Shubhams IAS

2016 Mains Test Series

Test: Society and World History

Time allowed: 3 hrs

The question paper consists of 20 questions. Candidates are required to attempt all the
questions. Each question is worth 12.5 marks and maximum word limit is 200. Content of
the answer is more important than its length.
Q1. The history of demographic transition teaches that while economic and scientific

factors are important behind rise in population, it is only socio-cultural factors which can
facilitate the Population Stabilisation in India. Do you agree?
Q2. Are we witnessing neo-orthodox movements sanctioning the atrocities against dalits?
Explain with recent examples. Do you think that state can play a more active role in
reducing these atrocities?
Q3. Do you think that farmer suicides in Maharashtra and Telangana are caused by factors
which are markedly different from those in Punjab, Haryana on one hand and UP, Bihar on
the other hand? Analyse the Statement. Also suggest the proactive role that state can play
to overcome farmer distress in these regions.
Q4. Indias urban female work-force participation rate (WPR) is one of the lowest in the
world. Does there exist urban female demographic dividend? Do you think that female
participation in work is hampered on account of traditional gender stereotypes in India?
Q5. The rapid growth of the Indian economy over the past three decades has led to a
substantial expansion of Indias middle class. This has triggered a robust debate over
political behavior of middle class in India. How this behavior is different from that of poor
and rich people in India?
Q6. The increasing nuclearisation of Indian Families is more on account of social factors
than due to economic factors. How far do you agree with this statement?
Q7. Class inequality is a new ground of discrimination in place of caste inequality
especially in Urban areas on our country. Critically Evaluate.
Q8. The crime against women is rooted in our socio-cultural norms. Identify these norms
and also explain how they lead to crime against women?
Q9. The economic pressures faced by nuclear families in mega cities are leading to
increasing participation of women in work force. How far do you agree with this
statement?
Q10. It is argued that price subsidies do not appear to have had a transformative effect on
the living standards of the poor and a closer look at the price subsidy landscape reveals
Shubhams IAS, SCO 181, Sector 38 C, Chandigarh. Contact -75979-00000

Page 1

why they may not be the governments best weapon of choice in the fight against poverty.
Do you agree with this view? Substantiate.
Q11. MNREGA was launched with twin objectives of employment generation and poverty
alleviation. Even though it has achieved reasonable success w.r.t. to the former, its success
has been limited with respect to the latter. In context of this statement, explain that any
attempt to alleviate property should start from skill development in India.
Q.12 Globalisation has created new challenges to Old population of our country. Identify
these challenges and bring out their socio-psychological impact on elderly in our society.
Q13. The French Revolution was essential prerequisite for industrial revolution in France.
Explain the statement.
Q14. What is the difference between Communism and Socialism? Though world has been
able to attain some form of socialism, communism remained a distant dream?
Q15. The recent global financial crisis of 2008 gave a call for Keynesian economics.
Substantiate. Do you think that Keynesian Economics is a strategy for economic crisis only?
Q16. The greed for possession of colonies and insecurity of Austria- Hungary were primary
reasons for beginning of world war I. Analyze.
Q17. To what extent was appeasement of Germany responsible for World War II? Critically
Evaluate.
Q18. Do you think that fall of USSR was indicative of fall of communism in the
contemporary world. Explain the linkages between ideology of mercantilism and practice
of imperialism.
Q19. Indian eco-political system is practical implementation of Social Democratic
conception. Explain. Do you think that Indian System is a mix of capitalist and socialist
ideologies and this mix has been changing with times.
Q20. The Russian Revolution was inevitable but the World War I hardships proved to be a
final blow to monarchy in Russia. Explain.

Shubhams IAS, SCO 181, Sector 38 C, Chandigarh. Contact -75979-00000

Page 2