[Part 2] GS PAPER I FOR IAS MAINS: THINGS YOU SHOULD KEEP IN MIND
In the previous post on GS Paper 1, we observed the trend of the paper for Indian culture and art forms; Indian History (Ancient to modern) and Indian Society.
Now, let us move towards the other sections of the GS Paper 1.
World History
World History is a very interesting part of the GS Paper 1. According to our analysis, it can prove to be one of the most scoring sections in the paper.
News for October 31, 2014
Important News from The Hindu:
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India to pursue diplomatic channels on fishermen’s release
[Important for: Mains- Polity, IR, Indo-Sri Lanka relations]
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Sweden recognises Palestinian state, Israel denounces move
[Important for: Mains- World, IR]
Editorials You should read:
Contribution of Western Philosophers- Epicurus, Aristotle, Aquinas
Why do we Need to Study Western Thinkers?
Let’s make a basic idea clear first: there is no such thing as Ethics for a particular country/region/religion. Ethics and morality refer to a way of viewing things, and deliberating about the best possible ways to achieve human happiness. Thus, it might not be a good strategy to outcaste the western philosophers while trying to understand such issues.
Another thing to be kept in mind is that, it is important to understand the ideas and perspectives of the western thinkers, for they enrich our understanding of the human psyche. By bringing different perspectives, and standpoints, the study of western thinkers add to the knowledge that we try to unlock.
Thus, any aspirant should try to understand these thinkers, with a purpose other than securing good marks in exam.
News for October 30, 2014
Important News from The Hindu:
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BrahMos Mini planned for Navy, Air Force
[Important for: Mains- Polity, Defense]
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India slips further in ease of business ranking
[Important for: Mains- Economy, International Trade]
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Conditional nod from WHO for new drug to treat MDR TB
[Important for- Prelims/Mains- Health, IR]
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GSAT-6 slated for March launch
[Important for Prelims/Mains- Science and Tech, Space]
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Centre relaxes FDI rules in construction sector
[Important for- Prelims/Mains- Economy, FDI]
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India to sign oil, gas MoU with Mozambique
- [Important for- Prelims/Mains- IR, Foreign relations]
Editorials You should read:
Role of Women during Indian Independence of twentieth century
Even though women are considered to be form of Goddesses in Indian Subcontinent , they were limited by the stereotypes and the structure of our society. The position of women in our society are still better than what it was few centuries back.( Yes!! this is so even with India’s dismal rank of 114 out of 142 countries in gender based disparities.)

Role of Women in Indian Freedom Struggle
DAF for Civil Services (Mains) Examination 2014
UPSC has recently released the DAF (Detailed Application Form) on its site, for the candidates to fill and submit.
The form shall be available from 28-01-2014 to 11-11-2014.
Candidates are advised to fill-in the form without being late, as the form is quite lengthy and you need to fill it with great caution. The information put in the DAF is used as a reference for the Interview purpose as well.
Be careful when you fill the service and state preference. It could be a life-changing decision for you.
Thus, candidates are advised to take caution while filling the details in the DAF form.
Click here to see the UPSC Official Notification on DAF
SOME BASIC CONCEPTS IN GEOGRAPHY
Approaches in Geography
Geography may be studied by way of several interrelated approaches, i.e., systematically, regionally, descriptively, and analytically.
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The Systematic approach organizes geographical knowledge into individual categories that are studied on a worldwide basis;
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The Regional approach integrates the results of the systematic method and studies the interrelationships of the different categories while focusing on a particular area of the earth;
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The Descriptive approach depicts where geographical features and populations are located;
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The Analytical approach seeks to find out why those features are located where they are.
News for October 29, 2014
Important News from The Hindu:
SC orders govt. to submit all black money names today
[Important for: Mains- Polity]
India to modernise Vietnam’s defence forces
[Important for: Mains- IR, Indian Foreign Relations]
Scheme to lift human development indices of tribal people launched
[Important for- Prelims/Mains- Policies, Polity]
Editorials You should read:
GS Paper I for IAS Mains: Things You should Keep in Mind
Decoding the GS Paper-I
You might feel that GS Paper-I is the easiest of the four GS papers for IAS Mains. True, that it is possible to score well in this paper, but the content and syllabus is a little tricky and confusing.
The GS Paper-I actually comprise of a number of subjects, that have been put into a single container:
1. Indian Culture and Art Forms | 2. Indian History (Ancient to Modern) |
3. Indian Society and Issues (related to Sociology) | 4. World History |
5. Geography (World) | 6. Geography (Theory) |
It’s not easy to get hold of each of these subjects. However, left with no choice, you have to go through every bit of the paper, deeply and sincerely.
We would recommend you to devote your time well for the subjects that you are more comfortable with, and save yourself from excessive stress by trying to impose the concepts that just pass over your head.
A few friends of Aspirant Forum have mentioned their inability to study the concepts related to culture (like temple art forms, paintings, dance forms etc.).
You should understand that it is better to devote your time fruitfully for the subjects that can deliver more, rather than trying to struggle hard with the subjects that are unfaithful to you. Any serious aspirant carries a basic knowledge of all the aspects of the syllabus, thus, be confident that you will be at least a couple of points for areas that you are scared of.
What to Do?
Let’s discuss each part of the GS Paper-I and see what should be the strategy:
LEGALISATION OF SEX TRADE: A DEBATE
The Supreme Court (SC) of India recently suggested legalizing prostitution as a solution to the reality that, despite a raft of law, there is a rapid proliferation of the sex trade. The apex court, presided by a two-judge bench, said no legislation anywhere in the world had successfully managed to stop the sex trade, and legalizing it would allow authorities to “monitor the trade, rehabilitate and provide medical aid to those involved”.
The chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), Lalitha Kumaramangalam, has also advocated legalising sex work to regulate the trade and ensure better living conditions for women engaged in commercial sex work. Legalising the trade, she says, will also bring down trafficking in women and lower the incidence of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.