UPSC Mains 2020 — GS1 questions

Indian Heritage & Culture, History, Geography & Society. 20 questions in this collection, each linked to its theme.

1. GS12020GS1-CUL-01-M2020-S01

   The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss.

   Theme: T3 Sources of history: inscriptions, rock-cut caves, travellers, Sangam & Persian texts

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2. GS12020GS1-CUL-02-M2020-S01

   Indian philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss.

   Theme: T5 Temple architecture & regional dynasties: Pallava, Chola, Chandela, Vijayanagara, Gupta

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3. GS12020GS1-CUL-06-M2020-S01

   Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate.

   Theme: T4 Buddhist art & sculpture schools: stupa, Gandhara, Pala

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4. GS12020GS1-CUL-06-M2020-S02

   Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment.

   Theme: T3 Sources of history: inscriptions, rock-cut caves, travellers, Sangam & Persian texts

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5. GS12020GS1-GEO-04-M2020-S01

   Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum-Pacific Zone.

   Theme: T28 Earthquakes, tsunamis & volcanoes: science to preparedness

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6. GS12020GS1-GEO-05-M2020-S01

   The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods, and interrupted navigation. Critically examine.

   Theme: T47 River interlinking & water disputes: inter-state and transboundary

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7. GS12020GS1-GEO-05-M2020-S02

   India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its developments. Elaborate.

   Theme: T153 Renewable energy transition: solar, wind, EVs, green corridor

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8. GS12020GS1-GEO-06-M2020-S01

   Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples.

   Theme: T39 Location of industries: steel, refineries, sugar, textiles, tea, rubber, corridors

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9. GS12020GS1-GEO-07-M2020-S01

   The process of desertification does not have climate boundaries. Justify with examples.

   Theme: T40 Desertification, land degradation & land-use change

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10. GS12020GS1-GEO-07-M2020-S02

    How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India?

    Theme: T38 Glaciers, cryosphere & sea-level rise

    Also needs: T44 Water security: scarcity, conservation & managementCopyReport a typo
11. GS12020GS1-GEO-07-M2020-S03

    Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change.

    Theme: T41 Forests, natural vegetation & biodiversity

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12. GS12020GS1-HIS-05-M2020-S01

    Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movement.

    Theme: T11 Colonial administration & education policy: Macaulay, Curzon

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13. GS12020GS1-HIS-06-M2020-S01

    Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss.

    Theme: T16 Widening of the national movement: ideological strands & global influences

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14. GS12020GS1-SOC-01-M2020-S01

    Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations.

    Theme: T50 Caste: continuity, change, mobility & Dalit assertion

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15. GS12020GS1-SOC-01-M2020-S02

    Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree?

    Theme: T49 Family, marriage, traditions & social values

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16. GS12020GS1-SOC-04-M2020-S01

    COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment.

    Theme: T74 Poverty: measurement, causes & alleviation

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17. GS12020GS1-SOC-05-M2020-S01

    Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures.

    Theme: T58 Urban floods

    Also needs: T57 Smart cities, rural–urban integration & urban transportCopyReport a typo
18. GS12020GS1-SOC-06-M2020-S01

    Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalization? Justify your answer.

    Theme: T59 Globalisation & Indian society and culture

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19. GS12020GS1-SOC-06-M2020-S02

    How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer.

    Theme: T60 Technology & social change: mobiles, WFH, fast food, crypto, digital education

    Also needs: T111 Education policy: NEP, RTE, higher education, examsAlso needs: T106 E-governance & the digital divideCopyReport a typo
20. GS12020GS1-SOC-07-M2020-S01

    Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue

    Theme: T63 Regionalism & regional disparity

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