UPSC Mains 2016 GS Paper 1 questions

20 questions from the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2016. Official UPSC paper (PDF) · All GS Paper 1 PYQs

1. 1

   Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate.

   Art & Culture · 200 words · 12½ marks · Model answer & what aspirants miss

2. 2

   Krishnadeva Raya, the King of Vijayanagar, was not only an accomplished scholar himself but was also a great patron of learning and literature. Discuss.

   Art & Culture · 200 words · 12½ marks · Model answer & what aspirants miss

3. 3

   Explain how the Uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India.

   Modern History · 200 words · 12½ marks

4. 4

   Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase.

   Modern History · 200 words · 12½ marks

5. 5

   Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom.

   Modern History · 200 words · 12½ marks

6. 6

   Has the formation of linguistic States strengthened the cause of Indian Unity?

   Modern History · 200 words · 12½ marks

7. 7

   The anti-colonial struggles in West Africa were led by the new elite of Western-educated Africans. Examine.

   World History · 200 words · 12½ marks

8. 8

   To what extent globalization has influenced the core of cultural diversity in India? Explain.

   Indian Society · 200 words · 12½ marks

9. 9

   "An essential condition to eradicate poverty 1s to liberate the poor trom the process of deprivation." Substantiate this statement with suitable examples.

   Indian Society · 200 words · 12½ marks

10. 10

    Why are the tribals in India referred to as 'the Scheduled Tribes'? Indicate the major provisions enshrined in the Constitution of India for their upliftment.

    Indian Society · 200 words · 12½ marks

11. 11

    With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of the 'Smart City Programme'.

    Indian Society · 200 words · 12½ marks

12. 12

    What is the basis of regionalism? Is it that unequal distribution of benefits of development on regional basis eventually promotes regionalism? Substantiate your answer.

    Indian Society · 200 words · 12½ marks

13. 13

    Discuss the concept of air mass and explain its role in macro-climatic changes.

    Geography · 200 words · 12½ marks

14. 14

    "The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides." Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation.

    Geography · 200 words · 12½ marks

15. 15

    The effective management of land and water resources will drastically reduce the human miseries. Explain.

    Geography · 200 words · 12½ marks

16. 16

    South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment.

    Geography · 200 words · 12½ marks

17. 17

    Major cities of India are becoming more vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss.

    Geography · 200 words · 12½ marks

18. 18

    Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations.

    Geography · 200 words · 12½ marks

19. 19

    Enumerate the problems and prospects of inland water transport in India.

    Geography · 200 words · 12½ marks

20. 20

    In what way micro-watershed development projects help in water conservation in drought-prone and semi-arid regions of India?

    Geography · 200 words · 12½ marks