GS Paper - I Model Answers (2023) - 1 | UPSC Mains Answer Writing: Practice PDF Download

Q1: Explain the role of geographical factors towards the development of Ancient India. (150 words, 10 marks)
Ans: 

Introduction
Geographical factors played a vibrant role in shaping the consciousness of ancient India.

Key Geographical Factors and their Impacts

(a)    Himalayan mountain ranges:

• Natural Barrier
• Through passes; invasion of different groups Ex. Persians, Macedonians/Indo-Greeks, Shakas, Pahlavas, Kushan & Hunas. It resulted in significant cultural interactions [Kushaans i.e., most Indianized group]

(b)    Shielding of arctic winds:

• Lot of rainfall
• Agricultural prosperity
• Urbanisation
• India emerged as a cradle of civilization

(c)    India as a land of rivers:

• River valleys civilizations (IVC)
• Urbanisation: First urbanisation (IVC) Indus River valley region. Second urbanisation (Mahajanpada Era) Gangetic River valley region

(d)    Discovery of Monsoon by HIPPALUS:

• Mid-Oceans Routes to India Ports were discovered
• Promotion of International Trade
• Availability of Coastal Ports and Plains resulted in emergence of powerful empires in South India. (Ex. Cholas, Cheras, Pandayas etc.)

(e)    Geographical Diversity Promoted richness in all spheres:

• Indians never faced scarcity of resources, always avoided conflicts
• For promotion of trade Indians always welcomed different cultural groups in India
• Resulted in emergence of India as spiritual leader in the world 
  • Ascetic culture
  • Non-Violence o Ethnic & Cultural Diversity 
  • Vasudhaiva-Kutumbakam o Multiculturalism 
  • A more humane psyche

Conclusion
Due to its rich cultural diversity & economic prosperity Indians also made significant progress in the fields of technology, literature, science & architecture etc.

Q2: What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism? (150 words, 10 marks) 
Ans: 

Introduction
Approach of Gandhi and Tagore towards education and nationalism were unique and significant in nature.

(a)    Gandhi Outlook
(i)    On Education:

• Basic education & Mass-Based Education (Wardha Scheme - 1937)
• Besides learning,
• Focus    on 3H
  • H    -    Hand    (Skills/Job-Centric Approach/Productive Crafts)
  • H    -    Heart    (Moral-Purification)
  • H    -    Head    (Spiritual-Upliftment)
• Value based education system
• Harmonious development of mind, body and heart
• Focus on Vernaculars

(ii)    On Nationalism:

• Main expressions in the form of Swaraj & Ramrajya
• Focus on secular spirit & religious universalism
• Growth of nationalism in India was a result of cultural diversity, moral and spiritual progression
• No British Rule in this process

(b)    Tagore's Outlook 
(i) On Education:

• Dynamic & Unique Approach
• Rejected conventional method of schooling system 
• Nature & Practice Based Learning Curriculum
• More focus on analysis and interpretation
• Expression in the form of institutions. Ex. (i) Shanti Niketan (1863), further developed into (ii) Vishwa Bharati (1921)
  • Adoption of thoughts according to present scenario 
  • Environmental consciousness 
  • Moral values 
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Community & society-oriented awareness 

(ii) On Nationalism 
Two Aspects of Nation & Nationalism:

• Visualised it beyond the national map
• Visualised it from inside of national boundary
• International humanistic concerns
• Focus on ending discrimination & system of privileges
• He himself writes "I am a poet of the world ...."
• Promoting equality
• This will bring forward shape of true nation

Conclusion
Due to its rich cultural diversity & economic prosperity Indians also made significant progress in the fields of technology, literature, science & architecture etc.

Q3: Bring out the socio-economic effects of the introduction of railways in different countries of the world. (150 words, 10 marks).
Ans:

Introduction
Steam Engine was first developed by James Watt in England and later with industrial revolution and colonialism railways expanded in both advanced and colonised countries. Advent of railways not just revolutionised the transport system but also had complex socio-economic effects.

Positive impact of railways:

• Facilitated quick movement of people and goods leading to increased trade and economic growth, particularly in countries where industrial revolution took place.
• Promoted urbanisation E.g., in Japan & Europe.
• Promoted social inclusion as people from different races and backgrounds such as Dalits, women etc.
• Promote national unification (E.g., Mahatma Gandhi travelled in Railways).

Negative impacts of Railways:

• Contributed to drain of wealth and deindustrialisation in colonised countries as exports of finished goods and imports of raw materials by colonial powers.
• Deployment of soldiers and arms became easier during revolts and wars between competing powers. (During Sepoy Mutiny and World Wars)
• Building of railways led to over-exploitation of resources especially in forest areas for timber. Ex. Khasi Revolt.
• Finances for building railways enriched the capitalist countries and but led to impoverished colonised countries.

Conclusion
Despite negative effects of railways, it has remained the most obvious means of national connectivity and catalyst of socio-economic development in India and beyond.

Q4: Discuss the consequences of climate change on the food security in tropical countries. (150 words, 10 marks)
Ans: 

Introduction
Climate change is affecting food security through increasing temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and greater frequency of some extreme events.
Tropical countries of Asia, Africa and South America face the double burden of experiencing higher weather extremities on one hand and lower potential to deal with such challenges on the other.

Consequences of climate change on Food Security in Tropical Countries

• Availability:
  • Reduces yields in crop and livestock systems. According to NASA, Maize crop yields are projected to decline 24% on account of climate change.
  • Increases pest attacks and diseases and reduces pollinators. E.g., Locust attacks o Reduces food quality by spoilage and loss of mycotoxins.
• Accessibility:
  • Yield reductions and reduced farmer income limit the ability to purchase food. E.g., 70% of India's rural households depend primarily on agriculture with 82% of farmers being small and marginal. o Price rise further affects it, especially the low-income countries. o Weather extremities disrupt food supplies and transportation infrastructure.
• Utilization 
  • Reduced nutritional quality on account of increased CO2. o Higher flooding leads to higher infectious diseases. E.g., Mali, Chad and Niger
• Stability
  • Widespread crop failure may further increase migration and conflict o Higher migration and conflict further hampers food security.

Conclusion
Interventions such as climate resilient agriculture, enhancing per capita income and better disaster preparedness can help achieve sustainable development goal of food security by 2030.

Q5: Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources? (150 words, 10 marks)
Ans:

Introduction
Access to freshwater is a human right as it is not only essential for drinking, bathing, sanitation but also for industrial and food security purposes. According to Unicef, almost two-thirds of global population experiences severe water scarcity leading to child mortality, poor sanitation and hurting females and children.

Reasons for reduced water availability:

• Limited supply of freshwater as freshwater makes up only 1% of total global water supply.
• Skewed distribution of freshwater resources temporally and spatially. For ex. Monsoons concentrate 85% of India's precipitation in three-month period.
• Increasing global population even as water supply remains constant.
• Climate change induced water shortage
• Low water use efficiency, particularly in agriculture.
• Export of virtual water in the form of agricultural commodities like Rice and Sugarcane.
• Over-exploitation of groundwater resources
• Contamination of water with arsenic, cadmium etc. making it unusable.

Reasons for crisis in access to freshwater:

• Lack of proper water management and governance
• Inadequate investment and poor management of water supply infrastructure
• War and conflicts
• Forced migration
• Lack of cooperation on water among states and federal units
• Lack of adequate political focus on water issues.

Conclusion
Thus, steps like identifying new water resources, improving efficiency of water resources, treating access to minimum quantity of water, mainstreaming use of wastewater, reducing wastage of water, promoting desalination in coastal areas, pricing of water and changing our behaviour towards water is required to improve both the access and availability of freshwater.

Q6: How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world? (150 words, 10 marks)
Ans: 

Introduction
Fjords are unique geographical formations found in certain coastal regions of temperate regions formed by glacial erosion. It is a long, narrow valley with steep sides filled with seawater. It is deeper in inner and middle parts and shallow mountain threshold at the outer end.
Fjords are located on the edge of large continents. Fjords are found along the coasts of Norway, Greenland, Alaska, Chile, New Zealand and Antarctica.

Formation of Fjords:

• Fiords are the result of glacier's immense power to shape landscapes.
• They are essentially drowned glacial valleys formed because of interplay of glacial action and subsequent marine inundation.
• During ice ages, glaciers carved deep U-shaped troughs in valleys through plucking and frost shattering. Once glaciers receded, these valleys submerged due to land subsidence or sea level rise, forming fjords.

Picturesque Nature of Fjords:

• Deep carved valleys with rugged cliffs and U-shaped valleys.
• Shallow mouths of Fjords make the waters in Fjords quieter than sea.
• Towering vertical cliffs that rise dramatically from water's edge.
• Calm waters function as mirror like surface which reflects the surroundings.
• Numerous cascading waterfalls which add sound and beauty.
• Changing seasons has different appearance of fjords
• Rich in biodiversity.
• Norway's Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage sites, exemplify this scenic attractiveness.

Conclusion 
Fjords, with their origin rooted in glacial activities and their unparalleled beauty, stand as a testament to nature's ability to craft awe-inspiring landscapes.

Q7: Why is the South-West Monsoon called Purvaiya (easterly) in Bhojpur Region? How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultural ethos of the region? (150 words, 10 marks)
Ans:

Introduction
Most parts of India receive Southwestern monsoonal winds in the months of June to September. However, these winds change their direction due to the presence of local factors.

Easterly winds in Bhojpur region:

Impact on cultural ethos of Bhojpur:

• Agriculture: The timing of the arrival of these winds is critical for sowing and planting crops like Paddy.
• Festivals: Communities celebrate festivals like Hariyali Teej, Nag panchami etc in these months celebrating the arrival of monsoon.
• Rituals, Folk songs and dances: Many of the folk songs and dance mention their significance. E.g Kajari songs and Jhijhia dance.
• Cuisine: types of crops grown in the region affect the local cuisine. E.g rice, wheat and various vegetables are used to prepare dishes like Peetha, litti chokha etc
• Clothing and Lifestyle: Light, breathable clothing is preferred. Eg- saree, dhoti, kurtas.

Conclusion
Thus, these winds show the human-environment relationship in one of the most beautiful manners. 

Q8: Do you think marriage as a sacrament is loosing its value in Modern India? (150 words and 10 Marks)
Ans:

Introduction
In modern times, the notion of marriage as a sacred institution is encountering shifting perspectives. As society undergoes rapid urbanization, globalization, and shifts in social dynamics, the traditional view of marriage as a sacrament faces new challenges, which are as follows:

• Growing individualism reflects a shift towards personal freedom and choice in marriage decisions. People today may prioritize their individual happiness, compatibility, and personal goals over conforming to traditional expectations.
• Emergence of alternatives such as live-in relationships and single-parent families through adoption or other means, highlights a broader acceptance of diverse family structures in India.
• Reduced stigma around divorce and separation allows individuals to end unhappy or unhealthy marriages, promoting personal well-being and autonomy.
• Rising aspirations among youth: Pursuing education, careers, and personal development sometimes takes precedence over early or arranged marriages. People aspire to achieve personal and professional goals before committing to marriage.
• Marriage is still sacrament in Indian society, due to following reasons:
• Base of family: Marriage is seen as the institution through which families are formed and sustained. The family is the fundamental building block of Indian culture, and marriage plays a central role in its establishment.
• Continuity of Lineage: As marriage is seen as a means to ensure the continuity of one's family and traditions, reinforcing its sacramental value.
• Religious Significance: The rituals and customs associated with marriage emphasizes the spiritual significance of this institution.

Conclusion
Marriage in India is experiencing a dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity. It is not necessarily losing its value, but rather adapting to the diverse needs and desires of a rapidly changing society. 

Q9: Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian society. (150 words, 10 marks)
Ans: 

Introduction
India's young women face a serious suicide crisis. NCRB reports a rise from 12.7 to 17.5 per 1,00,000(2011 to 2021), with one woman aged 15-39 ending her life every hour. This highlights a dire need for protection.

1. Relative Deprivation: Despite advances in education and empowerment, stigma persist creating conflicts for young women (Status inconsistency). This tension is evident more in South India, where modern perspectives clash with traditional norms [Lancet (2018)].
2. Changing Family Dynamics: Globalization has led to shifts in relationship dynamics, contributing to feelings of isolation among young women. The decline in joint families leaves housewives more vulnerable to mental health issues.
3. Patriarchal Structure: Gender discrimination limits education, healthcare, nutrition. Marriage pressure stigmatizes unmarried women. Married women (Early Marriage) endure violence, deepening gender bias and despair.
4. Limited economic Opportunities: results in lack of independence (glass ceiling) and contributes to pessimism and self-doubt.
5. Mental Health Issues: Unrealistic standards(beauty) and excessive burden due to dual role performed by women worsen the situation.
6. Sexual Violence: A high incidence of sexual violence, coupled with victim-blaming and stigma, exacerbates psychological distress.
7. Technology and Social Media: Excessive use fuels depression and cyberbullying.

All these factors could lead to a lot of stress and therefore lead to death by suicide.

Conclusion
Effective solutions require focus on care economy, legislation against martial rape, one stop Centres to support mental health along with eradicating gender discrimination, violence and promoting education and employment. 

Q10: Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children. (150 words, 10 Marks)
Ans:

Introduction

Some of the impacts include:

1. Reduced Inter-Personal Bonds: Diminish crucial cuddling moments between parents and children, leading to a lack of emotional connection and affecting children's security and well-being.
2. Increased isolation: Intensify feelings of loneliness and isolation, as digital connections often lack the emotional support of in-person relationships.
3. Stunted Personality Development: Hinder the natural development of children's personalities, which primarily occurs through real-world interactions.
4. Decreased Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Excessive engagement in self-promotion on social media, driven by financial incentives, can reduce children's empathy and emotional intelligence by fostering shallow interactions that prioritize individualisation.
5. Risk of Cyberbullying and Inappropriate Content: Unsupervised or excessive use of mobile phones can expose children to cyberbullying, inappropriate content, or online dangers promoted suicidal thoughts, feelings of aggression towards others. E.g.: Blue whale Challenge.

Conclusion
To increase children's socialization, prioritize inter-personal Bonds, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. Balancing these strategies will help them develop crucial social skills and build meaningful relationships. 

Q11: What are the main features of Vedic society and religion? Do you think some of the features are still prevailing in Indian society? (15 marks, 250 words)
Ans:

Introduction
Though Indo-Aryans were a sub-branch of Aryan family, they developed in India a unique culture compared to European and Iranian Aryans.

Main features of Vedic society:

• Society was based on Kinship and family, or Kula was the basic unit. Literature reflects patriarchal nature of society. People prayed for Praja (son).
• In society, dominance of priestly and ruling class was reflected by Chaturvarna system. The position of women and Shudras was not good.
• Dwija tradition allowed only Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Vaishyas to go for Upanayana and hence for Vedic education.
• Early Vedic society the caste system was occupational grouping and social mobility high. However, in later Vedic times caste groups became permanent based on birth and social mobility reduced.

Main features of Vedic religion:

• People worshipped different aspects of nature, Ex. rain, water, fire, Prithvi. Prayers and Yagyas were important. Religion was materialistic, moksha was hardly demanded, people demanded Pashu (cattle wealth).
• By Later Vedic Age, more and more rituals emerged. Many gods became important like Vishnu, Prajapati and Rudra. Reaction to rituals also emerged in form of Upanishads.

Elements of Continuity:

• Family is still the basic unit of society, bound around idea of kinship.
• Society is still patriarchal.
• There is still prevalence of Varna system.
• Rituals and yagyas are still part of religious practices. Vishnu and Rudra are still considered prominent gods.
• Upanishads remain the base of philosophical system in India.

Conclusion 
The continuity in the features of Vedic society and religion up to even our times almost makes it a living cultural heritage. But it is also desired that the positive elements are supported and negative ones, like secondary position given to women and depressed classes, are weeded out.