GS Paper 1 Question Paper (Analysis & Solutions) – UPSC Civil Services Mains 2023
![UPSC Mains GS1 Question Paper 2023 (Analysis & Solutions)](https://www.iasexpress.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/UPSC-Mains-GS1-Question-Paper-2023-Analysis-Solutions-1024x536.png)
Click the links to read the solutions!
- Explain the role of geographical factors towards the development of Ancient India. (Answer in 150 words) 10
- What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism? (Answer in 150 words) 10
- Bring out the socio-economic effects of the introduction of railways in different countries of the world. (Answer in 150 words) 10
- Discuss the consequences of climate change on the food security in tropical countries. (Answer in 150 words) 10
- Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources? (Answer in 150 words) 10
- How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world? (Answer in 150 words) 10
- Why is the South-West Monsoon called ‘Purvaiya’ (easterly) in Bhojpur Region? How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultural ethos of the region? (Answer in 150 words) 10
- Do you think marriage as a sacrament is losing its value in Modern India? (Answer in 150 words) 10
- Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian society. (Answer in 150 words) 10
- Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children. (Answer in 150 words) 10
- What are the main features of Vedic society and religion? Do you think some of the features are still prevailing in Indian society? (Answer in 250 words) 15
- What were the major technological changes introduced during the Sultanate period? How did those technological changes influence the Indian society? (Answer in 250 words) 15
- How did the colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response to the colonial oppression? (Answer in 250 words) 15
- Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas. (Answer in 250 words) 15
- Identify and discuss the factors responsible for diversity of natural vegetation in India. Assess the significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rain forest regions of India. (Answer in 250 words) 15
- Why did human development fail to keep pace with economic development in India? (Answer in 250 words) 15
- From being a net food importer in the 1960s, India has emerged as a net food exporter to the world. Provide reasons. (Answer in 250 words) 15
- Does urbanization lead to more segregation and/or marginalization of the poor in Indian metropolises? (Answer in 250 words) 15
- Why is caste identity in India both fluid and static? (Answer in 250 words) 15
- Discuss the impact of post-liberal economy on ethnic identity and communalism. (Answer in 250 words) 15
Analysis & Approach
The questions cover a broad spectrum, ranging from geography, history, to society topics relevant to India. Here’s an analytical approach to each question:
- Geographical Factors in Ancient India’s Development:
- Introduction: Briefly describe Ancient India’s vast geography.
- Mention factors: Himalayas, River systems, Climate, Topography, Natural resources.
- Conclude by stating the significance of these factors in shaping civilizations, trade, etc.
- Gandhi vs. Tagore on Education and Nationalism:
- Compare their views on education: Gandhi’s Nai Talim vs. Tagore’s Shantiniketan.
- Contrast their opinions on nationalism: Gandhi’s mass-based approach vs. Tagore’s world citizenry.
- Socio-economic Effects of Railways Globally:
- Europe: Industrial Revolution, urbanization.
- Africa: Extraction of resources.
- Asia: Movement of people, goods, cultural exchange.
- America: Westward expansion, trade, and development.
- Climate Change and Food Security:
- Describe the adverse effects: Altered rain patterns, unpredictable seasons, loss of arable land.
- Impact on staple crops.
- Concluding thoughts on the urgency to adapt.
- Crisis of Freshwater Resources:
- List reasons: Over-extraction, Pollution, Climate change.
- Emphasize on population growth, industrialization, poor water management.
- Implications for the future.
- Formation of Fjords:
- Define fjords and describe their formation due to glaciation.
- Explain their scenic value due to unique landscapes, deep-blue waters, towering cliffs.
- South-West Monsoon and ‘Purvaiya’:
- Explain the wind system.
- Link to cultural practices, agricultural reliance, festivals.
- Marriage as a Sacrament:
- Describe the traditional view of marriage.
- Current trends: Rising divorce rates, live-in relationships, individualistic society.
- Concluding remarks on changing values.
- Increase in Suicides among Young Women:
- List reasons: Societal pressures, mental health stigma, domestic violence.
- Role of social media, changing family structures, and economic pressures.
- Mobile Phones Replacing Child Cuddling:
- Discuss the rise of technology.
- Impact: Delayed social skills, increased screen time, dependency on virtual communication.
- Vedic Society and Religion:
- Describe Vedic society: Caste system, rituals.
- Present-day parallels: Ritual practices, festivals, societal structures.
- Technological Changes during the Sultanate Period:
- Introduce advancements: Architecture, irrigation, military tech.
- Effects: Socio-cultural amalgamation, agricultural boost, fortified cities.
- Colonial Rule and Tribals:
- Discuss forest acts, land acquisitions.
- Tribal revolts: Santhal, Munda, and others.
- Resource Potential of Indian Coastline:
- Enumerate resources: Fisheries, ports, tourism.
- Discuss natural hazard preparedness: Tsunamis, cyclones.
- Diversity of Natural Vegetation in India:
- Factors: Climate variations, topography, soil types.
- Highlight rainforest sanctuaries: Western Ghats, Northeast.
- Human vs. Economic Development in India:
- Discuss disparities: Income inequality, social indicators lagging.
- Education, health care challenges.
- India’s Food Export Transition:
- Discuss Green Revolution, agricultural reforms.
- Global trade dynamics, advancements in agri-tech.
- Urbanization and Marginalization:
- Present urban challenges: Slums, lack of basic amenities.
- Increasing wealth disparity in cities.
- Fluidity and Static Nature of Caste:
- Discuss historical rigidity.
- Current dynamics: Political mobilization, inter-caste marriages.
- Post-liberal Economy’s Impact:
- Discuss economic liberalization of 1991.
- Resultant rise in ethnic identity: Globalization vs. Regionalism.
- Interplay with communalism: Political scenarios, social fabric changes.
For each topic, it’s essential to adhere to the word count and ensure the answer is concise, relevant, and well-structured. Always start with a brief introduction, followed by the main content, and end with a conclusion or forward-looking statement.
If you like this post, please share your feedback in the comments section below so that we will upload more posts like this.