(Download) UPSC Mains-2018 GSM1 Topicwise All Papers (2013-2018)

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1. Instructions for UPSC Mains-2018 GS Paper1

2. Questions (Linear Format)
3. Answer Sources for UPSC Mains GS1-2018
4. Analysis: UPSC Examiner’s Intellectual Bankruptcy continues
5. Was the GSM1 Paper lengthier than past?
6. GSM1-Topicwise Questions since Pattern change in 2013
7. [Block-1] History
History: Art & Culture
History: India before Independence
History: India After independence
History: world
8. [Block-2] Social Science
Social Science: Caste, Religion, Region, Globalization
Social Science: Poverty, Population, Globalization
https://mrunal.org/2018/09/dl-upsc-csm18-gsm1.html#451 1/28
9/20/2019
Social Science: Globalization
[Download] UPSC Mains-2018 GSM1 Topicwise All Papers (2013-2018)
Social Science: Women

9. [Block-3] Geography
Geography: Physical
Geography: Climate, Disaster related
Geography: Resources Distribution
Geography: factors a ecting industrial locations
Geography: Urbanization
Instructions for UPSC Mains-2018 GS Paper1
On 29th September, 2018, Union Public Service Commission conducted the GS Paper1 of civil services
(Mains) exam for the recruitment of IAS, IPS and other o cers.
Maximum Marks: 250 | Time Allowed : Three Hours (9AM to 12 Noon)
There are TWENTY questions printed both in HINDI and in ENGLISH.
All questions are compulsory.
Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the Admission Certi cate which must be stated
clearly on the cover of this Question-cum-Answer (QUA) Booklet in the space provided.
No marks will be given for answers written in a medium other than the authorized one.
Answers to questions no. 1 to 10 should be in 150 words, whereas answers to questions no. 11 to 20
should be in 250 words.
Keep the word limit indicated in the questions in mind.
Any page or portion of the page left be blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet mast clearly struck
o .
Questions (Linear Format)
Answer following Question no. 1 to 10 in 150 words and 10 marks each
1. Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss. भारतीय कला िवरासत का संर ण
वतमान समय की आव कता है । चचा कीिजये।
2. Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travellers in the reconstruction of the
history of India. भारत के इितहास की पुनरचना म चीनी और अरबी याि यों के वृता ों के मह का आकलन कीिजये।
3. Throw light on the signi cance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times. वतमान समय म
महा ा गाँ धी के िवचारों के मह पर काश डािलए।
4. Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation?
भारतीय ादे िशक नौप रवहन उप ह णाली (आई. आर. एन. एस. एस.) की आवश ता ों है ? यह नौप रवहन म िकस कार
सहायक है ?
5. Why is India taking keen interest in resources of Arctic Region? भारत आकिटक दे श के संसाधनों म िकस कारन
गहन िच ले रहा है ?
6. De ne mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics. ‘मेटल ूम’ को पा रभािषत कीिजये और ेट
िववतिनकी म इसकी भूिमका को कीिजये।
7. What are the consequences of spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystem? समु ी प र थितकी पर
‘मृत े ों’ (डे ड जो ) के िव ार के ा– ा प रणाम होते है ?
8. “Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be
eradicated in India.” Comment. ”जाती व था नई -नई पहचानो और सहचरी पों को धारण कर रही है । अतः भारत म
जाती व था का उ ूलन नहीं िकया जा सकता है । ” िटप ी कीिजये।
9. ‘Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in
India, poverty is still existing.’ Explain by giving reasons. ”भारत की सरकार ारा िनधनता उ ूलन के िविभ
काय मो के ि यां वयन के बावजूद , िनधनता अभी भी िव मान है ।” कारण ुत करते ऐ कीिजये।
10. How the Indian concept of secularism is di erent from the western model of secularism? Discuss.
धमिनरपे तावाद की भारतीय संक ना, धमिनरपे तावाद के पा ात मोडल से िकन िकन बातों म िभ है ? चचा कीिजये।
Answer following Question no. 11 to 20 in 250 words and 15 marks each:
11. The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya
Mahaprabhu. Discuss. ी चैत महा भु के आगमन से भ आं दोलन को एक असाधारण नै िदशा िमली थी। चचा कर।
12. Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is bene cial or not for the economy of India.
चचा करे िक ा हल के समय म नए रा ों का िनमाण, भारत की अथ व था के िलए लाभ द है या नहीं है ।
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? अं ेज िकसी कारन भारत से करारब िमक अ उपिनवेशो म ले गए थे
? ा वे वह पर अपनी सां ृ ितक पहचान को प ररि त रखने म सफल रहे है ?
14. “The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system.” How can
it be made e ective in urban areas? ”भारत म अव यी ( िड िटं ग ) भौम जल संसाधनों का आदश समाधान जल
संर ण णाली है । शहरी े ो म उसको िकस कार भावी बनाया जा सकता है ?
15. De ne blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India. ‘नीली
ां ित ‘ को प रभािषत करते ए भारत म म पालन की सम ाओ और रणनीितयों को समझाइये।
16. What is the signi cance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identify industrial corridors, explain their main
characteristics. भारत म औ ोिगक गिलयारों का ा मह है ? औ ोिगक गिलयारों को िच त करते वे उनके मुख
अिभल णो को समझाइये।
17. Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in India and explain the nature
of convergence, collaboration and competition for its success. भारत म ‘मह कां ी िजलों के कायाक ‘ के िलये
मूल रणनीितयों का उ ेख कीिजए और उसकी सफलता के िलए , अिभसरण, सहयोग व प ित धा की कृित को कीिजए।
18. ‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata.
Substantiate your view. ‘भारत म मिहलाओ के आं दोलन ने , िनम र सामािजक र की मिहलाओ के मु ो को स ोिधत
नहीं िकया है । अपने िवचार को मािणत िस कीिजए।
19. ‘Globalization is generally said to promote cultural homogenization but due to this cultural speci cities
appear to be strengthened in the Indian Society. Elucidate. ‘आम तौर पे कहा जाता है िक वैशवीकरण सां ृ ितक
समां गीकरण को बढ़ावा दे ता है , पर ु ऐसा तीत होता है की भारतीय समाज म उसके कारण सां ृ ितक िविस ताए सृदढ़ हो गई
है । ‘ कीिजये।
9/20/2019
20. 20. ‘Communalism arises either[Download] UPSC Mains-2018 GSM1 Topicwise All Papers (2013-2018)
due to power struggle or relative deprivation. Argue by giving suitable
illustrations.’ ‘सा दाियकता या तो श संघष के कारन उभर कर आती है या तो आपेि क वचन के कारण उभरती है ।
उपयु उदाहरणों को ुत करते ए तक दीिजए।
Answer Sources for UPSC Mains GS1-2018
Following table doesn’t aim to suggest in any manner that paper was easy because verbatim
answer for xyz question was given in xyz book. I only aim to demonstrate that expensive coaching
material is unnecessary.
Question Answer Source
1. Safeguarding
the Indian art
heritage is the
Essay-ish, multiple sources from NCERT, newspapers and magazines.
need of the
moment.
Discuss.
2. Assess the
importance of
the accounts of (NEW) NCERT Class12 Ch.5: Travellers perceptions of Indian society- for Arab travele
the Chinese and (http://ncert.nic.in/textbook/pdf/lehs2dd.zip) | िह ी मे भी उपल
Arab travellers (http://ncert.nic.in/textbook/pdf/lhhs2dd.zip)
in the Tamilnadu Board Class11 Textbook, mainly for Chinese travellers. Free PDF
reconstruction (http://www.textbooksonline.tn.nic.in/)
of the history of
India.
3. Throw light
on the
signi cance of
the thoughts of Essay-ish, multiple sources from books to newspapers.
Mahatma
Gandhi in the
present times.
4. Why is Indian
Regional Ch. 8 of Science and Technology by Ravi Agrahari (Mcgraw-hill) Available in English
Navigational (https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/9353160898/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&ta
Satellite System 21&creative=24630&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=9353160898&linkId=c1c8d0aeee8
(IRNSS) needed? | िहं दी म भी उपल (https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/9352607503/ref=as_li_qf_asi
How does it ie=UTF8&tag=mrunal08-
help in 21&creative=24630&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=9352607503&linkId=3478d84040e
navigation?
5. Why is India
taking keen
theHindu science-tech updates on climate studies. So, by extension it’d have been some
interest in
monthly PDF updates (http://www.visionias.in/resources/current_a airs.php?c=ca) with
resources of
Arctic Region?
6. De ne
mantle plume
and explain its Geography optional subject books.
role in plate
tectonics.
7. What are the

consequences
of spreading of Was in news because of Gulf of Oman. TheHindu-2018-May (https://www.thehindu.com
‘Dead Zones’ on school/theres-a-dead-zone-in-gulf-of-oman-and-its-growing/article23742336.ece).
marine
ecosystem?
8. “Caste system
is assuming
new identities
and
associational
forms. Hence, NCERT Sociology Class11-12, combined with newspaper columns.
caste system
cannot be
eradicated in
India.”
Comment.
9. ‘Despite
implementation
of various
programmes
for eradication
of poverty by Essay-ish, multiple sources from Economic Survey to NITI Reports and Newspaper colum
the government
in India, poverty
is still existing.’
Explain by
giving reasons.
10. How the

Indian concept
Verbatim Answer in NCERT Sociology Class12 Indian Society- page 135. “In the western co
of secularism is
these terms has to do with the separation of church and state.
di erent from
the western
The Indian meanings of secular and secularism include the western sense but also involve oth
model of
state declares public holidays to mark the festivals of all religions.”
secularism?
Discuss.
11. The Bhakti

While NIOS Culture PDF, Tamilnadu Class11 History and Art & Culture by Nitin Singhan
movement
Available in English (https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/9387067548/ref=as_li_tl?
received a
ie=UTF8&camp=3638&creative=24630&creativeASIN=9387067548&linkCode=as2&ta
remarkable re-
21&linkId=a52ecf627de5166a8837fba83c4ecca7) | िह ी मे भी उपल !
orientation with
(https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/9387067718/ref=as_li_tl?
the advent of
Sri Chaitanya
21&linkId=f0d9efe284e1af461e78820c927a795a) and has barely one paragraph worth
Mahaprabhu.
You’ve to compare and contrast it with other Saints / Philosophers to ll up 250 words.
Discuss.
12. Discuss
whether
formation of
new states in Economic Survey 2016-17 chapter.13 had talked about aid curse, resource curse, govern
recent times is states. Same covered in my lecture as well (https://www.youtube.com/watch?
bene cial or not v=OiVXAVmBKuM&list=PLAMBum9_RkuOeHdtr8dm0n7qAvPJkaXsv&index=43&t=0s).
for the
economy of
India.
13. Why
indentured
labour was
taken by the
British from
Ch.8 of International Relations by Pavneet Singh (McGraw-Hill). Available in English a
India to other
(https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/935260282X/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&t
colonies? Have
21&creative=24630&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=935260282X&linkId=254d2b9a1f0
they been able
to preserve
their cultural
identity over
there?
14. “The ideal

solution of
depleting
ground water
resources in
India is water Yojana, Newspaper columns. But di cult to articulate in real exam for 250 words.
harvesting
system.” How
can it be made
e ective in
urban areas?
15. De ne blue
revolution,
explain the
problems and
Verbatim Answer in Kurukshetra Magazine January 2017 Page 45 onwards.
strategies for
pisciculture
development in
India.
16. What is the

signi cance of
Verbatim Answer in Ch.11 Industries of Indian Geography by Majid Hussain (McGraw-H
Industrial
Corridors in
India? Identify
21&linkId=a4860b69b03c4f68ef8fcc58da975293) | िह ी मे भी उपल !
industrial
corridors,
explain their
21&linkId=6b23d8bad211e99633edd0606bb52986)
main
characteristics.
17. Mention
core strategies
for the
transformation
of aspirational
districts in India
Have to dig NITI Ayog reports (http://niti.gov.in/content/about-aspirational-districts-prog
and explain the
the ones who compiled list of ‘aspirational districts. Anyways this is more relevant to GS
nature of
convergence,
collaboration
and
competition for
its success.
18. ‘Women’s
movement in
India has not
addressed the Essay-ish question. IGNOU BA Sociology ESO-12 Ch. 30 Women’s movements in India. cl
issues of (https://mrunal.org/2013/06/download-sociology-ignou-ba-ma-no-registration-nce
women of lower last-34-years-question-papers-1979-2012.html)
social strata.
Substantiate
your view.
19.
‘Globalization is
generally said
to promote
cultural
homogenization
Essay-ish question. NCERT Sociology Class12- Social Change ch.6 combined with newspa
but due to this
Change and Development in India (http://ncert.nic.in/textbook/pdf/lesy2dd.zip) |
cultural
(http://ncert.nic.in/textbook/pdf/lhsy2dd.zip)
speci cities
appear to be
strengthened in
the Indian
Society.
Elucidate.
20.
‘Communalism
arises either
due to power
Essay-ish question. NCERT Sociology Class12- Indian Society: Ch.6 combined with newsp
struggle or
English (http://ncert.nic.in/textbook/pdf/lesy1dd.zip) | िह ी मे भी उपल
relative
(http://ncert.nic.in/textbook/pdf/lhsy1dd.zip)
deprivation.
Argue by giving
suitable
illustrations.
Analysis: UPSC Examiner’s Intellectual Bankruptcy continues

In 2013, in all its wisdom and foresight, UPSC changed syllabus of Mains GS Exam. Total 113 topics
spread across four papers. However, you can see that it was prepared in haste:
Geography, climate and disaster: half split and recurring between GSM1 and 3.
Poverty, population and welfare recurring in the syllabus of GSM1 and GSM2.
This problem, compounded with the ability to generate unique questions in each topic, had begun to
show chink in the UPSC’s armor, evident in following ways:
Asking same
GSM1-2014: Indian secularism debates are di erent from West?
question again and
GSM1-2018: How the Indian concept of secularism is di erent from West?
again
Space technology questions are part of GSM3. Yet, asking about it in GSM1
Not respecting the
syllabus boundaries
GSM1-2017: JUNO Mission
of Science – Tech.
GSM1-2018: IRNSS India’s DESHI GPS
Not respecting the Climate change induced damage is relevant to syllabus of GSM1, whereas
syllabus boundaries Climate change adaptation-mitigation are more relevant to GSM3. Yet asking
of Environment. about Rain-water harvesting in GSM1-2018.
GSM3-2014: Pink revolution

Pingponging between
GSM3-2017: All types of agriculture revolutions
GSM1 and GSM3
GSM1-2018: Blue revolution.
GSM2-2017: Evaluate how far successive governments have progressed in

Pingponging between
dealing with hunger and poverty issues.
GSM2 and GSM1
GSM1-2018: Why poverty still existing despite government schemes.
Additionally,
Nothing from Post-independent India’s history.

Only one question from freedom struggle.
Women issues, impact of Globalization – both make re-appearance after being absent in 2016 and
2017’s paper.
Anyways, not much point in analyzing paper when the examiner himself is going to digress outside the
syllabus in framing questions- जो परी क िसलेबस का ही िलहाज न करे , उसके भिव के पेपस का कोई पूवानुमान कैसे
लगा सकता है ! Still, if you have any further thoughts / analysis to share, do post it in the comment
section below!
Was the GSM1 Paper lengthier than past?
GSM1*: (3 hrs, 250 marks)

Mains Essay# (3 hrs, 250
Exam marks)
word length
2013 2500 words 5000 words: 5 markers = 100 words, 10 marks = 200 words.
2014 2400 words 3750 words: all questions worth 10 marks and 150 words each
2015 2400 words 3000 words: all questions worth 12.5 marks and 150 words each.
2016 2400 words 4000 words: all questions worth 12.5 marks and 150 words each
4000 words: 10 questions worth 150 words and 10 questions

2017 2400 words
worth 250 words.
2018 2400 words 4000 words: same as 2018.
Thus, it was no lengthier than previous year’s paper. But de nitely more vague, skewed towards social
science than ever before since 2013’s syllabus change.
GSM1-Topicwise Questions since Pattern change in 2013
In 2013, UPSC changed the syllabus-pattern of Mains examination and the number of general studies
papers were increased from two to four. Out of them, GS Paper-I deals with History, Culture, Society and
Geography. Overall breakup looks like this
Category GS Mains Paper-1 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
History Culture 20 40 25 25 10 35
History Freedom struggle 30 30 25 37.5 65 10
History World History 40 30 25 12.5 10 15
History Post independence 50 0 0 0 0 0
Society Religion, Region, empowerment 10 10 37.5 37.5 50 35
Society Poverty, Population, Development 0 10 25 12.5 0 40
Society Globalization Impact 10 0 12.5 12.5 0 15
Society Women 10 30 12.5 0 0 15
Geography Climate 10 20 37.5 12.5 60 10
Geography Disaster 10 10 0 12.5 15 0
Geography Urbanization 10 0 25 25 15 15
Geography Physical 20 20 0 0 10 20
Geography Resources 20 20 25 62.5 0 10
Geography Industrial Location 10 30 0 0 15 30
Total 250 250 250 250 250 250

[Block-1] History
History: Art & Culture
GS1 Syllabus Topic: Salient aspects of Art, Architecture, literature from Ancient to Modern Times
Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss. 2018
Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travellers in the reconstruction
2018
of the history of India.
The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya
2018
Mahaprabhu. Discuss.
How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of Gupta numismatic art is not at all
2017
noticeable in later times?
Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds
2016
Buddhist ideals. Elucidate.
Krishnadeva Raya, the King of Vijayanagar, was not only an accomplished scholar himself but
2016
was also a great patron of learning and literature. Discuss.
The ancient civilization in Indian sub-continent di ered from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia and
Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved without a breakdown to the 2015
present day. Comment.
Mesolithic rock cut architecture of India not only re ects the cultural life of the times but also a
2015
tine aesthetic sense comparable to modem painting. Critically evaluate this comment.
To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provided
2014
inputs to the present day urbanization? Discuss.
Gandhara sculpture owed as much to the Romans as to the Greeks. Explain. 2014
Taxila university was one of the oldest universities of the world with which were associated a
number of renowned learned personalities of di erent disciplines. Its strategic location caused
2014
its fame to ourish, but unlike Nalanda, it is not considered as a university in the modern sense.
Discuss.
Su s and medieval mystic saints failed to modify either the religious ideas and practices or the
2014
outward structure of Hindu / Muslim societies to any appreciable extent. Comment.
Though not very useful from the point of view of a connected political history of South India,
the Sangam literature portrays the social and economic conditions of its time with remarkable 2013
vividness. Comment.
Discuss the Tandava dance as recorded in the early Indian inscriptions. 2013
Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture.

2013
Discuss.
History: India before Independence
GS1 Syllabus Topic: Mid-18th century – Present (signi cant events, personalities, issues); Freedom
Struggle (various stages, important contributors from di erent parts of the country)
Throw light on the signi cance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times. 2018
Clarify how mid-eighteenth century India was beset with the spectre of a fragmented polity. 2017
Why did the ‘Moderates’ fail to carry conviction with the nation about their proclaimed ideology
2017
and political goals by the end of the nineteenth century?
Examine how the decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the rural
2017
economy.
The women’s questions arose in modern India as a part of the 19th century social reform
2017
movement. What were the major issues and debates concerning women in that period?
Highlight the importance of the new objectives that got added to the vision of Indian
2017
independence since twenties of the last century.
Explain how the Uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British
2016
policies towards colonial India.
Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase. 2016
Highlight the di erences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in
2016
the struggle for freedom.
How di erent would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma
2015
Gandhi? Discuss.
It would have been di cult for the Constituent Assembly to complete its historic task of
drafting the Constitution for Independent India in just three years but for the experience gained 2015
with the Government of India Act, 1935. Discuss.
The third battle of Panipat was fought in 1761. Why were so many empire-shaking battles
2014
fought at Panipat?
Examine critically the various facets of economic policies of the British in India from mid-
2014
eighteenth century till independence.
In what ways did the naval mutiny prove to be the last nail in the co n of British colonial
2014
aspirations in India?
Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torch bearer
2013
during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss.
Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyze
2013
their role in the Indian struggle for freedom.
In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India. Elaborate. 2013
History: India After independence
GS1 Syllabus Topic: Post-Independence (consolidation and reorganisation within country)
Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan movements initiated by Acharya
2013
Vinoba Bhave and their success.
Write a critical note on the evolution and signi cance of the slogan “Jai Jawana Jai Kisan”. 2013
Discuss the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to pre-and post-independent India. 2013
Analyze the circumstances that led to Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the
2013
agreement.
Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive roles in the
2013
emergence of Bangladesh.
History: world
GS1 Syllabus Topic: 18th century events (e.g. Industrial revolution, WWs, redrawn boundaries,
colonisation, decolonisation); Political philosophies (e.g. communism, capitalism, socialism) and their
e ect on society
Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to other colonies? Have they been
2018
able to preserve their cultural identity over there?
What problems were germane to the decolonization process of Malay Peninsula. 2017
The anti-colonial struggles in West Africa were led by the new elite of Western-educated
2016
Africans. Examine.
Why did the industrial revolution rst occur in England? Discuss the quality of life of the people
2015
there during the industrialization. How does it compare with that in India at present?
To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars? Discuss
2015
critically
What were the major political, economic and social developments in the world which motivated
2014
the anti-colonial struggle in India?
What were the events that led to the Suez Crisis in 1956? How did it deal a nal blow to Britain’s
2014
self-image as a world power?
The New Economic Policy – 1921 of Lenin had in uenced the policies adopted by India soon
2014
after independence. Evaluate.
“Latecomer” Industrial revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were markedly di erent
2013
from what west had experience.
Africa was chopped into states arti cially created by accident of European competition. Analyse. 2013
American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism. Substantiate. 2013
What policy instruments were deployed to contain the great economic depression? 2013
[Block-2] Social Science
Social Science: Caste, Religion, Region, Globalization
GS1 Syllabus Topic:
Communalism, Regionalism, Secularism; Social Empowerment

Salient features of Indian Society; Diversity of India;
“Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot
2018
be eradicated in India.” Comment.
How the Indian concept of secularism is di erent from the western model of secularism?
2018
Discuss.
‘Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation. Argue by giving
2018
suitable illustrations.
The spirit tolerance and love is not only an interesting feature of Indian society from very early
2017
times, but it is also playing an important part at the present. Elaborate.
Distinguish between religiousness/religiosity and communalism giving one example of how the
2017
former has got transformed into the latter in independent India.
In the context of diversity of India, can it be said that the regions form cultural units rather than
2017
the States? Give reasons with examples for your viewpoint.
What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence, addressing
2017
discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)?
Has the formation of linguistic States strengthened the cause of Indian Unity? 2016
Why are the tribals in India referred to as the Scheduled Tribes? Indicate the major provisions
2016
enshrined in the Constitution of India for their upliftment.
What is the basis of regionalism? Is it that unequal distribution of bene ts of development on

2016
regional basis eventually promotes regionalism? Substantiate your answer.
Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies,
2015
had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate.
Describe any four cultural elements of diversity in India and rate their relative signi cance in
2015
building a national identity.
Debate the issue of whether and how contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit identity
2015
work towards annihilation of caste.
How do the Indian debates on secularism di er from the debates in the West? 2014
Growing feeling of regionalism is an important factor in the generation of demand for a

2013
separate state. Discuss.
Social Science: Poverty, Population, Globalization
GS1 Syllabus Topic: Poverty, Population; Development and associated issues
‘Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government

2018
in India, poverty is still existing.’ Explain by giving reasons.
Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is bene cial or not for the economy of
2018
India.
Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in India and explain the
2018
nature of convergence, collaboration and competition for its success.
“An essential condition to eradicate poverty is to liberate the poor from deprivation.”
2016
Substantiate this statement with suitable examples
Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the main
2015
cause of population increase in India.
Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four
2015
decades.
The life cycle of a joint family depends on economic factors rather than social values. Discuss. 2014
Social Science: Globalization
GS1 Syllabus Topic: Globalisation (e ects on Indian society)
‘Globalization is generally said to promote cultural homogenization but due to this cultural
2018
speci cities appear to be strengthened in the Indian Society. Elucidate.
Discuss the positive and negative e ects of globalization on women in India. (2013, Asked about
2015
Globalization e ect on Elderly)
To what extent globalization has in uenced the core of cultural diversity in India? Explain. 2016
Critically examine the e ects of globalization on the aged population in India. 2013
Social Science: Women
GS1 Syllabus Topic: Role of women and women’s organisation;

Although some of the following questions fall under populationglobalization categories, but if a person
cultivates habit of noting down women related topics under one head, it’ll bene t in both GS1, GS2
and Essay.
‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata.
2018
Substantiate your view.
How do you explain the statistics that show that the sex ratio in Tribes in India is more
2015
favourable to women than the sex ratio among Scheduled Castes?
How does patriarchy impact the position of a middle class working woman in India? 2014
Discuss the various economic and socio-cultural forces that are driving increasing feminization
2014
of agriculture in India.
Why do some of the most prosperous regions of India have an adverse sex ratio for women?
2014
Give your arguments.
Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women’s organization free from
2013
gender bias. Comment.
[Block-3] Geography
Geography: Physical
GS1 Syllabus Topic: Salient Features of World Physical Geography; Important Geophysical phenomena
(earthquakes, tsunami, volcanoes, cyclones); Geographical features and location;
Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in
2018
navigation?
De ne mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics. 2018
How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of the Earth? 2017
“The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides.” Discuss the causes and suggest suitable
2016
measures of mitigation.
Explain the formation of thousands of islands in Indonesian and Philippines archipelagos. 2014
Why are the world’s fold mountain systems located along the margins of continents? Bring out
the association between the global distribution of Fold Mountains and the earthquakes and 2014
volcanoes.
What do you understand by the theory of continental drift? Discuss the prominent evidences in
2013
its support.
There is no formation of deltas by rivers of the Western Ghat. Why? 2013
Major hot deserts in northern hemisphere are located between 20-30 degree north and on the
2013
western side of the continents. Why?
Bring out the causes for more frequent landslides in the Himalayas than in Western Ghats 2013
Geography: Climate, Disaster related
GS1 Syllabus Topic: Critical geographical features, ora, fauna (changes and e ects thereof)
What are the consequences of spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystem? 2018
In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development.”
2017
Discuss.
Mention the advantages of the cultivation of pulse because of which the year 2016 was
2017
declared as the International Year of Pulses by the United Nations.
How does the cryosphere a ect global climate? 2017
Account for variations in oceanic salinity and discuss its multi-dimensional e ects. 2017
In what way can ood be converted into a sustainable source of irrigation and all-weather
2017
inland navigation in India?
What characteristics can be assigned to monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding more than
2017
50 percent of the won population residing in Monsoon Asia?
Discuss the concept of air mass and explain its role in macro-climatic changes. 2016
Explain the factors responsible for the origin of ocean currents. How do they in uence regional
2015
climates, shing and navigation?
How far do you agree that the behavior of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to
2015
humanizing landscapes? Discuss.
Tropical cyclones are largely con ned to South China Sea, Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Mexico.
2014
Why?
Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El-Nino e ect. Do
2014
you agree?
Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of
2014
climate change in the Indian sub-continent.
The recent cyclone on the east coast of India was called “Phailin”. How are the tropical cyclones
2013
named across the world?
Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world. 2013
What do you understand by the phenomenon of temperature inversion in meteorology? How

2013
does it a ect the weather and the habitants of the place?
Geography: Resources Distribution
GS1 Syllabus Topic: Distribution of key Natural Resources (world, S. Asia, Indian subcontinent)
Why is India taking keen interest in resources of Arctic Region? 2018
The e ective management of land and water resources will drastically reduce the human
2016
miseries. Explain
South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical signi cance in the present context. Comment. 2016
Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political
2016
implications in the context of changing bilateral relations.
Enumerate the problems and prospects of inland water transport in India. 2016
In what way micro-watershed Development projects help in water conservation in drought

2016
prone and semi-arid regions of India.
What are the economic signi cances of discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible
2015
environmental consequences?
India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still su ers from
2015
water scarcity.
The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand reaching the limits of
2015
their ecological carrying capacity due to tourism. Critically evaluate.
Critically evaluate the various resources of the oceans which can be harnessed to meet the
2014
resource crisis in the world.
How does India see its place in the economic space of rising natural resource rich Africa? 2014
With growing scarcity of fossil fuels, the atomic energy is gaining more and more signi cance in
India. Discuss the availability of raw material required for the generation of atomic energy in 2013
India and in the world.
It is said the India has substantial reserves of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of
country for quarter century. However, tapping of the resources doesn’t appear to be high on 2013
the agenda. Discuss critically the availability and issues involved.
Geography: factors affecting industrial locations
GS1 Syllabus Topic: Factors responsible for location of Industries (primary, secondary, tertiary; India,
world)
De ne blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in
2018
India.
What is the signi cance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identify industrial corridors, explain
2018
their main characteristics.
Petroleum re neries are not necessarily located nearer to crude oil producing areas,
2017
particularly in many of the developing countries. Explain its implications.
Whereas the British planters had developed tea gardens all along the Shivaliks and Lesser
Himalayas from Assam to Himachal Pradesh, in e ect they did not succeed beyond the 2014
Darjeeling area. Explain.
Account for the change in the spatial pattern of the Iron and Steel industry in the world. 2014
Why did the Green Revolution in India virtually by-pass the eastern region despite fertile soil
2014
and good availability of water?
Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in the Southern states of
2013
India? Discuss with justi cation
Analyze the factors for highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India 2013
Geography: Urbanization
GS1 Syllabus Topic: Urbanization: problems and remedies
“The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system.”
2018
How can it be made e ective in urban areas?
The growth of cities as I.T. hubs has opened up new avenues employment but has also created
2017
new problems. Substantiate this statement with examples. Urbanization
With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of
2016
the ‘Smart City Programme’.
Major cities of India are becoming more vulnerable to ood conditions. Discuss. 2016
Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three mega cities of the country but the air pollution is
2015
much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so?
Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart villages. Discuss this statement in the
2015
backdrop of rural urban integration.
Discussion the various social problems which originated out of the speedy process of
2013
urbanization in India.
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68 Comments on “[Download] UPSC Mains-2018 GSM1 Topicwise All

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[Download] UPSC Mains-2018 GSM1 Topicwise All Papers (2013-2018). GS1-2018

1. Instructions for UPSC Mains-2018 GS Paper1

Social Science: Women

Instructions for UPSC Mains-2018 GS Paper1

Questions (Linear Format)

Answer following Question no. 1 to 10 in 150 words and 10 marks each

Answer following Question no. 11 to 20 in 250 words and 15 marks each:

Answer Sources for UPSC Mains GS1-2018

Question Answer Source

7. What are the

10. How the

11. The Bhakti

14. “The ideal

16. What is the

Analysis: UPSC Examiner’s Intellectual Bankruptcy continues

GSM3-2014: Pink revolution

GSM2-2017: Evaluate how far successive governments have progressed in

Nothing from Post-independent India’s history.

Was the GSM1 Paper lengthier than past?

GSM1*: (3 hrs, 250 marks)

4000 words: 10 questions worth 150 words and 10 questions

2018 2400 words 4000 words: same as 2018.

GSM1-Topicwise Questions since Pattern change in 2013

Category GS Mains Paper-1 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

History Freedom struggle 30 30 25 37.5 65 10

History World History 40 30 25 12.5 10 15

History Post independence 50 0 0 0 0 0

Society Religion, Region, empowerment 10 10 37.5 37.5 50 35

Society Poverty, Population, Development 0 10 25 12.5 0 40

Society Globalization Impact 10 0 12.5 12.5 0 15

Society Women 10 30 12.5 0 0 15

Geography Climate 10 20 37.5 12.5 60 10

Geography Disaster 10 10 0 12.5 15 0

Geography Resources 20 20 25 62.5 0 10

Geography Industrial Location 10 30 0 0 15 30

Total 250 250 250 250 250 250

History: Art & Culture

Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture.

History: India before Independence

History: India After independence

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Post-Independence (consolidation and reorganisation within country)

American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism. Substantiate. 2013

[Block-2] Social Science

Social Science: Caste, Religion, Region, Globalization

GS1 Syllabus Topic:

Communalism, Regionalism, Secularism; Social Empowerment

What is the basis of regionalism? Is it that unequal distribution of bene ts of development on

Growing feeling of regionalism is an important factor in the generation of demand for a

Social Science: Poverty, Population, Globalization

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Poverty, Population; Development and associated issues

‘Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government

Social Science: Globalization

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Globalisation (e ects on Indian society)

Social Science: Women

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Role of women and women’s organisation;

De ne mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics. 2018

There is no formation of deltas by rivers of the Western Ghat. Why? 2013

Geography: Climate, Disaster related

How does the cryosphere a ect global climate? 2017

What do you understand by the phenomenon of temperature inversion in meteorology? How

Geography: Resources Distribution