GS Mains IAS Previous Years Question Paper 1 – 2003

Q 1.  Answer any one of the following:  (about 250 words)  30

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?

Q 2. Answer any two of the following:  (about 150 words) 2 X15=30

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.

Q 3. Answer the following:  (about 20 words )  15X2=30

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.

Q 4. 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.

Q 5. 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?

Q 6. 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.

Q 7. 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.

Q 9. 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?

Q 10. 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.

Q 11. Answer any two of the following:   (about 125 words) 2 X10=20

a) The issue of gender equality in India.

b) Natural Heritage and Cultural Heritage.

c) Identify the types of disabilities.

Q 12. 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?

Q 13. 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.