Abhishek Srivastava

This course will analyze complete GS I of Mains 2018 and discusses the correct approach of the answers. This will include background discussion, related current affairs, and facts.

Crack UPSC CSE Prelims and Mains Exams. Know how to prepare for UPSC 2019 and 2020, complete syllabus, exam patterns, latest notifications to join IAS, IFS, IPS and other cadres of Civil Services.

UPSC CSE - GS

UPSC - Civil Services Examination (IAS) Preparation

Hindi

(Hindi) UPSC CSE Mains 2018 General Studies I discussion

Previous Year Questions

Practice Questions

Practice & Strategy

UPSC CSE

Ace the toughest competitive and government exams in India 

Test Preparation

Union Public Service Commission Exams (UPSC)

UPSC Previous Year Questions

Overview of the course (in Hindi)

Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Comment (10)
Why this question!
The Government of India (GoI) had recently allowed corporates to adopt national heritages and monumental building for the purposes of professional management and proper maintenance. The move was criticised by opponents and likes on the grounds of government washing-off its essential responsibilities.  Though the question is not directly linked, yet this question intended to seek the understanding and awareness of aspirants on safeguarding the Indian art heritage and its various aspects.

Approach:
Briefly introduce Indian art heritage legacy
Explain the benefits of Indian art heritages
Conclude with an optimistic note

Question 1: Safeguarding the Indian art heritage (in Hindi)

Question 2: Chinese and Arab travellers (in Hindi)

Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times. (10)
Why this question!
There is a sect of people who believe that it is perhaps the toughest time for mankind to survive. Not only within the country, but also worldwide, they believe, intolerance has risen; universal human values have been disregarded; very less has been done for environment preservation; the situation of marginalised people have worsened etc.  In this backdrop, the examiner, is interested to know what were the views of great statesmen such as Mahatma Gandhi had they lived today. This question also seeks aspirants understanding of Mahatma Gandhi’s views on several contemporary issues such as secularism, tolerance, governance, environment, etc.
Approach:
Briefly introduce Mahatma Gandhi and his contribution to the cause of freedom of India from foreign shackles.
Discuss his thoughts on different issues such as economy, environment, governance, welfare, societal harmony, personal values and character, etc.
Conclude with remarks that the Gandhian values are relevant in today’s world like never before and we need to practice his thoughts in everyday life.

Question 3: thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi (in Hindi)

Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation? (10 )
Why this question!
Launching an indigenous regional navigational system is no mean feat for ISRO. It is indeed one of the greatest achievements of ISRO that will help the country to rapidly progress on the path of growth and prosperity. This feat also helped country’s reputation to go up in the eyes of international community. In this backdrop, the UPSC has set this question to seek aspirants analytical ability towards the issue. In order to answer this question, the aspirants need clarity over the issue.   
Approach:
Briefly discuss the Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS)
Explain the benefits arising of it
Explain its significance in terms of augmenting navigational capacities of India
Conclusion

Question 4: Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (in Hindi)

Why is India taking keen interest in the Arctic region? (10)
Why this question!
Arctic region, of late, has been a lot in the news for last some years. The mineral rich region is witnessing unprecedented geologic and geographic changes which is said to have unlocking great economic potential of the region. India has been long associated with the region. It is also on aboard the observers bench of the Arctic Council which sets the contours of management of this important region. UPSC has set this question to examine aspirants’ knowledge of this important issue. 
Approach:
Open your answer mentioning the new changes taking place in Arctic region
Mention India’s interests in the region
Conclude with measures to safeguard Indian interests in the Arctic region

Question 5: Artic Region (in Hindi)

Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics. (10)

Why this question!
This question is purely static in nature and from the geography syllabus as given by UPSC. Plate tectonics is one of UPSC’s favourite topics in Geography syllabus and aspirants should prepare this topic throughly. The eruption of various volcanos across the “ring of fire” region might have triggered UPSC to ask this question!
Approach:
Briefly define the plume and plate tectonics
Explain the relation between them
Conclude

Question 6: Mantle Plume (in Hindi)

What are the consequences of spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystem? (10)
Why this question!
Marine ecosystems have been in the news. Recently, the world community expressed concerns over piling up of unprecedented volume of plastics in the seas and water bodies. Similarly, increasing the extent of ‘Dead Zones’ across the globe is one of the most significant concerns for environmentalists and policymakers. The commission has set this question to test aspirants’ awareness of this issue. 

Approach:
Briefly explain  the meaning of ‘dead zones’ in the context of ecosystem
Explain the concerns associated with increasing the extent if dead zones across the world
Mention possible consequences of this phenomenon
Conclude with possible measures

Question 7: Dead Zones (in Hindi)

“Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment. (10)
Why this question!
Caste system was recently in the news due to various incidents including Koregaon violent incident in Maharastra and political movements in Gujarat. Caste system has existed in India since time immemorial. UPSC has been asking questions on caste system from various perspectives. This year UPSC has asked this question in context of growing caste assertions from Dalits  and their inclination to form a separate identity. 

Approach:
Give a brief history of caste system in India
Explain the new changes and shifts in the caste movements in India
How the castes movements have found new ways to assert themselves and its possible consequences
Conclude

Question 8: Caste System (in Hindi)

’Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing’. Explain by giving reasons. (10)
Why this question!
The ironic situation that India is passing through- growing with one of the highest economic growth rate worldwide, and having the highest number of people under poverty has become matter of global discourse. Also, poverty is one of the most difficult challenge India is facing on since a long time. Successive Governments have taken a number of initiatives to reduce poverty but no significant results has come so far. As the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is under progress, India’s focus on poverty has received global support. In this context, the commission has set this question to test aspirants’s understanding of India’s poverty problem. 

Approach:
Briefly discuss the poverty and its causes
Mention government initiatives for poverty eradication and make their assessment
Conclude with measures to  make these poverty-eradication initiatives more effective.

Question 9: Poverty eradication (in Hindi)

How the Indian concept of secularism different from the western model of secularism? Discuss. (10)
Why this question!
Since the advent of a right-wing leaned party in the government, secularism has become the centre point of debate and discussion. Left parties, main opposition and intellectuals have constantly been debating the existing danger on secular fabric of the constitution. This question has been set-up to examine aspirants’ basic understanding of secularism concept as envisioned in the Constitution and its comparison with the western secularism. 
Approach:
Briefly explain the meaning of ‘Secularism’ in Indian context.
Write a comparative account of Indian secularism versus western secularism giving one or two examples from these western countries.
Conclude with mentioning the significance of secularism in Indian society in modern time.

Question 10: Indian vs Western Secularism (in Hindi)

The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss. (15)
Why this question!
This question is not directly linked with the current affairs and can safely be associated with the static portion of the syllabus. However, it is important for aspirants to study the Bhakti movement and its various aspects in great depth. Bhakti movement brought in lasting impacts on Indian spiritualism and religious traditions. UPSC has asked question to seek aspirants knowledge about great Indian saints and their contribution in Indian spiritualism.
Approach:
Briefly introduce SRri Chaitanya Maharprabhu
Explain the role of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in re-orienting the Bahkti Movement. 
Conclude on re-counting the significance of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu as a great saint relevant in the modern time.

Question 11: Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (in Hindi)

Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India. (15)

Why this question!
The debate on whether formation of new states bring improvements in governance at ground level is evergreen issue and UPSC has asked this quite good number of times. However, this time the commission has tweaked this issue a bit and has asked instead on the economic implications of forming new states. Moreover, the question has been asked in a debate manner where you have to answer both aspects of the question- in favour as well as in against.
Approach:
Briefly discuss the constitutional philosophy behind keeping ‘state creation’ a simple  process rather than a complicated one as the case is with constitution amendment.
Give both in favour as well as in against of the move creating a separate state.
Give examples such as Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Telangana, etc. 
Conclude with your own assessment.

Question 12: Formation of New states (in Hindi)

Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to their colonies? have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there? (15)

Why this question!
This questions seems to have been asked from general knowledge perspective. We hear a lot of Indian labours being taken by the British to far away lands for agriculture. UPSC has asked this question specifically seeking the reasons behind this. The second part of the question is from current affairs. Recently, the cultural aspects of Indians living in past British colonies such as Maldives, Mauritius, etc. was in the news. The question has been set in that perspective. 
Approach:
Briefly define the ‘indentured labour system’ as prevalent back then in colonial India.
Explain the underlying reasons behind the process and the consequences.
Make a brief assessment whether they have succeeded to  preserve the identity over there.

Question 13: Indentured labour (in Hindi)

“The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system.” How can it be made effective in urban areas? (15)
Why this question!
Water management has always been a favourite topic of UPSC. They have been asking questions on water management and its various aspects on regular interval. Thus, the topic is immensely important. Apart from this generic importance, water scarcity was recently in the news when NITI Ayog published a report on the situation of water availability in India. The report made several claims about worrisome future of India in terms of water availability. UPSC has set this question in the backdrop of the NITI Ayog report. 
Approach:
Open the answer with mentioning water scarcity situations in India.
Explain the significance of water harvesting in urban areas amidst rapidly depleting water resources in the country. 
Conclude with your own remarks to improve the situations in the country.

Question 14: Water Harvesting (in Hindi)

Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India. (15)
Why this question!
The current government has been focussing over developing blue economy. The Government has also launched several initiatives to develop the coastal region in an integrated manner to create jobs and to spur growth. In this backdrop, the UPSC has set this question in order to examine aspirants’s understanding of the problems and strategies for developing a sound blue economy with the help of pisciculture.
Approach:
Briefly define Blue revolution
Explain problems associated with Blue revolution and the strategies undertaken by the Government to tackle them .
Conclude on the possible measures to set pisciculture on rapid growth path in India.

Question 15: Pisciculture (in Hindi)

What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identifying industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics. (15)
Why this question!
Industrial Corridors were recently in the news because of delaying projects and cost overrun. Industrial Corridors are also among Government’s flagship infrastructure programs. The commission has asked this question to test candidates’ awareness about the Industrial corridors, its significance, problems, etc. 
Approach:
Briefly introduce Industrial Corridors in India
Explain their significance in context of socio-economic growth of India.
You may also draw a diagram explaining the locations of Industrial corridors and ayongwith, explain their main characteristics.

Question 16: Industrial Corridors (in Hindi)

Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in India and explain the nature of convergence, collaboration and competition for its success. (15)
Why this question!
The present Government had started “Aspirational Districts Program” in India’s most backward 117 districts. The program was launched with an objective to address the vast asymmetry that exist among districts in terms of human development indicators. At the same time, in order to ensure optimal utilisation of resources, the program was made competitive among these selected districts. A sense of competition was instilled these districts for rapid growth. This question has been set in this backdrop to test aspirants’ knowledge about the core strategies adopted in this program.
Approach:
Briefly explain the ‘Aspirational District Program’
Elucidate core strategies with the underlying reasons.
Conclude on an optimistic note in the context of the program.

Question 17: Aspirational district (in Hindi)

’Women’s movement in India has not addresses the issues of women of lower social strata.’ Substantiate your view. (15)
Why this question!
Women movements is also UPSC’s one of the favourite topics. It has asked questions from women movements for many years. However, this year the question is very specific and asks whether women movements in India are successful to address its original objective- addressing the issues of women from lower strata! Only recently, #Me_Too movement from women from the upper state of society was much in the news. But this movement hardly helped the women from lower strata in any manner.
Approach:
Briefly mention the history of Indian women movement.
Examine the nature of women movement in India
Conclude on the optimistic note that women movements in India need to be more inclusive and take account of deplorable conditions of women from lower strata of society.

Question 18: Women's Movement (in Hindi)

Globalisation is generally said to promote cultural homogenisation but due to this cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian society.’ Elucidate.
Why this question!
The current situation is heavily against globalisation, not only in India but worldwide- from USA to South East Asia. The backlash against globalisation has not only manifested for its economic impacts but also cultural impacts. In India, against this backdrop, the right-wing political groups and civil society have called for strengthening Indian traditions and cultural values. UPSC has asked this question in this context and also wants to ascertain aspirants’ knowledge and understanding about globalisation and its impacts on Indian society.
Approach:
Define Globalisation and briefly mention its impacts on the world.
Explain how the recent trends across the globe is different that homogenisation of culture caused by Globalisation
Conclude with your own observation-based remarks on this process.

Question 19: Globalisation vs Culture (in Hindi)

Writer, Educator, Ex-IRS Officer, Author of books on 'Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude' & 'Essay and Answer Writing'  for UPSC Civil Services

Awdhesh Singh

This course teachers the basic principles believes origin and the main ideas of Christian religion

UPSC: Essence of Christianity

MA in Applied Human Rights from Sheffield Hallam University, BA (Hons.) History from LSR, reader, dancer, love to teach, AIR 42 in 2018 UPSC

Nandini Maharaj

This course contains models answers on all questions from history in the GS Paper 1. Years 2016-2013 are covered. This will help students prepare history for mains 2017. Sources of study are also covered.

History GS: Previous Years Questions 2013 to 2016

▪️B Tech (EC), M.A(Sociology), M.A(Pub Ad)
▪️Founder - STUDY IAS ( 4.5 Lakh Followers )
▪️Newspaper Analyst & S&T Author
▪️ Cracked CDS Twic

Aman Sharma

In this course, educator will be teaching about
 Prelims was held on 2 June 2019 , Lets discuss the questions and detailed solution

(Hindi) UPSC CSE PRELIMS 2019 - Detailed Solution with Discussion and Learning

Sanjana .

In this course, the educator is discussing 
Previous year questions of polity asked from 1979 to 2015

Prelims Special : Polity: UPSC CSE

Travelling gives you 'experience' & teaching 'immortalizes' it.  Loves both :)  

Vimal Singh Rathore

Isn't time one of the most necessary factors while appearing for the UPSC CSE prelims? This course by Vimal covers the mock tests which will help in strengthening your basic/ understanding of the subject that you will be appearing for. If everything is already planned, then half the work is already done. Mock tests give an idea of the examination. The more you solve the better are your chances to be prepared for the exam and clear the mains. Mock tests help students by giving an opportunity to revise the syllabus well before the real examinations. Keep a positive attitude while giving the exam. Keep practicing our free mock test courses and you will ace the exam. It allows you to learn from your mistakes. Most of the mistakes can be overcome with the help of Mock tests situation and help in laying out that plan required for the examination. Such mock exams help students in identifying which areas require improvement and also look at multiple ways of solving the same questions using different strategies and power tricks. Here is a course that will test you based on your existing knowledge. Aspirants can post answers in the comment section. The aspirant who answers all of them correctly will be eligible to win a surprise gift. Make use of this free mock test series and spread the word so that it will help others too. Tags: Free Mock test series for UPSC, Mock test series for CSE prelims, Free Mock Test for UPSC online, Online Mock Test for UPSC free, Mock Test for UPSC, Online Mock Test UPSC CSE, Online Test for IAS, Current Affairs Online Questions UPSC, MCQs, Questions from The Hindu for UPSC, Mock Current Affairs Questions, Online Current Affairs Quiz for UPSC, UPSC Current Affairs Quiz, Multiple Choice Questions Current Affairs 2017, MCQs on The Hindu.

Lessons

20 lessons • 2h 42m