GS1 · Topic
Salient Features
Defining features of Indian society: family, kinship, tradition and social structure.
149 UPSC Mains GS1 questions on Salient Features that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2020–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
How does the interplay between regional and national identities fuel the emergence of regionalistic sentiments? How can we balance regional identities with broader national identity?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
RegionalismDiversity of India
To what extent can the rise of 'Kidfluencers' be seen as a reflection of changing family structures and parental aspirations in Indian society?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Salient FeaturesGlobalisation
Examine the reasons behind generation of regional sentiments? Do you agree that regional sentiments and cultural assertiveness may lead to the issue of separatism?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021–2024
RegionalismDiversity of India
In the contemporary times, the conventional conceptualization of the institution of marriage as well as family is facing evolutionary changes. Do you agree? Justify. To what extent have the state and market played a role in this?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021–2024
Salient FeaturesGlobalisation
Discuss the intersection of class, gender, and geography in determining women's access to opportunities in the Indian service sector.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
WomenEmployment
Describe the factors that contribute to the continuity and change in Indian society.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Salient FeaturesDiversity of India
"Despite a strong continuity in traditional family values, Indian society is witnessing rising trends of delayed marriage, increasing divorce rates, and family disruption." Discuss the socio-economic and cultural factors contributing to this shift.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Salient Features
“Air pollution is as much an issue of equity and justice as it is an environmental one.” Elaborate with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
PovertySocial Empowerment
The alienation of modern lifestyles from nature has contributed to the ongoing environmental crisis in India. Examine.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Climate ChangeSalient Features
The caste system in India has adapted to the forces of modernisation, urbanisation, and economic liberalisation. Illustrate with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
CasteSalient Features
Why are protectionist and xenophobic trends against Indians rising in the West, despite the global embrace of Indian culture and soft power?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
GlobalisationSalient Features
Bring out the reasons and consequences of the spurt in child marriages in recent years. What steps can be taken beyond the legal realms to tackle the menace?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021–2024
WomenSalient Features
What is uniform civil code (UCC)? Comment upon the relevance of UCC for a secular country like India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
SecularismSalient Features
How do the cultural, linguistic and religious diversity in India influence the social fabric of the country and shape its identity?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Diversity of IndiaSalient Features
The caste system in India acts as a catalyst for other social issues which hinder the development of Indian society. Do you agree with the view?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
CasteSalient Features
Screen-based education has improved accessibility but also created new behavioural and social challenges for children. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Salient FeaturesPoverty
Unemployment is not just an economic challenge, but a social one with far-reaching consequences. In this context, discuss the social impact of unemployment in the country.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
EmploymentPoverty
"Religious pluralism and secularism are integral to India's social fabric, but their coexistence requires constant negotiation." Examine.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
SecularismSalient Features
Why did Hinduism-which amalgamated and absorbed almost every diverse faith, tradition, belief and practice that arose from within or outside, within its fold- failed to assimilate Islamic cultural beliefs and practices? Give reasons.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021–2024
SecularismDiversity of India
Explore and evaluate the impact of new technologies on Indian society.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021–2024
GlobalisationSalient Features
The forces of globalization have an indelible influence on the traditional cultural values of Indian society. Elaborate. Also, discuss the impact of globalization on diversity and disparity in the country.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
GlobalisationSalient Features
Though important elements of group identity, religion and region also run the risk of deepening communal cleavages. Comment.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2020–2023
SecularismRegionalism
It is not the diversity, but threat to diversity that imperils the unity of the country. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
Diversity of IndiaSalient Features
"Caste census is relevant and necessary for any well-designed policy to reduce social inequality". Comment.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
CasteSocial Empowerment
Indian society is premised on some common values that give it a composite texture as well as some diverse practices that deepen its heterogeneity. Elucidate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2020–2023
Salient FeaturesDiversity of India
Despite legal and educational advances, why do certain social practices, such as dowry, caste endogamy, or child marriage, continue to persist in modern India? Analyse with examples.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Salient FeaturesCaste
Caste as social capital is deployed more for parochial interests than for social unity. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
CasteSalient Features
The disproportionate preference for government jobs in certain Indian states is not merely a matter of personal aspiration. Analyze.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
EmploymentSalient Features
Socio-cultural factors more than economic factors influence women migration patterns in India. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
WomenUrbanization
How does the status and role of women in tribal societies differ from gender norms in mainstream Indian society?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Salient FeaturesTribals