UPSC Mains-2021 – General Studies 1 Trend Analysis

UPSC Mains-2021 – General Studies 1 Trend Analysis

No.	Question	Why UPSC Asked this question?
01	Evaluate the nature of the Bhakti Literature and its contribution to Indian culture. (Answer in 150 words) 10	Relevance to Indian History: Bhakti literature showcases India’s socio-religious transformation and the rise of syncretic traditions. Socio-cultural Impact: It questioned orthodoxy, promoted social equality, and fostered unity across regions. Interdisciplinary Nature: The topic connects history, religion, and culture, testing candidates’ analytical skills.
02	Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj. (Answer in 150 words) 10	Colonial Context: The question focuses on India’s socio-religious reforms as a response to colonial modernity. Movements’ Contributions: Young Bengal emphasized rationalism, while Brahmo Samaj advocated monotheism and social reforms. Significance: These movements laid the foundation for modern Indian society and reformist ideologies.
03	Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States. (Answer in 150 words) 10	Administrative Issues: The integration faced challenges like diverse political systems, varying economic structures, and resistance from princely rulers. Socio-cultural Problems: Linguistic, religious, and cultural diversity created tensions, along with fears of losing identity among local populations. Significance: Resolving these issues was crucial for national unity and establishing a cohesive administrative framework in independent India.
04	Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats. (Answer in 150 words) 10	Himalayan Region: Landslides here are caused by tectonic activity, steep slopes, fragile geology, and glacier melting, aggravated by deforestation and road construction. Western Ghats: Landslides occur due to heavy monsoon rains, lateritic soil erosion, human activities like mining, and deforestation on gentler but highly weathered slopes. Key Difference: Himalayan landslides are driven by tectonic fragility and seismic activity, while Western Ghats’ landslides are primarily rainfall-induced and linked to soil erosion.
05	Despite India being one of the countries of the Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product(GDP) in percentage. Discuss.(Answer in 150 words) 10	Limited Contribution: India’s mining industry contributes less to GDP due to outdated technology, inefficient exploration, and over-dependence on imported resources. Regulatory and Environmental Issues: Stringent policies, delays in approvals, and ecological concerns hinder sectoral growth despite rich reserves. Underutilized Potential: Poor infrastructure and inadequate investment in research and exploration prevent full exploitation of India’s Gondwanaland-derived mineral wealth.
06	what are the environmental implications of the reclamation of the water bodies into urban land use? Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10	Ecosystem Disruption: Reclamation destroys aquatic ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and disrupting natural habitats (e.g., East Kolkata Wetlands). Flooding and Waterlogging: Loss of water bodies reduces natural drainage, exacerbating urban flooding (e.g., Chennai floods, 2015). Groundwater Depletion: Reclamation limits groundwater recharge, intensifying water scarcity in cities like Bengaluru.
07	Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment. (Answer in 150 words) 10	Global Occurrences: Major volcanic eruptions in 2021 include La Soufrière (Caribbean), Mount Nyiragongo (DRC), and Cumbre Vieja (Spain). Environmental Impact: These eruptions caused ash clouds, air pollution, and climate effects like temperature changes and acid rain, impacting agriculture and ecosystems. Regional Effects: For instance, the Cumbre Vieja eruption led to lava destruction of homes and farmlands, altering landscapes and displacing populations.
08	Why is India considered as a sub-continent? Elaborate your answer. (Answer in 150 words) 10	Geographical Isolation: India is considered a sub-continent due to its distinct geographical features, separated from the rest of Asia by the Himalayas to the north and the Indian Ocean to the south. Cultural and Historical Distinction: India has a rich and diverse cultural, historical, and social identity that sets it apart from other regions, with deep-rooted traditions, languages, and religions. Economic and Political Uniqueness: India’s size, economic diversity, and political influence contribute to its recognition as a sub-continent, with a unique role in global geopolitics and regional cooperation.
09	Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge system when compared with mainstream knowledge and cultural systems. (Answer in 150 words) 10	Holistic Approach: Tribal knowledge is rooted in a deep connection with nature, focusing on sustainability and ecological balance, unlike mainstream systems often emphasizing scientific exploitation. Oral Tradition: Unlike the written tradition of mainstream knowledge, tribal knowledge is transmitted orally, preserving cultural practices, rituals, and wisdom that are adaptive and context-specific. Cultural and Spiritual Integration: Tribal systems integrate spiritual beliefs and cultural values into everyday practices, creating a unique worldview, while mainstream systems often separate the secular from the spiritual.
10	Examine the role of ‘Gig Economy’ in the process of empowerment of women in India. (Answer in 150 words) 10	Economic Independence: The Gig Economy provides flexible work opportunities, enabling women to earn income while managing household responsibilities, contributing to financial independence. Access to Diverse Jobs: It offers women a range of roles, from online freelancing to delivery services, enhancing their participation in the workforce, especially in rural and underrepresented areas. Challenges: Despite opportunities, women face challenges like job insecurity, low wages, and lack of social protection, limiting the full potential of gig work in empowering them.
11	To what extent did the role of the moderates prepare a base for the wider freedom movement? Comment. (Answer in 250 words) 15	Political Mobilization: Moderates like Naoroji and Gokhale focused on constitutional reforms and raising political awareness, laying the groundwork for national politics. Economic Critique: They highlighted the economic exploitation of India, fostering unity and awakening national consciousness. Institutional Foundation: The moderates established the Indian National Congress, providing a platform for future radical movements and wider national mobilization.
12	Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement. (Answer in 250 words) 15	Khadi and Self-reliance: Gandhi promoted khadi, local industries, and self-sufficiency, particularly during the Non-Cooperation Movement. Educational and Social Reforms: He focused on national education, untouchability removal, and communal harmony in both movements. Civil Disobedience: Through the Salt March and continued boycott of foreign goods, Gandhi strengthened the call for independence and self-reliance.
13	” There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two World Wars.” Evaluate the statement. (Answer in 250 words) 15	Rise of Totalitarianism: Fascist and communist regimes, led by figures like Hitler and Mussolini, replaced democratic systems with dictatorial control. Economic Instability: The Great Depression eroded confidence in democratic governments, leading to support for authoritarian solutions. Weak International Institutions: The League of Nations failed to prevent aggression, further challenging the effectiveness of democratic governance globally.
14	Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples. (Answer in 250 words) 15	Himalayas: They block monsoon winds, causing heavy rainfall on the southern side and a rain shadow in the north. Andes: The mountains create a rain shadow effect, with dry conditions in the Atacama Desert and heavy rainfall on the western slopes. Rockies: They influence wind patterns and create temperature variations, impacting the climate on both sides of the range.
15	How do the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain. (Answer in 250 words) 15	Arctic Ice Melting: The Arctic ice melt leads to rising sea levels, disrupts ocean currents, and accelerates global warming, affecting weather patterns globally, especially in the northern hemisphere. Antarctic Glaciers Melting: Melting of Antarctic glaciers contributes to sea level rise but has a more gradual impact on global weather systems compared to the Arctic. Human Impact: Arctic melting disrupts marine ecosystems, increases coastal flooding, and impacts shipping routes, while Antarctic melt primarily threatens coastal populations globally.
16	Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of mineral oil in the world. (Answer in 250 words) 15	Economic Disparities: Uneven distribution of mineral oil creates significant economic inequalities between oil-rich and oil-poor nations, leading to dependency and geopolitical tension. Environmental Impact: Concentrated oil production regions face environmental degradation, with issues like oil spills and air pollution, while the rest of the world struggles with sustainable energy alternatives. Geopolitical Tensions: Countries dependent on oil imports face energy security challenges, and competition for oil resources often fuels political instability and conflicts.
17	What are the main socio-economic implications arising out of the development of IT industries in major cities of India? (Answer in 250 words) 15	Economic Growth: The IT industry’s growth has spurred urbanization, created high-paying jobs, and significantly contributed to India’s GDP. Social Transformation: The sector has led to the rise of a new middle class, improved education levels, and brought a shift in lifestyle, but also increased social inequality. Urban Pressure: Rapid IT sector expansion has led to overburdened infrastructure, housing shortages, and increased pollution in cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune.
18	Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (Answer in 250 words) 15	Economic Growth: The IT industry’s growth has spurred urbanization, created high-paying jobs, and significantly contributed to India’s GDP. Social Transformation: The sector has led to the rise of a new middle class, improved education levels, and brought a shift in lifestyle, but also increased social inequality. Urban Pressure: Rapid IT sector expansion has led to overburdened infrastructure, housing shortages, and increased pollution in cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune.
19	What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect global society? Has it been affecting Indian society also?(Answer in 250 words) 15	Cryptocurrency Definition: Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security, decentralized through blockchain technology to ensure transparency and prevent fraud. Global Impact: It has disrupted global finance by enabling borderless transactions, enhancing financial inclusion, but also raising concerns about money laundering, illegal activities, and regulatory challenges. Impact on India: In India, cryptocurrencies have gained popularity, especially among youth and tech-savvy individuals, while the government debates regulation and concerns over taxation and financial stability.
20	How does Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes taking place in it.(Answer in 250 words) 15	Continuity of Social Values: Indian society maintains continuity in traditional social values through family structures, religious practices, and cultural rituals passed down through generations. Impact of Modernization: Urbanization, education, and globalization are gradually reshaping social values, leading to individualism, changes in gender roles, and a shift in traditional family systems. Emerging Changes: Despite maintaining traditional practices, there is growing acceptance of equality, modern lifestyles, and technology, resulting in a blend of old and new values.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply