Mains PYQs - GS-1 (2025) (Q. 7 - 9)

7. What are Tsunamis? How and where are they formed? What are their consequences? Explain with examples. (150 words, 10 marks) (2025)

Introduction:

Define/describe tsunami – mention extremely long wavelength, speed, etc.

Main Body

• Give drawings related to the formation of a tsunami.

How are tsunamis formed?

• Underwater earthquake – 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
• Volcanic eruption - Krakatoa, Indonesia, 1883.
• Landslide - 1998 Papua New Guinea.
• Meteorite impact - Chicxulub crater (historical).

Where is it formed?

• Pacific ring of fire
• Subduction zone - near Indonesia, Japan, Alaska, and Chile.
• Volcanic Islands – Indonesia, Japan, etc.
• Continental margins – with steep underwater topography.

Consequences

• Economic – Loss of life & property, infrastructure destruction, damage to ports, shipping, nuclear (Fukushima), etc.
• Human – High casualties, forced displacement, psychological trauma.
• Environment – Habitat destruction, saltwater intrusion, agricultural loss, etc.

Conclusion:

Give way forward-based – mention Tsunami warning centres, increasing mangroves, disaster-resilient infrastructure, etc.

8. How does a smart city in India address the issues of urban poverty and distributive justice? (150 words, 10 marks) (2025).

Introduction:

Define smart cities with some examples.

Main Body

How does it address the issues of urban poverty and distributive justice?

• Affordable housing
• Improved basic services – Sanitation, Drinking water, solid waste management, etc.
• Livelihood generation.
• Health access – e-health, health ATMs, etc.
• Digital inclusion
• Public safety & security – CCTVs, etc.
• Clean and sustainable environment.
• Supports informal economy.
• Inclusive infrastructure – bicycle lanes, disability specific, etc.

Challenges

• Implementation Gaps – Project Delay,
• Uneven distribution of population.
• One-size-fits-all approach doesn’t applicable.
• Lack of awareness among people
• Lack of digital literacy
• Lack of Finance for implementation.
• Bureaucratic hurdles.

Conclusion:

Give a progressive conclusion -  it will redefine India’s urban landscape, mention SDG goals, etc, integrating locals and so on.

9. The ethos of civil service in India stands for the combination of professionalism with nationalistic consciousness – Elucidate. (150 words, 10 marks) (2025)

Introduction:

Mention civil services in India – the steel frame of governance, stand for the combination of professionalism with nationalistic consciousness.

Main Body

Professionalism in civil Services

• Merit-based recruitment
• Accountability
• Administrative neutrality
• Efficiency & competence
• Specialised knowledge in public service
• Digital skill.

Nationalistic consciousness

• Commitment to constitution
• Unity in diversity
• Service to citizens
• Crisis management

Combination of professionalism with nationalistic consciousness

• Policy implementation guided by ethical values
• Administrative neutrality with communal harmony
• Innovative solutions
• Transparent process and citizen-centric.

Conclusion:

Futuristic & neutral conclusion – like this unique combination leads India into a transformative level of governance; mention Civil Service Day, responsive, ethical and inclusive governance, etc.