UPSC Mains 2020 GS-1 Question Paper

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

• Q9. Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures.15 marks · Urban Flooding Remedial Measures
• Q11. How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the educational system in the country? Elaborate your answer.15 marks · Digital Education Initiatives
• Q11. Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from Iron and steel the source of raw material, by giving examples.10 marks · Industry
• Q12. COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment.10 marks · COVID-19 & Class Inequality
• Q13. The process of desertification does not have climatic boundaries. Justify Desertificatio with examples.10 marks · n Process
• Q14. Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum-Pacific Zone.10 marks · Circum-Pacific Zone (Ring of Fire)
• Q15. Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on Resources & climate change.15 marks · Forest Climate Change
• Q16. India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional Solar Energy variations in its development. Elaborate.15 marks · Potential
• Q17. Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment.15 marks · Persian Literature
• Q17. The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine.15 marks · Interlinking of Rivers
• Q18. Indian philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and Philosophy & shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss.15 marks · Architecture
• Q19. Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in Buddhism India. Enumerate.10 marks · (Pala Period)
• Q19. Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you Tradition vs agree?15 marks · Obscurantism
• Q20. The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss.10 marks · Rock-Cut Architecture
• Q20. Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue.10 marks · Regionalism & Cultural Assertiveness
• Q21. Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalisation? Globalisation Justify your answer.15 marks · & Diversity
• Q22. Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss.15 marks · 1920s Ideological Shift
• Q22. Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian Relevance of Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations.10 marks · Caste Today
• Q22. How will the meeting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on Glaciers & the water resources of India?10 marks · Water Resource
• Q23. Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on Policies of the national movement.10 marks · Lord Curzon Socio-Religiou