UPSC Mains-2022 – General Studies 1 Trend Analysis

UPSC Mains-2022 – General Studies 1 Trend Analysis

No.	Question	Why UPSC Asked this question?
01	How will you explain the medieval Indian temple sculptures represent the social life of those days? (Answer in 150 words) 10	Depiction of Social Life: Medieval Indian temple sculptures vividly showcased daily life, festivals, occupations, and gender roles, reflecting the societal structure and cultural practices of the time. Religious and Secular Themes: While primarily religious, sculptures included secular elements like musicians, dancers, market scenes, and court life, highlighting the importance of art, education, and leisure in society. Symbol of Inclusivity: Temples acted as cultural hubs, and their art represented diverse communities, emphasizing the coexistence of spiritual and material worlds in medieval Indian society.
02	Why did the armies of the British East India Company – mostly comprising of Indian soldiers – win consistently against the more numerous and better equipped armies of the Indian rulers? Give reasons. (Answer in 150 words) 10	Superior Organization and Discipline: The British East India Company maintained a professional and well-trained army, unlike the fragmented and poorly coordinated forces of Indian rulers. Advanced Military Technology: The Company used modern weaponry, artillery, and efficient logistics, while Indian armies relied on outdated equipment and traditional warfare methods. Exploitation of Internal Divisions: The British leveraged political alliances, internal rivalries, and betrayals among Indian rulers to weaken opposition and secure victories despite numerical disadvantages.
03	Why was there a sudden spurt in famines in colonial India since the mid-eighteenth century? Give reasons. (Answer in 150 words) 10	Exploitative Revenue Policies: The British introduced high land revenue demands (like Permanent Settlement), leaving farmers unable to cope during droughts or crop failures. Focus on Cash Crops: Colonial policies promoted cash crop cultivation over food grains, reducing food availability and increasing vulnerability to famines. Neglect of Relief Measures: The British prioritized revenue extraction over famine relief, and their lack of effective infrastructure and policies worsened the impact of food shortages.
04	Describe the characteristics and types of primary rocks. (Answer in 150 words) 10	Formation and Characteristics: Primary rocks, or igneous rocks, form from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava, are crystalline, and are classified as intrusive (formed beneath the surface) or extrusive (formed on the surface). Types of Igneous Rocks: Common types include granite (intrusive, coarse-grained) and basalt (extrusive, fine-grained). Their mineral composition and texture vary based on cooling rates and silica content. Significance: These rocks are the foundation of Earth’s crust, form other rock types through processes like weathering and metamorphism, and contain important minerals like feldspar and quartz.
05	Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological department. (Answer in 150 words) 10	Purpose of Warnings: The India Meteorological Department issues color-coded weather warnings (Green, Yellow, Orange, Red) to indicate cyclone severity and guide preparedness measures. Codes and Significance: Green means no warning, Yellow advises awareness, Orange alerts for potential damage, and Red indicates extreme danger requiring urgent action. Impact: These warnings help in disaster management, minimizing loss of life and property by guiding evacuations and mitigation efforts in cyclone-prone areas.
06	Discuss the natural resource potentials of ‘Deccan trap’. (Answer in 150 words) 10	Soil Fertility: The Deccan Traps’ weathered basalt forms black cotton soil (regur), ideal for cultivating crops like cotton, sugarcane, and pulses. Mineral Wealth: It contains rich reserves of iron ore, bauxite, and manganese, along with construction materials like basalt and dolerite. Water and Geothermal Resources: The lava plateau has good groundwater potential, and its geothermal properties offer renewable energy prospects.
07	Examine the potential of wind energy in India and explain the reasons for their limited spatial spread. (Answer in 150 words) 10	Wind Energy Potential: India has a wind energy potential of 302 GW at 100m height, with major contributions from states like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. Reasons for Limited Spread: Spatial limitations arise due to uneven wind speed distribution, lack of infrastructure, high initial costs, and ecological concerns in some regions. Way Forward: Policy support, better technology, and enhanced grid connectivity can optimize wind energy utilization across more regions.
08	Explore and evaluate the impact of ‘Work From Home’ on family relationships. (Answer in 150 words) 10	Positive Impacts: Work From Home (WFH) has improved family bonding by increasing time spent with loved ones and enhancing work-life balance for some. Challenges: It has also led to stress, blurred personal-professional boundaries, and conflicts due to space-sharing and unequal distribution of domestic responsibilities. Overall Impact: The effect of WFH on family relationships depends on factors like work demands, home environment, and mutual adaptability within the family.
09	How is the growth of Tier 2 cities related to the rise of a new middle class with an emphasis on the culture of consumption? (Answer in 150 words) 10	Economic Growth and Opportunities: The expansion of industries, IT hubs, and startups in Tier 2 cities has driven job creation, leading to a rise in income levels and the emergence of a new middle class. Culture of Consumption: Increased purchasing power and urbanization have fostered a shift towards consumerism, with rising demand for branded goods, malls, and leisure activities. Socio-Cultural Changes: This middle class is blending traditional values with modern lifestyles, driving changes in housing, education, and technology adoption in Tier 2 cities.
10	Given the diversities among the tribal communities in India, in which specific contexts should they be considered as a single category? (Answer in 150 words) 10	Common Constitutional Safeguards: Tribal communities are considered a single category for affirmative action, such as Scheduled Tribe status, ensuring reservations and rights under the Constitution. Shared Challenges: They face similar issues like economic marginalization, displacement, and lack of access to education and healthcare, requiring unified policy interventions. Cultural Protection: Collective recognition helps preserve indigenous traditions, languages, and rights over natural resources against external exploitation.
11	The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words) 15	Early Reorganizations: From the mid-19th century, British India was reorganized to strengthen administrative control, like the creation of Bombay, Madras, and Bengal Presidencies and later, the formation of separate provinces. Post-Independence Reorganization: After 1947, India underwent significant reorganizations, such as the States Reorganization Act (1956), which redrew boundaries based on language, creating states like Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Recent Developments: The creation of Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand in 2000s further reflects the ongoing process, driven by demands for administrative efficiency, ethnic identity, and regional aspirations.
12	Discuss the main contributions of Gupta period and Chola period to Indian heritage and culture . (Answer in 250 words) 15	Gupta Period: Known as the Golden Age of India, it contributed to advancements in science, mathematics, and art, with innovations like zero, Ayurveda, and classical temple architecture. Chola Period: The Chola dynasty was renowned for its maritime expansion, cultural integration, and development of Dravidian architecture, particularly the grand temples of Tanjore and Chidambaram. Cultural Synthesis: Both periods played key roles in the growth of literature, painting, and religious development, influencing not only India but also Southeast Asia through cultural and trade exchanges.
13	Discuss the significance of the lion and bull figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture. (Answer in 250 words) 15	Symbolism of the Lion: In Indian mythology, the lion represents strength, royalty, and power. It is often associated with Vishnu’s Narasimha avatar and symbolizes the divine protector of dharma. Role in Art and Architecture: The lion motif appears prominently in temples, sculptures, and the Ashoka Pillars, symbolizing the majesty and authority of rulers and the protection of spiritual and political order. Bull in Mythology and Art: The bull, associated with Shiva as Nandi, symbolizes fertility, strength, and vigilance. It is also a common motif in sculptural representations and religious iconography, representing the earth and cosmic balance.
14	What are the forces that influence ocean currents? Describe their role in fishing industry of the world. (Answer in 250 words) 15	Forces Influencing Ocean Currents: Ocean currents are primarily driven by wind patterns, Earth’s rotation (Coriolis effect), temperature differences, and salinity variations. Tidal forces and underwater topography also play a role. Impact on Marine Life: These currents distribute nutrients and regulate the temperature of ocean waters, creating productive zones where marine life thrives, supporting the fishing industry by attracting fish to certain areas. Fishing Industry: Coastal regions influenced by cold currents (like the Benguela Current) and nutrient-rich upwellings tend to have high fish production, supporting major fishing nations like Norway, Japan, and Chile by providing abundant fish stocks.
15	Describing the distribution of rubber producing countries, indicate the major environmental issues faced by them. (Answer in 250 words) 15	Distribution of Rubber Producing Countries: Rubber is mainly produced in tropical regions, with top producers including Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and India. Africa and parts of Latin America also contribute significantly. Environmental Issues: Rubber plantations lead to deforestation, particularly in Southeast Asia, causing loss of biodiversity and disruption of ecosystems. Additionally, the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides impacts soil and water quality. Sustainability Concerns: Rubber production faces challenges like land degradation, water scarcity, and climate change. Sustainable practices such as certified sustainable rubber and eco-friendly farming techniques are essential to mitigate these environmental impacts.
16	Mention the significance of straits and isthmus in international trade. (Answer in 250 words) 15	Strategic Location: Straits and isthmuses, such as the Strait of Malacca and the Panama Isthmus, serve as key maritime chokepoints, facilitating efficient global trade by providing short routes for shipping between major oceans. Economic Importance: These narrow passages reduce shipping distances and transportation costs, making them vital for the flow of goods, especially oil, natural gas, and manufactured goods, supporting global economies. Geopolitical Impact: Control over such passages can influence global trade routes and impact international relations. For example, the Suez Canal and Bosporus Strait have strategic importance, often influencing trade policies and security dynamics globally.
17	Troposphere is a very significant atmospheric layer that determines weather processes. How? (Answer in 250 words) 15	Weather Formation: The troposphere is the lowest atmospheric layer, extending from Earth’s surface to about 8-15 km. It contains most of the water vapour and clouds, making it the primary region for weather phenomena. Temperature and Pressure: Temperature decreases with altitude in the troposphere, influencing air pressure and the movement of winds, which directly affect weather patterns, such as rainfall, storms, and winds. Convection and Cloud Formation: The troposphere supports convection currents, where warm air rises and cool air descends, creating clouds and precipitation. This layer is crucial for the development of cyclones, monsoons, and weather fronts.
18	Analyze the salience of ‘sect’ in Indian society vis-a-vis caste, region and religion. (Answer in 250 words) 15	Sectarian Identity: In Indian society, sects represent smaller religious or philosophical subgroups within larger religions, often defined by distinct beliefs or practices, such as Shaivism or Vaishnavism in Hinduism, impacting social dynamics. Caste and Sect: Sects often overlap with the caste system, where certain castes follow particular sects, influencing social hierarchies and roles, such as Brahmins adhering to specific sects or regional practices. Regional and Religious Influence: Sects play a significant role in regional identity, as seen in states like Punjab or Tamil Nadu, where sectarian divisions within Sikhism or Hinduism shape cultural, social, and political spheres, further complicating religious unity
19	Are tolerance, assimilation and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of secularism? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words) 15	Tolerance: Indian secularism is based on the principle of tolerance, which allows for the peaceful coexistence of multiple religions and communities, without favoring any one group. Assimilation: It emphasizes the assimilation of diverse religious, cultural, and linguistic communities into a unified national identity, while respecting their distinct identities. Pluralism: Indian secularism is inherently pluralistic, acknowledging the diversity of beliefs and practices and ensuring equal treatment for all religions, as reflected in policies like religious freedom and protection of minority rights
20	Elucidate the relationship between globalization and new technology in a world of scarce resources, with special reference to India. (Answer in 250 words) 15	Globalization and Technology: Globalization facilitates the spread of new technologies, enhancing access to resources and improving productivity, thereby addressing global challenges despite resource scarcity. Impact on India: In India, globalization has led to increased access to cutting-edge technologies, enabling sectors like IT, manufacturing, and agriculture to modernize and grow with efficient use of limited resources. Resource Management: Technology plays a key role in sustainable resource management, with innovations like precision farming, renewable energy, and efficient supply chains helping India manage its scarce resources more effectively.

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