UPSC Mains GENERAL-STUDIES-PAPER-I 2015

20 Questions • 2440 Marks • With Detailed Model Answers

1
122 Marks200 Wordsmedium
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.
HistoryCultureAncient India
2
122 Marks200 Wordsmedium
Mesolithic rock cut architecture of India not only reflects the cultural life of the times but also a fine aesthetic sense comparable to modern painting. Critically evaluate this comment.
HistoryArt & CultureAncient India
3
122 Marks200 Wordsmedium
How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss.
HistoryPolityIndian Freedom Struggle
4
122 Marks200 Wordsmedium
Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate.
HistoryPolitySocial Issues
5
122 Marks200 Wordsmedium
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.
PolityHistoryConstitution
6
122 Marks200 Wordshard
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?
HistoryEconomySocial Issues
7
122 Marks200 Wordshard
To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars? Discuss critically.
HistoryInternational Relations
8
122 Marks200 Wordsmedium
Describe any four cultural elements of diversity in India and rate their relative significance in building a national identity.
CulturePolityIndian Society
9
122 Marks200 Wordshard
Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the main cause of population increase in India.
EconomySocial IssuesDemographics
10
122 Marks200 Wordsmedium
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?
Social IssuesDemographicsIndian Society
11
122 Marks200 Wordsmedium
Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades.
EconomySocial IssuesDemographics
12
122 Marks200 Wordsmedium
Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization on women in India.
EconomySocial IssuesGender Studies
13
122 Marks200 Wordshard
Debate the issue of whether and how contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit identity work towards annihilation of caste.
Social IssuesPolityIndian Society
14
122 Marks200 Wordsmedium
Explain the factors responsible for the origin of ocean currents. How do they influence regional climates, fishing and navigation?
GeographyEnvironmentScience & Technology
15
122 Marks200 Wordsmedium
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?
EnvironmentGeographyUrbanization
16
122 Marks200 Wordshard
India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still suffers from water scarcity.
EnvironmentEconomyGeography
17
122 Marks200 Wordsmedium
The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are reaching the limits of their ecological carrying capacity due to tourism. Critically evaluate.
EnvironmentGeographyTourism
18
122 Marks200 Wordsmedium
How far do you agree that the behaviour of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to humanizing landscapes? Discuss.
GeographyEnvironmentClimate Change
19
122 Marks200 Wordsmedium
Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart villages. Discuss this statement in the backdrop of rural urban integration.
EconomyUrbanizationRural Development
20
122 Marks200 Wordshard
What are the economic significances of discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible environmental consequences?
EconomyEnvironmentInternational Relations