Sources of IAS Mains GS (Paper - I) - 2015

Ques 1: The ancient civilization in Indian sub-continent differed from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved without a breakdown to the present day. Comment.

• Source: Conventional

Ques 2: Mesolithic rock cut architecture of India not only reflects the cultural life of the times but also a fine aesthetic sense comparable to modem painting. Critically evaluate this comment.

• Source 1: The Hindu

Ques 3: How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss.

• Source 1: Indian Express
• Source 2: The Hindu
• Source 3: Indian Express

Ques 4: Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate.

• Source 1: Indian Express
• Source 2: Front Line

Ques 5: It would have been difficult 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 with the Government of India Act, 1935. Discuss.

• Source 1: Indian Express

Ques 6: Why did the industrial revolution first occur in England? Discuss the quality of life of the people there during the industrialization. How does it compare with that in India at present?

• Source: Conventional

Ques. 7: To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars? Discuss critically

• Source 1: The Hindu
• Source 2: The Hindu

Ques 8: Describe any four cultural elements of diversity in India and rate their relative significance in building a national identity.

• Source 1: MYGOV
• Source 2: Indian Express
• Source 3: IGNCA

Ques 9: Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the main cause of population increase in India.

• Source 1: The Hindu
• Source 2: The Hindu
• Source 3: Indian Express

Ques 10: How do you explain the statistics that show that the sex ratio in Tribes in India is more favourable to women than the sex ratio among Scheduled Castes?

• Source 1: The Hindu
• Source 2: Business Standard

Ques 11: Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades.

• Source 1: Indian Express
• Source 2: The Hindu
• Source 3: Indian Express

Ques 12: Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization on women in India.

• Source: Conventional

Ques 13: Debate the issue of whether and how contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit identity work towards annihilation of caste.

• Source 1: Indian Express
• Source 2: Business Standard

Ques 14: Explain the factors responsible for the origin of ocean currents. How do they influence regional climates, fishing and navigation?

• Source: Conventional

Ques 15: Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so?

• Source 1: First Post
• Source 2: Business Standard
• Source 3: The Guardian

Ques 16: India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still suffers from water scarcity.

• Source 1: Indian Express
• Source 2: The Hindu

Ques 17: The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are reaching the limits of their ecological carrying capacity due to tourism. Critically evaluate.

• Source 1: Indian Express
• Source 2: Indian Express
• Source 3: The Financial Express

Ques 18: How far do you agree that the behavior of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to humanizing landscapes? Discuss.

• Source 1: The Hindu
• Source 2: The Hindu
• Source 3: The Hindu
• Source 4: Indian Express

Ques 19: Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart villages. Discuss this statement in the backdrop of rural urban integration.

• Source 1: Times of India
• Source 2: Indian Express

Ques 20: What are the economic significances of discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible environmental consequences?

• Source 1: The Hindu
• Source 2: The Hindu
• Source 3: Economic Times
• Source 4: Economic Times

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