The APSC Combined Competitive (Main) Examination 2023 Paper-2 (General Studies – I) tests candidates on Indian heritage, Assam’s history and culture, geography, and the freedom movement. This paper includes both 150-word and 250-word answer questions designed to assess analytical depth and factual accuracy.
On assamino.com, you’ll find complete answers with explanations for each question, helping aspirants strengthen their preparation for the APSC Mains exam. This section provides valuable insights and model answers aligned with the APSC syllabus and current examination standards.
GENERALSTUDIES-I
( Paper-2 )
Full Marks: 250
TIme: 3 hours
QUESTION PAPER SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS
Please read each of the following instructions carefully
before attempting questions
There are TWENTY questions printed in ENGLISH and ASSAMESE.
All questions are compulsory.
The number of marks carried by a question/part is indicated against it.
Answers to Question Nos. 1 to 10 should be in 150 words each, whereas answers to
Question Nos. 11 to 20 should be in 250 words each.
Q1. Name the major earthquake-prone areas of the world and give details of the Circum-Pacific Belt. (150 words)
The major earthquake-prone areas of the world include the Circum-Pacific Belt, the Alpide Belt, and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge Zone. The Circum-Pacific Belt, also known as the “Ring of Fire”, is the world’s most seismically active region, accounting for nearly 80% of global earthquakes. It encircles the Pacific Ocean and includes regions like Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, New Zealand, Chile, Alaska, and the western coast of North and South America.
This belt lies along tectonic plate boundaries where subduction zones dominate, causing powerful earthquakes and volcanic activity. Frequent plate collisions and movements of the Pacific Plate against surrounding plates make it highly unstable. The Circum-Pacific Belt is also home to several active volcanoes, making it both geologically dynamic and hazardous for human settlements.
Q2. Define biosphere and discuss its extent and importance in the Earth’s environment. (150 words)
The biosphere is the thin layer of the Earth where life exists — encompassing the lower atmosphere, hydrosphere, and upper crust of the lithosphere. It includes all living organisms and their interactions with air, water, and soil. The biosphere extends roughly up to 10 km in the atmosphere and a few kilometers deep into the oceans and soil layers.
It plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by enabling biogeochemical cycles such as carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen cycles. The biosphere regulates climate, purifies air and water, and provides essential resources like food and oxygen. Its interconnected ecosystems sustain biodiversity, which ensures ecosystem resilience. Any disturbance in the biosphere — through pollution or deforestation — disrupts life-support systems, emphasizing the need for sustainable conservation practices.
Q3. Give an idea of the distribution and ecological characteristics of tropical rainforests and explain the causes of their rapid degradation. (150 words)
Tropical rainforests are found near the equator between 10°N and 10°S, mainly in the Amazon Basin (South America), Congo Basin (Africa), Southeast Asia, and parts of northeastern India. They receive over 200 cm rainfall annually and maintain high temperatures (25–30°C) throughout the year.
Ecologically, they are the most biodiverse ecosystems, housing over half of the world’s plant and animal species. Their dense canopy, multilayered vegetation, and rich soil micro-life regulate the global carbon cycle and climate.
However, these forests are rapidly degrading due to deforestation, logging, mining, shifting cultivation, and urban expansion. Human encroachment for timber, agriculture (especially palm oil plantations), and infrastructure has led to loss of biodiversity and climate imbalance. Conservation measures and sustainable forest management are essential to preserve these “lungs of the Earth.”
Q4. Discuss how India would achieve self-reliance as well as national development in the context of the globalized world. (150 words)
India’s path to self-reliance and national development in a globalized world lies in strengthening domestic capacities while engaging globally. The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan emphasizes innovation, local manufacturing, and reduced import dependency. By boosting sectors like defense production, renewable energy, and technology, India can enhance strategic autonomy.
Investing in education, digital infrastructure, and research will help build a skilled workforce. At the same time, global integration through trade, investment, and diplomacy can ensure economic growth and competitiveness. India’s participation in multilateral platforms like G20 and BRICS allows balanced globalization.
Self-reliance today does not mean isolation but interdependence with resilience — building internal strength while embracing external opportunities.
Q5. Physical geography has a close relationship with Asia’s population distribution. Discuss some examples where such a relation does not hold good. (150 words)
In Asia, population distribution is largely influenced by physical geography — fertile plains and river valleys (like the Ganga, Yangtze, and Mekong) support dense populations. However, there are notable exceptions.
For instance, the desert cities of Dubai and Doha have large populations despite harsh climatic conditions, due to economic development based on oil wealth. Similarly, Singapore and Hong Kong, though small and lacking natural resources, are densely populated owing to trade and finance.
Conversely, some fertile regions like the Irrawaddy Delta or Borneo remain sparsely populated due to socio-political and infrastructural limitations. These exceptions show that technological progress, economy, and policy can sometimes override physical determinants of population distribution.
Q6. Critically evaluate the depiction of partition horror of India in 1947 in any contemporary Indian novel. (150 words)
Khushwant Singh’s “Train to Pakistan” vividly portrays the 1947 Partition’s human tragedy. Set in a small village named Mano Majra, it captures how communal harmony disintegrates under political and religious violence. The novel focuses on the human cost — displacement, betrayal, and moral collapse — rather than political narratives.
Singh’s characters reflect both cruelty and compassion amidst chaos. Through realistic imagery and emotional depth, the author condemns hatred and exposes how innocent people suffered due to political decisions.
Other works like Bapsi Sidhwa’s “Ice-Candy Man” and Bhisham Sahni’s “Tamas” similarly reveal Partition’s psychological trauma. Collectively, these novels immortalize the pain of Partition and serve as historical documentation of India’s greatest human tragedy.
Q7. Evaluate the contribution of Dr. Bhabendra Nath Saikia towards filmmaking in Assam. (150 words)
Dr. Bhabendra Nath Saikia was one of Assam’s most celebrated filmmakers, writers, and cultural figures. His films are known for their realistic portrayal of Assamese society, subtle storytelling, and aesthetic depth.
Movies like Sandhyara Sur, Anirban, Abartan, and Kolahal reflect social realism and human emotions with cinematic finesse. Saikia often focused on women’s issues, moral dilemmas, and rural life. He brought Assamese cinema to national prominence, winning several National Film Awards and international recognition.
Apart from filmmaking, Saikia contributed to literature and children’s education through his magazine Sofura. His vision enriched Assamese culture and laid a strong foundation for future filmmakers.
Q8. With the dangers of global climate change becoming a reality, it is now time to replace the discourse of economic growth with that of conservation of nature. Do you agree? Give reasons. (150 words)
Yes, the growing threat of climate change demands a shift from unchecked economic growth to sustainable development focused on nature conservation. Continuous industrialization and deforestation have led to rising temperatures, sea-level rise, and biodiversity loss.
GDP-oriented growth often ignores environmental costs. Instead, the green economy model promotes renewable energy, afforestation, and circular production. Countries must integrate environmental protection into development policies — balancing progress with preservation.
India’s initiatives like National Solar Mission and Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) embody this approach. True prosperity lies in ensuring ecological stability and intergenerational equity, not mere economic expansion.
Q9. Elements of dissent and protest were inherent in the preaching of various Bhakti saints in medieval India. Discuss with examples. (150 words)
The Bhakti movement emerged between the 12th–17th centuries as a spiritual revolt against religious orthodoxy, caste discrimination, and ritualism. Saints like Kabir, Ravidas, Meerabai, and Guru Nanak emphasized personal devotion over priestly mediation.
Their teachings questioned social hierarchies and upheld equality, love, and humanity. Kabir criticized both Hindu and Muslim dogmas, while Nanak preached universal brotherhood.
In South India, Basavanna and Andal challenged patriarchy and caste norms. The Bhakti movement democratized religion and became a vehicle for social reform, nurturing India’s composite culture. Thus, dissent in their preaching symbolized moral courage and spiritual inclusiveness.
Q10. Is there a difference between urban poor women and their rural counterparts? Elucidate your views with examples. (150 words)
Yes, there are distinct differences between urban and rural poor women in terms of livelihood, access to resources, and social conditions. Rural women often engage in agriculture, forestry, and household industries, while urban poor women work as domestic helpers, vendors, or daily wage earners. Urban women have relatively better access to education and healthcare but face higher living costs, unsafe housing, and social isolation. Rural women, though engaged in community life, suffer from poor infrastructure and limited economic independence. For example, a domestic worker in Guwahati’s slums faces exploitation and insecurity, while a woman farmer in rural Assam struggles with droughts and lack of credit. Empowerment policies must address both contexts differently.
Q11. Discuss the major factors contributing towards the selection of location for a manufacturing industry and explain with examples the role of market in this regard. (250 words)
The selection of a location for manufacturing industries depends on a combination of geographical, economic, and infrastructural factors. Key considerations include availability of raw materials, labour supply, power resources, transportation facilities, and proximity to markets. Industrialists also evaluate government policies, tax benefits, and ease of doing business before finalizing a site.
The market plays a decisive role as industries prefer areas closer to their consumers to minimize transport costs and ensure quick delivery. For instance, automobile industries are concentrated around Delhi-NCR, Pune, and Chennai due to large domestic demand. Similarly, the textile industry thrives in Gujarat and Maharashtra owing to strong local and export markets.
With globalization, market accessibility now includes both domestic and international buyers, which influences port-based industries like those in Mumbai and Visakhapatnam. Thus, while resource availability initiates industrial development, sustained success depends on efficient market connectivity, consumer proximity, and logistical convenience.
Q12. What are the challenges of urbanization in North-East India? Do you think the idea of satellite township can address these challenges? Justify your answer. (250 words)
Urbanization in North-East India is accelerating but remains uneven and unplanned. The primary challenges include inadequate infrastructure, traffic congestion, housing shortages, and poor waste management. Cities like Guwahati, Shillong, and Imphal are struggling with unregulated growth, encroachments, and waterlogging. Additionally, urban expansion often leads to the loss of agricultural land and ecological degradation.
The idea of satellite townships—self-contained suburban extensions developed around major cities—can help mitigate these issues. By decentralizing population pressure, they can reduce congestion and distribute economic activities more evenly. For example, developing satellite towns around Guwahati, such as North Guwahati or Sonapur, can ease housing and traffic burdens.
However, this approach requires strong planning, infrastructure investment, and connectivity to succeed. Without efficient transport and governance, satellite towns may merely shift rather than solve urban problems. Therefore, integrated regional planning, sustainable construction, and effective local governance are essential for this model to work successfully in the North-East.
Q13. "North-East India is well-equipped to deal with the consequences of a mega earthquake." Analyze the statement with special reference to Assam. (250 words)
North-East India, located in Seismic Zone V, is one of the most earthquake-prone regions in the world. States like Assam, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh have experienced major earthquakes in 1897 and 1950, which caused extensive damage. Learning from these experiences, Assam has made significant progress in disaster preparedness.
Institutions such as the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) units are active in awareness, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts. The state’s building bylaws now mandate earthquake-resistant construction, and regular mock drills are conducted in schools and offices. Guwahati’s Disaster Management Centre and collaboration with the Indian Meteorological Department strengthen monitoring and early warning systems.
However, despite these measures, challenges remain—particularly in unplanned urban areas, old infrastructure, and limited public awareness. While Assam is better equipped than before, continuous improvement in preparedness, retrofitting, and community participation is essential to effectively handle future mega earthquakes.
Q14. What are the two broad categories of socio-religious reform movements in colonial India? How far did the western impact contribute to their growth and development? (250 words)
Socio-religious reform movements in colonial India can broadly be divided into two categories: (1) Reformist movements and (2) Revivalist movements.
Reformist movements, such as the Brahmo Samaj (founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy) and Prarthana Samaj, aimed to modernize Indian society by rejecting superstitions, caste discrimination, and gender inequality. They were influenced by Western liberal ideas of rationalism, equality, and individual freedom.
Revivalist movements, such as the Arya Samaj (Swami Dayananda Saraswati) and Ramakrishna Mission (Swami Vivekananda), sought to rejuvenate India’s ancient spiritual traditions while opposing colonial cultural domination. These movements emphasized self-reliance and national pride.
The Western impact played a crucial role in shaping both categories. English education, Christian missionary activities, and Enlightenment values encouraged Indians to introspect and reform their religious and social practices. However, while adopting modern principles, Indian reformers retained indigenous cultural identity, blending tradition with progress. Thus, western influence acted as a catalyst, but the roots of reform lay in India’s own cultural awakening.
Q15. "Although India has achieved substantial economic growth in recent times, its biggest challenge today is to bridge the widening gap between the rich and the poor." Analyze this statement and suggest measures to address this issue. (250 words)
India’s economic growth since liberalization has been remarkable, yet it has also widened the income and wealth gap between the rich and the poor. While urban elites benefit from globalization, millions in rural and informal sectors struggle with poverty, unemployment, and inadequate social security.
The World Inequality Report highlights that India’s top 10% hold a majority of the nation’s wealth. Rising automation, unequal access to education, and urban–rural disparities worsen this divide. Gender inequality and regional imbalances further compound the issue.
To bridge this gap, India must focus on inclusive growth—improving public healthcare, education, and rural infrastructure. Progressive taxation, job-oriented industries, and MSME support can reduce concentration of wealth. Expanding welfare programs like MNREGA, PM-KISAN, and Ayushman Bharat ensures equitable access to resources.
Economic progress must go hand in hand with social justice. True development will be achieved only when prosperity reaches the marginalized and uplifts every section of society.
Q16. Feminization of Poverty (250 words)
Feminization of poverty refers to the disproportionate representation of women among the world's poor and the trend of increasing poverty rates among women relative to men. This phenomenon reflects systemic gender inequalities in economic opportunities, resource access, and social structures. Women face multiple disadvantages including wage discrimination, limited property rights, restricted access to credit and education, and primary responsibility for unpaid care work, which collectively trap them in poverty cycles.
Several factors contribute to this feminization. Women constitute a large proportion of the informal sector workforce with minimal job security and social protection. Single mothers and elderly women are particularly vulnerable. Traditional patriarchal structures deny women equal inheritance rights and control over productive assets. Educational disparities limit women's economic opportunities, while social norms restrict their mobility and employment choices.
Recent initiatives to address this issue include financial inclusion programs like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, ensuring women's access to banking services. Self-help groups and microfinance institutions have empowered women economically. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) mandates one-third participation for women, providing employment security. Skill development programs under schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana specifically target women.
Legislative measures include stronger property rights, maternity benefit extensions, and equal pay provisions. Government schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao promote girls' education, while Stand Up India facilitates entrepreneurship among women. Reservation in local governance through Panchayati Raj institutions has enhanced women's political participation and decision-making power.
Despite these efforts, substantial challenges remain. Effective implementation, changing deep-rooted social attitudes, and ensuring women's economic autonomy require sustained commitment. Addressing feminization of poverty demands comprehensive approaches combining economic opportunities, legal protections, education access, and social transformation to achieve genuine gender equality and women's empowerment.
Q17. Soil Ecosystem (250 words)
A soil ecosystem refers to the complex, dynamic system comprising living organisms, organic matter, minerals, and nutrients interacting within the soil environment. It represents one of Earth's most biodiverse habitats, essential for terrestrial life and ecosystem functioning.
The soil ecosystem consists of four primary components: First, the abiotic component includes mineral particles (sand, silt, clay), water, air, and organic matter at various decomposition stages. Second, the producers comprise soil algae, lichens, and mosses performing photosynthesis. Third, the consumers include diverse organisms like earthworms, nematodes, arthropods, and small mammals feeding on organic matter. Fourth, the decomposers—bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes—break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients.
Soil ecosystems perform critical functions vital for environmental health and human survival. **Nutrient cycling** involves decomposition of organic matter and mineralization, making nutrients available for plant uptake, thus sustaining food chains. **Soil formation** occurs through weathering processes and organic matter accumulation, creating fertile layers supporting vegetation.
Water regulation functions include filtration, storage, and gradual release, maintaining groundwater levels and preventing floods. Soil acts as a carbon sink, storing significant carbon and mitigating climate change. Biodiversity support is crucial, as soil harbors countless microorganisms maintaining ecological balance.
Primary productivity depends on soil ecosystems providing anchorage, nutrients, and water to plants. Soils also perform waste decomposition, breaking down pollutants through microbial action—a natural detoxification process.
The soil ecosystem maintains structural stability preventing erosion through root systems and organic binding agents. Additionally, it regulates atmospheric composition through gas exchanges during respiration and decomposition.
Protecting soil ecosystems through sustainable agriculture, reducing chemical inputs, preventing erosion, and maintaining organic matter is essential for environmental sustainability and food security.
Q18. Indian Classical Music and Cultural Heritage (250 words)
Indian classical music has been instrumental in preserving cultural heritage and fostering national integrity, serving as a unifying force across India's diverse linguistic, regional, and religious communities. Its role merits critical examination considering both achievements and limitations.
Classical music's contribution to cultural preservation is undeniable. Hindustani and Carnatic traditions have maintained ancient theoretical frameworks, ragas, and compositions spanning centuries. The guru-shishya parampara ensures intergenerational transmission of knowledge, preserving not just musical techniques but philosophical and spiritual dimensions embedded in compositions. Devotional compositions by saint-musicians like Thyagaraja, Purandara Dasa, Kabir, and Meerabai transcend religious boundaries, promoting pluralistic values.
Classical music has strengthened national integrity by creating shared cultural spaces. Music festivals like Dover Lane, Sawai Gandharva, and Margazhi season bring together artists and audiences from diverse backgrounds, fostering cultural dialogue. Musicians like M.S. Subbulakshmi, Bismillah Khan, and Pandit Ravi Shankar became cultural ambassadors, representing Indian civilization globally and instilling national pride.
However, critical analysis reveals limitations. Classical music remains largely elite-dominated and confined to urban, educated audiences. Its complex theoretical foundations and lengthy training requirements limit accessibility. Regional folk traditions, often marginalized, arguably connect more deeply with masses than classical forms. The north-south divide between Hindustani and Carnatic systems, while representing diversity, sometimes reinforces regional identities over national unity.
Furthermore, classical music's historical patronage by royalty and upper castes raises questions about inclusive representation. Contemporary challenges include declining patronage, competition from popular music, and limited youth engagement.
Nevertheless, initiatives promoting classical music education, fusion experiments bridging classical and popular forms, and digital platforms expanding access suggest evolving relevance. Indian classical music remains a valuable cultural asset, though its role in national integration requires complementary inclusion of diverse musical traditions representing India's full cultural spectrum.
Q19. Tribal Integration Policies in Independent India (250 words)
Independent India's approach to tribal integration has evolved through various policy frameworks reflecting changing ideologies about development, identity, and national consolidation. Evaluating these policies reveals both progress and persistent challenges.
Initially, India adopted a constitutional framework recognizing tribal distinctiveness. The Fifth and Sixth Schedules provided administrative autonomy in tribal areas, while Article 342 enabled Scheduled Tribes identification for protective measures. Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, strengthened tribal self-governance, recognizing community rights over natural resources and customary practices.
Verrier Elwin's philosophy of "tribal development without detribalization" influenced early policy, advocating integration while respecting cultural identity. However, implementation often prioritized modernization over cultural preservation. Development programs like the Tribal Sub-Plan (now Tribal Component Plan) allocated funds proportionate to tribal population, theoretically ensuring resource equity.
Land alienation prevention laws aimed to protect tribal landholdings from exploitation. The Forest Rights Act, 2006, represented significant progress, recognizing traditional forest dwelling rights and correcting historical injustices. Educational interventions through Eklavya Model Residential Schools and reservation policies facilitated socioeconomic mobility.
However, critical evaluation reveals significant shortcomings. Development projects—dams, mines, industries—displaced millions of tribals without adequate rehabilitation. The conflict between conservation policies and tribal rights continues, with forest regulations often criminalizing traditional practices. Economic integration frequently meant exploitation, with tribal resources benefiting external actors while communities remained impoverished.
Cultural assimilation pressures, inadequate education quality, and persistent discrimination have undermined integration goals. Naxalism in tribal regions reflects deep-seated grievances about marginalization and exploitation. Implementation gaps between progressive legislation and ground realities remain vast.
Successful tribal integration requires balancing development with cultural preservation, ensuring genuine participation in decision-making, protecting land and forest rights, and addressing historical injustices. Policies must evolve from top-down imposition to community-driven development respecting tribal agency, knowledge systems, and aspirations while facilitating equitable participation in national progress.
Q20. Religious and Historical Importance of Puranas (250 words)
The Puranas constitute a vast corpus of ancient Indian literature with profound religious and historical significance. Comprising eighteen Mahapuranas and numerous Upapuranas, these texts have shaped Hindu religious consciousness, cultural practices, and historical understanding for millennia.
Religious Importance: Puranas democratized Vedic knowledge, presenting complex philosophical concepts through accessible narratives, myths, and legends. Unlike Vedas restricted to privileged castes, Puranas were available to all, spreading religious teachings widely. They systematized worship of major deities—Vishnu, Shiva, Devi—elaborating their mythologies, incarnations, and theological significance. The Bhagavata Purana's Krishna narratives deeply influenced Bhakti movements, promoting devotional worship over ritualism.
Puranas established religious practices including temple worship, pilgrimage traditions (tirthas), festivals, and rituals that remain central to contemporary Hinduism. They integrated diverse regional deities and practices into broader Hindu framework, creating religious coherence across geographical and cultural diversity. Cosmological descriptions of creation, time cycles (yugas), and cosmic order provided comprehensive worldview.
Historical Importance: Puranas contain genealogies (vamshas) of dynasties, providing chronological frameworks for ancient Indian history, though distinguishing history from mythology remains challenging. They document social structures, occupational categories (varnas and jatis), legal codes, and economic activities, offering insights into historical social organization.
Geographical descriptions detail pilgrimage sites, kingdoms, and rivers, contributing to historical geography understanding. They preserve cultural memory of significant events, migrations, and social transformations, albeit in mythologized form.
However, Puranas' historical value requires critical evaluation. Composed and revised over centuries, they reflect multiple chronological layers and ideological perspectives. Historical information interweaves with mythology, requiring careful scholarly analysis.
Despite limitations, Puranas remain invaluable for understanding religious evolution, cultural continuity, and historical consciousness in Indian civilization. They bridge sacred and secular, philosophy and practice, elite and popular traditions, making them enduring sources for religious devotion and historical scholarship.
Disclaimer*: The questions and answers provided here are for educational and practice purposes only. While we have made every effort to ensure accuracy, candidates are advised to cross-check answers with authentic sources, textbooks, or official notifications for complete validity.