UPSC Mains 2018 GS-1 Question Paper

All 20 questions from this paper, with real topper answers where available.

• Q4. ‘Globalization is generally said to promote cultural homogenization but Globalization due to this cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian & Cultural Society. Elucidate.15 marks · Identity
• Q5. Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in Aspirational India and explain the nature of convergence, collaboration and competition for its success.15 marks · Districts Programme
• Q6. Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or New States & not for the economy of India.15 marks · Economy
• Q6. ‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata. Substantiate your view.15 marks · Women's Movement & Lower Strata
• Q7. ‘Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing.’ Explain by giving reasons.10 marks · Persistence of Poverty
• Q7. “The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water Urban Water harvesting system.” How can it be made effective in urban areas?15 marks · Harvesting
• Q8. What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identify industrial Industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics.15 marks · Corridor
• Q9. Define blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India.15 marks · Blue Revolution (Pisciculture)
• Q11. Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics.10 marks · Mantle Plum
• Q12. Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to other Indentured colonies? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there?15 marks · Labour System
• Q12. Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation?10 marks · IRNSS & Navigation
• Q13. The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss.15 marks · Bhakti Movement (Chaitanya)
• Q13. ‘Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation. Causes of Argue by giving suitable illustrations.15 marks · Communalism
• Q13. Why is India taking keen interest in resources of Arctic Region?10 marks · Arctic Region Resources
• Q14. Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travellers in the reconstruction of the history of India.10 marks · Foreign Travellers' Accounts
• Q14. How the Indian concept of secularism is different from the western model of secularism? Discuss.10 marks · Indian vs Western Secularism
• Q15. Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss.10 marks · Heritage Conservation
• Q15. “Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, Changing Face caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment.10 marks · of Caste
• Q16. What are the consequences of spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystem?10 marks · Dead Zones (Marine Ecosystem)
• Q17. Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the Gandhian present times.10 marks · Ideology