UPSC Mains 2018 GS Paper 1 questions

20 questions from the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2018. Official UPSC paper (PDF) · All GS Paper 1 PYQs

1. 1

   Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss.

   Art & Culture · 150 words · 10 marks

2. 2

   Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travellers in the reconstruction of the history of India.

   Art & Culture · 150 words · 10 marks

3. 3

   Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times.

   Modern History · 150 words · 10 marks

4. 4

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

   Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

5. 5

   Why is India taking keen interest in resources of Arctic Region?

   Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

6. 6

   Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics.

   Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

7. 7

   What are the consequences of spreading of 'Dead Zones" on marine ecosystem?

   Geography · 150 words · 10 marks

8. 8

   "Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India." Comment.

   Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks

9. 9

   "Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing.' Explain by giving reasons.

   Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks

10. 10

    How the Indian concept of secularism is different from the western model of secularism? Discuss.

    Indian Society · 150 words · 10 marks

11. 11

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

    Art & Culture · 250 words · 15 marks

12. 12

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

    Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

13. 13

    Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to other colonies? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there?

    Modern History · 250 words · 15 marks

14. 14

    "The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system." How can it be made effective in urban areas?

    Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

15. 15

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

    Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

16. 16

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

    Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

17. 17

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

    Geography · 250 words · 15 marks

18. 18

    Women's movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata.' Substantiate your view.

    Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

19. 19

    Globalization is generally said to promote cultural homogenization but due to this cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian Society.' Elucidate.

    Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks

20. 20

    Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation.' Argue by giving suitable illustrations.

    Indian Society · 250 words · 15 marks