IAS General Studies Mains Paper - I : Question Analysis 2013

UPSC General Studies mains exam new pattern since year 2013 has turned into a deep sense of unpredictability which is shown in ever decreasing marks in mains exam.

But if read this in-depth analysis of GS- Mains paper I which is result of our untiring efforts definitely it will actualize and enhance your preparation standards and ensure confidence building.

UPSC is now concentrating more on concepts related to, day to day developments and of contemporary relevance.

PERCENTAGE-WISE DISTRIBUTION OF CONTEMPORARY ISSUES : IAS MAINS General Studies , 2013

NOTE : Questions of General Studies Mains (Paper-IV) 2013 were based upon conventional knowledge of various aspects of ethics and morality and ethical decision making and its relevance in contemporary times.

General Studies Mains 2013 : (Paper I) Analysis

1. 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 vividness. Comment. (200 words)    

• (Source: The Hindu) :  Cities - Tiruchirapalli : ‘Hindi translation of Sangam Literature released’

2. (a) Discuss the 'Tandava' dance as recorded in early Indian inscriptions. (100 words)

• (Source: The Hindu) : Friday Review - ‘ Dance with the Gods’

(b) Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss. (100 words)

• (Source: The Hindu) : Friday Review - ‘ Stunning Cholas’

3. Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torch- bearer during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss (200 words)

• (Source: The Hindu) : Unsung heroines of Independence

4. Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyze their role in the Indian struggle for freedom. (200 words)

• (Source: The Hindu) : A foreigner and a freedom fighter

5.  "In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India." Elaborate. (200 words)

• (Source: Indian Express) : No more stops
• (Source: Indian Express) : Empire of wires

6. Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan Movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and their success. (200 words)

• (Source: The Hindu) : ‘Vinoba Bhave legacy under threat’

7. Write a critical note on the evolution and significance of the slogan, 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisan'. (200 words)

• (Conventional topic- Post-Independent Modern India)

8. Discuss the contributions of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to pre- and post- independent India (200 words)

• (Source: The Hindu) : ‘The Great Akbar’ of Independence struggle

9. Analyze the circumstances that led to the Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the Agreement. (200 words)

• (Source: Indian Express): Triumph and tragedy at Tashkent

10. Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive role in the emergence of Bangladesh. (200 words)

• (Source: The Hindu) : India's secret war in Bangladesh

• (Source: The Hindu): Bangladesh salutes Indira Gandhi

11. "'Latecomer' Industrial Revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were markedly different from what West had experienced." Analyze. (200 words)

• (Conventional topic- World History- Industrial Revolution)

12. ‘’Africa was chopped into States artificially created by accidents of European competition." Analyze. (200 words)

• (Conventional topic- World History- Colonialism)

13. ‘’American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism." Substantiate. (200 words)

• (Conventional topic- World History-American Revolution)

14. What policy instruments were deployed to contain the Great Economic Depression? (200 words)

• (Conventional topic- World History- Great Economic Depression)

15. Discuss the various social problems which originated out of the speedy process of urbanization in India. (200 words)

• (Source: The Hindu): ‘Holistic approach needed to solve problems of rapid urbanisation’

• (Source: The Hindu) : Rapid urbanisation hits rivers

16. 'Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women's organization free from gender bias. "Comment. (200 words)

• (Source: Indian Express): Ministry begins work to make laws gender-neutral

17. Critically examine the effect of globalization on the aged population in India. (200 words)

• (Source: Yojana Magazine) : Problems of Aged in Changing Indian Scenario

18. Growing feeling of regionalism is an important factor in generation of demand for a separate State. Discuss. (200 words)

• (Source: The Hindu Centre for Politics and Public Policy): The Rise of Telangana

19. (a) What do you understand by the theory of 'continental drift'? Discuss the prominent evidences in its support. (100 words)

• (Conventional topic- Geography -Physical Geography)

(b) The recent cyclone on east coast of India was called 'Phailin'. How are the tropical cyclones named across the world? Elaborate. (100 words)

• (Source: The Hindu): Cyclone Phailin crossing Odisha coast near Gopalpur

• (Source: The Hindu): Phailin leaves a trail of destruction

20. (a) Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world. (100 words)

• (Source: The Hindu Business Line) : Delhi-NCR becoming ‘island of heat’: Study

(b) What do you understand by the phenomenon of 'temperature inversion' in meteorology? How does it affect weather and the habitants of the place? (100 words)

• (Conventional topic- Physical Geography-Atmosphere)

21. Major hot deserts in northern hemisphere are located between 20-30 deg N latitudes and on the western side of the continents. Why? (200 words)

• (Conventional topic- Physical Geography)

22. (a) Bring out the causes for more frequent occurrence of landslides in the Himalayas than in the Western Ghats. (100 words)

• (Conventional topic- Physical Geography)

(b) There is no formation of deltas by rivers of the Western Ghats. Why? (100 words)

• (Conventional topic- Physical Geography)

23. (a) Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in southern States of India? Discuss with justification. (100 words)

• (Source: The Hindu ) : Rangarajan panel for total decontrol of sugar industry

• (Source: The Hindu Business Line): Sugar sector decontrol: Industry welcomes Rangarajan panel report

(b) Analyze the factors for the highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India.

• (Source: The Hindu) : Doomed by definition

24. With growing scarcity of fossil fuels, the atomic energy is gaining more and more significance in India. Discuss the availability of raw material required for "the generation of atomic energy in India and in the world. (200 words)

• (Source: The Hindu): Ensuring power for all

25. It is said that India has substantial reserves of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of the country for quarter century. However, tapping of the resource does not appear to be high on the agenda. Discuss critically the availability and issues involved. (200 words)

• (Source: The Hindu) : Shale gas policy -- a game changer or spoiler?

• (Source: The Hindu) : India needs strong infrastructure to boost shale gas industry: Report

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