AIR 14 · CSE 2025 · GS1 · 50 pages

Surabhi Yadav: GS1 answer copy

20 answers by Surabhi Yadav, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1Why has public bathing been a recurring practice across cultures and societies? Discuss with examples.10 marks
  2. Q2Estimate the contributions of Chalukyas of Badami to Indian heritage and culture.10 marks
  3. Q3Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar had contrasting philosophies and approaches on caste and social reform. Examine.10 marks
  4. Q4What factors can be attributed to the rising incidents of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in the Himalayan region? Discuss with examples.10 marks
  5. Q5"Migration is a vital livelihood strategy for rural households in developing countries like India." Elucidate.10 marks
  6. Q6Bring out the interdependence between physical and chemical weathering with suitable examples.10 marks
  7. Q7Discuss how social media is reshaping identity formation and self-worth among adolescents in contemporary Indian society.10 marks
  8. Q8The disproportionate preference for government jobs in certain Indian states is not merely a matter of personal aspiration. Analyze.10 marks
  9. Q9Explain the significance of population education in light of India's status as the world's most populous nation.10 marks
  10. Q10Globalization has infused Indian festivals with commercial elements, while also helping preserve and popularize them in new ways. Do you agree? Justify your answer.10 marks
  11. Q11India has a rich tradition of diverse dance forms, encompassing both classical and folk styles. Illustrate how they reflect the country's rich spiritual, cultural, and social life.15 marks
  12. Q12The third decade of the 20th century witnessed the emergence of new forces and ideological currents that influenced the character of the Indian national movement. Elaborate.15 marks
  13. Q13Analyse the circumstances that led to Simla Agreement in 1972. Discuss the significance of the agreement.15 marks
  14. Q14"The Vietnam War was a proxy conflict rooted in the ideological rivalry of the Cold War." Comment.15 marks
  15. Q15Discuss the concept of isostasy and explain its role in shaping Earth's major landforms.15 marks
  16. Q16The Indian Ocean is warming at an alarming rate. How may it affect the food security of India?15 marks
  17. Q17Describing the distribution of sugarcane producing countries, examine the major environmental challenges associated with its cultivation.15 marks
  18. Q18The richness and diversity of Indian society find vivid expression in the unique culture of its tribal communities. Elucidate.15 marks
  19. Q19Why is it essential to focus on health in the context of urban planning and reforms? How can this be achieved?15 marks
  20. Q20Analyze the socio-cultural factors contributing to the high attrition rate among women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers in India. Suggest measures to improve their retention in STEM.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 173 words written

Why has public bathing been a recurring practice across cultures and societies? Discuss with examples.

Opening · a recent event

Gathering of over 100 million people in Kumbh Mela (2024) in Prayagraj, UP highlighted the significance of public gathering and bathing.

Body · points

Reason for Public Bathing as a Recurring Practice across culture

(1) Identifying a sense of community (Ex) Ardh Kumbh & Maha Kumbh.

(2) Spiritual significance → (Ex) Belief that your sins are forgiven.

(3) Historic / Ritualistic significance (Ex) Great Bath, Mohenjodaro may be for similar purpose

(4) Collective conscience & Memory across. (Ex) Baolis across Delhi OR Rani ki Vav have collective significance.

(5) Cuts across Caste Identities → enforce sense of assimilation among all.

(6) Seen as idea of liberation & Moksha (Ex) Buddhist Idea of Nirvana.

Challenges in Organisation of such public gathering

(1) State funds Mobilisation

(2) Mobilising of Police force.

(3) Threat of crowd mismanagement (Ex) stampede at Kumbh Mela.

(4) Sectarian biases. (Ex) State involvement

(5) Seen as a challenge under Secularism of India (Ex Preamble mandate)

Close · a framework

Nonetheless, Kumbh Mela has been our Intangible Cultural Heritage (UNESCO) and fosters sense of fraternity (Art 51A).