CS Mains 2018 GS Paper - 1

Mains – 2018: General Studies Paper – 1

UPSCCivil Services Mains Exam – 2018

29.9.2018 (Morning)

All 20 questions are compulsory

 Note: 1 to 10 Questions answer in 150 words

·         Questions no. 1 to 10 carry 10 marks each, whereas questions no. 11 to 20 carry 15 marks each.
Keep the word limit indicated in the questions in mind.

1.   Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Comment (10)

2.   Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travellers in the reconstruction of the history of India. (10)

3.   Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times. (10)

4.   Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation? (10 )

5.   Why is India taking keen interest in the Arctic region? (10)

6.   Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics. (10)

7.   What are the consequences of spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystem? (10)

8.   “Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment. (10)

9.   ‘Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing’. Explain by giving reasons. (10)

10.      How the Indian concept of secularism different from the western model of secularism? Discuss. (10)

Question No.11 to Question No.20 : Answer in 250 words

11.      The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss. (15)

12.      Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India. (15)

13.      Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to their colonies? have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there? (15)

14.      “The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system.” How can it be made effective in urban areas? (15)

15.      Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India. (15)

16.      What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identifying industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics. (15)

17.      Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in India and explain the nature of convergence, collaboration and competition for its success. (15)

18.      ‘Women’s movement in India has not addresses the issues of women of lower social strata.’ Substantiate your view. (15)

19.      ‘Globalisation is generally said to promote cultural homogenisation but due to this cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian society.’ Elucidate.

20.      ‘Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation.’ Argue by giving suitable illustrations. (15)

General Studies 1 Paper Syllabus for UPSC Civil Services Mains

·         Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

·         Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.

·         The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country.

·         Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.

·         History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars,

·         redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism,

·         capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society.

·         Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.

·          Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and

·         developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.

·         Effects of globalization on Indian society

·         Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.

·         Salient features of world’s physical geography.

·         Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent);

·         factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in

·         various parts of the world (including India)

·         Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.,

·         geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including water bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

Reference Books for General Studies Paper 1

 [Suggestions by ClearIAS.com]The basic book-list recommended by many toppers is provided in the link IAS Books for UPSC Mains. If you need additional books/weblinks for reference, the below mentioned links might turn useful. Tip : You can search/buy online these books using the Flipkart/Amazon Search Box provided in this website. (Right Side Bar)

1.    The Wonder That Was India – A.L. Bhasham. (Culture)

2.    India’s Ancient Past – R.S. Sharma. (Culture)

3.    Indian Art and Culture – Nitin Singhania. (Culture)

4.    History Of Modern India – Bipan Chandra. (History)

5.    India’s Struggle For Independence – Bipan Chandra. (History)

6.    India After Gandhi – Ramchandra Guha (History – GS1)

7.    Norman Lowe OR History of Modern World – Jain and Mathur (World History – GS1)

8.    Social Problems In India – Ram Ahuja. (Indian Society – GS1)

9.    Geography of India – Majid Husain. (Geography)

10.  Oxford School Atlas – Oxford. (Geography)

11.  Certificate Physical and Human Geography – Goh Cheng Leong. (Geography)