UPSC Mains 2018 GS1

GS1 — Geography · History · Society · Culture — 20 questions. Click any question for full text, examiner-intent decoding, source citations, cross-year examiner pattern, and a structured answer skeleton.

  1. Q1 Indian Art Heritage
    Free

    Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)

    10 marks · 150 words
  2. Q2 Historical Sources
    Free

    Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travellers in the reconstruction of the history of India. (Answer in 150 words)

    10 marks · 150 words
  3. Q3 Gandhian Philosophy
    Free

    Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)

    10 marks · 150 words
  4. Q4 Space Technology
    Pro

    Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed ? How does it help in navigation ? (Answer in 150 words)

    10 marks · 150 words
  5. Q5 Resource Geography
    Pro

    Why is India taking keen interest in resources of Arctic Region ? (Answer in 150 words)

    10 marks · 150 words
  6. Q6 Physical Geography
    Pro

    Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics. (Answer in 150 words)

    10 marks · 150 words
  7. Q7 Marine Ecology
    Pro

    What are the consequences of spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystem ? (Answer in 150 words)

    10 marks · 150 words
  8. Q8 Indian Society
    Pro

    “Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment. (Answer in 150 words)

    10 marks · 150 words
  9. Q9 Poverty and Development
    Pro

    ‘Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing.’ Explain by giving reasons. (Answer in 150 words)

    10 marks · 150 words
  10. Q10 Secularism
    Pro

    How the Indian concept of secularism is different from the western model of secularism ? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)

    10 marks · 150 words
  11. Q11 Bhakti Movement
    Pro

    The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)

    15 marks · 250 words
  12. Q12 Regionalism and Economy
    Pro

    Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India. (Answer in 250 words)

    15 marks · 250 words
  13. Q13 Modern History
    Pro

    Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to other colonies ? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there ? (Answer in 250 words)

    15 marks · 250 words
  14. Q14 Water Management
    Pro

    “The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system.” How can it be made effective in urban areas ? (Answer in 250 words)

    15 marks · 250 words
  15. Q15 Blue Revolution
    Pro

    Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India. (Answer in 250 words)

    15 marks · 250 words
  16. Q16 Industrial Geography
    Pro

    What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India ? Identifying industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics. (Answer in 250 words)

    15 marks · 250 words
  17. Q17 Developmental Governance
    Pro

    Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in India and explain the nature of convergence, collaboration and competition for its success. (Answer in 250 words)

    15 marks · 250 words
  18. Q18 Women's Movements
    Pro

    ‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata.’ Substantiate your view. (Answer in 250 words)

    15 marks · 250 words
  19. Q19 Globalization and Society
    Pro

    ‘Globalization is generally said to promote cultural homogenization but due to this cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian Society.’ Elucidate. (Answer in 250 words)

    15 marks · 250 words
  20. Q20 Communalism
    Pro

    ‘Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation.’ Argue by giving suitable illustrations. (Answer in 250 words)

    15 marks · 250 words