Download UPSC IAS Mains 2020 "General Studies (GS Paper 1)" Exam Question Paper

Marks : 250

Duration: 3 hours

Exam Date: 09-01-2021

Subject: Paper - II : General Studies-I : (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society)

Q1. 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) 10

Q2. Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q3. Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movements. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q4. Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum- Pacific Zone. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q5. The process of desertification does not have climate boundaries. Justify with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q6. How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far- reaching impact on the water resources of India? (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q7. Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q8. Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi- cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q9. COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q10. Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Q11. Indian Philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words) 15

Q12. Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment. (Answer in 250 words) 15

Q13. Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words) 15

Q14. The interlinking of revivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine. (Answer in 250 words) 15

Q15. 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) 15

Q16. India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its developments. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words) 15

Q17. Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. (Answer in 250 words) 15

Q18. Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalisation? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words) 15

Q19. Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words) 15

Q20. How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer. (Answer in 250 words) 15