UPSC IAS General Studies Paper I: 2020
Q1. The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks
Q2. Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks
Q3. Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movements. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks
Q4. Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum- Pacific Zone. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks
Q5. The process of desertification does not have climate boundaries. Justify with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks
Q6. How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far- reaching impact on the water resources of India? (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks
Q7. Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks
Q8. Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi- cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks
Q9. COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks
Q10. Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks
Q11. Indian Philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks
Q12. Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment. (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks
Q.13 Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks
Q14. The interlinking of revivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine. (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks
Q15. Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures. (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks
Q16. India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its developments. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks
Q17. Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks
Q18. Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalisation? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks
Q19. Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks
Q20. How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer. (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks
