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GS 1

UPSC Mains 2013

30 questions · 250 marks · Indian Heritage & Culture, History, Geography of the World and Society

GS 1GS 2GS 3Ethics
Indian Geography10 Marks

Q1.It is said that India has substantial reserves of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of the country for a quarter century. However, tapping the resources doesn’t appear to be high on the agenda. Discuss critically the availability and issues involved.

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Directive: Discuss critically
Indian Geography10 Marks

Q2.With the growing scarcity of fossil fuels, atomic energy is gaining more and more significance in India. Discuss the availability of raw materials required for the generation of atomic energy in India and the world.

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Directive: Discuss
Indian Geography5 Marks

Q4.Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in the Southern states of India? Discuss with justification.

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Directive: Discuss
Physical Geography10 Marks

Q7.Major hot deserts in the northern hemisphere are located between 20-30 degrees north and on the western side of the continents. Why?

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Directive: Explain
Physical Geography5 Marks

Q8.What do you understand by the phenomenon of temperature inversion in meteorology? How does it affect the weather and the inhabitants of the place?

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Indian Geography5 Marks

Q10.The recent cyclone on the east coast of India was called “Phailin”. How are the tropical cyclones named across the world? Elaborate.

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Directive: Elaborate
Modern Indian history (mid-18th century to present)10 Marks

Q20.Critically examine the compulsions that prompted India to play a decisive role in the emergence of Bangladesh.

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Directive: Critically examine
Modern Indian history (mid-18th century to present)10 Marks

Q21.Analyze the circumstances that led to the Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the agreement.

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Directive: Analyze
Modern Indian history (mid-18th century to present)10 Marks

Q22.Discuss the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to pre- and post-independent India.

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Directive: Discuss
Modern Indian history (mid-18th century to present)10 Marks

Q23.Write a critical note on the evolution and significance of the slogan “Jai Jawana Jai Kisan”.

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Directive: Write a critical note
Modern History10 Marks

Q24.Critically discuss the objectives of the Bhoodan and Gramdan movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and their success.

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Directive: Critically discuss
Modern History10 Marks

Q26.Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyze their role in the Indian struggle for freedom.

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Directive: Analyze
Modern History10 Marks

Q27.Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, Indian women became the torchbearers during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss.

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Directive: Discuss
Art & Culture10 Marks

Q30.Though not very useful from the point of view of a connected political history of South India, the Sangam literature portrays the social and economic conditions of its time with remarkable vividness. Comment.

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Directive: Comment