UPSC Mains 2026, GS Paper 1
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- 1Q1.Analyze the importance of Ashokan inscriptions for reconstructing Mauryan history.10 marks · Indian Culture - Ancient Times
- 2Q2.Discuss the impact of Macaulay's Minute on colonial administration and education in India.10 marks · Development of British India
- 3Q3.The significance of the Gandhian movements lay in the masses they mobilized. Elucidate.10 marks · Role of Masses and Personalities
- 4Q4.What is the Fujiwara effect? Explain its impact on the movement and intensity of tropical cyclones.10 marks · Climate
- 5Q5."Tundra regions are ecologically fragile but economically important." Examine this statement critically.10 marks · Climate
- 6Q6.Discuss the role of aeolian processes in desertification and land degradation.10 marks · Landforms
- 7Q7."Water resources are both an asset and a source of conflict in South Asia." Examine this statement giving examples.10 marks · Resources and planning
- 8Q8.Unity in diversity remains the defining feature of Indian society despite the challenges from communalism and regionalism. Comment.10 marks · Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India
- 9Q9.How do you understand disability? Substantiate the need for inclusive policy framework in India in this regard.10 marks · Social empowerment
- 10Q10.Do you think digital technology promotes social empowerment? Explain with examples.10 marks · Social empowerment
- 11Q11.Vijayanagara architecture exemplifies the amalgamation of past traditions with contemporary practices. Elucidate with examples.15 marks · Architecture
- 12Q12.Linguistic reorganization of Indian States was driven by popular pressure from below. Comment.15 marks · Reorganization of States (the "Linguistic" Phase)
- 13Q13.The model of planned economy was adopted in India to address the regional imbalances left behind by colonial rule. Comment.15 marks · Administrative and Socio-Economic Reorganization
- 14Q14.Compare the Loo, Chinook and Foehn winds with respect to their regions of prevalence, their nature and climatic impacts.15 marks · Climate
- 15Q15.Analyze the role of satellite-based technologies in achieving climate-smart agriculture and food security in India.15 marks · Resources and planning
- 16Q16."The centre of global trade is gradually shifting from the Atlantic region to the Indo-Pacific region." Examine this statement.15 marks · International Trade / Transport and Activities
- 17Q17.Analyze the major drivers of human-induced land-use changes in India and their geographical consequences.15 marks · Resources and planning
- 18Q18.Is caste disappearing in urban India? Illustrate your answer with examples.15 marks · Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India
- 19Q19.Critically examine the challenges of demographic transition in contemporary India.15 marks · Population and associated issues
- 20Q20.Evaluate the impact of globalization on Indian youths with reference to social, political, economic and cultural spheres.15 marks · Effects of globalization on Indian society