General Studies Paper I (GS I)

20 questions, 250 marks, 3 hours. Open a question for its Hindi text, a topper’s answer to it, and to write it and get it marked.

1. Q1Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss.10 marks · 150 words
2. Q2Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travellers in the reconstruction of the history of India.10 marks · 150 words
3. Q3Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times.10 marks · 150 words
4. Q4Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed ? How does it help in navigation ?10 marks · 150 words
5. Q5Why is India taking keen interest in resources of Arctic Region ?10 marks · 150 words
6. Q6Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics.10 marks · 150 words
7. Q7What are the consequences of spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystem ?10 marks · 150 words
8. Q8“Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment.10 marks · 150 words
9. Q9‘Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing.’ Explain by giving reasons.10 marks · 150 words
10. Q10How the Indian concept of secularism is different from the western model of secularism ? Discuss.10 marks · 150 words
11. Q11The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss.15 marks · 250 words
12. Q12Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India.15 marks · 250 words
13. Q13Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to other colonies ? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there ?15 marks · 250 words
14. Q14“The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system.” How can it be made effective in urban areas ?15 marks · 250 words
15. Q15Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India.15 marks · 250 words
16. Q16What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India ? Identifying industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics.15 marks · 250 words
17. Q17Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in India and explain the nature of convergence, collaboration and competition for its success.15 marks · 250 words
18. Q18‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata.’ Substantiate your view.15 marks · 250 words
19. Q19‘Globalization is generally said to promote cultural homogenization but due to this cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian Society.’ Elucidate.15 marks · 250 words
20. Q20‘Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation.’ Argue by giving suitable illustrations.15 marks · 250 words

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2018, General Studies Paper I. The paper on upsc.gov.in.