UPSC Mains 2013

Major hot deserts in northern hemisphere are located between 20-30 degree north latitudes and on the western side of the continents. Why?

With growing scarcity of fossil fuels, the atomic energy is gaining more and more significance in India. Discuss the availability of raw material required for the generation of atomic energy in India and in the world.

The recent cyclone on the east coast of India was called "Phailin". How are the tropical cyclones named across the world?

It is said the India has substantial reserves of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of country for quarter century. However, tapping of the resources doesn't appear to be high on the agenda. Discuss critically the availability and issues involved.

Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and their success.

There is no formation of deltas by rivers of the Western Ghat. Why?

What do you understand by the theory of continental drift? Discuss the prominent evidences in its support.

Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women's organization free from gender bias. Comment.

Critically examine the effects of globalization on the aged population in India.

What do you understand by the phenomenon of temperature inversion in meteorology? How does it affect the weather and the habitants of the place?

Write a critical note on the evolution and significance of the slogan "Jai Jawana Jai Kisan".

Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss.

Discuss the Tandava dance as recorded in the early Indian inscriptions.

Discuss the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to pre-and post-independent India.

Though not very useful from the point of view of a connected political history of South India, the Sangam literature portrays the social and economic conditions of its time with remarkable vividness. Comment.

In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India. Elaborate.

Bring out the causes for more frequent landslides in the Himalayas than in Western Ghats

Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world.

Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive role in the emergence of Bangladesh.

Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various move-ments. Analyze their role in the Indian struggle for freedom.