MTSE 1(Test Paper on - General studies paper 1)

 Q1. a) Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day has been introduced recently to commemorate Patel’s birth anniversary. Examine the role played by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in post Independence India in the building a new nation.

Q1.b) Critically examine the role played by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad in pre and post-independence India.

Q2. The population of India is growing rapidly, and so are its growing needs. This has caused that per capita availability of fresh water has declined sharply over the past 50 years in India. Examine critically:

1. a) Magnitude of water crisis in India
2. b) Causes for the grim situation
3. c) Remedies to cope up from such woes

Q3. At 53%, India has one of the worst gender gaps (disproportionate difference between the sexes) in the world when it comes to labour force participation. Elaborate the concern and what could addressing these concerns bring in for India.

Q4. "If there are no mangrove forests, then the sea will have no meaning. It is like having a tree with no roots, for the mangroves are the roots of the sea." Elaborate the significance of Mangroves in India along with the importance of Sundarbans.

Q5. Discuss the importance of dance with reference to culture of India.

Q6. The data of 2011 census paints a grim picture of child sex ratio which has worsened to 914, the lowest since 1947. In this regard, write short notes on:

1. a) causes for the low child sex ratio and
2. b) its effects on the Indian society

Q7. Describe are the various classical dance forms of India.

Q8. According to a new World Bank report “Leveraging Urbanization in South Asia: Managing Spatial Transformation for Prosperity and Livability”- difficulty in dealing with the pressures urban populations put on infrastructure, basic services, land, housing and the environment lie at the heart of the relative lack of livability of the region’s cities. Discuss the initiatives taken by Indian government in this regard.

Q9. Agriculture employs around half of country's population but contributes only less than 15% to India's GDP. Despite such criticality, its huge dependence on monsoon makes a huge population potentially vulnerable and affects the entire economy. The objective of monsoon-proof economy gains criticality in this regard. Examine the implications of linkages between rainfall and economic outcomes for India. Also suggest measures to monsoon-proof the economy.

Q10. After achieving independence, what were the core challenges which the founding fathers of Independent India faced? How far have we reached to make these goals see the light of the day?

Q11. The ocean in general and the continental shelf in particular is a vast untapped and an uncharted field of resources. In the light of this, examine how the vast continental shelf of Indian ocean is economically significant for India.

Q12. Can Germany solely be held responsible for the First World War?