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 िततमान समय की आिश्यकता है । चचात कीविये।
2. Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travellers in the
reconstruction of the history of India. भारत के इवतहास की पुनरचना में चीनी और अरबी याविय ं
के िृतान् ं के महत्त्व का आकलन कीविये।
3. Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present
times. िततमान समय में महात्मा गााँ धी के विचार ं के महत्त्व पर प्रकाश डावलए।
4. Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it
help in navigation? भारतीय प्रादे वशक नौपररिहन उपग्रह प्रणाली (आई. आर. एन. एस. एस.) की
आिशक्यता क्य ं है ? यह नौपररिहन में वकस प्रकार सहायक है ?
5. Why is India taking keen interest in resources of Arctic Region? भारत आकतविक प्रदे श के
संसाधन ं में वकस कारन गहन रूवच ले रहा है ?
6. Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics. ‘मेिल प्लूम’ क पाररभावित
कीविये और प्लेि वििततवनकी में इसकी भूवमका क स्पस्ट कीविये।
7. What are the consequences of spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystem?
समुद्री पररस्थिवतकी पर ‘मृतक्षेि ’ं (डे ड ि न्स) के विस्तार के क्या – क्या पररणाम ह ते है ?
8. “Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste
system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment. ”िाती व्यिथिा नई -नई पहचान और
सहचरी रूप ं क धारण कर रही है । अतः भारत में िाती व्यिथिा का उन्मूलन नहीं वकया िा सकता है । ”
विपण्णी कीविये।
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 वनधतनता उन्मूलन के विवभन्न कायतक्रम के वक्रयां ियन के बाििूद , वनधतनता अभी भी विद्यमान
है ।” कारण प्रस्तुत करते हुऐ स्पष्ट कीविये।
 10. How the Indian concept of secularism is different from the western model of
secularism? Discuss. धमतवनरपेक्षतािाद की भारतीय संकल्पना, धमतवनरपेक्षतािाद के पाश्च्यात म डल से
वकन वकन बात ं में वभन्न है ? चचात कीविये।

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

11. The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss. श्री चैतन्य महाप्रभु के आगमन से भस्ि आं द लन क एक
असाधारण नै वदशा वमली िी। चचात करें ।
12. Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the
economy of India. चचात करे वक क्या हल के समय में नए राज् ं का वनमात ण, भारत की अितव्यिथिा के
वलए लाभप्रद है या नहीं है ।
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? अंग्रेि वकसी कारन भारत से
करारबद्ध श्रवमक अन्य उपवनिेश में ले गए िे ? क्या िे िह पर अपनी सां स्कृवतक पहचान क परररवक्षत रखने
में सफल रहे है ?
14. “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 अिक्षयी ( वडस्प्लविं ग )
भौम िल संसाधन ं का आदशत समाधान िल संरक्षण प्रणाली है । शहरी क्षेि में उसक वकस प्रकार प्रभािी
बनाया िा सकता है ?
15. Define blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture
development in India. ‘नीली क्रां वत ‘ क पररभावित करते हुए भारत में मत्स्य पालन की समस्याओ और
रणनीवतय ं क समझाइये।
16. What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identify industrial corridors,
explain their main characteristics. भारत में औद्य वगक गवलयार ं का क्या महत्त्व है ? औद्य वगक
गवलयार ं क वचस्ित करते हुिे उनके प्रमुख अवभलक्षण क समझाइये।
17. 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 ‘महत्वकां क्षी विल ं के कायाकल्प ‘ के वलये मूल रणनीवतय ं का उल्लेख कीविए और उसकी
सफलता के वलए , अवभसरण, सहय ग ि पप्रवतस्पधात की प्रकृवत क स्पष्ट कीविए।
18. ‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower
social strata. Substantiate your view. ‘भारत में मवहलाओ के आं द लन ने , वनमन्र सामाविक स्तर
की मवहलाओ के मुद्द क सम्ब वधत नहीं वकया है । अपने विचार क प्रमावणत वसद्ध कीविए।
19. ‘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 िाता है वक िैशिीकरण सां स्कृवतक समां गीकरण क बढ़ािा दे ता है , परन्ु ऐसा प्रतीत ह ता
है की भारतीय समाि में उसके कारण सां स्कृवतक विवसष्टताए सृदढ़ ह गई है । ‘ स्पष्ट कीविये।
20. 20. ‘Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation. Argue
by giving suitable illustrations.’ ‘साम्प्रदावयकता या त शस्ि संघित के कारन उभर कर आती है या
त आपेवक्षक िचन के कारण उभरती है । उपयुि उदाहरण ं क प्रस्तुत करते हुए तकत दीविए।

Answer Sources for UPSC Mains GS1-2018

  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
Essay-ish, multiple sources from NCERT, newspapers
heritage is the need of the moment.
and magazines.
Discuss.
 (NEW) NCERT Class12 Ch.5: Travellers
perceptions of Indian society- for Arab
2. Assess the importance of the
travelers. Free PDF in English | हिन्दी मे भी
accounts of the Chinese and Arab
उपलब्ध
travellers in the reconstruction of the
 Tamilnadu Board Class11 Textbook, mainly for
history of India.
Chinese travellers. Free PDF

3. Throw light on the significance of

Essay-ish, multiple sources from books to
the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in
newspapers.
the present times.
4. Why is Indian Regional
Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) Ch. 8 of Science and Technology by Ravi Agrahari
needed? How does it help in (Mcgraw-hill) Available in English | हििंदी में भी उपलब्ध.
navigation?
theHindu science-tech updates on climate studies.
5. Why is India taking keen interest in
So, by extension it’d have been somewhere in
resources of Arctic Region?
visionIAS’s monthly PDF updates within last 2 years.
6. Define mantle plume and explain
Geography optional subject books.
its role in plate tectonics.
7. What are the consequences of
Was in news because of Gulf of Oman. TheHindu-
spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on
2018-May.
marine ecosystem?
8. “Caste system is assuming new NCERT Sociology Class11-12, combined with
identities and associational forms. newspaper columns.
Hence, caste system cannot be
eradicated in India.” Comment.
9. ‘Despite implementation of
various programmes for eradication
Essay-ish, multiple sources from Economic Survey to
of poverty by the government in
NITI Reports and Newspaper columns.
India, poverty is still existing.’ Explain
by giving reasons.
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
10. How the Indian concept of
church and state.
secularism is different from the
western model of secularism?
The Indian meanings of secular and secularism
Discuss.
include the western sense but also involve
others…e.g. the secular Indian state declares public
holidays to mark the festivals of all religions.”
While NIOS Culture PDF, Tamilnadu Class11 History
11. The Bhakti movement received a and Art & Culture by Nitin Singhania (McGraw-Hill)
remarkable re-orientation with the Available in English | हिन्दी मे भी उपलब्ध! and has
advent of Sri Chaitanya barely one paragraph worth material on this Saint.
Mahaprabhu. Discuss. You’ve to compare and contrast it with other Saints
/ Philosophers to fill up 250 words.
Economic Survey 2016-17 chapter.13 had talked
12. Discuss whether formation of new
about aid curse, resource curse, governance deficit
states in recent times is beneficial or
in certain states. Same covered in my lecture as
not for the economy of India.
well.
13. Why indentured labour was
taken by the British from India to
Ch.8 of International Relations by Pavneet Singh
other colonies? Have they been
(McGraw-Hill). Available in English at Amazon.
able to preserve their cultural
identity over there?
14. “The ideal solution of depleting
ground water resources in India is Yojana, Newspaper columns. But difficult to
water harvesting system.” How can it articulate in real exam for 250 words.
be made effective in urban areas?
15. Define blue revolution, explain
Verbatim Answer in Kurukshetra Magazine January
the problems and strategies for
2017 Page 45 onwards.
pisciculture development in India.
16. What is the significance of
Verbatim Answer in Ch.11 Industries of Indian
Industrial Corridors in India? Identify
Geography by Majid Hussain (McGraw-Hill)-
industrial corridors, explain their main
Available in English | हिन्दी मे भी उपलब्ध!
characteristics.
17. Mention core strategies for the
transformation of aspirational
Have to dig NITI Ayog reports because they are the
districts in India and explain the
ones who compiled list of ‘aspirational districts.
nature of convergence,
Anyways this is more relevant to GSM3 than GSM1.
collaboration and competition for its
success.
18. ‘Women’s movement in India Essay-ish question. IGNOU BA Sociology ESO-12 Ch.
has not addressed the issues of 30 Women’s movements in India. click me for Free
women of lower social strata. PDF
Substantiate your view.
19. ‘Globalization is generally said to Essay-ish question. NCERT Sociology Class12- Social
promote cultural homogenization
Change ch.6 combined with newspaper columns.
but due to this cultural specificities
Social Change and Development in India | हिन्दी मे
appear to be strengthened in the
भी उपलब्ध
Indian Society. Elucidate.
20. ‘Communalism arises either due
Essay-ish question. NCERT Sociology Class12- Indian
to power struggle or relative
Society: Ch.6 combined with newspaper columns.
deprivation. Argue by giving suitable
Free PDF English | हिन्दी मे भी उपलब्ध
illustrations.

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:

 GSM1-2014: Indian secularism debates are different from

West?
Asking same question
 GSM1-2018: How the Indian concept of secularism is
again and again
different from West?

Space technology questions are part of GSM3. Yet, asking

about it in GSM1
Not respecting the
syllabus boundaries of
 GSM1-2017: JUNO Mission
Science – Tech.
 GSM1-2018: IRNSS India’s DESHI GPS

Climate change induced damage is relevant to syllabus of

Not respecting the
GSM1, whereas Climate change adaptation-mitigation are
syllabus boundaries of
more relevant to GSM3. Yet asking about Rain-water harvesting
Environment.
in GSM1-2018.
 GSM3-2014: Pink revolution
Pingponging between  GSM3-2017: All types of agriculture revolutions
GSM1 and GSM3  GSM1-2018: Blue revolution.

 GSM2-2017: Evaluate how far successive governments

have progressed in dealing with hunger and poverty
Pingponging between issues.
GSM2 and GSM1  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- ि परीक्षक वसलेबस का ही वलहाि न करे ,
उसके भविष्य के पेपसत का क ई पूिात नुमान 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?

GSM1*: (3 hrs, 250 marks)
Mains Essay# (3 hrs, 250
Exam marks)
word length
2013 2500 words 5000 words: 5 markers = 100 words, 10 marks = 200 words.
3750 words: all questions worth 10 marks and 150 words
2014 2400 words
each
3000 words: all questions worth 12.5 marks and 150 words
2015 2400 words
each.
4000 words: all questions worth 12.5 marks and 150 words
2016 2400 words
each
4000 words: 10 questions worth 150 words and 10 questions
2017 2400 words
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

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
2018
reconstruction of the history of India.
The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri
2018
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss.
How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of Gupta numismatic art is
2017
not at all noticeable in later times?
Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully
2016
expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate.
Krishnadeva Raya, the King of Vijayanagar, was not only an accomplished scholar
2016
himself but was also a great patron of learning and literature. Discuss.
The ancient civilization in Indian sub-continent differed from those of Egypt,
Mesopotamia and Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved 2015
without a breakdown to the present day. Comment.
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 2015
this comment.
To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization
2014
provided inputs to the present day urbanization? Discuss.
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 2014
strategic location caused its fame to flourish, but unlike Nalanda, it is not considered
as a university in the modern sense. Discuss.
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 2014
extent. Comment.
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 2013
time with remarkable vividness. Comment.
Discuss the Tandava dance as recorded in the early Indian inscriptions. 2013
Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple
2013
architecture. Discuss.

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
2018
times.
Clarify how mid-eighteenth century India was beset with the spectre of a
2017
fragmented polity.
Why did the ‘Moderates’ fail to carry conviction with the nation about their
2017
proclaimed ideology and political goals by the end of the nineteenth century?
Examine how the decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the
2017
rural economy.
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 2017
that period?
Highlight the importance of the new objectives that got added to the vision of
2017
Indian independence since twenties of the last century.
Explain how the Uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution
2016
of British policies towards colonial India.
Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian
2016
phase.
Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma
2016
Gandhi in the struggle for freedom.
How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without
2015
Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss.
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 2015
experience gained with the Government of India Act, 1935. Discuss.
The third battle of Panipat was fought in 1761. Why were so many empire-shaking
2014
battles fought at Panipat?
Examine critically the various facets of economic policies of the British in India from
2014
mid-eighteenth century till independence.
In what ways did the naval mutiny prove to be the last nail in the coffin of British
2014
colonial aspirations in India?
Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the 2013
torch bearer during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss.
Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various
2013
movements. Analyze their role in the Indian struggle for freedom.
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

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

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
2018
they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there?
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-
2016
educated Africans. Examine.
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 2015
at present?
To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars?
2015
Discuss critically
What were the major political, economic and social developments in the world
2014
which motivated the anti-colonial struggle in India?
What were the events that led to the Suez Crisis in 1956? How did it deal a final blow
2014
to Britain’s self-image as a world power?
The New Economic Policy – 1921 of Lenin had influenced the policies adopted by
2014
India soon after independence. Evaluate.
“Latecomer” Industrial revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were
2013
markedly different from what west had experience.
Africa was chopped into states artificially created by accident of European
2013
competition. Analyse.
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

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

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

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

Social Science: Globalization

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Globalisation (effects on Indian society)

‘Globalization is generally said to promote cultural homogenization but due to this

2018
cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian Society. Elucidate.
Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization on women in India. (2013,
2015
Asked about Globalization effect on Elderly)
To what extent globalization has influenced the core of cultural diversity in India?
2016
Explain.
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
2018
strata. Substantiate your view.
How do you explain the statistics that show that the sex ratio in Tribes in India is more
2015
favourable to women than the sex ratio among Scheduled Castes?
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
2014
feminization of agriculture in India.
Why do some of the most prosperous regions of India have an adverse sex ratio for
2014
women? Give your arguments.
Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women’s organization
2013
free from gender bias. Comment.

[Block-3] 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
2018
help in navigation?
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
2017
the Earth?
“The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides.” Discuss the causes and suggest
2016
suitable measures of mitigation.
Explain the formation of thousands of islands in Indonesian and Philippines
2014
archipelagos.
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 2014
earthquakes and volcanoes.
What do you understand by the theory of continental drift? Discuss the prominent
2013
evidences in its support.
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
2013
and on the western side of the continents. Why?
Bring out the causes for more frequent landslides in the Himalayas than in Western 2013
Ghats

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
2017
development.” Discuss.
Mention the advantages of the cultivation of pulse because of which the year 2016
2017
was declared as the International Year of Pulses by the United Nations.
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-
2017
weather inland navigation in India?
What characteristics can be assigned to monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding
2017
more than 50 percent of the won population residing in Monsoon Asia?
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
2015
influence regional climates, fishing and navigation?
How far do you agree that the behavior of the Indian monsoon has been changing
2015
due to humanizing landscapes? Discuss.
Tropical cyclones are largely confined to South China Sea, Bay of Bengal and Gulf of
2014
Mexico. Why?
Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El-Nino
2014
effect. Do you agree?
Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the
2014
symptoms of climate change in the Indian sub-continent.
The recent cyclone on the east coast of India was called “Phailin”. How are the
2013
tropical cyclones named across the world?
Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the
2013
world.
What do you understand by the phenomenon of temperature inversion in
2013
meteorology? How does it affect the weather and the habitants of the place?

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
2016
human miseries. Explain
South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context.
2016
Comment.
Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic 2016
and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations.
Enumerate the problems and prospects of inland water transport in India. 2016
In what way micro-watershed Development projects help in water conservation in
2016
drought prone and semi-arid regions of India.
What are the economic significances of discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible
2015
environmental consequences?
India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still suffers
2015
from water scarcity.
The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand reaching the
2015
limits of their ecological carrying capacity due to tourism. Critically evaluate.
Critically evaluate the various resources of the oceans which can be harnessed to
2014
meet the resource crisis in the world.
How does India see its place in the economic space of rising natural resource rich
2014
Africa?
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 2013
generation of atomic energy in India and in the world.
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
2013
appear to be high on the agenda. Discuss critically the availability and issues
involved.

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
2018
development in India.
What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identify industrial corridors,
2018
explain their main characteristics.
Petroleum refineries are not necessarily located nearer to crude oil producing areas,
2017
particularly in many of the developing countries. Explain its implications.
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 2014
beyond the Darjeeling area. Explain.
Account for the change in the spatial pattern of the Iron and Steel industry in the
2014
world.
Why did the Green Revolution in India virtually by-pass the eastern region despite
2014
fertile soil and good availability of water?
Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in the
2013
Southern states of India? Discuss with justification
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
2018
system.” How can it be made effective in urban areas?
The growth of cities as I.T. hubs has opened up new avenues employment but has
2017
also created new problems. Substantiate this statement with examples. Urbanization
With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and
2016
strategy of the ‘Smart City Programme’.
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 2015
this so?
Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart villages. Discuss this statement in the
2015
backdrop of rural urban integration.
Discussion the various social problems which originated out of the speedy process of
2013
urbanization in India.