UPSC(IAS) GENERAL STUDIES MAIN PAPER-I 2003
Time 3 hrs marks 300. All questions compulsory
Q1. Answer any one of the following: (about 250 words) 30 Marks
a) “The reforms of 1909 introduced a cardinal problem and ground of controversy
at every revision of the Indian electoral system.” Comment.
b) Discuss the problem that impeded the integration of the princely states into
the Indian Union. How were these problems tackled?
Q2. Answer any two of the following: (about 150 words) 2 X15=30 Marks
a) ‘The mainstay of Mahatma Gandhi’s movements was the rural India.’
Elucidate.
b) Discuss the character of major tribal uprisings in British India in the nineteenth
Century.
c) Bring out the ideological basis of the Moderate-Extermist divide in the Indian
National Congress.
Q3. Answer the following: (about 20 words ) 15X2=30 Marks
i) Arthasastra
ii) Saranath Pillar
iii) The Jatiya Sarkar of Tamluk
iv) Punnapra-Vayalar
v) Sajjad Zahir
vi) Al-Hilal
vii) Har Dayal
viii) Khudai Khidmatgar
ix) Mahayana Cult
x) W.W. Hunter
xi) Indu Lal Yajnik
xii) Achhut Patwardhan
xiii) Sir William Jones
xiv) James Wilson
xv) Ghulam-giri.
Q4. Answer any two of the following: (about 125 words) 2X10=20
a) Describe the major characteristics of the rivers of Peninsular India.
b) Account for the very high concentration of salt extraction industries in
the Saurashtra and South Tamilnadu Coast.
c) State the four distinctive stages of Indian Demographic history.
Q5.write short notes on the following (about 20 words) 5X2=10 i) Define Terai
Region.
ii) Mention the areas of Shola forests in India.
iii) Who are the Todas and where do they live?
iv) Name any four priccipal languages of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
v) What is MRTS? Where it is in operation?
Q6. Answer any one of the following: (about 250 words) 30
a) Discuss the question of death sentence and Presidential clemency.
b) Explain the discretionary powers of the Governor of a State.
Q7. Answer any two of the following: (about 150 words) 2 X15=30
a) Highlight the signifucance of Forty Fourth Amendment to the Constitution
of India
b) Identify the major Fundamental Duties
c) Explain the relevance of Rajya Sabha as a second chamber in the federal set
up of Indian Parliamentary System.
Q9. Answer the following: (about 20 words) 2 X5=10
a) What is a point of order? When can it be raised?
b) What is a Privilege Motion?
c) State the difference between Council of Ministers and the Cabinet.
d) How is the Vice President of India elected?
e) What is meant by ‘sine-die’ adjournment?
Q10. Answer any one of the following: (about 250 words) 30
a) Discuss the steps taken by Government to check child labour and promote child
welfare.
b) Suggest measures for the eradication of wide spread corruption in Public
Life in India.
Q11. Answer any two of the following: (about 125 words) 2 X10=20
a) The issue of gender equality in India.
b) b) Natural Heritage and Cultural Heritage.
c) c) Identify the types of disabilities.
Q12. Answer any two of the following: (about 125 words) 2 X10=20
a) What are the distinctive features of the Lokpal Bill introduced in the Parliament
this year?
b) What is the Prime Minister’s Five-Point agenda fir India’s development
as a Knowledge Society?
c) What are the precinditions for the growth of Civil Society? Is Indian democracy
conducive to it?
Q13. Write about the following ( about 20 words ) 5X2=10
a) Anthrax
b) Radiation and its effects
c) The Statue of Liberty
d) George Walker Bush
e) Genome.
