Krishnadeva Raya, the King of Vijayanagar, was not only an accomplished scholar himself but was also a great patron of learning and literature. Discuss. 2016
The ancient civilization in Indian sub-continent differed from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved without a breakdown to the present day. Comment. 2015
Mesolithic rock cut architecture of India not only reflects the cultural life of the times but also a tine aesthetic sense comparable to modem painting. Critically evaluate this comment. 2015
To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provided inputs to the present day urbanization? Discuss. 2014
Gandhara sculpture owed as much to the Romans as to the Greeks. Explain. 2014
Taxila university was one of the oldest universities of the world with which were associated a number of renowned learned personalities of different disciplines. Its strategic location caused its fame to flourish, but unlike Nalanda, it is not considered as a university in the modern sense. Discuss. 2014
Sufis and medieval mystic saints failed to modify either the religious ideas and practices or the outward structure of Hindu / Muslim societies to any appreciable extent. Comment. 2014
Though not very useful from the point of view of a connected political history of South India, the Sangam literature portrays the social and economic conditions of its time with remarkable vividness. Comment. 2013
Discuss the Tandava dance as recorded in the early Indian inscriptions. 2013
Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss. 2013

History: India before Independence

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Mid-18th century – Present (significant events, personalities, issues); Freedom Struggle (various stages, important contributors from different parts of the country)

Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times. 2018
Clarify how mid-eighteenth century India was beset with the spectre of a fragmented polity. 2017
Why did the ‘Moderates’ fail to carry conviction with the nation about their proclaimed ideology and political goals by the end of the nineteenth century? 2017
Examine how the decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the rural economy. 2017
The women’s questions arose in modern India as a part of the 19th century social reform movement. What were the major issues and debates concerning women in that period? 2017
Highlight the importance of the new objectives that got added to the vision of Indian independence since twenties of the last century. 2017
Explain how the Uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India. 2016
Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase. 2016
Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom. 2016
How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss. 2015
It would have been difficult for the Constituent Assembly to complete its historic task of drafting the Constitution for Independent India in just three years but for the experience gained with the Government of India Act, 1935. Discuss. 2015
The third battle of Panipat was fought in 1761. Why were so many empire-shaking battles fought at Panipat? 2014
Examine critically the various facets of economic policies of the British in India from mid-eighteenth century till independence. 2014
In what ways did the naval mutiny prove to be the last nail in the coffin of British colonial aspirations in India? 2014
Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torch bearer during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss. 2013
Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyze their role in the Indian struggle for freedom. 2013
In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India. Elaborate. 2013

History: India After independence

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Post-Independence (consolidation and reorganisation within country)

Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and their success. 2013
Write a critical note on the evolution and significance of the slogan “Jai Jawana Jai Kisan”. 2013
Discuss the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to pre-and post-independent India. 2013
Analyze the circumstances that led to Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the agreement. 2013
Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive roles in the emergence of Bangladesh. 2013

History: world

GS1 Syllabus Topic: 18th century events (e.g. Industrial revolution, WWs, redrawn boundaries, colonisation, decolonisation); Political philosophies (e.g. communism, capitalism, socialism) and their effect on society

Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to other colonies? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there? 2018
What problems were germane to the decolonization process of Malay Peninsula. 2017
The anti-colonial struggles in West Africa were led by the new elite of Western-educated Africans. Examine. 2016
Why did the industrial revolution first occur in England? Discuss the quality of life of the people there during the industrialization. How does it compare with that in India at present? 2015
To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars? Discuss critically 2015
What were the major political, economic and social developments in the world which motivated the anti-colonial struggle in India? 2014
What were the events that led to the Suez Crisis in 1956? How did it deal a final blow to Britain’s self-image as a world power? 2014
The New Economic Policy – 1921 of Lenin had influenced the policies adopted by India soon after independence. Evaluate. 2014
“Latecomer” Industrial revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were markedly different from what west had experience. 2013
Africa was chopped into states artificially created by accident of European competition. Analyse. 2013
American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism. Substantiate. 2013
What policy instruments were deployed to contain the great economic depression? 2013

 

[Block-2] Social Science

UPSC Mains-2018 General Studies Paper-1 GSM1 Social Science

Social Science: Caste, Religion, Region, Globalization

GS1 Syllabus Topic:

  • Communalism, Regionalism, Secularism; Social Empowerment
  • Salient features of Indian Society; Diversity of India;
“Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment. 2018
How the Indian concept of secularism is different from the western model of secularism? Discuss. 2018
‘Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation. Argue by giving suitable illustrations. 2018
The spirit tolerance and love is not only an interesting feature of Indian society from very early times, but it is also playing an important part at the present. Elaborate. 2017
Distinguish between religiousness/religiosity and communalism giving one example of how the former has got transformed into the latter in independent India. 2017
In the context of diversity of India, can it be said that the regions form cultural units rather than the States? Give reasons with examples for your viewpoint. 2017
What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence, addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)? 2017
Has the formation of linguistic States strengthened the cause of Indian Unity? 2016
Why are the tribals in India referred to as the Scheduled Tribes? Indicate the major provisions enshrined in the Constitution of India for their upliftment. 2016
What is the basis of regionalism? Is it that unequal distribution of benefits of development on regional basis eventually promotes regionalism? Substantiate your answer. 2016
Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate. 2015
Describe any four cultural elements of diversity in India and rate their relative significance in building a national identity. 2015
Debate the issue of whether and how contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit identity work towards annihilation of caste. 2015
How do the Indian debates on secularism differ from the debates in the West? 2014
Growing feeling of regionalism is an important factor in the generation of demand for a separate state. Discuss. 2013

Social Science: Poverty, Population, Globalization

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Poverty, Population; Development and associated issues

‘Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing.’ Explain by giving reasons. 2018
Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India. 2018
Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in India and explain the nature of convergence, collaboration and competition for its success. 2018
“An essential condition to eradicate poverty is to liberate the poor from deprivation.” Substantiate this statement with suitable examples 2016
Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the main cause of population increase in India. 2015
Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades. 2015
The life cycle of a joint family depends on economic factors rather than social values. Discuss. 2014

Social Science: Globalization

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Globalisation (effects on Indian society)

‘Globalization is generally said to promote cultural homogenization but due to this cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian Society. Elucidate. 2018
Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization on women in India. (2013, Asked about Globalization effect on Elderly) 2015
To what extent globalization has influenced the core of cultural diversity in India? Explain. 2016
Critically examine the effects of globalization on the aged population in India. 2013

Social Science: Women

  • GS1 Syllabus Topic: Role of women and women’s organisation;
  • Although some of the following questions fall under populationglobalization categories, but if a person cultivates habit of noting down women related topics under one head, it’ll benefit in both GS1, GS2 and Essay.
‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata. Substantiate your view. 2018
How do you explain the statistics that show that the sex ratio in Tribes in India is more favourable to women than the sex ratio among Scheduled Castes? 2015
How does patriarchy impact the position of a middle class working woman in India? 2014
Discuss the various economic and socio-cultural forces that are driving increasing feminization of agriculture in India. 2014
Why do some of the most prosperous regions of India have an adverse sex ratio for women? Give your arguments. 2014
Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women’s organization free from gender bias. Comment. 2013

[Block-3] Geography

UPSC Mains-2018 General Studies Paper-1 GSM1 Geography

Geography: Physical

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Salient Features of World Physical Geography; Important Geophysical phenomena (earthquakes, tsunami, volcanoes, cyclones); Geographical features and location;

Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation? 2018
Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics. 2018
How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of the Earth? 2017
“The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides.” Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation. 2016
Explain the formation of thousands of islands in Indonesian and Philippines archipelagos. 2014
Why are the world’s fold mountain systems located along the margins of continents? Bring out the association between the global distribution of Fold Mountains and the earthquakes and volcanoes. 2014
What do you understand by the theory of continental drift? Discuss the prominent evidences in its support. 2013
There is no formation of deltas by rivers of the Western Ghat. Why? 2013
Major hot deserts in northern hemisphere are located between 20-30 degree north and on the western side of the continents. Why? 2013
Bring out the causes for more frequent landslides in the Himalayas than in Western Ghats 2013

Geography: Climate, Disaster related

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Critical geographical features, flora, fauna (changes and effects thereof)

What are the consequences of spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystem? 2018
In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development.” Discuss. 2017
Mention the advantages of the cultivation of pulse because of which the year 2016 was declared as the International Year of Pulses by the United Nations. 2017
How does the cryosphere affect global climate? 2017
Account for variations in oceanic salinity and discuss its multi-dimensional effects. 2017
In what way can flood be converted into a sustainable source of irrigation and all-weather inland navigation in India? 2017
What characteristics can be assigned to monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding more than 50 percent of the won population residing in Monsoon Asia? 2017
Discuss the concept of air mass and explain its role in macro-climatic changes. 2016
Explain the factors responsible for the origin of ocean currents. How do they influence regional climates, fishing and navigation? 2015
How far do you agree that the behavior of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to humanizing landscapes? Discuss. 2015
Tropical cyclones are largely confined to South China Sea, Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Mexico. Why? 2014
Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El-Nino effect. Do you agree? 2014
Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of climate change in the Indian sub-continent. 2014
The recent cyclone on the east coast of India was called “Phailin”. How are the tropical cyclones named across the world? 2013
Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world. 2013
What do you understand by the phenomenon of temperature inversion in meteorology? How does it affect the weather and the habitants of the place? 2013

Geography: Resources Distribution

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Distribution of key Natural Resources (world, S. Asia, Indian subcontinent)

Why is India taking keen interest in resources of Arctic Region? 2018
The effective management of land and water resources will drastically reduce the human miseries. Explain 2016
South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment. 2016
Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations. 2016
Enumerate the problems and prospects of inland water transport in India. 2016
In what way micro-watershed Development projects help in water conservation in drought prone and semi-arid regions of India. 2016
What are the economic significances of discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible environmental consequences? 2015
India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still suffers from water scarcity. 2015
The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand reaching the limits of their ecological carrying capacity due to tourism. Critically evaluate. 2015
Critically evaluate the various resources of the oceans which can be harnessed to meet the resource crisis in the world. 2014
How does India see its place in the economic space of rising natural resource rich Africa? 2014
With growing scarcity of fossil fuels, the atomic energy is gaining more and more significance in India. Discuss the availability of raw material required for the generation of atomic energy in India and in the world. 2013
It is said the India has substantial reserves of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of country for quarter century. However, tapping of the resources doesn’t appear to be high on the agenda. Discuss critically the availability and issues involved. 2013

Geography: factors affecting industrial locations

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Factors responsible for location of Industries (primary, secondary, tertiary; India, world)

Define blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India. 2018
What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identify industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics. 2018
Petroleum refineries are not necessarily located nearer to crude oil producing areas, particularly in many of the developing countries. Explain its implications. 2017
Whereas the British planters had developed tea gardens all along the Shivaliks and Lesser Himalayas from Assam to Himachal Pradesh, in effect they did not succeed beyond the Darjeeling area. Explain. 2014
Account for the change in the spatial pattern of the Iron and Steel industry in the world. 2014
Why did the Green Revolution in India virtually by-pass the eastern region despite fertile soil and good availability of water? 2014
Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in the Southern states of India? Discuss with justification 2013
Analyze the factors for highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India 2013

Geography: Urbanization

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Urbanization: problems and remedies

“The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system.” How can it be made effective in urban areas? 2018
The growth of cities as I.T. hubs has opened up new avenues employment but has also created new problems. Substantiate this statement with examples. Urbanization 2017
With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of the ‘Smart City Programme’. 2016
Major cities of India are becoming more vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss. 2016
Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so? 2015
Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart villages. Discuss this statement in the backdrop of rural urban integration. 2015
Discussion the various social problems which originated out of the speedy process of urbanization in India. 2013

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