Mains PYQs - GS-1 (2025) (Q. 13 - 15)

13. The French Revolution has enduring relevance to the contemporary world. Explain. (250 words, 15 marks) (2025).

Direction: Intro ----- Contemporary relevance------Conclusion.

Introduction:

Mention briefly about the French Revolution (1789–1799) and its outcome.

Main Body

Relevance to the contemporary world

Ideals of liberty, equality & fraternity – End of feudal privileges, spread of brotherhood, idea of individual freedom, etc.
Republic
Rule of law
Popular Sovereignty
Rise of nationalism – Helps to oppose the monarch and yield independence to many nations.
Secularism
Human rights – Declaration of rights of man and citizens.
Oppose Monarchy
Gender equality
Social Justice – Led to some movements by Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by mentioning french revolutions relevance in today's world inspire lots of greater growth and evolution to modern world.

14. Give a geographical explanation of the distribution of offshore oil reserves of the world. How are they different from the on-shore occurrences of oil reserves? (250 words, 15 marks) (2025)

Direction: Intro-----Geographical distribution + Difference------Conclusion.

Introduction

Define offshore oil reserves and give some data about reserves.

Main Body

Geographical distribution

Continental Shelves & Margins – Sediment deposition under pressue convert into hydrocarbons. Eg. Persian Gulf
Coastal Basins – Rich organic sediments enters into ocean, especially river deltas. Eg. Godavari-Krishna basin.
Rift valley & Fault zone – Submerged valley acts as a storage area to trap hydrocarbon deposits. Eg. North Sea (UK & Norway).

(Or)

You can write it region-wise with examples & Map like

Middle east – Persian gulf.
Africa – West Africa, East Africa (Rift valley).
North America – Gulf of Mexico.
Arctic region – North Sea, Arctic Ocean.
Asia – Bay of Bengal, Russia (Sakhalin).

Key difference between Offshore & onshore oil reserves

	Offshore oil reserve	Onshore oil reserve
Location	Continental shelves, slopes, and deep ocean basins.	Sedimentary basins on land, ancient lake beds, and valleys.
Source	Mainly marine plankton and microscopic algae.	Mix of terrestrial plants, lake algae, and river delta organic matter.
Formation	Bit faster because of less frequent disturbance of the source.	Late formation because the land or source is often disturbed.
Quality	Often lighter and lower in sulfur due to marine origin.	Varies widely, from ultra-light to heavy tar sands.
Risk	Spill containment threatens entire marine ecosystems.	Spills are localised; easier to contain but impacts groundwater.

Conclusion:

Conclude by mentioning the importance of oil reserves to the world with respect to the growth of the economy.

15. How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drones be effectively used along with GIS and RS techniques in locational and areal planning? (250 words, 15 marks) (2025)

Direction: Intro----How can it be used effectively-------Conclusion.

Introduction

Define AI & Done technology (or) GIS & RS Technology (or) locational & areal planning (or) interlink all three and give a brief introduction.

Main Body

How can these be used effectively?

Agriculture – Drones for pesticides, Precision & smart farming, etc.
Disaster Management - Risk & Hazard Mapping, etc.
Urban Growth – CCTVs, Smart City Mission, Land measurement (SVAMITA Scheme), etc.
Monitoring & Assessment – Land monitoring from degradation, deforestation, encroachment, real-time observation (traffic, disaster, rain, etc), etc.

Challenges

Harsh Weather conditions.
Lack of accessibility to remote areas.
Cost mismatch.
Limited skilled personnel.
Privacy concerns.

Conclusion:

Give a neutral/positive conclusion – Like this integration helps India to move forward in its Digital India initiatives and allows it to achieve Vikshit Bharat.

Mains PYQs - GS-1 (2025) (Q. 13 - 15)

Mains PYQs - GS-1 (2025) (Q. 16 - 18)

Mains PYQs - GS-1 (2025) (Q. 10 - 12)