Answers to Questions no. 1 to 10 should be in 150 words, whereas answers to Questions no. 11 to 20 should be in 250 words.

Q1 . Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Comment (10)

Q2 . Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travellers in the reconstruction of the history of India. (10)

Q3 . Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times. (10)

Q4 . Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation? (10 )

Q5 . Why is India taking keen interest in the Arctic region? (10)

Q6 . Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics. (10)

Q7 . What are the consequences of spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystem? (10)

Q8 . “Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment. (10)

Q9 . ‘Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing’. Explain by giving reasons. (10)

Q10 . How the Indian concept of secularism different from the western model of secularism? Discuss. (10)

Q11 . The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss. (15)

Q12 . Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India. (15)

Q13 . Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to their colonies? have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there? (15)

Q14 . “The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system.” How can it be made effective in urban areas? (15)

Q15 . Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India. (15)

Q16 . What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identifying industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics. (15)

Q17 . Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in India and explain the nature of convergence, collaboration and competition for its success. (15)

Q18 . ‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata.’ Substantiate your view. (15)

Q19 . ‘Globalisation is generally said to promote cultural homogenisation but due to this cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian society.’ Elucidate. (15)

Q20 . ‘Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation.’ Argue by giving suitable illustrations. (15)