CSE MAINS 2008
                                    GENERAL STUDIES
                                      PAPER-1


1. Answer any two of the following (in about 150 words each):
(15 × 2=30)
(a) "The emergence of new social classes in British India was the direct consequence of the
establishment of new social economy, new state system, administrative machinery and
Western education." Discuss.
(b) "British vision of India had no single coherent set of ideas. On the contrary, the ideas were
shot through with contradictions and inconsistencies." Discuss.
(c) "Non-Cooperation Movement gave new direction and energy to the National Movement."
Explain.
2. Write about the following (not exceeding 20 words each):
(2 × 15 = 30
(a) Lakshmi Bai, Rani of Jhansi
(b) Ilbert Bill
(c) Lala Hara Dayal
(d) Vaikam Satyagraha
(e) Indian States Commission
(f) Bodhisattva
(g) Megasthenes
(h) Brihadeshwara Temple, Tanjore
(i) Perini Shivatandavam
(j) Allasani Peddana
(k) Golkonda Fort
(l) Chishti Silsila
(m) Chouth and Sardeshmukhi
(n) Poona Sarvajanik Sabha
(o) 'Rama Sethu'
3. Answer any two of the following (in about 150 words each):
15 × 2 = 30
(a) The winter rains in North India are largely related to Jet Streams and Western Disturbances.
Bring out the relationship.
(b) Agricultural Productivity in India remains low. Explain the reasons for this situation.
(c) Bring out the pros and cons of Special Economic Zones.
4. Write about the following (not exceeding 20 words each):
(2 × 5 = 10)
(a) Buckingham Canal
(b) Terai Region
(c) Organic Farming
(d) Demographic Dividend
(e) Nor'westers
5. Answer any one of the following (in about 250 words):
(30)
(a) What is meant by 'Judicial Activism? Evaluate its role in the context of the functioning of
Indian polity.
(b) Discuss the major extra-constitutional factors influencing the federal polity in India.
6. Answer any two of the following (in about 150 words each):
(15 × 2 = 30)
C.S.E-Mains 2008
GENERAL STUDIES
(a) Enumerate the Fundamental Duties incorporated in the Constitution after the 42nd
Amendment.
(b) Examine the demand for greater state autonomy and its impact on the smooth functioning of
Indian polity.
(c) Discuss the composition and functions of the Union Public Service Commission.
7. Answer the following (in about 20 words each):
(2 × 5 = 10)
(a) What is a Censure Motion?
(b) Distinguish between the auditing and accounting functions of the CAG of India.
(c) Distinguish between a starred question and an unstarred one asked in the Parliament.
(d) What is contempt of Parliament?
(e) What were the two major considerations to have the Governor appointed and not elected?
8. Answer any one of the following (in about 250 words):
(30)
(a) What, in your opinion, are the causes of terrorism? Suggest suitable measures to deal with the
threat of terrorism in India.
(b) Do you think there is a need for a review of the Indian Constitution? Justify your view.
9. Answer any two of the following (in about 150 words each):
(15 × 2 = 30)
(a) Examine the role of caste in Indian politics.
(b) Discuss the problems in achieving National Integration in India.
(c) Examine the impact of Regional Political Parties in Indian politics.
10. Answer any one of the following (in about 250 words):
(30)
(a) "Globalization has brought about a distinct class divide in India instead of ushering in a
classless society." Critically examine this argument.
(b) "The conditions of the urban poor are more deplorable than that of their rural counterparts."
Give your views.
11. Answer any two of the following (in about 150 words each):
(15 × 2 = 30)
(a) Examine whether rural women in India have been empowered by their active participation in
Panchayat Raj System.
(b) "Decline in the sex ratio in India is an alarming sign for India's future social development."
Discuss.
(c) 'What should be the role of the media to project 'mass reality' in place of 'illusion of reality’?
12. Write about the following (not exceeding 20 words each):
(2 × 5 = 10)
(a) MTP Act
(b) Supreme Court on Ragging
(c) New Seven Wonders of the World
(d) M. M. Punchi Commission
(e) Lakshmi Mittal
PAPER - II
SECTION A
1. Mark on the outline map of India supplied any ten of the following entries. Write brief notes (not
exceeding 40 words each) on the significant aspects of the same ten entries.
(6 × 10 = 60)
(a) Butcher Island
(b) Gopalpur Beach
(c) Lavasa
(d) Gandhisagar
(e) Nam Dapha
(f) Pampore
(g) Mount Harrier
(h) Barail Ranges
(i) Palitana
(j) NIO
(k) Baltel
(l) Pindari
2. Distinguish between the Himalayan and the peninsular drainage system.
(60)
3. Discuss the bases of identifying agro climate zones and explain the core strategies for agricultural
development.
(60)
4. Explain the factors promoting the rapid growth and development of the automobile industry in India,
giving suitable example.
(60)
SECTION B
5. Write short notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each:
(20 × 3 = 60)
(a) Suggest appropriate energy policy for minimizing energy crisis in India.
(b) Describe and explain the spatial patterns of literacy in India.
(c) Assess the geographical significance of Indian Ocean.
(d) Explain the concept of sustainable development and examine its relevance.
6. ‘Unplanned urban development has created numerous problems’ Comment.
(60)
7. Critically examine the bases of state reorganization in India since Independence.
(60)
8. Discuss the problems and Prospects of development of catchments and command areas.
(60)
C.S.E-Mains 2008
GENERAL STUDIES