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UPSC Mains 2020 GS 1 Question Paper (General Studies I)

All 20 questions from the UPSC Civil Services Mains 2020 General Studies I paper, transcribed from the official question paper and tagged by syllabus topic. Format: 150 words (Q1–10, 10 marks) · 250 words (Q11–20, 15 marks). Download the original question paper PDF.

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Q1 Indian Culture & Heritage · 10 marks

The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss.

Q2 Indian Culture & Heritage · 10 marks

Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate.

Q3 Modern Indian History · 10 marks

Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movement.

Q4 Geography (Physical, Resources & Phenomena) · 10 marks

Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum-Pacific Zone.

Q5 Geography (Physical, Resources & Phenomena) · 10 marks

The process of desertification does not have climatic boundaries. Justify with examples.

Q6 Geography (Physical, Resources & Phenomena) · 10 marks

How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India?

Q7 Geography (Physical, Resources & Phenomena) · 10 marks

Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples.

Q8 Indian Society · 10 marks

Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations.

Q9 Indian Society · 10 marks

COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment.

Q10 Communalism, Secularism & Regionalism · 10 marks

Do you agree that in India regionalism appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue.

Q11 Indian Culture & Heritage · 15 marks

Indian philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss.

Q12 Indian Culture & Heritage · 15 marks

Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment.

Q13 Freedom Struggle · 15 marks

Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss.

Q14 Geography (Physical, Resources & Phenomena) · 15 marks

The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine.

Q15 Geography (Physical, Resources & Phenomena) · 15 marks

Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures.

Q16 Geography (Physical, Resources & Phenomena) · 15 marks

India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its development. Elaborate.

Q17 Geography (Physical, Resources & Phenomena) · 15 marks

Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change.

Q18 Globalization · 15 marks

Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalisation? Justify your answer.

Q19 Indian Society · 15 marks

Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree?

Q20 Globalization · 15 marks

How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer.

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