UPSC Mains 2020 GS1 Previous Year Questions

Question list

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1. Q1 · The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss.
2. Q2 · Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate.
3. Q3 · Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movement.
4. Q4 · Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum-Pacific Zone.
5. Q5 · The process of desertification does not have climatic boundaries. Justify with examples.
6. Q6 · How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India?
7. Q7 · Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples.
8. Q8 · Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations.
9. Q9 · COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment.
10. Q10 · Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue.
11. Q11 · Indian philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss.
12. Q12 · Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment.
13. Q13 · Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss.
14. Q14 · The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine.
15. Q15 · Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures.
16. Q16 · India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its development. Elaborate.
17. Q17 · Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change.
18. Q18 · Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalisation? Justify your answer.
19. Q19 · Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree?
20. Q20 · How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer.