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UPSC Mains 2024 GS 1 Question Paper (General Studies I)

All 20 questions from the UPSC Civil Services Mains 2024 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

Underline the changes in the field of society and economy from the Rig Vedic to the later Vedic period.

Q2 Indian Culture & Heritage · 10 marks

Estimate the contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi for the development of art and literature of South India.

Q3 Freedom Struggle · 10 marks

What were the events that led to the Quit India Movement? Point out its results.

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

What is sea surface temperature rise? How does it affect the formation of tropical cyclones?

Q5 Indian Society · 10 marks

Why do large cities tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries.

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

What is the phenomenon of 'cloudbursts'? Explain.

Q7 Women, Population & Urbanization · 10 marks

What is the concept of a 'demographic winter'? Is the world moving towards such a situation?

Q8 Women, Population & Urbanization · 10 marks

Distinguish between gender equality, gender equity and women's empowerment. Why is it important to take gender concerns into account in programme design and implementation?

Q9 Indian Society · 10 marks

Intercaste marriages between castes which have socio-economic parity have increased, to some extent, but this is less true of interreligious marriages. Discuss.

Q10 Indian Society · 10 marks

In dealing with socio-economic issues of development, what kind of collaboration between government, NGOs and private sector would be most productive?

Q11 Indian Culture & Heritage · 15 marks

'Though the great Cholas are no more yet their name is still remembered with great pride because of their highest achievements in the domain of art and architecture.' Comment.

Q12 World History · 15 marks

How far is it correct to say that the First World War was fought essentially for the preservation of balance of power?

Q13 Modern Indian History · 15 marks

How far was the Industrial Revolution in England responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India?

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

The groundwater potential of the gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India?

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

What are aurora australis and aurora borealis? How are these triggered?

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

What is a twister? Why are the majority of twisters observed in areas around the Gulf of Mexico?

Q17 Indian Society · 15 marks

What is regional disparity? How does it differ from diversity? How serious is the issue of regional disparity in India?

Q18 Post-Independence Consolidation · 15 marks

Despite comprehensive policies for equity and social justice, underprivileged sections are not yet getting the full benefits of affirmative action envisaged by the Constitution. Comment.

Q19 Women, Population & Urbanization · 15 marks

Globalization has increased urban migration by skilled, young, unmarried women from various classes. How has this trend impacted upon their personal freedom and relationship with family?

Q20 Indian Society · 15 marks

Critically analyse the proposition that there is a high correlation between India's cultural diversities and socio-economic marginalities.

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