(GIST OF YOJANA) Role of Media

(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) Biology & Evolution

(GIST OF KURUKSHETRA) PM KUSUM — Agri-startups and Enterprises

(GIST OF YOJANA) Infrastructure: History & Challenges

(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) Advances in Materials Science

(GIST OF KURUKSHETRA) PM KUSUM — Growing Power m Farmers Fields

(GIST OF YOJANA) Swadeshi Entrepreneurship

(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) Exploring the Universe

(GIST OF KURUKSHETRA) Agriculture Sector Contributing in Rural Development

(GIST OF YOJANA) India as a Space Power

(Download) CS (MAIN) EXAM : 2021 ANTHROPOLOGY (Paper-2)

• Exam Name: CS (MAIN) EXAM:2021 ANTHROPOL0GY (Paper II)

• Marks: 250

• Time Allowed : Three Hours

SECTION-A

Q1. Write short notes on the following in about 150 words each : 10x5=50 

(a) Purushartha and righteous living today 
(b) Relevance of tribe-caste continuum 
(c) Harappan seals 
(d) Caste and social capital 
(e) Factionalism and politics in rural India 

Q2.(a) Critically discuss the origin of Indus Valley Civilization. Mention the evidences of its endogenous origin from the pre-Harappan sites. 

(b) Give the distribution and characteristic features of Upper Paleolithic culture in India. 
(c) Discuss the morphological features and phylogenetic Position of Ramapithecus. 

Q3.(a) Explain the impact of the concept of nature-man-spirit complex on sustainable use of natural resources with suitable examples. 

(b) Examine the contributions of S. C. Roy in highlighting the role of customary laws in tribal life. 
(c) Critically assess the impact of Christianity on tribal culture and identity. 

Q4.(a) Discuss the contributions of N. K. Bose in understanding tribal commune and their place in Indian civilization. 

(b) Discuss the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions in transforming traditional power hierarchy in rural India. 
(c) Elucidate the problems and challenges in educational attainment of the Scheduled Tribes. 

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Section-B

Q5. Write short notes on the following in about 150 words each : 10x5=50 

(a) Urbanization and tribal institutions 
(b) Ethnic media and social awareness 
(c) Cultural diversity and multiculturalism 
(d) Concept of tribe and Indian census 
(e) Politics of recognition and deprivation 

Q6.(a) Discuss the impact of the Forest Rights Act (2006) on the livelihood and culture of tribal people in India. 

(b) Examine the factors responsible for malnutrition in tribal India and suggest interventions required to overcome the problem. 
(c) Delineate the factors influencing fertility in Indian population. 

Q7.(a) Explain the impact of successive Land Acquisition Acts on tribal social organization. 

(b) Discuss the problems involved in rehabilitation and resettlement of tribals displaced due to development projects in India. 
(c) Discuss the interventions made by the Non-Governmental Organizations for empowering tribal women. 

Q8.(a) Examine how structural transformation in economy is affecting traditional social relationships in agrarian society. 

(b) Delineate the constitutional safeguard for religious minorities in India. 
(c) Identify the causes of tribal unrest with special reference to North-East India.

(Download) CS (MAIN) EXAM : 2021 ANTHROPOLOGY (Paper-1)

• Exam Name: CS (MAIN) EXAM:2021 ANTHROPOL0GY (Paper I)

• Marks: 250

• Time Allowed : Three Hours

SECTION-A

Q1. Write notes on the following in about 150 words each : 10x5=50 

(a) Animism and Deep Ecology 
(b) Marriage Regulations and Alliance Theory 
(c) Historical Particularism and Franz Boas 
(d) “The bio-cultural approach is the hallmark of Biological Anthropology." Explain. 
(e) Thermoluminescence (TL) dating 

Q2.(a) What are the physical and cultural characteristics of Homo erectus ? Discuss its phylogenetic status. 

(b) Elucidate the concept of "thick description" of Clifford Geertz with a suitable example. 
(c) Describe the features of early farming cultures and Neolithic of the Near East. 

Q3.(a) How do political organisations of simple societies establish power, authority and legitimacy ? 

(b) Explain the genetic mechanisms of micro and macro evolution. 
(c) Discuss the salient features of different traditions of European Mesolithic. 

Q4.(a) Elaborate the scope of anthropology and elucidate its uniqueness in the field of other social sciences. 

(b) Mention the major branches of linguistic anthropology and discuss language use in social and cultural settings. 
(c) "Chromosomal aberrations can play havoc with the human body and mind.” Explain with suitable examples.

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Section-B

Q5. Write notes on the following in about 150 words each : 10x5=50 

(a) Human adolescent growth spurt 
(b) The losses and gains of erect posture 
(c) Is race a valid and biologically meaningful concept ? 
(d) Descent Groups 
(e) Modes of Subsistence 

Q6.(a) What is acclimatization ? Discuss adaptive responses to high altitude and cold climate. 

(b) How are the cases of disputed paternity solved ? Discuss the recent techniques. 
(c) Critically evaluate Lewis Morgan's classification of family. 

Q7.(a) Critically evaluate different types of social stratifications with suitable examples. 

(b) Discuss the bio-social determinants of fertility and fecundity. 
(c) What is Anthropometry ? Discuss its role in assessing the nutritional status and sports capability of a person. 

Q8.(a) Discuss various tools of data collection in conducting anthropological research. 

(b) Discuss the physiological and evolutionary theories of aging. 
(c) Explain the structural analysis of kinship as proposed by Lévi-Strauss.

(Download) CS (MAIN) EXAM : 2021 Psychology (Paper 2)

• Exam Name : CS (MAIN) EXAM : 2021 Psychology (Paper II)

• Marks: 250

• Time Allowed : Three Hours

SECTION-A

Q1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : 10x5-50 

(a) Discuss the psychological tests used for the selection of defence personnel. 
(b) What are the steps to be taken to promote gender-friendly environment at workplace? 
(c) Describe the different methods for making a psychological test reliable. 
(d) What roles do the social agencies play in the rehabilitation of HIV/AIDS patients? 
(e) Discuss the role of community psychology for handling community mental health problems. 

Q2.(a) Explain the major steps to be taken for the training of children with learning disabilities. 

(b) Highlight the importance of career counseling in enhancing students' success in life. 
(c) Why is group decision making important for social change? What errors and biases occur during the process of group decision making? 

Q3.(a) What are the different types of psychological tests for personality assessment? 

(b) Describe the main tenets of cognitive therapy. Compare it with psychoanalytic therapy. 
(c) Is prejudice inevitable? Discuss the techniques for reducing caste prejudice. 

Q4.(a) How does power in organizations tend to concentrate in the hands of a few persons? Discuss the tactics used to gain power. 

(b) Write about the strategies for motivating students belonging to disadvantaged groups for their development. 
(c) Describe the different types of anxiety disorders. What are the behavioural approaches to treat such patients? 

UPSC Mains General Studies Study Kit

UPSC Exam Complete Study Materials (Pre, Mains, Interview COMBO Study Kit)

Section-B

Q5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : 10x5=50 

(a) Explain the factors affecting the work motivation within work organization in India. 
(b) What are the consequences of being a member of disadvantaged group? 
(c) Discuss the methods used by a psychoanalyst to bring unconscious motives into conscious. 
(d) Elaborate upon the strategies for inducing pro-environmental behaviour. 
(e) What do you understand by mood disorders? Discuss the causes. 

Q6.(a) How does a self-fulfilling prophecy work? Describe how the gender bias is an example of self-fulfilling prophecy in Indian context. 

(b) Elaborate on psychological interventions for improving performance in team games like hockey. 
(c) What do you understand by psychology of advertising? How can consumer awareness be enhanced through advertising? 

Q7.(a) Highlight the psychological consequences of living in high population density area. 

(b) Illustrate the characteristics of entrepreneurial behaviour. How can it be promoted among the youth? 
(c) Describe the impact of electronic media on the adolescents' behaviour. 

Q8.(a) What are the forms of social conflicts? Explain the methods of resolution of social conflicts. 

(b) In the light of post-COVID-19 pandemic, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of online learning. 
(c) What is the need of early identification of mentally challenged children? Write about the strategies for early intervention.

(Download) CS (MAIN) EXAM : 2021 Psychology (Paper 1)

• Exam Name : CS (MAIN) EXAM : 2021 Psychology (Paper I)

• Marks: 250

• Time Allowed : Three Hours

SECTION-A

Q1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

(A) What are the limits of Intuition and common sense? Why do psychologists emphsize on scientific methods? Discuss.
(b) State the role of psychologist in resolving interpersonal conflicte and social unrest.
(c) Discuss the challenges during group brainstorming process. 
(d) Describe the role of mass media in shaping the behaviour of adolescents. Support it with appropriate examples. 
(e) With reference to the concept of memory construction evaluate the accuracy of eyewitness testimony in judicial trial. 

Q2.(a) How do basic and applied research differ ? Explain how knowledge from basic research helps solve practical problems. 

(b) Discuss the factors causing cognitive decline in the elderly. 
(c) Describe the bottom-up and top-down processing of sensory information. 

Q3.(a) How much nature (genetic factors) and nurture (environmental factors) contribute to a person's physical, cognitive and socio-emotional development ? 

(b) Describe the principles of classical conditioning. Illustrate the application of classical conditioning principles in real life. 
(c) Explain the importance of cognitive neuropsychology and socio-cultural perspective in understanding human behaviour. 

Q4.(a) Why is selective attention important ? Discuss the theories of selective attention. 

(b) Which method is most appropriate to investigate gender differences in aggressive behaviour at the work place ? Elaborate. 
(c) Describe the role of schemas and mnemonic devices in expertise and exceptional memory.

UPSC Mains General Studies Study Kit

UPSC Exam Complete Study Materials (Pre, Mains, Interview COMBO Study Kit)

Section-B

Q5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each : 10x5=50 

(a) "Some psychological measures can be reliable but not valid”. Elaborate it with examples. 
(b) IQ scores predict success in academic, job and other life outcomes. Evaluate. 
(c) What is self-efficacy ? Discuss the potential benefits of enhancing self-efficacy. 
(d) Formal operational thought is not universally achieved. Discuss. 
(e) Give a critical appraisal on the practice of using aptitude tests to predict professions for high school children. 

Q6.(a) Are we bom with personality ? Critically evaluate with theoretical interpretation, 

(b) Describe the strategies of effective communication training. 
(c) Discuss the physiological basis of emotion and its measurement.

Q7.(a) Which approaches to motivation are more commonly used in an organization ? How these approaches might help to sustain or increase motivation ? 

(b) Describe different types of Meditation and its effect on health and well-being.
(c) Discuss the use of computer application in the various domains of practice in Psychology. 

Q8.(a) Humans strive to assign causes to actions of self and others and fall into traps of biases and errors. Critically discuss. 

(b) Discuss the cognitive and motivational determinants of the belief in extra sensory perception. 
(c) Give a comparative analysis of the behaviouristic and nativistic perspective to language development.

(Download) CS (MAIN) EXAM:2021 PHILOSOPHY (Paper 2)

Section-A

Q1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: 10x5=50

(a) Discuss critically the distributive theory of justice as propounded by R. Nozick.
(b) How does Rousseau distinguish between natural and artificial inequality? Explain.
(c) Is Austin's thory of sovereignty compatible with democracy? Discuss.
(d) Does monarchy as a form of government leave room for individual freedom? Explain.
(e) How far can land and property rights be effective in empowerment of women? Explain.

Q2.(a) Discuss whether Amartya Sen's idea of justice is an improvement upon Rawl's theory of justice.

(b) Explain the reformative theory of punishment and discuss whether this is in tune with human dignity.
(c) Can humanism be a substitute for religion? Explain and evaluate in the contex of the present Indian society.

Q3.(a) Discuss anarchism as a political ideology. Is it possible to dispense with political authority completely? Give reasons for your answer.

(b) Discuss the distinctive features of Gandhian Socialism and its contemporary relevance.
(c) Discuss Kautilya's contribustion regarding the concept of sovereignty. Is it applicable in a democratic form of government? Explain.

Q4.(a) Discuss the views of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar regarding caste-discrimination in Indian Society. What are the measures suggested by him for its elimination? Explain.

(b) What are the main causes of female foeticide in India? It is the result of demonic application fo technology only? Discuss.
(c) Evaluate whether the social contract theory adequately addresses the different issues of human rights.

Philosophy Optional Printed Study Materials for UPSC Mains

Section-B

Q5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: 10x5=50

(a) Discuss the nature of God as propounded in Nyaya philosophy.
(b) Discuss the possibility of Absolute Truth in the context of religious pluralism.
(c) Is religious freedom possible in a multireligious society? Explain.
(d) Is religious life possible without the belief in God? Discuss.
(e) Discuss the paradox of omnipotence of God in the context of the existence of evil.

Q6.(a) Discuss the concept of immortality of soul with special reference to Hindu tradition.

(b) Elucidate the concept of liberation according to Advaita Vedanta Explain the role of knowledge in the attainment of liberation.
(c) Do you consider that religion and morality are inseparable? Give reasons for your answer.

Q7.(a) Discuss the role of reason and faith in religion. Can reason be a regulative force in the formulation of religious beliefs? Explain.

(b) Give a critical account of moral argument to prove the existence of God.
(c) Explain the concept of religious experience in the light of Vedantic tradition.

Q8.(a) What is non-congnitive theory of religious language? Explain critically in the light of R.B. Braithwaite's views.

(b) Discuss and evaluate the doctrine of Karma as an essential postulate of Hinduism.
(c) Explain the symbolic nature of religious language with special reference to Paul Tillich.

(Download) CS (MAIN) EXAM:2021 PHILOSOPHY (Paper 1)

Section-A

Q1. Write short answers to the following in about 150 words each : 10x5=50 

(a)  “There is a red chair.” How would Plato explain this statement with the use of his theory of forms ? Examine. 
(b) “Potentiality is indefinable” according to Aristotle. Explain the relationship between potentiality and actuality with reference to the above philosophical position by taking the example of a “wooden table”. 
(c) “Sensible things are those only which are immediately perceived by sense.” Explain Berkeley's theory of knowledge with reference to the above statement. 
(d) Examine the concept of personal identity by Locke. 
(e) “The relation between cause and effect is one of constant conjunction”. Examine Hume's “criticism of causation in the light of the above statement. 

Q2.(a) Discuss Hegel's Dialectical method. Explain how his dialectical method leads him to the Absolute Idealism. 

(b) What according to Logical Positivists are “pseudostatements” ? How does one identify "pseudostatements”? Critically discuss with examples.
(c) Explain how Cartesian formulation of ontological argument is criticised by Kant.

Q3.(a) What are the main arguments put forward by Moore in his paper “A Defence of Common Sense” to prove that there are possible propositions about the world that are known to be true with certainty ? Do you think Moore's arguments provide a sufficient response to objections presented by the sceptic against the possibility of knowledge ? Give reasons in support of your answer. 

(b) What according to Strawson are basic particulars ? What reasons does Strawson offer to believe that 'material bodies' and 'persons' are basic particulars ? Critically discuss. 
(c) Critically examine Quine's postulate of empiricism without the dogmas with reference to his 'Two Dogmas of Empiricism'. 

Q4.(a) Present a critical exposition of Husserl's criticism of 'natural attitude'. How does Husserl propose to address the problems involved in natural attitude through his phenomenological method ? 

(b) “I can always choose, but I ought to know that if I do not choose, I am still choosing”. Critically discuss Sartre's conception of choice and responsibility in the light of above statement. 
(c) What does Wittgenstein mean by the statement – “Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent ?" Critically discuss. 

Philosophy Optional Printed Study Materials for UPSC Mains

Section-B

Q5. Write short answers to the following in about 150 words each : 10x5=50 

(a) Does the seed contain the tree ? Discuss with reference to Nyāya-Vaišeșika Philosophy. 
(b) Explain with reference to Nyāya Philosophy, the nature of sabda as the advice of āpta (a reliable person). 
(c) Is 'inseparability' (ayuta-siddhatva) a necessary condition or a sufficient condition for defining characteristics (laksana) of samavaya (inherence) ? Explain with reference to Vaiseșika Philosophy.' 
(d) Distinguish between pudgala-nairātmyavāda and dharma-nairātmyavāda with reference to Buddhist Philosophy. 
(e) Comment on the bearing of Cārvāka epistemology on the rejection of transcendental entities by them. 

Q6.(a) Explain with reference to Yoga Philosophy, the nature of klešas. How does the removal of these lead to kaivalya ? 

(b) Explain the Sānkhya view on three gunas (guņa-traya) and their modifications. 
(c) What, according to Mimārsakas, is the ontological status of abhāva (absence) and how does one know it ? Explain and examine.

Q7.(a) How do the advocates of (anirvacaniya-khyāti)refute the position of the Naiyāyikas and establish the position of Advaitins regarding the problem of error ? Critically discuss. 

(b) If everything is momentary then how do the Buddhists explain the problem of memory and 'personal identity ? Critically discuss. 
(c) Explain the Jain view of seven-fold (sapta-bhangī) ‘Naya'. 

Q8.(a) According to Śri Aurobindo, “the awakening of the psychic being and its gradual prominence over all other parts of the being is the first step in the conscious evolution of man'. Explain and examine. 

(b) Compare and contrast the views of Sankara and Rāmānuja regarding the status of the world. 
(c) Explain the status of jiva and jagat in the philosophy of Mādhvācārya.