IAS Mains 2009: General Studies Paper 1

1. Critically analyze any two of the following statements with
reference to the context in which they were made (in about 150
words each) 15×2=30
a) “Many Englishmen honesty consider themselves the
trustees for India and yet to what a condition they have
reduced our country”.
b) “The Foreign power will be withdrawn but for me real
freedom will come only when we free ourselves of the
dominance of western education , western culture and
western way of living which have been ingrained in us”.
c) “Satan cannot enter till he finds a flaw ……. A great
ocean separate us educated few from the millions in our
country”.
2. Write about the following (not exceeding 20 words each)
a) King Nongbah 2×10=20
b) Maski
c) Govind Guru
d) ‘ Brahmadeya ’
e) ‘ Egmore Faction’
f) ‘ Haileybury College
g) Ijara System
h) Taji Mideren
i) Gurudwara Reform Movement
j) ‘ Marumakkathayam’

3. Answer any four of the following questions (in about 150
words each) 15×4=60
a) Assess the significance of coastal regions in the economic
development of India.
b) Discuss the wetlands and their role in the ecological
conservation in India.
c) Elaborate the steps taken by the Government for
regionally differentiated approach to increase crop
production and diversification in the country.
d) Bring out the Significance of the various activities of the
Indian Metrological Department.
e) Examine the status of urbanization among the states in
India and bring out spatial inequalities.
4. Write about the following (not exceeding 30 words each)
3×10=30
a) ‘ Bhuvan Website ‘
b) National Waterways
c) Ultra Mega Power Projects
d) NNRMS
e) BSUP Scheme
f) Gagan Project
g) Fruit Production in India

h) Section 377 of IPC
i) ‘ Wherebouts clause of WADA”
j) Barren Island
5. Answer any two of the following questions (in about 100
words each) 10×2=20
a) Analyse India’s achievements in the sports sectors during
2008-2009.
b) List the salient features of the important folk dances of
either Central India or Northern Eastern India.
c) What are the important similarities and difference
between the Hindustani and the Carnatic Styles of Classic
music?
6. Answer any two of the following questions (in about 150
words each) 15×2=30
a) What are your views on the features and impact of
Domestic Violence Act, 2005?
b) Are the traditional determinants of voting behavior in
India changing? Examine in the context of last General
Elections.
c) Examine corruption as a serious development challenge
in Indian Polity.

7. Answer any two of the following questions (in about 150
words each) 15×2=30
a) Mushrooming of Higher Educational Institutions was a
matter of grave concern for Yashpal Committte. With
reference to the relevant portion of that report give your
views how to harmonise private investment and quality of
education.
b) In the changing context of governance in the country,
what should be the role of the UPSC?
c) In the Context of recent incidents , suggest measures on
how security of passengers and property can be improved
over indian railways.
8. Answer any one of the following questions (in about 250
words each) 30
a) Comment on the salient features of the Integrated Energy
Policy recently approved by the government and its
implication on the energy security needs of the country.
b) How far has impact of the global meltdown been
reflected in the Economic Survey 2008-09? Identify some
of the core areas given priority to neutralize the adverse
effects of the global downturn.

9. Answer any two of the following questions (in about 150
words each) 15×2=30
a) Trace the significance steps in the evolution of Television
in the country.
b) The Last National Family Health Survey (NFHS)
displayed a very dismal picture of nutrition as regards
several indicators for average Indians. Highlights the
salient aspects of this problem.
c) ‘ As we live in a plural society we need the greatest
freedom to expresss our opinions even if others find it
offensive’ – Do you agree ? Discuss with reference to
some recent incidents in the Indian context.
10. Write about the following (not exceeding 20 words each)
a)Desert National Park 2×10=20
b) Significance of 26th November in the Country’s Polity
c) Rajiv Gandhi Seva Kendra
d) Girni Kamgar Union
e) Ayush-64
f) Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Nidhi ( GGVN)
g) Deep Joshi’s recent Achievement
h) Satya Vrat Shastri’s recent achievement
i) Pocket Veto
j) PESA , 1996