UPSC Mains 2025 — GS1 questions

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

1. GS1202510 marks · 150 wordsGS1-CUL-01-M2025-Q01

   Discuss the salient features of the Harappan architecture.

   Theme: T1 Harappan civilisation, early urbanism & civilisational continuity

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2. GS1202510 marks · 150 wordsGS1-CUL-02-M2025-Q03

   'The sculptors filled the Chandella artform with resilient vigor and breadth of life.' Elucidate.

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

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3. GS1202510 marks · 150 wordsGS1-CUL-06-M2025-Q02

   Examine the main aspects of Akbar's religious syncretism.

   Theme: T7 Bhakti–Sufi movements & religious syncretism

   Also needs: T61 Secularism: Indian vs Western modelsCopyReport a typo
4. GS1202515 marks · 250 wordsGS1-GEO-01-M2025-Q16

   Discuss how the changes in shape and sizes of continents and ocean basins of the planet take place due to tectonic movements of the crustal masses.

   Theme: T26 Earth's interior, plate tectonics, mountains, islands & landforms

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5. GS1202510 marks · 150 wordsGS1-GEO-04-M2025-Q07

   What are Tsunamis? How and where are they formed? What are their consequences? Explain with examples.

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

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6. GS1202510 marks · 150 wordsGS1-GEO-05-M2025-Q06

   Explain briefly the ecological and economic benefits of solar energy generation in India with suitable examples.

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

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7. GS1202515 marks · 250 wordsGS1-GEO-05-M2025-Q14

   Give a geographical explanation of the distribution of off-shore oil reserves of the world. How are they different from the on-shore occurrences of oil reserves?

   Theme: T36 Oil & gas: global distribution, shale, refineries

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8. GS1202510 marks · 150 wordsGS1-GEO-06-M2025-Q05

   What are non-farm primary activities? How are these activities related to physiographic features in India? Discuss with suitable examples.

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

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9. GS1202515 marks · 250 wordsGS1-GEO-06-M2025-Q15

   How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drones be effectively used along with GIS and RS techniques in locational and areal planning?

   Theme: T146 Space & geospatial technology: Chandrayaan, JWST, NavIC, asteroids, GIS

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10. GS1202510 marks · 150 wordsGS1-GEO-07-M2025-Q04

    How are climate change and the sea level rise affecting the very existence of many island nations? Discuss with examples.

    Theme: T38 Glaciers, cryosphere & sea-level rise

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11. GS1202515 marks · 250 wordsGS1-HIS-03-M2025-Q11

    Mahatma Jotirao Phule's writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern classes. Discuss.

    Theme: T13 Socio-religious reform: Brahmo Samaj, Young Bengal, Phule

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12. GS1202510 marks · 150 wordsGS1-HIS-08-M2025-Q09

    The ethos of civil service in India stand for the combination of professionalism with nationalistic consciousness – Elucidate.

    Theme: T108 Civil services in a democracy: ethos, neutrality, reforms

    Also needs: T20 Post-independence consolidation: polity, economy, Jai Jawan Jai KisanCopyReport a typo
13. GS1202515 marks · 250 wordsGS1-HIS-08-M2025-Q12

    Trace India's consolidation process during early phase of independence in terms of polity, economy, education and international relations.

    Theme: T20 Post-independence consolidation: polity, economy, Jai Jawan Jai Kisan

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14. GS1202515 marks · 250 wordsGS1-SOC-01-M2025-Q20

    Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation? Give your opinion.

    Theme: T51 Tribal identity, rights & development

    Also needs: T158 Environmental Impact Assessment & project displacementAlso needs: T144 Land reforms, tenancy & land acquisition: from Bhoodan to the 2013 ActCopyReport a typo
15. GS1202515 marks · 250 wordsGS1-SOC-03-M2025-Q17

    Discuss the distribution and density of population in the Ganga River Basin with special reference to land, soil and water resources.

    Theme: T52 Population & demographic transition

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16. GS1202515 marks · 250 wordsGS1-SOC-04-M2025-Q19

    Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could come into conflict with poor people's needs in a country like India – Comment.

    Theme: T76 Inclusive growth & human development: HDI/IHDI, social spending, equity, CSR

    Also needs: T159 Climate change impacts on India: food security, Himalayan & coastal statesCopyReport a typo
17. GS1202510 marks · 150 wordsGS1-SOC-05-M2025-Q08

    How does smart city in India, address the issues of urban poverty and distributive justice?

    Theme: T55 Urbanisation: social problems, segregation & urban poverty

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18. GS1202510 marks · 150 wordsGS1-SOC-06-M2025-Q10

    Do you think that globalization results in only an aggressive consumer culture? Justify your answer.

    Theme: T59 Globalisation & Indian society and culture

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19. GS1202515 marks · 250 wordsGS1-SOC-06-M2025-Q18

    How do you account for the growing fast food industries given that there are increased health concerns in modern society? Illustrate your answer with the Indian experience.

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

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20. GS1202515 marks · 250 wordsGS1-WH-01-M2025-Q13

    The French Revolution has enduring relevance to the contemporary world. Explain.

    Theme: T22 American & French Revolutions and their legacy

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