UPSC Mains GENERAL-STUDIES-PAPER-I 2020

18 Questions • 230 Marks • With Detailed Model Answers

1
10 Marks150 Wordsmedium
The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)
HistoryArt and Culture
2
10 Marks150 Wordsmedium
Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate. (Answer in 150 words)
HistoryReligion
3
10 Marks150 Wordsmedium
Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movement. (Answer in 150 words)
HistoryPolity
4
10 Marks150 Wordsmedium
Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum-Pacific Zone. (Answer in 150 words)
GeographyScience and Technology
5
10 Marks150 Wordsmedium
The process of desertification does not have climatic boundaries. Justify with examples. (Answer in 150 words)
GeographyEnvironment
6
10 Marks150 Wordsmedium
How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India? (Answer in 150 words)
GeographyEnvironment
7
10 Marks150 Wordsmedium
Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples. (Answer in 150 words)
GeographyEconomy
8
10 Marks150 Wordsmedium
Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)
SociologyPolity
9
15 Marks250 Wordsmedium
Indian philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)
HistoryArt and CulturePhilosophy
10
15 Marks250 Wordsmedium
Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)
HistoryLiterature
11
15 Marks250 Wordsmedium
Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)
HistoryPolity
12
15 Marks250 Wordsmedium
The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine. (Answer in 250 words)
GeographyEnvironmentEconomy
13
15 Marks250 Wordsmedium
Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures. (Answer in 250 words)
GeographyEnvironmentUrbanization
14
15 Marks250 Wordsmedium
India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its development. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)
GeographyScience and TechnologyEconomy
15
15 Marks250 Wordsmedium
Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. (Answer in 250 words)
EnvironmentGeography
16
15 Marks250 Wordsmedium
Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalisation ? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)
SociologyEconomy
17
15 Marks250 Wordsmedium
Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)
SociologyPhilosophy
18
15 Marks250 Wordsmedium
How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer. (Answer in 250 words)
EducationScience and Technology