07/06/2019 [Download] UPSC Mains-2018 GSM1 Topicwise All Papers (2013-2018)

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
History: Art & Culture
History: India before Independence
History: India After independence
History: world
8. [Block-2] Social Science
Social Science: Caste, Religion, Region, Globalization
Social Science: Poverty, Population, Globalization
Social Science: Globalization
Social Science: Women
9. [Block-3] Geography
Geography: Physical
Geography: Climate, Disaster related
Geography: Resources Distribution
Geography: factors affecting industrial locations
Geography: Urbanization

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 वरासत का संर ण वतमान समय क आव कता ह।
चचा क जये।
2. Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travellers in the reconstruction of the history of India. भारत के
इ तहास क पुनरचना म चीनी और अरबी या य के वृता के मह का आकलन क जये।
3. Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times. वतमान समय म महा ा गाँधी के वचार के मह
पर काश डा लए।
4. Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation? भारतीय ाद शक नौप रवहन
उप ह णाली (आई. आर. एन. एस. एस.) क आवश ता ह ? यह नौप रवहन म कस कार सहायक ह ?
5. Why is India taking keen interest in resources of Arctic Region? भारत आक टक दश के संसाधन म कस कारन गहन च ले रहा ह ?
6. Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics. ‘मेटल ूम’ को पा रभा षत क जये और ेट ववत नक म इसक भू मका को
क जये।
7. What are the consequences of spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystem? समु ी प र तक पर ‘मृत े ’ (डड जो ) के व ार
के ा – ा प रणाम होते ह ?
8. “Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India.”
Comment. ”जाती व ा नई -नई पहचानो और सहचरी प को धारण कर रही ह। अतः भारत म जाती व ा का उ ूलन नह कया जा सकता ह। ”
टप ी क जये।
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9. ‘Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing.’
Explain by giving reasons. ”भारत क सरकार ारा नधनता उ ूलन के व भ काय मो के यांवयन के बावजूद , नधनता अभी भी व मान ह।” कारण
ुत करते ऐ  क जये।
10. How the Indian concept of secularism is different from the western model of secularism? Discuss. धम नरपे तावाद क भारतीय
संक ना, धम नरपे तावाद के पा ात  मोडल से कन कन  बात म भ ह? चचा क जये।

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. ी चैत
महा भु के आगमन से भ आं दोलन को एक असाधारण नै दशा मली थी।  चचा कर।
12. Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India. चचा कर क  ा हल के समय म
नए रा का नमाण, भारत क अथ व ा के लए लाभ द ह या नह   ह।
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? अं ेज कसी कारन भारत से करारब मक अ उप नवेशो म ले गए थे ? ा वे वह पर अपनी सां ृ तक पहचान को प रर त रखने
म सफल रह ह ?
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 म अव यी ( ड टग ) भौम जल संसाधन का आदश समाधान जल संर ण णाली ह। शहरी े ो म उसको कस कार भावी बनाया
जा सकता ह?
15. Define blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India. ‘नीली ां त ‘ को प रभा षत करते ए
भारत म म पालन क सम ाओ और रणनी तय को समझाइये।
16. What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identify industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics. भारत म
औ ो गक ग लयार का ा मह ह? औ ो गक ग लयार को च त करते वे उनके मुख अ भल णो को 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 म ‘मह कां ी जल के कायाक ‘ के लये मूल रणनी तय का उ ेख क जए  और उसक
सफलता के लए , अ भसरण, सहयोग व प त धा क कृ त को क जए।
18. ‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata. Substantiate your view. ‘भारत म
म हलाओ के आं दोलन ने , नम र सामा जक र क म हलाओ के मु ो को स ो धत नह कया ह।  अपने वचार को मा णत स क जए।
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 जाता ह क वैशवीकरण सां ृ तक समांगीकरण को बढ़ावा दता ह, पर ु ऐसा तीत
होता ह क भारतीय समाज म उसके कारण  सां ृ तक व स ताए सृदढ़ हो गई ह। ‘ क जये।
20. 20. ‘Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation. Argue by giving suitable illustrations.’  ‘सा दा यकता
या तो श संघष के कारन उभर कर आती ह या तो आपे क वचन के कारण  उभरती  ह।  उपयु उदाहरण को ुत करते ए तक दी जए।

Answer Sources for UPSC Mains GS1-2018

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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

Essay-ish, multiple sources from NCERT, newspapers and magazines.
need of the moment. Discuss.

2. Assess the importance of the accounts of (NEW) NCERT Class12 Ch.5: Travellers perceptions of Indian society- for
the Chinese and Arab travellers in the Arab travelers. Free PDF in English |  ह ी मे भी उपल
reconstruction of the history of India. Tamilnadu Board Class11 Textbook, mainly for Chinese travellers. Free PDF

3. Throw light on the significance of the

thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present Essay-ish, multiple sources from books to newspapers.
times.

4. Why is Indian Regional Navigational

Ch. 8 of Science and Technology by Ravi Agrahari (Mcgraw-hill) Available in
Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does
English|  हदी म भी उपल .
it help in navigation?

5. Why is India taking keen interest in theHindu science-tech updates on climate studies. So, by extension it’d have
resources of Arctic Region? been somewhere in visionIAS’s monthly PDF updates within last 2 years.

6. Define mantle plume and explain its role in

Geography optional subject books.
plate tectonics.

7. What are the consequences of spreading

Was in news because of Gulf of Oman. TheHindu-2018-May.
of ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystem?

8. “Caste system is assuming new identities

and associational forms. Hence, caste
NCERT Sociology Class11-12, combined with newspaper columns.
system cannot be eradicated in India.”
Comment.

9. ‘Despite implementation of various

programmes for eradication of poverty by the Essay-ish, multiple sources from Economic Survey to NITI Reports and
government in India, poverty is still existing.’ Newspaper columns.
Explain by giving reasons.

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.”

While NIOS Culture PDF, Tamilnadu Class11 History and Art & Culture by Nitin
11. The Bhakti movement received a
Singhania (McGraw-Hill) Available in English |   ह ी मे भी उपल ! and has
remarkable re-orientation with the advent of
barely one paragraph worth material on this Saint. You’ve to compare and
Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss.
contrast it with other Saints / Philosophers to fill up 250 words.

12. Discuss whether formation of new states

Economic Survey 2016-17 chapter.13 had talked about aid curse, resource curse,
in recent times is beneficial or not for the
governance deficit in certain states. Same covered in my lecture as well.
economy of India.

13. Why indentured labour was taken by the

British from India to other colonies? Have Ch.8 of International Relations by Pavneet Singh (McGraw-Hill). Available in
they been able to preserve their cultural English at Amazon.
identity over there?

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14. “The ideal solution of depleting ground

water resources in India is water harvesting
Yojana, Newspaper columns. But difficult to articulate in real exam for 250 words.
system.” How can it be made effective in
urban areas?

15. Define blue revolution, explain the

problems and strategies for pisciculture Verbatim Answer in Kurukshetra Magazine January 2017 Page 45 onwards.
development in India.

16. What is the significance of Industrial

Verbatim Answer in Ch.11 Industries of Indian Geography by Majid Hussain
Corridors in India? Identify industrial
(McGraw-Hill)- Available in English |  ह ी मे भी उपल !
corridors, explain their main characteristics.

17. Mention core strategies for the

transformation of aspirational districts in India Have to dig NITI Ayog reports because they are the ones who compiled list of
and explain the nature of  convergence, ‘aspirational districts. Anyways this is more relevant to GSM3 than GSM1.
collaboration and competition for its success.

18. ‘Women’s movement in India has not

Essay-ish question. IGNOU BA Sociology ESO-12 Ch. 30 Women’s movements
addressed the issues of women of lower
in India. click me for Free PDF
social strata. Substantiate your view.

19. ‘Globalization is generally said to promote

Essay-ish question. NCERT Sociology Class12- Social Change ch.6 combined
cultural homogenization but due to this
with newspaper columns. Social Change and Development in India |  ह ी मे भी
cultural specificities appear to be
strengthened in the Indian Society. Elucidate.
उपल

20. ‘Communalism arises either due to power

Essay-ish question. NCERT Sociology Class12- Indian Society: Ch.6 combined
struggle or relative deprivation. Argue by
with newspaper columns. Free PDF English |  ह ी मे भी उपल
giving suitable 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:

Asking same GSM1-2014: Indian secularism debates are different from West?

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

Space technology questions are part of GSM3. Yet, asking about it in

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

Not respecting the

Climate change induced damage is relevant to syllabus of GSM1,
syllabus
whereas Climate change adaptation-mitigation are more relevant to
boundaries of
GSM3. Yet asking about Rain-water harvesting in GSM1-2018.
Environment.

Pingponging GSM3-2014: Pink revolution

between GSM1 and GSM3-2017: All types of agriculture revolutions
GSM3 GSM1-2018: Blue revolution.

GSM2-2017: Evaluate how far successive governments have

Pingponging
progressed in dealing with hunger and poverty issues.
between GSM2 and
GSM1-2018: Why poverty still existing despite government
GSM1
schemes.

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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 परी क सलेबस का ही लहाज न कर, उसके भ व के पेपस का कोई पूवानुमान कै से लगा सकता ह! 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

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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 not at
2017
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 without a 2015
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 this 2015
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.

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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. 2014
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 time with 2013
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 architecture.

2013
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 times. 2018

Clarify how mid-eighteenth century India was beset with the spectre of a fragmented
2017
polity.

Why did the ‘Moderates’ fail to carry conviction with the nation about their proclaimed
2017
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
2017
movement. What were the major issues and debates concerning women in that period?

Highlight the importance of the new objectives that got added to the vision of Indian
2017
independence since twenties of the last century.

Explain how the Uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of
2016
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 experience 2015
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 mid-
2014
eighteenth century till independence.

In what ways did the naval mutiny prove to be the last nail in the coffin of British colonial
2014
aspirations in India?

Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torch
2013
bearer during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss.

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Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements.
2013
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 the
2013
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 they
2018
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-educated
2016
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 at 2015
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 which
2014
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 to
2014
Britain’s self-image as a world power?

The New Economic Policy – 1921 of Lenin had influenced the policies adopted by India
2014
soon after independence. Evaluate.

“Latecomer” Industrial revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were markedly
2013
different from what west had experience.

Africa was chopped into states artificially created by accident of European competition.
2013
Analyse.

American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism. Substantiate. 2013

What policy instruments were deployed to contain the great economic depression? 2013

 
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[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 system
2018
cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment.

How the Indian concept of secularism is different from the western model of secularism?
2018
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 very
2017
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 rather
2017
than the States? Give reasons with examples for your viewpoint.

What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence, addressing
2017
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 and
2015
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 Dalit
2015
identity work towards annihilation of caste.

How do the Indian debates on secularism differ from the debates in the West? 2014

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Growing feeling of regionalism is an important factor in the generation of demand for a

2013
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 explain
2018
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 the
2015
main cause of population increase in India.

Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last
2015
four decades.

The life cycle of a joint family depends on economic factors rather than social values.
2014
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.

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Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women’s organization free

2013
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 help
2018
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 the
2017
Earth?

“The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides.” Discuss the causes and suggest suitable
2016
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 2014
the 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 and
2013
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)

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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.”
2017
Discuss.

Mention the advantages of the cultivation of pulse because of which the year 2016 was
2017
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 more
2017
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 influence
2015
regional climates, fishing and navigation?

How far do you agree that the behavior of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to
2015
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 symptoms
2014
of climate change in the Indian sub-continent.

The recent cyclone on the east coast of India was called “Phailin”. How are the tropical
2013
cyclones named across the world?

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?

2013
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 human
2016
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 and
2016
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?

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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 meet
2014
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 generation 2013
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 appear 2013
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 development
2018
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 world. 2014

Why did the Green Revolution in India virtually by-pass the eastern region despite fertile
2014
soil and good availability of water?

Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in the Southern
2013
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 also
2017
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

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