# UPSCprep.com > Get past UPSC rankers as YOUR mentors. We can't clear UPSC CSE for you, but with our personalised mentorship, you will be ready to do it yourself. Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. This file includes a bounded export of public pages first, then recent public posts. Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`). ## Pages ### Home URL: https://www.upscprep.com/home/ Last updated: 2026-04-19T07:57:31.000Z ## **We can't clear UPSC for you.** But with our ***personalised mentor support***, you'll be ready to do it yourself. --- ## UPSC Essential 2027 and 2028 Yearlong Courses for UPSC CSE 2027 and 2028\. 1. Complete coverage of GS & CSAT through LIVE CLASSES. 2. Access to course to 3 YEARS. 3. UNLIMITED Mentorship for 3 YEARS. 4. Full PRELIMS + MAINS Test Series. [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2027-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Basics + Mentorship URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-basics-courses/ Last updated: 2024-02-16T20:09:31.000Z ## GS Basics + Mentorship ### Timing Mon-Tue-Wed | 6:30PM to 8:30 PM **Special Window open from 15 August to 21 August.** 15% discount on occasion of 75th Independence day! (Till 21st August) (Fees - ~~6000~~ 5100/-) ### [Know More](https://upscprep.com/gs-basics?ref=upscprep.com) [GS Basics + MentorshipBuild a strong foundation for both UPSC Prelims and Mains.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/size/w256h256/2022/06/logo--1--1.png)UPSCprep.comAbhijeet Yadav![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2022/06/basics.png)](https://upscprep.com/gs-basics?ref=upscprep.com) --- ## Target CSAT + Mentorship ### Timing Fri-Sat-Sun | 10AM to 12PM **Special Window open from 15 August to 21 August.** 15% discount on occasion of 75th Independence day! (Limited time offer!) (Fees - ~~5500~~ 4675/-) ### [Know More](https://upscprep.com/target-csat?ref=upscprep.com) [Target CSAT + MentorshipOne stop solution for all your CSAT worries.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/size/w256h256/2022/06/logo--1--1.png)UPSCprep.comAbhijeet Yadav![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2022/06/csat.jpg)](https://www.upscprep.com/target-csat/) --- ## Combo Course Get both GS Basics + Target CSAT (**22% discount!**) ### Timing GS Basics | Mon-Tue-Wed | 6:30PM to 8:30 PM Target CSAT | Fri-Sat-Sun | 10AM to 12PM **Special Window open from 15 August to 21 August.** 15% discount on occasion of 75th Independence day! (Limited time offer!) (Fees - ~~9000~~ 7650/-) --- ### Sociology Optional URL: https://www.upscprep.com/sociology-courses/ Last updated: 2024-06-28T17:13:19.000Z ### **Features** - **Detailed lectures** covering entire Sociology optional from foundation to advance - **Personalised mentorship support** \- access to mentors anytime you want. - **Answer Writing Practice** in class itself - Daily Practice Questions - **Test series** \- with model solutions and detailed evaluation - **Crisp notes** and value addition material - **Current affairs** coverage from Sociological Perspective ### **Structure** - **Duration -** 4 months (250+ hours of lectures covering Sociology from Basics to Advance level) - Weekly 5 sessions of core content + 1 Answer writing practice session. - **Complete coverage of both Sociology Papers** \- Live cum recorded lectures - **Access to recordings for 3 years** - **Personalized Mentorship** by past Sociology toppers - **Access to Mentorship for 3 years.** - **Daily Practice Questions** after every lecture (with Evaluation) - based on the topics taught in class. - Weekly live session on these questions. - Special sessions on **Sociology Current Affairs →** connecting current affairs with sociology - **Test Series included** in the course - with Evaluation - 8 Tests - 4 Sectional + 4 FLTs. - Model solutions will be provided. - Tests can be written till next mains i.e. Sept 2025. - Special **telegram group** for quick resolution of your doubts and peer learning - Specially designed **to the point notes** for effective revision of Sociology - **Bi-weekly Doubts Day Access -** where you can ask all technical/subject specific doubts related to UPSC Basics, Prelims, Mains, Sociology and CSAT. - Doubt day will be conducted on every Saturday - 10% discount on all future UPSCprep.com courses till 1 year. ### **Fee Structure** - Sociology complete course with Mentorship - 14999 - Sociology complete course with Mentorship and Test Series (8 Tests with Evaluation) - 17999 ### **Discount** - 7.5% Early Bird Discount - valid till 30th June 2024\. (Use coupone code **SOCEB**) - 10% old student discount to all existing students of UPSCprep.com (discount is applicable automatically) > **Download Course Schedule -** [Click here](https://d18qz45wk4tdlr.cloudfront.net/institute/upscprep/ckeditor/4976378df8f948f883c88e25bba4a795.pdf?ref=upscprep.com) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/Sociology.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course Complete coverage of Sociology Optional [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?category=79&ref=upscprep.com) Sociology Optional Orientation ### Interview Guidance URL: https://www.upscprep.com/interview/ Last updated: 2024-03-08T09:03:45.000Z Check out our PT22 UPSC Interview Guidance Programme. [PT22 Interview Guidance](https://courses.upscprep.com/personality-test-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) --- ### UPSCprep.com Team URL: https://www.upscprep.com/team/ Last updated: 2025-01-20T06:21:25.000Z ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2022/06/002-1.png) Abhijeet Yadav # Abhijeet Yadav Co-founder UPSCprep.com | Chief Mentor IIT Delhi (2014) | IIM C/FMS Dropout | Cleared UPSC Civil Services Exam 2 times AIR 653 (CSE 2017) | Reserve List (CSE 2018) Currently not in service. Abhijeet Yadav has successfully mentored more than 4400 students in the past 2 years. Under his guidance, UPSCprep.com enabled 78 selections in UPSC CSE 2021 and UPSC CSE 2022\. These students were from the Mains and Interview batches started in the first and second year of UPSCprep.com. In UPSC CSE 2023, Abhijeet Yadav and the UPSCprep.com team are mentoring more than 225 UPSC aspirants for the UPSC Personality Test. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2022/06/Q-design.png) Adv. Shashank Ratnoo # Shashank Ratnoo Co-founder UPSCprep.com | Master Strategist for Mains AIR 688 (CSE 2015) | Supreme Court Advocate Adv. Shashank Ratnoo has been mentoring UPSC aspirants online and offline for the last decade. Due to his vast experience in dealing with the Government and Courts, he is able to guide aspirants to add that extra value in their mains answers. His speciality is UPSC Mains guidance, where he has worked closely with the Mains batches of UPSCprep.com to enable more than 78 selections in UPSC CSE 2021 and 2022\. Articles about Shashank: [TOI](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/govt-set-to-table-bill-to-restore-states-power-to-identify-local-obcs/articleshow/85057289.cms?ref=upscprep.com), [Mint](https://www.livemint.com/education/news/govt-directs-central-institutions-to-fill-up-vacant-faculty-posts-by-sep-22-11630006220593.html?ref=upscprep.com), [New Indian Express](https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/nov/25/centre-tells-sc-it-will-revisit-rs-8-lakh-annual-income-limit-for-ews-in-neet-pg-admissions-2388021.html?ref=upscprep.com), [The Telegraph](https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/haryana-government-disregards-supreme-court-order-on-obc-quota/cid/1840032?ref=upscprep.com), [Business Standard](https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/ias-ips-cadre-allocation-policy-of-2017-sc-seeks-centre-s-reply-on-fresh-pleas-119061700863%5F1.html?ref=upscprep.com). --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2022/07/Untitled--1536---1800px-.png) Krishna Tupe ## ### Krishna Tupe Founding member of [UPSCprep.com](https://upscprep.com/?ref=upscprep.com) team. Environment faculty and mentor with extensive offline and online teaching experience. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/01/91f03f6d-3e3d-4bf6-b3fd-a371daed44e9.png) Killi Chandra Sekhar ### Killi Chandra Sekhar KCS sir is an Ex-IAS Officer of 2014 batch. For the past five years, he has been actively involved in teaching, mentorship and interview guidance and has helped numerous UPSC aspirants realise their dream. Having cleared UPSC with Sociology as an optional subject and having gained experience as a civil servant, he has a knack for analysing social realities from the point of view of different stakeholders. - EX-IAS OFFICER - 2014 Batch (Tamil Nadu cadre) - MBA – IIM Mumbai (Formerly NITIE). - 5+ years experience and project engineer and Business Consultant at reputed MNCs. - Teaching/Mentorship at top UPSC institutes. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2023/01/1672628174783---Edited.png) Rohan Salunke ### Rohan Salunke Cleared Multiple Exams including UPSC Prelims | MPSC State Services | UPSC CAPF Prelims and Mains UPSCprep.com Mentor | Expert in Sociology Optional --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2023/01/DrK-image-scaled---Edited.png) ### Dr. Kaustubh Bondre Geography Faculty | 10+ years of teaching Experience --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/01/cf95c14c-4275-43ec-aecc-6d84bdc897e3.png) Nimish Kapur ### Nimish Kapur Ex-CISF, AIR 6 in UPSC CAPF 2013, Cleared Punjab PCS twice (Rank 92 in 2015 and Rank 78 in 2019). --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2023/01/Anil-Photo---Edited.png) Anil Sapkal ### Anil Sapkal CSAT Faculty (Maths/Logical Reasoning) | GATE Qualified Mechanical Engineer --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2023/01/IMG_6638---Edited.png) ### Ketan Kumar Cleared UPSC CSE Exam | Economics Faculty | Author of Indian Economy Handbook --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/t.png) Trisha Gupta ### Trisha Gupta Faculty, Reading Comprehension creating easy to learn modules for seamless adaption of Comprehension Skills for the Civil Services Examination. PhD scholar in DU. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/n.png) Neelam Bhatia ### Neelam Bhatia Faculty, Polity and IR. Polity and IR faculty at Dr. Ambedkar Centre of Excellence, Shivaji College, DU. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2023/04/Untitled-design-3.png) Rishikesh Taksale ### Rishikesh Taksale Social Media Manager | Marketing | Content Strategist --- ### ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2023/01/T02STLGJW04-U03K0C7J2KE-ed9412578c56-512---Edited.png) ### Anisha Annamala Content creator | Current affairs ### Careers URL: https://www.upscprep.com/careers/ Last updated: 2022-06-09T08:21:09.000Z Interested in working with us? Fill this form: Loading… ### Testimonials & Reviews URL: https://www.upscprep.com/testimonials/ Last updated: 2025-04-22T09:28:16.000Z ## 92+ Rankers in UPSC CSE 2023 ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/04/ADITYA-SRIVASTAVA-1.png) ## 24 Rankers in UPSC CSE 2021 ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2022/09/8-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2022/09/10.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2022/09/12.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2022/09/14.jpg) ## Ranker Testimonials ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2022/06/2-2.png) Aditya Patle (AIR 375) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2022/06/1-2.png) M Ananya Priya (AIR 544) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2022/06/Ashu-Pant-AIR-193.png) Ashu Pant (AIR 193) and Nivedita (AIR 572) UPSC CSE 2021 ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2022/07/image-1.png) Shubham Satyam (AIR 497, CSE 2021) --- ## Mains Test Series + Mentorship ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2022/06/testimonials.png) Text messages from our Mains Test Series students --- ## Sociology Test Series ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2022/06/Nitu.png) Neetu Tiwari (Sociology Test Series) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2022/06/03.png) Nitika (Sociology Daily Answer Writing) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2022/06/02-2.png) Niyati (Sociology Daily Answer Writing) --- ## GS Basics Course ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-08-at-9.29.55-PM.png) Shubham Goyal (GS Blitz Course) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-08-at-9.32.23-PM.png) Riya (Target CSAT and GS Blitz Course) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2022/06/image-4.png) Dr. Mudita S --- ## Target CSAT Course ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-08-at-9.24.43-PM.png) Shefali (Target CSAT Course) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-08-at-9.01.08-PM.png) Livika (Target CSAT Course) ## --- ## Youtube videos ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2022/06/opi.png) --- [Courses](https://courses.upscprep.com/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Articles URL: https://www.upscprep.com/articles/ Last updated: 2022-07-25T08:19:16.000Z UPSC UPSC preparation IAS exam preparation How to start UPSC preparation Books for UPSC exam Books for IAS exam Coaching for IAS exam Coaching for UPSC exam Mentors for UPSC Mentors for IAS exam How to clear UPSC How to become IAS study material for upsc exam Prelims study material Mains study material upsc preparation upsc syllabus pdf download upsc syllabus in hindi upsc topper upsc 2023 upsc prelims 2023 upsc mains 2023 upsc admit card UPSC Syllabus UPSC full form UPSC Results UPSC Prelims Result upsc mains result upsc final result upsc cut off upsc motivational videos how to prepare for upsc how to prepare UPSC in college how to prepare for upsc while working how to prepare for upsc without coaching how to prepare for upsc at home how to prepare for upsc beginners how to prepare for upsc 2023 Can I prepare UPSC in home Can I skip NCERT in UPSC prep Can I crack upsc without coaching Is coaching necessary for UPSC prep IAS preparation books IAS preparation from class 11th How to start UPSC preparation from zero level online upsc preparation How to start UPSC preparation from zero level after 12th How to start UPSC preparation from zero level after class 12 IAS books list by toppers upsc toppers booklist books for upsc beginners best books for upsc preparation ias prep best books upsc prep books upsc prep best websites ### Welcome to the Team URL: https://www.upscprep.com/welcome/ Last updated: 2024-02-09T12:05:26.000Z We're excited to have you with us. Let's have fun while making UPSC prep fun! Please fill this form *(Time required: 2-3 mins):* Loading… ### Feedback URL: https://www.upscprep.com/feedback/ Last updated: 2023-02-14T17:54:56.000Z Please fill this short form. Total Qs: 7 | Time: 2 minutes Loading… ### Back to home [UPSCprep.comPast rankers as UPSC mentors. Lifetime access to course recordings. Doubt session access till Prelims 2023\. We are here to help you get selected.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/size/w256h256/2022/06/logo--1--1.png)UPSCprep.com![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2022/06/Logo-white-bg--1-.png)](https://www.upscprep.com/) ### Contact URL: https://www.upscprep.com/contact/ Last updated: 2024-07-17T09:29:04.000Z They help us improve. Mail them to [contact@upscprep.com](mailto:contact@upscprep.com) Message/Whatsapp: [+91 8209416936](tel:+918209416936) (between 10AM to 7PM) Or reach out to us on [Telegram](https://t.me/UPSCprepIAS?ref=upscprep.com). ### Doubts Day URL: https://www.upscprep.com/doubts-day/ Last updated: 2023-01-01T06:01:24.000Z Doubts Day is a new initiative by UPSCprep.com. If you **join ANY one of our courses**, you can **join ALL doubt sessions** held on Saturdays. Example: You join only the GS Basics course, but you get access to all 4 Doubt Day sessions. Doubt Day schedule: 1. GS (Prelims) Session (**12 to 1 PM**) 2. GS Answer Writing Session (**2 to 3 PM**) 3. CSAT Session (**4 to 5 PM**) 4. Sociology Session (**6 to 7 PM**) If any more doubt sessions are held on Doubts Day, you will get access to those as well. We're here to help you succeed. --- ### Check out our courses [UPSCprep CoursesCourses related to UPSC CSE Prelims, Mains and Optional. Study with past UPSC rankers as mentors. One stop for all your UPSC preparation needs.![](https://d18qz45wk4tdlr.cloudfront.net/institute/upscprep/institutes/rework-education-technologies/69d0bf51e9184337bc2584130d60f763.png)![](https://d18qz45wk4tdlr.cloudfront.net/institute/upscprep/institutes/rework-education-technologies/c72a2ab036c94a71bf83df8eb50c6f63.png)](https://courses.upscprep.com/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Let's Get Started URL: https://www.upscprep.com/lets-start/ Last updated: 2024-02-09T15:12:45.000Z Thank you for joining our course. Please check your email for further instructions (including the spam folder). Whitelist/add to contacts: [contact@upscprep.com](mailto:contact@upscprep.com) > **Old students get a 10% discount**. Drop us a message on the contact email with your receipt and we will process the refund. [Refer a friend!Learn with your friends and get extra discounts!![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/size/w256h256/2022/06/logo--1--1.png)UPSCprep.com![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2022/06/01.png)](https://www.upscprep.com/referral/) ### UPSC Topper Notes & Blogs URL: https://www.upscprep.com/resources/ Last updated: 2025-10-26T06:47:50.000Z ## ### *Before moving ahead here is a free gift for you* ## Ketan (AIR 860, CSE 2015) Faculty: Indian Economy, UPSCprep.com Ketan Sir is one of our best faculty members. His knowledge of the economy and teaching approach have been highly appreciated by students. He has also published a book, ***Indian Economy Handbook By Ketan*** that received immense praise from the aspirant community for making economic concepts easy to understand. The book is available on [Amazon](https://amzn.in/d/ds5MC8u?ref=upscprep.com), but as UPSCprep strives to make education affordable, you can also download a soft copy from here. [Indian Economy Handbook\_2nd EditionIndian Economy Handbook\_2nd Edition.pdf39 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2025/10/Indian-Economy-Handbook%5F2nd-Edition.pdf "Download") --- ## Topper Notes We will keep adding resources on this page to make it easier for you. ### [Anudeep Durishetty](https://anudeepdurishetty.in/?ref=upscprep.com) (AIR 1, CSE 2017) These are brilliant copies from Anudeep Durishetty. His style of answer writing is something that you should learn from in order to improve your own. Things to note in these copies: 1. Structure of answers. 2. Neatness of presentation. 3. Use of diagrams. 4. Short and precise language. If you can add these to your answers - you stand to gain a lot. [GS2 Answer CopyAnudeep Durishetty (AIR1, 2017)GS2 - Anudeep.pdf8 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2022/06/GS2---Anudeep.pdf "Download") [GS3 Answer CopyAnudeep Durishetty (AIR1, 2017)GS3 - Anudeep.pdf7 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2022/06/GS3---Anudeep.pdf "Download") --- ### [Shreyans Kumat](https://medium.com/@shreyanskumat?ref=upscprep.com) (AIR 4, CSE 2018) Some of the best notes for Post Independence history and World History. Can be used for GS1 prep during Mains. These are also great examples of how to make notes! Things to notice: 1. Structure of information in the notes. 2. Multiple causal factors mentioned instead of events. [Post Independence History notesBy Shreyans KumatPI History.pdf4 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2022/06/PI-History.pdf "Download") [World History NotesBy Shreyans KumatWorld History.pdf5 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2022/06/World-History.pdf "Download") --- ### Abhijeet Yadav (AIR 654, CSE 2017) [Sociology Notes](https://www.upscprep.com/sociology-notes) --- ### [Garima Lohia](https://www.upscprep.com/garima-lohia-upsc-notes/) (AIR 2, CSE 2022) Garima Lohia secured the second rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022\. She is an inspiration to many aspirants who are preparing for the UPSC CSE. Garima's preparation strategy was comprehensive, ensuring a deep understanding of the syllabus for UPSC. She uploaded notes on Art and Culture. To check them out, [click here](https://www.upscprep.com/garima-lohia-upsc-notes/). [Garima Lohia AIR 2 Notes](https://www.upscprep.com/garima-lohia-upsc-notes/) --- ### [Shreya Shree](https://www.upscprep.com/shreya-shree-upsc-notes/) (AIR 71, CSE 2021) Shreya Shree, who attained an All India Rank (AIR) of 71 in the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2021, stands out as a notable figure in the Indian civil services community. As an alumna of IIT Kanpur, her success in the UPSC exams stands as a testament to her dedication and strategic approach to preparation. The wide acceptance and appreciation of her notes and resources within the UPSC community underscore her unwavering commitment to assisting others in achieving their goals in the civil services exams. To Access ma'ams GS4 and International Economics Notes,[click here](https://www.upscprep.com/shreya-shree-upsc-notes/). [Shreya Shree AIR 71 Notes](https://www.upscprep.com/shreya-shree-upsc-notes/) ### [Aishwarya Verma](https://www.upscprep.com/aishwarya-verma-upsc-notes/) (AIR 4, CSE 2021) Aishwarya Verma bagged the fourth all-India rank in the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2021 by scoring 1039 marks out of 2025\. He comes from a middle-class background and his father works in the banking sector. In his fourth attempt, He took Vision-GS and Abhyas, SOMP hurricane batch for the Mains Test series. His primary source for current affairs and value addition was the newspaper, Vision PT and Mains 365 booklets (selectively), and Sunya ias value addition material. To Access his GS4 and Economy Notes, [click here](https://www.upscprep.com/aishwarya-verma-upsc-notes/). [Aishwarya Verma AIR 4 Notes](https://www.upscprep.com/aishwarya-verma-upsc-notes/) --- ### [Shruti Sharma](https://www.upscprep.com/shruti-sharma-upsc-notes/) (AIR 1, CSE 2021) Shruti Sharma is the All India Rank 1 holder in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2021\. She is a resident of Bijnor district in Uttar Pradesh and an alumnus of St. Stephens College and Jawaharlal Nehru University. She pursued History Honours in her graduation. Her preparation strategy focused on syllabus-oriented study rather than counting hours. Details about the Coaching she attended and the Test Series she took are given below. During graduation: Vajiram and Ravi classroom classes and Byjus tablet After Graduation: Jamia Residential Coaching Academy for an amicable study environment, peer group, and group study. To download World History and Security and Governance Notes, [click here](https://www.upscprep.com/shruti-sharma-upsc-notes/). [Shruti Sharma AIR 1 Notes](https://www.upscprep.com/shruti-sharma-upsc-notes/) --- ### [Pradeep Singh](https://www.upscprep.com/pradeep-singh-upsc-notes/) (AIR 1, CSE 2019) Pradeep Singh is an IAS officer who secured the first rank in the UPSC CSE 2019\. He hails from Tewri village in Sonepat, Haryana, and completed his graduation in Computer Science Engineering. Pradeep relied on standard study materials, stressed a thorough understanding of current affairs, practiced answer writing, and regularly took mock tests to improve his exam-taking skills. Pradeep's strategy focused on time management, staying motivated, and targeting specific portions of the UPSC syllabus daily. Pradeep's inspiring journey and preparation strategy have been a source of motivation for UPSC aspirants. To download World History and Disaster Management notes, [click here](https://www.upscprep.com/pradeep-singh-upsc-notes/). [Pradeep Singh AIR 1 Notes](https://www.upscprep.com/pradeep-singh-upsc-notes/) --- ### [Satyam Gandhi](https://www.upscprep.com/satyam-gandhi-upsc-notes/) (AIR 10, CSE 2020) Satyam Gandhi, an IAS officer who secured 10th rank in the UPSC CSE 2020, is known for his exceptional study notes and answer sheets. He hails from Samastipur, Bihar, and chose to self-study, dedicating 12-13 hours per day to his preparation. Satyam prioritised general studies, relied on self-prepared notes, and took mock tests to identify his weaknesses. He also utilized online coaching platforms for assistance in the interview round. His inspiring story and preparation strategy have been a source of motivation for UPSC aspirants. Details about the Coaching he attended and the Test Series he took are given below. GS Classroom coaching:- Vajiram and Ravi PSIR Optional:- No classroom coaching, only crash course at Shubhra Ranjan IAS GS Mains test series:- Vision IAS Essay test series:- Vision IAS Ethics test series:- Lukman IAS To Access GS2 and GS3 Notes, [click here](https://www.upscprep.com/satyam-gandhi-upsc-notes/). [Satyam Gandhi AIR 10 Notes](https://www.upscprep.com/satyam-gandhi-upsc-notes/) --- ### [Mourya Bharadwaj](https://www.upscprep.com/mourya-bhardwaj-upsc-resources/) (AIR 21, CSE 2021) Mourya Bharadwaj secured All India Rank (AIR) 21 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2021\. He shared his journey and strategies for the exam, including his booklist, mains strategy, and anthropology optional strategy. He emphasized the importance of not giving up, avoiding discussing completed papers and taking care of food and sleep during the exam. Mourya Bharadwaj's success and insights can be valuable for future UPSC aspirants. To read more about the strategy he followed and the coaching he joined, [click here](https://www.upscprep.com/mourya-bhardwaj-upsc-resources/). [Mourya Bharadwaj AIR 21](https://www.upscprep.com/mourya-bhardwaj-upsc-resources/) --- ### [Kartikeya Jaiswal](https://www.upscprep.com/kartikeya-jaiswal-upsc-notes/) (AIR 35, CSE 2021) Kartikeya Jaiswal secured All India Rank (AIR) 35 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2021\. He graduated from St. Stephen's College, Delhi, with a Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Mathematics. Jaiswal's optional subject was also Mathematics. Jaiswal emphasizes the importance of consistency, self-belief, and hard work in achieving success in the UPSC exam. His insights and resources can be valuable for future UPSC aspirants, who can refer them to prepare their strategy. Details about the test series he gave and the mock interviews he took are given below. Mains Test Series: VisionIAS GS Optional Test series: IMS Maths Mock Interviews: Byju's, Chahal Academy-cum-Dikshant, KSG, Vajirao and Reddy, Unacademy, Vision, Rau's and Samkalp [Click here](https://www.upscprep.com/kartikeya-jaiswal-upsc-notes/) to access Ethics notes, Maths formula chart, and complex analysis notes. [Karitkeya Jaiswal AIR 35 Notes](https://www.upscprep.com/kartikeya-jaiswal-upsc-notes/) --- ### [Harshivani Singh](https://www.upscprep.com/harshivani-singh-strategy-air-579/) (AIR 579, CSE 2021) Harshivani Singh from Orai, a small city in district Jalaun, U.P., has secured a 579 rank in the Civil Services Examination 2021\. In his third attempt, he gave the first mains and first interview. He completed his B. Tech in Electrical Engineering from HBTI Kanpur in 2018 and began preparing for UPSC after graduation, so the journey has been a long and arduous one. To read about his journey, [click here](https://www.upscprep.com/harshivani-singh-strategy-air-579/). [Harshivani Singh UPSCJourney](https://www.upscprep.com/harshivani-singh-strategy-air-579/) --- ### [Nausheen](https://www.upscprep.com/nausheen-air-9-upsc-notes/) (AIR 9, CSE 2023) Nausheen, hailing from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, secured the 9th rank in her fourth attempt at the UPSC civil services examination. A graduate of Delhi University's Khalsa College, her success was fueled by her insightful response during the personality test, where she discussed her passion for topics like the impacts of colonization. Despite setbacks, she persisted, even enrolling in coaching at Jamia Millia Islamia's Residential Coaching Academy to enhance her skills. Nausheen's achievement adds to the diversity in civil services, highlighting the power of perseverance and passion in realizing one's aspirations. To read about her journey, [click here](https://www.upscprep.com/nausheen-air-9-upsc-notes/). [Nausheen AIR 9 Notes](https://www.upscprep.com/nausheen-air-9-upsc-notes/) --- ### [Shivam Kumar](https://www.upscprep.com/shivam-kumar-air-19-upsc-notes/) (AIR 19, CSE 2023) Shivam Kumar's rise to the 19th rank in the UPSC civil services examination showcases his unwavering determination and commitment. Despite initially securing the 319th rank and entering the IRS, Shivam aimed higher, aspiring for the prestigious IAS cadre. To learn about his journey, [click here](https://www.upscprep.com/shivam-kumar-air-19-upsc-notes/). [Shivam Kumar AIR 19 Notes](https://www.upscprep.com/shivam-kumar-air-19-upsc-notes/) --- ### [Wardah Khan](https://www.upscprep.com/wardah-khan-upsc-notes/) (AIR 18, CSE 2023) Wardah Khan's journey from Noida to securing the 18th rank in the UPSC exam 2023 is a testament to her dedication. Leaving her corporate job, she pursued her dream of civil services, aiming for the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). Wardah's transition exemplifies her determination to serve society. Her advice for aspirants underscores the importance of thorough preparation. Her achievement inspires aspiring civil servants, showcasing the power of dedication in realizing dreams. To learn about her journey, [click here](https://www.upscprep.com/wardah-khan-upsc-notes/). [Wardah Khan AIR 18 Notes](https://www.upscprep.com/wardah-khan-upsc-notes/) --- ### [Saikiran Nandala](https://www.upscprep.com/saikiran-nandala-upsc-notes/) (AIR 27, CSE 2023) Nandala Saikiran's ascent from a modest village in Karimnagar to claiming the 27th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a story of resilience and determination. Despite facing financial adversity and personal loss, Saikiran remained unwavering in his ambition to serve society as a collector. He eschewed traditional coaching methods, relying instead on self-study and online resources. To learn about his journey, [click here](https://www.upscprep.com/saikiran-nandala-upsc-notes/). [Saikiran Nandala AIR 27 Notes](https://www.upscprep.com/saikiran-nandala-upsc-notes/) --- ### [Khushhali Solanki](https://www.upscprep.com/khushhali-solanki-upsc-notes/) (AIR 61, CSE 2023) Khushhali Solanki's achievement in securing the 61st rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023 is a testament to her dedication and perseverance. Hailing from an engineering background, Solanki's journey reflects her unwavering commitment to public service. Her success underscores her resilience in overcoming challenges and adapting her strategy to achieve her goals. To learn about her journey, [click here](https://www.upscprep.com/saikiran-nandala-upsc-notes/). [Khushhali Solanki AIR 61 Notes](https://www.upscprep.com/khushhali-solanki-upsc-notes/) --- ### [Chandana Jahnavi](https://www.upscprep.com/chandana-jahnavi-upsc-notes/) (AIR 50, CSE 2023) Chandana Jahnavi, a resident of Hyderabad, Telangana, secured an impressive All India Rank of 50 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023, ultimately becoming an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer in her third attempt. From her initial selection in the Indian Corporate Law Service to later joining the Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax), Jahnavi's ascent to the prestigious IAS reflects her unwavering commitment to public service and her ability to overcome obstacles. To learn about her journey, [click here](https://www.upscprep.com/chandana-jahnavi-upsc-notes/). [Chandana Jahnavi AIR 50 Notes](https://www.upscprep.com/chandana-jahnavi-upsc-notes/) --- ### [Garima Mundra](https://www.upscprep.com/garima-mundra-upsc-notes/) (AIR 80, CSE 2023) Garima Mundra's attainment of the 80th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a testament to her hard work, determination, and intellectual prowess. Her accomplishment highlights her commitment to public service and governance. To learn about her journey, [click here](https://www.upscprep.com/garima-mundra-upsc-notes/). [Garima Mundra AIR 80 Notes](https://www.upscprep.com/garima-mundra-upsc-notes/) --- ### [Pururaj Singh Solanki](https://www.upscprep.com/pururaj-singh-solanki-upsc-notes/) (AIR 21, CSE 2023) Pururaj Singh Solanki, a Chemical Engineering graduate from IIT Bombay, clinched the 21st rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023\. With a penchant for research and a deep analytical acumen, Solanki brings a unique blend of technical expertise and societal awareness to the table. To learn about his journey, [click here](https://www.upscprep.com/pururaj-singh-solanki-upsc-notes/). [Pururaj Singh Solanki AIR 21 Notes](https://www.upscprep.com/pururaj-singh-solanki-upsc-notes/) --- ### [Rohit Tyagi](https://www.upscprep.com/rohit-tyagi-upsc-notes/) (AIR 74, CSE 2023) Rohit Tyagi, born and raised in North Delhi, secured the 74th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023\. His father is a businessman, and his mother is a homemaker, providing him with a supportive family environment. Rohit completed his schooling at Apex Public School, New Delhi, and pursued his B.Tech in Information Technology from Maharaja Surajmal Institute of Technology, Delhi. His success underscores the significance of perseverance, education, and familial support in achieving one's goals. As he begins his civil services journey, Rohit carries with him the pride of his accomplishments and the expectations of his community. To read about his journey, [click here](https://www.upscprep.com/rohit-tyagi-upsc-notes/). [Rohit Tyagi AIR 74 Notes](https://www.upscprep.com/rohit-tyagi-upsc-notes/) --- ### [Abhinav Jain](https://www.upscprep.com/abhinav-jain-upsc-notes/) (AIR 35, CSE 2023) Abhinav Jain, from Delhi, secured AIR 35 in the UPSC CSE 2023\. He graduated in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Delhi Technological University and worked as a software developer in Bangalore. Seeking to make a societal impact, he pursued Civil Services. In his first attempt, Abhinav didn't clear the prelims due to an underestimation of the exam. In his second attempt, he achieved a rank of 268 and joined IRS (C&IT). Determined to improve, he dedicated himself fully to his third attempt, cutting out distractions like social media, and successfully secured AIR 35. To read about his journey, [click here](https://www.upscprep.com/abhinav-jain-upsc-notes/). [Abhinav Jain AIR 35 Notes](https://www.upscprep.com/abhinav-jain-upsc-notes/) --- ### [Animesh Verma](https://www.upscprep.com/animesh-verma-upsc-notes/) (AIR 38, CSE 2023) Animesh Verma's remarkable journey to securing All India Rank 38 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a testament to resilience and the power of learning from one's mistakes. In his first attempt, Animesh faced setbacks that could have easily discouraged many. However, he viewed these challenges as opportunities for growth. By reflecting on his mistakes and embracing a mindset of continuous self-improvement, Animesh honed his strategies and strengthened his resolve. His unwavering determination, combined with a commitment to hard work and perseverance, led him to triumph in his second attempt. To read about his journey, [click here](https://www.upscprep.com/animesh-verma-upsc-notes/). [Animesh Verma AIR 38 Notes](https://www.upscprep.com/animesh-verma-upsc-notes/) --- ### [Merugu Kaushik](https://www.upscprep.com/merugu-kaushik-upsc-notes/) (AIR 82, CSE 2023) Merugu Kaushik's achievement of securing the 82nd All India Rank (AIR) in the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2023 on his first attempt is commendable. With a background in Civil Engineering from Osmania University and an MBA in International Business from Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Delhi, coupled with a year of experience as a Consultant at Capgemini's Financial Services BU, Merugu embodies a blend of academic excellence and professional acumen. To read about his journey, [click here](https://www.upscprep.com/merugu-kaushik-upsc-notes/). [Merugu Kaushik AIR 82 Notes](https://www.upscprep.com/merugu-kaushik-upsc-notes/) --- ## Daily Questions with Model Solutions 2 Questions with their model solutions are posted on these pages from Monday to Friday. You can practice at your own pace. [Mains Daily Writing](https://www.upscprep.com/mains-daw) [Sociology Daily Writing](https://www.upscprep.com/sociology-daw) --- ## Free CSAT Resources Theory + practice questions for UPSC CSE Prelims CSAT paper. [Math Topics](https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-csat-maths/) [Logical Reasoning](https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-csat-logical-reasoning/) [Comprehension](https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-csat-comprehension/) --- ## Topper Blogs Curated list of blogs from previous toppers which will add value to your understanding of the exam. [UPSC Topper BlogsA collection of UPSC toppers blogs that are not just gyaan.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/size/w256h256/2022/06/logo--1--1.png)UPSCprep.com![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2022/06/copywriting.svg)](https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-topper-blogs/) --- ## ### FAQ Section URL: https://www.upscprep.com/faq/ Last updated: 2024-02-09T15:13:06.000Z Faqs list -- which year courses are for , course bouquet not catering to all types or students at all stages, recorded or live , what do we mean by mentorship , mentorship is how long , which app,zoom or something else , who will mentor, what is the difference between mentorship and doubts session, recordings will be shared in which format, who will be poc, recordings will be shared in how much time , in only mentorship courses what will be given , who will check the copies , i m a starter,new to upsc which course suits me, isnt there anything for socio optionals, what about other optionals ? , what is special in your courses, how many selections you have had, [Contact UsShare your doubts & feeback with us.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/size/w256h256/2022/06/logo--1--1.png)UPSCprep.comAbhijeet Yadav![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2022/06/Logo-white-bg--1-.png)](https://www.upscprep.com/contact) ### Referral URL: https://www.upscprep.com/referral/ Last updated: 2023-06-23T12:43:54.000Z Thank you for believing in us. And we'd be even more glad if you brought your friends along. After all, learning with friends makes learning all the more fun. If you join with 1 or more friends you can avail these discounts. Refer 1 - **7.5% off** for both. Refer 2 to 5 - **10% off** for all Refer 5 or more - **15% off** for all. Hurry and claim your discounts! \*Applicable from 23rd June 2023. --- ## How to avail Once you complete payment, send ALL payment receipts (in a single email for easier tracking) to [referral@upscprep.com](mailto:referral@upscprep.com) and we will process the refund for all relevant students within 7 days. In case of any doubts, please [contact us](https://upscprep.com/contact?ref=upscprep.com). Happy learning! [Courses Page](https://courses.upscprep.com/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Prep Boosters URL: https://www.upscprep.com/boosters/ Last updated: 2022-06-17T21:23:38.000Z Thinking about syllabus is good, but thinking about **improving the health of the brain** that does the thinking is better. ## Exercise [Benefits of exercise on memory](https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/regular-exercise-changes-brain-improve-memory-thinking-skills-201404097110?ref=upscprep.com). [Exercise enhances and protects brain function](https://journals.lww.com/acsm-essr/Fulltext/2002/04000/Exercise%5FEnhances%5Fand%5FProtects%5FBrain%5FFunction.6.aspx.?ref=upscprep.com). [Meta review of evidence for exercise promoting brain function](https://journals.lww.com/acsm-essr/Fulltext/2002/04000/Exercise%5FEnhances%5Fand%5FProtects%5FBrain%5FFunction.6.aspx.?ref=upscprep.com). --- ## Meditation [Meditation helps improve memory](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6312586/?ref=upscprep.com). [Mindfulness meditation improves cognition](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/42975499%5FMindfulness%5Fmeditation%5Fimproves%5Fcognition%5Fevidence%5Fof%5Fbrief%5Fmental%5Ftraining%5FConsciousness%5Fand%5FCognition%5FAn%5FInternational%5FJournal%5F19%5F597-605?ref=upscprep.com). ### UPSC Mains Content Hub URL: https://www.upscprep.com/mains/ Last updated: 2024-07-25T11:13:21.000Z _No content available._ ### UPSC Basics Hub URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-basics/ Last updated: 2022-11-16T09:20:46.000Z One place for all info about how to start your UPSC preparation. ### Sociology Hub URL: https://www.upscprep.com/sociology/ Last updated: 2024-06-28T17:09:49.000Z ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/Sociology.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course Complete coverage of Sociology Optional [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?category=79&ref=upscprep.com) ## Posts ### PSIR: Write & Rise - 41 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/psir-write-rise-41/ Last updated: 2026-09-14T10:22:53.000Z **Q. Discuss the role of the WTO's Dispute Settlement Mechanism and Special & Differential Treatment provisions in protecting the interests of developing countries.** **(10 marks)** --- ## Answer The WTO's developmental promise to the Global South rests on two institutional pillars — the Dispute Settlement Mechanism (DSM) and Special & Differential Treatment (SDT) — which seek to convert formal sovereign equality into substantive developmental equity. ### DSM: Rules-Based Recourse Often called the “crown jewel” of the WTO, the DSM offers developing countries a neutral, rules-based forum to contest violations by economic superpowers. India's solar panels dispute (DS456) against the US and Brazil's successful challenge of American cotton subsidies demonstrate that developing countries can operate as both defendants and proactive claimants. However, the Appellate Body's paralysis since 2019, caused by US blockage of judicial appointments, has stripped smaller nations of this recourse, creating a serious democratic deficit within the multilateral trading system. ### SDT: Institutionalising Policy Space SDT constitutes the normative core of development-oriented trade, providing longer transition periods, flexibility in agricultural subsidies, and reduced obligations for LDCs, recognising that structural asymmetry cannot be addressed through uniform liberalisation. India's defence of public stockholding, culminating in the Bali Peace Clause (2013), illustrates how SDT translates into concrete food security protection for millions. India's resistance to premature e-commerce commitments further reflects the normative position that WTO's development mandate cannot be sacrificed to agenda modernisation. DSM and SDT together embody distributive justice within an unequal trading order. Their erosion risks reducing the WTO to a hegemonic instrument rather than a genuinely multilateral forum, making their restoration central to any credible Global South agenda. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/09/f44be69bb1b044efbc82fbdfaf6d35f8.png) #### UPSC Essential 2027 + Mentorship (Fresh Batch) [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2027-mentorship-fresh-batch/?ref=upscprep.com) ### PSIR: Write & Rise - 37 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/psir-write-rise-37/ Last updated: 2026-09-14T10:19:17.000Z **Q. Compare and contrast Non-Alignment 1.0 with Non-Alignment 2.0.** **(10 Marks)** --- ## Answer NAM 1.0 and NAM 2.0 share a foundational commitment to strategic autonomy, but they operate in fundamentally different contexts and pursue that autonomy through different means. ### Convergence Both reject subordination to any power bloc. NAM 1.0 preserved independence amid Cold War bipolarity; NAM 2.0 seeks the same amid US-China rivalry. Both champion Global South solidarity and advocate reforming global governance institutions. The underlying impulse — maximising freedom of choice — remains identical. ### Divergence NAM 1.0 operated through equidistance from both blocs, ideological cohesion around anti-colonialism, and moral leadership under Nehru, Nasser, and Tito through the UN General Assembly. NAM 2.0 accepts multiple simultaneous partnerships through Quad, BRICS, and ASEAN without permanent commitments. Where NAM 1.0's agenda was political, staying out of military alliances, NAM 2.0's is economic: trade equity, climate justice, technology access. NAM 1.0 was defensive, protecting new nations from bloc pressure. NAM 2.0 is proactive, positioning India to shape global norms rather than merely resist them. K. Natwar Singh captured NAM 1.0's essence: doctrinal but not dogmatic. NAM 2.0 retains the doctrine but discards equidistance, replacing it with what Jaishankar calls multiple engagements in a multipolar world. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/09/2028.png) #### UPSC Essential 2028 + Mentorship (Fresh Batch) [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2028-mentorship-fresh-batch/?ref=upscprep.com) ### PSIR: Write & Rise - 36 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/psir-write-rise-36/ Last updated: 2026-09-14T10:14:43.000Z **“In a world of intensifying great-power rivalry and economic coercion, the spirit of Non-Alignment is more relevant today than at any point since the Cold War.” Critically examine.** **(15 Marks)** --- ## Answer The return of US-China competition and economic weaponisation through tariffs and sanctions has recreated the structural conditions that made non-alignment rational in the first place. K. Subramanian argued NAM was a sound realpolitik strategy for balancing foreign policy amid superpower dominance. That logic has intensified, not weakened. ### The Case for Renewed Relevance India's behaviour confirms this. In 2025, India resisted US tariffs as high as 50% designed to pressure abandonment of Russian oil, conceding only on its own terms. T.V. Paul's concept of soft balancing captures what India practises: using diplomacy, institutions, and norms to check dominant power without confrontation. Simultaneously engaging the Quad, BRICS, SCO, and I2U2 without binding commitments is non-alignment's core logic adapted to multipolarity. Shyam Saran calls this a modern adaptation of non-alignment: preserving independence while building partnerships. ### The Limits of the Analogy Yet equating multi-alignment with Cold War non-alignment overstates the continuity. Raja Mohan argues NAM suffers a crisis of identity and agenda deprivation, obstructing India's participation in necessary strategic coalitions. India's defence interoperability agreements with the US — LEMOA, BECA, COMCASA — Quad military exercises, and semiconductor partnerships represent a depth of engagement Nehru's equidistance would never have permitted. Jaishankar frames this as multiple engagements in a multipolar world rather than non-alignment, suggesting the spirit survives but the doctrine does not. ### Assessment The spirit of non-alignment — sovereign decision-making and refusal of bloc subordination — remains relevant precisely because great-power coercion has returned. But NAM itself, with 120 members, no secretariat, and no capacity for collective action, is not the vehicle carrying that spirit forward. India practises non-alignment's logic through BRICS, Quad, G20, and bilateral FTAs, not through NAM. The relevance is real; the institution is not. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/09/f44be69bb1b044efbc82fbdfaf6d35f8.png) #### UPSC Essential 2027 + Mentorship (Fresh Batch) [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2027-mentorship-fresh-batch/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Correcting the World Map: The UN’s Cartographic Initiative and Its Implications for India URL: https://www.upscprep.com/correcting-the-world-map-the-uns-cartographic-initiative-and-its-implications-for-india/ Last updated: 2026-09-09T14:23:31.000Z **Syllabus:** GS I—Geography: Map projections | GS II—International institutions, India’s interests and sovereignty ## 1\. Why in the news? On **4 September 2026**, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Togo-led **“Correct the Map”** resolution, promoting more proportionate representation of the world’s regions, particularly Africa. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/09/image.png) - **Voting:** 164 in favour, 1 against—the United States—and 6 abstentions. - Encourages wider use of **equal-area projections**, particularly Equal Earth, where relative continental size matters. - India supported the resolution while clarifying its interpretation and scope. ([press.un.org](https://press.un.org/en/2026/ga12779.doc.htm?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com)) > **Key distinction:** The resolution concerns the representation of geographical area. It does not redraw international boundaries or settle territorial disputes. ## 2\. What is a map projection? A **map projection** is a mathematical method of representing Earth’s curved surface on a flat map. Every flat world map introduces distortion in one or more properties: - **Area** - **Shape** - **Distance** - **Direction** Therefore, a projection must be selected according to the map’s purpose. **No flat world map preserves all these properties simultaneously.** ([pubs.usgs.gov](https://pubs.usgs.gov/unnumbered/70043847/report.pdf?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com)) ## 3\. Mercator versus Equal Earth | Feature | Mercator projection | Equal Earth projection | | -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------- | | Development | Gerardus Mercator, 1569 | Bojan Šavrič, Tom Patterson and Bernhard Jenny, 2018 | | Main property | Preserves local angles and shapes | Preserves relative areas | | Appearance | Increasing enlargement towards the poles | Landmasses shown in correct area proportions | | Main limitation | Distorts relative continental size | Does not preserve all shapes, distances or angles | | Suitable application | Navigation: constant-bearing routes appear as straight lines | World maps comparing continental and regional areas | Equal Earth was described in a peer-reviewed article published in **2019**. It draws visual inspiration from the Robinson projection but preserves relative areas. **Example:** Africa is approximately **14 times larger than Greenland**, although the two can appear comparable on a Mercator world map. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/09/image-1.png) ## 4\. What does the resolution actually change? | It promotes | It does not do | | ------------------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------- | | More accurate comparisons of landmass area | Create a distortion-free world map | | Greater geographical awareness | Establish new international boundaries | | Consideration of equal-area maps | Settle sovereignty or territorial disputes | | Institutional and educational adoption | Require immediate replacement of all navigation maps | The resolution is **non-binding**. India stated that its support should be understood as favouring equal-area approaches, rather than endorsing one particular projection or map. ## 5\. Why is it significant? ### A. Geographical literacy - Improves understanding of the relative sizes of continents. - Helps correct misconceptions caused by using navigation-oriented maps for general education. - Creates an opportunity to teach the advantages and limitations of different projections. ### B. Representation of the Global South - The initiative places Africa’s geographical representation on the multilateral agenda. - It raises questions about how familiar visual conventions influence perceptions of regions. **Analytical point:** Better geographical representation may influence public understanding, but increased investment or diplomatic power cannot be assumed to follow automatically. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/09/image-3.png) ### C. Maps and power Critical cartography studies how maps reflect choices about **names, boundaries, emphasis and omission**. Harley’s work highlights that maps can communicate institutional and political perspectives alongside geographical information. **Mains linkage:** Maps are tools of geographical knowledge and can also shape political narratives. ## 6\. India’s position and the boundary controversy ### India’s position India supported: - More accurate and representative cartographic practices. - Equal-area approaches where comparison of landmass sizes is the objective. - Freedom to select different projections for different applications. India clarified that its vote **did not endorse Equal Earth or any other particular projection**. ### Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin Reporting attributed to *The Hindu* described a UN map dated **1 July 2026** showing competing Indian and Chinese claim lines around Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin. The precise markings were not independently verified in this research. **Important distinction:** - **Projection:** How Earth’s surface is displayed. - **Political cartography:** Which boundaries, claims and names are displayed. Changing the projection does not itself determine which territorial claim is accepted. The MEA clarified that the resolution does not authenticate a particular map or address international boundaries and disputed territories. Therefore, **India’s vote cannot be treated as acceptance of an adverse boundary depiction**. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/09/image-2.png) ## 7\. How could it affect us? | Area | Likely implication | | -------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Education | Greater use of equal-area world maps and better teaching of projection limitations | | Media and publishing | Review of maps used to compare countries and continents | | Research | Greater awareness of choosing projections appropriate to spatial analysis | | Diplomacy | Continued scrutiny of boundary labels and territorial depictions | | Everyday navigation | No automatic change merely because of the resolution | | Sovereignty | No territorial settlement or change created by this measure | These are **potential implementation implications**, rather than a confirmed timetable of changes. Official explanations emphasise educational purposes and exclude changes to territorial status. ## 8\. Challenges and way forward | Challenge | Way forward | | ---------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Headlines conflate projection reform with boundary changes | Clearly distinguish geometry from political cartography | | Every projection has limitations | Adopt maps suited to their intended purpose | | Disputed boundaries may be reproduced without context | Use clear legends, attribution and authoritative references | | Replacing maps alone may not improve understanding | Teach comparative map literacy | | Symbolic reform may be overstated | Assess educational outcomes rather than assume wider material benefits | ## Prelims pointers - **Equal-area ≠ equal-distance.** - Equal-Earth preserves **relative area**, not every geographical property. - Mercator’s area distortion increases towards the **poles**. - **Constant-bearing routes** appear as straight lines on Mercator maps. - The resolution does **not** settle international boundary disputes. - India supported the principle of equal-area representation without endorsing a specific projection. ## Mains practice question **“Cartographic representation is both a technical choice and a political act.” Discuss in the context of the UN’s ‘Correct the Map’ initiative and India’s concerns. (150 words, 10 marks)** **Answer framework:** Projection distortions → geographical literacy and Africa’s representation → maps and political narratives → distinction between projection and sovereignty → purpose-appropriate mapping and clear boundary attribution. ### PSIR: Write & Rise - 35 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/psir-write-rise-35/ Last updated: 2026-09-03T14:39:46.000Z **How have the core values and ideals of the Non-Aligned Movement helped India strengthen its soft power in the service of its national interests? (15 Marks)** --- **Answer** Shashi Tharoor observed that non-alignment granted India disproportionate global influence compared to its material power. That influence was not accidental. NAM's core values of sovereign equality, anti-colonialism, and peaceful coexistence gave India a normative platform from which it could convert moral leadership into concrete strategic gains. **Moral Capital as Strategic Leverage** By championing decolonisation and advocating the New International Economic Order, India positioned itself as the voice of the developing world. The goodwill accumulated across Africa and Asia through NAM solidarity translated directly into bloc support on Kashmir, backing for UNSC candidacies, and diplomatic cover during crises. Nye theorised that states build power through attraction rather than coercion. India's NAM leadership was precisely that: influence built through attraction that served hard national interests without requiring hard power expenditure. **Institutional Operationalisation** NAM values remained abstract until India built institutions around them. The ITEC programme converted solidarity rhetoric into tangible technical cooperation, creating a long-term constituency of goodwill across the Global South. The ICCR projected civilizational values through cultural centres, scholarships, and India Chairs abroad, embedding India's narrative in foreign public discourse. These were not symbolic gestures but deliberate instruments that operationalised NAM's universalism into ground-level soft power. **Contemporary Dividends** India's G20 presidency adopted *Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam* as its theme and advocated African Union membership, drawing directly from NAM's universalist spirit. Shyam Saran argues these represent a modern adaptation of non-alignment's core logic: preserving independence while building partnerships. What began as moral positioning within NAM has become the normative foundation of India's claim to global leadership. --- **Neelam Bhatia, PSIR Faculty – UPSCPrep.com** [https://courses.upscprep.com/](https://courses.upscprep.com/?ref=upscprep.com) ### PSIR: Write & Rise - 34 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/psir-write-rise-34/ Last updated: 2026-09-02T05:23:24.000Z **“India's policy of non-alignment was shaped by a combination of idealistic principles and pragmatic, realist considerations.” Discuss.** **(20 Marks)** --- **Answer** India's adoption of non-alignment was neither pure idealism nor cold calculation. It was, as K. Subramanian argued, a sound strategy in the realpolitik sense that simultaneously carried a moral vision of sovereign equality and peaceful coexistence. The question is not whether idealism or realism drove non-alignment but how the two were fused into a single coherent posture. **The Idealist Foundations** Non-alignment drew directly from the freedom struggle's normative commitments. Gandhian ahimsa, anti-imperialism, and Nehru's internationalism produced a foreign policy anchored in Article 51's directive to promote international peace, respect for international law, and arbitration of disputes. India championed decolonisation at the UN, co-founded NAM at Belgrade (1961), and advocated the Panchsheel principles as the basis of inter-state conduct. The New International Economic Order, nuclear disarmament advocacy, and solidarity with liberation movements in Africa and Asia reflected a genuine civilizational aspiration to reshape the global order on equitable terms. **The Realist Calculus** Yet idealism alone did not sustain non-alignment. Aparna Pandey argues India was too weak militarily and economically to afford alignment with either bloc. Joining one would have invited hostility from the other without guaranteeing security. Non-alignment allowed India to receive developmental and defence assistance from both superpowers simultaneously, maximising leverage from a position of material weakness. Henry Kissinger himself conceded that though irritating for Washington, non-alignment was the best course India could have followed. The 1962 war exposed this realism starkly: India sought US military assistance while maintaining its non-aligned posture, demonstrating what liberals call flexible realism within the framework of autonomy. **The Synthesis** K. Natwar Singh captured this duality best: India's approach to NAM was not dogmatic but doctrinal, retaining independence while preserving voice on critical issues. Idealism gave non-alignment its legitimacy and moral capital; realism gave it its durability. As Shashi Tharoor observed, this combination granted India disproportionate global influence compared to its material power, a diplomatic outcome neither idealism nor realism could have achieved alone. --- **Neelam Bhatia, PSIR Faculty – UPSCPrep.com** [https://courses.upscprep.com/](https://courses.upscprep.com/?ref=upscprep.com) ### PSIR: Write & Rise - 33 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/psir-write-rise-33/ Last updated: 2026-09-02T05:19:08.000Z **Q. “India is often said to have a rich strategic culture.” Discuss.** **(10 Marks)** --- **Answer** Jack Snyder defined strategic culture as enduring beliefs, historical experiences, and normative values shaping how a country responds to security threats. India's strategic culture draws from multiple civilizational and philosophical strands, making it distinctively layered. **The Kautilyan Realist Strand** The oldest layer is rooted in Kautilya's *Arthashastra*, a treatise on statecraft, power balancing, and alliance management predating Machiavelli by two millennia. This tradition emphasises state survival and pragmatic use of force, visible in India's credible minimum deterrence doctrine and calibrated responses from Pokhran-II to Operation Sindoor (2025). **The Pacifist Strand** Running alongside is the Buddhist-Gandhian tradition of ahimsa, dialogue, and moral restraint, explaining India's preference for multilateral engagement, its No First Use policy, and refusal to intervene militarily beyond its neighbourhood even under pressure, as in the 2003 Iraq War. **The Adaptive Synthesis** Pant and Goswami describe India's strategic culture as adaptive, combining realism and restraint depending on context. Operation Sindoor exemplifies this: restraint in confining strikes to terror infrastructure coexisted with coercive resolve through suspending the Indus Waters Treaty. Raja Mohan and Raghavan reject Tanham's claim that India lacks strategic coherence, pointing to the Cholas' maritime power and Maratha warfare as historical evidence. India's strategic culture is rich precisely because it is not monolithic. The layered coexistence of Kautilyan pragmatism and Gandhian restraint gives Indian statecraft a distinctive flexibility that purely realist or purely pacifist traditions cannot claim. --- **Neelam Bhatia, PSIR Faculty – UPSCPrep.com** [https://courses.upscprep.com/](https://courses.upscprep.com/?ref=upscprep.com) ### PSIR: Write & Rise - 32 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/psir-write-rise-32/ Last updated: 2026-09-01T10:35:19.000Z **Q. Strategic autonomy remains the leitmotif of India's foreign policy despite changing global contexts. Discuss.** **(20 Marks)** --- **Answer** India's foreign policy has undergone significant shifts in vocabulary, partnerships, and instruments since independence, but the insistence on retaining sovereign decision-making free from external diktat has remained its one non-negotiable constant. What has changed across systemic transitions is the form autonomy takes, not the principle itself. **Autonomy Adapted Across Systemic Structures** Under Cold War bipolarity, Nehru articulated autonomy as non-alignment, equidistance from both blocs, institutionalised through NAM and anchored constitutionally in Article 51\. The 1962 war exposed its limits but did not destroy the impulse. After the Soviet collapse, India adapted rather than abandoned. The Indo-US nuclear deal deepened engagement with Washington, yet India simultaneously maintained its Russian defence partnership and refused membership of NATO or Five Eyes. Waltz understood this well: in an anarchic system, states pursue autonomy not out of ideology but out of structural compulsion. India's behaviour across three systemic transitions confirms that logic. **Autonomy Under Coercive Pressure** The contemporary period tests this most sharply. In 2025, India withstood US tariffs as high as 50% linked to Russian oil, conceding partially only on its own terms, what Menon describes as minimaxing: minimising risk while maximising sovereign manoeuvre. Operation Sindoor demonstrated autonomy in the security domain through unilateral strikes on terror infrastructure, refusal of third-party mediation, and suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. Simultaneously, India diversified markets through the India–UK CETA and India–EU FTA, refusing dependence on any single power. Jaishankar's description of this as “energetic diplomacy” captures the shift: not equidistance but simultaneous engagement across Quad, BRICS, SCO, and I2U2 without binding commitments. **Continuity Within Change** Swaran Singh argues India retains core civilizational values — pluralism, tolerance, sovereign equality — while adapting their expression to each phase of global transformation. Autonomy endures not because India is nostalgic for non-alignment but because no alternative, whether alliance, bandwagoning, or isolation, serves its interests better. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/PSIR-T.png) #### PSIR Optional + Mentorship with Test Series Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE by Neelam Bhatia [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-with-test-series-4pb2kampmcfr/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC CSE General Studies - IV URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-cse-general-studies-4-question-paper/ Last updated: 2026-08-24T10:17:15.000Z [GS4 Ethics CSM 26GS4 Ethics CSM 26.pdf3 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2026/08/GS4-Ethics-CSM-26.pdf "Download") # SECTION–A / खण्ड–A ## Q1 ### (a) **Hindi:** समय के अभाव में विश्वविद्यालय का एक प्रोफेसर कृत्रिम बुद्धिमत्ता (आर्टिफिशियल इंटेलिजेंस) की मदद से एक Ph.D. के मूल्यांकन का प्रतिवेदन लेकर और उसे कुछ संशोधित कर जमा कर देता है। जवाबदेही और निष्ठा के परिप्रेक्ष्य में इस पर विचार कीजिए। **English:** Owing to paucity of time, a university professor generates a Ph.D. evaluation report using Artificial Intelligence and submits it with some modifications. Discuss this from the perspective of accountability and integrity. *Answer in 150 words | 10 marks* ### (b) **Hindi:** एक औद्योगिक घराना एक ऐसी परियोजना पर काम कर रहा है, जिसके कारण एक वन-समुदाय अपने प्राकृतिक वासस्थान से विस्थापित हो सकता है। उक्त जिले के प्रशासनिक अधिकारी के रूप में आप किन नैतिक चुनौतियों का सामना करेंगे? **English:** A business house is working on a project that could displace a forest community from their habitat. As the administrative officer of that district, what ethical challenges are you likely to face? *Answer in 150 words | 10 marks* --- # Q2 ### (a) **Hindi:** एक विलुप्तप्राय जनजाति गहन कंकालीय विकृति (स्केलेटल डिफॉर्मिटी) से ग्रस्त है। एक विश्वविद्यालयी शोध ने एक खनिज-पूरक को इसके संभावित उपचार के लिए चिन्हित किया है, यद्यपि इसका चिकित्सकीय परीक्षण होना अभी शेष है। क्या जिलाधिकारी (डी० एम०) को इस शोध का उपयोग इस जनजाति पर करवाना चाहिए? आयुर्वैज्ञानिक एवं प्रशासनिक नैतिकता की दृष्टि से इस पर विचार कीजिए। **English:** An endangered tribe has developed a severe skeletal deformity. A university research has identified a mineral supplement as a possible remedy, though clinical trials are yet to be conducted. Should the District Magistrate (DM) use this research on the tribe? Discuss from the perspective of medical and administrative ethics. *Answer in 150 words | 10 marks* ### (b) **Hindi:** राष्ट्रीय सुरक्षा एवं मानवाधिकार के हितों के बीच किस तरह से संतुलन स्थापित किया जा सकता है? विचार कीजिए। **English:** Discuss how national security can be balanced with concerns of human rights. *Answer in 150 words | 10 marks* --- # Q3 ### (a) **Hindi:** डॉ० बी० आर० अम्बेडकर ने सचेत किया था कि किसी संवैधानिक प्रजातंत्र में सविनय अवज्ञा का क्रियान्वयन ‘अराजकता’ का अनुमोदन करने जैसा है। आधुनिक लोकतांत्रिक प्रणालियों को उन सविनय अवज्ञा आंदोलनों से उत्पन्न नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना किस प्रकार करना चाहिए, जो सामाजिक न्याय को बढ़ावा देने के उद्देश्य से उन नीतियों का विरोध करते हैं, जिनके संबंध में वास्तविक और उचित चिंताएँ हैं? **English:** Dr. B. R. Ambedkar had cautioned that employing civil disobedience within a constitutional democracy equates to endorsing ‘anarchy’. How should modern democracies navigate the ethical dilemmas posed by civil disobedience movements that aim to promote social justice against policies that may raise genuine concerns? *Answer in 150 words | 10 marks* ### (b) **Hindi:** एक भारतीय प्रशासनिक अधिकारी गाँधीजी के ‘ट्रस्टीशिप’ के बोध का प्रयोग निष्पक्ष प्रशासन को सुनिश्चित करने के लिए कैसे कर सकता है? **English:** In what ways can an Indian Administrative Officer apply Gandhi’s notion of ‘trusteeship’ to ensure fairness in governance? *Answer in 150 words | 10 marks* ### (c) **Hindi:** हेनरी IV में शेक्सपीयर का कथन है कि “हथियार का तभी औचित्य है जब उसे रखना न्यायसंगत हो”। प्रशासन में इसके क्या नैतिक आशय हैं? **English:** Shakespeare in *Henry IV* says, “The arms are fair when the intent of bearing them is just”. What ethical implications does this have in governance? *Answer in 150 words | 10 marks* --- # Q4 ### (a) **Hindi:** लम्बी अवधि तक दवाओं के प्रयोग से उत्पन्न इसके गंभीर दुष्प्रभावों पर बल देते हुए एक चिकित्सक एक महिला रोगी के परिवार वालों को सर्जरी के लिए राजी कर लेता है। रोगी हिचकिचाती हुई अपनी सर्जरी की स्वीकृति देती है, जबकि उसका प्राथमिक चुनाव दवाओं से ही इलाज कराने का था। इस प्रसंग में चिकित्सक की गतिविधि की विवेचना करते हुए पितृवाद (पैटरनलिज्म) एवं उपकार (बेनीफिसेन्स) की अवधारणा को व्याख्यायित कीजिए। **English:** Citing the serious adverse effects of long-term medication, a doctor convinces the family of a female patient for surgery. This led the patient to reluctantly consent for the surgery, though her original choice was to opt for medication. Explain the concepts of paternalism and beneficence by analysing the doctor’s action. *Answer in 150 words | 10 marks* ### (b) **Hindi:** दक्षता है—काम को सही तरीके से करना, प्रभावशीलता है—सही काम करना। उत्पादकता को बढ़ाने के लिए आप इनके बीच किस प्रकार संतुलन स्थापित करेंगे? **English:** Efficiency is doing things right, while effectiveness is doing the right thing. How do you strike a balance between the two to enhance productivity? *Answer in 150 words | 10 marks* --- # Q5 ### (a) **Hindi:** सुदूर क्षेत्रों में स्थित विद्यालय प्रायः सरकारी नियमों के अनुसार पूर्ण रूप से काम नहीं कर पाते हैं। हालांकि, यदि उन पर ये नियम कठोरता से लागू किए जाएँ, तो अधिकतर विद्यालय बंद हो जाएंगे। एक प्रशासनिक अधिकारी को नियमों को लागू करने और विद्यार्थियों के शैक्षिक अधिकारों के बीच कैसे संतुलन स्थापित करना चाहिए? **English:** Usually schools, working in remote areas, do not fully comply with government regulations. However, if the rules are enforced strictly, it would lead to most schools closing down. How should an administrator strike a balance between enforcement of rules and educational rights of children? *Answer in 150 words | 10 marks* ### (b) **Hindi:** अंतर्राष्ट्रीय संबंधों में नैतिक मूल्यों एवं मानदंडों की अपेक्षा राष्ट्र-राज्यों के रणनीतिक हितों को अक्सर अधिक महत्व दिया जाता है। नैतिक दृष्टिकोण से इसकी विवेचना कीजिए। **English:** In international relations, ethical considerations are often subjugated to the strategic interests of nation-states. Discuss this from an ethical perspective. *Answer in 150 words | 10 marks* --- # Q6 ### (a) **Hindi:** अपने निजी सहायक (पी० ए०) के निवेदन पर जिलाधिकारी (डी० एम०) विद्यालय के एक अध्यापक का स्थानांतरण रोक देता है, जो इस निजी सहायक की अधिगम अक्षमता वाली बेटी को ट्यूशन पढ़ाता है। इस संदर्भ में समानुभूति बनाम कर्तव्यपालन के पक्षों पर विचार कीजिए। **English:** On the request of his Personal Assistant (PA), the District Magistrate (DM) stops the transfer of a schoolteacher who takes private tuition for his daughter diagnosed with learning disability. In this context, discuss the aspects of empathy versus compliance with rules. *Answer in 150 words | 10 marks* ### (b) **Hindi:** कुछ नीतिवादी दार्शनिकों का तर्क है कि जो आर्थिक रूप से अत्यंत कमजोर हैं, उनके लिए अपनी आर्थिक स्थिति को विशेष रूप से प्रभावित किए बगैर, अपने संसाधनों में से कुछ खर्च करना सिर्फ परोपकार नहीं, हमारा नैतिक कर्तव्य है। परोपकार एवं कर्तव्य के बीच अंतर को स्पष्ट करते हुए इस कथन की पुष्टि कीजिए। **English:** Some moral philosophers argue that spending some of your resources—without significantly affecting your financial stability—to help other people who badly suffer is our moral duty and not merely a matter of charity. Justify this claim by explaining the distinction between duty and charity. *Answer in 150 words | 10 marks* --- # SECTION–B / खण्ड–B # Q7 **Hindi:** लता, जो दो बच्चों की माँ है, उसे अचानक तेज पेट-दर्द के कारण अस्पताल में भर्ती कराया गया। उसकी ननद सुजाता उसके साथ थी। डॉ० मानसी ने लता की जाँच की और एक डायग्नोस्टिक लैप्रोस्कोपी करवाने की सलाह दी। जनरल एनेस्थीसिया देकर उपयुक्त चिकित्सकीय प्रक्रिया के लिए लता की सहमति ली गई। लैप्रोस्कोपी करते हुए डॉ० मानसी की टीम को लता के गर्भाशय में ट्यूमर मिला। एक गहन जाँच से निकलकर आया कि यह ट्यूमर घातक हो सकता है। डॉ० मानसी के सामने एक विकल्प यह था कि ट्यूमर का एक नमूना बायोप्सी के लिए निकाला जाय। यदि बायोप्सी करने के बाद ट्यूमर घातक निकलता है, तो लता को फिर और ऑपरेशन गर्भाशय निकालने के लिए करवाना होगा। दूसरा विकल्प यह था कि उसी समय गर्भाशय निकाल दिया जाय। डॉ० मानसी को यह निर्णय तत्काल लेना था। चूँकि लता जनरल एनेस्थीसिया के कारण बेहोश थी, इसलिए डॉ० मानसी ने सुजाता को इस स्थिति से पूरी तरह अवगत कराया। डॉ० मानसी की सलाह से सुजाता सहमत थी कि हिस्टेरेक्टॉमी करके लता का गर्भाशय निकालना होगा, जिससे उसे एक दूसरे ऑपरेशन का खतरा और पीड़ा न हो। डॉ० मानसी ने सुजाता से लिखित सहमति लेने के बाद लता का गर्भाशय निकाल दिया। इसके बारे में अगले दिन लता को सूचित किया गया। वह बहुत विचलित हुई और उसे लगा कि उसके साथ धोखा हुआ है, क्योंकि गर्भाशय निकालने के लिए उसकी सहमति नहीं ली गई थी। लता ने पुलिस में शिकायत की। पुलिस ने उसे समझाने की कोशिश की कि डॉ० मानसी ने सही इरादे से एक मरीज की मदद की है। सुजाता का भी यही विचार था, लेकिन लता इससे आश्वस्त नहीं थी और उसने न्यायालय जाने का निर्णय लिया। **(a)** इस प्रसंग से जुड़े नैतिक मुद्दों पर विचार कीजिए। **(b)** इस परिस्थिति में डॉक्टर के नैतिक आचरण पर विचार कीजिए। **English:** Lata, a mother of two children, was admitted to a hospital for acute abdominal pain. Her sister-in-law, Sujatha, accompanied her. Dr. Mansi examined Lata and recommended a diagnostic laparoscopy. Lata’s consent was taken to conduct the medical procedure under general anesthesia. During the laparoscopy, Dr. Mansi’s team discovered a tumor in Lata’s uterus. A closer examination suggested that the tumor could be malignant. One option before Dr. Mansi was to extract a sample for biopsy. In that case, if the tumor was malignant, Lata would have to undergo another surgery for removal of the uterus. An alternative was to remove the uterus immediately. Dr. Mansi had to take a quick decision. As Lata was under general anesthesia, Dr. Mansi explained the situation to Sujatha. Sujatha agreed with Dr. Mansi’s recommendations for a hysterectomy, wherein Lata’s uterus would be removed to avoid the risk and pain of undergoing another surgery. Dr. Mansi removed Lata’s uterus after receiving Sujatha’s consent in writing. Lata was informed of this the next day. She was very upset and felt betrayed as she had not consented to the removal of her uterus. Lata complained to the police who tried to convince her that Dr. Mansi had acted with good intention to help a patient. Sujatha was of the same opinion, however Lata was not convinced and decided to approach the court. **(a)** Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. **(b)** Discuss the moral conduct of the doctor in this situation. *Answer in 250 words | 20 marks* --- # Q8 **Hindi:** रवि एक वरिष्ठ पुलिस अधिकारी है, जिसे दंगा-नियंत्रण एवं साइबर-पुलिसिंग का विपुल अनुभव है। पिछले एक वर्ष से वह एक ऐसे जिले का पुलिस अधीक्षक (एस० पी०) है, जिसका लगातार दंगों का इतिहास है। पिछले वर्ष रवि ने अनुमानात्मक पुलिसिंग के लिए एक ए० आई० (AI) सॉफ्टवेयर अपने जिले में लगवाया। यह प्रणाली लगभग छः महीनों से काम कर रही है। इस नई प्रणाली में भीड़ में मौजूद लोगों के बायोमेट्रिक आँकड़ों को संकलित करने और उन्हें पुलिस के एक डेटा भंडार से संबद्ध करने के लिए उन्नत एल्गोरिद्म का उपयोग किया जाता है। इसने कई तरह के अपराधों में शामिल लोगों को चिन्हित करने में पुलिस की मदद की है। इस प्रणाली ने प्रवासी तथा निम्न-आय वर्ग के एक आवासीय क्षेत्र को सामूहिक हिंसा और नशीले पदार्थों की तस्करी के केंद्र के रूप में चिन्हित किया है। इस AI प्रणाली की सहायता से स्थानीय पुलिस ने अपनी गश्त, निवारक नजरबंदी और पुलिस नाके की व्यवस्था केंद्रित की है। इसके फलस्वरूप सार्वजनिक व्यवस्था और कानून प्रवर्तन में स्पष्ट रूप से सुधार दिखाई देता है। पिछले सप्ताह कुछ लोक-नेता, नागरिक अधिकारों के वकील, और मानवाधिकार कार्यकर्ता रवि से उसके कार्यालय में मिले। उन्होंने रवि को एक ज्ञापन दिया कि यह नई प्रणाली त्रुटिपूर्ण है, क्योंकि यह गलत ऐतिहासिक तथ्यों पर आधारित है, और सामाजिक पूर्वाग्रहों तथा भेदभावपूर्ण पुलिसिंग से प्रेरित है। ज्ञापन ने यह भी आरोप लगाया कि बढ़ी हुई निगरानी के कारण वहाँ के रहने वालों में एक तनाव व्याप्त है। यह भाव और बढ़ गया है, क्योंकि उस क्षेत्र में रहने वालों को नहीं पता कि किस प्रकार का डेटा उनके नाम से उसमें दर्ज है। **(a)** डेटा-संचालित पुलिसिंग में, AI के उपयोग में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दे और पूर्वाग्रह क्या-क्या हैं? **(b)** रवि के स्थान पर खुद को रखकर विचार कीजिए कि आपके समक्ष कौन-से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं। यह बताइए कि उपयुक्त विकल्प किस तरह नैतिकता के अधिक निकट है। **English:** Ravi is a senior police officer with vast experience in riot control and cyber-policing. Since one year, he has been the Superintendent of Police (SP) of a district with a history of frequent rioting. Last year, Ravi had sought installation of an AI enabled software for predictive policing. This system has been operational for approximately six months. This new system employs advanced algorithms for capturing the biometric data of persons in a crowd and swiftly relating it to a data library. This has enabled the police to identify the persons involved in various crimes. The system has identified an immigrant and low-income neighbourhood as a centre for gang violence and drug trafficking. Aided by this AI analysis, the local police has focused its patrolling, preventive detentions and establishing checkpoints. Consequently, public order and law enforcement has visibly improved. Last week, some community leaders, civil rights lawyers and human rights activists visited Ravi’s office. They submitted a memorandum that the new system is faulty as it is based on incorrect historical data caused by social biases and discriminatory policing. The memorandum also alleges that the increased surveillance has created a climate of tension amongst residents. This feeling is aggravated by the fact that the residents are not aware of the data noted against their names. **(a)** What are the ethical issues including biases involved in the use of AI in data-driven policing? **(b)** Place yourself in Ravi’s role and discuss the alternatives available. Justify the action that optimises compliance with ethics. *Answer in 250 words | 20 marks* --- # Q9 **Hindi:** सीमा एक वरिष्ठ प्रशासनिक अधिकारी है, जो अपनी सत्यनिष्ठा और व्यावसायिक कुशलता के लिए ख्यात है। हाल ही में उसकी नियुक्ति सुन्दर नगर के जिलाधिकारी (डी० सी०) के रूप में हुई है, जहाँ एक वृहद औद्योगिक क्षेत्र स्थापित किया जा रहा है। इस नए औद्योगिक क्षेत्र में बहुत से किसानों ने भूमि उपयोग में परिवर्तन (सी० एल० यू०) के लिए आवेदन दिया है कि उनकी खेती की जमीन को आवासीय क्षेत्र में परिवर्तित किया जाय। इस तरह के आवेदनों की ऐसी असामान्य रूप से बड़ी संख्या है कि उनमें से अधिकांश का निस्तारण विलंबित है। सीमा ने लक्षित किया है कि उनमें से कुछ आवेदनों को, कालानुक्रमिक क्रम को अनदेखा करते हुए, मंजूरी दी गई है। इस मामले की फाइल में सीमा को कुछ ऐसी शिकायतें मिलीं, जिनमें कहा गया था कि कुछ आवेदकों से मंजूरी के बदले रिश्वत ली गई थी। संबंधित तथ्यों की अग्रिम जाँच से सीमा को ज्ञात हुआ कि कलेक्टरेट के कुछ अधीनस्थ अधिकारियों के साथ मिलकर दलालों का एक छोटा गिरोह इस गैर-कानूनी गतिविधि को अंजाम दे रहा है। इस प्रकार से बाकी कर्मचारी इतने भयभीत हो गए कि वे इन आवेदनों को अग्रसारित करने में घबराने लगे। इस प्रक्रिया से विलंबित मामलों की संख्या बढ़ती रही, जिसके फलस्वरूप स्थानीय आर्थिक विकास अवरुद्ध रहा एवं जनता में असंतोष पैदा हुआ। सीमा के समक्ष यह एक बड़ी नैतिक एवं प्रशासनिक चुनौती थी कि दैनिक प्रशासनिक गतिविधियों को बिना अवरुद्ध किए इस भ्रष्टाचार के तंत्र को कैसे तोड़ा जाय। इसकी यदि एक आक्रामक आंतरिक जाँच-पड़ताल की जाय, तो संस्थागत प्रतिरोध की आशंका है और साथ ही मजदूर-संगठन की ओर से भी प्रतिक्रिया आ सकती है। दूसरी ओर यदि वे इस स्थिति को अनदेखा करती हैं, तो भ्रष्टाचारियों को प्रोत्साहन मिलेगा और अनावश्यक रूप से आम लोगों का उत्पीड़न जारी रहेगा, जिसे अभी रोका जा सकता है। **(a)** इस प्रसंग के नैतिक मुद्दे कौन-से हैं? **(b)** सीमा के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों पर विचार कीजिए। प्रस्तावित विकल्प को चिन्हित कर उसके औचित्य को रेखांकित कीजिए। **English:** Seema is a senior bureaucrat with a reputation of honesty and professional efficiency. She has recently been posted as the District Collector (DC) to Surinder Nagar, where a large industrial area is being established. The new industrial area had caused many farmers to submit applications for change of land use (CLU) to convert their farmlands into residential areas. There is an unusually large backlog of these applications awaiting processing. Seema noticed that some applications had been approved selectively with no visible chronological pattern. The case files showed a few complaints of some approvals being subject to receipt of large bribes from the applicants. On further fact-finding, Seema realized that a small group of touts was controlling this illegal activity through some subordinate officials in the Collectorate. This had created a fear in the other employees who were reluctant to process any application. The resultant backlog has been piling up thereby hindering local economic progress and causing public dissatisfaction. Seema was faced with a major moral and administrative challenge of dismantling this corruption network without hampering daily administrative operations. An aggressive internal investigation would result in institutional resistance and, possibly, a backlash from labour unions. Conversely, ignoring this situation would encourage the wrongdoers and unnecessarily continue this avoidable harassment to the populace. **(a)** What are the ethical issues involved in this case? **(b)** Discuss the options open to Seema. Identify the recommended option and justify it. *Answer in 250 words | 20 marks* --- # Q10 **Hindi:** विकास एक सरकारी अधिकारी है, जिसे दस वर्ष से अधिक लोक-प्रशासन का अनुभव है। हाल ही में उसकी नियुक्ति सुदूर पर्वतीय एवं वन के निकटवर्ती क्षेत्र नैनीपुरा के जिलाधिकारी (डी० सी०) के रूप में हुई है। नैनीपुरा के न्यून आर्थिक विकास के कारण उसका प्रमुख दायित्व है कि उस क्षेत्र के आर्थिक रूप से कमजोर वर्ग (ई० डब्ल्यू० एस०) के लिए सार्वजनिक वितरण प्रणाली (पी० डी० एस०) को ठीक से चलाए। क्षेत्र में दौरा करते समय विकास को ज्ञात हुआ कि वहाँ सार्वजनिक वितरण प्रणाली के क्रियान्वयन में एक विशेष प्रशासनिक चुनौती सामने आ रही है। स्रोतों के गलत इस्तेमाल को रोकने के लिए सभी वितरकों के लिए यह अनिवार्य किया गया था कि वे लाभार्थियों की वास्तविक समय बायोमेट्रिक पहचान सुनिश्चित करें, जिसके अंतर्गत उनकी अंगुलियों के निशानों के मिलान पहचान-पत्र के अभिलेखों से किया जाता था। किंतु इससे अनेक समस्याएँ उत्पन्न हो रही थीं, क्योंकि यह प्रणाली बढ़ते बच्चों, श्रमिकों तथा वरिष्ठ नागरिकों के मामलों में अंगुलियों के निशानों का मिलान कभी-कभी स्वीकार नहीं करती थी। यह समस्या तब और गंभीर हो जाती जब वाईफाई का सम्पर्क धीमा हो जाता था। ऐसे मामलों में जब वितरक ग्राहकों को पहचान पाते थे, तब वे अपने निजी आग्रह के अनुसार काम करते। विकास को प्राथमिकता से इस समस्या का निदान करना था। सरकारी नियमों का कठोरतापूर्वक पालन करने से वित्तीय शुचिता तो सुनिश्चित होगी पर इससे प्रभावित लाभार्थियों अर्थात् आर्थिक रूप से कमजोर वर्ग को बहुत कठिनाइयों का सामना करना पड़ेगा। इतना ही नहीं, यह संविधान के अनुच्छेद 21 द्वारा प्रदत्त उनके जीवन के मौलिक अधिकारों का भी हनन कर सकता है। दूसरी ओर इस समस्या का निदान यदि सिर्फ वितरकों के निजी आग्रहों पर छोड़ दिया जाए, तो इसका परिणाम चोरी या दुरुपयोग होगा। **(a)** विकास के समक्ष कौन-से विकल्प हैं? उसे नामित लाभार्थियों के प्रति सहानुभूतिपूर्ण व्यवहार रखते हुए वित्तीय शुचिता में संतुलन कैसे स्थापित करना चाहिए? **(b)** कल्याणकारी योजनाओं के लाभार्थियों के चयन में प्रौद्योगिकी के उपयोग की नैतिकता पर विचार कीजिए। **English:** Vikas is a government officer with over a decade of service in public administration. He has recently moved as the District Collector (DC) of Nainipura, a remote hilly district bordering a forest. Due to Nainipura’s low levels of economic development, one of his major duties is to ensure proper functioning of the public distribution system (PDS) amongst the economically weaker sections (EWS). During his on-site visits, Vikas was apprised of a typical administrative challenge in operating the PDS. To prevent leakages, all distributors were required to carry out real-time biometric identification of the beneficiaries, whose fingerprints were tallied with identity card records. This was creating problems as the operating system sometimes rejected fingerprint matching in the cases of growing children, manual labourers and senior citizens. The problem was further compounded in periods of low WIFI connectivity. The distributors, in such cases, resorted to personal discretion when they could identify the recipient. Vikas had to address this problem on priority. Strictly adhering to government regulations would ensure fiscal probity but would greatly trouble the proposed beneficiary, i.e., EWS. It may even impinge on their fundamental right to life as per Article 21 of the Constitution. Conversely, leaving the resolution solely to the discretion of the distributors could lead to misuse and leakages. **(a)** What are the options open to Vikas? How should he balance fiscal probity with empathy towards the designated beneficiaries? **(b)** Discuss the ethics of using technology as a gatekeeper for welfare schemes. *Answer in 250 words | 20 marks* --- # Q11 **Hindi:** राजापुरम एक सीमावर्ती जिला है। झारा और बीरू वहाँ के दो प्रमुख समुदाय हैं, जो प्रायः एक-दूसरे के साथ टकराव की स्थिति में रहते हैं। इसके कारण वहाँ का सामाजिक ताना-बाना बिगड़ गया है और उसे ठीक करने की आवश्यकता है। इन दोनों के बीच जो जातीय संघर्ष है, वह प्रायः हिंसा को जन्म देता है, जिसके कारण बहुत लोगों की मृत्यु हो गई है। इस तनाव के जो कारण बताए जाते हैं, वे हैं—जमीन पर दोनों गुटों के दावे, स्रोतों का असंतुलित बँटवारा और सरकारी संस्थाओं में उनका अपर्याप्त राजनीतिक प्रतिनिधित्व। दोनों समुदायों के लिए अलग-अलग राहत शिविर बनाना पड़ा। स्थिति इतनी विषम हो गई है कि लगता है जल्द ही वह नियंत्रण से बाहर हो जाएगी। राजन को राजापुरम का जिलाधिकारी (डी० एम०) नियुक्त किया गया है। उसकी जिम्मेदारी है कि वह अतिशीघ्र स्थिति को नियंत्रण में ले। उसके प्राथमिक कार्य हैं—प्रशासनिक व्यवस्था की बहाली, राजमार्ग को खुलवाना एवं शांतिवार्ता को शुरू करना। पदभार ग्रहण करते ही राजन को ज्ञात हुआ कि समुदायों के बीच जो द्वंद्व है, वह स्थानीय प्रशासन एवं पुलिस तक पहुँच गया है। चूँकि स्थानीय प्रशासन पूरी तरह निष्पक्ष नहीं रह गया था, इसलिए दोनों समुदायों का उस पर से विश्वास उठ गया था। पड़ोसी देश इस अवसर का लाभ उठाकर एवं आंतरिक विद्रोह को बढ़ावा देकर स्थिति को और खराब कर सकता था। एक संतुलित रवैये के साथ राजन ने राजमार्ग को खुलवाया ताकि खाद्यान्न और चिकित्सकीय वस्तुएँ लोगों तक पहुँचाई जा सकें। प्रशासनिक नियंत्रण की बहाली के लिए उसने सी० आर० पी० एफ० की मदद लेने पर भी विचार किया। **(a)** इस प्रसंग में उन नैतिक मुद्दों पर विचार कीजिए, जिन पर ध्यान देना आवश्यक है। **(b)** राजन के सामने क्या विकल्प हैं? नैतिकता को आहत किए बिना कौन-सा विकल्प उसकी निष्पक्षता की रक्षा सुनिश्चित करेगा? **English:** Rajapuram is a border district. Jhara and Biru, its two major communities are in continual conflict with each other. The social fabric is fractured and demands mending. Ethnic tensions between the two communities have erupted into violence resulting in a large number of deaths. The stated causes are conflicting land claims, uneven resource allocation and inadequate political representation in government bodies. Separate relief camps had to be created for the two communities. The situation is volatile and appears to be getting out of control. Rajan has been appointed the District Magistrate (DM) of Rajapuram and tasked to quickly get the situation under control. His immediate tasks include restoring administrative authority, reopening the highway and initiating peace talks. On taking over his appointment, Rajan realized that the inter-community rivalry had even seeped into the local administration and police. With functional neutrality being the immediate casualty, it had made both communities distrustful of the government. The neighbouring country could utilize the opportunity to spur insurgent activity and further aggravate the situation. Rajan favoured a controlled approach starting with opening the highway to restore food and medical supplies. He toyed with the idea of requisitioning CRPF units to help restore administrative control. **(a)** Discuss the ethical issues that need to be addressed in this case. **(b)** What are the options open to Rajan? Which option would ensure protection of his non-partisan image without compromising ethics? *Answer in 250 words | 20 marks* --- # Q12 **Hindi:** हाल ही में अजीत की पदोन्नति रक्षा-उत्पादन मंत्रालय (एम० डी० पी०) के अंतर्गत हथियार बिक्री विभाग (डी० डब्ल्यू० एस०) के प्रमुख के रूप में हुई है। उसका प्रमुख दायित्व है—अंतर्राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर उन हथियारों का विक्रय, जिन्हें अपने देश में एम० डी० पी० तैयार करता है। पिछले दो युद्धों में एम० डी० पी० के हथियारों का प्रदर्शन बहुत अच्छा रहा, जिसके कारण कई देशों ने उन्हें खरीदने में रुचि दिखाई है—मुख्यतः लम्बी दूरी की मार करने वाले तोप और प्रक्षेपास्त्र। देश A और देश B ने इन हथियारों के लिए कहा है। आयुधों का उत्पादन सीमित होने के कारण, डी० डब्ल्यू० एस० इनमें से किसी एक देश को ही ये हथियार बेच सकता है। देश A विकासशील देश है और उसके पास एक अच्छा प्रौद्योगिक आधार है। एम० डी० पी० अगली पीढ़ी के आयुधों के निर्माण हेतु इस देश के साथ मिलकर अनुसंधान एवं विकास के लिए काम करने की योजना बना रहा है। देश A किसी सुरक्षा गठबंधन का हिस्सा नहीं है, उसे एक उपद्रवी पड़ोसी देश से सुरक्षा के लिए हथियारों की आवश्यकता है। वह दीर्घ अवधि के कर्ज पर अधिक मात्रा में हथियार खरीदना चाहता है। देश B भी एक विकासशील देश है। सैन्य शक्ति उसकी प्राथमिकता है, और सैन्य बजट प्रायः मानव संसाधन तथा अवसंरचना विकास के लिए आबंटनों में भी हस्तक्षेप कर जाता है। वह एक महाशक्ति के साथ सुरक्षा गठबंधन में है जिसकी वहाँ पर एक बड़ी सैन्य छावनी है और जो उसे समय-समय पर वित्तीय अनुदान प्रदान करती है। वह एक आर्थिक गुट का सदस्य है, जिसके साथ उसकी सरकार वर्तमान में एक मुक्त व्यापारिक समझौते पर बात कर रही है। वह परमाणु अप्रसार संधि (एन० पी० टी०) का हस्ताक्षरकर्ता नहीं है, किन्तु उसके पास लघु परमाणु हथियार तथा उसके प्रक्षेपण तंत्र उपलब्ध हैं। वह विदेशों में कुछ गुरिल्ला बलों को समर्थन प्रदान करता है। उसने अपेक्षाकृत छोटे स्तर के अधिग्रहण की इच्छा व्यक्त की है और अग्रिम भुगतान का कुछ भाग देने के लिए तैयार है। फिलहाल वह एक दूसरे देश से भी हथियार खरीदने की बात कर रहा है। संबंधित विभागों के समकक्षों से अजीत ने इस विषय पर चर्चा की। उसमें इस बिक्री से होने वाले महत्वपूर्ण आर्थिक लाभों, रोजगार सृजन तथा अधिक सुदृढ़ राजनयिक संबंधों को रेखांकित किया गया था। यह भी बल देकर कहा गया था कि यदि इस सौदे को अस्वीकार कर दिया गया, तो देश B किसी अन्य आपूर्तिकर्ता से हथियार खरीद सकता है। अजीत इस बात से अवगत था कि हथियारों की बिक्री में हर स्तर पर समुचित सतर्कता बरतना राष्ट्रीय नीति एवं अंतर्राष्ट्रीय संधियों की अनुपालना सुनिश्चित करने के लिए बहुत आवश्यक है। **(a)** अजीत के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों पर विचार करते हुए यह बताइए कि उसे कौन-सा विकल्प और क्यों चुनना चाहिए। **(b)** अजीत किस प्रकार राष्ट्र के आर्थिक और रणनीतिक हितों को नैतिक विचारों से संतुलित करेगा? **English:** Ajit has been recently promoted as the Head of the Department of Weapon Sales (DWS) in the Ministry of Defence Production (MDP). His charter of duties includes international sales of weapons produced domestically by MDP. In two recent wars, MDP weapons have performed admirably, resulting in many countries showing interest in buying them, particularly long-range artillery and missiles. Country A and country B have asked for these weapons. However, production constraints restrict DWS to accept only one purchase order. Country A is a developing nation with a sound technology base. MDP is planning R&D collaboration with it for the next generation of weapons. It is not part of any security alliance and needs weapons for protection from a troublesome neighbour. It seeks a large acquisition on a long-term loan. Country B is also a developing nation. Military strength is its priority, with the military budget often ingressing into allocations for human resources and infrastructure development. It is in security alliance with a superpower who has a large military base there and periodically allots it financial grants. It is a member of an economic bloc with which the government is currently negotiating a free trade agreement. It is not a signatory of NPT but possesses smaller nuclear weapons and delivery systems. It supports some guerrilla forces abroad. It has sought a smaller acquisition and is prepared to make some advance payment. It is currently negotiating arms purchases from another nation too. Ajit discussed this case with his counterparts in the related departments. Therein, the significant economic benefits, employment generation and stronger diplomatic relations arising from this sale were highlighted. It was also emphasized that refusing the deal could result in country B purchasing weapons from some other supplier. Ajit was aware that in arms sales, due diligence at each stage was pivotal to ensure conformity to national policy and international treaties. **(a)** Discuss the options available to Ajit. Which option should he select and why? **(b)** How can Ajit balance nation’s economic and strategic interests with ethical considerations? *Answer in 250 words | 20 marks* ### UPSC CSE General Studies - III URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-cse-general-studies-3-question-paper/ Last updated: 2026-08-24T09:55:05.000Z [GS3 CSM2026GS3 CSM2026.pdf2 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2026/08/GS3-CSM2026.pdf "Download") **Q1.** डिजिटल रुपये से आप क्या समझते हैं ? इस सन्दर्भ में, भारत के केन्द्रीय बैंक डिजिटल मुद्रा (सी बी डी सी) की कार्यप्रणाली तथा प्रगति का वर्णन कीजिए। **What do you mean by Digital Rupee ? In this context, explain the working and progress of India’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).** *150 words | 10 marks* **Q2.** इस दृष्टिकोण का परीक्षण कीजिए कि वित्तीय समावेशन भारत जैसे देश में सामाजिक तथा आर्थिक समावेशन का अभिन्न हिस्सा है। आर.बी.आई. के वित्तीय समावेशन सूचकांक की उपयोगिता पर भी प्रकाश डालिए। **Examine the view that financial inclusion is an integral part of social and economic inclusion in a country like India. Also throw light on the usefulness of the R.B.I.’s Financial Inclusion Index.** *150 words | 10 marks* **Q3.** भारतीय कृषि में लागू किए गए विभिन्न तकनीकी मिशनों का वर्णन कीजिए एवं खाद्य सुरक्षा में उनकी भूमिका का परीक्षण कीजिए। **Describe the various Technology Missions initiated in Indian agriculture and examine their role in food security.** *150 words | 10 marks* **Q4.** कृषि-उत्पाद विपणन की अक्षमता हेतु उत्तरदायी कारकों को समझाइए। कृषि-उत्पाद विपणन की अक्षमता को कम करने में ई-वाणिज्य किस प्रकार सहायता करता है ? समझाइए। **Explain the factors responsible for inefficiency of agri-produce marketing. How e-commerce helps to reduce inefficiency of agri-produce marketing ? Explain.** *150 words | 10 marks* **Q5.** दो उदाहरण देकर समझाइए कि जैवप्रौद्योगिकी ने भारतीय किसानों को उनकी नाशवान फसलों के प्रसंस्करण में कैसे सहायता की है। **Explain by giving two examples how biotechnology has helped the Indian farmers in processing their perishable crops.** *150 words | 10 marks* **Q6.** एक द्रुत प्रजनक रिएक्टर (एफ बी आर) और एक तापीय परमाणु रिएक्टर के बीच भेद बताइए। कलपक्कम में स्वदेशी रूप से विकसित प्रथम प्रारूपी (प्रोटोटाइप) एफ बी आर के संदर्भ में ‘क्रान्तिकता (क्रिटिकलिटी)’ पद की व्याख्या कीजिए। हमारे देश के स्वच्छ ऊर्जा भविष्य के लिये इसके निहितार्थ क्या हैं ? **Distinguish between a Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) and a thermal nuclear reactor. In the context of first indigenously developed prototype FBR at Kalpakkam, explain the term ‘criticality’. What are its implications for clean energy future of our country ?** *150 words | 10 marks* **Q7.** उपयुक्त उदाहरणों सहित चर्चा कीजिए कि भारत के पारिस्थितिक रूप से संवेदनशील क्षेत्रों में ‘द्रुत अवसंरचना विकास’ और ‘आपदा-जोखिम में कमी’ के बीच के विरोधाभास का प्रबंधन किस प्रकार किया जा सकता है। **Discuss how the contradiction between ‘rapid infrastructure development’ and ‘disaster-risk reduction’ in ecologically-sensitive areas of India can be managed, with suitable examples.** *150 words | 10 marks* **Q8.** कुनमिंग-मॉन्ट्रियल वैश्विक जैव-विविधता फ्रेमवर्क के उद्देश्य एवं लक्ष्यों की चर्चा कीजिए। उपयुक्त उदाहरण देते हुए इस फ्रेमवर्क के लक्ष्यों और उद्देश्यों को प्राप्त करने के लिए भारत की प्रतिबद्धताओं और पहलों का उल्लेख कीजिए। **Discuss the aim and goals of Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework. Mention India’s commitments and initiatives to achieve the goals and targets of this framework giving suitable examples.** *150 words | 10 marks* **Q9.** भारतीय संदर्भ में, फर्जी समाचार और दुष्प्रचार किस प्रकार आंतरिक सुरक्षा और सार्वजनिक व्यवस्था के लिये खतरा पैदा करते हैं, इसका वर्णन कीजिए। इस संदर्भ में, सूचना प्रौद्योगिकी (मध्यस्थ दिशानिर्देश और डिजिटल मीडिया आचार संहिता) नियम-2021 के संबंध में किये गये संशोधनों की प्रमुख विशेषताओं पर चर्चा कीजिए। **Explain how fake news and disinformation pose threat to Internal Security and Public Order in Indian context ? In this regard, discuss salient features of amendments in respect of Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021.** *150 words | 10 marks* **Q10.** लद्दाख रणनीतिक रूप से चीन और पाकिस्तान के मध्य स्थित है। स्थानीय लोगों का दिल और दिमाग जीतने के लिये, केन्द्र सरकार द्वारा सीमा क्षेत्र विकास कार्यक्रमों (बी ए डी पी) और सेना द्वारा नागरिक कार्यवाही की विवेचना कीजिए। लद्दाख के लिये संविधान की छठी अनुसूची के प्रावधान की घोषणा की मांग की भी विवेचना कीजिए। **Ladakh is strategically located between China and Pakistan. As a measure to win hearts and minds of locals, discuss the Border Area Development Programmes (BADP) by the Central Government and civic actions by the Army. Also discuss demand of promulgation of provision of the Sixth Schedule of constitution for Ladakh.** *150 words | 10 marks* **Q11.** भारत की ऊर्जा सुरक्षा की प्रमुख चुनौतियों को समझाइए। आर्थिक संवृद्धि तथा संधारणीयता के साथ, ऊर्जा सुरक्षा को सुनिश्चित करने हेतु आप किन उपायों का सुझाव देंगे ? **Explain the key challenges for India’s energy security. What measures do you suggest for ensuring energy security along with economic growth and sustainability ?** *250 words | 15 marks* **Q12.** भारत में नवोन्मेषी उद्यम (स्टार्टअप्स) किस प्रकार उद्यमिता, नवाचार तथा रोजगार को प्रोत्साहित कर रहे हैं ? उनकी कार्यप्रणाली में वैश्विक तथा घरेलू चुनौतियों की विवेचना कीजिए तथा उन चुनौतियों को पराजित करने हेतु उपयुक्त सुझाव दीजिए। **How are startups in India promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and employment ? Discuss the global and domestic challenges in their working and suggest suitable measures to overcome these challenges.** *250 words | 15 marks* **Q13.** भारतीय कृषि किस प्रकार खाद्य के अभाव से खाद्य-अतिरिक्त स्तर तक रूपान्तरित हुई है ? भारतीय कृषि के विविधीकरण हेतु की गई विभिन्न सरकारी नीतियों का वर्णन कीजिए। **How Indian agriculture has been transformed from food scarcity to food surplus level ? Explain the various government policies implemented for diversification of Indian agriculture.** *250 words | 15 marks* **Q14.** भारत सरकार द्वारा कृषि क्षेत्र में प्रदान किए जाने वाले विभिन्न प्रकार के अनुदानों एवं सहायता की विवेचना कीजिए। विश्व व्यापार संगठन (डब्ल्यू टी ओ) के कृषि समझौते से संबंधित मुद्दों का परीक्षण कीजिए। **Discuss the different types of subsidies and supports provided by the Government of India to agricultural sector. Examine the related issues pertaining to Agreement on Agriculture of World Trade Organisation (WTO).** *250 words | 15 marks* **Q15.** ‘मिशन दृष्टि’ की प्रमुख विशेषताओं का उल्लेख कीजिए। 3 मई 2026 को प्रक्षेपित उपग्रह में प्रयुक्त प्रतिबिम्बीकरण की तकनीकियों (इमेजिंग टेक्नीक्स) की विवेचना कीजिए। यह विश्व में अपने प्रकार का प्रथम उपग्रह क्यों माना जा रहा है ? **Mention salient features of ‘Mission Drishti’. Discuss the imaging techniques used in the satellite launched on 3rd May 2026\. Why it is being considered world’s first satellite of its kind ?** *250 words | 15 marks* **Q16.** एजेंटिक कृत्रिम बुद्धिमत्ता (ए आई) क्या है ? इसकी कार्य-प्रणाली को समझाइए। इसके अनुप्रयोगों का वर्णन उचित उदाहरणों के साथ कीजिए। एजेंटिक ए आई प्रणालियों से सम्बद्ध लाभों, जोखिमों और चुनौतियों की चर्चा कीजिए। **What is agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI) ? Explain its working. Describe its applications with suitable examples. Discuss the advantages, risks and challenges associated with agentic AI systems.** *250 words | 15 marks* **Q17.** भारत में ठोस अपशिष्ट प्रबंधन में क्या चुनौतियाँ हैं ? ठोस अपशिष्ट प्रबंधन पर सरकारी नीति फ्रेमवर्क की चर्चा कीजिए। ठोस अपशिष्ट प्रबंधन पहलों की मुख्य विशेषताओं पर प्रकाश डालते हुए दिल्ली और इन्दौर शहरों के सफलता/विफलता मामलों की चर्चा कीजिए। **What are the challenges to solid waste management in India ? Discuss the governmental policy framework on solid waste management. Discuss the success/failure cases of Delhi and Indore cities highlighting the salient feature of their solid waste management initiatives.** *250 words | 15 marks* **Q18.** “सामुदायिक सहभागिता प्रभावी आपदा प्रबंधन की आधारशिला है।” इस कथन का विश्लेषण भारत से उपयुक्त उदाहरणों के साथ कीजिए। सामुदायिक सहभागिता की चुनौतियों और इसे मजबूत करने के उपायों की चर्चा भी कीजिए। **“Community participation is the cornerstone of effective disaster management”. Analyse this statement with suitable examples from India. Also discuss the challenges to community participation and measures to strengthen it.** *250 words | 15 marks* **Q19.** जम्मू व कश्मीर (जे एण्ड के) में उग्रवाद और अस्थिरता के प्रमुख कारणों में से एक अलगाववादी आंदोलन भी रहे हैं। जम्मू-कश्मीर को राष्ट्रीय मुख्यधारा में लाने के लिए सरकार द्वारा की गई कार्यवाही को स्पष्ट कीजिए। अनुच्छेद 370 और 35 ए को निरस्त करने से पहले और बाद की स्थिति पर चर्चा कीजिए। साथ ही, राज्य को राष्ट्रीय मुख्यधारा में लाने में इन दोनों अनुच्छेदों को निरस्त करने के सकारात्मक प्रभावों को भी स्पष्ट कीजिए। **Separatist movements have been one of the major factors contributing to militancy and instability in Jammu & Kashmir (J & K). Bring out actions taken by the Government to bring J & K into national mainstream. Discuss pre and post abrogation status of Articles 370 and 35A. Also bring out positive impacts of abrogation of both articles in mainstreaming the State.** *250 words | 15 marks* **Q20.** भारत में आतंकवाद के वित्तपोषण के प्रमुख स्रोतों के रूप में नकली मुद्रा और धन शोधन मनी लॉन्ड्रिंग्स पर चर्चा कीजिए। इन खतरों को रोकने के लिए अंतर्राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर की जा रही कार्यवाहियों का विवरण प्रस्तुत कीजिए। आतंकी वित्तपोषण को रोकने में वित्तीय कार्रवाई कार्यबल (फाइनान्शियल एक्शन टास्क फोर्स) (एफ ए टी एफ) की भूमिका और इसके सदस्य देशों द्वारा अपनाये जा रहे अनुपालन के तरीकों पर प्रकाश डालिए। **Discuss counterfeit currency and money laundering as major sources of terror funding in India. State the actions being taken at International level to check these menaces. Highlight the role of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and methods of compliance by its member states in preventing terror funding.** *250 words | 15 marks* ### UPSC CSE General Studies - II URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-cse-general-studies-ii-question-paper/ Last updated: 2026-08-24T09:51:23.000Z [GS2 CSM2026GS2 CSM2026.pdf2 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2026/08/GS2-CSM2026.pdf "Download") ## Questions **Q1.** स्व-अभिनिर्धारण से सम्बन्धित निजता का अधिकार प्रत्येक व्यक्ति को प्रिय है तथा संविधान के अनुच्छेद 21 में भली-भांति संरक्षित है। इस संदर्भ में, उभयलिंगी (ट्रांसजेंडर) व्यक्ति (अधिकारों का संरक्षण) अधिनियम, 2019 में 2026 के संशोधन के प्रभाव का परीक्षण कीजिए। **Right to privacy relating to self-identity is very dear to every human being and well protected under Article 21 of the Constitution. In this context, examine the effect of the amendment in 2026, to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.** *150 words | 10 marks* **Q2.** “एक वर्ग के रूप में महिलाएँ न तो किसी अल्पसंख्यक समूह का अंग हैं और न ही वे पिछड़ा वर्ग बनाती मानी जाती हैं।” इस कथन के प्रकाश में, स्थानीय निकायों से संसद तक में महिला आरक्षण के क्रमिक विकास की विवेचना कीजिए। **“Women as a class neither belong to a minority group nor are they regarded as forming a backward class.” In the light of this statement, discuss the evolution of women’s reservation from local bodies to Parliament.** *150 words | 10 marks* **Q3.** वर्तमान दल-बदल विरोधी व्यवस्था के अंतर्गत क्या लोकसभा अध्यक्ष का संवैधानिक पद दलगत राजनीति के कारण अतिसंवेदनशील हो गया है? परीक्षण कीजिए। ध्रुवीकृत सदन के प्रबंधन में लोकसभा अध्यक्ष की निष्पक्षता को सुनिश्चित करने में किन संस्थागत परिवर्तनों की आवश्यकता है? **Examine whether the constitutional office of the Lok Sabha Speaker has become vulnerable to partisan politics under the current anti-defection regime. What institutional changes are required to ensure the neutrality of the Lok Sabha Speaker in managing a polarised House?** *150 words | 10 marks* **Q4.** क्या मताधिकार एक मौलिक अधिकार है? निर्वाचक नामावली का पुनरीक्षण करते हुए भारत के निर्वाचन आयोग की प्रस्थिति की विवेचना कीजिए। क्या यह निर्वाचकों की नागरिकता के प्रश्न का भी परीक्षण कर सकता है? **Is the right to vote a fundamental right? Discuss the position of the Election Commission of India while undertaking the revision of electoral rolls. Can it also examine the question of citizenship of voters?** *150 words | 10 marks* **Q5.** वास्तविक सामाजिक समानता को सुरक्षित करने में राष्ट्रीय अनुसूचित जाति आयोग (NCSC) एवं राष्ट्रीय अनुसूचित जनजाति आयोग (NCST) जैसे संवैधानिक निकायों के पास क्या पर्याप्त प्रवर्तन शक्तियाँ हैं? इनकी संस्थागत प्रभावशीलता को बढ़ाने हेतु उपायों को सुझाइए। **Do constitutional bodies like the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) possess adequate enforcement powers to secure substantive social equality? Suggest measures to enhance their institutional effectiveness.** *150 words | 10 marks* **Q6.** क्या भारत की जनजातीय विकास नीति सामाजिक आधार वाली और समतामूलक शासन की आकांक्षाओं को प्रतिबिंबित करती है? अपने उत्तर के औचित्य को स्पष्ट कीजिए। **Does India’s tribal development policy reflect the aspirations for a socially grounded and equity-based governance? Justify your answer.** *150 words | 10 marks* **Q7.** भारत में कुपोषण मात्र एक सार्वजनिक स्वास्थ्य समस्या नहीं है, बल्कि यह सामाजिक समता, मानव विकास एवं प्रभावी कल्याणकारी शासन के समक्ष भी एक गंभीर चुनौती है। विवेचना कीजिए। **Malnutrition in India is not merely a public health concern; it is also a challenge of social equity, human development and effective welfare governance. Discuss.** *150 words | 10 marks* **Q8.** समकालीन शासन व्यवस्था में भारतीय सिविल सेवाओं की सामान्यज्ञ संरचना के लाभों और सीमाओं का विश्लेषण कीजिए। **Analyse the advantages and limitations of the generalist structure of the Indian Civil Services in contemporary governance.** *150 words | 10 marks* **Q9.** “आई.पी.एम.डी.ए. (इंडो-पैसिफिक पार्टनरशिप फॉर मैरीटाइम डोमेन अवेयरनेस) के लिए साझेदारी भारत के SAGAR (सेक्योरिटी एंड ग्रोथ फॉर ऑल इन द रीजन) दृष्टिकोण और क्वाड (Quad) की सामूहिक इंडो-पैसिफिक रणनीति के बीच की खाई को पाटती है।” आई.पी.एम.डी.ए. पर केंद्रित रहते हुए इस कथन का समालोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन कीजिए। **“IPMDA (Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness) bridges the gap between India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision and the Quad’s collective Indo-Pacific strategy.” Make a critical assessment of the statement focusing on IPMDA.** *150 words | 10 marks* **Q10.** “ब्रिक्स (BRICS) वैश्विक शासन में एक शक्तिशाली संतुलनकारी शक्ति के रूप में कार्य करता है, जो वैश्विक दक्षिण की आवाज और प्रभाव को सक्रिय रूप से प्रबल बनाता है।” ब्रिक्स (BRICS) की भूमिका को समझाइए कि वह स्वयं को अन्य समूहों के विकल्प के रूप में कैसे प्रस्तुत करता है? **“BRICS acts as a powerful counterweight in global governance, actively amplifying the voice and influence of the Global South.” Explain the role of BRICS in projecting itself as an alternative to other groupings.** *150 words | 10 marks* **Q11.** भारत की संघीय राज-व्यवस्था में राज्यपाल की स्थिति की विवेचना कीजिए। राज्य विधायिका द्वारा पारित विधेयक पर अनुमति देते समय उसकी शक्ति की प्रकृति कैसी है? क्या वह अपने सभी कार्यों में अपनी मंत्रिपरिषद की सहायता व सलाह से बाध्य है? **Discuss the position of the Governor in the federal polity of India. What is the nature of his power while giving assent to a bill passed by the State Legislature? Is he bound by the aid and advice of his Council of Ministers in all his functions?** *250 words | 15 marks* **Q12.** न्यायिक विधान से क्या तात्पर्य है? इसके संदर्भ में, उच्चतम न्यायालय द्वारा “निष्क्रिय इच्छामृत्यु” तथा “अग्रिम-चिकित्सा निर्देश का इच्छापत्र” को अनुमति देने वाले निर्णयों की विवेचना कीजिए। **What is meant by judicial legislation? In this context, discuss the verdicts of the apex court allowing “passive euthanasia” and a “living will”.** *250 words | 15 marks* **Q13.** भारतीय संघीय ढाँचा कहाँ तक क्षेत्रीय एवं सांस्कृतिक विविधताओं को समायोजित करने में सफल रहा है? असमान संघवाद की भूमिका पर प्रकाश डालिए एवं विवाद समाधान के तंत्र को और अधिक प्रभावी बनाने के लिए उपायों को सुझाइए। **How far has the Indian federal framework been successful in accommodating regional and cultural diversities? Highlight the role of asymmetric federalism and suggest measures to make dispute resolution mechanisms more effective.** *250 words | 15 marks* **Q14.** भारत में शक्ति पृथक्करण को संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका के कठोर अध्यक्षीय मॉडल की तुलना में कैसे व्यवहार में लाया जा रहा है, परीक्षण कीजिए। इस प्रसंग में, भारतीय प्रधानमंत्री की वास्तविक सत्ता की संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका के राष्ट्रपति से तुलना कीजिए। **Examine how the separation of powers is practised in India compared to the rigid presidential model of the United States of America. In this context, compare the actual authority of the Indian Prime Minister with that of the President of the USA.** *250 words | 15 marks* **Q15.** दबाव समूह, सामाजिक आंदोलन एवं कॉरपोरेट लॉबी किस सीमा तक बहिष्कृत हितों का प्रतिनिधित्व करते हुए भारत में बहुलवादी लोकतंत्र को गहराई प्रदान कर रहे हैं? कॉरपोरेट सम्पदा एवं राजनीतिक शक्ति के बढ़ते हुए गठजोड़ से क्या औपचारिक लोकतांत्रिक संस्थाओं की स्वायत्तता को खतरा उत्पन्न हो रहा है? विश्लेषण कीजिए। **To what extent do pressure groups, social movements and corporate lobbies deepen pluralistic democracy in India by representing excluded interests? Analyse whether the growing convergence of corporate wealth and political power poses a threat to the autonomy of formal democratic institutions.** *250 words | 15 marks* **Q16.** “शासन में पारदर्शिता और जवाबदेही का उद्देश्य केवल भ्रष्टाचार को नियंत्रित करना नहीं है, बल्कि विधि के शासन (Rule of Law) और सहभागितापूर्ण शासन (Participatory Governance) का पालन करके नीति निर्माण प्रक्रिया में हितधारकों का विश्वास स्थापित करना है।” टिप्पणी कीजिए। **“Transparency and accountability in governance are not about controlling corruption but about creating the trust of stakeholders in the policy process by following the Rule of Law and Participatory Governance.” Comment.** *250 words | 15 marks* **Q17.** क्या अधिकार-आधारित कल्याण के संवैधानिक दायित्व को गैर-एकीकृत शासन और न्यूनतम सार्वजनिक निवेश की स्थिति में प्रभावी रूप से साकार किया जा सकता है? परीक्षण कीजिए। **Can the constitutional mandate of rights-based welfare be effectively realised in the context of non-integrated governance and minimal public investment? Examine.** *250 words | 15 marks* **Q18.** क्या शिक्षा को मुख्यतः राज्य की कल्याणकारी जिम्मेदारी के रूप में देखा जाना चाहिए या एक वैश्विक प्रतिस्पर्धी, ज्ञान-आधारित राष्ट्र के निर्माण हेतु रणनीतिक निवेश के रूप में? समालोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन कीजिए। **Should education be treated primarily as a welfare obligation of the state or as a strategic investment for building a globally competitive, knowledge-driven nation? Critically evaluate.** *250 words | 15 marks* **Q19.** “भारत का वैश्विक प्रवासी समुदाय एक जीवंत सेतु की तरह कार्य करता है, वह एक महत्वपूर्ण आर्थिक कारक और ज्ञान-तंत्र भी है, जो सांस्कृतिक विरासत को विश्वभर में भू-राजनीतिक प्रभाव और रणनीतिक सामर्थ्य में रूपांतरित करता है।” इस कथन का समालोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए। **“India’s global diaspora acts as a living bridge, as a critical economic factor and knowledge network in transforming cultural heritage into geopolitical influence and strategic leverage worldwide.” Critically examine this statement.** *250 words | 15 marks* **Q20.** “चीन के बेल्ट एंड रोड इनिशिएटिव (BRI) ने दक्षिण एशिया को एक क्षेत्रीय भू-क्षेत्र से बदलकर महाशक्तियों की प्रतिस्पर्धा के रंगमंच में परिवर्तित कर दिया है।” दक्षिण एशिया में भारत की सुरक्षा और क्षेत्रीय प्रभाव पर BRI के रणनीतिक प्रभावों का विश्लेषण कीजिए। **“China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has transformed South Asia from a regional space into a theatre of great power competition.” Analyse the strategic implications of the BRI for India’s security and regional influence in South Asia.** *250 words | 15 marks* ### UPSC CSE General Studies - I URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-cse-general-studies-i-question-paper/ Last updated: 2026-08-24T09:46:15.000Z [GS1 CSM2026GS1 CSM2026.pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2026/08/GS1-CSM2026-1.pdf "Download") ## Questions **Q1.** मौर्य इतिहास के पुनर्निर्माण के लिए अशोक के अभिलेखों के महत्व का विश्लेषण कीजिए। **Analyze the importance of Ashokan inscriptions for reconstructing Mauryan history.** *150 words | 10 marks* **Q2.** भारत में औपनिवेशिक प्रशासन और शिक्षा पर मैकाले मिनट के प्रभाव की विवेचना कीजिए। **Discuss the impact of Macaulay’s Minute on colonial administration and education in India.** *150 words | 10 marks* **Q3.** गाँधीवादी आंदोलनों का महत्व उनके द्वारा संगठित जनसमूहों में निहित था। स्पष्ट कीजिए। **The significance of the Gandhian movements lay in the masses they mobilized. Elucidate.** *150 words | 10 marks* **Q4.** फुजिवारा प्रभाव क्या है? उष्णकटिबंधीय चक्रवातों के संचलन तथा तीव्रता पर पड़ने वाले इसके प्रभाव को समझाइए। **What is the Fujiwhara effect? Explain its impact on the movement and intensity of tropical cyclones.** *150 words | 10 marks* **Q5.** “टुंड्रा प्रदेश पारिस्थितिक दृष्टि से नाजुक लेकिन आर्थिक दृष्टि से महत्वपूर्ण हैं।” इस कथन का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए। **“Tundra regions are ecologically fragile but economically important.” Examine this statement critically.** *150 words | 10 marks* **Q6.** मरुस्थलीकरण और भूमि अवनयन में वायुजनित प्रक्रियाओं की भूमिका की विवेचना कीजिए। **Discuss the role of aeolian processes in desertification and land degradation.** *150 words | 10 marks* **Q7.** “दक्षिणी एशिया में जल संसाधन, सम्पत्ति और विवाद का स्रोत दोनों हैं।” उदाहरण देते हुए इस कथन का परीक्षण कीजिए। **“Water resources are both an asset and a source of conflict in South Asia.” Examine this statement giving examples.** *150 words | 10 marks* **Q8.** साम्प्रदायिकता और क्षेत्रवाद की चुनौतियों के बावजूद विविधता में एकता भारतीय समाज की मुख्य विशेषता बनी हुई है। टिप्पणी कीजिए। **Unity in diversity remains the defining feature of Indian society despite the challenges from communalism and regionalism. Comment.** *150 words | 10 marks* **Q9.** अपंगता को आप किस प्रकार समझते हैं? इस विषय में भारत में समावेशी नीतिगत ढाँचे की आवश्यकता सिद्ध कीजिए। **How do you understand disability? Substantiate the need for inclusive policy framework in India in this regard.** *150 words | 10 marks* **Q10.** क्या आप ऐसा सोचते हैं कि अंकीय (डिजिटल) तकनीकी सामाजिक सशक्तता को बढ़ावा देती है? उदाहरणों के साथ समझाइए। **Do you think digital technology promotes social empowerment? Explain with examples.** *150 words | 10 marks* **Q11.** विजयनगर वास्तुकला अतीत की परंपराओं और समकालीन प्रथाओं के सम्मिलन का उदाहरण प्रस्तुत करती है। उदाहरणों के साथ स्पष्ट कीजिए। **Vijayanagara architecture exemplifies the amalgamation of past traditions with contemporary practices. Elucidate with examples.** *250 words | 15 marks* **Q12.** भारतीय राज्यों का भाषाई पुनर्गठन नीचे से उठे जन-दबाव द्वारा संचालित था। टिप्पणी कीजिए। **Linguistic reorganization of Indian States was driven by popular pressure from below. Comment.** *250 words | 15 marks* **Q13.** भारत में योजनाबद्ध अर्थव्यवस्था का मॉडल अपनाया गया ताकि औपनिवेशिक शासन द्वारा छोड़े गए क्षेत्रीय असंतुलनों को मिटाया जा सके। टिप्पणी कीजिए। **The model of planned economy was adopted in India to address the regional imbalances left behind by colonial rule. Comment.** *250 words | 15 marks* **Q14.** लू, चिनूक और फॉन हवाओं की, उनके पाये जाने वाले क्षेत्र, उनकी प्रकृति और जलवायविक प्रभावों के आधार पर, तुलना कीजिए। **Compare the Loo, Chinook and Foehn winds with respect to their regions of prevalence, their nature and climatic impacts.** *250 words | 15 marks* **Q15.** भारत में जलवायु-अनुकूल (क्लाइमेट-स्मार्ट) कृषि एवं खाद्य सुरक्षा को हासिल करने में उपग्रह-आधारित तकनीकियों की भूमिका का विश्लेषण कीजिए। **Analyze the role of satellite-based technologies in achieving climate-smart agriculture and food security in India.** *250 words | 15 marks* **Q16.** “वैश्विक व्यापार का केन्द्र अटलांटिक प्रदेश से हिन्द-प्रशान्त (इंडो-पैसिफिक) प्रदेश की ओर धीरे-धीरे स्थानांतरित हो रहा है।” इस कथन का परीक्षण कीजिए। **“The centre of global trade is gradually shifting from the Atlantic region to the Indo-Pacific region.” Examine this statement.** *250 words | 15 marks* **Q17.** भारत में मानवजन्य भूमि-उपयोग परिवर्तनों के प्रमुख कारकों और उनके भौगोलिक परिणामों का विश्लेषण कीजिए। **Analyze the major drivers of human-induced land-use changes in India and their geographical consequences.** *250 words | 15 marks* **Q18.** क्या शहरी भारत में जाति लुप्त हो रही है? अपने उत्तर को उदाहरणों के साथ स्पष्ट कीजिए। **Is caste disappearing in urban India? Illustrate your answer with examples.** *250 words | 15 marks* **Q19.** समकालीन भारत में जनसांख्यिकीय संक्रमण की चुनौतियों का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए। **Critically examine the challenges of demographic transition in contemporary India.** *250 words | 15 marks* **Q20.** सामाजिक, राजनीतिक, आर्थिक एवं सांस्कृतिक क्षेत्रों के संदर्भ में भारतीय युवाओं पर वैश्वीकरण के प्रभाव का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। **Evaluate the impact of globalization on Indian youths with reference to social, political, economic and cultural spheres.** *250 words | 15 marks* ### Paper 1: Essay URL: https://www.upscprep.com/paper-1-essay-upsc-cse-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-24T09:36:59.000Z [Essay\_CSE\_2026Essay\_CSE\_2026.pdf119 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2026/08/Essay%5FCSE%5F2026.pdf "Download") ## SECTION A / खण्ड A **Q1.** विरोधाभास जीवन की विडंबनाओं को दर्शाते हैं। **Oxymorons reflect the ironies of life.** **Q2.** एक कृतज्ञ मन अति सुंदर होता है। **A grateful mind is very beautiful.** **Q3.** काँटा, कली का बदला हुआ रूप है। **A thorn is a changed bud.** **Q4.** जब दो हाथी लड़ते हैं, तब घास ही रौंदी जाती है। **When two elephants fight, it is the grass that gets trampled.** --- ## SECTION B / खण्ड B **Q5.** प्रकृति ही जीवात्मा का प्रतीक है। **Nature is the symbol of the spirit.** **Q6.** एक अच्छे शिक्षित दिमाग में, हमेशा उत्तर से अधिक प्रश्न होंगे। **A well-educated mind will always have more questions than answers.** **Q7.** कठोर निर्णयों को टालना सबसे कम नैतिक मार्ग है। **Shelving hard decisions is the least ethical course.** **Q8.** उत्तम नेता वह है जो अपने अनुयायियों का अनुसरण करता है। **A good leader is one who follows the followers.** ### A Decade of UPI: From Digital Experiment to Global Powerhouse URL: https://www.upscprep.com/a-decade-of-upi-from-digital-experiment-to-global-powerhouse/ Last updated: 2026-08-13T02:34:40.000Z Launched in April 2016 by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) under the regulatory oversight of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) began with just 21 participating banks. According to official data from the Press Information Bureau (PIB), UPI has evolved into the world's largest real-time payment system, processing 49% of global real-time payment volumes and accounting for 85% of all digital payment transactions in India. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/08/image-6.png) ### How UPI Has Changed Everyday Life UPI has made digital payments part of daily life in India. It brings ease, speed, and safety to even the smallest transactions. Here is how it impacts ordinary people: - **Money Anytime, Anywhere:** No need to stand in queues or wait for bank hours. UPI lets people send or receive money instantly, 24x7, right from their mobile phones. - **One App for All Accounts:** Managing money is simpler. People can link all their bank accounts in one app instead of juggling multiple platforms. - **Safe and Quick Payments:** With secure two-step authentication, payments happen in seconds without compromising safety. - **Privacy First:** Users no longer share sensitive bank details. A simple UPI ID is enough, reducing risks for everyone. - **QR Code Convenience:** Paying with UPI is as simple as scanning a QR code. This helps speed up transactions at shops and service points. - **No More Cash-On-Delivery Hassles:** Online shopping becomes easier as UPI replaces the need to keep exact change for deliveries. - **Payments for Everything:** People can now pay bills, donate, or recharge phones without stepping out of their homes. - **Help Is Just a Tap Away:** Any issue with a payment can be reported directly in the app, making grievance redressal easy. ### The Decadal Surge in Numbers | **Metric** | **FY 2016–17 (Launch Era)** | **FY 2025–26 (Decade Mark)** | **Decadal Growth** | | ------------------------ | --------------------------- | ---------------------------- | ------------------- | | **Annual Volume** | 2 Crore transactions | 24,161.69 Crore transactions | \~12,000-fold surge | | **Annual Value** | ₹0.07 Lakh Crore | ₹314.23 Lakh Crore | \~4,000-fold surge | | **Live Onboarded Banks** | 21 Banks | 703+ Banks | \~33-fold expansion | | **Daily Average Volume** | \~0.01 Crore | 66 Crore transactions | Massive daily scale | | **User Base** | Pilot groups | 55.49+ Crore individuals | Deep penetration | | **Merchant Ecosystem** | Selected vendors | 6.5+ Crore merchants | Universal adoption | **Annual Transaction Volume Growth (2016-2025)** ![](https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/image0010FD6.jpeg) **Annual Transaction Value Growth (2016-2025)** ![](https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/image002NWR2.jpeg) ### Core Architectural & Financial Concepts - **Unified Payments Interface (UPI)**: An open-architecture, real-time payment system that enables instant, 24/7 inter-bank transfers using a unique Virtual Payment Address (VPA) or mobile number, eliminating the need to expose bank account details during Peer-to-Peer (P2P) or Person-to-Merchant (P2M) transfers. - **NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India)**: An initiative of the RBI and Indian Banks' Association (IBA) established to create robust payment and settlement infrastructure in India. - **Merchant Discount Rate (MDR)**: The processing fee charged to merchants by acquiring banks and third-party app providers (TSPs) for digital transactions. In 2019, India implemented a 0% MDR mandate for UPI to accelerate vendor adoption. - **JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan–Aadhaar–Mobile)**: The foundational digital public infrastructure (DPI) enabling identity verification (Aadhaar), direct financial access (Jan Dhan), and low-cost data connectivity that enabled friction-free UPI scaling. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/08/image-5.png) ### Primary Drivers of Adoption - **Zero-Cost Merchant Onboarding**: Removing MDR fees allowed small vendor setups to accept QR code payments without transaction overheads. - **Interoperability & Simplicity**: A single smartphone application allows consumers to link multiple bank accounts for instant settlements via QR code scanning. - **Drastic Fall in Data Costs**: Mobile internet data prices dropped significantly over the decade, paired with high-speed broadband expansion across rural Gram Panchayats. ### Current Structural Challenges & The Road Ahead The current policy framework for UPI combines a zero-fee structure for consumers and merchants with targeted regulatory rules to encourage adoption while maintaining system stability. Expanding on the ecosystem's structural challenges and future outlook shows how UPI is transitioning from a high-volume payments pipe into a multi-product financial rail. ### Current UPI Policy Framework - **Zero-MDR Mandate**: The government mandates a 0% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for standard bank-to-bank UPI and RuPay debit card transactions. Merchants incur no transaction charges for accepting payments. - **Government Subsidies**: The Centre provides an annual budget allocation to compensate banks and Payment Service Providers (PSPs) for processing small-value merchant payments (up to ₹2,000). - **Selective Commercial Charges**: - **Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPI/Wallets)**: An interchange fee of up to 1.1% applies to merchant transactions above ₹2,000 made via digital wallets. - **Credit on UPI**: RuPay credit card links and pre-approved credit lines carry standard MDR (\~1.1% to 2.0%) to compensate issuing banks. - **Transaction Limits**: Default daily limit is set at ₹1 lakh, with higher limits of ₹5 lakh available for specific categories such as tax payments, healthcare, education, capital markets, and IPO subscriptions. ### Current Structural Challenges - **Financial Sustainability & Infrastructure Costs**: Operating the UPI network requires approximately ₹20,000 crore annually in backend IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and server capacity. Because zero MDR applies to standard transfers, fintechs and acquiring banks bear significant unrecovered operational costs. Industry bodies are requesting a 0.3%–0.6% MDR on transactions over ₹2,000—which account for just 4% of volume but 68% of total value. - **Duopoly & Market Concentration**: Third-Party App Providers (TPAPs) PhonePe and Google Pay hold over 83% of the market by transaction value. NPCI’s directive to cap any single player's market share at 30% has been deferred to **December 31, 2026** to avoid service disruptions or artificial transaction declines for users. - **Core Banking System (CBS) Load**: Processing 600+ million daily transactions strains traditional bank infrastructure. NPCI has implemented operational guidelines—capping daily balance checks and shifting automated recurring payments (AutoPay) to off-peak hours—to prevent peak-time server failures. ### UPI on the World Stage What began as a domestic payments innovation has today evolved into a global benchmark in digital payments. As of 2024, India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) accounts for nearly 49% of the world’s real-time payment transaction volume, a milestone recognised by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its report in June 2025. With over 66 crore transactions processed daily, UPI has surpassed global payment networks, reinforcing India’s position as the world leader in instant, secure, and inclusive digital payments. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/08/image-7.png) | **UAE** | Operational, accepted at major merchant points; used by Indian diaspora | | ------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Singapore** | Operational, linked with Singapore's PayNow for cross-border transfers | | **France** | Operational, expanding Indian tourist payment acceptance | | **Bhutan** | Operational, NPCI-enabled real-time cross-border payments | | **Nepal** | Operational, accepted across the nation | | **Sri Lanka** | Operational, Indian visitor and diaspora payments | | **Mauritius** | Operational, integrated with local payment infrastructure | | **Qatar** | Operational. | ### The Road Ahead | **Strategic Pillar** | **Core Focus & Implementation** | | ------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Credit Integration** | Expanding **Credit on UPI** by linking pre-approved bank credit lines and RuPay credit cards to UPI handles, unlocking small-ticket credit at local merchants without physical POS terminals. | | **Global Footprint (NIPL)** | Scaling international interoperability across 9+ countries (including UAE, Singapore, France, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and Nepal) and connecting with foreign real-time networks like Singapore's PayNow to lower cross-border remittance costs. | | **Offline & Feature Phone Inclusion** | Increasing limits on **UPI Lite** (on-device wallet for quick micro-payments) and **UPI 123Pay** (IVR/feature phone payments) to drive penetration in rural and semi-urban regions. | | **AI & Delegated Payments** | Rolling out **UPI Circle** (delegated payment access for family members) and **Conversational Voice Payments** integrated with AI assistants to simplify user onboarding. | ### Colombia Earthquake URL: https://www.upscprep.com/colombia-earthquake-upsc-geography/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T01:55:56.000Z ### News A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western **Colombia** on **Monday, August 10, 2026, killing at least 132 people** and injuring over 570 others. The earthquake is the strongest recorded in Colombia in the last decade. Key Details of the Earthquake - **Epicenter**: Located near the municipality of **San José del Palmar** in the Chocó department (about 150 miles west of Bogotá). - **Depth**: Roughly **96 to 107 kilometers** (60 to 66 miles) deep. - **Impact Area**: Felt across nine departments and all 32 provincial capitals. It shook neighboring countries like Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/08/image.png) ### Geographical Significance The August 10, 2026, Colombia earthquake is highly significant from a geographical and geological standpoint because **it released immense energy from deep beneath the Andes mountains, creating an expansive shockwave that bypassed local crust defenses to shatter populated mountain valleys.** Geologists are classifying this event as the most powerful earthquake to hit Colombia in the last decade. ### The Epicentre: Hidden in the High Andes The precise coordinates of the epicentre were recorded by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) at **4.903°N and 76.189°W**. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/08/image-1.png) - **Location**: The quake ruptured approximately 5 kilometres (3 miles) east of **San José del Palmar**, a small community in the Chocó department. - **Terrain**: Geographically, this sits at an elevation of roughly 13,000 feet within the **Cordillera Occidental** (Western Ranges), the smallest and least populated of the three massive northern branches of the Andes Mountains. - **The Paradox**: While the surface epicentre was located in a sparsely populated tropical mountain forest, the geography of the shockwave targeted densely populated urban areas further inland. ### **Tectonic Architecture: A Triple-Plate Clash** Colombia sits squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire and features one of the most complex tectonic jigsaw puzzles on Earth. The country is jammed between three massive tectonic plates: 1. **The Nazca Plate** (Oceanic crust moving east from the Pacific) 2. **The Caribbean Plate** (Moving north/east) 3. **The South American Plate** (Continental crust moving west) Seismologists note that this particular 7.4-magnitude rupture featured a **strike-slip motion**, meaning the massive plates ground horizontally sideways past one another under extreme pressure. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/08/image-2.png) ### The Science of the "Deep Focus" Shockwave The USGS and the **Colombian Geological Service (SGC)** pinpointed the depth of the rupture between **96 and 107 kilometres** (60 to 66 miles) below the Earth's surface. In seismology, this is considered an intermediate-to-deep focus earthquake. The depth created two distinct geographic phenomena: - **The Amplification Effect**: Usually, shallow earthquakes focus extreme damage right at the epicenter. Because this event occurred deep below the Earth's crust, the seismic waves traveled upward like a cone. This allowed the energy to bypass the immediate unpopulated surface of Chocó and spread widely, violently shaking the alluvial soil of highly populated valleys like the Coffee Axis (*Eje Cafetero*) and the Valle del Cauca. - **Low Aftershock Count**: Deep-focus quakes release their stress in large, singular shifts. While the SGC recorded roughly 21 initial aftershocks, the threat of continuous, collapsing secondary tremors is lower compared to shallow earthquakes, aiding immediate search and rescue. ### Topographical Secondary Risks Because the shaking tore through the steep, volcanic topography of western Colombia, the geography presents immediate secondary hazards. The region features active stratovolcanoes like **Nevado del Ruiz**. Seismic shaking at this scale heavily destabilises mountain soil, putting neighbouring high-altitude towns at risk for severe **landslides and mudflows**, while flight operations at surrounding regional airports remain entirely halted due to high-altitude runways undergoing safety evaluations. ### Major Damage and Casualties The newly inaugurated Colombian President, Abelardo de la Espriella, has declared a **national disaster situation** to fast-track rescue funding and emergency capabilities. Over 1,600 buildings have been damaged, including at least 61 that completely collapsed. - **Pereira**: One of the hardest-hit urban centers, reporting at least 40 fatalities. - **Cali**: Multiple buildings collapsed, including parts of the pediatric and neonatal wings of a local hospital, trapping several patients. - **Manizales**: The historical tower of the city's beloved cathedral crumbled during the shaking. - **Infrastructure**: Flight operations were entirely suspended at **six regional airports**—including Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura—due to structural inspections. - **Bogotá**: The capital felt intense shaking, causing mass evacuations, but Mayor Carlos Galán reported no major structural damage or casualties. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/08/image-3.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/08/image-4.png) ### International Aid Response Because deep earthquakes can trigger major structural damage but generally yield fewer initial aftershocks, teams are sprinting to pull survivors from the wreckage. Global entities have responded rapidly: - **The European Union** mobilised its Copernicus Satellite Service to help rescuers map out blocked paths and collapsed buildings. - **The United States** and nearby Latin American countries like El Salvador and Brazil have offered specialised rescue personnel, canine teams, and equipment. - **World Central Kitchen** has activated its disaster-relief network to deploy emergency food distribution. ### PSIR: Write & Rise - 25 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/psir-write-rise-25/ Last updated: 2026-08-08T06:03:28.000Z **Q. The demand for a New International Economic Order, though it failed in the 1970s, is being revived today through new platforms like BRICS and South-South cooperation. Critically examine whether the Global South's contemporary economic assertiveness represents a genuine continuation of the NIEO agenda. (15 Marks)** --- **How to Approach** Explain why NIEO failed, then assess whether BRICS and South-South cooperation genuinely continue its agenda. Show both continuity and divergence. Take a clear position at the end. --- **Answer** When developing nations gathered at the UN in 1975 to demand a New International Economic Order, they were asking for something radical control over their own resources, fair prices for their exports, access to technology and a real say in how the IMF, World Bank and GATT were run. Western powers said no. The 1980s debt crisis finished what Western resistance started, and the Washington Consensus buried NIEO's redistributive ambitions entirely. **Elements of Continuity** In many ways, contemporary assertiveness continues the NIEO agenda. BRICS finance ministers at Rio (2025) demanded IMF quota reform based on actual economic weight the same demand developing nations made in 1975\. The New Development Bank and AIIB offer development finance without IMF conditionalities, giving developing countries the autonomous financing NIEO always sought. India's fight at the WTO for food security, opposition to the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and defence of Special and Differential Treatment all carry NIEO's logic directly. **Points of Departure** However, real differences exist. NIEO wanted to replace the Western-dominated system today's assertiveness seeks reform from within, not a new architecture entirely. More critically, David Harvey's accumulation by dispossession applies to China's Belt and Road Initiative as much as to Western institutions raising whether China challenges global inequality or simply adds itself to those who benefit from it. Divergent interests between China and India further undermine the unified G-77 solidarity NIEO depended upon. Contemporary Global South assertiveness inherits NIEO's spirit but not its ambition; the demand for equity remains but the goal has shifted from restructuring to reforming the system. Whether this produces genuine redistribution or a more multipolar version of the same inequality remains the defining question of 21st century international political economy. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/PSIR-T.png) #### PSIR Optional + Mentorship with Test Series Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE by Neelam Bhatia [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-with-test-series-4pb2kampmcfr/?ref=upscprep.com) ### PSIR: Write & Rise - 24 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/psir-write-rise-24/ Last updated: 2026-08-08T05:56:10.000Z **Q.The Bretton Woods institutions, designed for the post-WWII world of 1944, no longer reflect contemporary global economic realities. Critically examine the limitations of the IMF and World Bank in addressing 21st-century challenges, and discuss the case for their reform. (15 marks)** **How to Approach** Critically examine IMF and World Bank limitations, then make the case for reform. Show limitations are structurally embedded. Use Harvey, Washington Consensus and BRICS reform demands. **Answer** The Bretton Woods institutions IMF and World Bank were designed in 1944 to prevent another Great Depression and manage post-war reconstruction. Eight decades later they govern a fundamentally different world yet their foundational architecture remains largely unchanged. **Structural Governance Failure** Voting power is determined by financial contributions, giving G7 countries around 41% of IMF votes despite their declining global output share. The US alone controls just over 15%, retaining a unilateral veto since major decisions require an 85% supermajority. China, the world's second-largest economy, holds voting share substantially below its GDP weight, which BRICS finance ministers at Rio (2025) described as an "anachronistic post-World War II gentlemen's agreement." **Washington Consensus and Development Failures** IMF conditionalities privatisation, liberalisation and fiscal austerity systematically undermined development in borrowing countries. Structural Adjustment Programs curtailed policy autonomy and cut health and education spending. David Harvey's critique is precise the Wall Street-Treasury-IMF complex used debt crises to open developing economies to Western financial penetration, constituting accumulation by dispossession. Feminist scholars further note SAPs produced "adjustment with a woman's face" austerity disproportionately increasing women's unpaid care burdens. **The Case for Reform** Voting quotas must reflect contemporary economic weight. The convention of a European IMF Managing Director and American World Bank President must end. India's bridging role pressing reform through G20 and Voice of Global South platforms represents the most constructive path forward. The IMF and World Bank remain indispensable but their 1944 governance architecture serves yesterday's power configurations rather than today's development needs. Reform is not optional, it is the condition for continued legitimacy. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/PSIR-T.png) #### PSIR Optional + Mentorship with Test Series Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE by Neelam Bhatia [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-with-test-series-4pb2kampmcfr/?ref=upscprep.com) ### PSIR: Write & Rise - 23 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/psir-write-rise-23/ Last updated: 2026-08-08T05:53:26.000Z **Q. Discuss the aims and achievements of the Non-Aligned Movement. To what extent has it succeeded in achieving its founding objectives? (15 Marks)** **How to Approach** Two clear parts aims and achievements of NAM, then honest assessment of how far it succeeded. Don't just list aims evaluate each against actual outcomes. End with a balanced verdict on NAM's success and continuing relevance. --- **Answer** The Non-Aligned Movement, formally established at Belgrade (1961) under Nehru, Nasser and Tito, emerged as the most significant collective assertion of post-colonial sovereignty during the Cold War. Born out of the Bandung Conference (1955), it represented newly independent nations' determination to chart an independent path between the US-led capitalist West and Soviet-led communist East. **Founding Aims** NAM's core objectives were political non-alignment, decolonisation, sovereign equality, peaceful coexistence and economic justice. Beyond political independence, NAM sought to reshape the global economic architecture through the New International Economic Order (NIEO) demanding fairer commodity prices, technology transfer, debt relief and genuine voice for developing nations in institutions like the IMF, World Bank and GATT. The G-77, which became NAM's principal voice at the UN, championed these demands through UNCTAD established in 1964. **Achievements** NAM's political achievements were significant. It provided newly independent states a legitimate framework for resisting superpower pressure and amplified decolonisation demands within the UN General Assembly, accelerating independence across Asia and Africa. It successfully established the principle that developing nations had the right to independent foreign policies without bloc alignment. **Where It Failed** However, NAM's economic ambitions through NIEO largely failed. Western powers rejected structural reforms threatening their dominance. The 1980s debt crisis and rise of neoliberal globalisation shifted attention away from NIEO goals entirely. NAM members frequently violated non-alignment among themselves, exposing the movement's normative contradictions. NAM succeeded in its political objectives but failed its economic ambitions. Its greatest achievement was philosophically establishing sovereign equality as a foundational norm. Today its principles survive through BRICS, G-77 and South-South cooperation, even as its institutional relevance has substantially diminished. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/PSIR-T.png) #### PSIR Optional + Mentorship with Test Series Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE by Neelam Bhatia [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-with-test-series-4pb2kampmcfr/?ref=upscprep.com) ### PSIR: Write & Rise - 22 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/psir-write-rise-22/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T13:04:43.000Z **Q. American hegemony faces multifaceted constraints — economic, military, and ideological — in the emerging multipolar order. Discuss the future trajectory of U.S. global leadership.** **(15 marks)** --- ## How to Approach Cover economic, military and ideological constraints specifically, then assess future trajectory. End with a balanced position: neither US decline nor US dominance. --- ## Answer After the Cold War, the United States emerged as the world's sole superpower in what Wohlforth and Ikenberry described as a stable, durable unipolar moment built on overwhelming military, economic and ideological dominance. Yet the emerging multipolar order has exposed multifaceted constraints, making this assessment increasingly questionable. ### Economic Constraints China's rise as a near-peer economic competitor has fundamentally altered global economic architecture. The 2008 financial crisis severely damaged American credibility as architect of the liberal economic order. Ian Bremmer's “G-Zero” concept captures this precisely: in a world where no single power has the ability or willingness to manage global challenges alone, reflecting American hegemony's structural limits. ### Military Constraints Despite maintaining the world's largest defence budget, failed interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan demonstrated that overwhelming military superiority cannot produce sustainable political outcomes. China's rapid military modernisation and Russia's resurgence have collectively eroded American military primacy. Mearsheimer's Offensive Realism explains that rising powers inevitably challenge hegemonic dominance through internal and external balancing simultaneously. ### Ideological Constraints Most significantly, American ideological leadership has been undermined from within. Robert Kagan argues that declining US commitment to multilateralism has weakened confidence in the liberal order. Gramsci's hegemony concept is instructive: American dominance rested not just on power but on manufacturing consent for liberal values globally. When the hegemon visibly contradicts its proclaimed values after the Iraq invasion and unilateral withdrawals, this ideological consent erodes irreversibly. American hegemony faces genuine structural constraints but remains irreplaceable. The real question is not whether the US will lead, but how: through consensual multilateralism or contested unilateralism. Sustainable leadership requires what Joseph Nye called smart power, combining hard power credibility with soft power legitimacy in a world that increasingly demands both simultaneously. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/PSIR-T.png) #### PSIR Optional + Mentorship with Test Series Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE by Neelam Bhatia [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-with-test-series-4pb2kampmcfr/?ref=upscprep.com) ### PSIR: Write & Rise - 21 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/psir-write-rise-21/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T12:38:49.000Z **Q. Does the Non-Aligned Movement have any continuing relevance in a multipolar world, or has it been superseded by India's policy of strategic autonomy? (15 Marks)** --- **How to Approach** Assess NAM's continuing relevance and compare it with India's strategic autonomy. Don't just describe NAM historically; engage the “superseded or not” debate directly. End with a clear position. --- **Answer** The Non-Aligned Movement, born at Bandung (1955) and formally established at Belgrade (1961) under Nehru, Nasser and Tito, was a product of Cold War bipolarity, a deliberate rejection of alignment with either the US-led West or Soviet-led East. With bipolarity's end and the emergence of multipolarity, NAM's continuing relevance has become genuinely contested. **NAM's Original Logic and Contemporary Limitations** NAM's foundational logic — refusing alignment in a bipolar world — loses force in a multipolar order where rigid blocs no longer define global politics. Waltz's argument that multipolarity produces flexible rather than fixed alignments directly undermines NAM's original rationale. NAM's institutional machinery has further weakened, with summits that produce declarations without enforcement while member states pursue contradictory foreign policies beneath its umbrella. **India's Strategic Autonomy as Evolution** India's strategic autonomy represents NAM's philosophical heir rather than its replacement. Where NAM was reactive, defined by what India would not do, strategic autonomy is proactive, driven by Morgenthau's logic of national interest. Participating in QUAD while maintaining ties with Russia, purchasing Russian oil during the Ukraine war while supporting UN sovereignty resolutions, and engaging both the US and China economically all reflect maximum flexibility without ideological commitment. However, NAM's normative core — sovereign equality, opposition to great power intervention and voice for the Global South — remains genuinely relevant. The Russia-Ukraine war demonstrated that most Global South states refused alignment with either bloc, reflecting NAM's enduring philosophical influence even without its institutional framework. NAM has not been superseded but transformed from a Cold War survival strategy into a philosophical framework for Global South solidarity. India's strategic autonomy operationalises this philosophy for a multipolar world, combining NAM's non-alignment spirit with active interest-driven engagement across all major power centres simultaneously. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/PSIR-T.png) #### PSIR Optional + Mentorship with Test Series Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE by Neelam Bhatia [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-with-test-series-4pb2kampmcfr/?ref=upscprep.com) ### PSIR: Write & Rise - 20 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/psir-write-rise-20/ Last updated: 2026-07-29T17:55:07.000Z **Q. Détente marked a temporary thaw in the Cold War, but the fundamental rivalry between the superpowers remained unresolved. Discuss the causes and consequences of Détente. (15 marks)** --- **How to Approach** Explain what détente was, cover its causes clearly, assess consequences, and explain why it remained temporary. --- **Answer** Détente refers to the deliberate relaxation of tensions between the US and USSR during the 1970s, a period of negotiated coexistence replacing direct confrontation without resolving the fundamental ideological and strategic rivalry underlying the Cold War. **Causes of Détente** Three factors drove both superpowers toward accommodation. First, nuclear parity by the late 1960s meant both sides had achieved Mutually Assured Destruction, making direct conflict irrational. Bernard Brodie's logic applied directly: nuclear weapons made war unwinnable, pushing rivals toward diplomacy. Thomas Schelling's “threat that leaves something to chance” further explains why both sides preferred negotiation over risking uncontrollable escalation. Second, economic exhaustion in Vietnam drained American resources while Soviet economic stagnation demanded reduced military spending. Third, China's emergence as an independent power created strategic incentives. Nixon's 1972 opening to China pressured the USSR toward accommodation, fearing Sino-American alignment against Soviet interests. **Consequences of Détente** Détente produced significant institutional outcomes. SALT I (1972) and SALT II (1979) placed limits on nuclear arsenals, establishing the first arms control framework between superpowers. The Helsinki Accords (1975) recognised European borders while introducing human rights commitments that paradoxically strengthened dissident movements within the Soviet bloc. Waltz argued that bipolarity remained structurally stable throughout and détente simply managed rather than transformed the underlying power competition. **Why It Remained Temporary** Soviet intervention in Angola (1975) and Afghanistan (1979) demonstrated that strategic rivalry continued beneath diplomatic accommodation. Reagan's military buildup confirmed détente was a tactical adjustment rather than genuine reconciliation. Détente demonstrated that rival powers can manage conflict through institutional frameworks without resolving root causes, a lesson equally relevant to contemporary US-China rivalry. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/PSIR-T.png) #### PSIR Optional + Mentorship with Test Series Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE by Neelam Bhatia [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-with-test-series-4pb2kampmcfr/?ref=upscprep.com) ### PSIR: Write & Rise - 19 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/psir-write-rise-19/ Last updated: 2026-07-28T05:03:01.000Z **Q. The Russia-Ukraine war reflects the resurgence of ideological and strategic bipolarity in a multipolar world. Discuss. (15 marks)** --- **How to Approach** Analyse Russia-Ukraine through both bipolar and multipolar lenses simultaneously. Show how the conflict displays features of both, use thinkers, and end with a balanced assessment of what this tells us about the contemporary world order. --- **Answer** The Russia-Ukraine war, ongoing since 2022, has forced a fundamental rethinking of the contemporary world order. While scholars describe today's system as multipolar, featuring the US, China, Russia, EU and India as comparable centres, the conflict has exposed powerful bipolar undercurrents running beneath this multipolar surface. **Elements of Strategic Bipolarity** The conflict demonstrates Kaplan's “loose bipolar system”: Russia and the Western alliance competing for strategic influence with smaller powers retaining flexible loyalties. Mearsheimer's Offensive Realism explains Russia's behaviour directly: states are power maximisers seeking to prevent rivals from gaining strategic advantage, making NATO expansion an existential threat rather than merely a diplomatic irritant. The security dilemma is clearly visible: defensive measures by NATO generated genuine insecurity in Moscow, triggering the very aggression they sought to deter. Nuclear deterrence has simultaneously resurfaced. Russia's repeated nuclear threats to discourage Western intervention demonstrate that Cold War logic never fully disappeared. Yet the conflict cannot be reduced to simple bipolarity. China, Turkey and India have refused alignment with either bloc, maintaining strategic autonomy that a purely bipolar system would not permit. The Global South's largely neutral stance further demonstrates this is not a Cold War replay but a more fluid, complex competition among multiple centres of power simultaneously. Beyond strategic competition, the conflict carries clear ideological overtones of democracy and rule-based international order against sovereign revisionism and sphere-of-influence politics. This fault line echoes Cold War bipolarity without reproducing its rigid bloc structure, producing functional bipolarity within a multipolar framework. The Russia-Ukraine war reveals that multipolarity and bipolarity are not mutually exclusive; the contemporary order combines multipolar power distribution with bipolar ideological fault lines. Managing this hybrid order requires both realist power management and liberal institutional frameworks working simultaneously. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/PSIR-T.png) #### PSIR Optional + Mentorship with Test Series Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE by Neelam Bhatia [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-with-test-series-4pb2kampmcfr/?ref=upscprep.com) ### PSIR: Write & Rise - 18 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/psir-write-rise-18/ Last updated: 2026-07-28T04:58:20.000Z **Q. “Multipolarity is often considered more stable than unipolarity or bipolarity, as it diffuses risk and prevents unilateral action.” Discuss with reference to the benefits and challenges of an emerging multipolar order.** --- **How to Approach** This question has two parts: benefits and challenges of multipolarity. Engage the quote directly, use thinkers on both sides, and end with a balanced conclusion that neither fully endorses nor rejects the stability argument. --- **Answer** Polarity refers to the distribution of power among leading states in the international system. The emerging multipolar order featuring the US, China, Russia, EU and India as comparable centres of power has revived debate over which structure produces the most stable international order. **The Case for Multipolar Stability** Karl Deutsch and J. David Singer argued that multipolarity is the most stable arrangement; it multiplies alliance combinations, creates cross-cutting loyalties and gives states greater diplomatic flexibility. No single state bears sole responsibility for global order, diffusing systemic risk. Multiple centres of power make unilateral action harder; any state attempting aggressive expansion faces potential counter-coalitions from multiple directions simultaneously. India, Brazil and Indonesia gain greater bargaining leverage and diplomatic space rather than being confined to alignment with a single superpower, reflecting greater voice for middle and regional powers. **Challenges of Multipolarity** However, multipolarity carries serious instability risks that Waltz and Mearsheimer identified: multiple comparable powers increase the number of potential rivalries and flashpoints simultaneously. Miscalculation among several great powers becomes more likely as alliance commitments grow complex and ambiguous. Collective action on global challenges, such as climate change, pandemics and nuclear proliferation, becomes harder to coordinate when multiple powers pursue competing interests. The Russia-Ukraine conflict, US-China rivalry and Middle East tensions simultaneously demonstrate how multipolar competition produces overlapping crises rather than managed stability. Multipolarity diffuses risk but multiplies rivalries; its stability depends less on the number of poles than on the quality of diplomatic institutions managing competition among them. A multipolar world without robust multilateral frameworks risks becoming not more stable but more unpredictably dangerous. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/PSIR-T.png) #### PSIR Optional + Mentorship with Test Series Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE by Neelam Bhatia [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-with-test-series-4pb2kampmcfr/?ref=upscprep.com) ### PSIR: Write & Rise - 17 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/psir-write-rise-17/ Last updated: 2026-07-28T04:50:21.000Z **Q. Nuclear deterrence rests on the credibility of retaliation rather than the certainty of victory. Discuss the core principles of Deterrence Theory and evaluate its relevance in an era of emerging technologies like cyber warfare and AI. *(15 marks)*** --- **How to Approach** Establish core principles, then evaluate against emerging technology challenges. The quote is your anchor: credibility, not certainty, is what makes deterrence work. --- **Answer** Deterrence is a strategy to discourage adversaries from hostile actions by threatening severe consequences. At its core, it is psychological: convincing the opponent that starting a war would be too costly rather than actually fighting one. **Core Principles** Three conditions are essential. First, states are rational actors who calculate costs and benefits. If aggression costs more than it gains, they refrain. Second, credibility is crucial; capability alone is insufficient without political will to retaliate. Empty threats destroy deterrence entirely. Third, communication ensures the adversary clearly understands both. Bernard Brodie called nuclear weapons “weapons of peace” because their destructiveness makes war irrational. Thomas Schelling described deterrence as “the threat that leaves something to chance.” Herman Kahn's escalation ladders showed how small conflicts dangerously spiral into nuclear war. Mutually Assured Destruction institutionalised this. Second-strike capability guarantees retaliation even after absorbing a nuclear attack, making first strikes irrational. **Challenges from Emerging Technologies** Classical deterrence assumes rational actors with deliberate decision-making. Emerging technologies fundamentally undermine this. AI-enabled decision-support systems compress escalation timelines, creating “machine speed” warfare that reduces human deliberation time and increases automation bias risks. Cyberattacks on nuclear command systems make attribution difficult. Without identifying the attacker with certainty, credible retaliation becomes impossible. Nuclear deterrence has always relied on human commanders maintaining calm and deliberate control. If that control erodes through AI integration, deterrence itself becomes unstable. Non-state actors and rogue states like North Korea further cannot be deterred through traditional nuclear logic since they are not tied to state survival. Deterrence remains critical yet fragile. In the context of AI and autonomy, rationality-based deterrence logic appears an increasingly untenable proposition. Maintaining credibility requires robust attribution mechanisms, human control over nuclear command systems and new multilateral governance frameworks for emerging technologies. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/PSIR-T.png) #### PSIR Optional + Mentorship with Test Series Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE by Neelam Bhatia [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-with-test-series-4pb2kampmcfr/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 3 - Day 47) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-3-day-47/ Last updated: 2026-07-25T13:15:51.000Z **Topics:** **Security Challenges and their Management in Border Areas | Linkages of Organised Crime with Terrorism | Various Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate** --- ## Questions **Q1.** Bring out the arguments surrounding the idea of employing the principle of 'one border - one force' on Indian borders. **(10 Marks)** **Q2.** Write a brief note on linkages between organised crime and terrorism. Also discuss the challenges involved in combating them in case of India. **(15 Marks)** **Q3.** What are paramilitary forces? Discuss their contribution in the context of India. Enumerate the major issues faced by paramilitary forces. **(15 Marks)** **Q4.** In the wake of growing incidence of terrorist attacks, discuss functional changes which the National Security Guard (NSG) is facing in India, along with the reforms required in this regard. **(10 Marks)** **Q5.** Briefly mention the duties and functions of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). Discuss why the establishment of CDS is being seen as an important defence reform. **(10 Marks)** --- ## Model Structures **Q1\. 'One Border - One Force' (10 Marks)** **Introduction** The principle of 'one border - one force' was recommended by the Kargil Review Committee after the 1999 India-Pakistan war. **Main Body** *Arguments for employing this principle:* - **Unity of command and better accountability:** Eliminates the issue of multiple forces on the same border reporting to different ministries, and removes ad-hocism in force deployment. - **Enhanced specialisation:** Border guarding forces deployed on a specific border are strengthened as per the requirements of the region. - **Optimization of forces:** Not deploying border guarding forces for internal security duties prevents cannibalization of battalions and companies, optimising performance. - **Synchronised institutional arrangement** for sharing and coordination of intelligence at the field level in border management. *Arguments on tactical challenges in implementation:* - Forces like the Assam Rifles are under dual control of the Ministries of Home and Defence; restructuring efforts have invited opposition from the MoD since 90% of its officer cadre is drawn from the Army. - Replacing the existing structure could waste experience gained over the years — a sub-optimal option for regional security. - All CAPFs, including BSF, ITBP and SSB, lack the depth of training and wartime leadership (headed by IPS officers); currently only the Army and special forces are fully equipped for modern warfare. - Some forces like the BSF are not fully equipped to face a military attack — more suited to peacetime tasks like preventing smuggling and other illegal activities. **Conclusion** While abiding by the principle of One Border One Force is crucial, capacity building of all the forces guarding their respective borders is equally important. *(Current deployment: BSF — Bangladesh & Pakistan borders; ITBP — China border; SSB — Nepal & Bhutan borders; Assam Rifles — Myanmar border. The Army protects the LoC and LAC, while coastal security lies with the Navy and Coast Guard, with State Marine Police as the second line of defence.)* --- **Q2\. Organised Crime–Terrorism Linkages (15 Marks)** **Introduction** Organised crime is a well-planned and sophisticated method of transnational, national, or local crime involving highly centralised illegal operations. **Main Body** *Organised crime and terrorism are linked and feed off each other:* - Organised crime syndicates have better access to money and arms; they are involved in lobbying and have links with politicians to further their interests as well as those of terrorists. - They provide logistics support and safe passage to terrorist groups — e.g., in the Madrid terror attacks, Al-Qaeda got support from Eastern European organised crime syndicates. - Terrorist groups in turn provide protection to organised crime syndicates. - At times terror groups themselves conduct the functions of organised crime — e.g., ISIS capturing oil wells in Iraq, and the Taliban indulging in poppy cultivation. - When the ideology of a terror group matches that of a crime syndicate, the nexus becomes smoother and more lethal — e.g., the 1992-93 Mumbai blasts saw D-Company supporting LeT to carry out attacks. - In North-East India, insurgent groups are involved in organised crime like drug trafficking and smuggling. *Challenges in combating them in India:* - The Indian Penal Code, 1860 does not define organised crime — this lack of a legal framework hampers efforts to tackle it. - **Fragmentation of administrative functions:** Lack of cooperation and coordination between different agencies and units. - Low police-to-population ratio, lack of modernization of investigation agencies and dearth of mid-career training affect efficiency. - Criminalization of politics and the growing nexus among bureaucrats, organized criminals and politicians means strict laws are not passed. - Glorification of organised crime by movies and media has kept it from becoming a public issue. **Conclusion** India lies in a strategically volatile area, and strict laws are needed to better tackle organised crime. Some state laws include MCOCA and GCTOCA. There is also a need to improve cooperation between agencies for better information sharing. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/PTS-2.png) #### Prelims Test Series 2027 Not just a test series but complete guide to Prelims MCQ Solving [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-test-series-2027/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **Q3\. Paramilitary Forces — Contribution & Issues (15 Marks)** **Introduction** Paramilitary forces are organizations structured and trained similarly to a professional military but not officially part of a country's armed forces. They typically carry out internal security tasks — maintaining law and order, safeguarding borders, handling riots and insurgencies, and assisting in disasters and emergencies. Examples: BSF, CRPF, ITBP, CISF. **Main Body** *Contribution of paramilitary forces:* - **Area domination exercises:** Ensuring law and order through patrolling and searches. - **Intelligence gathering** on criminal and terrorist activities, shared with authorities. - **Supervision and training:** Improving law enforcement and counterterrorism through police supervision and training. - **Border management and first line of defence:** Safeguarding borders, preventing illegal activities and trans-border crimes. - **Counterinsurgency operations:** Assisting where situations are beyond state police control. - **Security for diplomatic missions abroad;** VIP protection through NSG, CRPF and CISF. - **UN peacekeeping operations:** Deploying personnel for international missions. - **Anti-Naxal operations:** Supporting affected states to restore law and order. - **Supporting the police** in insurgency, terrorism or communal violence areas. - **Disaster management:** Effective assistance in domestic and international disasters. *Issues faced by paramilitary forces:* - **Poor coordination with state police** due to differences in organizational culture and procedures; insufficient coordination with intelligence agencies. - **Low morale:** Inadequate recognition and compensation, leading to high attrition. - **Poor personnel management:** Concerns over working conditions and personnel numbers in border guarding forces. - **Lack of training:** Inadequate infrastructure causing skill gaps in modern technology and tactics. - **Numerous responsibilities:** Heavy reliance on these forces affects their core duties of counterinsurgency and border patrolling. - **Bureaucratization:** Higher posts filled by deputations, undermining the welfare of cadre officers; forces headed by IPS officers despite having their own cadres. - **Chaotic deployments:** Lack of stability and peace postings, with duties like VIP security and elections. - **Absence of robust in-house grievance redressal:** Soldiers resorting to social media to raise concerns. - **Infrastructural deficiencies** in CAPF training institutions; **asymmetrical salary** — not on par with the Armed Forces in pay and allowances. - **Shortages of arms, ammunition** and delays in combat-ready equipment and medical facilities in hostile environments. - **Politicization of forces** affecting soldiers' psyche; difficult working conditions. **Conclusion** While the government has tried to address these issues through risk and hardship allowances, assured career progression, grievance and feedback management systems, and the Bharat ke Veer fund, it is still a work in progress. --- **Q4\. NSG — Functional Challenges & Reforms (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - The NSG is India's premier counter-terrorist force for anti-hijacking, counter-terrorism, hostage rescue and other special operations. **OR** - The handling of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the Pathankot air base attack raised serious questions about the preparedness of these forces. **Main Body** *Issues associated with the NSG:* - **Coordination challenges:** Manned by a mix of personnel from all forces with different cultural and professional outlooks. - **Leadership issues:** Headed by a senior IPS officer with limited practical experience in counter-terror or irregular warfare operations. - **Logistics issues:** Stationed at only a few centres; limited independent logistics capacity causes delays — e.g., the delayed arrival from Manesar during the November 2008 Mumbai attacks. - **Training issues:** Lack of terrain information in different geographies delayed the conclusion of the Pathankot operation; the force is marred by shortages of cutting-edge equipment and training aids. *Reforms needed:* - Establish the force as an independent special operations command with its own cadre and leadership. - A dedicated Air Wing to strengthen aviation capability and timely movement. - Local quick-response groups (NSG hubs) under central forces for rapid action. - Implement the modernisation programme to provide modern equipment; free the procurement system from bureaucratic delays. - Upgrade training by sharing experiences with specialist forces of other countries — SAS (UK), GSG-9 (Germany). **Conclusion** In the wake of growing terrorist violence in different forms, it is pivotal that the NSG emerges as a lean and agile force with focus on speed, stealth, precision and zero error. *(The NSG was raised in 1984 and institutionalised under the National Security Guard Act, 1986\. It operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs.)* --- **Q5\. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) is a high military office created by the Ministry of Defence that oversees and coordinates the working of the three Services, offering seamless tri-service views and single-point advice to the Executive on long-term defence planning and management. **OR** - Various committees on defence and military reforms (Naresh Chandra Committee, Shekatkar Committee) had recommended the creation of the post of CDS in India. **Main Body** *Duties and functions of the CDS:* - Functions as the **Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee** instead of a rotational chairman. - Heads the **Department of Military Affairs** and functions as its Secretary. - Acts as the **Principal Military Adviser (PMA)** to the Defence Minister on all tri-service matters. - Acts as the **Military Adviser to the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA)**. - Is a **member of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)**. *CDS as an important defence reform:* - Ensures **jointness** in operations, procurement, and training through joint planning, integration of requirements, and establishment of joint/theatre commands. - As PMA — enables active participation of the military in policy-making, accelerates decision-making, and acts as the single-point advisor to the Government of India. - As advisor to the NCA — a strong hold in nuclear operations decisions, enhancing the credibility of India's nuclear deterrence. - As a DAC member — promotes effective planning; implements the five-year Defence Capital Acquisition Plan and two-year roll-on Annual Acquisition Plans as follow-ups to the Integrated Capability Development Plan. **Conclusion** The appointment of the CDS is one of the measures to modernise and integrate the armed forces; its success depends on the CDS's ability to synergize the operations of the three services. It should be complemented by an overhaul of the defence acquisition process, creation of theatre commands, and technological upgradation of the forces. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/ITS.png) #### Integrated Test Series 2027 with Mentorship Not just a test series but complete guide to Prelims MCQ Solving and Mains Answer Writing [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/best-value-integrated-test-series-2027-with-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### PSIR: Write & Rise - 16 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/psir-write-rise-16/ Last updated: 2026-07-24T16:51:04.000Z **Q. Distinguish between Hard Power, Soft Power, and Smart Power. Illustrate with suitable examples. (10 marks)** --- **How to Approach** Define each concept, show contrast, and illustrate with examples. Keep definitions tight: one sentence each, followed by one example each. --- **Answer** Power is a state's ability to influence others to achieve its national interests. It operates through three distinct instruments differing fundamentally in method. **Hard Power** Hard power works through coercion, military force, economic sanctions and trade pressure, compelling others against their will. Georg Schwarzenberger defined it as “the capacity to impose will through effective sanctions.” The US-led invasion of Iraq and sanctions on Iran are classic examples. **Soft Power** Joseph Nye's soft power works through attraction, culture, values and diplomacy, making others want what they want without compulsion. India's promotion of yoga and Bollywood globally, and South Korea's K-pop, illustrate soft power in action. **Smart Power** Smart power combines both strategically. India's Doklam crisis response, deploying troops while simultaneously engaging China diplomatically, demonstrates smart power perfectly. China's Belt and Road Initiative combines economic hard power with soft power goodwill simultaneously. Hard power commands, soft power attracts, smart power combines both contextually. The most effective states in the 21st century skillfully combine all three instruments rather than relying on any one alone. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/PSIR-T.png) #### PSIR Optional + Mentorship with Test Series Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE by Neelam Bhatia [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-with-test-series-4pb2kampmcfr/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 3 - Day 46) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-3-day-46/ Last updated: 2026-07-24T13:15:31.000Z **Topics:** **Challenges to Internal Security through Communication Networks | Role of Media and Social Networking Sites in Internal Security Challenges | Basics of Cyber Security | Money-Laundering and its Prevention** --- ## Questions **Q1.** Social media has huge potential to disrupt societal peace and political stability. Discuss the threats to internal security due to social media and also enumerate the steps that can be taken. **(15 Marks)** **Q2.** Enumerate the measures taken by the Government of India to thwart cyber security threats in India. Also, critically evaluate the issues in the Information Technology Act, 2000\. **(15 Marks)** **Q3.** The "dark net", though it has certain advantages, has turned into a hotbed of illegal activities posing multi-dimensional threats. In light of this statement, define 'darknet' and how does it pose a security challenge for India? **(10 Marks)** **Q4.** Money laundering has become a more sophisticated activity with time. Discuss. Also mention the steps taken at national and international level to deal with it. **(15 Marks)** **Q5.** In the light of growing incidences of money laundering, bring out the role played by the Financial Action Task Force in tackling the menace of money laundering. **(10 Marks)** --- ## Model Structures **Q1\. Social Media — Threats to Internal Security (15 Marks)** **Introduction** The advent of social media led to decentralization of service delivery, grievance redressal, information dissemination and a wide array of other benefits. But with time, it has been used for other acts like cyber frauds, terrorism, and organized crime. **Main Body** Not just non-state actors — state actors too use social media to create instability, spread propaganda and cause social unrest, enabled by internet penetration, accessibility and affordability. *Threats to internal security from social media:* - Crowding of cyberspace by sophisticated operators who are difficult to trace — cyber-planners identify recruits, train them and plan terror attacks. - Radicalisation of youth through propaganda and brainwashing on various platforms. - Lack of data localization makes it difficult to gather information in time to hold these groups accountable. - Social media allows operators to work in a target country without any physical presence — adding complexity and minimizing deterrence. - Use of social media by political parties for polarization aids external agents in threatening internal security. - Fake news and its quick spread results in false propaganda and sensitive issues being amplified, triggering issues detrimental to societal peace. *Steps that can be taken:* - Update current e-surveillance infrastructure — National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID), CERT-In, Network and Traffic Analysis System (NETRA) and the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre — as per the need of the time. - Review the IT Act to make it stronger, and set up a crack team to respond to unusual incidents on a war footing. - Promote fact-checking websites that can verify authenticity on a real-time basis. - Dedicated institutes to train ethical hackers — preventive checks against hacking and quick response when attacked. **Conclusion** Certainty of punishment is a better deterrent than severity of punishment. There must be provisions which ensure punishment for spreading fake news. --- **Q2\. Cyber Security Measures & the IT Act, 2000 (15 Marks)** **Introduction** - From ransomware attacks on AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital to attacks on the Kudankulam Nuclear Plant, India has been facing increasing cyber security threats in recent years. *(Current-based)* - According to CERT-In data, more than 13 lakh cyber security incidents were observed in 2022\. *(Data-based)* - It is imperative that the Government of India take stringent measures to protect crucial areas — defence installations, sensitive documents, communication networks, air traffic control, railway traffic control etc. **Main Body** *Steps and measures by the Government of India:* - **National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC):** Nodal agency created in January 2014 to protect the nation's critical information infrastructure. - **Cyber Swachhta Kendra:** To combat cyber security violations. - **CERT-In:** The nodal crisis-response agency, now being replicated on a smaller scale for specific sectors. - **National Cyber Coordination Centre:** A multi-agency body to assess cyber threats and share information with stakeholders. - **National Cyber Security Policy, 2013:** To build a secure and resilient cyberspace for citizens, businesses and government. - **Indian Cyber-Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and Cyber Warrior Police Force:** To tackle internet crimes such as cyber threats, child pornography and online stalking. - **Cyber Crisis Management Plan (CCMP):** Countering cyber threats and cyber-terrorism. - **Information Security Education and Awareness Project (ISEA):** Training personnel and providing research, education and training in information security. - **Capacity building and skill development** programmes to create a pool of trained cyber security professionals. *The Information Technology Act, 2000:* The IT Act was a crucial step in recognizing the importance of cyber security and regulating electronic transactions — giving statutory recognition to electronic contracts, electronic authentication, digital signatures, cybercrimes, and the liability of network service providers. *Issues in the Act:* - **Outdated provisions:** Enacted more than two decades ago, it has not kept pace with rapid technological advancement and evolving threats (e.g., Artificial Intelligence). - **Lack of clarity:** Certain sections lack precision, leading to ambiguity in interpretation and implementation. - **Investigation and prosecution:** Mechanisms for cybercrime investigation and prosecution need further strengthening. - **Data protection and privacy:** Not comprehensively addressed — with proliferating digital platforms and data breaches, robust data protection legislation aligned with international best practices is needed. - **International cooperation:** Cyber threats transcend national boundaries, necessitating cooperation for effective prevention and prosecution. **Conclusion** While the Government of India has taken several steps to enhance cyber security, the legal framework needs continuous improvement. The IT Act, 2000 requires revisions to address emerging challenges, provide clarity, strengthen investigation and prosecution, safeguard data protection and privacy, and promote international cooperation. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/PSIR-tt.png) #### PSIR Test Series (16 Tests) + Mentorship Questions prepared keeping in mind the changing nature of UPSC CSE‌‌ [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **Q3\. The Darknet — Advantages & Security Challenges (10 Marks)** **Introduction** The dark net (dark web) is part of the deep web and refers to encrypted networks on the Internet that are not indexed by search engines such as Google, Yahoo or Bing. **Main Body** *Importance/features of the darknet:* - Free access to various resources (e.g., academic research papers), secrecy in communication, and protection when leaking or transferring information. - **Avoiding censorship:** Individuals in closed societies facing extreme censorship can communicate with the outside world. - **Anonymity and secrecy** amid growing concerns about government snooping and data collection. - Useful for whistleblowers and journalists. *Security challenges for India:* - **Illegal activities:** Sale of drugs and firearms, fake currencies, child pornography, human trafficking — e.g., darknet narcotics operatives shipping psychotropic drugs. - **Cyber fraud:** Bank account details and registered phone numbers on sale — e.g., a database of more than 4,50,000 payment card details of Indian banks was uploaded on the darknet (Group-IB). - **Culpability of offence:** Anonymity prevents enforcement agencies from tracing those engaging in illegal activities. - **Use of cryptocurrencies:** Deals are mostly through cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. - **Terrorism:** Organizations like Al-Qaeda use the dark net to spread propaganda, recruit supporters, protect identities and raise funds. *Recent developments:* - C-DAC is working with CSIR on a darknet/network-telescope-based cyber security monitoring and interference framework. - Kerala Police established a specialised darknet lab in its Cyberdome, with officers trained as darknet analysts. *Suggestions to counter the challenges:* - Strengthen the cybersecurity framework — e.g., remove loopholes in the IT Act, 2000. - Cooperate with like-minded countries through intelligence, information, technology and expertise sharing. - Invest in R&D, training and capacity building of cybersecurity personnel. **Conclusion** The dark net has proved a menace for the world and a safe haven for rogue elements. The need of the hour is strict vigil so that citizens can enjoy their right to privacy. --- **Q4\. Money Laundering — Sophistication & Countermeasures (15 Marks)** **Introduction** Money laundering is a method to hide or conceal the sources of money generated by illegal activities like trafficking of arms, drugs and humans, corruption etc. **Main Body** *Money laundering has become more sophisticated because of ever-developing technologies and methods:* - Use of cryptocurrencies, alternative finance and digital currency — unregulated, with huge potential for misuse. - Placing money followed by integration into the global financial system creates coordination issues between government institutions and jurisdictions. - **Structuring deposits** through a large number of channels ("smurfs") helps launderers hide illegitimate money from anti-money-laundering agencies. - **Shell companies** operate without active business presence and use fake invoices to channel laundered money into illegitimate businesses. - Use of **tax havens** like the Cayman Islands and Panama for tax evasion and round-tripping. *Steps taken at national and international level:* - **The Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015** to address black money and undisclosed income and assets. - **Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002:** Criminalized money laundering as a cognizable and non-bailable offence. - **Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)** under the Ministry of Finance — coordinates and shares information on money laundering with national and international intelligence agencies. - **Financial Action Task Force (FATF):** Established by G7 countries — sets standard procedures and ensures implementation of legal and regulatory measures against money laundering and terror financing. - **Vienna Convention:** Ratifying countries are obligated to criminalize money laundering from drug trafficking. - **OECD forum convention** against money laundering — supporting safeguards and tax administration access to suspicious transactions based on FIU information. **Conclusion** Money laundering transcends international boundaries and requires a global effort. All stakeholders must collaborate to strengthen data sharing to eliminate the problem. --- **Q5\. Role of FATF in Tackling Money Laundering (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - Money laundering is the process where financial transactions are structured to show money earned from illegal/illicit routes as proceeds of legitimate business. **OR** - In response to increasing concerns over money laundering, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) was established by the G-7 Summit in Paris in 1989 to develop a coordinated international response. **Main Body** *Objectives of FATF:* - Combating money laundering; strengthening the financial system; international cooperation. *Role of FATF in combating money laundering:* - Developing recommendations and providing support to member countries. - **Monitoring members' progress** in implementing necessary measures; reviewing laundering and terror-financing techniques and counter-measures. - **Identifying vulnerabilities** at the national level to protect the international financial system from misuse. - **Setting global standards to combat terrorist financing**, as laundered money is used in terror financing. - **Evaluating countries' ability** to prevent, detect, investigate and prosecute terror financing — through two lists: - **Black list:** Countries subjected to economic sanctions and prohibitive measures. - **Grey list:** Countries subjected to increased monitoring by the FATF. - **Identifying new risks** — such as the regulation of virtual assets as cryptocurrencies gain popularity. **Conclusion** FATF needs to be further strengthened by increasing cooperation — information exchange among financial units and competent authorities — and by formulating a standard definition of fugitive economic offenders. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-01-at-6.47.39---PM.png) #### PSIR Optional Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-with-test-series-4pb2kampmcfr/?ref=upscprep.com) ### PSIR: Write & Rise - 15 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/psir-write-rise-15/ Last updated: 2026-07-23T13:35:25.000Z **Q. National interest is an essentially contested concept, differently interpreted by Realist, Liberal, and Constructivist scholars. Elaborate.** **(15 Marks)** --- **How to Approach** Establish why national interest is essentially contested, then show how each school interprets it differently. Show precisely where and why they disagree, not just describe each perspective separately. --- **Answer** National interest is the cornerstone of foreign policy. Every state formulates its international behaviour primarily to protect and advance it. Yet despite its centrality, the concept resists a single agreed definition, invoked across the ideological spectrum to justify contradictory policies, from military intervention to strict non-alignment. No clear boundary exists between what is genuinely national and what merely reflects ruling elite interests dressed in national language. Because the term carries connotations of legitimacy and sovereignty, leaders across the ideological spectrum invoke it to justify widely differing decisions, making democratic debate over national interest permanent rather than resolvable. **The Realist Interpretation** For Morgenthau, national interest is defined in terms of power. States pursue survival, security and relative power maximisation as permanent objectives. Interest is objective and fixed by the anarchic structure of international politics. Russia's actions in Ukraine and the US-China rivalry both reflect this logic: strategic survival consistently overrides normative considerations. **The Liberal Interpretation** Liberals expand national interest beyond security to include welfare, trade and cooperation. V.V. Dyke's non-vital objectives — justice, prosperity, peace, ideology and prestige — capture this broader conception. States have an interest in building rules-based institutions because interdependence makes conflict costly. India's active participation in climate negotiations reflects this expanding understanding. **The Constructivist Interpretation** Alexander Wendt argues national interest is not objectively given but socially constructed through a state's identity and interactions with others. Japan's pacifist national interest, shaped by post-war constitutional norms rather than material power, demonstrates how identity independently shapes what states pursue. Realists fix national interest in power, liberals expand it through cooperation, constructivists argue it is socially produced. This contestation is not a weakness; it reflects genuine disagreement about what states are and what they want, making national interest a permanently debated rather than settled concept. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/PSIR-T.png) #### PSIR Optional + Mentorship with Test Series Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE by Neelam Bhatia [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-with-test-series-4pb2kampmcfr/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 3 - Day 45) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-3-day-45/ Last updated: 2026-07-23T13:15:36.000Z **Topics: Internal Security | Linkages between Development and Spread of Extremism | Role of External State and Non-state Actors in creating challenges to Internal Security** --- ## Questions **Q1.** Discuss how there is a link between development and spread of extremism. Also enumerate steps taken by the central government to address issues in naxal-affected areas. **(15 Marks)** **Q2.** Non-state actors are detrimental to the internal security of India. Discuss how various non-state actors have impacted internal security of India. **(15 Marks)** **Q3.** Internal security issues in India are a result of both internal flaws and external attempts to wage a proxy war. Discuss. **(15 Marks)** **Q4.** While most insurgent groups in North-East India have given up violence and are engaged in peace talks with the government, several issues could create hurdles in the future. Discuss. **(15 Marks)** **Q5.** The use of the internet and social media for subversive purposes by non-state actors is a huge security problem. Discuss. **(10 Marks)** --- ## Model Structures **Q1\. Development–Extremism Linkage & Naxal-Area Measures (15 Marks)** **Introduction** Development is a holistic process which takes the interests of all stakeholders into account. But when some sections of society do not get the benefits of development and the support of administration, resistance from citizens sometimes takes the shape of extremist actions. **Main Body** *Link between development and spread of extremism:* - Areas with unemployment, chronic poverty and poor social indicators for decades compel people to take extreme measures to make the government hear their demands — the reason Naxalism/left-wing extremism started in the first place. - **Tribal issues:** The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 prevented tribals from using forest produce; displacement due to development projects and mining resulted in distrust and alienation, pushing tribes towards extreme measures. - **Social discrimination** based on caste, region and religion of marginalized communities has added to naxalism and insurgency. - **Poor administration** and inefficient governance in remote areas, along with lax implementation of government schemes, has repeatedly caused suffering. - **Tourism** in restricted and pristine areas has affected tribal ways of life through westernization and commercialization. *Steps taken by the central government:* - **Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme:** State governments of LWE-affected areas are reimbursed expenditure on training and operational needs of security forces. - **Special Central Assistance and Special Infrastructure Scheme** for LWE-affected districts under the umbrella scheme 'Modernization of Police Forces'; 400 fortified police stations in LWE-affected states. - **Aspirational Districts Programme** in five critical areas for holistic development in the spirit of competitive federalism. - **Eklavya Model Residential Schools, PM Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana and PM Jan Jatiya Vikas Mission** for overall socio-economic development. - **Civic Action Programme** to bridge the trust deficit between security forces and citizens through participation and interaction. - **Road Requirement Plan-I and Road Connectivity Project** for LWE-affected districts. **Conclusion** People in naxal areas face the dual brunt of inaccessible government support and exploitation by local powerful groups. There is a need to make constitutional and civil rights effective to bridge the trust deficit. For infrastructural and mining projects, EIA needs to be undertaken with objectivity and transparency. --- **Q2\. Non-state Actors & Internal Security (15 Marks)** **Introduction** Non-state actors are informal groups of people or individuals without formal backing but with substantial influence on international events — civil society organizations, extremist outfits, lobbyists, multinational companies etc. **Main Body** Due to their informal, scattered and rogue nature, it is difficult to hold non-state actors accountable — and even then, legal action is not easy. *How non-state actors have impacted India's internal security:* - **Terrorism:** The biggest threat, given the many modes it can adopt — non-state actors operating from Pakistan like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed are a continuous threat. - **Insurgency and Naxalism:** Arose from a perceived development deficit and festered with external help — the North-East suffers insurgency and the red corridor naxalism, with support from China. - **Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN):** Facilitate black money and money laundering, which further fosters terrorism. - **Organized financial networks** and sophisticated techniques used for bio-chemical weapons and drug trafficking, with the money integrated into the legal financial system to create instabilities. - India sits between the **Golden Crescent and the Golden Triangle** — two of the three largest drug-cultivation areas. - **Communalism** is exploited by propagandists across the borders with the sole aim of destabilizing India. - **Cyber security:** Beyond hacking personal or office computers — ATM skimming, hacking of power grids, nuclear installations and other critical infrastructure. The hacking of the AIIMS Delhi website and leaking of patient data is a glaring example. **Conclusion** National and internal security is a comprehensive area needing a holistic approach. There needs to be a global definition of terrorism, and members of agencies like FATF must work in unison to ensure non-state actors are brought to book. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/Essay.png) #### Ace the Essay (With Abhijeet Yadav Sir) A comprehensive course to master the ART AND CRAFT of Essay Writing [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/ace-the-essay-with-abhijeet-yadav/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **Q3\. Internal Flaws & External Proxy War (15 Marks)** **Introduction** Indian security is vulnerable to threats, tensions and conflicts originating from both indigenous and exogenous sources, influenced by events within India and mainly Asia due to historical, geographical and demographic imperatives. **Main Body** *Security challenges due to internal flaws:* - **Lack of development and economic inequality:** High development deficit and disparity characterise the red-corridor districts. - **Governance deficit:** Lack of basic education, healthcare and sustainable employment; infrastructure deficit; law and order issues; absent grievance redressal mechanisms. - **Development projects and tribal alienation:** Resource mismanagement and systematic marginalisation in the 1980s displaced tribals from their lands. - **Poor implementation of land reform policy:** Led to a disgruntled community in Naxalbari (West Bengal) in the late 1960s, from where naxalism spread. - **Sense of isolation, deprivation and exploitation:** Distance from New Delhi and meagre Lok Sabha representation reduce the people's voice, making the call of the gun more attractive. - **Divisive politics:** Communalism as a political doctrine exploiting religious and cultural differences for political gain. - **Role of media:** Sensationalism and rumours disseminated as "news" have sometimes resulted in tension and riots between rival religious groups. *Challenges due to external attempts at proxy war:* - **Insurgency:** The North-East suffers violent ethnic-identity movements — China is alleged to support such acts (e.g., ULFA members of Assam were given shelter by China). - **Terrorism:** Both state actors (Pakistan) and non-state actors (LeT, JeM) — fundamentalist-motivated terrorism backed by efficient financial networks, IT, clandestine access to chemical-biological and nuclear materials, and drug trafficking. - **Drug trafficking:** Via the Golden Crescent (Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran — affecting Punjab) and the Golden Triangle (Laos, Myanmar, Thailand — affecting the North-East), a major driver of secessionist forces. - **Counterfeit currency:** Corrodes the economy from inside — black money, money laundering and terror funding in a positive feedback loop, arising especially from Pakistan. - **Communalism:** Propaganda funded by enemy countries and non-state actors (NGOs, CSOs) to damage the socio-religious fabric — the NSA has raised concern about this "fourth front" of war. - **Cyber security:** Incitement of regionalism and separate-state demands, increasing secessionist tendencies. *Government initiatives:* - **NATGRID:** An intelligence database consolidating and making searchable the data of existing security and law enforcement agencies. - **CCTNS:** MHA initiative for storage, transfer and sharing of data between police stations. - **CERT-In:** Protection of cyber systems, with countermeasures to patch vulnerabilities. - **SAMADHAN:** The Chief Ministers' conference formula to tackle the Naxal problem. - Ministry for North-East Development (DoNER); legal backing through UAPA and the NDPS Act. *Way forward:* - **Inclusive growth:** Reduce ethnic and social inequalities and disparities in education and employment. - **Two-way governance:** Effective public grievance redressal in conflict-affected areas; timely resolution of genuine problems. - **Efficient delivery** of essential goods and services; dedicated supply mechanisms to bridge the government–people gap. - **Infrastructure development:** Rail, road, communication, water and housing to generate employment and win hearts. - **Inter-agency coordination** among central and state security forces to reduce duplication; states could form composite forces on NSG lines where problems are worse. - **Proactive policy:** The National Security Council and Cabinet Committee on Security should prevent threats before they originate. - **Empower agencies:** e.g., the Narcotics Control Bureau, given proximity to the Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle. - **Legal empowerment:** Trace the funding sources of left-wing extremism for proper action. **Conclusion** The challenge lies in changing the long-term concept of national security — understanding it comprehensively rather than in narrow military terms. Without the feeling of 'Nation First' in every citizen's heart, freedom from internal security threats will not be attained. --- **Q4\. North-East Insurgency — Peace Talks & Future Hurdles (15 Marks)** **Introduction** Ethnic insurgency is one of the most significant challenges India has faced in the Northeast. Starting with the Naga insurgency in 1956, various ethnic groups — Meiteis, Mizos, Tripuris and Assamese — have successively risen to assert their distinct identities and political aspirations. **Main Body** *Insurgent groups that have given up violence and engaged in peace talks:* - **Bodo Accord:** Between the Centre, Assam and the National Democratic Front of Bodoland — armed cadres completely disbanded in 2020. - **Militant surrenders in Assam:** Militants of eight outfits — including ULFA-I, the Kamtapur Liberation Organisation (KLO) and the Rabha National Liberation Front (RNLF) — surrendered recently. - **Peace accord with Nagas:** The 2015 framework agreement between the Union government and NSCN-IM to resolve the Greater Nagalim demand; in 2019, NSCN (Khango) also entered a ceasefire. - **Suspension of Operations in Tripura:** In 2019, NLFT-SD agreed to abjure violence, join the mainstream and abide by the Constitution. - Violence has reduced significantly; Mizoram and Tripura have become entirely free of insurgent violence. *Issues that could create hurdles:* - **Indeterminate peace talks:** NSCN-IM remains unsatisfied with the finalised accord; talks with ULFA (Pro-Talks) were stuck over sovereignty issues. - **Indulgence in criminal activities:** Without a clear rehabilitation roadmap, surrendered militants feel frustrated, leave the camps and resort to crime to supplement income. - **Poor implementation of ceasefire agreements:** Turf wars and armed rivalries — NSCN (IM) has been found violating the agreement several times since 2015. - **Active insurgent groups beyond Indian borders:** ULFA-I and Meitei separatist outfits reportedly hiding in Myanmar; top leaders like Paresh Baruah of ULFA-I camping in China. - **Anti-CAA agitation:** Implementation of the CAA, 2019 in Assam's non-scheduled areas has generated resentment; youths are being mobilised and recruited by insurgents; groups like NLFT consider CAA an attack on Tripura's sovereignty. *Way forward:* - Empower the autonomous district councils in the region. - Decentralisation with alertness, improved administrative efficiency, pro-people governance and accommodation of regional aspirations. - Better border management to resolve illegal immigration and check safe havens for insurgents. - Check the arbitrary use of AFSPA, 1958. - Focus on regional development and enhanced connectivity between the North-East and the rest of the country. - Greater coordination between central and state forces for better tactical response; greater cultural interaction and holistic inclusive socio-economic development. **Conclusion** The ceasefire agreements have reduced militancy-related fatalities; a roadmap toward a permanent agreement is desired from the Government of India. It will create a conducive environment for investment in the region and address its socio-economic backwardness. --- **Q5\. Internet & Social Media for Subversion (10 Marks)** **Introduction** Social media was introduced as a blessing to revolutionise how we connect and to give everyone a platform to reach a larger audience. But threats to internal security have grown, with external state and non-state actors using social media platforms to spread propaganda. **Main Body** *Use of the internet and social media for subversive purposes:* - **Radicalisation of youth:** Propaganda to ideologically radicalise, recruit, communicate and train — NIA has intercepted material from terror groups like AQIS and LeT on Telegram. - **Use by Daesh:** Propaganda spread through platforms such as Twitter and YouTube; India too has suffered cases of youth being influenced to carry out propaganda of hate and violence. - **Inflaming sensitive issues:** False propaganda using morphed videos or false claims of injustice — e.g., mob lynchings triggered by false cow-vigilantism propaganda. - **Disinformation and misinformation:** Viral falsehoods erode people's trust in institutions and government bodies. - **Inducement of public panic:** Rumours spread like wildfire — child-kidnapping rumours led to mob lynchings in Jharkhand. - **Criminality:** The internet as a communication and coordination tool for drug smuggling, human trafficking and money laundering. *Security threats due to social media and the internet:* - **Instigating riots:** In 2013, a morphed YouTube video was used to fan communal riots in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh. - **Cyber attacks:** Privacy breaches, financial frauds, theft of confidential information. - **Attacks on critical infrastructure:** The Kudankulam nuclear plant attack; the Mumbai power grid failure. - **Protest movements and revolutions:** Social media can create political instability — Yellow Vest movement, Jasmine Revolution, Umbrella Movement. - **Terrorism:** Spreading ideology and brainwashing youth; disturbing social harmony. - **Separatist movements:** Fake rumours and videos radicalising youth — e.g., the government banned 'Punjab Politics TV', which was using social media to ignite the Khalistan movement and disturb public order. *Way forward:* - **Intelligence:** State intelligence and police continuously scanning cyberspace for threats. - **Police–public coordination:** Constant self-training and connecting with people to tackle "fourth generation" warfare against an invisible enemy. - **Comprehensive action:** Treat internal security problems in all dimensions — political, economic and social — not merely as law-and-order issues. - **Cyber security policy** to protect confidential information and critical infrastructure; a comprehensive **national social media policy**. - **Aware citizenry:** Sensitising the young and vulnerable to consume cyberspace content cautiously. - **Strengthen existing infrastructure:** NATGRID, CERT-In, Central Monitoring System, NETRA, NCIIPC. - **Code of practice on misinformation:** Disrupt ad revenue of offending websites, address fake accounts, give more visibility to authoritative content. **Conclusion** With deepening internet and social media penetration, these challenges will rise — we need to continuously analyse, prevent and respond effectively. Modern technologies like AI and machine learning can be deployed for this purpose. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/GS-Advance.png) #### GS Advance + Mentorship (for Mains 2027) ****Live-cum-recorded lectures** \- All Classes will be conducted Live. Recordings of all lectures will be provided (No restrictions on number of rewatch) [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/gs-advance-mentorship-for-mains-2027/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 3 - Day 44) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-3-day-44/ Last updated: 2026-07-22T13:15:10.000Z **Topics:** **Environmental Impact Assessment | Disasters and Disaster Management** --- ## Questions **Q1.** What is Environmental Impact Assessment and enumerate its significance? Also discuss what are the challenges involved which have made it ineffective. **(10 Marks)** **Q2.** Although India's National Disaster Management Plan satisfies the legal necessity for having one, it may fall short of its goal of strengthening resilience. Analyse critically. **(15 Marks)** **Q3.** Urban flooding has become a significant issue in various Indian cities, leading to massive loss of life and property. Discuss the factors contributing to urban flooding and strategies that have been undertaken to mitigate its impact in the context of urban planning and development. **(15 Marks)** **Q4.** In the context of increasing importance of technology for disaster management, throw some light on the application of GIS and Remote Sensing in disaster management with special reference to India. **(10 Marks)** **Q5.** Europe in present times is witnessing record-breaking heat waves. In the light of this, highlight the factors responsible for the occurrence of heat waves and their effects on life and economy. Also enumerate guidelines given by NDMA to reduce the negative impact of heat waves. **(15 Marks)** --- ## Model Structures **Q1\. Environmental Impact Assessment (10 Marks)** **Introduction** Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an exercise which helps in decision-making by identifying all the impacts of a project — environmental, social or economic. **Main Body** EIA in India is backed legally by statute. Impacts are recognized at the project planning and design stage, and a strategy is made to reduce them. *Significance of EIA:* - A participatory approach to minimize the adverse impacts of developmental projects. - In line with sustainable development goals — links environmental protection with development. - Takes into account all stakeholders, including the environment and other intangible assets, so that the development aspects of all are taken care of. - Helps promote mitigation and adaptation strategies which are good in the long run. *Issues which have made EIA ineffective:* - Lack of domain experts and a surplus of generalists — actions taken without careful study and analysis. - Public hearing is an important part of EIA, but public feedback is often considered at a later stage, resulting in conflicts and delays. - Predetermined criteria — listing in Schedule I and investment thresholds — leave some projects with huge environmental impacts outside EIA's ambit. - Exceptions like linear projects have huge environmental and social ramifications but are excluded from public hearing. - Quality of EIA reports — lack of data analysis and compilation affects decision-making. - For strategic industries like defence projects and nuclear energy, EIA reports and environment management plans are kept confidential. **Conclusion** Environmental Impact Assessment is an important tool for socio-economic development and needs to be strengthened further to ensure it is followed in letter and spirit. --- **Q2\. National Disaster Management Plan — Critical Analysis (15 Marks)** **Introduction** The National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP), released in 2016, is the first-ever national plan for disaster management in the country. Along with the mandate of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and the National Policy on Disaster Management 2009, it incorporates India's commitment to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030\. Its vision: make India disaster-resilient, achieve substantial disaster risk reduction, and significantly decrease losses of life, livelihoods and assets — economic, physical, social, cultural and environmental. **Main Body** *NDMP satisfies the legal necessity:* - **Section 11, DM Act 2005:** Mandates a National Disaster Management Plan for the whole of India. - **Section 6:** Gives NDMA powers to prepare national plans and ensure implementation through State Disaster Management Authorities. - **Section 33:** The District Authority may order any officer, department or local authority to take measures for prevention or mitigation of disaster. - **Section 37:** Every ministry and department, including hazard-specific nodal ministries, shall prepare comprehensive DM plans covering prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. *But it may fall short of strengthening resilience — significant gaps in preparedness, particularly for catastrophic disasters like major earthquakes and floods:* - **Poorly prepared DM departments:** All states have disaster management or relief & rehabilitation departments, but they are poorly prepared to lend support (UNDP) — e.g., the 2010 Leh mudslides, the 2011 Sikkim earthquake, the 2013 Uttarakhand floods. - **Weak emergency services:** Emergency operations centres, communications, and search-and-rescue teams exist but need strengthening. - Disaster management is not yet seen as an essential part of good governance and integral to development planning. - Preparedness at various levels is not people-oriented. - India's capacity to manage disaster risk is challenged by its size and huge population. - **Vulnerable Northeast:** Most at risk from earthquakes, lacking seismically secure infrastructure; also vulnerable to landslides, floods and erosion. - **Flooding of the plains:** A regular occurrence — flood intensity has reduced communities' capacity to adapt. - Community-driven local adaptation alone is no longer sufficient — scientifically planned adaptation with government support is needed. - **Poor implementation:** Division of responsibilities under the DM Act is unclear; overlap between implementing agencies. - Risk-reduction activities are driven by schemes and external projects rather than NDMP/SDMP guidelines; the plans do not institutionalise accountability mechanisms to ensure departments follow them. *Way forward:* - Foster a culture of prevention and identify key issues in the development process. - A people-centred development strategy for managing disasters. - Educate people in Disaster Risk Reduction through decentralised planning, implementation, and monitoring. - Institutionalise national systems and capacities, strengthen local governance mechanisms, build community resilience, reduce vulnerabilities of at-risk communities, and promote public-private-people partnerships. **Conclusion** Disaster management must embark on a strategy aimed at holistic human development — integrating sustainable development goals, policies and practices that harness people's strengths instead of vulnerabilities. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/MFG---W-Unlimited.png) #### Mains Focus Group - GS Advance + Write UnLimited (for Mains 2027) LIVE Answer Writing Sessions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-gs-advance-write-unlimited-for-mains-2027/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **Q3\. Urban Flooding — Factors & Mitigation (15 Marks)** **Introduction** - Urban flooding is excessive runoff in developed urban areas where stormwater has nowhere to go due to poor drainage capacity, causing inundation. *(Definition-based)* - It has increasingly become a recurrent problem in Indian cities due to climatic factors and inadequate urban planning — Bengaluru (2022), Hyderabad (2020). **Main Body** *Factors contributing to urban flooding:* - **Meteorological factors:** Heavy monsoon rainfall; extreme weather events with concentrated heavy rainfall are becoming more frequent due to climate change. - **Unplanned urbanization:** Increased built-up area leaves less permeable land for water absorption — waterlogging and flooding. - **Inadequate drainage infrastructure:** Poorly maintained systems unable to manage stormwater effectively. - **Climate change:** Increasing frequency of high-intensity rainfall events exacerbates the scenario. - **Encroachment on water bodies:** Encroachments on lakes and rivers for urban development disrupt natural water channels and increase flood risk. *Strategies undertaken:* - **Sponge Cities mission:** Promotes positive interactions between socio-economic systems and the urban water cycle to enhance urban resilience. - **Standard Operating Procedures** for mitigating urban flooding under AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation). - **Flood Management Programme:** Financial assistance to state governments for flood management works in critical areas. - **Uniform system of alerts and warnings** by the Ministry of Home Affairs — staged Yellow, Orange and Red alerts. - **Integrated flood warning systems** like IFLOWS-Mumbai. **Conclusion** Davanagere (Karnataka) and Agartala (Tripura) — two cities that have managed to curb urban flooding — can be used as model cities. They did so by mapping existing drainage systems, removing illegal encroachments over drainage networks, and constructing storm water drains. --- **Q4\. GIS & Remote Sensing in Disaster Management (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing technologies have effectively improved the workflow in all phases of disaster management and provided effective remedial solutions. **OR** - Data from Cartosat-1 was used for inundation vulnerability assessment of the Indian coastline in the event of a tsunami; similarly, the RISAT series of satellites has been used for disaster management and planning. *(Example-based)* **Main Body** *These technologies can be leveraged across all stages of disaster management:* - **Mitigation:** - Map and analyse hazards and visualise their potential impacts. - When hazards are fused with critical infrastructure, population densities and community values, vulnerabilities can be observed, modelled, and better understood. - **Preparedness:** - Site selection for adequate evacuation shelters; selecting and modelling evacuation routes. - Identification and mapping of key tactical and strategic facilities — hospitals, public safety facilities etc. - Command-and-control information systems enabling situational awareness and incident management support. - **Response:** - Provide warnings and notifications to the public. - Maintain continuity of operations — supply inventories, external power requirements, shelter population capacities. - Identify locations and capabilities of existing and mutual-aid public safety resources. - Share information and status with regional, state and central agencies; maintain incident status and progress reports; facilitate damage assessment collection and analysis. - **Recovery:** - Assess overall damage costs and set reconstruction priorities based on local criteria. - Locate businesses and supplies necessary for reconstruction. - Determine short-term action for assessing critical infrastructure damage — first aid and health, additional shelter needs, optimum locations for public assistance. **Conclusion** These technologies must be leveraged to generate an effective strategy addressing all phases of disaster management in India and preventing economic and social losses. --- **Q5\. Heat Waves — Factors, Effects & NDMA Guidelines (15 Marks)** **Introduction** Europe is experiencing its worst-ever heatwave, with record temperatures of more than 40°C spelling misery for millions and focusing attention on the impact of global warming. **Main Body** Per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a heat wave is considered when the maximum temperature reaches at least 40°C for plains, 37°C for coastal stations, and 30°C for hilly regions. *Criteria to declare a heat wave:* - **Departure from normal:** Heat wave — departure of 4.5°C to 6.4°C; Severe heat wave — departure >6.4°C. - **Actual maximum temperature (plains only):** Heat wave — ≥45°C; Severe heat wave — ≥47°C. *Factors responsible for heat waves:* - A high-pressure system moving into an area forms a "cap" over the region, trapping heat — minimal heat circulation also reduces the chance of precipitation, causing heat build-up. - **Urban heat island effect:** Hot air trapped between buildings, limited tree cover, and heat-inducing factors like fuel combustion and air conditioning. - **Global warming:** Delayed onset of monsoons and reduced intensity of pre-monsoon showers in several parts of India. *Adverse impacts:* - **Health:** Dehydration, cramps, exhaustion and heatstroke — nearly 3,500 deaths between 2015 and 2018 in India; increased acute gastroenteritis; food poisoning due to spoilage and reduced shelf life. - **Agriculture:** Low soil moisture creates drought-like conditions leading to crop failures; adverse impact on livestock health and mortality. - **Forest fires and wildlife loss:** 6.17% of India's forests are prone to severe fire damage — likely to increase with greater heat stress. - **Loss of man-hours:** Reduced workforce productivity and lost wages in outdoor occupations — Section 144 was imposed in Bihar to deal with heat waves. *NDMA guidelines:* - Heat waves have been classified as a natural disaster in India. - **Early warning and communication:** State Nodal Officer to coordinate with the local IMD office; gather summer forecasts and release colour-coded early warnings and daily alerts. - **Inter-agency coordination:** State officials and agencies trained and informed on pre-, during- and post-heat-season activities. - **Capacity building for healthcare officials** to recognise, prevent and manage heat-related medical issues. - **Public awareness and community outreach:** Do's and Don'ts in local languages, disseminated through media including social media. - **Data collection and documentation:** The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare must collect and standardise heat wave data for a long-term strategy. **Conclusion** With the looming threat of climate change and global warming, the frequency of heat waves may increase. This calls for increasing green cover in cities and timely implementation of strategies to control climate change. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/Mains-AW-Group.png) #### Mains Focus Group 2026 with Mentorship Comprehensive lectures to make you Mains ready in 75 Days [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-2026-with-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 3 - Day 43) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-3-day-43/ Last updated: 2026-07-21T13:15:23.000Z **Topics:** **Environment | Biodiversity and Environment Conservation | Environmental pollution and degradation** --- ## Questions **Q1.** Despite their significant contribution to the environment and socio-economic aspects, Mangrove ecosystems in India are facing a severe threat. Comment. **(10 Marks)** **Q2.** Mindless human development has only exacerbated negative impacts on ecologically vulnerable regions of the Western Ghats. In the light of the statement, discuss the measures needed to conserve the fragile ecosystem. **(15 Marks)** **Q3.** Analyze the reasons for high pollution in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). Also, examine the steps taken by the Government and constraints leading to pollution not decreasing. **(10 Marks)** **Q4.** Arsenic pollution is becoming a severe environmental issue in India. Enumerating its various sources, discuss the measures to tackle Arsenic pollution. **(10 Marks)** **Q5.** With the increasing incidences of desertification, define desertification. Explain how climate change affects the process of desertification and in turn gets affected by it. **(15 Marks)** --- ## Model Structures **Q1\. Mangrove Ecosystems — Significance & Threats (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - Mangroves are salt-tolerant plant communities found in tropical and subtropical intertidal regions — valuable both for environmental protection and socio-economic contribution, yet under significant threat in India. *(Definition-based)* - As per the India State of Forest Report 2019, mangrove cover is 0.15% of the country's total geographical area. *(Statistic-based)* **Main Body** *Environmental contribution:* - **Coastal protection:** Natural barriers against storm surges, cyclones and tsunamis, protecting coastal communities and infrastructure. - **Biodiversity hotspots:** Rich habitat for terrestrial and marine species — birds, mammals, fish, and crustaceans. - **Carbon sequestration:** Highly efficient carbon sinks storing large amounts of carbon in biomass and soil, helping mitigate climate change. *Socio-economic contribution:* - **Livelihood support:** Coastal communities depend on mangroves for fishing, honey collection, and non-timber forest products. - **Ecotourism:** Unique flora and fauna attract tourists, providing local communities additional income. - **Resources:** Timber and fuelwood, when collected sustainably. - **Medicinal benefits:** Communities collect medicinal plants and use mangrove leaves as animal fodder. *Threats to mangrove ecosystems in India:* - **Deforestation and habitat destruction:** Rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and expansion of agriculture and aquaculture. - **Pollution:** Industrial effluents, domestic sewage, and plastic waste dumped into water bodies. - **Climate change:** Rising sea levels, more frequent and intense cyclones, and changing rainfall patterns. - **Unsustainable exploitation:** Overfishing and over-harvesting degrading ecosystems and reducing biodiversity. **Conclusion** Initiatives like MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes), announced in the recent budget, are a step in the right direction. Raising awareness among local communities and involving them in conservation efforts is an effective strategy for the long-term survival of these ecosystems. --- **Q2\. Western Ghats — Conservation of a Fragile Ecosystem (15 Marks)** **Introduction** Development cannot happen without environmental resources. Therefore, the disruption of resources has negative repercussions on the development process itself and violates the objective of holistic development. **Main Body** *Negative impact of human development on the Western Ghats:* - **Developmental pressures:** Urbanisation, agricultural expansion and livestock grazing pose serious threats — about 50 million people are estimated to live in the Western Ghats region. - **Biodiversity-related issues:** Forest loss, habitat fragmentation, degradation by invasive plant species, encroachment and conversion — shrinking wildlife corridors and suitable habitats outside Protected Areas. - **Climate change:** Landslides and flash floods ravaged the ghat areas of Konkan in 2021; cyclones are gaining intensity with the warming of the Arabian Sea, leaving the west coast especially vulnerable. - **Threats from industrialisation:** In the absence of a Western Ghats ESA policy, more polluting industries, quarries, mines, roads and townships are likely — more damage to the fragile landscape. *Measures needed to conserve the fragile ecosystem:* - **Preventive approach:** Conserving fragile ecosystems costs less than spending on restoration after calamities; climate impacts would hurt livelihoods and the national economy. - **Engaging all stakeholders:** Scientific analysis followed by consensus among stakeholders, addressing respective concerns. - **Addressing local people's concerns:** The idea of demarcating an ecologically sensitive area is often seen as against people's developmental aspirations — resolve through detailed public consultations (bottom-up approach). - **Empowering local communities:** They have the knowledge, connection to the environment, and motivation to safeguard the region — genuine democratic decentralisation in villages and cities is the way forward. **Conclusion** There is a need to strike a balance between safeguarding the forests and the right to livelihood of the local people. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/WU-2.png) #### Write UnLimited Course (6 Months) This course is designed to help you in your UPSC CSE Answer Writing. 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Delhi-NCR Pollution (10 Marks)** **Introduction** Delhi ranked fourth on a list of 50 of the world's most polluted cities in terms of PM2.5 levels in 2022, according to the World Air Quality Report. *(Statistic-based)* **Main Body** *Natural reasons for high pollution:* - Delhi is landlocked (unlike Mumbai and Kolkata), so particulate matter and pollutants are not discharged into surrounding areas. - **Change in wind direction:** October marks the monsoon withdrawal in Northwest India; predominant northwesterly winds bring dust from northern Pakistan and Afghanistan. - **Dust storms** from Gulf countries worsen conditions. - **Temperature inversion:** As temperature dips, inversion height lowers and pollutant concentration in the air increases. *Man-made reasons:* - Burning of paddy and other crops in Punjab and Haryana during winter months. - Vehicular and industrial emissions trapped in winter fog. - Fireworks in the run-up to Diwali contribute to the build-up. - Construction activities driven by urbanisation and rising population. - Open waste burning at landfill sites. - Over-population — huge solid waste, water waste, construction dust. *Steps taken by the Government:* - **Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM):** Coordination, research, identification and resolution of air quality problems in Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas. - **Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP):** Specific measures triggered by pollution severity levels. - **Cleaner fuel standards:** Transition from BS-IV to BS-VI reduced sulphur content and vehicle emissions. - **Public transport expansion:** Delhi Metro network expansion and electric buses. *Constraints leading to pollution not decreasing:* - **Regional coordination:** Lack of effective coordination among neighbouring states on crop burning and industrial pollution. - **Enforcement challenges:** Limited resources and inadequate monitoring mechanisms. - **Public awareness and participation:** Ensuring compliance remains an ongoing challenge. - **Economic considerations:** Balancing environmental concerns with economic growth. **Conclusion** Delhi's pollution problem demands a long-term vision, collective action, and sustained commitment — a paradigm shift in attitudes, policies, and behaviours. --- **Q4\. Arsenic Pollution — Sources & Measures (10 Marks)** **Introduction** The Central Ground Water Board highlighted that 21 states have pockets with arsenic levels higher than the Bureau of Indian Standards' permissible limit of 0.01 mg/litre. *(Fact-based)* **Main Body** *Why arsenic pollution is a severe environmental issue:* - Drinking arsenic-contaminated water causes cancer of the skin, bladder, kidney and lung, blood vessel diseases and reproductive disorders. - Intense groundwater irrigation leads to uptake of arsenic by crops — phyto-accumulation (e.g., paddy farms exposed via groundwater irrigation). - Entry of arsenic into the food chain, in addition to drinking water, raises the possibility of biomagnification. - Rice husk used as fodder exposes livestock — potential risk to humans consuming cattle-based food products. *Sources of arsenic:* - **Natural:** Weathering of rocks and minerals followed by leaching and runoff; widely distributed through air, water and land, highly toxic in inorganic form. - **Anthropogenic:** Intense exploitation of groundwater; application of fertilisers; burning of coal and leaching from coal-ash tailings; industrial effluent (alloying agent, glass, pigments, textiles, paper processing). *Measures to tackle arsenic pollution:* - Treatment technologies based on lime softening and iron co-precipitation. - Innovative technologies — permeable reactive barriers, phytoremediation, biological and electro-kinetic treatment. - Rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge to check falling water tables and metal leaching. - Substitution of high-arsenic sources (groundwater) with low-arsenic safe sources (rainwater, treated surface water). *Steps taken:* The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development calls for drinking water free of priority chemical contaminants, including arsenic; Jal Jeevan Mission envisions safe and adequate drinking water through household tap connections for all rural households. *Steps needed:* Recognise the extent and severity of contamination; develop a national plan of action with coordinated mitigation; work with academic and research institutions to better understand the causes, extent and impact. **Conclusion** All mitigation measures need a bottom-up approach along with public participation to succeed. --- **Q5\. Desertification & Climate Change (15 Marks)** **Introduction** - As per the United Nations, desertification is land degradation in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas (drylands), resulting from many factors including human activities and climatic variations. **OR** - As per MoEFCC, nearly 30% of India is degraded or facing desertification; 26 states have reported an increase in area undergoing desertification in the past 10 years. **Main Body** *Main factors responsible for desertification in India:* - Extension of cultivation into marginal lands; inadequate soil and water conservation. - Intensive cropping systems, poor irrigation management and over-exploitation of groundwater. *Climate change exacerbating desertification:* - Intensifying water scarcity in dryland areas and increasing drought frequency — e.g., the water table in Barkitand village (Giridih district) fell from 8 m below ground (2013) to about 10 m (2017). - Projected increase in water-driven soil erosion in many dryland areas — decline and leaching of soil organic carbon (e.g., Dhule district of Maharashtra, where land has become shallow and unfit for plantation). - Total rainfall in the Himalayas has decreased over the past century while winter rain has almost disappeared — 50% of Himalayan springs have dried up or turned seasonal; disappearing springs will impact rivers and cause desertification in the plains. - The area at risk of salinization is projected to increase — e.g., dwindling rainfall and borewell dependence for water-guzzling horticulture increase soil aridity in Ananthapuramu district of Andhra Pradesh. - Rising CO₂ levels favour rapid expansion of invasive plant species — exotic annual grasses contribute to desertification and loss of ecosystem services. - Increasing human pressure on land combined with climate change reduces the resilience and adaptive capacity of dryland populations. *Desertification affecting climate change:* - Desertification exacerbates climate change through changes in vegetation cover, sand and dust aerosols, and greenhouse gas fluxes. - Degraded land becomes less productive, restricting what can be grown and reducing the soil's ability to absorb carbon. *Government steps:* - Integrated Watershed Management Programme — restoring ecological balance while creating rural employment. - Desert Development Programme — minimising drought effects and rejuvenating the natural resource base of desert areas. - UNCCD commitment — restoring 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030; national commitment to Land Degradation Neutrality (SDG target 15.3). - National Afforestation Programme; National Action Programme to Combat Desertification; National Mission on Green India. **Conclusion** The government needs to focus on a multifunctional landscape approach, farming for multiple benefits, managing the rural–urban interface, creating windbreaks, and conserving land in rangeland, wetland and mining areas to meet the dual challenge of climate change and desertification. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/WU-1.png) #### Write UnLimited Course (1 Year) Write answers from any source, we will evaluate them for you. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/write-unlimited-course-1-year/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 3 - Day 42) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-3-day-42/ Last updated: 2026-07-20T13:15:12.000Z **Topics:** **Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology | Issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights** --- ## Questions **Q1.** Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are needed for a creative environment and innovative growth. Enumerating the need for IPR, discuss the achievements under the new IPR policy. Also bring out a few shortcomings in it. **(15 Marks)** **Q2.** In the light of increased private sector participation in the space sector, discuss the need for a comprehensive space strategy that India shall adopt to become one of the major space powers. **(15 Marks)** **Q3.** Robotics technology can potentially enhance our lives by saving human effort and energy. Elaborate with examples. Also, list the challenges faced by India in the optimum utilisation of this technology. **(15 Marks)** **Q4.** Examine the challenges presented by the emergence of the Metaverse and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and propose strategies to address them. **(15 Marks)** **Q5.** "Geospatial technology is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing the country's growth objectives." In light of this statement, explore the challenges that hinder the complete realisation of India's geospatial sector's potential and examine recent policy initiatives to deregulate the sector. **(10 Marks)** --- ## Model Structures **Q1\. IPR — Need, New Policy Achievements & Shortcomings (15 Marks)** **Introduction** Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are creator rights given for literary work, inventions, artwork and anything else that can be commercialized. They are valid for a certain period and give the creator exclusive rights over their use. **Main Body** These rights are backed by global instruments — the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Paris Convention, the Berne Convention — and domestic laws. IPR covers trademarks, copyrights, geographical indications, trade secrets, industrial designs etc. *IPR are needed because:* - They are an incentive to creators, fostering an environment of creation and innovation. - They help ease of doing business and research, furthering innovation prospects and building human capital. - They foster economic growth by providing quality jobs, enhancing quality of life and industrial growth. - Innovative creations carry cutting-edge technology or ideas that can be shared or commercialized for better trade prospects. *Achievements under the new IPR Policy (2016)* — launched to improve awareness, generation, commercialization, administration and enforcement of IPR frameworks: - Improved technical manpower for granting/approving applications has cleared backlogs, fostering innovation. - Increase in IPR filings — patents up \~7% and trademarks up \~28% in 2018-19. - Automatic issuance of electronically generated trademark and patent certificates has streamlined the process. - Improved Global Innovation Index ranking — from 81st in 2015 to 52nd in 2019. - IPR awareness (a key objective of the policy) has been driven well in higher institutions, rural schools, and at industry level. *Shortcomings — India's IPR regime has been questioned at the WTO and WIPO:* - India has often been on the USTR's 'Priority Watch List' for alleged IPR violations. - No scope for evergreening of patents under the Indian Patent Act — a patent cannot be granted if a new invention's properties don't differ significantly from older products. - Compulsory licensing has upset foreign investors — it allows the government to permit companies to use, manufacture or sell a patented invention without the owner's consent. - Lack of data exclusivity for foreign companies — potential for unfair commercial use of test data. **Conclusion** Intellectual property is like the brain of a nation — it needs a conducive environment and enabling atmosphere to grow. Recent steps are in this direction, and more needs to be done keeping in mind the requirements of changing times. --- **Q2\. Comprehensive Space Strategy for India (15 Marks)** **Introduction** - India's ability to secure its use of outer space has played a major role in its growth and prosperity, as outer space has become an important organ for maintaining national security. **OR** - The growing strategic salience of outer space demands substantive national policy action in India — strategic publications detailing the broad direction of space programmes bolster inter-organizational coordination and investor confidence. **Main Body** *Increased private sector participation:* - In India, more than 100 startups are working in the space sector. - Worldwide, large companies like SpaceX and LeoLabs have taken a huge leap in space activities. *Need for a comprehensive policy for outer space:* - **Shaping the global order:** India's strategic interest recognises the centrality of emerging technologies in shaping the 21st-century global order, and the urgency of writing new rules for peace and stability in outer space. - Space has overarching applications and dependencies across almost all aspects of civilian life and military operations. - Space is emerging as a potential fourth arm of India's defence setup. - With the US, Russia and China already pursuing space power status, India must equip itself to meet emerging security challenges. - Increasing competition — New Zealand is positioning itself for private rocket launches; Singapore is offering itself as a hub for space entrepreneurship. - To provide a vision to the private sector to enhance participation. *Other countries vis-à-vis India:* - The UK, China and NATO countries have published strategic publications on the use of space. - China already has its Tiangong space station's first module in orbit and plans a near-earth object defence system within five years; India has no planetary defence plans on the horizon. *Way forward:* - **Balanced approach** addressing in-orbit, Earth-to-space, and space-to-Earth applications — NATO's articulation of space being relevant 'across the spectrum of conflict' is correct. - **Engagement in international fora:** As the UNGA works out norms for responsible behaviour in outer space, India should be not just a participant but a key stakeholder — pressing for unrestricted access to space for all nations. - **Greater Space Situational Awareness (SSA):** Awareness of the location and activities of any space object and its potential impact. - **Permanent presence in space:** ISRO's manned space flight focus, beginning with the Gaganyaan mission. - Accelerate research on defence from near-earth objects; cooperate with international bodies in the short term and plan a planetary defence programme in the long term — without international cooperation, India is unlikely to catch up to China. **Conclusion** The space sector provides immense opportunities for inclusive development in India. The need is for a balanced policy which takes all stakeholders into account. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/MTS.png) #### Mains Test Series 2027 + Mentorship Not just a test series but complete guide to Mains Answer Writing [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-test-series-2027/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **Q3\. Robotics — Applications & Challenges (15 Marks)** **Introduction** - Robotics is a branch of science and technology dealing with the design and manufacture of robots using computer applications — an interdisciplinary field merging mechanical, electronics and computer science engineering. - A robot is a mechanical agent guided by a computer program or electronic circuitry — autonomous or semi-autonomous, ranging from humanoid and industrial robots to collectively programmed 'swarm' robots and even microscopic nano-robots. **Main Body** *Applications of robots:* - **Automobile industry:** Industrial robots known for speed, accuracy and reliability — assembling parts, welding, spraying and material handling. - **Electronics:** Robots fit chips into motherboards — chips too small and difficult for humans to place. - **Military:** Telerobots used as UAVs for operations in dangerous, faraway or inaccessible places. - **Health & medicine:** Robotic surgery; nano-robots deliver medicines to targeted organs. - **Environment:** Nanorobots can clear oil spills and disassemble pollutants, especially non-biodegradable ones. - **Disaster management:** Handling and disposal of nuclear waste, and response during nuclear disasters. - **Other fields:** Exploration, farms, and entertainment. *Robotics projects in India:* - IISc Bangalore and other institutions have robotics laboratories; BARC uses robots in nuclear waste handling. - The Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CAIR), Bangalore developed 'CHATUR' — a robot with a vision sensor to pick up objects in its visual field. - DRDO has initiated a project for robotic soldiers deployed at the LoC — the challenge is integrating cognitive AI skills to differentiate between threat and friend. - DRDO's 'DAKSH' — a counter-terrorist remotely operated robot for handling hazardous material and suspect objects in public places, equipped with multiple surveillance cameras. *Challenges of robotics in India:* - **Hardware procurement:** High cost of imported hardware components and of training personnel. - **Skilled manpower:** Acquiring and retaining quality talent is difficult; the capital-intensive nature of robotics versus low-cost human labour tips the scale toward the latter. - **Educational institutions:** Barring top schools, students lack knowledge across the four-five engineering disciplines needed; most projects replicate what already exists in the public domain. - **Scarcity of good faculty:** Robotics is not taught well to engineering students outside a few regions. **Conclusion** Robotics' advancement sparks concerns over job displacement as robots replace humans in various tasks. As manufacturing adopts robots for efficiency, the government must address job-loss concerns — though proponents argue robots may also create opportunities and jobs in associated sectors through increased efficiency and productivity. --- **Q4\. Metaverse & AI — Challenges and Strategies (15 Marks)** **Introduction** The Metaverse is a virtual universe where users interact with each other and digital entities in real time. Artificial intelligence means the development of intelligent machines that can perform tasks requiring human intelligence. **Main Body** *Challenges presented by the emergence of AI and the Metaverse:* - **Ethical concerns:** Privacy breaches, data security, and potential misuse of personal information; the risk that these technologies perpetuate or amplify discrimination and inequality. - **Economic inequality:** Access might be limited to those who can afford it — deepening the digital divide. - **Job displacement:** AI can automate various tasks — Goldman Sachs predicts mass adoption of AI will impact 300 million jobs. - **Security risks:** New cyber threats and AI-powered attacks — e.g., scammers using deepfakes and cloned voices. - **Dependence on technology:** Over-reliance on AI and the Metaverse for daily activities risks the loss of important life skills. - **Physical health and well-being:** As the Metaverse becomes more immersive, users may spend increasing time in virtual worlds at the expense of their physical health. *Strategies to address these challenges:* - Robust legislation and regulations to safeguard user privacy and ensure responsible data handling. - Inclusive policies ensuring affordable access for all segments of society; develop AI as a public good rather than a commercial product. - Retraining and upskilling initiatives for the evolving job market; create new avenues of employment in emerging Metaverse-related fields. - Strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure, invest in AI-driven security systems, and promote public awareness about online safety. - **Ethical AI development:** Transparency, accountability, and bias-mitigation mechanisms in AI algorithms to avoid discriminatory practices and enhance user trust. - **Global cooperation:** As the Metaverse and AI develop, a digitally advanced, borderless world full of promise is emerging — it needs coordinated governance. **Conclusion** Proactive measures addressing ethical concerns, job displacement, security risks, and inclusivity can unlock the potential of AI and the Metaverse. --- **Q5\. Geospatial Technology — Potential, Challenges & Deregulation (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - Geospatial technology encompasses Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, and Global Positioning Systems (GPS), enabling acquisition of earth-referenced data for analysis, modelling, simulations and visualisation. - India's geospatial economy is valued at ₹38,972 crore and can grow to ₹63,100 crore at 12.8% by 2025. **Main Body** *Geospatial technology is crucial for the country's growth ambitions:* - **Agriculture:** Precision agriculture, monitoring crop conditions. - **Land use management:** Odisha used drone-imagery-based high-resolution maps to grant land titles to slum dwellers — decreased slum population, improved living conditions. - **Employment:** Amazon, Zomato and others use drones for delivery operations, supporting livelihoods. - **Scheme implementation:** Programmes like PM Gati Shakti can be smoothly implemented using geospatial technology. - **Disaster risk reduction:** Cyclone Fani's impact was contained through early warning systems and detection using geospatial information. - **Remote sensing satellites:** The Oceansat series identifies potential fishing zones. - GIS-based initiatives: ISRO's India-WRIS (Water Resources Information System); the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (DST). *Roadblocks to harnessing full potential:* - Despite the National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy 2012, no single platform exists for all departments to collate value-added data. - Challenges with supercomputers and quantum computers vital for data storage and processing — India's fastest supercomputer PARAM-Siddhi AI ranks 63rd. - Absence of a sizable geospatial market — demand is not on a scale linked to India's potential and size. - Lack of skilled manpower across the pyramid. - Lack of a data privacy law. - The NSDI is only partially open and free — limiting innovation-fostering data for the private sector. *Recent policy efforts to deregulate the sector:* - The Centre is working on the National Geospatial Policy and the Indian Satellite Navigation (SATNAV) Policy. - The Guidelines for Geospatial Data have deregulated and liberalised the sector — a watershed moment: access to geospatial data, services and maps for all Indian entities (except sensitive defence/security data); Indian corporations and innovators can generate or update digital geospatial data and maps without prior approvals, security clearance or licences. **Conclusion** India's geospatial initiatives such as BHUVAN and the Water Resources Information System received praise in a UNESCAP report. To unlock the sector's potential, re-skilling, data integration, and enhanced data security are necessary; international collaboration can address digital divide issues. Despite deregulation, an enabling ecosystem is vital for optimal utilisation. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/PTS-2.png) #### Prelims Test Series 2027 Not just a test series but complete guide to Prelims MCQ Solving [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-test-series-2027/?ref=upscprep.com) ### PSIR: Write & Rise - 14 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/psir-write-rise-13-2/ Last updated: 2026-07-23T13:33:46.000Z **Q.Has the Marxist approach to international relations regained relevance in an era of rising global inequality and corporate dominance?** (15 Marks) **How to Approach** Show what Marxism argues, demonstrate using contemporary evidence it explains today's world better than before, add Gramsci's cultural hegemony as the analytical edge, then acknowledge limits briefly in conclusion. **Answer** After the Cold War, many dismissed Marxist IR as irrelevant communism had collapsed and liberal capitalism appeared triumphant. Yet rising global inequality, unchecked corporate power and recurring financial crises have forced a serious reassessment. The Marxist approach is not only relevant it is increasingly explanatory. Marxist IR views the international system as fundamentally hierarchical and exploitative. Capitalism drives world politics, wars, alliances and foreign interventions reflect economic interests of dominant states and corporations rather than security concerns alone. Wallerstein's World Systems Theory captures this through core-periphery dynamics: wealthy states extract cheap resources from poor nations while selling expensive manufactured goods in return, structurally locking the Global South into dependency. Neo-colonialism simply replaced direct colonial rule with economic instruments IMF conditionalities and trade agreements enforce core dominance without troops. The evidence for Marxism's renewed relevance is compelling. Thomas Piketty empirically demonstrated that global capitalism structurally increases inequality confirming Marx's prediction that capitalism concentrates wealth in fewer hands. Corporations like Google, Amazon and Shell now possess resources and political influence comparable to nation-states, shaping trade deals and security arrangements in their own transnational interests. Gramsci's concept of cultural hegemony adds a deeper layer: global capitalism maintains dominance not just through economic control but by making market logic appear natural and inevitable, manufacturing consent for an unequal world order. The 2008 financial crisis and COVID-19 response revealed the same pattern international institutions prioritised saving banks over protecting ordinary workers, confirming Samir Amin's argument that the system protects capital over people. The Marxist approach has genuinely regained relevance; it explains what liberalism cannot: why prosperity coexists with deepening inequality and why crisis management consistently protects capital over people. Its limitation is determinism but as an analytical lens for understanding corporate dominance and global inequality, it remains indispensable. ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 3 - Day 41) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-3-day-41/ Last updated: 2026-07-18T13:15:16.000Z **Topics:** **Science and Technology — developments and their applications and effects in everyday life | Achievements of Indians in science & technology | Indigenization of technology and developing new technology** --- ## Questions **Q1.** 'Frugal Innovation' is one of the most prominent contributions of India to the science and technology community across the world, and has its own set of challenges. Elaborate. **(10 Marks)** **Q2.** Nanotechnology is an evolving field of science and is quickly gathering pace due to a multitude of applications. Enumerate and discuss these applications. **(10 Marks)** **Q3.** Analyse the reasons for the weak research and development ecosystem in India. What are the government steps in spurring the R&D industry? **(15 Marks)** **Q4.** There has been a persistent call for indigenizing the defence sector in India. Why are these persistent demands being made for indigenization? Have any steps been taken to indigenize the defence sector at present? **(15 Marks)** **Q5.** What is quantum computing and what steps are taken by India to promote it? Also discuss the challenges involved in promoting quantum computing. **(10 Marks)** --- ## Model Structures **Q1\. Frugal Innovation (10 Marks)** **Introduction** Frugal innovation, also referred to as "reverse innovation" or "constraint-based innovation", is a distinctive approach to innovation, distinguished both by its means and its ends. **Main Body** *Frugal innovation and India:* - In 2009, BMVSS co-developed the **Jaipur Foot** made of ultra-low-cost oil-filled nylon — requires no tools and takes just under an hour to assemble. - **Mitticool** developed a natural clay refrigerator to store vegetables and fruits and cool water — natural coolness without electricity or any other form of energy. - Priced at just over half the cost of its nearest rival, the **Tata Nano** was the world's cheapest family car. - India's **Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan)** was budgeted at a staggeringly cheap \~$74 million — NASA's MAVEN Mars mission cost ten times as much. *Challenges of frugality in innovation:* - **Structural:** A restrictive Intellectual Property regime results in a lack of importance for IP and its protection — a disincentive for global players to 'innovate in India'; institutional weakness — red-tapism, weak political institutions and corruption. - **Operational:** Talent pipeline — despite abundant labour supply, India lacks labour with adequate skills for innovation; weak logistics — poor distribution networks, inefficient transportation and handling systems. - **Economic:** Despite new networks of investors and venture funds, a big gap remains between available capital and existing opportunities. **Conclusion** Frugal innovation addresses the special requirements of demanding, budget-constrained consumers. India has revived the interest of developed nations by achieving frugality without compromising much on quality, performance, access and scalability. --- **Q2\. Applications of Nanotechnology (10 Marks)** **Introduction** Nanotechnology is the branch of science involving manipulation of matter at the nano level — on the scale of about 1 to 100 nanometres — involving atoms and molecules. **Main Body** It is an interdisciplinary branch involving engineering and science, and owes its development to the Atomic Force Microscope and the Scanning Tunneling Microscope. *Applications of nanotechnology:* - **Medicine:** Nanomaterials like nanomicelles help in better drug delivery, early diagnosis of cancer and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases — targeting so precise that nearby cells and tissues are left unharmed. - **Food:** Nanobiosensors in food help detect pathogens and disease-causing microbes, ensuring stale food is disposed of rather than consumed; also aids food processing by improving mechanical resistance so the original texture is not lost. - **Renewable energy:** Nanotubes and nano-composites enable low-weight parts for windmills and solar panels, reducing production and installation costs. - **Electronics:** Nanotechnology has the potential to replace silicon in electronic devices and microchips, reducing production costs and improving affordability for manufacturers and consumers. - **Technical textiles:** Lightweight, wrinkle-free, affordable and durable clothing for firefighting, cleaning and other tough work. **Conclusion** Nanotechnology is an evolving area, and government efforts like the Mission on Nano Science and Technology (Nano Mission), the Indian Institute of Nano Sciences, and a nanotechnology regulatory board need to be backed by a better research and development atmosphere and investments to make it a success. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/soc-3.png) #### Sociology Test Series + Mentorship Questions prepared keeping in mind the changing nature of UPSC CSE‌‌ [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-test-series-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **Q3\. Weak R&D Ecosystem in India (15 Marks)** **Introduction** Research and development (R&D) is at the core of the economic process — it leads to innovation, and innovation in turn drives economic growth. But despite ample thrust by successive governments, the R&D ecosystem in India is not up to the mark. **Main Body** *Importance of the R&D sector:* - Innovation and technological improvement are essential to combat and adapt to global climate change and promote sustainable development. - Imperative for combating national security threats, from cyber warfare to autonomous military systems like drones. - Investing in research and providing adequate incentives creates jobs, especially for the pool of engineers and researchers. *Reasons for the weak R&D ecosystem:* - **Less investment:** Per UNESCO, India spends only 0.8% of GDP on R&D, versus 2% by China and 2.7% by the US. - **Low private sector participation:** The private sector spends less than 0.2% of GDP on R&D. - **Weak academia–industry linkage:** No linkage between higher education and industrial needs; the education system is heavily exam-oriented, lacking focus on creativity, critical thinking and open-mindedness. - **Less research at university level:** Most research is concentrated in national centres (Raman Research Institute, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science), while university research is neglected. - **Poor research quality:** Much Indian research is published in predatory, non-peer-reviewed journals. - **Lack of infrastructure** needed for research and development. - **Very low FDI:** India attracts only 2.7% of global R&D spending; China attracts 17.5%. - **IPR issues:** Weak enforcement of IPR policies and a weak patents/trademarks regime reduce incentives to invest in innovation and research. *Steps taken by the government:* - **Atal Tinkering Labs:** Dedicated workspaces for students to innovate and develop ideas. - **Atal Incubation Centres:** Promotion of technology businesses and research parks for innovative ideas. - **PM Fellowship Scheme:** Encouraging young talent and result-oriented scholars to take up industrial-level R&D. - **Innovate India:** A platform sharing innovations happening across the nation. - **IMPRINT India:** Adapting engineering and technology to address societal needs and national development. - Policies such as the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy 2013, National IPR Policy, Technology Vision 2035, and Space Vision India 2025. *Way forward:* - Healthy interface with business for syllabus design and incubation centres in faculties — e.g., Israel's Tel Aviv University has its own industrial arm for commercialising research outcomes. - Cooperative partnerships like GIAN with international institutions to promote exchange of data and knowledge. - The Tarun Khanna Committee recommended an umbrella structure for the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM). - A strong IPR regime — stricter laws and better implementation. - Identify focus areas for innovation to solve India's problems — e.g., IMPRINT focuses on ten major areas like health and water. - Learn from successful ISRO models in space technology and apply the lessons in other public R&D institutes. **Conclusion** To achieve a $5 trillion economy and build a New India, a proactive strategy to boost India's R&D ecosystem with support from the public and private sectors is the need of the hour — elevating India to a knowledge-driven society. --- **Q4\. Indigenization of the Defence Sector (15 Marks)** **Introduction** - Indigenization of the defence sector refers to the development and production of defence equipment within the country using local resources, expertise, and industries. *(Definition-based)* - Per the Ministry of Defence, expenditure on defence procurement from foreign sources — 46% of total expenditure during 2018-19 to 2021-22 — has fallen to around 36%, a result of persistent calls for indigenization. *(Statistic-based)* **Main Body** *Need for indigenization:* - **Strategic autonomy:** Dependence on foreign suppliers can compromise national security — in conflicts, embargoes or strained diplomatic relations, suppliers may refuse to deliver crucial equipment. - **Economic considerations:** India is one of the world's largest defence importers; indigenization can significantly reduce the import bill. - **Technological sovereignty:** Full control over the technology used, preventing potential vulnerabilities or sabotage from foreign equipment. - **Boost to domestic industry:** Job creation and contribution to economic growth. - **Defence readiness:** Despite spending close to $50 billion annually, India may be underprepared for the battles of today, especially those close to home. - **Boost confidence:** Indigenous equipment grows the trust of the military and improves India's international standing. - **National security:** Shortage of components for imported equipment poses maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) challenges. - **Reduce fiscal burden:** India is the second-largest arms importer in the world. - **Employment generation:** Government estimates suggest 100,000–120,000 highly skilled jobs if defence imports fall 20–25%, plus widespread innovation, spin-off industries and start-ups. - **Boost exports:** India is the 23rd-largest exporter of defence products (SIPRI); it can sell equipment and technologies to its neighbours. *Steps taken to indigenize the defence sector:* - **Public-Private Partnership:** DRDO, DPSUs, Ordnance Factory Board and private organisations play critical roles. - **Procurement Policy:** The Defence Procurement Procedure institutionalises, streamlines and simplifies procurement to support Make in India. - **Offset Policy:** Using capital purchases to support the growth of the domestic defence sector. - **Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020:** Promotes domestic creation and production of defence products. - **Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme:** Modern testing infrastructure with an investment of ₹400 crore in collaboration with industry. - **Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy 2020 (DPEPP):** A guiding document for a focused, structured push for self-reliance and exports. - **Spending on indigenous production:** Capital outlay on defence services for FY 2022-23 exceeds ₹1,50,000 crore. - **Defence Industrial Corridors:** Two corridors planned as hubs for defence manufacturing. - **Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan:** Positive-indigenisation lists of weapons/platforms that will not be imported in future. - **DRDO:** Indigenous development of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), and the Akash missile system. **Conclusion** While significant steps have been taken towards indigenization of the defence sector, challenges remain — bureaucratic hurdles, limited private sector participation, and lack of R&D funding. --- **Q5\. Quantum Computing — Steps & Challenges (10 Marks)** **Introduction** Quantum computing is a field of computing which works at the quantum level and uses properties like superposition, entanglement and interference to perform complex tasks and calculations. It expresses the distinctive way in which matter and energy behave at the atomic and subatomic level. **Main Body** Quantum computing follows the principles of quantum physics and uses quantum bits (qubits), as opposed to classical computing, which follows classical physics and processes information in binary '1s' and '0s'. *Programs and initiatives to promote quantum computing:* - **QuEST (Quantum Enabled Science and Technology):** Launched by the Department of Science and Technology to develop infrastructure and improve research. - **National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications:** To build a skilled workforce of 25,000 in five years — pushing quantum key distribution, encryption, quantum sensing and quantum communication. - **Quantum Computer Simulator toolkit:** A research environment for academicians, research scholars and the scientific community. - Department of Space lab work demonstrating quantum entanglement using quantum key distribution. *Challenges:* - Quantum computers require a lot of energy for cooling to just above absolute zero — otherwise heat generates errors in qubits. - High interference causes errors in quantum calculations and algorithms. - Lack of a skilled and trained workforce affects rapid development. - India lacks resources, raw materials and capability to domestically manufacture quantum computing hardware, making it import-dependent. **Conclusion** Quantum computing is an evolving field in which substantial funding for research and development is needed. To ensure science is used for the sustainable benefit of humanity without harming the environment, better research facilities are required. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/ITS.png) #### Integrated Test Series 2027 with Mentorship Not just a test series but complete guide to Prelims MCQ Solving and Mains Answer Writing [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/best-value-integrated-test-series-2027-with-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### PSIR: Write & Rise - 13 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/psir-write-rise-13/ Last updated: 2026-07-17T14:03:53.000Z **Q. What are the core assumptions of Idealism as an approach to the study of International Relations? Discuss its continuing relevance in the contemporary world. (15 Marks)** --- **How to Approach** Explain core assumptions clearly first, then assess contemporary relevance with examples. Small critical note in conclusion only — don't give failures a full paragraph. Use Hedley Bull for the bridge between assumptions and relevance. --- **Answer** Idealism emerged after World War I when scholars and statesmen sought an alternative to power politics. Rooted in optimism about human nature, it argued that war was not inevitable and that international cooperation could build lasting peace. Idealism rests on four foundational beliefs. First, human beings are naturally rational and capable of moral progress. States can learn to cooperate rather than compete. Second, war is caused by specific conditions: imperialist ambitions, authoritarian regimes and absence of collective security, not by human nature itself. Third, international institutions can manage conflict. Woodrow Wilson's League of Nations embodied this, creating forums where states resolve disputes through dialogue rather than force. Wilson described institutions as transforming the “jungle into a zoo.” Fourth, democracy, international law and free trade reinforce peace. Democratic states rarely fight each other and economic interdependence raises the cost of conflict. Despite E.H. Carr's critique of Idealism as utopian after World War II, its core assumptions remain alive in contemporary world politics. Hedley Bull acknowledged that institutions helped shift international relations from complete anarchy toward an “anarchical society” where rules and norms genuinely shape state behaviour. The United Nations, WTO and Paris Climate Accord are all built on idealist foundations. The European Union represents idealism's greatest practical success, former enemies building lasting peace through shared institutions. On climate change, AI governance and global health, multilateral cooperation remains the only viable approach — precisely what idealists always argued. Idealism correctly identified that institutions, law and cooperation matter in world politics. While power politics still shapes daily international reality, as Russia-Ukraine and the 2025 tariff war demonstrate, idealism sets the aspirational architecture without which global governance would be impossible. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/PSIR-T.png) #### PSIR Optional + Mentorship with Test Series Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE by Neelam Bhatia [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-with-test-series-4pb2kampmcfr/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 3 - Day 40) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-3-day-40/ Last updated: 2026-07-17T13:15:00.000Z **Topics:** **Land reforms in India | Effects of liberalization on the economy | Changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth** --- ## Questions **Q1.** Land reform is an ongoing task since independence which has succeeded only in a few pockets. Discuss the need for land reforms and what are the problems in it. **(10 Marks)** **Q2.** What are the features of digitization of land records that have been undergoing in India? Highlight the initiatives taken by the government in this regard and evaluate the challenges involved in the digitization of land records in India. **(15 Marks)** **Q3.** What were the key goals and initiatives of the New Economic Policy of 1991? Examine the reforms' significant accomplishments and drawbacks during the previous 32 years. **(15 Marks)** **Q4.** The manufacturing sector in India has faced several challenges that have hindered its growth and potential. Examine the hindrances faced by the sector and assess the success of the Make in India program in strengthening India's manufacturing sector. **(15 Marks)** **Q5.** The revision in definitions of MSMEs is a necessary but not sufficient action needed to reform the sector. Analyze. **(10 Marks)** --- ## Model Structures **Q1\. Land Reforms — Need & Problems (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - Land reforms include all exercises that involve redistributing land to the landless and bringing parity in society so that all sections have access to land. - They aim at improving the income and bargaining power of weaker sections of society. **Main Body** In the past, land ownership belonged to zamindars and jagirdars, and the actual cultivators had no ownership rights. Tenant exploitation was rampant, with a proliferation of intermediaries through land leases. *Need for land reforms:* - Socialism is part of the basic structure of the Constitution and the Directive Principles, making land redistribution indispensable. - Land ceilings help transfer surplus land from big farmers to small and marginal farmers. - Ensure better agricultural productivity and involve women in the development process. - Protect tribals from being evicted from their land. - Address rural poverty and register all tenant holdings with local bodies so that government initiatives like insurance schemes can be easily availed. *Problems in land reforms:* - Implementation was inefficient as lower-level officials were hand in glove with zamindars. - Poor availability of land records — without documentation, no action could be taken. - The 'personal cultivation' clause was loosely defined and prone to misinterpretation. - Judicial delays, case after case, ultimately made the whole exercise ineffective. **Conclusion** To make land reforms a success, modern-day steps like land digitization, leasing of unviable land, and re-consolidation of land holdings can be undertaken. --- **Q2\. Digitization of Land Records (15 Marks)** **Introduction** - The digitization of land records is a key component of land reforms — aiming at a transparent, integrated, citizen-friendly system ensuring the right of property for all, eliminating errors in physical records and increasing efficiency. *(General)* - Land records digitisation can help accelerate India's GDP by as much as 1.3%, according to Prof. M. Sridhar Acharyulu of the Central Information Commission. *(Data-based)* - The government revamped the National Land Record Modernization Programme (NLRMP) into the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) in 2016\. *(Scheme-based)* **Main Body** *Features of digitization of land records:* - Computerization of existing land records, transfers and the registration process. - Digitization of maps and integration of all data types — spatial and textual records. - Survey/resurvey and updating of settlement records. - Development of core GIS and capacity building. - DILRMP intends to move from presumptive titles towards conclusive, state-guaranteed titles. - A Central Sector scheme extended to 2023-24, implemented by the Department of Land Resources (Ministry of Rural Development). *Government initiatives:* - **SVAMITVA Scheme:** Mapping land parcels in rural inhabited areas using drone technology and Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS). - **DILRMP:** Streamlining and reducing land and property disputes, improving transparency in land-record maintenance. - Karnataka was the first state to computerize land records under the **Bhoomi Project**. *Challenges in digitization:* - **Multiple documents across departments:** Land ownership is established through documents maintained by different departments — cumbersome to access. - **Poor progress in computerization:** States like Karnataka and Odisha have completed 100%, but many others lag. - **Land conflicts:** Hundreds of laws and unclear titles make up about two-thirds of all civil cases in Indian courts. - **Ownership identification issues:** India registers sale deeds, not land titles — the transaction is registered, not the title. - **Data discrepancies:** Different departments maintain land data that is not updated often. - **High cost of property registration:** People avoid registration to escape stamp duty. - **Registration Act, 1908:** Does not mandate registration for government land acquisition or leases under one year. - Lack of awareness and human resources. **Conclusion** The digitization of land records is a significant stride towards effective land reforms. The government should focus on enhanced Centre–state cooperation for a uniform approach, digital literacy, better infrastructure, and stringent cybersecurity to protect data. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/Soc-2.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course (with Mentorship) ****Answer Writing Practice** in class itself - Daily Practice Questions --- **Q3\. New Economic Policy, 1991 — Goals, Accomplishments & Drawbacks (15 Marks)** **Introduction** The New Economic Policy of 1991 refers to economic liberalisation — relaxation of import tariffs, deregulation of markets, opening markets to private and foreign players, and reduction of taxes to expand the economy. **Main Body** *Key goals of NEP 1991:* - Enter 'globalisation' and make the economy more market-oriented. - Reduce the inflation rate and rectify imbalances in payments. - Increase growth and create sufficient foreign exchange reserves. - Stabilise the economy and remove unwanted restrictions. - Allow international flow of goods, capital, services, technology and human resources. - Enhance private participation — sectors reserved for government were reduced to just 3. *Major initiatives:* - **Liberalisation:** Deregulation of industry (licence removal, price decontrol, de-reservation of small-scale commodities); financial sector reforms (RBI as facilitator, foreign investment allowed, private banks permitted); tax reforms (lower direct and indirect rates, simplified procedures); foreign exchange reforms (rupee devaluation, market-determined exchange rates). - **Privatisation:** Outright sale of PSUs or withdrawal of government from management; disinvestment of equity to the private sector; Navratna and Maharatna status for operational autonomy. - **Globalisation:** Outsourcing grew as foreign companies hired Indian talent, fuelled by the IT industry; India was a founder member of the WTO (successor to GATT), which aims to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers. *Accomplishments:* - **Short term:** Inflation fell from a peak of 17% (August 1991) to \~8.5% within 2.5 years; forex reserves rose from $1.2 billion (June 1991) to over $15 billion (1994); GDP growth rose from 1.1% (1991-92) to 4% (1992-93); fiscal deficit fell from 8.4% to 5.7%; exports more than doubled between 1990-91 and 1993-94. - **Long term:** India remained the world's second fastest-growing economy behind China until 2015; total FDI of $371 billion by March 2016; improved capital flows; forex reserves at $608 billion (2021) vs $5.8 billion (1991); stronger stock markets; reduced political risk for investors; diversification for investors; agri exports touched $400 billion recently; environmental laws strengthened through global integration (Kyoto Protocol, Biodiversity Act); per capita GNI more than doubled since 2005 and over 271 million people moved out of multidimensional poverty in a decade. *Drawbacks:* - Destabilisation — tremendous redistribution of economic and political power. - FDI in banking and insurance reduced the government's stake. - Threat from multinationals to local Indian firms. - Rapid technological change forced many small-scale industries to adapt or close. - **Rising inequality:** Wealth inequality reached 42.5% in 2020; Oxfam (2021) claimed India's top 1% owned about 77% of the country's wealth. - **Jobless growth:** The service sector (from \~25% to over 50% of GDP) gained most, but it is not labour-intensive. *Way forward:* - Sustain public expenditure to revive growth in the short term. - Mutually supportive reforms — a strategic core package rather than a long list. - Improve the investment climate so entrepreneurs are encouraged to take risks. - Maruti model of disinvestment — reduce government ownership to 26% with strategic partners. - Multi-stakeholder approach — Centre working in tandem with states and consulting affected stakeholders. **Conclusion** The 1991 reforms helped the economy stave off a crisis and then bloom. It is time to outline a credible new reform agenda that not only restores GDP but ensures growth rates higher than pre-pandemic levels. --- **Q4\. Manufacturing Sector & Make in India (15 Marks)** **Introduction** Manufacturing is among the major economic activities involving value addition, with positive multiplier effects on the economy. India has the fifth-largest manufacturing base in the world, yet despite government impetus the sector has not lived up to expectations due to several inefficiencies. **Main Body** *Challenges hindering the manufacturing sector:* - **Lack of certified factories:** Global corporations prefer ISO/BSI-certified factories; China has a high percentage of them, India has limited compliance. - **Weak infrastructure:** India allocates only \~3% of GDP for construction, versus China's \~20%. - **Inadequate power supply:** Annual power gap exceeds 10%; per capita power consumption is among the lowest globally. - Manufacturing schemes rely on foreign capital and global markets, causing uncertainty in domestic production; policy implementation is neglected. Government initiatives such as **Make in India, Startup India and Digital India** aim to make India the top global FDI destination and improve Ease of Doing Business. *Three major objectives of Make in India:* 1. Increase the manufacturing growth rate to 12–14% per annum. 2. Create 100 million additional manufacturing jobs by 2022. 3. Raise manufacturing's contribution to GDP to 25% by 2022 (revised to 2025) from \~16%. *Evaluation of Make in India:* - Gross fixed capital formation declined to 29% of GDP in 2017-18 from 34% in 2011-12, partly due to a falling savings rate. - Manufacturing IIP registered double-digit growth on only two occasions between 2012 and 2019. - Industrial employment has not kept pace with new entries into the labour market; NSSO put unemployment at 6%, the highest in four decades. - On all three counts Make in India has fallen short — though grand initiatives have long gestation periods, and short-span assessments can be premature. *Way forward:* - **Infrastructure investments:** Large-scale investment will itself create enormous growth opportunities. - **Policy interventions:** Design policies to increase workers' skills and firms' access to finance. - **Judicious import policy** to regulate production and generate greater employment. - **Eliminating 'policy casualness':** Avoid policy announcements without implementation preparedness. - **Imparting skill:** Improve teaching in schools and colleges; high-quality vocational training within the education system. **Conclusion** Boosting manufacturing is crucial for India's growth beyond jobs — it reduces reliance on agriculture, exports and services and enhances economic diversification. Upgrading and reforming the sector is essential for global competitiveness and for the success of Make in India and Skill India. --- **Q5\. MSME Definition Revision — Necessary but Not Sufficient (10 Marks)** **Introduction** 6.3 crore registered MSMEs are the backbone of the resilient economy — contributing one-third of GDP and employing more than 10 crore people (NSSO). Considering this, the government has undertaken many reforms, including a change in the criteria to classify MSMEs (a composite definition for manufacturing and service enterprises). **Main Body** *Benefits of the updated definition:* - **Access to benefits:** Micro and small enterprises get incentives like lower interest rates on bank loans for plant and machinery, collateral-free loans, and government guarantees. - **Turnover-based definition:** Helps sectors such as gems and jewellery, cables and conductors, where turnover largely reflects raw material costs. - **Removes the fear of growing:** Companies previously chose to remain small to retain MSME benefits. - **Transparency** in implementing the MSME Act's provisions. - **Formalisation:** Almost 86% of manufacturing MSMEs are unregistered — simplified categorisation with uniform criteria may encourage registration. *Challenges that remain unaddressed:* - **Crowding out:** More firms in the MSME category could crowd out genuinely small manufacturers, lowering their access to concessional loans. - **Infrastructure constraints:** Poor access to electricity, water, road and rail connectivity makes products uncompetitive. - **Human capital:** Largely manual-labour based; lack of skills in new technologies limits productivity. - **Technological backwardness:** Divergence between research institutions and MSME needs leaves technology obsolete. - **Regulatory cholesterol:** MSMEs require many government services and approvals — India ranks 137 in the 'starting a business' category of the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business. **Conclusion** COVID-19 and structural reforms like GST and demonetisation caused a slowdown in the MSME sector. MSMEs have an important role in India's journey from an emerging power to an established economic powerhouse — the government must provide many more enabling provisions to ensure their rapid growth. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/sociology-1.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course + Test Series (with Mentorship) 250+ hours of lectures covering Sociology from Basics to Advance level [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-test-series-with-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### PSIR: Write and Rise - 12 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/psir-write-and-rise-12/ Last updated: 2026-07-17T14:03:30.000Z **Q. Discuss the Hyperglobalist and Sceptic perspectives on globalisation. Which view better explains the persistence of state sovereignty in the 21st century? (15 Marks)** --- **How to Approach** Explain both perspectives with thinkers, take a clear position on which better explains state sovereignty today. Use current examples. One line on Transformationalist in conclusion. --- **Answer** Does globalisation make states weaker or does state power remain intact? This is one of the most important debates in Comparative Politics, and the Hyperglobalist and Sceptical perspectives give completely opposite answers. **The Hyperglobalist View** Kenichi Ohmae argued that globalisation has created a borderless world where markets, multinational corporations and digital platforms have become more powerful than governments. States are increasingly forced to follow rules set by international trade agreements, financial markets and global institutions rather than making their own choices. Companies like Google, Meta and Amazon operate across the world beyond any single government's real control, supporting this argument. **The Sceptical View** Paul Hirst and Grahame Thompson disagreed strongly. They argued that what we call globalisation is simply older patterns of international trade and investment continuing, not something new or revolutionary. States still control taxation, law, citizenship, borders and security. International organisations only work because sovereign states agree to them. Regional blocs like the EU and ASEAN show that economic integration is mostly regional, not truly global. The Sceptical view clearly fits the 21st century better. The 2025 tariff war, the US CHIPS Act, India's PLI schemes and friend-shoring of supply chains all show states actively directing globalisation rather than being weakened by it. Brexit and the global rise of economic nationalism confirm that sovereignty is still the most powerful force in world politics. David Held got it right: globalisation has not ended sovereignty but changed its character. States remain the most important actors, but now share power with global markets and institutions. Sovereignty today is negotiated, not absolute, but it is very much alive. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-01-at-6.47.39---PM.png) #### PSIR Optional Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-with-test-series-4pb2kampmcfr/?ref=upscprep.com) ### PSIR: Write and Rise - 11 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/psir-write-and-rise-11/ Last updated: 2026-07-16T15:56:31.000Z **Q. The 2025–26 global tariff war and the resurgence of protectionism signal a shift from globalisation to ‘strategic decoupling.’ Critically examine this trend and its implications for global economic interdependence and national sovereignty.** --- **How to Approach** Establish what strategic decoupling means, examine its implications for interdependence and sovereignty, then critically assess whether this is a genuine shift or globalization simply restructuring itself. --- **Answer** The post-2025 global tariff war marked by sweeping US tariffs on Chinese goods, retaliatory measures and friend-shoring of supply chains signals a fundamental shift in how states relate to global economic interdependence. Strategic decoupling refers to nations deliberately reducing dependence on rivals in critical sectors like semiconductors, clean energy and defence manufacturing. **From Hyperglobalisation to Strategic Autonomy** The post-Cold War consensus that deeper integration benefits all has collapsed. COVID-19 exposed supply chain vulnerabilities, and growing US-China rivalry pushed states toward what Philip Cerny called the Competition State, prioritising national economic security over open markets. The US CHIPS Act, India's PLI schemes and the EU's Strategic Autonomy agenda all reflect this shift from market logic to geopolitically driven industrial policy. **Implications for Interdependence and Sovereignty** Strategic decoupling does not end interdependence; it restructures it around geopolitical alignment rather than economic efficiency. As Joseph Stiglitz warns, this fragmentation raises costs, reduces innovation and risks splitting the global economy into competing blocs. Developing countries face the sharpest consequences, pressured to choose sides rather than benefit from open access to all markets. Paradoxically, decoupling both strengthens sovereignty by reclaiming policy space and complicates it by raising the economic cost of genuine autonomy, as David Held's concept of complex interdependence suggests. Strategic decoupling is not deglobalisation; it is globalisation reorganised along geopolitical lines. The real challenge is building resilient interdependence that preserves strategic autonomy without abandoning the cooperative frameworks needed for climate, digital and health governance. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/photo_6116086318191284609_y-1.jpg) #### PSIR Optional Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-with-test-series-4pb2kampmcfr/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 3 - Day 39) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-3-day-39/ Last updated: 2026-07-16T13:15:21.000Z **Topics:** PDS — objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping | Buffer stocks & food security | Technology missions | Economics of animal-rearing | Food processing & related industries — scope, significance, location, upstream/downstream requirements, supply chain management --- ## Questions **Q1.** The Public Distribution System was introduced to make food grains available to the needy and marginalized sections. What are the issues involved in this system and suggest some reforms which can be implemented? **(15 Marks)** **Q2.** What are the primary issues related to procurement and storage by the Food Corporation of India? Suggest some measures to improve storage facilities in India. **(10 Marks)** **Q3.** India needs to accord more significance to nutritional security than food security. Comment. In this context, suggest a framework that should be adopted by the government to achieve nutritional self-reliance. **(15 Marks)** **Q4.** Analyze the role of the fisheries sector in the food processing sector in India. **(10 Marks)** **Q5.** The goal of doubling the farm income will depend on the growth of food processing industries. In the light of this statement, discuss the challenges faced by the food processing industry in India. **(15 Marks)** --- ## Model Structures **Q1\. PDS — Issues & Reforms (15 Marks)** **Introduction** The Public Distribution System is a food security system which aims to distribute food grains and other food items at affordable prices to people fulfilling set criteria. Both central and state governments are involved — the Centre procures, stores and transports grains, and state governments distribute them. **Main Body** *Issues in the PDS:* - Huge leakages result in black marketing — causing inflation and depriving target beneficiaries of their entitlements. - FCI is mandated to store the grains, but many audits have pointed out the incapacity of godowns, resulting in rotting of grains. - Large inclusion and exclusion errors due to corruption and negligence at lower levels — undue benefits for the non-entitled and losses for deserving beneficiaries. - No limit to procurement even when demand is met or godowns are full — open-ended procurement creates shortage in the open market, fuelling inflation. - PDS and MSP are interlinked, and both are major contributors to environmental issues like depletion of the groundwater table and salinization of soils. *Reform measures:* - **Wadhwa Committee:** Technology-driven PDS to plug leakages and ensure timely disbursal of food grains to targeted beneficiaries. - **One Nation One Ration Card** for portability — migrants can avail food grains on ration cards of their home state. - **Aadhaar-linked authentication** of beneficiaries to plug leakages and remove middlemen. - **Smart cards** to prevent counterfeiting — done by states like Haryana and Andhra Pradesh. - **GPS technology** to monitor the status and location of PDS trucks so that no food is diverted to middlemen. **Conclusion** PDS is indispensable in the long run because of the enormous benefits it entails. To make it more robust, steps like social audits, GPS-enabling and colour-coding of trucks in all states, and bio-fortification of food are needed to ensure nutrition security along with food security. --- **Q2\. FCI — Procurement & Storage Issues (10 Marks)** **Introduction** The Food Corporation of India (FCI) is primarily responsible for procuring and storing food grains to maintain buffer stock, supporting farmers with MSP, and ensuring food security through PDS. However, several challenges hinder FCI's operational efficiency. **Main Body** *Issues in procurement and storage by the FCI:* - **Inefficient procurement:** Despite MSP, procurement is limited to a few crops and states — inequitable distribution of benefits and regional imbalance. - **Overstocking:** Stocks often far exceed buffer norms — high carrying costs including storage, interest charges, and wastage losses. - **Lack of scientific storage:** Gunny bags are still used instead of canisters or metal containers. - **Poor pest management:** Modern Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures for exports require sophistication that is absent. - **Substandard storage infrastructure:** Leads to a high degree of spoilage and wastage. - **Non-adherence to First-In-First-Out (FIFO):** CAG has noted grains harvested later are dispatched for PDS while earlier-procured grains remain in warehouses. - **Imbalanced storage facilities:** Per CAG, 64% of total storage space is located in large procurement states — Punjab, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, UP and Chhattisgarh. - Modern methods like automation, silos and automatic pest control are not employed. *Measures to improve storage facilities:* - Modernization and upgradation of bulk grain handling infrastructure. - **PPP:** Inviting private investment in modern storage facilities, as in the U.S. - **Scientific storage:** Adopt silos and similar technologies to cut grain wastage significantly. - **Decentralized procurement:** More states procuring locally reduces FCI's burden and saves transport and storage costs. - **Warehouse Receipt System:** Negotiable warehouse receipts prevent distress sales and reduce the burden on FCI storage. - **Technology:** GIS mapping for efficient storage management, tracking, and timely offloading of stocks. - Adequate manpower and supervision for scientific, safe storage; implement Shanta Kumar Committee recommendations; increase accreditation of cold storage for perishables. **Conclusion** The effectiveness of FCI is crucial for India's food security. Procurement and storage issues must be addressed through technological solutions, international best practices, decentralization and private sector participation. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/PSIR-tt.png) #### PSIR Test Series (16 Tests) + Mentorship Questions prepared keeping in mind the changing nature of UPSC CSE‌‌ [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **Q3\. Nutritional Security over Food Security (15 Marks)** **Introduction** Food security is defined as the availability of and access to food for all people, whereas nutrition security demands the intake of a wide range of foods providing the essential nutrients. **Main Body** *Need to accord more significance to nutritional security:* - **Persistence of undernutrition:** Global Nutrition Report 2020 — 37.9% of children under 5 are stunted and 20.8% wasted; among adults, 22.5% are underweight. - **Micronutrient deficiency:** NFHS-4 — 58.6% of children, 53.2% of non-pregnant women and 50.4% of pregnant women were anaemic (2016). National Nutrition Survey — zinc deficiency in 19% of preschool children and 32% of adolescents; Vitamin B12, A and D deficiencies range from 14% to 31%. - **Rising obesity and NCDs:** Per 'Food and Nutrition Security Analysis, India 2019', energy and protein intake from cereals has decreased while consumption of oils, fats, fast food, processed food and sugary beverages has increased — driving obesity. Around 5.8 million people die per year in India from preventable non-communicable diseases. - Without nutrition security, an active and healthy life for all is not possible — moving from food security to nutritional self-reliance requires a different strategy. *Framework to achieve nutritional self-reliance:* - Mainstream the nutrition dimension into national missions (Food Security Act, National Health Mission) with defined input and output parameters for monitoring; dovetail malnutrition schemes under one authority. - Draw area production plans for animal husbandry and crops based on agro-ecological zones and the changing climate. - Shift from incentivising a few crops through MSP to encouraging pulses, oilseeds, poultry products etc. - Strengthen PDS and expand its commodity basket to include millets, pulses and oils. - Improve quality of agricultural products — higher R&D expenditure, stringent enforcement of regulations, private-sector collaboration, extensive use of digital technologies. - Raise fortified staples and micronutrient content in Mid-Day Meals; serve nutritious breakfast to elementary students as envisioned by NEP 2020. - More frequent awareness campaigns such as the 'Eat Right India' initiative; tax unhealthy food and drinks heavily and discourage their advertisements. - Create an ecosystem for collecting and converting used cooking oil (UCO) into biodiesel so it is not reused for edible purposes. **Conclusion** The National Nutrition Mission and ICDS are important measures in this context. They should be complemented by large-scale expansion of food fortification, equitable food distribution, proper maternal, infant and childcare practices, and adequate hygiene and sanitation. --- **Q4\. Fisheries Sector in Food Processing (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - India is the third largest fish-producing country, contributing 8% to global fish production, and ranks second in aquaculture production. *(Fact-based)* **OR** - Contributing to food security, nutrition, and employment, fisheries has emerged as a vibrant sector of the country's economy. **Main Body** *Role of the fisheries sector in the food processing industry:* - **Contribution to processed food:** Fish is a major component — canned fish, fish meal, fish oil, and frozen fish. Marine products, especially shrimp, have become a top agri-export commodity. - **Employment generation:** Direct and indirect employment, particularly in ancillary industries like fish processing, packaging, and export. - **Culinary diversity:** India's diverse culinary traditions offer processors the opportunity to develop value-added seafood products with unique Indian flavours. - **Diversification of the food industry:** A range of processed and value-added products — canned fish, frozen seafood, fish fillets, fish oil, fishmeal — for domestic and international markets. - **Nutritional value:** Fish and seafood are rich in essential nutrients, proteins and omega-3 fatty acids. *Challenges:* Overfishing, climate change impacts, inadequate cold chain infrastructure, low processing levels, poor quality control, and lack of credit and insurance facilities. **Conclusion** The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is a step in the right direction. Further, promoting public-private partnerships, providing credit facilities, investing in cold chain infrastructure, promoting R&D, and capacity-building of fishermen can transform the sector. --- **Q5\. Food Processing Industry & Doubling Farm Income (15 Marks)** **Introduction** The Food Processing Industry (FPI) consists of a series of operations on food or raw materials to change or preserve them, adding value for better price realisation. Indian FPI contributes around 9% of Gross Value Added in agriculture and 13% of India's exports. As India aims to double farm income, FPI has a critical role to play. **Main Body** *Role of FPI in doubling farmers' income:* - **Modern infrastructure:** Facilities along the value chain through a cluster-based approach — e.g., Mega Food Parks. - **Cold chain and value addition:** Integrated cold chain, preservation and value-addition facilities protect farmers from post-harvest losses of horticulture and non-horticulture produce. - **Technology transfer and agri-education:** Entrepreneurs educate farmers and share technological know-how — a symbiotic relationship that improves farm productivity. - **Promotion of local varieties:** Local and traditional processed foods sold nationally and internationally via e-commerce — e.g., Indian pickles add to the incomes of women farmers. - **Higher profits to farmers:** Direct procurement from farm gates reduces intermediary cuts and transportation costs. - **Infrastructure development:** 100% FDI is permitted through the automatic route in FPI — boosting rural infrastructure and reducing disguised unemployment in agriculture. *Challenges faced by FPI in India:* - **Lack of standardisation** and quality checks to ensure conformity with global standards. - **Administrative issues:** Overlapping and diverging central and state laws result in ineffective functioning. - **Supply-related issues:** Dependence on monsoon, land fragmentation, low land productivity — supply constraints hindering processing and sale. - **Inadequate infrastructure:** Poor connectivity, low electrification, traditional transport, inadequate storage and cold chains — loss of farm produce. - **Legal restrictions:** The APMC Act restricts open selling of farm produce, creating issues for farmers and FPIs alike. - **Lack of skilled manpower:** Rural workers lack modern skills, so FPIs near farms face a shortfall of skilled labour. *Way forward:* - India processes less than 10% of its agricultural output — immense opportunity to boost processing levels and attract investment. - Growth will be led by retail demand and health-conscious consumers — a strong crop value chain with adequate funding and technology, routed via the MSME sector. - Agro Processing Clusters (Ministry of Food Processing) to develop modern infrastructure and common facilities; PM Kisan Sampada Yojana supports creation of food processing units, classified under agriculture for priority sector lending. - ASSOCHAM estimates the sector can attract USD 33 billion investment and generate 9 million jobs. **Conclusion** The food processing industry plays a crucial role in connecting Indian farmers to consumers in domestic and international markets. The Ministry of Food Processing Industries is doing everything possible to encourage investment throughout the value chain. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/PSIR-T.png) #### PSIR Optional + Mentorship with Test Series Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE by Neelam Bhatia [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-with-test-series-4pb2kampmcfr/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 3 - Day 38) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-3-day-38/ Last updated: 2026-07-15T13:15:03.000Z **Topics:** **Government Budgeting | Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways | Investment Models** --- ## Questions **Q1.** Critically analyse the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003, in the context of the Indian economy. What do you think are the reasons for non-adherence to FRBM Act? **(15 Marks)** **Q2.** In the present time, there is a growing consensus to introduce 'participatory budgeting' in India. In light of this, explain 'participatory budgeting' and identify the challenges associated with it in India. **(10 Marks)** **Q3.** Discuss the vital role played by the Indian ports and shipping industry in sustaining growth in the country. Also, analyse the role of the Sagarmala Project in enabling the ports to become drivers of port-led economic development. **(15 Marks)** **Q4.** National Monetization Pipeline could be a game changer for the Indian economy, but at the same time it is marred with various challenges. Discuss. **(15 Marks)** **Q5.** Public-private partnership (PPP) offers the public sector potential cost, quality and scale advantages in achieving infrastructure service targets. However, it is not a panacea for all the public sector's funding and infrastructure problems. Analyse. **(10 Marks)** --- ## Model Structures **Q1\. FRBM Act, 2003 — Critical Analysis (15 Marks)** **Introduction** - The FRBM Act, 2003 is an Act of the Parliament that aims to institutionalise fiscal discipline, reduce fiscal deficit, and improve macroeconomic management and overall management of public funds in India to move towards a balanced budget. *(General)* - According to the Hon'ble Finance Minister, the fiscal deficit is estimated to be 5.9 per cent of GDP in 2023-24\. The FRBM Act, 2003 prescribes the limit of Fiscal Deficit to be 3% of the GDP. *(Data-based)* **Main Body** One of the key targets of the FRBM Act is to limit the Fiscal Deficit to 3% of GDP. However, the target date has been pushed forward through successive amendments to the Act. *Analysis of FRBM Act:* - **Debt Management:** Instrumental in reducing the fiscal deficit and revenue deficit over the years; helped curtail accumulation of debt and instil fiscal discipline. - **Fiscal Prudence:** Underscored the principle of inter-generational equity in fiscal management — the burden of debt is not passed on to future generations. - **Transparency and Accountability:** By mandating the government to lay out its fiscal policies and proposals, the Act enhanced transparency and accountability of government finances. - **Limitations:** No mechanism to prevent the occurrence of revenue deficit; lacks clarity in defining the escape clauses. - **Cyclical Adjustments:** Fails to consider the cyclical nature of the economy, where periods of growth and recession alternate. - **Rigid Targets:** Can be counterproductive during downturns when government spending needs to increase to stimulate the economy (e.g. COVID-19). *Reasons for non-adherence to FRBM Act:* - **Escape Clause:** The circumstance in which the Central Government can deviate from fiscal deficit targets. Three conditions: 1. Over-riding considerations of national security, acts of war, calamities of national proportion and collapse of agriculture severely affecting farm output and incomes; 2. Far-reaching structural reforms in the economy with unanticipated fiscal implications; 3. A sharp decline in real output growth of at least 3 percentage points below the average of the previous four quarters. - Because of this clause, the goalposts for fiscal targets have been moved multiple times over the past two decades. - **Amendments to FRBM Act:** Amendments are permissible through money bills (Finance Bills), making it easy to shift target dates — e.g., the date of eliminating Revenue Deficit was gradually shifted through amendments in 2004, 2012, 2015 and 2018. **Conclusion** Non-adherence to the FRBM Act often stems from structural and cyclical issues that need to be addressed holistically. A balanced approach, combining fiscal discipline with the flexibility to respond to economic dynamics, is necessary for effective fiscal management in India. --- **Q2\. Participatory Budgeting (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - Participatory Budgeting refers to a method of democratic decision-making where there is active involvement of people in the processes of budget priority setting and management. - *(In India, participatory budgeting practices have been implemented in Kerala, Pune and Delhi.)* **Main Body** *Growing consensus to introduce participatory budgeting as it:* - Promotes a bottom-up approach, where citizens and civil society along with the relevant organs of the government and legislature deliberate and negotiate over the distribution of public resources. - Maximises equity in policy choices through democratisation of public policy formulation, leading to better policy outcomes. - Is an effective means to secure good governance through needs-based planning and budgetary allocations. - Improves transparency in governance by making the budgeting process open in the public domain. - Enhances well-being of citizens due to improved service delivery and direct accountability. *Challenges associated:* - Lack of a clear action plan and operational guidelines hampers effective implementation. E.g., in Delhi — demarcation of Mohallas, identifying the concerned implementing agency and coordinating with it is a challenge. - Lack of information in the public domain regarding budget accounts, which limits effective engagement from citizens' side. - Shortage of dedicated and trained staff — capacity building of legislators, district authorities, coordinators and volunteers is not conducted. - Lack of attention to social inclusion leads to domination of participatory processes by majority groups, dominant castes etc. - Lengthy process due to consultations with multiple stakeholders — time-consuming and open-ended. - Prioritising local issues may lead to ignoring regional, national or global issues. **Conclusion** Participatory Budgeting is progressively being recognised as a powerful mechanism to strengthen citizens' voices in decentralised systems. Steps should be taken to strengthen the process in India by adopting a clear framework with respect to the budgeting process, manpower and citizen participation. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/UPSC-Essential-2027.png) #### UPSC Essential 2027 + Mentorship (New Batch) Weekly Current Affairs + Lectures + Material [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2027-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **Q3\. Ports, Shipping Industry & Sagarmala (15 Marks)** **Introduction** India's extensive coastline of around 7,500 km is home to 12 major and 205 minor ports, making port and shipping infrastructure vital for the country's economic success. The ports and shipping industry facilitates India's trade and commerce growth. **Main Body** *Role played by the Indian ports and shipping industry:* - **Blue Economy:** Contributes about 4% of the country's GDP; 95% of India's foreign trade and 70% of the value trade occurs through seaways. - Port development has resulted in the development of India's coasts — home to strategic installations such as naval bases, nuclear power plants, and satellite and missile launching ranges. - **Regional integration:** India's eastern seaboard can act as a central hub for regional connectivity in the Bay of Bengal, promoting integration and economic cooperation in South Asia. - **Sustainable livelihood:** Can increase the income of fishermen while ensuring food and nutrition security. - **Key component of the logistics chain:** Port operation directly impacts export competitiveness and final import prices. - Besides foreign trade, ports play an important role in internal trade — rivers linked with major ports facilitate transportation of goods to the hinterland. To capitalise on port-led development, the Government of India developed the **Sagarmala Project** — holistic port infrastructure development along the 7,516-km coastline through modernisation, mechanisation and computerisation. *Components of the Sagarmala Programme:* - **Port Modernization & New Port Development:** Debottlenecking, capacity expansion of existing ports and development of new Greenfield ports. - **Port Connectivity Enhancement:** Optimising cost and time of cargo movement through multi-modal logistics solutions including domestic waterways. - **Port-linked Industrialization:** Developing port-proximate industrial clusters and Coastal Economic Zones to reduce logistics cost and time. - **Coastal Community Development:** Skill development & livelihood generation, fisheries development, coastal tourism etc. - **Coastal Shipping & Inland Waterways Transport:** Impetus to sustainable, environment-friendly cargo movement. *Significance for port-led economic development:* - The Indian Ocean bears two-thirds of the world's oil shipments, one-third of its bulk cargo and half of its container traffic. - Most cargo ships sailing between East Asia & America, Europe & Africa pass through Indian territorial waters. - India is emerging as a manufacturing hub, which needs well-developed ports — important for Make in India's success. - Waterways are environmentally friendly compared with other means of transport. - Overall port development will boost exports, create a positive multiplier effect on the economy and improve coastal security. *Way Forward:* - A dedicated 'Maritime Development Fund' — the sector requires long-term, stable financing. - Management of wastes entering coastal areas from large river systems; integrating Swachh Bharat and NMCG into Sagarmala. - Identifying partners (foreign and domestic) to make Sagarmala more sustainable and inclusive. - Increased funding for the welfare of local fishing communities — safeguarding traditional livelihoods. - Increased modernisation with emphasis on sustainability. **Conclusion** The Indian ports and shipping industry can drive sustainable growth, but the involvement of multiple agencies has led to a lack of synchronisation. The Major Port Authorities Act 2020 aims to provide autonomy and enhance efficiency and competitiveness — a step in the right direction. Coastal development should not come at the cost of livelihoods of marginalised communities and the environment. --- **Q4\. National Monetization Pipeline (15 Marks)** **Introduction** - National Monetization Pipeline is an initiative by the Government of India for resource mobilisation through monetization of brownfield but underutilised infrastructure assets. **OR** - The Union Budget 2021-22 identifies monetization of public assets as one of the three pillars for infrastructure financing in the country. **Main Body** *NMP as a game changer for the economy:* - Mobilising resources for creation of capital assets and meeting the infrastructure requirements of the country. - Ensures resource efficiency in infrastructure operations and maintenance by leveraging private sector expertise. - Reduced risk for the private sector as these are brownfield projects. - No inordinate delays owing to land and environmental clearances. - Enables government-led capital creation to overcome the economic slowdown induced by the COVID-19 pandemic. - Assists in quality job creation across sectors as envisioned by the programme. *Challenges in implementation:* - **Attracting private players:** Privatisation of government companies such as Air India and BPCL, or the PPP initiative in railways, did not attract enough private sector interest. - **Providing a balanced risk profile of assets:** Making correct projections of risks associated with long-term projects in diverse sectors. - **Lack of identifiable revenue streams** in less profitable sectors due to immediate lack of revenue or poor investment sentiment. - **Asset-specific challenges:** Low capacity utilisation in gas and petroleum pipeline networks; regulated tariffs in power sector assets; low investor interest in national highways below four lanes. *Measures to overcome the challenges:* - **Development Finance Institution (DFI):** Domain-specific assessment of risks and benefits, and overseeing effective utilisation of mobilised resources. - **Dispute Resolution Mechanism:** Efficient resolution improves attractiveness of projects and assets. - **Transparent Bidding:** Promotes trust and creates a level playing field. - **Investor-friendly Taxation:** Synergy between taxation and investment promotion to attract foreign investments. - Promotion of financial instruments such as Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs), Masala Bonds etc. **Conclusion** National Monetization Pipeline provides a critical diversification of options in mobilising resources for infrastructure expansion. Effective management of issues inherent to public-private partnerships, asset valuation, predictable government policies and execution will be crucial for its success. --- **Q5\. PPP — Not a Panacea (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are long-term contracts between a government entity and a private party to provide public assets or services. - In PPPs, the private party assumes substantial risk and management responsibility with performance-based remuneration. - Common forms: build-operate-transfer (BOT), build-lease-transfer (BLT), design-build-finance-operate (DBFO), and operate-maintain-transfer (OMT). **Main Body** *Advantages of PPP in achieving cost, quality and scale:* - PPPs help India meet infrastructure needs and fill funding gaps by leveraging private expertise and resources, reducing the burden on the public sector. - Expedite infrastructure projects and minimise delays by incentivising timely completion and linking it to profitability. - Offer an alternative financing model, reducing reliance on tax revenues or borrowing. - Optimise project costs by integrating construction and operation — a holistic approach throughout the project lifecycle. - Allocate risk and offer performance incentives to the private partner, driving efficiency and continuous improvement. *However, it is not a panacea:* - Not all projects are feasible — political, legal, commercial viability constraints (e.g., the proposed Dabhol Power Plant in Maharashtra). - The private sector may hesitate to engage due to perceived risks or capacity limitations. - PPPs may incur higher costs unless efficiency gains offset additional expenses such as transaction and financing costs. - Prone to crony capitalism in sectors where politically connected firms use influence to secure contracts. - Renegotiation of PPP contracts has become common in India, allowing private firms to secure a larger share of public resources than initially agreed. **Conclusion** A successful PPP relies on optimal risk allocation, a trustworthy environment, and strong institutional capacity for timely implementation. To promote successful PPP projects, it is crucial to establish a robust PPP-enabling ecosystem, as recommended by the Kelkar Committee. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2028.png) #### UPSC Essential 2028 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2028-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 3 - Day 37) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-3-day-37/ Last updated: 2026-07-14T17:22:40.000Z **Topics:** **Major crops & cropping patterns | Irrigation & irrigation systems | Storage, transport & marketing of agricultural produce | E-technology in the aid of farmers | Direct & indirect farm subsidies and MSP** --- ## Questions **Q1.** Crop diversification as a remedy for a large number of issues is suggested by various economists. In this context, highlight the present challenges before crop diversification. How do emerging technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification? **(15 Marks)** **Q2.** India is a water-stressed country with an acute shortage of water. Discuss the issues in irrigation faced by Indian farmers and measures that can be taken to address them. **(10 Marks)** **Q3.** Discuss the role of e-technology in empowering the farmers in India. **(10 Marks)** **Q4.** Minimum Support Prices for crops have been around for a long time. Discuss their significance and the challenges they bring to the agricultural sector. **(15 Marks)** **Q5.** Discuss the role of subsidies in the Indian economy. Analyze how subsidies can lead to distortions and suggest measures for rationalizing subsidies in India. **(15 Marks)** --- ## Model Structures **Q1\. Crop Diversification — Challenges & Emerging Technologies (15 Marks)** **Introduction** - Crop diversification refers to the addition of new crops or cropping systems to agricultural production on a particular farm, considering the different returns from value-added crops with complementary marketing opportunities. **OR** - It refers to the crops, crop sequences and management techniques used on a particular agricultural field over a period of years. **Main Body** *Remedy for a large number of issues:* - **Increases farmers' income:** Access to national and international markets with new products, food and medicinal plants. - **Increases natural biodiversity and productivity:** Strengthens the agroecosystem's ability to respond to stresses. - **Reduces risk of total crop failure:** Different crops respond to climate scenarios differently — while cold may affect one crop negatively, an alternative crop may do better. - **Food security:** E.g., growing crops as well as rearing livestock on the same field. - **Manages price risk:** Not all products suffer low market prices at the same time — increases profitability of the farming community. - **Environment conservation:** E.g., introducing legumes in the rice–wheat cropping system to fix atmospheric nitrogen and sustain soil fertility. *Challenges faced (mention 5–6):* - Around 52% of the cropped area is completely dependent on rainfall. - Sub-optimal and over-use of land and water, harming environmental sustainability. - Inadequate supply of seeds and plants of improved cultivars. - Fragmentation of landholdings — less favourable to modernisation and mechanisation. - Poor basic infrastructure — rural roads, power, transport, communications. - Inadequate post-harvest technologies and infrastructure for perishable horticultural produce. - Very weak agro-based industry; weak research–extension–farmer linkages. - Inadequately trained human resources and large-scale illiteracy among farmers. - Diseases and pests affecting most crop plants; poor database for horticultural crops. - Decreased investments in the agricultural sector over the years. *Role of emerging technologies in crop diversification:* - The IT revolution connects farmers directly with grocery customers (farm-to-fork model), driving cultivation of high-value perishables (e.g., BigBasket, Blinkit platforms). - Aquaponics and urban farming — controlled-environment cultivation to meet heavy urban demand for perishables. - Financial inclusion and digitisation have enabled small farmers and women SHGs to diversify through credit supply. - In arid areas, technologies like Urea Deep Placement (UDP) and poly-bag nursery farming introduced via the Indo-Israel Agriculture Project. - Soil health management for right fertiliser usage, organic farming, and GIS-based thematic soil mapping. *Way forward:* - Identify crops and varieties suiting a range of environments and farmers' preferences. - Shift skill development towards sustainable rural livelihoods. - Technological breakthroughs from research institutes — precision farming to raise production and income substantially. - The government must promote diversification by purchasing crops other than wheat and rice at MSP. **Conclusion** Though crop diversification is considered a panacea for a large number of issues, the policy for it needs to be well crafted, taking the interests of all stakeholders into account. --- **Q2\. Irrigation Issues & Measures (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - India has 18% of the world's population but only 4% of its water resources, making it among the most water-stressed countries in the world (World Bank). - Irrigation currently consumes about 84% of the total available water in India. **Main Body** Irrigation ensures the minimum required water is maintained, the soil profile is kept healthy and weed growth is suppressed. But being a rainfed country, India faces many irrigation challenges: - **Poor irrigation efficiency:** Tubewells, canals and tanks are the most used modes and are inefficient; sprinkler and drip irrigation are highly efficient but under-used. - Rampant tubewell irrigation is causing the water table to fall drastically. - **Fragmentation of fields:** Less economy of scale puts extra burden on irrigation (86% of Indian farmers are small and marginal, with holdings under 2 hectares — Agricultural Census 2015-16). - Unpredictable rainfall and monsoon failure put rainfed agriculture at risk; spatial and temporal variation disadvantages some regions. - **Lopsided MSPs** favour water-intensive crops like rice and sugarcane — leading to monocropping and over-watering of fields. - Over-exploitation of groundwater due to huge subsidies — unsustainable practices lowering water tables in most regions. - Climate change and overpopulation further stress already stressed water resources. *Reform measures:* - Participatory irrigation management with contribution of all stakeholders and the community. - Rationalization of MSPs with more focus on nutri-cereals — water-resistant and highly nutritious. - Phasing out subsidies that lead to groundwater over-exploitation. - Interlinking of rivers to move water from surplus to deficient basins. - Organic farming and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana based on less water. **Conclusion** India has been an agriculture-dominant country and will remain so in the coming decades. The need is to make irrigation efficient and save groundwater from depletion — sprinkler and drip irrigation, organic farming, nutri-cereals and crop ecological zonation are the way forward. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/GS-Advance.png) #### GS Advance + Mentorship (for Mains 2027) ****Live-cum-recorded lectures** \- All Classes will be conducted Live. Recordings of all lectures will be provided (No restrictions on number of rewatch) [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/gs-advance-mentorship-for-mains-2027/?ref=upscprep.com) **Q3\. E-technology in Empowering Farmers (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - E-technology has the potential to revolutionize India's agricultural sector by empowering farmers, improving productivity, and ensuring food security. - The National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGP-A) is one such government effort to use ICT in improving agriculture. **Main Body** *Role of e-technology in empowering farmers:* - **Access to market information:** Platforms like eNAM give farmers real-time access to prices in different mandis. - **Improving agricultural practices:** Crop-specific information, weather forecasts and recommended crop-management practices improve productivity. - **Promoting direct interaction:** Farmers can interact directly with agricultural experts and scientists (e.g., the M-Kisan portal disseminates free advisories via SMS). - **Financial services:** Easier access to credit, crop insurance, and compensation in natural calamities. - **Skill development:** Online training programs and digital literacy campaigns teach new farming techniques. - **Quality seed information:** E.g., the Seednet portal. - **Logistics support:** The Kisan Sabha app provides efficient and convenient logistics assistance. - **Supply chain efficiency:** Blockchain can improve transparency, reduce fraud, and ensure better prices by streamlining supply chains. - **Remedial measures** for water crisis, desertification, crop pests, diseases and infrastructure gaps using IT. - **Efficient methods:** Survey drones, fleets of agribots, sensors on animals, smart tractors etc. - **Effective planning and execution:** Tracking crops, predicting yields, sowing seasons and crop needs (e.g., Israel's water-use efficiency in drip irrigation); Kisan Suvidha and Pusa Krishi apps for market prices, seeds, pesticides, fertilisers, weather and machinery. **Conclusion** E-technology holds the key to the second green revolution in India. However, challenges like digital illiteracy, language barriers, poor rural internet connectivity, and lack of awareness among farmers need to be addressed. --- **Q4\. MSP — Significance & Challenges (15 Marks)** **Introduction** Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a predetermined price at which the government guarantees to buy agricultural produce if the market price falls below it. It ensures farmers get better remuneration and their input costs are covered. **Main Body** MSPs for 22 crops are recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) under the agriculture ministry, considering cultivation cost, demand–supply situation, inflation etc. *Significance:* - Checks rural distress and migration by giving farmers better returns. - Ensures crop diversification through better MSP for pulses and oilseeds, with cascading benefits for soil health. - Checks inflation and protects farmers from price shocks. - Checks import dependency — better MSP incentivises farmers to grow more crops. - Protects farmers and agriculture from shocks like the COVID pandemic, demonetization, GST reforms, and the twin balance sheet crisis. *Challenges:* - **Ineffective implementation:** The Shanta Kumar Committee revealed only 6–8% of farmers availed MSP benefits. - Majority of MSP procurement is for rice and wheat to fulfil PDS requirements — making MSP effectively a procurement price, not linked to domestic prices. - **Highly skewed regime:** Focus on two crops neglects others, promotes monocropping, and harms soil health and the water table. - **Economically unsustainable:** Cost of procurement and godown maintenance is very high for the government and FCI. - Inflation is often overlooked while announcing MSP. **Conclusion** Though MSP is important as a shield for farmers, it needs to be rationalized along with other reforms — implementation of e-NAM, Shanta Kumar Committee recommendations, and a price stabilization fund, among others. --- **Q5\. Subsidies — Role, Distortions & Rationalization (15 Marks)** **Introduction** - According to the latest budget, in 2023-24 the total expenditure on subsidies is estimated to be more than ₹4,00,000 crore. *(Data-based)* **OR** - A subsidy is a form of financial aid or support extended generally to promote economic and social welfare. *(Definition-based)* **Main Body** *Role of subsidies in the Indian economy:* - **Affordability:** Make essential goods and services affordable for economically weaker sections. - **Income redistribution:** Support to underprivileged sections reduces socio-economic disparities. - **Promoting industries and agriculture:** Tax incentives, low interest rates and financial aid promote sectors crucial to the economy — agriculture, renewable energy, manufacturing. - **Encouraging consumption and production:** Reduced costs of goods and services stimulate both. *How subsidies can lead to distortions:* - Most state governments have failed to ensure rational, sustainable use of subsidized water and electricity. - **Subsidized fertilizers:** NPK use is around 8:3:1 against the recommended 4:2:1. - Cultivation of wheat, rice and sugarcane at the cost of pulses, horticulture crops and coarse but nutritious grains. - Food inflation, leakage and corruption. - Price subsidies can distort markets in ways that ultimately hurt the poor — e.g., farm loan waivers increase states' fiscal deficit and interest burden while limiting productive capital investment in agriculture. *Measures for rationalizing subsidies:* - **Kelkar Committee:** Phased elimination of subsidies on diesel, petrol and cylinder gas, converting them to capital investments; rationalisation of fertiliser subsidy. - Long-term export trade policies to keep farmers aligned to exports. - Subsidies should come with a sunset clause; promote contract and cooperative farming to make agriculture remunerative. - Link subsidies to the size of the farm-holding. - **NITI Aayog:** Efficient fertiliser usage and reorienting fertiliser subsidy policy; subsidies on liquid fertilisers and investment subsidies for micro-irrigation. **Conclusion** It is crucial to rationalize subsidies to ensure fiscal prudence, efficient resource utilization, and effective targeting. Direct benefit transfers, targeted subsidies, performance-linked subsidies, and phased elimination of non-essential subsidies could help achieve this goal. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/MFG---W-Unlimited.png) #### Mains Focus Group - GS Advance + Write UnLimited (for Mains 2027) LIVE Answer Writing Sessions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-gs-advance-write-unlimited-for-mains-2027/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 3 - Day 36) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-2-day-36/ Last updated: 2026-07-14T17:21:47.000Z **Topics: Economic Development | Indian Economy — planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment | Inclusive growth and issues arising from it** ## Questions **Q1.** India since independence opted for planning as a model for growth and development. Discuss the issues involved in planning. **(10 Marks)** **Q2.** Explicate the role of sound fiscal policy in resource mobilisation for development programs. **(10 Marks)** **Q3.** Unemployment is a bad thing for a rising economy and growing population. Discuss the types of unemployment and factors behind it. **(15 Marks)** **Q4.** Discuss the concept of inclusive growth and its relevance in the Indian context. Examine the need for inclusive growth in India and highlight the challenges faced in its implementation. **(15 Marks)** **Q5.** Countries that sustained high growth for a long period focused on building social infrastructure. In the light of this statement, discuss the role of investment in social infrastructure for inclusive and sustainable growth in India. **(10 Marks)** --- ## Model Structures **Q1\. Issues in Planning as a Model of Growth (10 Marks)** **Introduction** Economic planning has its genesis in the pre-independence period when nationalists and industrialists were in unison regarding the planned model of development. This resonated in the National Industrial Policy of 1948, the Planning Commission, Five Year Plans and even the NITI Aayog of today. **Main Body** Planning includes drawing up well-designed activities in an orderly manner to be implemented as per the plan. Non-renewable resources in any economy are limited, which necessitates a proper planning process. But examples the world over and various theories suggest that adopting only planning as a model can be counterproductive due to issues like: - It is a centralized exercise which overlooks demands and needs at the grassroots level. The top-down planning model results in region-specific issues getting lost in oblivion. - Five Year Plans in the initial stages bore fruit because of the same government at the Centre and states. But coalition politics has impacted cooperation and synchronization of schemes. - The Planning Commission was an executive body which always overpowered the Finance Commission, a constitutional body. Many recommendations with scientific backing were overlooked. - High fiscal deficit, depleting resources and increasing population have time and again made planning exercises a failure. - Not in line with the ideals of the Constitution and the 73rd and 74th Amendment Acts, which mandated local self-government for a bottom-up approach. **Conclusion** Planning as the only solution is a double-edged sword, which is why NITI Aayog was formed as an enabling institute and think tank, with less interference in the working of constitutional bodies. Modern times call for cooperative and competitive federalism by which states can be self-reliant on development parameters. --- **Q2\. Fiscal Policy & Resource Mobilisation (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - Fiscal policy refers to the taxation and expenditure policy of the state that stimulates and regulates the macro-economic parameters of the country. - The increasing influence of fiscal policy over monetary policy in recent times has highlighted its growing importance. **Main Body** *Role of fiscal policy in resource mobilisation:* - **Annual Financial Statement:** The Budget is of prime importance in resource mobilisation — e.g., disinvestment of loss-making public sector assets was chosen as a way of mobilising resources for the National Infrastructure Pipeline. - **Fiscal consolidation:** The FRBM framework maintains austerity in expenditure so that resources are diverted to the creation of physical and capital assets. - **Government borrowings:** Mild inflation is desirable as it signifies growth; the government borrows to keep up with the pace of the economy. - **Feedback mechanism:** Informal tools like Finance Commission recommendations and special-purpose committees (e.g., Raja Chelliah Committee on fiscal reforms). - **Optimum utilisation of resources:** Proper prioritisation of funds impacts the economy — e.g., to correct premature deindustrialization, Production Linked Incentive schemes have been launched. - **Fiscal discipline:** Maintaining a sustainable fiscal position, avoiding excessive borrowing, and managing public debt effectively. - **Countercyclical policy measures:** During downturns, fiscal measures stabilize the economy — increasing government spending, targeted fiscal stimulus, or tax reforms to boost activity and mitigate recessions. *Issues of concern in fiscal policy:* - **Stability:** FRBM implementation is repeatedly pushed ahead of time; band-aid solutions like the Effective Revenue Deficit indicate stability issues in policy formulation. - **Modernization:** New forms of budgeting like Zero-Based Budgeting and Gender Budgeting are not yet adopted effectively. - **Tussle with the central bank:** Fiscal policy is effective when clubbed with monetary policy; frequent leadership changes at the central bank and concerns over distribution of RBI funds weaken it. **Conclusion** Fiscal policy is important mainly because it is the primary source of receipts and the primary distributor of revenue. For equitable distribution of the benefits of development, fiscal policy should be made people- and economy-centric. --- **Q3\. Types of Unemployment & Factors Behind It (15 Marks)** **Introduction** Unemployment occurs when someone is capable of working but is unable to find a job. For a top-ranked economy, unemployment is a major concern as it indicates over-reliance on external factors for sustaining growth. **Main Body** *Types of unemployment:* - **Structural unemployment:** Skills are not developed or upgraded with time due to lack of structural transformation, resulting in a mismatch between jobs available and skills present. - **Disguised unemployment:** More people are employed than actually required — common in the unorganized sector in general and agriculture in particular. - **Frictional unemployment:** The time gap when an employed person leaves a job in search of a new one for better pay and opportunities. - **Technological unemployment:** Emergence of new technology makes present skill sets obsolete. - **Cyclical unemployment:** A result of boom and recession in the business cycle — organizations lay off employees during recession and downturns. *Factors behind rising unemployment:* - With reforms like GST and steps like demonetization, small industries and the unorganized sector suffered. - Very poor mobility of labour due to language barriers, religion, family reasons and hate crimes. - **Jobless growth:** India has grown at 7–8% in recent years but with dismal growth in employment opportunities. - In big joint families, disguised unemployment — some members don't work regularly and dependence on family income is high. - Obsolete skills and poor literacy because the school curriculum is theory-based rather than practical or vocational; the thrust to the service sector left manufacturing under-developed and structural transformation incomplete. - High population — the unemployment rate is one thing; total unemployed in absolute numbers is another. **Conclusion** Unemployment not only impacts the economy as a whole, it can convert the demographic dividend into a demographic disaster. Steps are needed to promote labour-intensive sectors with a major thrust on manufacturing, so that skill upgradation also occurs for better employment prospects. --- **Q4\. Inclusive Growth — Relevance, Need & Challenges (15 Marks)** **Introduction** - According to OECD, inclusive growth is economic growth that creates opportunity for all population segments and distributes the dividends of increased prosperity, both in monetary and non-monetary terms, fairly across society. - It advances equitable opportunities for economic participants during economic growth, with benefits incurred by every section of society. **Main Body** *Relevance in the Indian context:* - **Socio-economic Equity:** India's growth narrative has often been marked by stark inequalities; inclusive growth addresses these disparities. - **Poverty Reduction:** Ensures the benefits of economic development reach the significant portion of the population living under poverty. - **Job Creation:** Accommodates the burgeoning workforce and addresses underemployment and unemployment. - **Social Harmony:** Reduces economic disparities among religious, regional and caste groups. *Need for inclusive growth in India:* - To improve stunted industrial development of the Indian industrial sector. - Mass poverty and low per capita income need to be addressed. - Low literacy: 74.04% overall, 65.46% among females (2011 Census). - Infrastructural gaps hindering economic growth. - India has the largest number of poor worldwide — 22.8 crore (Multidimensional Poverty Index 2022). - To ensure group equality — SCs, STs, OBCs, minorities, women, differently-abled and other marginalised groups. - To ensure regional balance. - To address unemployment: PLFS (2020-21) puts total unemployment at 4.2% (6.7% urban, 3.3% rural), worsened by COVID-19. - To counter poor nutrition levels. *Challenges in implementation:* - **Economic:** Poor industrial base (manufacturing short of the 25%-of-GDP target under the National Manufacturing Policy); weak mineral resource base in northern plain states; agricultural backwardness — structural imbalance between labour force employed and GDP contribution. - **Social:** Divisions of caste, class, religion, language; poor women's LFPR (under 25% per NSSO) with at least 50% of women anaemic; urban–rural divide ("India vs Bharat"). - **Administrative:** Corruption (85/180 on Corruption Perception Index 2022); red tape (63rd in Ease of Doing Business); inadequate social welfare expenditure (health target 2.5% of GDP, education 6% — both unmet). - Environmental destruction and disasters disproportionately hit marginalised sections (tribals, slum dwellers, farmers), compounded by land alienation for mega projects. - Regional disparities and intergenerational inequality (India 44th in WEF's Inclusive Development Report on intergenerational equity). **Conclusion** Inclusive growth is not just a moral imperative but a foundation for sustainable growth. India needs to surmount these challenges and build an inclusive society where every citizen can contribute to and benefit from growth — with 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas' as the guiding light. --- **Q5\. Investment in Social Infrastructure (10 Marks)** **Introduction** Social infrastructure covers a range of foundational services and facilities that meet social needs by building strong communities and contributing towards a good quality of life — health, education, recreation, skill development etc. **Main Body** *Investment in social infrastructure leads to inclusive and sustainable growth in the following ways:* - **Education:** Encourages changes in knowledge, skills, values and attitudes for a more sustainable and just society. Right to Education Act, 2009; e.g., good educational outcomes in Kerala have contributed to inclusive and sustainable growth. - **Health:** Better health is central to human happiness and well-being (WHO). Healthy people live longer, are more productive, and save more. Initiatives: Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, National Health Mission. - **Skill development:** To realise India's demographic advantage and ensure upward mobility of workers through upskilling and re-skilling — National Skill Development Mission, PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana. - **Women's empowerment:** The IMF estimates equal participation of women in the workforce would increase India's GDP by 27%; per the World Resources Institute, women's inclusion in the labour force can advance low-carbon, sustainable development. Schemes: Mahila Shakti Kendra, Nai Roshni, Stand-Up India. - **Environment:** Clean air and water and efficiency in resource use are central to equitable growth. - **Justice:** An efficient and credible criminal justice system improves ease of living for the poor and marginalised; ADR mechanisms such as Lok Adalats ensure inexpensive and efficient dispute resolution. *Roadblocks:* - Inadequate quality of education and poor teacher-to-student ratio. - Regional disparity in access to quality healthcare. - Lack of participation of women in skilled/formal activities. - Increasing air and water pollution, especially in urban areas. - Lack of awareness regarding free legal aid for the poor and marginalised. **Conclusion** Investment in social infrastructure must be prioritised and budgetary allocations increased to ensure the benefits of growth are equitable. In this context, the government has unveiled ₹102 lakh crore of projects under the National Infrastructure Pipeline, of which social infrastructure is one component. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/ITS.png) #### Integrated Test Series 2027 with Mentorship Not just a test series but complete guide to Prelims MCQ Solving and Mains Answer Writing [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/best-value-integrated-test-series-2027-with-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### PSIR: Write and Rise - 10 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/psir-write-and-rise-10/ Last updated: 2026-07-13T15:55:02.000Z **Q. “New Social Movements in developing societies represent a shift from class-based politics to identity- and issue-based mobilization.” Critically examine this statement with reference to India.** **(15 Marks)** --- ## How to Approach Define New Social Movements (NSMs) first, explain why they differ from traditional class-based movements, then examine how India reflects this shift through identity- and issue-based mobilization. Finally, critically assess whether class politics has actually disappeared or merely evolved. --- ## Answer New Social Movements (NSMs) emerged from the 1970s onwards as collective mobilizations centred on identity, rights, environment, gender, ethnicity and democratic participation, rather than solely on class struggle or economic redistribution. Scholars such as Alain Touraine and Alberto Melucci argue that contemporary conflicts increasingly revolve around culture, identity and quality of life rather than ownership of the means of production. Unlike traditional labour and peasant movements, many contemporary Indian movements are organised around caste, gender, ethnicity and sexuality. The Dalit movement, women's movement, tribal assertions and LGBTQ+ rights movement seek dignity, recognition and equal citizenship alongside socio-economic justice. These movements challenge structures of exclusion rather than merely demanding economic redistribution. Environmental and rights-based campaigns have expanded the scope of collective action. The Chipko Movement, Narmada Bachao Andolan, Right to Information movement and Right to Food campaign focused on ecological justice, displacement, transparency and accountability rather than class conflict alone. Digital mobilizations such as #MeToo India further illustrates decentralized, network-based activism centred on specific issues. However, the shift is not absolute. Economic inequalities continue to shape many movements. Farmers' protests, labour mobilizations and struggles of informal workers remain deeply rooted in questions of livelihood and redistribution. Moreover, identity and class frequently intersect. As Ghanshyam Shah observes, Indian social movements often combine caste, class and democratic rights instead of replacing one with another. India's New Social Movements represent an expansion rather than a replacement of class politics. They have broadened the political agenda by incorporating identity, rights and environmental concerns while continuing to reflect underlying socio-economic inequalities characteristic of developing societies. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/PSIR-tt.png) #### PSIR Test Series (16 Tests) + Mentorship Questions prepared keeping in mind the changing nature of UPSC CSE‌‌ [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) ### PSIR: Write and Rise - 09 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/psir-write-and-rise-09/ Last updated: 2026-07-11T17:27:31.000Z **Q. Ronald Inglehart's concept of Post-Materialist Values explains the shift in the nature of social movements in advanced industrial societies. Discuss with suitable examples. (20 Marks)** --- **How to Approach** Explain Inglehart's theory clearly, show the old-to-new movement shift with examples, then critically assess by arguing that even advanced societies show material movements and developing societies show both material and post-material movements simultaneously. --- **Answer** After the Second World War, citizens in wealthy Western countries began changing what they cared about politically. Ronald Inglehart called this Post-Materialism: as basic needs like food, jobs and security were met, people started prioritising environment, gender equality, identity and democratic participation. This shift fundamentally changed the nature of social movements in advanced industrial societies. Old social movements — labour unions, socialist parties, peasant movements — were driven by material concerns: wages, land and economic rights. Post-materialism replaced these with identity, recognition and cultural issues. Germany's Green Party and Sweden's Fridays for Future reflect post-materialist values: citizens with economic security choosing ecological sustainability over personal gain. The #MeToo movement focused entirely on cultural recognition and dignity. The LGBTQ+ rights movement centres on identity and social inclusion, spreading through digital networks rather than formal party structures. However, reality is more complex than Inglehart's theory suggests. Advanced industrial societies are not purely post-material; the 2008 financial crisis produced Occupy Wall Street, a very material movement about inequality and economic justice. More importantly, developing societies like India show both simultaneously. Tribal land rights movements and farmers' protests are driven by material survival, while Dalit assertion and women's movements increasingly demand cultural recognition and dignity alongside economic rights. Material and post-material concerns do not replace each other; they coexist and often overlap within the same movement. Inglehart's framework explains an important shift in advanced societies but oversimplifies the picture. Movements across the world, developed and developing, combine material and post-material demands, suggesting that the two are complementary dimensions of political struggle rather than successive stages. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/PSIR-tt.png) #### PSIR Test Series (16 Tests) + Mentorship Questions prepared keeping in mind the changing nature of UPSC CSE‌‌ [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 2 - Day 35) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-2-day-35/ Last updated: 2026-07-11T13:15:55.000Z **Topic: Developed/Developing Countries, Diaspora and International Institutions** **Q1\. How do you think India's economic interests are hampered by the aggressive stance of the developed countries at the WTO? Suggest a way forward. (15 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** Despite being a global organisation consisting of 164 countries which aim to promote free, fair and open trade in the world, instances such as the Doha round has shown the rift between developed and developing countries. **Main Body:** **Aggressive stance of the developed countries at the WTO and hampering India's economic interests:** - **Pressurizing Opening up domestic sectors:** India has for long justified protection of its domestic farm and livestock sector, as subsistence of around 60 per cent of the country’s population depends on it. - **Issue of agricultural subsidies of developed countries:** While developing countries, including India, demand the elimination of distortionary agricultural subsidies given by developed countries, developed countries are not willing to give up their agricultural subsidies. - **The case IPR:** Developed countries like the U.S. and Europe do not support the fine-tuning of TRIPS in favor of developing countries like India by allowing compulsory licensing in certain cases. - Since the developed countries own most of the new upcoming technologies, they advocate TRIPS-Plus provisions in order to mint more profits. - However, it will result in Increased prices of medicines, agricultural inputs etc, thereby impacting social development in developing countries like India. - **Trade in services:** India favours more liberal commitments for cross-border supply of services (Preferably Mode 4 for the supply of services). - But, the interest of the EU and the US lie more in Mode 3 services supply. Hence they focus more on liberalisation in trade of goods only. - **Mistrust regarding Special & differential treatment:** Developing countries, including India, claim that the developed countries were not negotiating in good faith, while developed countries argue that the developing countries were unreasonable in their proposals. - **Opposition to Indian agri-subsidies:** Developed countries like the United States accuses India of subsidising farmers heavily to keep prices low. - Issue of amber box subsidies. - **Non Tariff Barriers:** Developed countries like the EU use Sanitary & Phyto-sanitary measures to protect their own domestic sector. - For example, opposition to Indian Mangoes. - **Challenging the local support to domestic sectors:** The support given to local industries is often protested by the developed countries at the WTO forum. - For example, India’s support of the domestic solar industry was challenged by the U.S. in the WTO. - **Bottlenecks to dispute resolution:** The US has been blocking appointments complaining the Appellate Body failed to follow the rules in the Dispute Settlement Understanding. - **Accusation on developing countries:** The US President recently said that India and China are no longer "developing nations"and were taking advantage of the status from the WTO. - This might create a general consensus among other WTO members against countries like India. - **Protest against export subsidies:** On the basis of the US’s complaints, WTO’s dispute settlement panel ruled that India’s export subsidy schemes, including the provision for special economic zones, violated core provisions of global trade norms. **Way Forward** - **Reform in resolution mechanism:** There is a need to change the decision-making architecture of the WTO to ensure timely consensus-based completion of negotiations - **Penal powers to WTO:** WTO should be empowered to apply penalties to curb instances of willful non-compliance with its directions by developed countries. - **Settling the dispute settlement:** Dispute settlement mechanism appointment process should be independent of the political control of countries like the USA. - **Alternative dispute redressal:** Multilateral dialogues to resolve disputes outside the WTO dispute settlement mechanism should be promoted. - **Adopting changing trade realities:** There is a need to bring more areas like digitalization, e-commerce, services trade, digital tax etc., under negotiations and upgrade trade rules as per current changing trade realities. **Conclusion** - A rule-based and equitable WTO benefits all countries. Hence the need of the hour for India is to step up and lead the developing countries to save the multilateral trading system from the current crisis caused by the domination of a few powerful countries. --- **Q2\. Analyse, with illustrations, the significance of the Indian diaspora in extending the soft power of the country. (10 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Indian diaspora – the biggest in the world at 18 million - is an important part of the societies in host countries around the world, from the UK to Mauritius and the USA to Japan. ***OR*** - Diaspora refers to a large group of people who share a cultural and regional origin but are living away from their traditional homeland. **Main Body** **Significance of Indian Diaspora** - Diaspora has helped in the export of India’s cultural products like Indian cuisines, Indian movies, Yoga etc. - For example, the Popularity of chicken tikka masala in the UK, Bollywood in the USA and Tamil movies in Malaysia. - Indian diaspora helps to influence host countries’ foreign policy vis-a-vis India. - E.g., the Indian diaspora successfully lobbied for the India-USA Civil Nuclear Agreement in the USA. - Indian diaspora has deepened the connection between host countries and India through the creation of economic interdependencies. - For example, the migration of less-skilled labour to West Asia has helped build infrastructure in host countries while bringing down disguised unemployment in India. - The old Indian diaspora is a source of cultural connections between India and small island countries across the Indo-Pacific and beyond. - E.g., in countries like Fiji, Mauritius, Seychelles, Guyana etc. - The diversity of the Indian diaspora reflects the plurality at home, projecting India as a peaceful and plural society. - E.g., Indian-origin Sikh, Hindu and Christian as defence minister in Canada (Harjit Sajjan), Prime minister in the UK (Rishi Sunak) and Prime minister in Ireland (Leo Varadkar), respectively. - Indians, as CEOs, doctors, and law-abiding citizens in other countries, promote positive stereotypes about Indians as they act as India’s cultural ambassadors. **However, there are certain limitations of diaspora as a source of soft power, such as:** - The vulnerability of diaspora in Gulf countries due to poor and unregulated service conditions and lack of citizenship requires a protective role from the Indian state. - The internal politics of the host countries can undermine the potential of the Indian diaspora as a source of soft power. - E.g., the reversal of globalisation and the rise of anti-migrant politics in Western countries, such as the issue of H1-B visas in the USA. - Indian diaspora has been used as an instrument to undercut India’s soft power as well. - For example, the politics in Canada around farmers’ protests in India or Punjab Referendum 2020 in the UK. **Conclusion** - Diaspora’s contributions to India’s soft power can help the country build robust international relations and project its influence worldwide. - India’s soft power can also help the diaspora, as seen in the rescue of Indian students during the Ukraine crisis. Given their prominent role, interests and well-being of the diaspora should be of special concern to India. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/ITS.png) #### Integrated Test Series 2027 with Mentorship Not just a test series but complete guide to Prelims MCQ Solving and Mains Answer Writing [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/best-value-integrated-test-series-2027-with-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **Q3\. It has been 2 years since covid-19 pandemic started and threats of new variants are still present. Do you think that WHO performed its role and handled the pandemic efficiently? (15 Marks, 250 Words)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - The **World Health Organisation is a specialised UN agency** to enhance cooperation among countries on international health issues. **Main body** - WHO is a **three-tiered structure** including- - **World Health Assembly** which is the supreme decision-making body, - **Executive Board** comprising technical experts, and - **Secretariat** as its administrative and technical organ. - Even with **more than 60 per cent of the global population being vaccinated**, the threat of covid has not subsided due to the emergence of variants. **Role of WHO** in handling covid pandemic include- - Arguments **against WHO role**\- - It declared covid as a **pandemic** and Public Health Emergency of International Concern **(PHEIC) only when global cases increased** significantly, - **No urgency showed in** investigating the causes of its origin by sending an expert **team to China**, - A committee recommended for **including the coronavirus family in the list** of diseases requiring research in 2015 but it was **neglected by WHO**, - **Did not back** the call of nations on **travel restrictions** which led to quick spread globally, - Failure in acknowledging **human to human transmission** of the virus. - In **favour of WHO role**\- - Big contribution in **promoting vaccine development** and medicine availability. - **Timely information dissemination** to prevent rumours and panic. - Many countries were able to **contain the spread by following its advice** and procedures. - **Worked with alliances like GAVI** to ensure vaccine availability in all countries. **Conclusion** WHO has **only recommendatory powers** and **cannot sanction** its members or make binding decisions. There is **no single document to define its functions** and there are many grey areas. This has **impacted its functioning**, resulting in various outbreaks. It is time to **empower it in line with bodies like the WTO** to ensure binding decisions and accountability. --- **Q4\. Discuss the functioning of the International Court of Justice and the limitations on its functioning which make it less effective. (15 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - The International Court of Justice (ICJ) was established in 1945 and is one of the principal organs of the UN. It was formed to settle legal disputes between states and also gives advisory opinion on matters referred to it by the UN. **Main Body** - It consists of 15 judges appointed for a term of nine years by the UN General Assembly and the Security Council by absolute majority. Its functions include- - It is a global court with only those states as parties which are United Nations members. - The judgment of ICJ is final and binding without any appeal. In case of new discovery of fact, there is a scope of revision and interpretation. - The ICJ functions as a full court but when requested by the parties, there may be established temporary chambers for specific cases. - If either state which is a party to any dispute fails to carry out directions of ICJ, the matter may be put before the Security Council. - In case of advisory proceedings when asked by the UNGA or UNSC, the opinions are advisory and not binding. - But many times the impact of ICJ ruling has not been effective due to reasons like- - ICJ lacks jurisdiction to prosecute people accused of war crimes or those crimes which are against humanity. Because it is not a criminal court, it also lacks any prosecutor to initiate proceedings. - It is a generalistic court with jurisdiction limited to general matters as compared to specialist tribunas like the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. - ICJ is not mandated to deal with alleged human rights violations and it cannot receive applications from States for transnational crimes. - ICJ cannot act suo moto and hears a dispute only when asked by more than one state. It has jurisdiction based on consent and not compulsory jurisdiction. - It is ineffective when it comes to cases like court of last resort or appellate courts. **Conclusion** The ICJ is an important and competent institution which is reflected in it being an important organ of the UN. It has worked tremendously in the past to ensure contribution to international law is as per the mandate and steps can be taken to ensure that this continues in the future. --- **Q5\. What is global governance? What are the benefits and discuss the ways to further strengthen global governance. (15 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Global governance involves a set of rules framed and governed by global institutions based on a consensus and common sense which helps govern issues and devise a fairer world. **Main Body** - There is a network of procedures, policies and initiatives involved which helps synchronize global action plans and address the ensuing challenges. All these procedures help in provisioning of public goods, services, ensuring quality and delivering justice at inter-state and intra-state level for better stability and anticipation. - This is because of the benefits involved in global governance as highlighted by the Global State of Democracy Report. These benefits which help strengthen global governance include- - Fulfilling sustainable development goals and sub targets through universal and accessible citizen-centric services. - Better networking among individuals, states, corporations and global institutions for building partnerships and achieving a common good. - Strengthening global governance and rules-based regime by making institutions like the UN, WTO etc. more robust. - Common but differentiated responsibilities is a reasonable idea which can very well help address global issues and ensure justice. This is possible by fostering global governance. - Governments and their decisions can be called legit or illegit based on the rules and procedures followed. This is ensured by parameters of global governance which are not followed by countries where rule of law is absent. - **Global governance can be improved in many ways like-** - By inculcating responsible, accountable and inclusive practices through checks and balances among pillars of democracy so that there is no abuse of power. - To keep a check on authoritarian tendencies, free and fair elections is a prerequisite as it gives voice to opposition and small regional parties which enhances cooperative and competitive spirit. - Better involvement of people, private sector and civil society for participatory democracy. - Corruption is a very big obstacle to development and addressing it by use of artificial intelligence, big data etc can help detect and prevent corruption. - Supporting free and independent media to ensure freedom of press, fighting disinformation and prevent government institutions from using authoritarian means. **Conclusion** - Global governance has been for a while but has recently developed as an individual idea. It needs to be further strengthened to streamline regional and global efforts through regional and global bodies like ASEAN, EU etc and UN, WTO etc respectively. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/WU-1.png) #### Write UnLimited Course (1 Year) Write answers from any source, we will evaluate them for you. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/write-unlimited-course-1-year/?ref=upscprep.com) ### PSIR: Write and Rise - 08 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/psir-write-and-rise-08/ Last updated: 2026-07-11T03:09:51.000Z **Q. Discuss the impact of pressure and interest groups on democratic governance. Do they strengthen or weaken democratic accountability?** **(15 marks)** --- **How to Approach** The question has two parts: first, discuss pressure groups' impact on democratic governance, then present both sides of the story and add a conclusion. --- **Answer** Pressure groups are organised groups that try to influence government decisions without contesting elections. Robert Dahl's pluralist theory sees them as essential to democracy; they ensure that different voices reach the government beyond just elections. **How Pressure Groups Strengthen Democracy** Pressure groups keep governments accountable between elections. They bring specific issues to public attention that political parties often ignore; environmental groups, trade unions, farmers' organisations and human rights bodies all fill this gap. The India Against Corruption movement in 2011 directly pressured the government into passing the Lokpal Act (2013). Environmental groups like the Centre for Science and Environment have used PILs to challenge harmful government policies in court. Hannah Arendt described this function as “reclaiming the public sphere”; pressure groups keep citizens actively engaged rather than passive voters. **How Pressure Groups Weaken Democratic Accountability** However, pressure groups can also distort democracy rather than strengthen it. The biggest problem is unequal access; powerful business lobbies like FICCI have far more resources and access than groups representing farmers, tribal communities or informal workers. This means government policy often reflects the interests of the organised and wealthy rather than ordinary citizens. Marxist critics argue this is not pluralism but elite capture dressed in democratic language. Identity-based pressure groups, caste agitations, religious mobilisations can also polarise society and push governments toward populist decisions rather than sound policy. Pressure groups strengthen democratic accountability when they represent genuinely marginalised voices and operate transparently. They weaken it when they become vehicles of powerful interests. The difference lies not in pressure groups themselves but in whether the political system has strong enough institutions to ensure all groups compete on equal terms. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/photo_6116086318191284609_y-1.jpg) #### PSIR Optional Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-with-test-series-4pb2kampmcfr/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 2 - Day 34) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-2-day-34/ Last updated: 2026-07-10T13:15:36.000Z **Topic: International Relations: Neighbourhood and Groupings** **Q1\. Evaluate the efficacy of India's Neighbourhood First policy in fostering a peaceful and amicable subcontinent. (10 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - The "Neighbourhood First" policy is an important factor of India’s foreign policy that focuses on frequent high-level political exchanges and a policy of non-reciprocity towards neighbours in the subcontinent. - It is based on the Gujral Doctrine, which is a set of five principles to guide the conduct of foreign relations with India's immediate neighbours to maintain stability and growth in the region. **Main Body:** **Effectiveness of India's Neighbourhood First Policy:** - **Balancing India’s image and culture:** "Neighbourhood First" policy follows India’s vision of Vasudhaiva kutumbakam while making it a leader of the southern world developing countries. - **Continuous Dialogue** involves vigorous regional diplomacy by engaging with neighbouring nations and building political connectivity through dialogue. - For example, all heads of government of SAARC countries were invited to the oath-taking ceremony of the Prime minister in 2014. - **Resolving bilateral issues:** This policy helps India solve bilateral issues through mutual agreements without conflict. - For example, India and Bangladesh had agreed on the historic Land Boundary Agreement (LBA). - **Technical Cooperation in Subcontinent:** The policy also focuses on technical cooperation among like-minded developing countries without many technological advancements. - For example, the SAARC satellite was developed to share technology like telemedicine, e-learning etc., with people across South Asia. - **Disaster management:** India’s cooperation in disaster response, weather forecasting etc., has created a positive image worldwide while increasing soft power. - For example, operation Insaniyat, recent vaccine support during covid19 pandemic etc. - **Connectivity:** to ensure a free flow of resources, energy, goods, labour, and security information across borders. - For example, the Kaladan project with Myanmar. **Challenges to** **Neighbourhood First Policy:** - **Role of Pakistan:** Normalising equations with Pakistan remains India’s biggest challenge, as it openly uses terror as an instrument of state policy. - **Unstable Afghanistan:** Fragile politics and state-sponsored external threats from Pakistan make maintaining relations with Afghanistan a challenge too. - The recent role of the Taliban and the Non-inclusion of India as a major member in talks shows the weakness of the Neighbourhood First" policy. - **Dominant and Expansionist China:** China's policies towards Pakistan, such as constructing Gwadar Port and Diamer Bhasha dam, have raised suspicions. - Additionally, China's OBOR initiative has attracted smaller nations, further increasing concerns. - **Anti-Indian sentiments:** Increasing anti-Indian sentiments in Nepal, fueled by local political tactics and accusations of a big brotherly attitude from India, challenge India's Neighbourhood First policy. - Nepal's utilisation of China as a bargaining chip adds further complexity to the situation. **Conclusion:** - To quote Former Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee, You can change your friends but not neighbours. - Hence, to play a dominant role in the emerging multipolar world politics, India must develop good relations with its neighbours while not compromising its national aspirations. --- **Q2\. India-Nepal relations have seen some emerging friction points in the past two decades. Analyse the statement and discuss how it can be improved. (15 Marks, 250 Words)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - **Nepal** is our Himalayan neighbour with close religious and cultural ties, but the relations have been affected as Nepal recently **claimed Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura** of Uttarakhand state as part of its territory. OR - **The Treaty of Sagauli** of 1816 demarcated the Kali river as the border between India and Nepal. But the unilateral inclusion of Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura by Nepal in its map has soured bilateral relations. **Main body:** - Since the **abolition of monarchy** in 2008, the relations have been affected and friction points have emerged due to issues like - - Nepal considers the **treaty of Sagauli as the only document** on border demarcation. It considers the source of Kali to be near Limpiyadhura, thus all disputed areas are considered to the East of river Kali. India considers **administrative and revenue records** also, and even China recognised Indian sovereignty over these areas. - The 2015 Nepal economic blockade by India resulted in a severe economic crisis. - **Issue of Madhesis**, whose interests are taken up by India several times, is considered interference in internal matters by Nepal. - Coming to the power of the **communist party** and their support from China further aggravated our bilateral relations. Recently, **China and Nepal signed all-weather road connectivity** between Tibet and Kathmandu. - Change of the course of **river Gandak** in Bihar and ensuing dispute in Susta, - **Kalapani** area in Pithoragarh of Uttarakhand is a trijunction between India, Nepal and China and is of immense strategic importance. - Nepal earthquake of 2015 and its coverage by Indian media was criticised. - Even with all these emerging issues, bilateral **relations are cordial and progressive because**\- - India is Nepal’s **largest trading partner** and source of foreign investments - India provides **sea access** to landlocked Nepal for trade. The BBIN motor vehicle agreement is an initiative in this regard. - **The Peace and friendship treaty of 1950** ensured an open border allowing unrestricted movement of people. Presence of close family ties based on **Roti-Beti ka Rishta**. - Defence modernization and cooperation, and the presence of the **Gorkha regiment** in the Indian army. Multilateral agreements in SAARC, BIMSTEC etc. - **Cultural ties** with sister city initiatives between Kathmandu-Varanasi, Lumbini-Bodhgaya and Janakpur-Ayodhya. - To further improve these ties, **steps can be taken** like- - **Early operationalization of BBIN** motor vehicle agreement. - Better border management to **prevent inflow of Fake Indian Currency Notes** and alleged arms which fuel **Naxalism**. - **Hydropower** is a less tapped area of cooperation. Need to operationalize more hydropower projects like **Arun-3**. - Bilateral agreements must also ensure that any economic cooperation with China shall not affect India’s strategic interests and its relations with Nepal. **Conclusion:** Both nations must **respect the territorial integrity** of each other to ensure smooth ties as it is the main bone of contention. Another focus area is to **make power deficient Nepal as power surplus** by tapping huge hydropower potential. Upcoming religious tourism in Ayodhya, Varanasi and Gorakhpur can further India’s soft power and enhance people-to-people contacts. --- **Q3\. India and Sri Lanka share close relations since ancient times but there have been issues in recent times. Discuss. (10 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - India and Sri Lanka are close neighbors in South Asia and are part of many multilateral groupings like SAARC, BIMSTEC, IORA, SASEC etc. They share economic, cultural, religious and linguistic ties and have many shared interests. **Main Body** - There is constant growth in trade and commerce along with cultural ties. Some important aspects of the relationship include- - Sri Lanka is important because it is India’s second largest trading partner in SAARC. An FTA between the two goes back to 1998 with focus on increased trade relations and better commerce activities. - Security cooperation is another area with bilateral exercises like SLINEX and Mitra Shakti. India also provides military training to the Sri Lankan army and ensures better security in the Indian Ocean region. - India building Trincomalee port and Colombo airport is an important aspect of relations considering that these are strategic assets. - India’s Education and health sector is important for Sri Lanka as a lot of scholarships and affordable health facilities are provided to them by India. - Cultural cooperation agreement was signed between India and Sri Lanka as Tamil, Yoga, Sangam literature and Buddhism are an important connecting link. - Tourism is also an important connecting link between India and Sri Lanka with Tamil and Buddhist places serving as host destinations. - But this traditional relationship and geographical closeness has been affected in recent times due to issues like- - Involvement of China has drifted Sri Lanka away from India. Granting lease of Hambantota port and inclusion in Maritime Silk Route has affected India’s interests in Sri Lanka. - Fishermen issue very often brings both sides at loggerheads which is due to less clearly demarcated maritime boundary and impact of high and low tides. - Issue of Katchatheevu island, which is an uninhabited island, was ceded by India to Sri Lanka as part of peace efforts in 1974 but the Tamil fishermen still consider it as their own and this causes a lot of disputes. - Sri Lanka’s growing indebtedness due to China’s briefcase diplomacy has put it in a spot of arm twisting for favoring China over India. **Conclusion** In international relations, it is said that you can change friends and enemies but not neighbors. Also, India-Sri Lanka ties go way back since times immemorial. Thus there is a need to ensure an amicable solution to resolve any conflict and ensure no external power can influence bilateral relations. --- **Q4\. Discuss the areas of cooperation between India and Bangladesh and what are the issues which impact bilateral relations between the two countries? (15 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - India shares around 4100 km land boundary with Bangladesh which is the longest land boundary it shares with any country. - India was the first country to recognize and establish bilateral relations with Bangladesh after its formation and this is what forms the basis of relations. **Main Body** - India and Bangladesh have a lot in common with areas of interests like literature, connectivity, culture, economy, art etc. - The relations depends upon following areas of cooperation - River water treaties as there are many major and minor transboundary rivers and water sharing is an important area of cooperation. Ganga waters treaty, Teests river pact and Kushiyara river pact are some of the engagements. - Grid connectivity for power needs and energy sector is also an important area where India has signed pacts for the Rooppur nuclear plant, hydrocarbon project and friendship pipeline project. - Bangladesh is the 6th largest trading partner of India and border connectivity has helped improve trade ties. There are provisions for duty free access, border haats, streamlined customs checking etc. - There are connectivity pacts with modes like roads, railways and inland waterways involving all 5 border states of India. Bandhan, Maitree and Mitali express are some trains for easing connectivity between the two countries. - There is cooperation in security and military aspect also to ensure issue of terrorism is addressed amicably. - Tourism is another area of interest and Bangladesh accounted for largest foreign tourist arrivals in India in 2020. - Recently there have been some issues in bilateral relations due to external and internal factors. Some of them are - Migration is a very big issue which has continued since the Bangladesh liberation war and is said to have altered demography in many bordering states of India. These illegal migrants are both refugees and economic migrants and also include Rohingyas who entered India from Myanmar via Bangladesh. - River water dispute is also an issue with Teesta being at the center of the dispute. - Porous borders are a source of illegal smuggling of cattle, fake currency, drugs and human trafficking. - Chinese influence due to its Maritime Silk Route and Belt and Road Initiative is a big threat for India in its immediate neighborhood. - Terrorism is a big issue which is slowly spreading in South Asia and Bangladesh is no exception. It is used as a safe haven by many infiltrators, insurgents and terrorists and is also used as an alleged training ground. **Conclusion** Bangladesh is a very important neighbor and trading partner considering its market, proximity, cordial political relations and border length. It is time to upgrade the relationship to the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and ensure better connectivity, energy security and amicable resolution of river water disputes. --- **Q5\. SAARC has outlived its expectations and it’s time for India to focus on BIMSTEC to shape neighbourhood policies and domestic interests. Discuss. (10 Marks)** **Model StructureIntroduction:** - South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is an **8-member grouping founded** in 1984 whereas BIMSTEC is a 7-member grouping initiated by the Bay of Bengal littoral states in 1997. **Main body:** - **SAARC** has outlived its expectations because- - One of the **least regionally integrated areas** as evident from South Asia’s total trade which is only 5 per cent of total trade done by members. - Frequency of **summits has dropped**. - Unanimous decision-making has led to **Pakistan stalling many projects** aimed at boosting intra-regional connectivity. - **Entry of China** into the affairs of Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka etc has further led to slow-paced developments. - **High frequency of bilateral conflicts**, mistrust and economic disintegration. - Focus on **BIMSTEC because**\- - Pivotal to Indian **Act East policy** and India ASEAN connectivity. - The **Bay of Bengal has huge untapped resources** and energy exploration along Rakhine state. - Boost **corridors like IMT highway, Kaladan project** and BIMSTEC multi-modal project. - Development of **North East India**. - Lies **close to the Strait of Malacca choke point** which is important for Chinese trade, thus enormous strategic depth. - But **BIMSTEC can't be a replacement** for SAARC because- - Some positives of SAARC include - **South Asia Free Trade Agreement** which has preferred regional trade over trans-regional and abolished double taxation. - **Free movement** of a certain trade. - **Education and cultural exchanges** are frequent at South Asian University. - **BIMSTEC** has **only 4 summits** till now in response to 18 by **SAARC.** - **FTA** in BIMSTEC has been **pending** since 2004. - **Insurgency in the North East** and the pro-China stance of Thailand. - Budgetary deficits in the BIMSTEC secretariat. **Conclusion** - SAARC represents the cultural, political, religious and culinary affinity of people which can't be replaced but only co-operated. - One can change friends but not neighbours and there is an urgent need for **constructive dialogue** with Pakistan for an amicable solution. SAARC is also crucial to tap the economic potential of the region and enhance India’s quest to be a net security provider. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/GS-Advance.png) #### GS Advance + Mentorship (for Mains 2027) ****Live-cum-recorded lectures** \- All Classes will be conducted Live. Recordings of all lectures will be provided (No restrictions on number of rewatch) [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/gs-advance-mentorship-for-mains-2027/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 2 - Day 33) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-2-day-33/ Last updated: 2026-07-09T13:15:57.000Z **Topic: Transparency, Accountability, E-governance and Civil Services** **Q1\. What measures does the citizen's charter employ to ensure transparency and accountability within the administration? To what extent has it succeeded in promoting citizen-centric administration? (10 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - The Citizen's Charter is an optional and non-binding document that outlines the commitments made by a government organisation to its citizens regarding the services provided to them. - It includes the organisation's vision and mission statement and aims to promote accountability within the administration. **Main Body** **Measures Citizen's Charter employs to ensure transparency and accountability within the administration:** - It sets a measurable standard of service, allowing high expectations from an organisation, and pushing them to work diligently. - It promotes participative governance by making citizens aware of the aims and goals of the organisation and facilitating a feedback mechanism. - It makes provisions for the time-bound delivery of services, thus ensuring accountability by cutting into bureaucratic delays. - It promotes transparency in governance by clearly defining the service delivery process, thus reducing the element of discretion. - It provides for grievance redressal, thus giving citizens a recourse against poor service. - It streamlines the service delivery process, making the organisation efficient and cost-effective. **Challenges associated with Citizen Charter:** - The content, language and design are not user-friendly, which makes it difficult to understand. - Ex. Charters are often unavailable in regional languages, creating a linguistic barrier. - It is observed that in most cases, the citizen’s charter is not formulated through a consultative process, resulting in a copy-paste charter for every department/organisation. - The service providers, especially at the cutting-edge level, are not familiar with the philosophy, goals and features of the charter. - Poor awareness about the charter among the public makes it limited. - Charters are not updated promptly, failing to reflect the aspirations of the changing society. **Way Forward:** - Consumer groups, CSOs, etc., and stakeholders should be involved at every stage of formulating the citizen’s charter. - The language and design of the charter should be easily comprehensible. The charter should be made disabled-friendly. - E.g., the Charter should be brought into the braille system. - Orientation and training of the staff about the features and requirements of the charter. - Citizens’ charter should be publicised through hoardings, pamphlets, text messages etc. - Third-party involvement in assessing the charter and revising it periodically. - To make the charter more effective, it can be given a binding character through legal backing. **Conclusion:** The Citizen's Charter reduces the information gap between citizens and the government. To enhance its effectiveness, it is essential to incorporate global best practices and implement the Sevottam model recommended by the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC). --- **Q2\. E-governance is not only time saving but also citizen friendly which ushers in participatory democracy. Discuss the importance of e-governance and the challenges involved. (10 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - E-governance is the **application of information and communication technology to bring in more efficiency, transparency, accountability and accessibility in governance**. - The World Bank defines e-governance as **the use of information technology which can transform government relations** with businesses and citizens, and also at an intra-governmental level. **Main Body** - **Importance of e-governance** - It has enabled swift transfer of information with better data storage and retrieval systems for all the stakeholders involved like citizens, businesses, governments etc. Eg. Bhoomi Project (Karnataka), MCA21 Portal. - More digital penetration means **more awareness** among citizens and more use of their rights for vibrant and functioning democracy. Eg. Awareness about PDS after mandatory biometric verification. - It enables **bypassing of red tapism**, delays and complex approvals which affect smooth functioning of the governance process. Eg. Setu Suvidha Kendra - There is a **feedback system** like in case of citizen charter by which organizations and authorities know what improvements need to be done in line with changing times and demands. Eg. myGov portal - A lot of government procurement for office work goes in stationery which e-governance eliminates. This not only prevents extra recurring expenditure but also makes the process hassle free. - **Challenges** - **Digital divide** and **lack of awareness** is the biggest hurdle as people either don’t have access to means required for e-governance or lack the required skills to access it. - **Affordability**\- cost of setting up digital infrastructure to provide as well as access e-governance services is huge. - Lack of **skilled workforce** and human resources. - Data security and privacy issues- If the servers are not located in India, there is a risk of data compromise. - Just like the linguistic barrier in case of citizen charter, there is this barrier also in case of e-governance which excludes a lot of people who are comfortable only in their mother tongue. **Conclusion** - E-governance is a very important tool to usher in smart and effective governance but it is not possible without focusing on ease of governance. This can be done by making digital services more affordable and accessible so that even the weakest section can avail them. --- **Q3\. India's growth as a global superpower also needs a constructive role by the diaspora abroad. Discuss. (10 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - As per recent Global Migration Report, **India is the largest country as a source of international migrants** with around 32 million strong diaspora globally and also the top remittance receiving country. **Main Body** - Diaspora is crucial not only from economic and trade perspective but also cultural and strategic purposes. - **Importance of India’s diaspora can be gauged by -** - Being employed in the IT sector and other skilled jobs, the Indian diaspora is one of the richest and affluent groups which plays an important role in lobbying. The civil nuclear deal of 2008 was a crucial outcome of this engagement. - Impact on balance of payments is huge as India is top ranked remittance receiver in the world. Not just money, but there has been a continuous flow of ideas, information and technology which has helped evolve the work environment. - Soft power is sustainable and sustains itself with minimal capital. Indian cuisine, clothing, spices and now yoga is an important aspect of furthering our presence overseas. - Many Indians hold key political positions like members of house, secretaries etc and recent election of UK Prime Minister who is of Indian origin, will hold key for India’s interests in the country. **Conclusion** - The Government of India in general and the Ministry of External Affairs in particular have launched many initiatives to connect with the diaspora and further our interests. - Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana, welfare of PIO and OCIs etc are important initiatives in this direction. --- **Q4\. Social audit has the potential to better implement schemes at grassroot level. What is social audit and the challenges in its implementation? Suggest some measures to address the challenges. (15 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Social audit involves scrutinizing and surveying of schemes by the government and citizens in general and the people affected by those schemes in particular. It is an effective tool to ensure accountability, transparency and improvement of schemes owing to participatory approach. **Main Body** - Social audit in India was started in 1979 by TISCO in Jamshedpur to ensure social accountability and was institutionalized by 73rd and 74th constitutional amendment acts. Its effectiveness is ensured by key principles like participatory, comprehensive, verified, holistic, transparent and regular. - But even after 30 years since it got institutionalized, the impact has not been visible due to challenges like - One size fits all approach for social audits neglects local factors and makes the exercise less effective. - Lack of awareness and illiteracy are other roadblocks which affect participation of people. - Digital divide and data availability is also an issue which decreases active participation of stakeholders involved. - An independent agency is needed to monitor social audits and their outcomes which is currently missing. - There is lack of political will and politicization of audit work in many places means compromised social audits. - There challenges can be addressed by reforms like - Data storage and distribution needs to improve along with skilled workforce, which entails capacity building of systems and staff. - There has to be an active role played by civil society and non-government organizations to bridge the gaps between government and citizens. - Periodic training to social audit members by a team of experts at district level to ensure that there is no lapse in the main part of exercise. - Involvement of civil society to ensure awareness among people so that social audits are effective. **Conclusion** To ensure that the exercise of social audit is more effective, there is a need to put in punitive actions against violations, giving more finances for audits, timely monitoring and assisting implementation agencies so that there is a holistic approach to making social audit a success. --- **Q5\. More than 17 years since passage of the Right to Information Act, 2005, access to information is still a big issue. Enumerating the challenges, explain the need for widening scope of this law to ensure better access. (10 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - India is in line to be the most populated country in the world but when it comes to development parameters, it lags behind. This is majorly due to lack of transparency and accountability of public officials whose mandate is to implement government schemes and eliminate disparities. **Main body** - To foster this accountability, the Right to Information Act was passed in 2005 to make democratic governments accountable. But it has not translated into access to information due to issues like: - RTI amendment act 2019 which has limited powers of this law by giving parliament the powers to determine salary and service conditions. - Misuse of the law due to lack of locus standi and frivolous RTIs for seeking information. - High pendency and backlog of applications. - Many exceptions and being antithetical to Official Secrets Act 1923 thus bringing in more secrecy rather than transparency. - Poor enforceability as information commissioners lack such powers. - Low awareness among citizens to avail advantages of such law for their own benefit. - In this scenario, scope of the law needs to be widened by- - The 2013 Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) ruling says that political parties must be declared as public authorities but CIC is powerless to enforce its own ruling. - Association for Democratic Reforms opined that political parties receive huge indirect funding in the form of tax exemptions, free airtime, free tracts of land etc. So just like NGOs, trusts etc who are public authorities under the act, political parties must be treated the same way. - With the rise in fake and paid news, it's time to bring the fourth pillar of democracy, i.e. the media under RTI act to ensure credibility of the news. - Some aspects of corporate governance can be brought under RTI because they hugely fund political parties and there is ample scope of quid pro quo. **Conclusion** At the end, it can be concluded that although there are lots of benefits of widening scope of RTI act but the real challenge is that like politicians, the media, corporate houses, NGOs too --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/ITS.png) #### Integrated Test Series 2027 with Mentorship Not just a test series but complete guide to Prelims MCQ Solving and Mains Answer Writing [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/best-value-integrated-test-series-2027-with-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### PSIR: Write and Rise - 07 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/psir-write-and-rise-07/ Last updated: 2026-07-09T10:51:39.000Z **Q. Discuss the major functions performed by political parties in a democratic political system. (15 Marks)** --- **How to Approach** Cover major functions clearly and analytically. Don't just list them. Show why each function matters for democracy specifically. Use thinkers and examples to demonstrate understanding, not just description. --- **Answer** Harold Laski once said that democracy is inconceivable without political parties. Political parties are the primary link between citizens and the state, performing functions that make democratic governance practically possible. **Aggregating and Articulating Interests** Modern societies are full of competing demands from different classes, regions, religions and communities. Political parties collect these scattered demands, reconcile conflicts among them and present a coherent policy agenda to the government. As Almond and Powell argued, without this aggregation function, demands would remain fragmented and governance would become impossible. India's Congress party in its early years demonstrated this, bringing together diverse social groups under one political platform. **Political Socialisation** Parties act as schools of democracy, educating citizens about political values, rights and democratic processes. In India, the freedom movement itself socialised an entire generation into democratic participation, creating the civic culture that made universal franchise workable after 1947. In newly democratising societies especially, parties shape political culture and encourage citizens to engage through constitutional channels rather than street agitation. **Recruiting Political Leaders** Parties identify, train and promote individuals for public office, providing the political system with a continuous supply of leadership. Most political leaders begin within party organisations, gaining experience in mobilisation and policy-making before assuming governmental responsibility. **Forming and Sustaining Governments** Parties translate electoral mandates into governmental authority, providing legislative support, maintaining party discipline and ensuring policy coherence. In coalition systems like India, parties negotiate power-sharing arrangements that keep governments functional and stable. **Accountability Through Opposition** Parties out of power perform an equally important democratic function: holding governments accountable, scrutinising legislation and presenting alternative policy choices. Without organised opposition parties, executive power goes unchecked, weakening democratic accountability fundamentally. As Schattschneider observed, modern democracy is unthinkable without political parties; they transform individual voices into collective governance. Their effectiveness, however, depends on remaining genuinely rooted in society rather than becoming self-serving organisations disconnected from citizens. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/photo_6116086318191284609_y-1.jpg) #### PSIR Optional Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-with-test-series-4pb2kampmcfr/?ref=upscprep.com) ### PSIR: Write and Rise - 06 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/psir-write-and-rise-06/ Last updated: 2026-07-08T13:28:21.000Z **Q. Discuss Maurice Duverger's classification of political parties. How useful is this framework in understanding contemporary party systems?** --- **How to Approach** Cover Duverger's two-part contribution: party typology — cadre vs mass — and Duverger's Law — electoral systems and party systems. Then assess usefulness with contemporary examples. Don't just describe; show where the framework holds and where it breaks down. --- **Answer** Maurice Duverger's *Political Parties* (1951) remains one of the most foundational contributions to comparative party politics, offering both a classification of party types and a theory of how electoral systems shape party competition. **Cadre and Mass Parties** Duverger distinguished between two organisational types. Cadre parties emerged in the nineteenth century when voting was restricted to elites; they were loosely organised, relied on influential individuals and local notables, and had no need for mass membership. Mass parties emerged with suffrage expansion; they built strong organisational networks, maintained large memberships, cultivated ideological commitments, and embedded themselves in civil society through trade unions and social movements. Socialist and Christian democratic parties best exemplified this model. **Duverger's Law** Beyond party types, Duverger made an equally influential contribution through his electoral laws. He argued that single-member plurality systems — first-past-the-post — tend to produce two-party systems because voters strategically avoid wasting votes on smaller parties, as seen in the USA and UK. Proportional representation systems, by contrast, encourage multi-party competition since smaller parties can win seats proportional to their vote share, as seen in the Netherlands and Israel. **Contemporary Relevance and Limits** Duverger's framework made sense for its time but struggles with modern politics. Today's parties are neither purely cadre nor mass; they have dropped strong ideologies, chase votes from everyone rather than one class, and depend more on television and social media than party members. Kirchheimer called this the catch-all party. Katz and Mair went further, arguing parties today run on state funding and political consultants, completely losing touch with ordinary citizens. India's BJP and Congress both show these large organisations on paper but driven by leadership and media, not grassroots ideology. Even Duverger's Law has clear exceptions: Britain has multiple significant parties despite first-past-the-post. Duverger's work opened the door to serious study of parties and elections. But politics has moved on. His two categories cannot capture what parties have become today. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/photo_6116086318191284609_y-1.jpg) #### PSIR Optional Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-with-test-series-4pb2kampmcfr/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 2 - Day 32) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-2-day-32/ Last updated: 2026-07-08T13:15:35.000Z **Topic: Health, Education, Human Resources, Poverty and Hunger** **Q1\. Discuss why development of the social sector is important and what are the issues involved in its development. (10 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Social sector includes areas like **health, education, skill development, overall empowerment and fulfillment of essential needs** which results in human capital formation and development. **Main Body** - Development and growth are different concepts and no country has progressed without development of the social sector. It is important to **invest in social sector because-** - Better health indicators translate into **better productivity, more expenditure** in development parameters and less out of pocket expenditure. - **Women empowerment and care of old age people** means active participation of more than **50% population** in the development process. - India has lagged behind in structural transformation of the economy due to neglect of **skill development**. This has affected the transformation of the social sector as a whole. - Better **access to justice and speedy disposal** of cases is another area which helps overall development of the social sector. - **Literacy rate in India is around 75%** which is way less than many of the advanced economies. It doesn’t bode well for the **5**th **largest economy** in the world. - India has lagged behind in development of social sector due to **challenges** like- - Share of **education as a percentage of GDP has remained stagnant around 2.8%** which is problematic considering high drop out ratio and poor accessibility and affordability of education for the masses. - Though we are food surplus, yet we face issues of hunger as recently revealed by **Global Hunger Index**. This is in addition to issues like **malnutrition, stunting, wasting and over-weight.** - Even in the health sector, **expenditure as a percentage of GDP is very dismal around 1.6 %** which is way lower than many advanced economies. - Unemployment levels are also very high which increases **dependency ratio** and has potential to turn **demographic dividend** into a disaster. **Conclusion** Public spending in the social sector needs to be increased as recommended by the **15**th **Finance Commission**. It called for increasing expenditure in the health sector to **2.1% of GDP.** There can also be a combined **vision of 5 years** involving center and states for the social sector. --- **Q2\. Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) form a critical pillar of India's rural healthcare system. Discuss the role of ASHA workers in strengthening primary healthcare in India, especially in remote areas. Evaluate the challenges they face in executing their duties, and propose measures to improve their working conditions and effectiveness. (10 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - ASHA workers are volunteers from within the community who are trained to provide information and aid people in accessing the benefits of various healthcare schemes of the government. OR - The **World Health Organization (WHO) has recognised India's 10.4 lakh ASHA workers as 'Global Health Leaders**' for their efforts in connecting the community to the government’s health programmes. **(Data-based)** **Main Body** **Role of ASHA workers** - They act as a bridge connecting marginalized communities with facilities such as primary health centres, sub-centres and district hospitals. - The role of these community health volunteers under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) was first established in 2005. - The aim is to have one ASHA for every 1,000 persons or per habitation in hilly, tribal or other sparsely populated areas. - ASHA workers are also tasked with ensuring and motivating children to get immunized. **Challenges faced by ASHA workers** - **Low Remuneration:** ASHAs receive performance-based incentives, often insufficient to compensate for their efforts and the risks involved. - **Overburdened with Work:** Given the broad array of services they provide, they are often overworked and under-equipped. - **Lack of Professional Growth:** There is a lack of clear career progression and skill development opportunities for ASHA workers. **(for e.g**. ASHA workers were not treated the same as doctors even though both are on the frontline in the fight against the pandemic.) - **Social Barriers:** ASHAs often face social barriers, including gender-based discrimination and resistance from the community. **Measures to improve their functioning** - **Improve Remuneration:** Establishing a fixed salary structure, along with performance-based incentives, could enhance their financial stability. - **Capacity Building**: Regular training and skill development programs should be organized to equip ASHAs with the latest healthcare knowledge and techniques. - **Career Progression:** Creating a structured career progression pathway would improve their job satisfaction and motivation. - **Strengthen Infrastructure:** Ensuring proper healthcare infrastructure and supplies would enhance their ability to deliver services effectively. - **Social Security:** Providing ASHAs with benefits such as insurance, maternity leave, and pensions would help improve their working conditions. - Recognition of ASHAs’ work by the government and their communities through **financial and non-financial incentives.** - Development of **institutional mechanisms for feeding ASHAs’ experiences**, needs and class, caste and gender realities in policymaking. - Development of **support systems for ensuring the physical and mental well-being of ASHAs.** - Initiation of broader health system reforms for ASHAs, including **strengthening policies for fair recruitment, retention, financial protection, leave management, protection against sexual harassment, physical and mental health protection and stigma prevention** with clear accountability at all levels. **Conclusion** ASHA workers are the backbone of India's rural healthcare system. Strengthening their role, addressing their challenges, and improving their working conditions can significantly bolster India's primary healthcare, bringing us closer to achieving universal health coverage. --- **Q3\. The socio-economic benefits of Universal Health Coverage are plenty, but for it to be a reality the government must learn core lessons from pandemics and rebuild trust in public health. Comment. (15 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - India with mass poverty, geographically distant communities, absence of healthcare infrastructure and shortage of healthcare professionals, needs a robust universal health coverage programme. **Main Body:** **Socio-Economic benefits of Universal Healthcare Coverage** - **Social:** - **Enhance accessibility:** every individual should have access to services that address the causes of disease and death. - **Improve health:** UHC ensures that quality of health services are good enough leading to improved health of people - **Formation of human capital:** affordable and good quality health services to women, children, adolescents and people suffering from mental health issues, would **enhance human capital.** - **Economic:** - **Reduction of financial distress:** it protects people from spending on healthcare services out of their own pockets. - **Reduction of poverty:** it will cut down the risk of people being pushed into poverty due to huge amounts of spending on unexpected diseases. - **Economic development:** In the long run, good health will allow children to learn and adults to earn. - Building a foundation of economic development in the country. **To provide UHC-core lessons of the pandemic** - **Human Resources:** - **Shortage of healthcare professionals:** especially in rural and small cities. - Only 45 doctors per lakh population are available, against WHO recommendation of 100. - **Compulsory Rural Stint:** To enhance availability and accessibility. - Maharashtra’s step to stop doctors avoiding rural stint after paying 10 lakhs fine. - **Affordability:** - **Price Regulation:** Need to regulate rates and quality in the private sector. - **Insurance coverage:** Increase insurance penetration and also the spectrum of treatments covered and PMJAY’s hospital coverage. - **Decrease out of pocket expenditure:** Report by Pew Research Center states that the pandemic pushed 32 million out of the middle class. - **Structural changes:** - **Increase vaccination infrastructure:** to tackle mass vaccination on lines of Polio eradication programme. - **Network of laboratories:** Robust testing infrastructure, with hub and spoke model. - **WHO’s framework of six healthcare system building blocks:** Study the lessons learnt post pandemic and create actionable points. - **Innovative Approach:** - **Behavioral change campaigns:** On lines of Swachh Bharat Mission to instill hygiene habits like hand washing. - **Focus on NCDs:** NCD burden was highlighted by comorbid complications of COVID-19\. They account for 2/3rd deaths in India. - **Technology leverage:** Tele-medicine, mobile-health, and digital platforms should be used for healthcare delivery at remote locations. **Steps to rebuild trust in healthcare:** - **Increase public spending on health:** By at least 3% by 2024. - **Expand healthcare workforce:** multilayered, multi skilled teams that can deliver the needed services must be made available. - **Address regional disparities:** incentivising rural areas for healthcare infrastructure. - **Reduce out-of-pocket expenditure:** essential drugs and diagnostics at public health care facilities should be made free, especially in rural areas. **Conclusion** - In the pandemic era, it is the public system, with all its problems, that has risen to the occasion. - There is a need to transform the fractured healthcare to a single healthcare system for everyone involving both public and private sectors. --- **Q4\. India’s ‘EdTech’ sector, which underwent a boom during COVID-19, is in dire need of regulation for the greater public good. Comment. (10 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - According to the data provided by IBEF, the Indian EdTech industry was valued at US$ 750 million in 2020 and is **expected to reach US$ 4 billion by 2025.** However, in recent times, a need has been felt for its urgent regulation. (**Data-based)** - EdTech, or Education Technology, refers to using the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) ecosystem to enhance teaching and learning. Some famous examples includeByju's, Unacademy, UpGrade etc**.** In recent times, due to many controversies and lack of regulatory clarity, a debate has been ongoing regarding its regulation. (**Definition-based)** **Main Body** **Need for regulation** 1. **Standardization and Quality Control:** There's a wide variation in the quality of content, teaching methodology, and assessment techniques across platforms. A regulatory framework could ensure a minimum quality standard. 2. **Data Privacy:** EdTech platforms collect vast amounts of data from users. Clear regulations on data protection and privacy are necessary to prevent misuse. 3. **Pricing Transparency:** Some EdTech platforms employ aggressive marketing strategies with hidden costs, leading to transparency issues. A pricing and refund policy framework can protect consumer rights. 4. **Inclusion of Special Needs Students:** Regulations could ensure that platforms make provision for special needs students, making learning accessible to all. 5. **Certifications and Degrees:** Clear guidelines on recognising certificates and degrees from online platforms can ensure their relevance in the job market and prevent fraudulent practices. 6. **Investors over students:** Many EdTech companies focus more on profit maximization to provide better returns to their investors than the welfare of students. 7. **Misleading ads:** Many times, there are false claims and alluring ads that exploit parents' desires. 8. **Unfair loans:** Many companies, under the garb of being a benefactor, push them to take their courses on loans with intricate terms and conditions for refunds. **Possible areas of regulation:** - Quality Standards: Define and enforce minimum quality standards for EdTech platforms. - Establish an accreditation system for EdTech platforms. (Just like regular education institutes) - Affordability Measures: Introduce regulations to promote affordable access to EdTech services. - Accessibility Requirements: Set guidelines to ensure that EdTech platforms are accessible to all, including students with disabilities. - Eg. features like closed captions, screen readers, and compatibility with assistive technologies. - Data Privacy and Security: Enact comprehensive data protection regulations for EdTech platforms. Define strict guidelines for the collection, storage, and usage of student data, ensuring that platforms prioritize data privacy and implement robust security measures. - Transparency in Marketing and Advertising. - Teacher Qualifications and Monitoring. - Complaint Redressal Mechanisms: Develop a structured complaint redressal system for students and parents. - Encourage collaboration between EdTech platforms and traditional educational institutions to promote integration and ensure alignment with established curriculum frameworks. - Regulatory Oversight and Accountability: Establish a regulatory body or authority to oversee the functioning of the EdTech sector, monitor compliance with regulations, and impose penalties or sanctions for non-compliance. **Conclusion** It's crucial to strike a balance that allows the EdTech sector to innovate and grow while ensuring it serves the larger interests of society. --- **Q5\. Differentiating between ‘calorie hunger’ and ‘hidden hunger’, evaluate the extent of hidden hunger in India. Further, suggest strategies to address hidden hunger effectively, aligning with India’s constitutional and policy mandates. (15 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - According to **Global Hunger Index 2022**, India ranked **107 among 121 countries** and is in the serious hunger category. (**Data-based)** - Hunger can be defined as a condition in which a person cannot eat sufficient food to meet basic nutritional needs for a sustained period. Currently, India is home to different types of hunger - calorie hunger, hidden hunger and protein hunger. **(Definition-based)** **Main BodyDifference between calorie hunger and hidden hunger** | Calorie Hunger | Hidden Hunger | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Refers to inadequate intake of calories leading to energy deficit. | Refers to deficiency of essential micronutrients (vitamins, minerals) in the diet. | | Results in visible signs of undernourishment like weight loss and fatigue. | Leads to less visible but critical health issues such as poor immunity, stunted growth, and cognitive impairment. | | India has made significant progress in reducing calorie hunger, but it persists, especially among economically disadvantaged groups. | Hidden hunger is widespread in India. | | Generally caused by a lack of access to adequate food due to poverty and lack of resources. | Often caused by a monotonous diet lacking diversity, primarily relying on staple grains. | According to **NFHS-5**, nearly 35 % of children under 5 are stunted in India. Further, around 19 % of children under 5 fell in the ‘wasted’ category. **Strategy to address hidden hunger effectively** - **Food Fortification:** This involves adding key vitamins and minerals to staple foods. (E.g. FSSAI - Food Fortification Resource Centre (FFRC) to promote large-scale food fortification across India). - **Diet Diversification:** Promoting the consumption of various foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and animal-sourced foods, can ensure a broader intake of necessary nutrients. - **Supplementation Programs:** Providing direct supplements, especially for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and young children. - **Improving Public Health Infrastructure:** Strengthening the public health infrastructure to enable regular screening, early detection, and treatment of micronutrient deficiencies. - **Policy Integration**: The existing policies must integrate nutrition-sensitive and nutrition-specific interventions. **Conclusion** - According to **UNICEF**, “the ‘hidden hunger’ due to micronutrient deficiency does not produce hunger as we know it. **You might not feel it in the belly, but it strikes at the core of your health and vitality.”** - Therefore, it is imperative that interventions be specifically aimed at hidden hunger and not just meeting calorie requirements. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/Mains-Excel-.png) #### Mains Excel Program A FREE Initiative ONLY for Serious and Committed Aspirants [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-mains-excel-program-2026/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 2 - Day 31) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-2-day-31/ Last updated: 2026-07-07T17:47:36.000Z **Topic: Welfare Schemes and Vulnerable Sections** **Q1\. Highlight the main changes proposed by the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Bill, 2021\. Also, explain the reasons behind their introduction. (15 Marks)** **Model structure** **Introduction** Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Bill 2021 seeks to amend the Act of 2015 under which a **juvenile is a person below the age of 18 years**. They are in conflict with the law and need care and protection. **Main body** - The law fulfils India’s commitment to the UN **Convention on Rights of the Child** and the **Hague Convention**. Recent amendments are based **on the NCPCR** report which showed inadequacies in children’s homes. - **Main changes** include- | Juvenile Justice act 2015 | Juvenile Justice amendment bill | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | After the order of Child Welfare Committee, no appeal can be made | Any aggrieved person can appeal before the divisional commissioner within 30 days of order. | | Heinous offences tried in children’s court and others by Judicial Magistrate. | All offences will be tried by children’s court. | | Offences categorised as heinous, serious and petty. | ‘Serious offences’ are redefined to include minimum and maximum imprisonment of 3-7 years and 7 years respectively. | | Adoption finalized by civil court | Even District Magistrate (DM) and Additional District Magistrate (ADM) can issue adoption orders. | | 3-7 year imprisonment offence will be cognizable and non-bailable. | These offences are non-cognizable and non-bailable | - **Main reasons** for their introduction include- - **DM and ADM can effectively coordinate** functions of implementation agencies. - **Better supervision** of Juvenile protection units and District child protection units. - **Quick disposal** of appeals by setting time limits. - Redefining serious offences is in line with the Shilpa **Mittal case.** - Child welfare committee will not have members with past violations of human rights. **Conclusion** The bill seeks to **streamline inter and intra-country adoption** and improvement in children's homes. A quarterly review of Child welfare committees and juvenile justice boards will ensure quick disposal of cases thus ensuring child rights. --- **Q2\. Forest Rights Act 2006 was passed to ensure the tenure of forest dwellers and the protection of their other rights. Enumerate the rights recognised under the act and their importance and the issues involved. (15 Marks)** **Model structure** **Introduction** Forest rights act was made to ensure the **rights of tribal communities** are protected and environmental **conservation is balanced** with their right to life and livelihood. **Main body** - Recently, the Supreme Court stayed its order of eviction of forest dwellers who were unable to claim tenure due to **lack of documents**. Also, tribals are **unable to afford costly litigation** which weakens their arguments resulting in unfavourable rulings. - **Rights of tribals recognised** include- - **Community rights** like fishing, grazing, and water body access. - Protection of **traditional knowledge**. - Right to **land titles** subject to a maximum of 4 hectares. - Right to collect and market **minor forest produce**. - **Forest management rights** like conserve, manage and protect any community forest resource. - **Right to rehabilitation** in case of illegal eviction. - **Importance** of forest rights include- - **Inclusive growth and development**\- securing livelihood, access to forest products and trading, - **With forest rights comes conservation** of resources. In Maharashtra, community forest cover increased from 6.8% in 2000 to 9.3% in 2014, - **Undoing historical injustice** of forest rights denial, - Such measures will **douse the flame of left-wing extremism** as protection of forest resources is one of their main demands, - **Decentralised development** by Gram Sabhas in schedule 5 areas. - **Issues** include- - **Land diversion** by forest agencies for commercial plantations, - **Lack of initiatives by state** governments to conciliate rights and forest conservation, - **Slow pace of rights recognition**. Only 13% of forest land belonging to tribal dwellers has been recognised till now, - **Huge pendency** and rejection of claims, - **Inadequate financial resources** to implement the law. **Conclusion** Awareness of tribals and **capacity building** of implementing agencies is pivotal. This can be done through radio and **social media** to ensure information dissemination. **Participation of civil society and NGOs** is also important to expedite the claims process. --- **Q3\. Discuss the role and importance of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) in safeguarding the rights of tribal communities in India. Also, critically evaluate its effectiveness in ensuring the protection of the rights of tribal communities in India. (15 Marks)** **Model structure** **Introduction** The **89th Amendment** bifurcated the erstwhile National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and set up the NCST under **Article 338-A.** It aims to oversee the implementation of various safeguards provided to STs under the Constitution. (**Historical Context)** **Main Body** **Role and importance of NCST** - **Constitutional Safeguards**: NCST is mandated to oversee the implementation of various constitutional protections and safeguards for Scheduled Tribes (STs) under the Constitution. - **Socio-Economic Development:** It participates in planning for socio-economic development of STs and evaluates the progress of their development. - **Policy Input:** It suggests measures to be taken for the welfare of STs, to improve their socio-economic parameters and to protect them from social injustice and exploitation. (E.g. contributed to policy issues related to the Enumeration of Migrant STs, Implementation of the Forest Right Act etc.) - **Investigation:** It investigates and monitors matters relating to safeguards provided for STs and evaluates the working of these safeguards. - **Dispute Resolution:** The Commission also helps resolve disputes between STs and law enforcement agencies. - **Presents Reports:** To present to the President upon the working of those safeguards. (For e.g. presented a report on how Rourkela Steel Plant displaced tribals and their rehabilitation and resettlement) **Effectiveness of NCST** - NCST has been especially effective in **economically empowering** the tribals by recommending land ceilings, redistribution of surplus land, tenancy reforms, and other measures **to prevent land alienation of the tribals**. It also helped **socially empower** the tribals by improvement in literacy and related development. - However, while NCST has played an important role in protecting the rights of tribals, its effectiveness has been contained by the following issues: - **Awareness Gap:** Many tribal communities lack awareness about the Commission and its role, limiting their ability to seek its assistance. - **Enforcement Challenges:** The NCST often faces difficulties in ensuring compliance with its recommendations due to the lack of enforcement power. - **Limited Jurisdiction:** The NCST's jurisdiction is limited to Scheduled Areas and STs, leaving out many tribal communities in non-scheduled areas. - **Resource Constraints:** The NCST faces constraints such as inadequate manpower and financial resources, which can hinder its functioning. **Conclusion** - NCST's contributions have a significant impact on policy outcomes and shape the trajectory of tribal welfare in India. - However, by making NCST’s composition more inclusive and by ensuring capacity building of the stakeholders involved, NCST can be made even more effective. --- **Q4\. Recent news and reports suggest growing incidents of targeted harassment of minorities. In this context, analyze the role of the National Commission of Minorities. (10 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** The Minorities Commission was first set up in 1974 as per the resolution by the Ministry of Home Affairs. In 1984 it was placed under the Ministry of Welfare and was later given statutory status under provisions of the National Commission of Minorities (NCM) Act 1992. **Main Body** - In 1993 five religious communities were notified as minority communities with the NCM having responsibility for their welfare. Later Jains were also notified as a minority community in 2014. - But recent reports suggest growing incidents of targeted harassment of minorities. In this context, role of NCM includes- - Making sure that the PM 15 point program for welfare of minorities is implemented properly and other schemes for minorities are functioning. - Recommending ways for better safeguards and protection of the minorities by the central or state governments. Current provisions have been ineffective at times and much more needs to be done. - Keeping a track of constitutional safeguards for minorities under articles like 25, 28, 29, 30, 358-B etc and in the laws enacted by center and states. - Inquiring specific complaints related to deprivation of rights and taking such matters to appropriate authorities. - Investigating matters of riots and communal conflict and ensuring full inquiry is done for complete justice. **Conclusion** National Commission for Minorities plays a vital role in safeguarding minority rights and promoting inclusivity, guided by the principles of the Indian Constitution. --- **Q5\. The Tribals in India are not given the due inclusive importance they deserve. In this context, discuss the significance of the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana. (15 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** As per Census 2011, about 8.4% of the Indian population are tribal groups. Some of the tribes trace their origin to the Indus Valley civilization. But tribes are the most neglected population from the colonial era to modern times. **Main Body** **Various types of exclusion faced by tribals:** - **Social exclusion:** Tribes are excluded in multiple forms like denial of rental homes, which forces them to slums, used as scapegoat in petty crimes etc. - **Political exclusion:** Tribes are provided certain statutory and constitutional provisions which are hijacked by dominant groups. - This was seen recently in Karnataka, where the Talwar community was denied a reserved seat despite the union government passing the bill. - **Economic exclusion:** Forced eviction of tribes due to developmental projects impacts their income. - This is mainly due to 20 to 40% of primary income depending on Minor Forest Produce (MFP). - **Cultural exclusion:** Tribes are treated by few as “Backward Hindus” and thus tend to get assimilated. - This leads to the loss of tribal identity and culture. - Asur tribes have started radio stations to conserve their language. - **Administrative apathy:** Lack of sympathy is observed in local administration towards tribes due to their low politico-economic reach. - The decisions of the Gram Sabha have been undermined by the administration. **Significance of PM-Van Dhan Yojana (PM-VDY):** - **Economic significance:** Tribal derives 40% of their income from Minor Forest Produce (MFP), and as per TRIFED it has the potential of creating 10 million workdays annually in the country. - **Social significance:** Tribal women are major breadwinners in many matrilineal tribal households. - This scheme based on SHG (Self Help Group) helps this social structure for the upliftment of local women and women empowerment in the larger context. - As Tribals observe the true nature of government intent, the Naxal activities can be reduced. - **Cultural significance:** Tribals inherit the knowledge of food, medicine, and construction material from ancient ages. - The commercialization of such products will ensure the preservation of cultural knowledge and its promotion. - **Entrepreneurship culture:** Recently Amazon and TRIFED collaborated to promote the MFP on e-commerce sites. - In no time, Bomaki, Ikta sarees, and Dokra metal work gained prominence. These promote indigenous startups far from urban spaces. - **Administrative reforms:** The Collector is made head of Van Dhan Vikas Kendra, and he is the chief coordinator. This reduces the traditional tussle between the administration and tribals through frequent communication. **Conclusion** - PM-Van Dhan Yojana will act as an important milestone in the development of tribals. This will further reduce the diversion of tribal youth towards anti-state activities and help in better integration with mainstream society. - Inclusion is part of our Directive Principles, and tribal inclusion is a major pillar of united India. --- ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 2 - Day 30) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-2-day-30/ Last updated: 2026-07-06T15:02:33.000Z **Topic: Governance and Social Justice Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation. Development Processes and the Development Industry — the Role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.** --- **Q1\. Critically evaluate the role and functioning of the NITI Aayog in shaping India's development trajectory. Discuss how it differs from its predecessor, the Planning Commission. (15 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - The NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog was established in 2015 to replace the Planning Commission, marking a significant institutional shift in the economic governance of India. **(Historical Context)** **Main Body** **Role and Functioning of NITI Aayog** - **Policy Formulation and Evaluation:** NITI Aayog provides strategic and technical advice to the central and state governments, fostering an evidence-based policy-making approach. (For e.g. **NITI Aayog's "Strategy for New India @ 75")** - **Fostering Cooperative Federalism:** NITI Aayog is a collaborative platform fostering cooperative federalism. It ensures a better Centre-state collaboration and integration of national and regional development agendas. - **Promoting Innovation:** Through initiatives like the Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog encourages a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. - **Monitoring and Evaluation:** It oversees implementing programmes and initiatives, providing an accountability framework. For instance, it has been tasked with monitoring the progress of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India. **Difference between Niti Aayog and Planning Commission** | Niti Aayog | Planning Commission | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | It serves as an advisory think tank. | It served as the extra-constitutional body. | | Promotes cooperative federalism, involving states in the national development agenda. | Promoted a centralised model of development, often criticised for neglecting state-specific needs. | | Includes all state Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories in its Governing Council, fostering inclusivity. | Had limited state representation. | | Plays an enabling role, providing strategic direction and policy input. | Played a commanding role in the economy, controlling resource allocation. | | It does not have powers to allocate funds, which are vested in the Finance Minister. | It had powers to allocate funds to ministries and state governments. | **Conclusion** Therefore, while the Planning Commission was a product of the planned economy era, NITI Aayog reflects the needs of a modern, dynamic, and market-oriented economy. --- **Q2\. Examine the significance of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in India's developmental journey. In your opinion, are the current legal and regulatory systems sufficient to ensure the efficient functioning of NGOs? (15 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - A non-governmental organization (NGO) is a group that functions independently of any government. It is usually non-profit. - Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play an integral role in India's development trajectory. Acting as critical drivers of civil society, NGOs not only facilitate service delivery but also foster innovation, voice underrepresented groups, and shape policy discourse. **Main Body** Their role becomes critical, especially in areas where government mechanisms may not reach efficiently. **Significance of NGOs in India’s developmental journey** - **Service Delivery:** NGOs often fill gaps in public service delivery, especially in inaccessible and underserved regions. For example, organizations like **Goonj** have made noteworthy contributions to disaster relief efforts, filling in gaps left by official relief measures - **Representation and Advocacy:** NGOs serve as a voice for marginalized and vulnerable sections of society, advocating for their rights and welfare. For instance, PRADAN has been instrumental in empowering rural women through self-help groups. - **Policy Influence:** Many NGOs actively contribute to policy discourse and reforms. - **Innovation:** NGOs have pioneered innovative development models. The **Akshaya Patra** Foundation’s mid-day meal program exemplifies an NGO initiative scaling up to national importance. **Current Legal and Regulatory Systems for NGOs**The present legal and regulatory mechanisms present a **mixed picture.** While they do provide a structured framework for NGO operations, they also pose some stringent constraints. - **Regulatory Acts:** The functioning of NGOs in India is governed by various acts like the Societies Registration Act, 1860; the Indian Trusts Act, 1882; and the Companies Act, 2013 (Section 8). - **FCRA Regulations:** The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, regulates the acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions. The 2020 amendment to FCRA has been viewed by some as restrictive, potentially constraining the NGO sector. - **Accountability Mechanisms:** Mechanisms like the Darpan portal of NITI Aayog, and the NGO Darpan portal managed by the Ministry of Electronics and IT aim to ensure transparency and accountability. **Conclusion** To enhance the efficiency of NGOs, it is paramount to ensure a balance between accountability and autonomy. A conducive regulatory environment characterized by ease of compliance, transparency, and proportionate controls on malpractices, can truly leverage the potential of NGOs in India's socio-economic development. --- **Q3\. Briefly discussing the historical development of Self Help Groups in India, enumerate their advantages and issues involved. (15 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - **Self Help Groups (SHG)** is an **informal association** of people with **similar interests** and end goals who **come together** by pooling their resources to improve their living conditions. **Main Body** - The main functions of SHGs are to plan for additional income, persuade members to thrift and save, and become financially viable so that banking services are easy to avail. The **development of SHGs has gone through phases** like- - Origin can be traced back to **1952** when the **Textile Labour Association of Ahmedabad** formed its women wing to provide basic skills like weaving, knitting etc. - Formal beginnings started in **1972** with the setting up of the **Self-Employed Women’s Association**. A pivotal role was played by **Ela Bhatt** by organizing poor women working in weaving, food industry etc to enhance their income. - Organised beginnings can be traced back to **NABARD’s SHG Bank Linkage Project of 1992** which is the world's largest microfinance project. - **Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana was launched in 1999** which became **National Rural Livelihoods Mission in 2011** to promote self employment in rural areas. - The idea of SHG is ever evolving due to improvements taking place with time and thus it is important to understand its **advantages** like- - Bringing **marginalized and weaker sections** into the mainstream, so that they can be active participants in the development process. - SHGs mostly cater to the needs of **women** and thus it brings **gender equality.** - **Financial inclusion** is an important aspect as most of the lending is to the **poor and marginalized section and taking loans** become easy due to better collaterals. - **Government schemes become more effective** as SHGs become a channel to implement and avail the benefits of the schemes. - Better **social indicators like health, family planning and education**, and it also prevents distress migration. - Alternative sources of livelihood protects them against external shocks and gives them **more bargaining power** thus giving a boost to the economy. - But there are **some issues** which prevent SHGs from realizing their full potential. Some of them are- - **Members** of SHGs, especially those in **decision making positions do not** necessarily **come from poor backgrounds.** - There is **very little skill development** which means that the future prospects of these members are not good. **Value addition is poor and skills are primitive** which makes their earnings subsistence in perpetuity. - **Patriarchy** prevents women from participating and only few rural pockets have seen actual realization of its potential. - **Presence of only 1.5 lakh bank branches** show lopsided presence in about 6 lakh villages thus affecting accessibility. **Conclusion** There is a need to strengthen SHGs by rapid expansion of financial infrastructure, extending aid to urban areas, and making the government play the role of facilitator. --- **Q4\. ‘People's plan campaign’ was launched to prepare the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP). Highlight the importance of decentralised planning generally and GPDP specifically. (15 Marks)** **Model structure** **Introduction** - **People’s plan campaign** aims to prepare **Gram Panchayat Development Plan** (GPDP) in Gram Sabha meetings in 29 **areas**, by ensuring maximum participation of vulnerable sections of society. **Main body** - It aims to improve the role of **elected representatives** of panchayats and women SHGs to ensure holistic planning. **GPDP formulation process-** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/data-src-image-94299c6f-e805-4b3c-9e31-5ab05a242b6e.jpeg) - **Importance of** decentralised planning is**\-** - More **accountable** local government to citizens. - Enhanced **resource mobilisation** and their timely availability. - Improved **social contract** between locals and representatives. - **Responsive governance** with feedback and timely actions. - Promoting **economy and efficiency** by proper utilisation of resources. - Specifically**, GPDP is significant because**\- - **Article 243G** has provisions for Gram Sabha under which they will prepare and implement GPDP. It will provide a **vision with clear goals** and action plans. - Involves **participation and convergence** of all related schemes. - All 29 subjects of the **11th schedule** are included as the base of planning. - Will play a greater role in the implementation of **flagship schemes**. - **Gram Sabha dashboard** to ensure maximum participation through the Standing Committee and Gram Sabha meetings. - **Challenges in GPDP formulation include-** - **Insufficient funding**. Even with a good plan, funding constraints defeat the purpose. - Lack of **trained staff** to prepare holistic plans. - **Corruption** and leakages causing misuse of funds. - Inflexibility in spending of funds which is highly dictated by **politics**. - **Coordination issues** among various departments. **Conclusion** India’s decentralisation exercise is one of the largest in the world with a robust constitutional and legal structure for its enforcement. Panchayats must be seen as institutions of self-governance to realise Gandhiji’s dream of **‘Gram Swaraj’**. --- **Q5\. More than ten years after getting constitutional status by the 97th Amendment Act, co-operatives are yet to achieve their full potential. Enumerate how co-operatives can be a game-changer for their members and why they haven’t achieved their desired potential yet. (15 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Cooperatives are **voluntary associations** of individuals with common needs and interests who join hands for common economic goals. The **97th Amendment** made it a **fundamental right** under Article 19(1) (c) and a **directive** under Article 43B to form co-operatives. **Main body** - Members of co-operatives have common economic and social needs. **Potential of cooperatives** include- - A lot of **distress-sale**, especially that of agricultural commodities, can be avoided which gives **more bargaining power** to farmers to get a better return for their produce. - **Diversification of risks** and profits due to many stakeholders or participants. - It also helps to easily start any venture. Cooperatives have **succeeded in the dairy, sugar, fertiliser, and rubber sector** and can be replicated in other sectors also. - Equal voting rights mean member contribution and **shared responsibility**, with limited liability.. - Better prospects for **women** and other marginalised groups with respect to jobs. This prevents **distress migration** - **Issues** in working of cooperatives- - **Less coverage** due to small size and fewer members join it due to **centralisation,** resulting in undemocratic decision making. - Manipulation due to **money and muscle power in elections**. They have become dens of corruption and many are controlled by powerful politicians. Eg- Sugar cooperatives of Maharashtra. - **Overdependence on the government for funds** and lack of quality management hinder growth. - Poor infrastructure and **lack of skilled manpower** affect the efficient functioning of co-operatives. - **Awareness** issues as people are not informed about its benefits. - This can be **overcome by** steps like- - **Better branding** as in the case of AMUL. This will promote standardization and quality control thus ensuring better returns. - **Overregulation** must pave the way to **more autonomy** and development based on market forces rather than politics. - Transparency in management along with **training of personnel**. - **Availability of funds** and loaning can be made easy for a better investment. **Conclusion** Local level co-operatives must work to **cater to the primary sector** and needs of the rural majority whereas at the state and national levels they must imbibe good practices from the private sector to compete better. --- ### PSIR: Write and Rise - 05 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/psir-write-and-rise-05/ Last updated: 2026-07-06T11:53:07.000Z **Q. Esping-Andersen's typology shows that capitalist democracies differ significantly in how they balance markets and social protection. Discuss the three worlds of welfare capitalism with suitable examples.** **(20 Marks)** --- **How to Approach** Explain Esping-Andersen's classification first, then analyse each welfare model with examples, then critically assess the typology's limits. Don't just describe what each model reveals about the market-state-society relationship. --- **Answer** Esping-Andersen's *The Three Worlds of Welfare Capitalism* (1990) remains the most influential comparative framework for understanding how capitalist democracies organise social protection. The three welfare regimes differ fundamentally in how they balance state, market and family in delivering social protection. **The Liberal Welfare State** Found in the United States and United Kingdom, the liberal model is built on individual responsibility and means-tested benefits. The state provides only a basic safety net, while markets dominate healthcare, pensions and insurance. Decommodification is low; welfare depends heavily on market participation. Critics argue this produces high inequality and social insecurity, as Claus Offe noted in *Contradictions of the Welfare State*. **The Conservative-Corporatist Welfare State** Germany and France exemplify this model, rooted in Christian democratic traditions. Benefits are tied to employment status and occupational contributions rather than universal citizenship. The state coordinates welfare through employers, unions and professional bodies, preserving social order and status hierarchies. Family plays a significant role in social support. While more protective than the liberal model, it reinforces occupational inequalities and struggles with changing labour markets. **The Social Democratic Welfare State** Sweden and the Nordic countries represent the most universal model; welfare is seen as a citizenship right rather than a market reward. High taxation finances extensive public services across healthcare, education and housing. Decommodification is highest here, enabling genuine equality of outcomes alongside economic competitiveness. ### Critical Assessment Esping-Andersen's typology has been criticised for neglecting gender. Feminist scholars like Ann Orloff argue it overlooks unpaid domestic labour. Post-colonial scholars further note that developing welfare states fall outside his framework entirely. Despite its limits, Esping-Andersen's typology demonstrates that capitalism is not monolithic. Different political choices produce fundamentally different welfare outcomes, proving that markets and social protection can be balanced in multiple ways. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/photo_6116086318191284609_y-1.jpg) #### PSIR Optional Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-with-test-series-4pb2kampmcfr/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 2 - Day 29) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-2-day-29/ Last updated: 2026-07-04T15:14:17.000Z **Topic: Constitutional posts, Constitutional Bodies, Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial Bodies** **Q1\. Election Commission of India is the sole institution responsible for the conduct of free and fair elections. Discuss the challenges faced by this body.** **(10 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Use of money, violence and electoral malpractices has increased with time, which has resulted in criminalisation of politics. Free and fair elections are a part of the basic structure of the Constitution, and the Election Commission is responsible for it. OR - Election Commission of India is a constitutional body formed under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution. **Main Body** - There is a rampant use of money and muscle power and the Election Commission of India has been unable to prevent this challenge due to reasons like- - There are cases of unattended voting machines which spring up after every election and create trust deficit between voters as a whole and the Election Commission as an institution. - Appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and other two commissioners is not robust and transparent which affects the independence of the institution. - Inner-party democracy and financial regulation of parties is a big issue which the ECI has not been able to address due to lack of powers. - There is no bar on post-retirement appointments of election commissioners and they can also join any political party after retirement. This affects the independence and decision-making of the body. - Before elections, there is abuse of power by the state government which makes many transfers to post corrigible officials in key positions for getting advantage. **Conclusion** To ensure elections are conducted in free and fair manners, Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail System (VVPAT) must be there in all constituencies and their model code of conduct must have a legal backing for proper punishment in case of violations. --- **Q2\. Corruption is the biggest threat to inclusive development in India. In this regard, enumerate the role and functions of the Central Vigilance Commission. What provisions ensure the independence of CVC?** **(10 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Established in 1964 by an executive resolution of the Santhanam Committee, CVC is an apex governmental body in India that is responsible for addressing issues related to corruption and promoting transparency and integrity in public administration. (**Background and role-based)** **Main Body** **Role and functions of CVC** - **Inquiry or investigation** against an alleged employee of the Central Government for an offense under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (PoCA). - **Superintendence over the functioning of CBI** and giving directions to CBI related to investigating offenses under the PoCA. - **Superintendence over the vigilance administration** in the ministries of the Central Government. - Notified as a **specific authority** to receive information on **suspicious transactions under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.** - Making **preliminary inquiry into complaints referred by Lokpa**l in respect of officials of Groups A, B, C & D. - **Sensitization of citizens:** Steps like vigilance week and integrity pledge help to generate awareness about the ill effects of corruption. **Provisions to ensure independence** - The President appoints the Chief Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) based on the recommendation of a three-member committee consisting of the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. - The CVC **can be removed from office only by the President**, and this can only be done on the grounds mentioned in the statute. - The CVC has a **fixed tenure** of 4 years or until the age of 65, whichever comes earlier. Additionally, they are ineligible for further employment under the Central or a state government. - The **salary, allowances, and service conditions of the CVC are similar to that of the Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)** for the Chief Vigilance Commissioner and similar to that of a member of the UPSC for the Vigilance Commissioners. - The CVC has its **own independent staff,** including a Secretariat, a Chief Technical Examiners’ Wing, and a wing of Commissioners for Departmental Inquiries. **Conclusion** Mahatma Gandhi once said, **"Corruption and hypocrisy ought not to be inevitable products of democracy, as they undoubtedly are today."** CVC plays a pivotal role in curbing this menace that Mahatma Gandhi had warned about. --- **Q3\. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes have been in existence for a long time. Discuss whether they have been effective in addressing issues of discrimination prevalent in society. (15 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - The **National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)** are both constitutional bodies formed under **Article 338A and 338B by the 89th Constitutional Amendment Act**. **Main Body** - Their mandate is to monitor existing safeguards provided for SC and STs under the Constitution or a law, give advice on planning related to socio-economic development of SC/STs and inquire into complaints related to their safeguards. Their success is reflected by - reduction in **literacy gap, especially that of SC/ST women.** - Health indicators like **IMR and MMR**, and education indicators like enrollment ratio and outcomes, have also increased. This is reflected in data provided by the **Sample Registration System**. - As per the **Tata Institute of Social Sciences report,** their ownership of houses and basic amenities has also increased. - Also, **representation** of this group in **legislatures** **and services has increased.** - Though many issues are addressed as evident from data, many of them still remain like- - Cases filed under **SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act** have increased as per data given by **NCRB.** - **Huge pendency** in complaints with both commissions show slow pace of justice. - There are cases of **discrimination** in best of the institutes, which show even education has not helped get rid of **caste-based discrimination**. - There are a lot of incidents of **forceful eviction** of forest dwellers without adequate compensation. - **Mob lynching and targeted killings with a lethargic justice system** affects trust building between the public and authorities. **Conclusion** Both bodies have constitutional status, which points to their importance but to ensure they work as per their mandate, reforms are needed like binding recommendations, timely disposal of complaints and timely appointments. --- **Q4\. Quasi-judicial bodies are important organs of governance. Explain their role and features. Also discuss the issues associated with them. (15 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - **Quasi-judicial** bodies have functions similar to a court of law or a tribunal but they themselves are **not part of the judicial hierarchy**. Their powers are limited to specific areas of operation like administration, financial market, minorities etc. **Main body:** - They are **important in governance because**\- - These bodies do not follow conventional lengthy procedures of jurisprudence and thus make the **process simple to understand**. - **Lessen caseload on the judiciary** and help address the issue of case pendency. - Purpose of **justice upheld** as the public are hesitant to approach courts for want of time and money. But in the case of quasi-judicial bodies, **better access and affordable** justice make it easy for aggrieved citizens. - They are **manned by experts** rather than generalists thus making the process expeditious. - Their **role and features include**\- - They are created for a specific purpose, making them **‘issue specific**’. Eg- Central Administrative Tribunal, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Election Commission etc. - Their **nature can be different**. For instance, the Finance Commission is a constitutional body, SEBI is a regulatory body and NHRC is a statutory body. - They can include subject experts also apart from judges allowing for **technical expertise**. - Their decisions are **subject to judicial review.** - They are **affordable, accessible** and more effective for the common man. - **Issues** involved- - **Vacancies** are a major issue of these bodies which delays decision making. - **Pendency** of cases seen in tribunals is also due to the large volume of false cases. - Provision of making available **free legal aid** for weaker parties, not provided for like in NALSA, making the process disadvantageous. - **Independence** of these bodies is an issue as many appointments are at the sole discretion of the executive. - Most of the bodies **are recommendatory in nature** like NHRC and have no power to punish. They lack an enforcement mechanism and have no power to even enforce award compensation. **Conclusion** Formed to reduce the burden on the judiciary, they are now themselves subject to vacancies and a high case burden. It is time to bring in laws to allow **transparent appointment processes** and reduce vacancies which will expedite the disposal of cases. --- **Q5\. There is a plethora of regulatory bodies for each sector to ensure compliance with rules and regulations. Discuss the role of these bodies and the issues involved in their functioning.** **(15 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Regulatory bodies are **independent government bodies** formed to set standards in a particular field, and they also help to enforce those standards. They **ensure business is done responsibly** and the interests of all stakeholders are kept in mind. In case of non-compliance, they have the power**the power to take action against the erring organisation** or group. **Main Body** - The governments at both levels make laws and rules to ensure market participants comply with them and in case of violations, there are these regulatory bodies. Some examples include **Reserve Bank of India, Small Industries and Development Bank of India, Competition Commission of India etc**. Their role includes- - Their roles in a nutshell include **review, assessment, licensing, enforcement, inspection and regulation.** - Regulatory bodies which are well-empowered can give better results because of the expertise they carry. Like the **Reserve Bank of India which has many times tackled liquidity crisis and inflation**. Another example is **SEBI which had tracked SATYAM and the recent NSE scam**. - **Liberalisation of the economy in the 1990s** was followed by giving sectoral governance to regulatory bodies which have since then created a constructive atmosphere and ensured a **free and fair market.** - These bodies also provided incentives for **private investments** and allowed functional autonomy for smooth functioning. - It improves overall **ease of doing business** and hence helps **crowding-in private investments**. - But many times these bodies have not properly functioned as per their mandate due to issues like- - Many times due to **favouritism**, non-experts are selected rather than domain experts which affects efficiency in their functioning. - **Populist measures** by the party in power are prioritized over economic benefits which defeats the purpose of regulatory bodies. **One example is government interventions in the functioning of the RBI.** - **Conflict of interest** when bureaucrats are appointed to head regulatory bodies like in **case of ex-finance secretary as RBI governor.** - There is a **review mechanism** of overall functioning of regulatory bodies done under parliamentary committees, but it is found to be **weak and inefficient**. - Their **recommendations are not binding** and are seldom implemented. - Many regulatory bodies have overlapping functions which impact enforcement of the directions. **Like the recent case of IRDAI and SEBI over insurance plans, or that between All India Council for Technical Education and University Grants Commission**. **Conclusion** Regulatory bodies have a huge role to play in a dynamic economy, and to ensure they work efficiently, some steps can be taken, like transparent appointments, functional and financial autonomy, self-evaluation, and regulatory impact assessment, which is done by OECD countries. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/UPSC-Essential-2027.png) #### UPSC Essential 2027 + Mentorship (New Batch) Weekly Current Affairs + Lectures + Material [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2027-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### PSIR: Write and Rise - 04 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/psir-write-and-rise-04/ Last updated: 2026-07-04T13:59:31.000Z **Q. The neoliberal state represents a fundamental reconfiguration of the role of the state, from a provider of welfare to a facilitator of market competitiveness. Critically examine this statement in the context of capitalist economies. (15 marks)** --- **How to Approach** Establish what the neoliberal state means, contrast it with the welfare state, then critically assess whether this shift is complete or contested. “Critically examine” means showing both what changed and where the argument has real limits. --- **Answer** The post-war welfare state built on Keynesian economics, public ownership and social protection represented the peak of state intervention in capitalist economies. The neoliberal turn from the 1970s, championed by Thatcher and Reagan and theorised by Hayek and Friedman, repositioned the state from provider to market facilitator. The neoliberal state retreats from redistribution and embraces market efficiency as its organising principle. Privatisation, deregulation and fiscal austerity replace public ownership and social spending. David Harvey argues this is not the weakening of the state but its restructuring; the state actively builds and protects market conditions rather than simply withdrawing from public life. Rising inequality, shrinking public services and growing job insecurity have eroded the social contract that welfare states built. Gramsci's concept of hegemony explains how neoliberalism sustained itself not through force but by making market logic appear natural and inevitable, what Bourdieu called the invisible hand made visible through policy. The neoliberal state has never fully replaced welfare; it has restructured it. Nordic countries show that market competitiveness and social protection can coexist. The 2008 financial crisis and COVID-19 pandemic forced even the most committed neoliberal states back into Keynesian intervention, exposing the limits of pure market facilitation. The neoliberal state represents a real but incomplete transformation. Markets have expanded but states have not disappeared. The challenge now is rebuilding legitimacy by reconciling market efficiency with social justice. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-01-at-6.47.39---PM.png) #### PSIR Optional Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-with-test-series-4pb2kampmcfr/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 2 - Day 28) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-2-day-28/ Last updated: 2026-07-03T16:14:55.000Z **Topic: Executive, Judiciary, Ministries and Departments; pressure groups and formal/informal associations** **Q1\. Judicial appointments have always been seen through the prism of favouritism and elitism. Discuss the judicial appointment process given in the Constitution and the concerns in the present system.** **(15 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Judiciary is the third pillar of a democracy as it ensures that laws of the land are implemented in letter and spirit to ensure a sense of justice prevails in the society. In India, there is an integrated and independent judiciary which is also a part of the basic structure of the constitution. **Main Body** - The appointment of judges is given in the constitution under articles and by various court cases. Some of these provisions are- - Under article 124, every judge of the Supreme Court shall be appointed by the President upon consultation with the Chief Justice of India and other judges as provided. This provision tries to ensure judicial independence is maintained and appointments are done on merit. - There is an important word ‘consultation’ which makes sure that no single organ of government wields absolute power in a democracy. - There were some changes introduced post emergency which were mainly due to three judges' cases. In the first judges’ case, the Supreme Court opined that ‘consultation’ is not necessary. But this was amended in the second and third judges’ case, where the opinion of the CJI and four senior-most judges was held to be binding on the President. - These three cases led to formation of the collegium system of today. - Though the changes related to appointment have taken with time, but this has not solved the issues of vacancies, pendency etc due to concerns like- - Lack of clear guidelines to collegium while recommending the names indicate opaque and authoritative judiciary. - The current provisions make the judiciary more powerful than ever which upsets the balance between three organs. - At the highest level, a lot of appointments have taken place from a few families only which shows nepotism and secrecy. - Instances like striking down of NJAC have quite often resulted in executive-judiciary conflicts which cause vacancies and delays. **Conclusion** The need of the hour is a transparent and merit based appointment process to make justice delivery process better by tools like memorandum of procedure, All Indian Judicial Services and application of RTI to judiciary in total. --- **Q2\. “India lacks a credible mechanism to discipline the judges.” Discuss. (10 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - The Constitution of India provides an independent judiciary and assigns it to its guardian and protector role. - However, many instances have shaken our faith in our judges and the justice delivery system. Example: - An allegation of sexual harassment against the Chief Justice of India (CJI). - The four top judges went public to air their displeasure in the manner in which the Chief Justice of India allocated Benches to hear petitions. **Main Body:** **India lacks a credible mechanism to discipline the judges:** - The collegium system for the appointment of Judges in India is above the safeguards and measures for transparency, accountability, and demographic representation that apply to other institutions as the legislature at large has no say in appointing judges. - The method for the removal of Judges is a complex and difficult process often driven by political considerations. - The Judicial corruption and Conduct of Judges often go unnoticed and unpunished as there is no proper mechanism to punish them. Eg Justice Ramaswami Case. - No effective mechanism to check on breaches of judicial discipline having a grave impact on the credibility of judicial institutions and encouraging litigation. - The weak in-house mechanism working in an opaque manner fails to check any allegations of misappropriation, sexual harassment, etc., against the sitting judges. - The lack of transparency and accountability as demonstrated in the working of the Judiciary. E.g., the judiciary is in effect partially under the Right to Information Act. - Judges often misuse the power to punish contempt of court more on discretionary and arbitrary grounds than to uphold the majesty of the law. **Conclusion:** A new bill on setting judicial standards is necessary, but it should not be violative of the principle of separation of power, i.e. giving excessive control to the legislature or the executive as well as a regular performance evaluation system for judges, will also be extremely useful. --- **Q3\. Attorney General is an important post at the Centre in legal matters. Discuss the functions and limitations of this office.** **(10 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - The office of **Attorney General of India** is provided under **article 76** of the constitution and is the **highest law officer** of the country. Though appointed by the **President,** but not considered government servant. **Main Body** - To be appointed as Attorney General of India, one must be qualified to be appointed as Supreme Court judge and be a citizen of India. Functions of this office include- - Perform **legal duties** assigned by the President and advise the government on legal matters. - Represent the government in all cases in the **Supreme Court and High court.** - Discharge **functions** which are conferred on him **by the constitution.** - Represent the government under a**rticle 143** in case a reference is made by the **president to the Supreme Court**. - There are **some limitations** to this office which impact exercise of the powers, like- - **Cannot defend accused people** in criminal cases without the permission of the Indian government. - **Barred from advising or holding brief** in those cases, in which he/she has to advise or appear for Indian government. - Not being a fulltime counsel for the government means he/she is **not a government servant.** - **Debarred from accepting appointment in any company or corporation** as director without sanction of government. - There is a separate law minister and hence the **Attorney General is not considered a member of cabinet**. **Conclusion** The office of Attorney General of India is an important position and some reforms must be taken to ensure better appointment procedure. --- **Q4\. Civil servants play a pivotal role in democracy. Discuss the importance of their role and the challenges involved.** **(10 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Civil services are provided under **Article 312** of the Indian Constitution and were called the **‘steel frame’ of governance** by the first home minister of independent India. **Main Body** - Indian civil services have been in place since ancient India in an informal form but were given proper structure by the Britishers. They were further continued after independence due to **significance** like- - They are the **permanent executive** and **provide continuity to the executive** by implementing laws and programs even when there is no government. - Policy formulation and implementation by giving **expert advice** and inputs in line with changing times. - **Maintain law and order** by ensuring divisive forces on the basis of religion, language, region etc are kept in check and not allowed to create tensions in society. - **Socio economic development** by ensuring policies and programs of government are made in line with needs of the society and it is ensured that each and every citizen benefits from the policies. - **Work during calamity and crisis** as was evident in recent pandemic and also during other natural and man made disasters. - But these intended outcomes are marred by **challenges** like- - **Status-quoist and hierarchical** bureaucracy- Everything is done as per rule to ensure accountability but this affects objectivity of laws and schemes. Also, there is delegation of work and denial of work if it doesn’t belong to a particular hierarchy. - High **corruption** leads to loss of public time and money which strikes at the root of governance. - Lot of **political interference** affects neutrality and many officers toe the line of the ruling establishment for future appointments. - **Lack of transparency and accountability** is another issue due to multiplicity of bodies and lack of personnel. - **Decrease in public trust** and **lack of empathy** in civil servants have created walls between the two. **Conclusion** There is a need to ensure **mid career training** and **improving of civil servants to population ratio** so that the officers are not overburdened and there is efficiency in carrying out mandates by the officers. --- **Q5\. Pressure groups are formed to influence decision-making by the government. Discuss. How are they different from lobbyists? (15 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Pressure group is an association of people organized to promote and protect their common and familial interests. Lobbying is a way to influence a government's decision-making or opposition in a more direct way by a third party, usually for something in return whether in cash or kind. **Main Body** - Pressure groups play an important role in decision making process by- - Their diverse nature, which includes fields like trade unions, business groups, student organization, professionals and agrarian groups. - They play an important role in political socialization by making people aware of their needs and rights by which they can assert their rights and get their demands fulfilled. - Their role is also important in upgrading governance quality by improving deliberations and decision making. - Pressure groups help or complement the task of opposition parties by correcting the wrongdoings of government which further helps improve accountability to electorates. - They act as a medium of taking the needs and demands of the public to the notice of authority and getting involved in the process of administration. - Though the idea and end objectives of both pressure groups and lobbyists are the same, but there are some differences like- - Pressure groups aim at promotion of specific programmes and agenda with activities limited to promoting interests of their members only. Lobbyists mostly seek to promote the interests of a small section of people or an organization. - Legitimacy of lobbying depends on laws prevalent in a country because it is legal in some of the states of the USA whereas in India it lacks any legal basis. - At times, pressure groups adopt illegal methods like lockouts, strikes and violent activities which affect public trust and administrative integrity. While lobbying is a back stage activity which involves anonymity and the general public is unaware of what is actually happening. - Pressure groups impact decision making and policy implementation by legitimate methods like publicity, propaganda, petition, debating and deliberation. Lobbying is an advanced task involving direct meetings and exchanges with lawmakers. **Conclusion** Deliberative democracy includes decision making by debates, discussions and consultation. Pressure groups are external instruments which at times become means of communication between citizens and the government. But sometimes their selfish interests and ends come in way of the objective of pressure groups and this needs to be checked. --- ### PSIR: Write and Rise - 03 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/psir-write-and-rise-03/ Last updated: 2026-07-04T13:58:40.000Z **Q. Explain Max Weber's definition of the state as claiming the ‘monopoly of the legitimate use of physical force’. (10 marks)** --- **How to Approach** Define Weber's concept, break down its three parts — monopoly, territory, legitimacy — then assess where it holds and where it falls short. Keep it sharp and direct. --- **Answer** Max Weber defined the state as the only institution that successfully claims the monopoly of legitimate use of physical force within a territory, making legitimacy, not just power, the foundation of political authority. What makes the state unique is not what it wants but what it controls — the exclusive right to use violence. Other groups may use force, but only the state's use is considered lawful and socially accepted within its territory. Force alone cannot sustain a state; people must accept its authority as rightful. Weber identified three bases of this acceptance: traditional authority rooted in custom, charismatic authority based on personal leadership, and rational-legal authority derived from law and constitutions. Modern states rest primarily on the last — governance through rules, not personalities. Gramsci argued that states do not survive on force alone; they manufacture consent through culture, education and ideology. A state that only coerces eventually loses legitimacy. Somalia demonstrates the opposite problem — when monopoly over force collapses, the state itself becomes dysfunctional despite formal existence. Weber gives us the skeleton of the state's legitimate coercion within territory. Gramsci adds the flesh — consent built through hegemony. Together, they explain how modern states both compel and convince. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-01-at-6.47.39---PM.png) #### PSIR Optional Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-with-test-series-4pb2kampmcfr/?ref=upscprep.com) ### PSIR: Write and Rise - 02 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/psir-write-and-rise-02/ Last updated: 2026-07-04T13:58:58.000Z **Q. Political outcomes cannot be understood independently of social structures such as class, religion, ethnicity, and caste. Critically examine this proposition with reference to the Political Sociology Perspective in Comparative Politics. (15 marks)** --- **How to Approach** Establish what Political Sociology claims, prove it through class, religion, caste and ethnicity with thinkers, then show where it falls short. “Critically examine” means you must both validate and challenge the proposition. --- **Answer** Politics is never separate from society. Who gets power, how it is used, and whose interests it serves are all shaped by the social world around it. The Political Sociology perspective, developed by Lipset, Rokkan and Barrington Moore, argues that political outcomes are rooted in social structures like class, religion, ethnicity and caste. Barrington Moore showed in *Social Origins of Dictatorship and Democracy* that which class dominates a society determines whether it becomes democratic or authoritarian — “no bourgeoisie, no democracy.” Gramsci added that ruling classes stay in power not just through force but by making their ideas seem natural and common sense, what he called hegemony. Politics, therefore, reflects deeper social power, not just institutional choices. Lipset and Rokkan showed that religious and ethnic divisions create party systems that last for generations. In India, Rajni Kothari called caste a “political community”; social identity and voting behaviour cannot be separated. Jaffrelot’s *India’s Silent Revolution* shows how Mandal-era OBC mobilisation completely reshaped electoral outcomes, proving that political change follows social change. Social structures alone cannot explain everything. Theda Skocpol argued that political institutions have their own independent logic. Partha Chatterjee warned that Western categories like class do not fully explain Indian politics where caste, religion and community overlap in complex ways. Social structures shape but do not fully determine political outcomes. A complete analysis must balance structural forces with the role of leadership, institutions and individual agency, recognising constraints without becoming deterministic. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-01-at-6.47.39---PM.png) #### PSIR Optional Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-with-test-series-4pb2kampmcfr/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 2 - Day 27) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-2-day-27/ Last updated: 2026-07-02T13:19:50.000Z **Topic: Union-State functions, federal structure, devolution of powers and finances; separation of powers and dispute redressal mechanisms** **Q1\. Indian Constitution defines India to be a Union of States. But federalism is a part of the basic structure of the Constitution. Comment. Also discuss the challenges to this federal structure.** **(10 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Federal structure of polity means decentralisation and division of power between the center and states. Federal system in India is a quasi-federal type with features of both federation and union. **Main Body** - Many important leaders in the Constituent Assembly called for a unitary structure due to challenges and social diversity prevailing at that time. But the federal structure of power distribution was opted to give voice to regional aspirations. **Federal features of Indian Constitution** - Dispersion of powers between the center and the unit states forming a federation among a number of coordinate bodies, controlled by constitution. - Rigidity – neither the center nor the state has power to amend the provision of the constitution relating to separation of powers. - A written constitution - Domination of the constitution – neither of center or state have power to nullify the constitution - An independent body and unprejudiced authority (Eg. Judiciary) **Challenges to the Indian Federal structure** - Centralised planning by organs like Planning Commission, National Development Council and other such organs make states dependent on the center for finance and at times arm twisting for getting such funds. - Regionalism is acceptable to a certain limit when it helps in the progress of a region. But an extreme form of regionalism can manifest in demand of autonomy which can take violent forms and affect internal security. - Single citizenship goes against the identity of a citizen as a member of a particular state and creates a rift in their mind sowing the seeds of discontent. - The office of governor is vested with all executive powers of the state. Also, the imposition of constitutional emergency can be recommended by this office. There have been instances where this emergency was imposed unconstitutionally and was revoked on the orders of the Supreme court. - Supremacy of the Constitution with centralised amending powers and states having almost nil voice in this exercise makes the structure more unitary and less federal. - Indestructible union of destructible states means that the center can create new states but states do not have a right to secede from the Indian union. **Conclusion** Federalism is a part of the basic structure of the Constitution, and steps need to be taken to ensure that this is not violated. Due deliberations and taking all states on board is a way ahead before framing any law which has an impact on states as a whole. --- **Q2\. Despite the constitutional division of powers, Centre-State disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. Discuss with examples. (10 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - The Indian Constitution explicitly demarcates the powers between the Centre and States in terms of legislative, administrative and financial relations within **Part XI under Articles 245-263 (Schedule 7 of Indian Constitution)**. **Main Body:** While the debate on federalism and the distribution of powers between the Centre and states in India date back to the formation of the Constitution, Centre-State disputes have been a perennial feature of Indian democracy. This can be discerned from the following: **Encroachment over the State subjects:** - The enactment of three farm laws was argued by some to be an encroachment upon the State List as ‘agriculture’ and its associated subsidiary enterprises and ‘markets’ are State List Subjects. - Invocation of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 during the COVID-19 pandemic made the Central guidelines binding on States, even though 'public health’ is a State matter on which the Parliament cannot legislate. - The Chhattisgarh government filed a suit against the Central government against the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008, on the ground that it encroaches upon States’ power to maintain law and order. - Similarly, the Banking Regulation Act of 1949 has been amended to bring cooperative banks under RBI supervision. **Expansion of the Concurrent list:** - Through the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976, five subjects, education, forests, weights and measures, protection of wild animals and birds and administration of justice, were transferred from the State List to the Concurrent List. **Over-centralising tendencies by the Central government:** There are disputes over the Centre passing legislation/adopting policies which affect the legal or Constitutional rights of the States. For instance: - The Centre’s proposed amendments to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) (Cadre) Rules of 1954 have triggered a conflict between the Centre and the States. - Larger control is being provided to the Union government over the deputation of the IAS officers, and the power of the States to veto the Centre’s request for officers is being taken away. - The Tamil Nadu government passed a Bill to provide an alternative to the NEET exam for medical entrance, as it considered the exam a violation of the rights given to the States to decide upon the methods of admission in higher education. **Conclusion** - Despite the presence of a clear-cut division of powers between the Centre and the States, such disputes continue to occur as the Seventh Schedule provides that in certain cases, the Centre can legislate over the subjects provided in the State list. - Also, in the event of inconsistency over legislations enacted with regard to Concurrent List subjects, the Central laws prevail. However, the Indian Constitution also provides the Right to Constitutional Remedy under Articles 32 and 226 to the States, and they can also seek dispute resolution under Article 131. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/PSIR.png) #### PSIR Optional + Mentorship with Test Series Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE By Neelam Bhatia [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-with-test-series-4pb2kampmcfr/?ref=upscprep.com) **Q3\. India’s asymmetrical federalism has contributed to maintaining national unity by addressing the needs of various vulnerable communities. Critically analyse. (10 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** Asymmetrical federalism in India refers to the differentiated relationship that the central government has with different states or regions based on their unique needs and circumstances. (E.g. Article 371) **Main BodyRole of asymmetrical federalism in maintaining national unity** 1. **Accommodation of Diversity:** By making special provisions for certain regions, it caters to the unique socio-economic and political needs of these regions, thereby accommodating diversity. 2. **Addressing Historical Injustices:** Special provisions like those for the North-Eastern states (Article 371A-J) acknowledge historical injustices and the unique political circumstances of these states, which fosters a sense of belonging and trust among these communities towards the Indian Union. 3. **Protecting Vulnerable Communities**: Asymmetrical federalism protects the cultural and social rights of vulnerable communities. For example, the Sixth Schedule provides for autonomous districts in tribal areas, allowing them to govern themselves according to their customary laws. 4. **Preventing Secessionist Tendencies:** By granting special autonomy and addressing specific issues, asymmetrical federalism has also played a role in managing and preventing secessionist tendencies in various parts of India. **Shortcomings of asymmetrical federalism** 1. **Perpetuating Regional Imbalances:** Critics argue that asymmetrical federalism can sometimes exacerbate regional imbalances, as certain regions receive more attention and resources than others. 2. **Encouraging Parochial Identities:** The emphasis on local and regional identities might perpetuate parochial sentiments, impeding the cultivation of a pan-Indian identity. 3. **Manipulation for Political Gains:** Special provisions can sometimes be manipulated for political gains. For instance, President's Rule has often been imposed in states based on arbitrary justifications, undermining federal principles. 4. **Uneven Implementation:** The implementation of the provisions of asymmetrical federalism has often been uneven, leading to discontent among certain sections. **Conclusion** Asymmetrical federalism in India, in its essence, captures the ethos of unity in diversity. However, it is essential to ensure that these provisions are not misused for political gains and that their implementation is consistent and fair. --- **Q4\. Funds, functions and functionaries are important hinges on which success of local governments rests. In this context, discuss the challenges involved in the functional aspect and suggest some remedies.** **(15 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - There is a lot of evidence to suggest that local government has been in existence in India since times immemorial but they were granted constitutional status by 73rd and 74th amendment acts making them third tier of India’s federal structure. **Main Body** - They were given constitutional status to bring in participatory democracy, inclusivity and democratic decentralisation. But due to more responsibility and less power, there are many challenges faced by them in terms of functions. Some of them are- - Ineffective devolution because it is a state subject, which has affected uniformity pan India. Different states have provided different levels of devolution which has affected their functioning. - Top-down approach rather than bottom up which is evident in the Smart Cities Mission and the Aspirational Districts Program. This underestimates the role of local governments and is against decentralisation. - There are issues of the actual presence of these bodies in some areas. Like there is a lack of buildings, basic amenities, and electricity connection in the offices, which impacts the functioning. - Some schemes like the Smart Cities Mission and MPLADs have led to the emergence of parallel government structures, which impact the independent decision-making of these local bodies. - Corruption is a very big malaise which has impacted the availability of funds for proper functioning of these bodies. - These challenges need to be overcome to ensure a bottom-up approach is implemented in letter and spirit. This can be overcome by- - Fiscal federalism by adhering to the recommendations of the Finance Commission, because fiscal federalism is the key to functional autonomy. - 2nd ARC called for principle of subsidiarity under which the central and state governments should perform only those tasks which can not be done by local governments. - Proper and visible demarcation of functions must be ensured by activity mapping. This is done very well by Kerala and it has helped reap good results. - Timely audits is another prerequisite which can be constituted by states so that integrity of financial information and compliance is ensured. **Conclusion** Local bodies in rural and urban areas are important for bottom up development and this makes it imperative to give them adequate devolution of funds, functions and functionaries so that they can achieve their full potential. --- **Q5\. Lok Adalat as a dispute resolution structure is very significant for the current scenario. Discuss and also bring out some challenges faced by them. (15 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** Lok Adalat is a method of alternative dispute redressal in which pending court cases at a pre-litigation stage are settled with the assent of the parties involved. They ensure that the idea of the preamble, which enshrines social, economic and political justice to every citizen of India, is fulfilled. **Main Body** - Part IV under Article 39A has a provision for free legal aid to weaker sections and also to ensure justice to all. As a result, the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 was enacted to give statutory status to Lok Adalats. Significance of Lok Adalat includes- - Saving litigants and other stakeholders from lengthy and tedious court proceedings. - Decreasing court backlogs and pendency by ensuring cases are disposed of quickly. - It also ensures speedy justice, because it is available in local languages and at suitable places. - The award made by a Lok Adalat is made binding upon reaching a compromise and is enforced as a decree of a civil court. - Much more affordable because there is no court fee and any previous fee paid in the regular court is refunded. - The award by Lok Adalats is sustainable because they are made on compromise and help ensure friendly relations between parties. - During the proceedings, the Lok Adalat acts as a conciliator with the main objective of convincing the parties to agree for a solution. - The Lok Adalats have been around for a long time but have not been able to achieve their objectives due to challenges like- - The provision of quick sittings at short intervals involving the same judge is almost impossible, which affects continuity of the deliberations. - The clause of consent-based decision-making adds to delays and makes the process time-consuming. - Lok adalats also focus on modernisation thus neglecting indigenous practices and beliefs which prevents people from all areas to opt for it. - Because they are held in open court, there is a lack of confidentiality which makes people skip this method if it involves some kind of embarrassment. - Vacancies and financial constraints mean a lack of resources in Lok Adalats, resulting in inefficient dispensation of cases. - Awareness is also an issue, and because the proceedings take place in regular court premises, some iota of formality still remains. **Conclusion** To ensure free legal aid which finds place in the directive principles is implemented properly, people need to be made aware and more Lok Adalats needs to be organised. --- ### PSIR: Write and Rise - 01 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/psir-write-and-rise-01/ Last updated: 2026-07-04T13:59:13.000Z **Q. Critically examine the behavioural approach to the study of comparative politics. How far has the post-behavioural revolution addressed its limitations? (15 Marks)** --- **How to Approach This Question** This question has two clear parts: 1. **Critically examine behaviouralism** - Discuss both its strengths and weaknesses. - For every strength of behaviouralism, show its limitation as well. 2. **Evaluate post-behaviouralism** - Explain how post-behaviouralism responded to the limitations of behaviouralism. - Do not merely describe post-behaviouralism. Assess whether it fully solved the problems or only partially addressed them. End the answer with a balanced judgement. --- **Answer** The behavioural revolution of the 1950s-60s was a direct reaction against traditional comparative politics, which focused narrowly on constitutions, legal structures and Western governments while ignoring how political systems actually worked in practice. Scholars like David Easton, Gabriel Almond, Robert Dahl and Sidney Verba argued that politics could be studied scientifically through surveys, data, hypothesis testing and cross-national comparison. **Contributions** Behaviouralism genuinely expanded the discipline. Almond and Verba's Civic Culture showed how citizens' attitudes shape democratic stability. Dahl's Polyarchy explained how democracy functions beyond ideal theory. Easton's Systems Analysis gave a universal framework applicable across developed and developing societies alike. For the first time, political scientists moved beyond Europe and North America to study newly independent states in Asia, Africa and Latin America. **Limitations** However, behaviouralism's obsession with measurement became its biggest weakness. Questions of justice, freedom, inequality and ideology were ignored simply because they could not be quantified. History, identity and structural conditions which shape politics far more than individual behaviour were sidelined. The discipline became, as critics noted, methodologically rich but politically blind, generating data without addressing the real problems societies faced. **Post-Behavioural Response** Easton himself admitted this failure in 1969 and called for relevance alongside rigour. Post-behaviouralism restored normative theory and historical context. New Institutionalism brought institutions, informal norms and path dependency back into analysis. Post-colonial scholars challenged the deep Eurocentric bias that behaviouralism had never questioned. Post-behaviouralism corrected the worst excesses but did not fully solve the original problems. The tension between scientific rigour and social relevance persists, and mainstream comparative politics remains largely Western in its assumptions. A truly global comparative politics, one that takes non-Western political experiences seriously on their own terms remains an unfinished project. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-01-at-6.47.39---PM.png) #### PSIR Optional Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-with-test-series-4pb2kampmcfr/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 2 - Day 26) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-2-day-26/ Last updated: 2026-07-01T13:00:09.000Z **Topic: Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries; Salient features of the Representation of the People Act** **Q1\. What factors influenced the choice of a parliamentary form of government over a presidential form by the framers of the Indian Constitution? Was it the right choice? (10 marks)** **Introduction** A parliamentary system is a form of government where executives hold power with the majority support of the legislature. India is administered by a parliamentary system based on the British Westminster model. **(Definition-based)** **Main Body** **Reasons to prefer Parliamentary Democracy over Presidential System** 1. **Familiarity:** India, during British rule, was acquainted with the parliamentary system, which made it easier for the transition. 2. **Diverse Representation:** The parliamentary system, through its multi-member representation, allows for a more comprehensive representation of India's diverse society. 3. **Flexible and Adaptable:** This system allows for flexibility and adaptability to changes. It can enact laws swiftly compared to the presidential system, which can potentially be gridlocked due to the strict separation of powers. 4. **Collective Responsibility:** The concept of collective responsibility to the Parliament ensures accountability and prevents the arbitrary use of power, unlike the presidential system, where the executive power is centralized. 5. **Cohesion:** The parliamentary form is considered more suitable to ensure the cohesion of a culturally, religiously, and linguistically diverse country like India. 6. **Civilizational History:** Dr Ambedkar once said - **“It (India) had parliamentary institutions when people of Europe were mere nomads.”** **Reasons NOT to prefer Presidential System** 1. **Fear of Autocracy:** In a Presidential system, the President has a fixed tenure and is not accountable to the legislature. This could lead to autocratic tendencies and concentration of power. 2. **Separation of Powers:** The strict separation of powers, a key characteristic of the Presidential system, can potentially lead to legislative paralysis and deadlock between the executive and legislative branches of the government. 3. **Lack of Representation:** A Presidential system might not guarantee adequate representation of diverse groups, which is crucial in a diverse country like India. **Analysis of the Decision** 1. Helped preserve democracy: The choice has helped preserve democratic values in India, given the mechanisms of checks and balances. 2. Helped preserve the integrity of Indian territory by giving representation to all groups. 3. The Indian political system has shown the ability to adapt and change according to changing circumstances. For instance, adopting the anti-defection law was an attempt to stabilize the system. 4. However, the system has not been without its share of challenges. Frequent elections, coalition politics, and policy paralysis have sometimes slowed down the pace of socio economic reforms. **Conclusion** It is arguable whether it was the right choice, as the system has both its merits and demerits. However, the functioning of the Indian democratic setup for more than seven decades points towards the success of the parliamentary form of government in India. --- **Q2\. Philosophical undertone of the Indian Constitution resonates with the French Constitution, but there are many differences between the two. Discuss. (10 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Indian Constitution is partly borrowed and partly original with many features and ideals developing during the freedom struggle. Ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity were taken from the French Revolution and the ensuing constitution. **Main Body** Similarities between the Indian and French Constitutions: - Written constitutions, - Elected heads, - Emergency and amendment process. But there are many differences also. These differences include - - There is a semi–presidential system in France with the President being de facto head and having more power than the Prime Minister. India went for a parliamentary form of government with the Prime Minister being the de facto head and having more powers. - Head of the government in India is the prime minister with tenure of 5 years but the French President has tenure of 7 years. - Indian Constitution has a provision for procedure established by law and has due process of law introduced by judiciary. There is no such provision in the French Constitution. - Both countries have secularism but the French adopted complete separation of state from religion while India has provided for distance between state and religion but not complete separation. - India follows federal polity whereas France has more of a unitary structure. - Elections in India are conducted by the election commission with no role of the judiciary whereas in France the judiciary plays a role in elections. - India is a written constitution whereas the French constitution is based on the principle of Executive supremacy and is the only Democratic constitution that way. - The Constitution of India is flexible and changes can be easily done at the time of need. On the contrary, the constitution of France has a rigid constitution that requires a resolution to be passed by a 60% majority in two houses of Parliament. - The Indian constitution does not allow the President to have an upper hand in the country’s management whereas the President of France has complete power here and the Prime Minister works as his assistant. - France allows dual citizenship in comparison to India which provides for single citizenship. **Conclusion** India borrowed many features from mature democracies of that time but in comparison, there are more differences than similarities which shows the indigenous nature of our constitution. --- **Q3\. How does the principle of separation of powers in the Constitution of India differ from the rigid separation of powers in the Constitution of the United States of America? Provide illustrations to support your explanation.** **(15 marks)** **Introduction** - The separation of powers is a fundamental principle underlying the design of political systems. Both the Constitution of India and the United States Constitution include elements of this principle but implement it in unique ways. - There is an old adage containing a lot of truth that **“power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely*”*. To evolve effective control mechanisms, the man had been looking for devices to contain the forces of tyranny and authoritarianism. “Separation of Powers” was conceived to be one such device. (**Quote-based)** **Main Body** **1\. Distinction in the nature of separation:** - The U.S. The Constitution has a rigid separation of powers, with clear delineations between the branches of government - the executive (President), legislative (Congress), and judiciary (Supreme Court). - The Indian Constitution endorses a flexible separation of powers, where overlap between branches is permitted, leading to a fusion of powers. (For e.g. The council of ministers, part of the executive, are members of the legislature and are collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.) **2\. Role of Judiciary:** - The U.S. judiciary is constitutionally granted the power of judicial review explicitly. It stands as a separate and independent entity. - In India, the Constitution does not explicitly provide for judicial review. However, it has been accepted as a part of the basic structure of the Constitution, as per the Supreme Court's interpretation. (Kesavananda Bharati vs. State of Kerala (1973)\] **3\. Checks and Balances:** - The U.S. Constitution puts in place a system of checks and balances through which each branch of government has some measure of influence over the other branches. - For instance, the President has veto powers over Congress but Congress can override this veto by a two-thirds majority vote. - In contrast, the Indian Constitution envisages a system of checks and balances but it leans towards parliamentary supremacy. - As per Article 111, the President of India has the power to return a bill (except a money bill) for reconsideration. However, if the Parliament sends the bill again, the President has to give his assent, showing the dominance of Parliament. **4\. Parliamentary vs Presidential System:** - The U.S. adopts the Presidential form of government, meaning a clearer separation between the legislative and executive branches. - On the contrary, India follows a Parliamentary form of government, which involves a certain fusion of legislative and executive powers. **Conclusion** - While both the Indian and U.S. Constitutions embrace the principle of separation of powers, the U.S. Constitution enforces a more rigid separation between different branches of government, whereas the Indian Constitution adopts a more flexible approach, primarily due to its adoption of a Parliamentary system. - This difference, however, does not undermine the commitment of both systems to democratic governance and rule. --- **Q4\. The Indian Constitution was not framed in a few years, but was a result of experiences during the freedom struggle and adoption of main principles from the constitutions of various countries. Discuss. (10 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** The Constitution of independent India was framed under the chairmanship of Dr B R Ambedkar and took around 3 years and 166 sittings to become the lengthiest written constitution of the world. **Main Body** - Many features of the constitution are a direct result of the experiences gained due to specific events which occurred during the freedom struggle. Some of them are- - Main principles on which the constituent assembly worked are based on the Objectives Resolution of 1946 moved by Mr Nehru. - The Karachi session of 1931 highlighted some of the principles which find resonance in fundamental rights and ever evolving economic policy. - Then there is the draft constitution moved by Mr Motilal Nehru in 1928 which included provisions like right to freedom, universal adult franchise, protection of minorities etc. - Bulk of the Constitution is based on the Government of India Act 1935, which had provisions like provincial autonomy, federal structure, bicameralism, separation of powers etc. - Wide differences based on religion, caste, region, language etc prompted the leaders to adopt equality. - A lot of ideas and provisions were adopted from work during the freedom struggle. But there are few provisions which were directly incorporated from other constitutions like- - Ideas of socio-economic and political justice from the USSR constitution. - Liberty, fraternity and equality from the French constitution. - Preamble, fundamental rights, judicial independence and review from the Constitution of the USA. - Parliamentary government, procedure established by law and rule of law from the British Constitution. - Directive principles of state policy and emergency provisions from Irish and German constitutions, respectively. **Conclusion** The Indian Constitution is not a product of few years and haste but decades as it evolved with changing socio-economic conditions and ideas which were native and were also adopted from various revolutions going on across the globe. --- **Q5\. The Representation of the People Act, 1951 provides for grounds of election disqualification. List them and discuss the issues in the current grounds of disqualification.** **(10 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Under articles 327 and 328 of the Indian Constitution, Parliament and state legislatures are empowered to make rules for elections at their respective levels. As a result, the Parliament has passed the Representation of the People Act of 1951 to list grounds of disqualification. **Main Body** - The act provides for conduct of elections at both levels, administrative machinery for the elections, qualifications and disqualifications, and corrupt practices. In all these provisions, there are disqualification provisions for which any guilty person can be disqualified from contesting elections for 6 years if he/she is found- - Indulging in bribery or any corrupt practice, and if found influencing elections. - Promoting hatred and enmity between groups or classes of people, and also spreading religious disharmony. - Practising and promoting untouchability and committing heinous crimes against women. - Indulging in terrorism and other acts against the state. - Dealing in prohibited goods and selling or consuming illegal drugs. - Getting imprisoned for a minimum of two years and failing to declare assets. - Though there are ways to disqualify candidates under section 8A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 for above mentioned practices, the current process of disqualification is found to be complex, time-consuming and ineffective due to reasons like- - If a person who stands disqualified may submit a petition to the President for the removal of disqualification. This is a time-consuming and complicated process. One infamous example is former CM of Sikkim Prem Singh Tamang who was convicted after 20 years. - Corrupt practice does not cover areas like paid and fake news which has risen recently due to the internet revolution. - Promoting hatred and enmity is also not clearly defined and many politicians have escaped any action for blatant violation of this clause. - The Election Commission has powers to reduce disqualification period but for this there is no oversight to ensure decisions taken in objective. **Conclusion** There is a need for a simplified and time bound disqualification process to break nexus between politicians and criminals. The Election Commission’s advice to make bribery a cognizable offence and a 2-year jail term could also be implemented to create some sort of deterrence. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/Mains-AW-Group.png) #### Mains Focus Group 2026 with Mentorship Comprehensive lectures to make you Mains ready in 75 Days [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-2026-with-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 2 - Day 25) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-2-day-25/ Last updated: 2026-06-30T13:01:17.000Z **Topic: Parliament and State Legislatures — structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these** **Q1\. Critically analyse the significance of the Speaker’s role in the functioning of Indian parliamentary democracy. (10 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - “The Speaker represents the House. She represents the dignity of the House, the freedom of the House and because the House represents the nation, in a particular way, the Speaker becomes a symbol of the nation’s freedom and liberty.” (Pt. Nehru) (**Quote-based)** - The Speaker of the Lok Sabha holds a position of pivotal importance in a parliamentary democracy like India. **(General)** **Main Body** **Role of the Speaker** 1. **To Ensure smooth proceedings of the house:** The Speaker presides over the meetings of the Lok Sabha and conducts its proceedings. 1. also presides over the joint sittings of the two Houses of the Parliament.. 2. **Guardian of Rights and Privileges of the House:** The Speaker protects the rights and privileges of the House and its members. They ensure that the dignity and the rights of the House are upheld at all times. 3. **Interpretation of Rules of Procedure:** The business of the House is conducted according to definite and settled rules of procedure. In case of any dispute regarding the rules of the House, the Speaker interprets and applies these rules. 4. **To maintain discipline in the Lok Sabha:** If any member disrupts or tries to disrupt the proceedings of the House, the Speaker can warn or ask him/her to leave the House. The Speaker can suspend a member from the House guilty of violating discipline and decorum. 5. **Representing the House:** The Speaker represents the House to the President, the authorities, and the public. They certify bills that are passed by the House before they are sent to the President for assent. 6. **Fix the Agenda of the House:** The Speaker, in consultation with other members of the business committee of the House and the Prime Minister, fixes the agenda of the meetings of the House. 1. This ensures timely debates and discussions on important issues of the country. 7. **Regulating Debates:** The Speaker decides who will speak, when, and for how long. They ensure that all points of view are heard and that debates are conducted in a fair and balanced manner. 8. **Conduct the business of the House:** The Speaker conducts the business of the House. (E.g. allows the members to introduce the bills or to move motions, recognises the members on the floor of the House, and gives them time to speak in the House). 9. **Power to adjourn the House:** The Speaker can adjourn the meetings of the House if the quorum of the House is not complete or if conducting the business of the House is not possible due to the disorderly behaviour of its members. 10. **Casting Vote:** In case of a tie on any matter being voted upon in the House, the Speaker exercises a casting vote. This ensures that decisions can be made even when the members are evenly divided. 11. **Role in Joint Sitting:** In case of a joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha presides over the session. **Criticism faced by the office of the Speaker:** 1. **Allegations of Partisanship:** The Speaker often belongs to the ruling party, and there have been instances when impartiality has been compromised. 2. **Discretionary Powers:** Certain discretionary powers of the Speaker, like deciding on defection matters under the Tenth Schedule, have been sources of controversy. The delay in deciding such matters has sometimes been attributed to political considerations, as seen in the Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh assembly crises. 3. **Lack of Clarity in Rules:** There is often a lack of clarity in the rules of procedure, which gives the Speaker substantial leeway, leading to accusations of arbitrariness. 4. **Anti-defection law:** In recent times, there have been several instances where the role of the speaker has been criticised for disqualifying MLAs under the anti-defection law, and their ruling has been challenged in courts. 5. **Review of the Speaker’s Decisions:** Under the Rules, the Speaker is not answerable to any person in performing the assigned roles. Decisions of presiding officers are final and are not open to appeal or subject to review. 6. **Increased disruptions:** Frequent disruptions reduce the time required for important discussions and compel speakers to allocate less time for discussion. This often questions the speaker's impartiality as he allegedly provides more time to the ruling party. 7. **Transparency and Accountability:** Some critics believe that the Speaker's decisions should be subject to judicial review to ensure transparency and accountability. The current immunity from judicial intervention in procedural matters has been seen by some as a lack of checks and balances. **Conclusion** The Speaker is considered as the true guardian of the Indian Parliamentary democracy, holding the complete authority of the Lok Sabha. Thus, the office's impartiality is very important to make parliamentary democracy work in the true sense. --- **Q2\. Parliament has witnessed less productivity and more disruptions in recent times, which strikes at the root of deliberative democracy. Discuss steps to be taken to reduce disruptions. (10 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** As per data released by PRS legislative research, 16% of working time of the 16th Lok Sabha was lost due to disruptions. The current lok sabha is also witnessing frequent disruptions which not only impacts the legislative business but also weakens parliamentary control over the executive. **Main Body** - In this context, the following measures need to be taken for preventing disruption of parliament- - Amendments in the Anti-Defection law because party whip makes members act in union which results in frequent walkouts and disruptions. - Parliament (Enhancement of Productivity) Bill, 2017 must be reintroduced and passed so that minimum days are fixed for parliament to stay in session. - Code of Conduct- Though there is code of conduct for Lok Sabha MPs since 1952, it is hardly implemented and also needs to be updated with changing times. - Salaries of the members can be linked to their attendance for better productivity. - Less recourse to delegated legislation and more deliberative work by pre legislative scrutiny (Parliamentary Standing Committees) and taking public opinion which will help build broad consensus. - There can be innovative measures like the concept of opposition days in the UK parliament in which the opposition sets agenda for Parliamentary discussion. - Another innovative measure can be Parliament Disruption Index which was suggested by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson Harivansh Narayan Singh to keep a tab on disruptions in Parliament and state legislatures. - NCRWC recommended that Lok Sabha should meet for 120 and Rajya Sabha for 100 days every year, and state assemblies for 90 days. **Conclusion** Parliamentarians carry public mandate and it is their duty to deliberate and implement laws which are in favor of the public. But frequent disruptions and subversion of discussions strike at the root of parliamentary democracy. Thus more efforts must be taken to bring consensus and avoid unnecessary parliamentary disruption. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/Mains-TEst-series-.png) #### Mains Test Series 2027 + Mentorship Not just a test series but complete guide to Mains Answer Writing [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-test-series-2027/?ref=upscprep.com) **Q3\. Parliamentary privileges are a prerequisite for members of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies to discharge their functions. Discuss. (10 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** Parliamentary privileges are some codified and uncodified rights and immunities enjoyed by members of houses at both center and state level which enables them to discharge their functions effectively and efficiently. **Main Body** - There are many sources of these privileges like constitution under article 105 and 194, conventions, acts and rules of house. Some of these privileges include- - Freedom of speech as no member can be questioned for anything said within the house and if they are part of any committee. - Freedom from arrest in civil cases, during sittings of the house and 40 days before and after the adjournment of house. - They are also exempt to be present as witnesses. - Right to prevent the media or press from publishing its proceedings by conducting them in secret. Also, the house can punish anyone guilty of contempt of the house. - All the above mentioned privileges are very significant in functioning of parliament and legislatures because- - They help ensure and maintain dignity and authority of the houses by ensuring rules are followed and external influences are eliminated. - There is less influence of vested interests, especially those who try to influence decision making from outside and ensure independence and effectiveness of the actions. - These privileges also protect members from any targeted agenda by rivals. - Parliamentary productivity is very important to ensure all business is conducted with due deliberation. Privileges play an important role in ensuring this. **Conclusion** - Though privileges are important, they are misused many times which makes it necessary to codify them and give priority to citizens' right to free speech over legislative privileges. --- **Q4\. Deliberative democracy is a healthy practice, but recent trends show passing of bills with minimal scrutiny. Evaluate the role of parliamentary standing committees in this context. (15 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** In the last budget session 13 bills were introduced but none of them were referred to a parliamentary standing committee. These committees are provided to ensure checks and balances are maintained in the Indian Parliamentary system. **Main Body** The decreasing role of parliamentary standing committees and lack of scrutiny can be understood by the following data- - Average attendance in both houses of Parliament has reduced to around 70-75% due to various reasons like frequent walkouts and disruptions. - Only 27% of all the bills were referred to committees during 16th Lok Sabha in sharp contrast to 71% in the 15th Lok Sabha. - Technical aspects of colourable legislation like using provisions of money bill and finance bills to avoid scrutiny by Rajya Sabha. Bills on aadhar card, electoral bonds and amendments to the Foreign Contribution Act were passed as money bills. - As per PRS data, 76% of the Union Budget 2022 was passed and approved without any discussion. Considering the gravity of situation, parliamentary standing committees are very much important because- - In depth analysis and improved scrutiny on government policies means there is informed debate in both houses of the parliament. The personal data protection bill carries a lot of technicalities and was rightly referred to the joint parliamentary committee. - They ensure government accountability is upheld because the amount of work has increased and time is constrained. Also, work has become technical which calls for domain expertise which is addressed by these committees. - Fiscal prudence is very important keeping in mind the increasing fiscal deficit and the PSC helps address it by examining budgetary allocations and other policies of the government. - They uphold the rights of citizens by summoning and questioning organisations who allegedly violate any rights. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology questioned representatives from social media company Twitter over the right to privacy. - Scrutiny of budgetary allocation on ministry to ministry basis is important as seen in last year's budget when the committee on defense highlighted inadequate allocation which could have had impaired weapon acquisition plans. - Meetings in these committees are held in closed doors which eliminates party whips and brings in non-partisan debates. **Conclusion** There is a need to strengthen and ensure that the committee system works as per mandate for better passage of bills and quality legislation. For better responsiveness and accountability, ministers must be called for attendance and questioned. --- **Q5\. Why does the Constitution provide for a weaker second chamber at the state level when compared with that at the Union level? Analyse the significance of Legislative Councils in states. (15 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** In a bicameral political system, the Rajya Sabha is the second chamber at the centre, and the Legislative Council (LC) is the second house at the state level (the Legislative Assembly being the other). **Main Body** **However, LCs are often called secondary chambers due to their weaknesses compared to Rajya Sabha:** - LC can detain or delay an ordinary bill for a maximum of 4 months. - The members of the council cannot participate in the election of the President, unlike the Rajya Sabha. - In the matters of Constitution amendment, the council has no say, unlike Rajya Sabha. - Finally, the very existence of the council depends on the will of the Assembly. (Parliament can create or abolish LC based on the resolution of LA) **Even though both the RS and LC are second chambers, the LC has been endowed with lesser powers due to the:** - RS is the council of states and represents the states in the federal polity of the Indian parliamentary system. - LC does not perform such a function and thus is devoid of any substantial powers. - Constitution amendment is the sole prerogative of Parliament. States have a vital interest in constitutional amendments. RS, as representative of states, has special power in this regard. - No such role is performed by the state legislature, and hence, so no much power for LC. - At the state level, the Governor has the discretionary power to reserve certain bills for the consideration of the President. - On the other hand, at the union level, the President does not have such discretion. RS is made more powerful to act as a check against LS. The function of checking LA is performed by the Governor, so LC is not given such powers. - Certain provisions like emergency or creation of new All India Service impact the administration of states, hence, RS is given certain special powers. - No such consideration arises at the state level, hence no such power for LC. **Despite a relatively weaker position, LC is significant as** - It creates an opportunity for the revision of hasty, careless and ill-considered legislation made by LA. - LC’s composition is less political, so it can express its opinion without considerations of electoral calculus and in a more balanced way. - It facilitates the representation of eminent professionals and experts who cannot face direct elections. **However, LC is criticised because** - It is used by political parties to park its defeated candidates. - It is an expensive institution that drains the public exchequer. The money could have been used for more productive use. **Conclusion** LC is an advisory body and not a revisory body (like RS). However, the task of governance is becoming more complex and LC can play an important role in making quality laws. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/Integrated-test-seri.png) #### Integrated Test Series 2027 with Mentorship Learn how to write mains answers in actual exam hall conditions from ****Rohit Singh Sir (cleared UPSC CSE twice, AIR 241 & AIR 480)** [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/best-value-integrated-test-series-2027-with-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 2 - Day 24) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-2-day-24/ Last updated: 2026-06-29T13:47:09.000Z **Topics: Indian Constitution — historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure** **Q1\. The Government of India Act of 1858 was important as it marked a shift in powers from the company to the Crown. Enumerate the main features of the Act. (10 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - The Government of India Act of 1858 was enacted as a reaction to the revolt of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny or the First War of Independence. It abolished the East India Company, and the powers and authority were transferred to the British Crown. **Main Body** - All the acquired territories, revenue system and residuary powers got transferred to the British government and crown. Main features of the act include- - The system of double government introduced by Pitt’s India Act of 1784 was ended by abolishing the Board of Control and Court of Directors. - From the enforcement of the act, India would be governed in the name of Her Majesty and the designation of Governor-General was changed to Viceroy because he was to be the direct representative of the British crown. - For corporate affairs and smooth business, a secretary of state-in-council was established. - Secretary of state for India was created as a new post having total authority over administration of India and was responsible to the British parliament. - The act also formed a 15 member advisory council to assist the secretary of state who was the chairman of the council. - This act was formed with the prime objective of improving administration and controlling it in a better way from England rather than introducing any reforms. **Conclusion** The Government of India Act of 1858 was enacted after the first war of independence as Britishers became aware of the rising nationalism and they sought to check it right at the outset. The effects were visible as the next tide of nationalism came after the founding of the Indian National Congress more than 25 years later. --- **Q2\. “It is said that constitutionalism pervades the Indian Constitution.” Examine the statement.** **(10 marks)** **Model Structure** (This question is simply asking to explain: "How the concept of constitutionalism is present throughout the Indian Constitution.") **Introduction:** - Constitutionalism is a set of political values and aspirations that reflect the desire to protect liberty through checks on government power. **It means government according to the rule of law as opposed to arbitrary government**. - Constitutionalism is a philosophy which is essential for a democratic setup. It ensures that the freedoms of the individual are given primacy and the State does not encroach upon the liberty of the citizen. **Main Body:** **Principles and norms which promote constitutionalism in India are:** - **A written constitution** containing the fundamental principles of governance and detailed administrative provisions. - **Constitutional Supremacy** means that no laws or actions can violate a nation's Constitution. - The Constitution provides a set of **fundamental rights** to every citizen, protecting individual freedoms and promoting equality. - It also sets forth Directive Principles of State Policy, guiding the government **to ensure social and economic justice**. - The Constitution's ability to adapt through **amendments** (Article 368) while maintaining its core principles demonstrates its strong foundation in constitutionalism. - **The preamble holds the spirit of constitutionalism**, as it contains all the objectives of the constitution and conditions for a dignified life of citizens. - **An independent judiciary** with the power of **Judicial Review** under Article 13 for upholding the rule of law and for safeguarding constitutional principles. - The doctrine of **separation of Power** ensures all organs enjoy **limited power** within their framework. It creates a system of checks and balances among the actions of governmental organs. - **Free and fair elections** to legislature and a democratic government accountable to the electorate. Independent Election Commission. - **Federalism**, i.e. division of power between the centre and states, ensures diffusion of powers, necessitating different independent centres of decision-making. - **Decentralisation of power**, i.e. power conferred on the institution within the state, is sufficiently dispersed so as to avoid abuse of power. **Conclusion** - In I.R. Coelho vs the State of Tamil Nadu, the Supreme Court held that the principle of constitutionalism is now a legal principle. - The constitution seeks to decentralise power in India instead of concentrating it at one point. Thus, India does have not only a constitution but also constitutionalism. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/UPSC-Essential-2027.png) #### UPSC Essential 2027 + Mentorship (New Batch) Weekly Current Affairs + Lectures + Material [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2027-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **Q3\. Did the Indian Constitution inherently embody principles and provisions promoting secularism prior to the inclusion of the term “secular” through the 42nd Amendment? Justify.** **(10 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** The term 'secular' was explicitly included in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution through the 42nd Amendment in 1976\. However, the principles and provisions promoting secularism have been embedded in the Constitution since its inception. **Main Body** **Indian Constitution and Secular Principles and Provisions** 1. **Religious Freedom:** Articles 25-28 provide the right to freedom of religion to all citizens. These articles ensure that everyone can follow, practice, and propagate a religion of their choice. 2. **Equality before Law:** The Constitution ensures that there is no discrimination on the grounds of religion. Article 14 guarantees equality before the law, and Article 15 prohibits discrimination on religious grounds, promoting the principle of equal citizenship, irrespective of religion. 3. **Abolition of Untouchability:** Article 17 abolishes untouchability. This signifies the Constitution's attempt to reform regressive religious practices. 4. **No Religious Instructions in State-funded Institutions:** Article 28 prohibits the imparting of religious instructions in any educational institution wholly maintained out of State funds. This ensures that the State does not promote any particular religion. 5. **Cultural and Educational Rights:** Articles 29 and 30 provide minorities with the right to conserve their language, script, and culture and establish and administer educational institutions, which effectively ensures the protection of cultural and religious diversity. 6. **Directive Principles of State Policy:** The Constitution, through various Directive Principles of State Policy, like Article 44 advocating for a Uniform Civil Code, envisages a society where religious scripts do not determine laws but are the same for every citizen, irrespective of religion. **Conclusion** While the explicit mention of 'secular' was introduced through the 42nd Amendment, the essence of secularism was always a part of the Indian Constitution. **The inclusion of 'secular' in the Preamble merely made explicit what was already implicit.** --- **Q4\. The basic structure of the Constitution is an important premise on which many ideals of the Constitution rest. Discuss the historical development of basic structure in India.** **(10 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Basic structure is an ever evolving concept with features getting added in subsequent court judgments even today. But it first found its shape in Kesavananda Bharati vs State of Kerala case of 1973. **Main Body** - Amendment powers of the parliament was the main thing which led to its origin because these powers were absolute initially as evident in Shankari Prasad case 1951 and Sajjan Singh case 1965. - Here, Parliament had power to amend any part of the constitution including Fundamental rights. - Later in the Golaknath case of 1967, the Supreme Court reversed its earlier verdict to take away the power of Parliament to amend Fundamental Rights. This was done by reinterpreting articles 368 and 13 of the Constitution. - To bypass these judgments, 24th , 25th, 26th and 29th amendments to the Constitution were passed. These amendments were challenged in the Kesavananda Bharati case. - In this case, relief against restrictions on supervision of religious property was sought under Article 26\. The bench ruled by a 7-6 majority that Parliament could amend any part of the Constitution without altering basic structure. - The term ‘basic structure’ was not defined in this judgment and has evolved since to include federalism, separation of powers, secularism, democracy, independence of the judiciary, rule of law, welfare state, etc. - But there are some arguments against the basic structure like undemocratic unelected judges having authority to cancel a constitutional amendment. **Conclusion** Indian democracy works on the premise of checks and balances between parliament, executive and judiciary. Thus the basic structure is seen as a safety valve against authoritarian and majoritarian tendencies of the parliament. --- **Q5\. The Preamble reflects the ideals and aspirations of the Indian Constitution. Elaborate. How far have these ideals been achieved? (15 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - Preamble is the ‘identity card of the Constitution’ and offers a ‘key to the minds of the Constitution makers'. Aspirations are goals that the Constitution seeks to achieve and these goals are indicated as ideals in the Preamble. **Main Body:** Preamble reflects these ideals and aspirations in the following ways: - Preamble is a recognition of the sovereignty of the people. Democracy and Republic are the logical outcomes of the declaration of the people as sovereign. - Preamble declares India to be a socialist state, reflecting its aspiration for democratic socialism. This is also reflected in DPSPs. - Preamble announces the secular nature of India, showing the importance given to religious pluralism and multiculturalism. - Three components of justice: social, economic, and political justice, highlight the aspiration for ensuring distributive justice and extending equal political rights to all citizens. - Terms like Equality, Liberty etc. prove our aspiration to have an inclusive and sustainable development process. The Constitution seeks to achieve these through fundamental rights and DPSPs. - Unity, Integrity and fraternity show an aspiration to have a strong India characterised by cooperative federalism and brotherhood among citizens. Over the years, these ideals and aspirations have guided the nation’s developmental trajectory. India has taken long strides towards these ideals; however, the realisation of these ideals has not been a complete success. | Realized ideals | Unfulfilled aspirations | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | India is the largest democracy; India has been successful in building strong democratic institutions (Parliament, ECI, judiciary etc.) and has served as a ‘beacon of democracy’ for the world.Fundamental rights have ensured equality through Articles 14-18; Article 19 gives various types of freedom and liberties; Dignified life is ensured through Article 21; and religious freedom is granted through Article 25.India has been able to maintain unity, integrity and sovereignty.India has reduced its poverty from 70% in 1948 to 21.1% in 2011, ensuring economic equality. Schemes of inclusive development like the Prime Minister’s 15-point programme and the formation of the National Scheduled Caste Finance and Development Corporation, a move toward socio-economic justice.India continues to be a multicultural society, and the spirit of brotherhood still exists. To conserve this, the Constitution has provided special rights to linguistic and religious minorities. | Democracy has not percolated to the grassroots; the experiment of Local Self Government remains incomplete; caste and religion continue to dominate electoral narratives; criminalization of politics is on the rise.SC and ST continue to face discriminations, caste/religion-based social hierarchies are still intact; the State has been accused of restricting free speech; Dignified life is still an aspiration for many (Eg. transgender, undertrials etc.); Religion continues to play an important role in public life (politics and society).3\. Regionalism, Naxalism, insurgency in NE etc., reflect threats to the unity and integrity of the nation. Aggression by China and Pakistan may challenge sovereignty.4\. Rising inequality undermines the term ‘equality’ enshrined in the preamble. For e.g., the Oxfam report says the top 10% holds 77% of total wealth. Violence against minorities, women etc., acts as a hurdle to the goal of social justice.5\. Critics have pointed out rising polarization and intolerance, targeted hate and socially sanctioned atrocities that have diluted fraternity. E.g. an Increase in mob lynching activities as per NCRB. | **Conclusion** India is on the right path, but constitutional goals are still far away. A more focused approach and improvement in pace are needed to achieve these social, political and economic aspirations. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/MFG---W-Unlimited.png) #### Mains Focus Group - GS Advance + Write UnLimited (for Mains 2027) LIVE Answer Writing Sessions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-gs-advance-write-unlimited-for-mains-2027/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 1 - Day 23) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-1-day-23/ Last updated: 2026-06-28T07:42:24.000Z **Topic:** Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including water- bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes **Q1\. Examine the influence of ocean currents on the atmosphere and economy in different regions across the globe. (10 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Ocean current refers to the continuous flow of a huge amount of water in a definite path and direction in the ocean. They can be Hot or Cold, Deep or Surface water currents as per their formation and direction of flow. **Main Body** **Effects of ocean currents on the Atmosphere:** - **Global ocean conveyor belt:** The ocean currents play a critical role in maintaining the global heat budget for the earth system. Ocean circulation transports heat from heat excess to heat deficit regions. - **Local atmospheric weather changes:** Ocean currents affect the local climate of a region. - For example, the North Atlantic Drift increases the temperature off the coasts of the western coast of Europe warm, which is abnormal for high latitudes. - Similarly, the warm ocean current Kuroshio current in the North Pacific Ocean keeps the ports of the Alaskan coast ice-free in winter. - **El-Nino/La Nina effects:** El Nino and La Nina are caused by a build-up of cooler and warmer than normal ocean currents in the tropical Pacific, the area of the Pacific Ocean between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. - **Tropical cyclones:** Warm Ocean currents can accumulate warm waters in the tropics, and the accumulation of warm water is the major force behind tropical cyclones. **Effects of ocean currents on the Economy:** - **Habitation:** Warm Ocean currents can help make certain regions in higher latitudes habitable. - For example, The Gulf Stream, the Gulf of Mexico along the eastern coast of the US and then to the British Isles. - **Agriculture:** Warm Ocean currents lead to the evaporation of warm waters, which generate rainfall on the seashore hence making those areas agriculturally productive. - **Fishing:** The mixing of warm and cold currents replenishes the oxygen and therefore promotes the growth of plankton and fishes. - For example, mixing Oyashio with Kuroshio Currents near the Japanese coast. - **Transportation:** Ocean Currents determine the major routes for navigation since ancient times. They increase fuel use efficiency when ships flow in their direction. **Conclusion** - Hence, Ocean currents are a critical part of the earth's stabilisation mechanism. They not only affect the global climate but also intermingle with the human economy around the world. **Diagram of Ocean currents for reference:** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-77e60a00-ae85-45b5-85de-10ee28749ead.png) --- **Q2\. What do you mean by an inversion in temperature? Describe the ideal circumstances for a temperature inversion and also discuss its effect.** **(10 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Temperature inversion occurs when there is a reversal of the normal temperature pattern in the atmosphere, where the temperature increases with height instead of decreasing. In the troposphere, the temperature typically decreases with increasing altitude, known as the normal lapse rate. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-c000c8f9-2fed-49a4-8f1c-4d41e1265029.png) **Main Body** **The ideal circumstances for a temperature inversion are:** - **Long winter night:** Loss of heat by terrestrial radiation from the ground surface during night exceeds the amount of incoming solar radiation. This results in lower surface temperature. - **Cloudless sky at night** leads to more rapid heat loss, while slow movement of air prevents inter-mixing of air. - **Dry air near the ground** limits the absorption of the radiated heat, resulting in lower temperatures near the surface. **Temperature inversion has a multidimensional impacts:** - **Precipitation:** It hampers the vertical ascent of convective clouds, limiting the upward movement of moisture and affecting winter rainfall crucial for Rabi crops. - It also promotes atmospheric stability in the western regions of continents, leading to arid conditions and the formation of desert ecosystems like the Sahara desert. - **Fog formation:** Surface inversion results in the dense morning fog. - Certain crops, like coffee plantations in the Yemen hills of Arabia, benefit from the fog as it acts as a protective shield against intense solar radiation. - In urban areas, the inversion layer traps smoke and dust particles, forming smog. - **Increase in air pollution:** The slow movement of air during temperature inversions hinders the dispersal of air pollutants, creating toxic air pockets around urban areas, such as the winter pollution in Delhi. - The high concentration of particulate matter during such conditions contributes to respiratory problems. - **Frost damage:** Air drainage, where dense cold air accumulates in valley bottoms with warmer air above, occurs during the night in hills and mountains. - As a result, apple growers in the mountainous regions of the Himalayas avoid planting their crops on lower slopes to mitigate this risk. - Telecommunication: Temperature inversion may disturb the radio signals in the region due to refraction from layers above the cold air. **Conclusion** - It is important to have a better understanding of temperature inversion as it impacts the agriculture and transport sectors as well as affects pollution and needs to be studied for better management of issues in those sectors. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/Essay.png) #### Ace the Essay (With Abhijeet Yadav Sir) A comprehensive course to master the ART AND CRAFT of Essay Writing [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/ace-the-essay-with-abhijeet-yadav/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **Q3\. List the various types of seismic waves generated by earthquakes and discuss their importance in gaining insights into the Earth's interior structure. (15 marks)** **Model Structure** - **Introduction(1):** The sudden release of energy from the interiors of the earth leading to the shaking of the crustal slab is called an earthquake. The energy is released in the form of waves from the earthquake's focus, and they propagate through the earth’s differential layers to the epicentre on the surface. OR - **Introduction(2):** The rocks in the interior are subjected to high pressure; they tend to store their stress. But whenever there is a fracture in the rocks, the energy is released catastrophically, creating tremors in the crustal slab, which causes an earthquake. **Main Body:** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-746ef6f3-3ac3-4c09-bfd7-3dc705ecea97.png) **Earthquake waves:** - **Primary Waves:** - These are longitudinal waves or compressional waves that follow the pattern of compression and expansion. - They are faster and travel with a velocity of 25000 Km/hr and are the first to reach the surface. - They tend to change the shape and volume of the rocks through which they propagate, but they have less impact on the surface. - They propagate in all mediums and the shadow zone. - **Secondary waves:** - They are low-velocity Sinusoidal waves, also called Distrotional waves. - They tend to impact the shape and not the volume of the rocks. - They have slower velocities, but the maximum destruction is due to S-Waves. - They do not propagate in liquids and the shadow zone. - **Rayleigh waves:** - These are the waves with Sea-Swell motion. - These waves tend to shift the ground vertically upwards or downwards. - **Love-waves:** - It follows the motion called the Whipping motion. - It shifts the ground horizontally and creates a rift valley like the San Andreas fault lines of the USA. The discovery of these waves has benefited the study of geomorphology and interiors of the earth. **They are significant to understand the interiors of the earth due to the following factors:** - **Composition:** The speed of the waves varies with density, thus, by observing their propagation speed, we can identify the density and, thus, the composition of rocks beneath, which could help in mineral exploration. - **Identification of discontinuities:** The waves helped to discover the existence of Moho’s discontinuity and Gutenberg's discontinuity. - **Density:** The study of waves led to the establishment of the fact that mantle is denser than crust and crust is semi-molten material. - This led to theories like Hess's theory, Continental drift theory and also explained Volcanism. - **Earthquake determination:** As S-waves are faster and less destructive, we can use the window period between S and P waves to alert the public of earthquakes. **Conclusion:** - The study of waves is important in contemporary times, and earthquakes occur even to anthropogenic activities, as observed in Latur, Maharashtra. They act as a window to the interiors of the earth and also help in hydrology that studies groundwater and its water table. --- **Q4\. Write a note on the distribution of volcanoes across the world. Why does the distribution of volcanoes coincide with that of earthquakes? (15 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - Volcanism is the process of eruption of molten material or magma into the crust, which is poured out on its surface. Volcanic activity is closely associated with plate boundaries, crustal disturbances etc. - Volcanoes around the world are located in a clearly-defined pattern. It is closely related to regions that have been intensely associated with plate tectonic activities. **Main Body:** **Distribution of volcanoes across the world:** - **Volcanoes at Convergent Plate boundary** – In such regions, one plate subducts under another plate. - Circum-Pacific region (“Pacific Ring of Fire”). On the Western side of the Pacific Ocean, this chain extends from the Aleutian Islands, Japan, the Philippines, the southern Pacific Islands of Solomon and New Zealand and on the Eastern side of the Pacific Ocean, it extends from Alaska, Mexico to Central America, and the Andes. - The Atlantic coast has few active volcanoes, but many are dormant or extinct, e.g. St. Helena, Canary Islands etc., but volcanoes in Iceland and Azores are active. - In the Mediterranean region, volcanoes are mainly associated with the Alpine folds, e.g. Mt. Etna, Mt. Stromboli etc. - **Volcanoes at Divergent Plate boundary** – When two plates are moving away from each other, along these boundaries, magma rises from deep within the Earth and erupts to form a new crust on the lithosphere. - Most of the active divergent plate boundary is present at mid-oceanic ridges, where constant sea-floor spreading and formation of new plate boundaries can be seen. - Some volcanoes are also located in Rift valley in Africa, such as Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Kenya, and Mt. Cameroon. - Volcanoes due to hot spot activities – This occurs at the interior parts of the lithospheric plates rather than plate boundaries, e.g. Reunion hotspot in the Indian Ocean, Hawaiian hotspot in the Pacific Ocean and Yellowstone hotspot in North America. **Coincidence of distribution of volcanoes and earthquakes:** - Both phenomena are associated with tectonic activities, and energy released from one phenomenon gives rise to another. - Earthquakes are found along all types of plate margins (constructive, destructive and transform). However, Volcanoes occur at constructive and destructive plate margins only. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-5321ba0a-4a30-432a-958f-b6c7548c19ff.png) **Reason for coincidence:** - **Subduction zone:** In these subduction zones, overlapping plates cause slip between them and rupture within plates, leading to earthquakes. - Also, the consumption of oceanic plates in the mantle gives rise to volcanoes. - **Movement of magma**: Compression of plates forces the magma beneath them to move, but this movement is difficult for a newly compressed crust. - This causes the magma to pool in magma chambers beneath the surface and between the converging plates. - With the movement of plates, this magma is forced to move in or out of these chambers and thus causing Volcano-tectonic earthquakes. - **Injection of magma and cracking of rocks**: Injection of magma into surrounding rocks causes them to break, and every time the rock cracks, it causes small earthquakes. - **Diverging plates**: At diverging plate boundaries, along with the volcanic activity due to the rise of magma, the creation of new crust pushes other crust. - Cracking of the crust and formation of faults causes earthquakes in these regions. **Conclusion:** - Thus, plate tectonic activities are important in volcanic activities and earthquake events. The concentration of volcanic activities and earthquakes in a particular belt affects the life of people in these regions significantly. --- **Q5\. Though the Bay of Bengal experiences more tropical cyclones as compared to Arabian Sea, recently the Arabian Sea has also started experiencing more cyclones. Enumerate the reasons and also how to lessen the impact. (10 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Tropical Cyclone is a rotating low pressure weather system originating on seas and oceans in tropical areas due to conducive temperature, and makes landfall in coastal areas causing stormy weather and heavy rainfall. **Main Body** Arabian Sea is less prone to cyclones when compared to Bay of Bengal due to relatively colder sea surface temperature because it is an open water body and not continental. But there are many reasons for the increased frequency of cyclones in the Arabian Sea like- - With westerlies becoming more pronounced, rightward movement of cyclones has become frequent which makes western coastline more vulnerable to cyclones. - Most of the peninsular rivers are east flowing thus the Arabian Sea receives less fresh and cool water. And higher SST promotes cyclone formation. - Positive Indian Ocean Dipole and warmer than normal SST in the Arabian Sea promotes cyclone formation in Arabian sea. - As per IPCC report, SST of Arabian Sea has steadily increased in the last 40 years in the range of 1.2-1.4 degree celsius. - Highly populated gulf region and South Asain countries means more carbon emissions and global warming in this particular region. - Change in direction and speed of the winds is called wind shear which is weakening in recent times due to increase in carbon in the atmosphere. The result is that stronger wind shear in the Arabian Sea is now weakening which fosters the formation of cyclones. Thus there are many reasons and there is an urgent need to mitigate the cause and impact of such cyclones. This can be understood by steps in the disaster management cycle. Some of these steps include- - Early warning systems like weather stations and their use of supercomputers, ocean buoys, doppler radars etc. - Any warning needs to be disseminated and for that communication systems must be in place. - Embankments and similar structures must be built to protect life of humans and livestock, habitations, crops etc. - Coastal zone management is another important aspect which is aimed at protection of local communities. - Projects like National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project which aims to strengthen the structural and non-structural efforts and reduce vulnerability of the coastal areas. - Community Based Disaster Management which aims at capacity building of communities to reduce their vulnerability. **Conclusion** - Any disaster brings loss of life and property with a lot of time taken to normalize things. Thus it is important to implement the measures in place for disaster risk mitigation. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/MFG---W-Unlimited.png) #### Mains Focus Group - GS Advance + Write UnLimited (for Mains 2027) LIVE Answer Writing Sessions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-gs-advance-write-unlimited-for-mains-2027/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 1 - Day 22) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-1-day-22/ Last updated: 2026-06-26T13:01:23.000Z **Topic:** Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub- continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India) **Q1\. Enumerate the factors contributing to the industry's location in an area. Also, analyse the changing dynamics of industrial sites influenced by footloose industries, which are no longer constrained by traditional factors.** **(10 marks)** **Model Structure** - **Introduction (1):** A footloose industry is not tied to any particular location or country and can relocate to another place without effect from factors of production such as resources, land, labour, and capital. For e.g Diamonds, the computer chips manufacturing industry. They don't need a large place for manufacturing and have a low-weight output. ***or*** - **Introduction(2):** These are called footloose as these types of industries are prone to relocation. Some prominent examples of the footloose industry are watch-making, diamond cutting, precision electronics etc. These industries often have spatially fixed costs, i.e., the costs of the products do not change despite where the product is assembled. **Main Body:** - **Factors affecting the location of industries:** (Question asks to enumerate - so just mention the factors - no need to explain them) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-961cd8e6-4b0a-4871-bd4e-398719bc55e1.png) **Advantages of Footloose industries over traditional industries:** - **Raw material:** These are less dependent on specific raw materials, most of the raw materials are small and light and can be transported easily. - **Market:** the output is lightweight and can be easily transported to the markets. Most of the footloose industries produce low-volume and high-value outputs. - **Government regulations:** These are environment-friendly industries as the process involved in these industries has a negligible carbon footprint, so are least affected by government regulations. - **Energy:** these are not very energy-intensive industries. They are powered by electricity which can be found anywhere. - **Port facilities:** They are not very heavy industries which require port facilities for their transportation. Thus, they have advantages for those areas which lack port facilities. **Conclusion** - These industries are crucial for the development of areas which lack locational advantages concerning heavy and small industries like port facilities, availability of raw materials, etc. **OR** - Good development of the footloose industry can provide high-value employment opportunities and a competitive advantage in world trade. --- **Q2\. Explain the factors contributing to the increasing significance of rare earth metals in recent years. Discuss their distribution patterns and impact on global industries.** **(10 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - Rare earth elements are a group of seventeen metallic elements with unique properties used in diverse technologies, including electronics, healthcare, and defence. They are called 'rare earth' because earlier, it was difficult to extract them from their oxide forms technologically. **Main Body** **Importance of rare earth elements:** - **Cell phones:** For cell phones to vibrate, they need powerful magnets, and REEs are critical to the manufacture of these powerful permanent magnets. - **Electric vehicles:** with the rising concern of climate change and air pollution and the need to shift to cleaner vehicles, demand for EVs has increased, and to run EV motors, powerful magnets are required, which are obtained from these REEs. - **National defence:** rising geopolitical tensions in the world have increased the country's expenditure on defence supplies. - The typical F-35 fighter contains nearly 1,000 pounds of rare earth. - Significant defence applications include electronic displays, guidance systems, lasers, and radar and sonar systems. - **Consumer electronics:** with rising consumerism and fast-changing technology developments in the electronics industry, demand for electrical products have increased in the last few decades. - These products are a major consumer of REE, like laptops, television etc. - **Renewable energy:** They have applications in Hybrid automobiles, wind turbines, next-generation rechargeable batteries, and biofuel catalysts. - Even futuristic technologies need these REEs (For example, high-temperature superconductivity, safe storage and transport of hydrogen for a post-hydrocarbon economy, environmental global warming and energy efficiency issues). **Distribution of rare earth elements:** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-54c51110-7c4a-4961-a040-d284aef525ff.png) **Influence on global industry growth** - **China’s monopoly:** China is witnessing maximum industrialisation in industries which require rare earth elements, such as the electronics industry, because it produces 60% of global REE production. - China also accounts for the maximum global rare-earth consumption. - China had announced plans to reduce its export quota to 35000 tons per year in 2010-2015\. This triggered some panic in global markets. - **Automotive industry:** The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the supply of rare earth elements for the automotive industries, especially since the virus impacted China. - This led to the breaking of international supply chains. Car manufacturers had announced a halt in production. **Conclusion** - With the global shift towards electric vehicles and cleaner energy sources to fulfil Paris Agreement conditions, demand for REE is expected to increase. The need of the hour is to diversify production and search for other alternatives. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/UPSC-Essential-2027.png) #### UPSC Essential 2027 + Mentorship (New Batch) Weekly Current Affairs + Lectures + Material [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2027-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **Q3\. The discovery and extraction of oil in the Arctic Sea have various economic and environmental consequences.? Discuss (15 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - According to U.S. Geological Survey estimates, the Arctic sea has 90 billion barrels of oil and 44 billion barrels of natural gas liquids. There may also be significant reserves of coal, zinc and silver. - With current oil reserves coping with increased pressure, the Arctic and its seas are seen as being of crucial importance. The recent discovery of mineral resources in the Arctic brought back its significance in terms of economic development. Resources such as petroleum and natural gas may start a race between countries for extraction. **Main Body:** **The economic significance of oil discovery in the Arctic:** - Reduction of oil prices: The discovery and extraction of oil will increase its abundance in the market, and as a result, the prices of oil will come down. - Economic growth in developing countries: The reduction in prices will particularly help developing countries to achieve rapid economic growth. - Energy Security: Exploration of energy fuels will lead to energy security for the world as the world is facing resource scarcity. - Diversification of energy resources: Decreased reliance on the Middle East region (Gulf nations), thereby altering the geo-political and economic relationships among the global community. - Increased investment expenditure and job creation by means of new drilling of oil wells and establishment of necessary backwards and forward linkages. - Impact on the fishing industry: With new infrastructure, the commercial fishing industry would also develop faster in this region. **Possible Environmental Repercussions:** - Reduced focus on renewable energy: As the prices of conventional fuel fall due to increased production, the economic viability of investing in renewable energy will also fall. - This will reduce global efforts to focus on switching to clean energy in the future. - Marine pollution: Petroleum extraction is a polluting process, and exploiting the resources in sensitive areas of the Arctic will result in pollution of the seas. - Sea level rise: The process of extracting petroleum from ice-covered seas will involve the melting of sea ice before mining. - The process will melt large areas of sea ice and will result in increasing sea levels that may drown large coastal areas. - The temperature of the globe may also increase. - Impact on Oceanic Circulation: Global warming will lead to the melting of ice and thus weakening of the global thermohaline circulation as a result of the increased flux of freshwater from the Arctic Ocean. - Risk of the oil spill and inability to clean up: The cold and inaccessible nature of the region makes responding to disasters in the region extremely difficult. **Conclusion:** - The Arctic marine environment is not pristine, as commonly imagined, but is facing numerous pressures, the most serious arguably coming from outside the region. At the regional level, the Arctic Environmental Protection Strategy (AEPS) should be implemented properly as adopted by eight rim states around the Arctic. - Recently, in its sixth assessment report, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has highlighted that human influence is very likely the main driver of the global retreat of Arctic Sea ice during the last 40 years. Thus, there is an urgent need to take steps to protect the Arctic ecosystem. --- **Q4\. Despite a bountiful reserve of coal, its shortage has become systematic and perennial. Highlighting the causes, recommend some corrective measures. (15 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - India ranks 5th in the world in terms of coal reserves and is the second largest producer of coal. The proven reserves are equivalent to 111.5 times our annual consumption. - According to data from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), **coal stocks across the 180 thermal power plants under the ambit of CEA stood at 25.59 million tonnes, 47% of the required stock of 54.16 million tonnes** as on October 2022\. **Main Body:** **Causes of coal shortage:** - Monopoly of Coal India Limited (CIL) hampers the free/competitive trade of coal. - Poor management of the coal supply chain has resulted in inefficient usage/distribution of coal. - High freight rates, delays in deliveries, and defaults on payments by power companies. - Poor inventories: Coal inventories at the power plants have consistently declined to about 13% since April (2022) to the lowest pre-summer levels. - Rising temperatures: The peak demand for power has increased with the early onset of summer. - E.g., the demand for power in Delhi rose by 42% in the month of April 2022. - International factors: Russia-Ukraine crisis has resulted in the disruption of the international coal supply. India’s dependence on imports for its coal requirements has increased from 6% (2000-01) to 21.7% (2021-22). - Climatic factors: As per center's Core Management Team (CMT), heavy rains in the coal mining areas have resulted in lesser than usual coal production. - Increasing power demand/slow growth in production: a substantial increase in the power demand without a corresponding increase in production. - E.g., as per a report, power demand has increased to 124.2 BU per month in 2021 from 106.6BU per month in 2019. **In order to ensure an adequate supply of coal, there is a need to take the following corrective measures:** - Streamlining the supplies of already available coal with dedicated freight corridors and real-time tracking. E.g., Rail SUGAM. - Enhancing the reach of Smart Grid, to minimize power wastage and stealing and to encourage house owners to generate more electricity through rooftop-solar etc. - Incentivizing miners and popularizing schemes like HELP to ensure domestic exploration/supplies. - Transparent mechanism to ensure timely payments to avoid delays in supplies. - Diversification of the energy sector is the need of the hour. Renewable energy targets need to be enhanced and met in a time-bound manner. - Enhancing competitiveness in the sector by encouraging more companies, especially the private sector in the coalfield. **Conclusion** - The Indian economy is overly dependent on coal, and it is thus a strategic resource for India. To ensure our energy security, the focus is needed on both fronts- enhancing coal production as well as gradually phasing down coal usage. --- **Q5\. It is often said that Lithium is the ‘new oil’. Explain the distribution of lithium across the globe. Are there any lithium reserves in India?** **(15 Marks)** **Introduction** - Lithium is often called the new oil/white gold because it is the ultralight battery metal. The other reason for the spike has been the global rush towards environmentally friendly modes of transport. **Main Body** **Distribution of lithium across the world:** - Lithium reserves have been found in all the continents, but Chile, Argentina and Bolivia together are referred to as the “Lithium Triangle”, holding underneath in its salt flats more than 75 % of the world supply. - Australia, Argentina and Chile are the world's top lithium producers, while Bolivia holds the largest potential resources. - China, meanwhile, is also a significant producer. Together, these five countries account for most of the world's lithium supply. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-e4083cfa-26e1-4eec-bc47-636b42d67ed0.jpeg) **Lithium reserves in India:** - During 2021-22 Geological Survey of India (GSI) has carried out 7 projects on Lithium in Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir and Rajasthan. However, the resource of lithium has not yet been augmented by GSI. - Researchers at the Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD) for Exploration and Research have estimated lithium reserves of 14,100 tonnes in a small patch of land surveyed in Southern Karnataka’s Mandya district. - Potential sites in India include - - The major mica belts in Rajasthan, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh. - Pegmatite (igneous rocks) belts in Odisha and Chhattisgarh. - Brines of Sambhar and Pachpadra in Rajasthan, and Rann of Kachchh in Gujarat. **Conclusion** - Almost 100% of Li-ion batteries or cells are imported in India. Considering this, India needs to secure access to Lithium reserves. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/Mains-AW-Group.png) #### Mains Focus Group 2026 with Mentorship Comprehensive lectures to make you Mains ready in 75 Days [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-2026-with-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 1 - Day 21) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-1-day-21/ Last updated: 2026-06-25T13:56:44.000Z **Topics:** Salient features of the World’s Physical Geography **Q1\. Discuss the importance of the cryosphere in global climate regulation. (10 Marks)** **Introduction:** - The cryosphere is an umbrella term used to depict the portion of the Earth where water exists in solid form. It includes regions like Antarctica and Greenland, icebergs in the sea, and also higher mountain ranges like the Himalayas. OR - According to the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report, the global temperature will increase by more than 2 degrees by the end of the millennium. This has the highest level of impact on fragile regions like the cryosphere. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-47e08ed2-aeac-4a8c-bcbe-eead18fd0e64.png) **Main Body:** **Importance of the cryosphere in climate regulation:** - **Albedo effect:** Albedo denotes reflecting capabilities; the cryosphere has higher albedo, which in turn cools the Earth. - **Carbon sink:** Cryosphere is also a major carbon sink and has trapped carbon and methane within itself and the soil beneath. - Reduction in the area of the cryosphere would release more greenhouse gases. - **Regulation of ocean currents:** Any changes in the cryosphere tend to alter the rate of the thermohaline circulation, thus affecting the microclimates. - The incidents of El Nino and La Nina are examples of this. - **Natural disaster:** Excessive melting of the cryosphere could trigger global catastrophic events like rising sea levels, tsunamis, and avalanches. **Conclusion** - India has 7500km of coastline; any changes in the sea level would impact the social and economic aspects of the coastal community. - India needs to raise its voice against the climate change that is affecting the cryosphere region. The Himalayas also hosts the largest ice apart from the poles; this also depicts concern related to North East and Himalayan states. --- **Q2\. Contrast planetary and local winds by examining their sources, effects, and extent of occurrence. Highlight the significance of local winds in defining the climatic conditions of a given location. (15 marks)** **Introduction:** - Planetary winds are the wind that blows constantly throughout the year and in a constant direction. They blow extensively over oceans and continents. - While local winds occur on a less spatial scale, their horizontal dimensions are typically some hundreds of kilometres. They tend to be short-lived, lasting only for some hours. **Main Body** **Difference between Planetary and local winds:** | Basis | Planetary Winds | Local Winds | | ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Meaning | Permanent/regular winds that blow throughout the year in broad global belts. | Winds that blow over a small region due to local temperature and pressure differences. | | Origin | Caused by Earth’s rotation, Coriolis force, and latitudinal variation in heating, which creates global pressure belts. | Caused by localised heating or cooling, creating small high-pressure and low-pressure areas. | | Scale of influence | Global or hemispheric scale. | Small regional or local scale. | | Area covered | Spread across large latitudinal belts, such as tropics, temperate zones and polar regions. | Limited to specific places such as coasts, valleys, deserts or mountain slopes. | | Duration | Generally permanent and blow throughout the year. | Usually temporary; may blow during a particular time of day, season or under specific weather conditions. | | Direction | Direction is fairly regular due to global pressure belts and Coriolis force. | Direction changes according to local conditions. | | Driving force | Driven by major global pressure belts such as equatorial low pressure, subtropical high pressure, subpolar low pressure and polar high pressure. | Driven by small-scale pressure differences caused by unequal heating of land, water, mountains, valleys or deserts. | | Effect on climate | Strongly influences global climate, ocean currents, heat transfer and rainfall patterns. | Mainly affects local weather, temperature, humidity, dust storms or short-term rainfall. | | Heat transfer | Transports heat and energy from one part of the globe to another. | Redistributes heat and moisture only within a limited area. | | Regularity | More regular and predictable. | Less regular and more dependent on local geography and weather conditions. | | Examples | Trade Winds, Westerlies, Polar Easterlies. | Land breeze, sea breeze, valley breeze, mountain breeze, loo, Chinook, Foehn, Mistral, Bora. | ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-60f8bec8-1ff0-44e8-bffa-49b4e0119d52.png) **Role of local winds in determining climate:** - **Modify temperature:** Hot winds raise temperature; cold winds lower it. *Example:* **Loo** in North India causes intense summer heat. - **Regulate coastal climate:** Sea breeze cools coastal areas during the day. Land breeze affects night-time conditions. *Example:* **Mumbai/Chennai** have moderated temperatures due to sea breeze. - **Influence rainfall and humidity** Moist winds increase humidity and may support rainfall. *Example:* **Sea breeze** brings moisture to coastal regions. - **Create dry conditions:** Descending winds become warm and dry. *Example:* **Foehn** in Alps, **Chinook** in Rockies. - **Affect mountain-valley climate:** Valley breeze warms slopes by day; mountain breeze cools valleys by night. *Example:* Himalayan valleys experience local temperature variation. - **Cause dust storms and aridity:** Hot dry winds intensify dryness. *Example:* **Sirocco** from Sahara, **Loo** in Rajasthan/UP. - **Impact agriculture:** Can damage crops, increase evaporation, or help snowmelt. *Example:* **Chinook** melts snow and benefits grazing lands. - **Affect human health and comfort:** Hot/dusty winds cause heatstroke, dehydration and respiratory issues. *Example:* **Loo** in north-west India. - **Increase disaster risk:** Dry winds can spread wildfires. *Example:* **Santa Ana winds** in California. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-cef4fa81-47a1-49f1-b25d-e00d4e499a7f.png) *(diagram - local winds)* **Conclusion** - Thus, these local winds have a significant influence on the local weather conditions and play a role in aggravating or moderating the larger climatic conditions in the area. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/Sociology-TEst.png) #### Sociology Test Series + Mentorship Special LIVE sessions on ****Sociology Current Affairs** and **Value Addition** Sessions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-test-series-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **Q3\. Rivers of peninsular India are rainfed with their mouths scattered all around but majority of them drain into the Bay of Bengal. Discuss the reasons behind this and its impact. (15 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - The Indian drainage system is broadly classified into peninsular rivers like Krishna, Mahanadi etc, extra peninsular or Himalayan rivers like Ganga, Indus etc, coastal rivers like Savitri, Mahi etc, and inland rivers like Sambhar and Luni. **Main Body** All the rivers empty into either Arabian Sea or Bay of Bengal with the former getting only 23% of the discharge whereas the latter receiving 77% of river discharge. **Reasons behind asymmetrical drainage pattern** - Western ghats have higher elevation as compared to Eastern ghats thus difficult to dissect for rivers and drain into Arabian Sea. - Slope of peninsula and northern plains is aligned from west to east due to which rivers like Godavari, Krishna, Ganga, Mahanadi etc drain into the Bay of Bengal. - Western branch of advancing monsoons causes less precipitation as compared to eastern branch which also picks moisture from the Bay of Bengal. This is evident from very low rainfall received by Gujarat, Rajasthan and interiors of Maharashtra when compared to Ganga and Brahmaputra river basin. - Himalayan rivers are glacier fed thus perennial but peninsular rivers are seasonal as they are rain fed. Now that all the Himalayan rivers in India flow into Bay of Bengal, the discharge is high. - Rivers on eastern coast receive rainfall both from advancing and retreating monsoons thus more discharge is there into Bay of Bengal. - Higher frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal as compared to Arabian Sea is another reason. **Impact of asymmetrical drainage system** - More influx of river water into Bay of Bengal means more cool and freshwater is added which creates a separate horizontal zone of warm water and cooler water which is conducive for cyclonic activity. - Less rivers in western areas make it hot and dry leading to water scarcity and less developed agriculture. This makes canal Irrigation more prominent in this region. - The above mentioned water situation makes this area contribute to dryland farming and more cultivation of nutria cereals. - This non-mixing of surface water with water below makes Bay of Bengal warmer than the Arabian Sea making it ideal for cyclones. **Conclusion** - Many recent reports like that of IPCC have warned of a water crisis and actions need to be taken to save existing rivers and rejuvenate the older ones. Government's ambitious program of interlinking of the river may help decrease this lopsided nature of drainage in India --- **Q4\. Elaborate on how thermohaline circulation functions to maintain energy balance. Additionally, analyse the consequences of a weakened Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) on the global climate. (15 marks)** **Introduction:** - The deep-ocean currents are driven by differences in the water’s density, which is controlled by temperature (thermos) and salinity (halite). This process is known as thermohaline circulation. - Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is a large system of ocean currents. It is the Atlantic branch of the ocean conveyor belt or Thermophiles Circulation(THC) and distributes heat and nutrients throughout the world’s ocean basins. **Main Body:** **Thermohaline circulation acts as a means and process of energy balance:** - **Formation of ice:** In the Earth's polar regions, ocean water gets very cold, forming sea ice. - Consequently, the surrounding seawater gets saltier because when sea ice forms, the salt is left behind. - **Density increase:** As the seawater gets saltier, its density increases, and it starts to sink. - **Pulling up of surface water:** Surface water is pulled in to replace the sinking water, which in turn eventually becomes cold and salty enough to sink. - This initiates the deep-ocean currents driving the global conveyor belt. - **Transfer of heat:** The thermohaline circulation plays an important role in supplying heat to the polar regions and, thus, in regulating the amount of sea ice in these regions and moderating the climate of polar regions. - These ocean currents help to counteract the high levels of solar radiation that the Earth’s equator receives. Although this process is relatively slow, tremendous volumes of water are moved, which transport heat, nutrients, solids, and other materials over vast distances. Thus, this process aids in distributing heat and energy around the earth (heat budget) by transferring warm water to polar regions and cold water from the poles to the tropics. Without these currents, it would be much hotter at the equator and much colder at the poles, making planet Earth’s surface less livable. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-5c2e345c-97d0-4b5d-9429-472ad4d95678.png) **Weakening of AMOC can lead to:** - Decreased temperature and rainfall over Europe. - Prominent cooling over the northern Atlantic region and neighbouring areas, sea ice increases over the Greenland-Iceland-Norwegian seas and to the south of Greenland. - A significant southward rain-belt migration over the tropical Atlantic. - Increase in winter storms over Europe and stronger hurricanes in the US. **A collapse of the AMOC may induce causal interactions like** - Changes in ENSO \[El Niño–Southern Oscillation\] characteristics. - Dieback of the Amazon rainforest due to less rainfall - Shrinking of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. - Southern migration of the ITCZ \[Intertropical Convergence Zone\] and the tropical rain belt. - Large warming of the Southern Ocean. - Weakening of the African and Asian monsoons, thus less Sahelian summer rainfall and South Asian summer rainfall and strengthening of Southern Hemisphere monsoons. - Sea level rise due to piling up of water at the USA’s east coast as there is less sinking of cold water downward in high latitudes. **Conclusion** - There is a **need to reconcile climate models** with the presented observational evidence by improving long-term monitoring of the AMOC and improving understanding of past AMOC changes. --- **Q5\. Deep-sea mining is an evolving area due to the exhaustion of resources on land. Discuss the benefits of deep-sea mining and the issues involved in this activity. (15 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Oceans make up around 70% of Earth’s surface which makes them potentially an abode of minerals. This has opened new avenues in deep sea mining which has reserves of polymetallic nodules, sulfur mines, red clay deposits and manganese nodules. **Main Body** - Unsustainable mining has huge disadvantages like destruction of subsoil, change in land use, decreased agricultural productivity and pollution of various kinds. Exhaustion of resources pushes the price of minerals resulting in inflation. - Deep sea mining provides endless opportunities due to huge untapped resources. **Benefits of deep sea mining:** - Many countries are deficient in resources and they can explore and extract them from the ocean floor for domestic uses. - As per a few studies, the quality of manganese and copper is far better than what is extracted on land. - Many cross border disputes have occurred due to resources. Like Alsacce Lorraine between France and Germany was a minor reason for World Wars. Exploitation of oceanic resources can help avoid such situations. - Availability of resources fuels industrialisation and seabed mining can help spur it in less developed countries. **Issues** - Mining involves intrusion of heavy machinery and dredging which will surely degrade the sea bed and the habitat to many species. - Species extinction is another threat if mining continues for unabated time which can disturb the ecological balance. - Deep sea mining involves use of heavy machinery and sophisticated techniques which requires heavy capital investment. This is not feasible for many small countries. - Also, there is the issue of international boundaries and territorial waters. Mining near closely located countries can affect regional peace and give rise to international disputes. - Marine vehicles and the resulting pollution along with occasional oil spills can affect the whole ecosystem and impact regional climate. - Many creatures use echolocation and sound waves to travel and survive. But invasion of pristine areas by humans can impact this daily life of animals and plants which can have long lasting impacts. **Conclusion** - Deep sea mining is a good alternative considering the exhaustion of land resources but it has to be sustainable to ensure that disputes like those on land do not arise. Also, the interests of small countries and ocean life needs to be taken care of. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/GS-Advance.png) #### GS Advance + Mentorship (for Mains 2027) Complete coverage of the entire UPSC Mains Syllabus: Advanced level [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/gs-advance-mentorship-for-mains-2027/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 1 - Day 20) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-1-day-20/ Last updated: 2026-06-24T13:00:26.000Z **Topic:** Effects of Globalisation on Indian society, Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism & Secularism. **Q1\. Globalisation has taken women out of traditional bonds but put them in the face of newer means of exploitation. Examine. (15 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - As per OECD, The term globalisation is generally used to describe an increasing internationalisation of markets for goods and services, the means of production, financial systems, competition, corporations, technology and industries. **Main Body:** **Globalisation has taken women out of traditional bonds:** - **New assignment of roles:** Women earlier were restricted to kitchens due to patriarchy and subordination. But now, with the flow of new ideas due to globalisation, women have become independent, and they have acquired a major role in decision-making in families and society. - **Reduction of social evils:** The women-centric social evils such as Sati, child marriage, female foeticide, etc, have been reduced through the evolution of thinking practices aided by globalisation. - **Status in society:** With exposure to other successful women in the world, Indian society too has seen the upliftment of the Status of women. - **Employment opportunities:** Globalisation led to the outsourcing of work around the world. It generated new employment opportunities particularly beneficial to women. - For eg, BPO services. - **Increased authority:** Economic dependency of women on men is reducing as more and more women will work in globalised businesses. This gives more authority to women within the family too. - **Joint conjugal roles:** With women taking up roles of breadwinner, the toxic masculinity is weakening, which is seen in joint conjugal roles in the household. **Globalisation is opening newer means of exploitation:** - **Commodification of women:** under the garb of globalisation, western lifestyle has been dominating the world. - This has led to commodification of women in movies, songs etc. - **Double Shift burden:** Despite working full time, women are still expected to fulfill the household duties. - **Increasing divorces and Single mother families:** Due to loss of traditional values, relationships are breaking apart frequently. - This has given rise to a high prevalence of single mother families where women face even more burden. - **Issues regarding physical health:** Full time indulgence in jobs and household activities have taken a toll on women’s health. Lifestyle diseases have become prevalent. - This has created health issues. As per NFHS, more than 50% of women between the ages of 15-49 are anemic. - **Mental health issues:** Increased burden of work and responsibilities, coupled with a lack of family support system, gives rise to mental health issues in women. Actions such as suicide have become more regular. - According to WHO data, the age-standardised suicide rate in India is 16.4 per 100,000 for women (6th highest in the world) - **Unequal status at work:** Though globalisation helped women reach the office. But they are still facing the glass ceiling. Moreover, the gender pay gap also exists. - According to the Gender Gap Index in 2020, India has slipped to the 112th position. - **Harassment at workplace:** The harassment which used to take place inside the house has now been shifted to the workplace with several women leaving their jobs due to workplace harassment. - **Women related crimes:** Since mobilisation among women has increased, it has also exposed them to more crimes like rapes, stalking, online bullying etc. - A total of 4,05,861 cases of crime against women were registered during 2019, showing an increase of 7.3% over 2018 (NCRB report) **Conclusion** - Globalisation has proved to be a double-edged sword for Indian women. It is time that the government takes more steps to eliminate the dark side of globalisation faced by women to achieve gender equality which is also a sustainable development goal (SDG 5). --- **Q2\. Despite underlying unity, regionalism has been a long-term trend in India. Elucidate.** **(15 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - Our ability to stay united despite the diversity of religion, languages, caste, and culture is the beauty of India. But despite this fundamental value, there is a long-term trend of regionalism in present India. - Regionalism is basically affection toward a particular region on the basis of language, culture, ethnicity, geography, etc. **Main Body:** **Underlying Unity in India** - **Unity in diversity:** Despite its plurality India stands with her unity without compromising with her diverse culture, religion, and languages. - **United by law:** A country with multiple languages, and every major religion of the world, has over 700 different tribes under one constitution and one national flag. - **Common feeling:** Shared feeling of oneness and identity of being an Indian citizen shows underlying unity in India. - **United by the Ideals of the freedom struggle:** Indian people fought for freedom with a common identity as Indians, irrespective of religious, social and cultural differences. These memories of the freedom struggle keep India united. - **Political unity:** We adopted a democratic system of politics all over India with centre-state coordination and special provisions for some states. This has kept India politically united. **Despite Underlying unity, regionalism is a long-term trend in India** **as** - **Geographical reason:** Complex nature of Boundary disputes, with no immediate solution. It also has become a matter of state prestige now. - E.g. Maharashtra and Karnataka over the Belgaum region. - **Consistency of water dispute:** Water is a fundamental resource, every state wants a maximum share of it, thus making water dispute complex. - For e.g. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana over Krishna River, Chhattisgarh and Odisha over Mahanadi are still unresolved. - **Historical and Cultural reasons:** Permanent Cultural differences like Cultural and language differences between the north and south are keeping the flame of regionalism alive in India. - For e.g. tussle between North and South India over the Hindi language is failing to find common ground. - **Permanent Intrastate Linguistic and cultural diversity:** Fear of suppression of language and culture in multicultural and multilingual states still persists. - Failing to tackle this fear is making regionalism more persistent, e.g., the Demand for the creation of Gorkhaland. - **Failing to solve complexities in the Northeast:** Despite several constitutional and legislative measures for giving autonomy to the Northeastern states, their problems are still not resolved. - Further, organisations like the National socialist council of Nagaland and Kamtapur Liberation Organisation are taking advantage of such complexity and making solutions to the regionalism complex in the northeast. - **Economic Reason:** Huge Development Disparity in India, development is concentrated within certain clusters only. - E.g. Western Uttar Pradesh is more developed than Eastern it is creating a sense of deprivation among people of the underdeveloped region, which fuelling regionalism - **Political and Administrative reason:** Political use of sentiments as several regional political parties have their existence on regional issues only. - They use regional sentiment for vote bank politics. So it is beneficial for them to keep regionalism active, making it a long-term trend. **Conclusion** - Understanding the link between organized crime and terrorism is of prime importance, especially when forces are deployed at fragile borders, our interiors cannot act as another front of terror activities. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/PSIR-Test-Series.png) #### PSIR Test Series (16 Tests) + Mentorship 16 Tests: 8 Mini Sectional + 4 Full Sectional + 4 Full Length Simulations [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **Q3\. World Bank data suggests one twelfth of the Indian population comprises persons living with benchmark disability. In this context, discuss the steps taken by the government of India for persons with disabilities and enumerate the issues in the steps taken. (10 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - As per 2011 census data, 2.21% of Indian population is differently abled but recent World Bank data suggests that this number is close to 8% amounting to around 10 crore people. **Main Body** - With the passing of the Rights of Persons With Disabilities amendment bill in 2016, types of disabilities were increased from 7 to 21 thus bringing in more people to avail benefits of affirmative action. In addition to this, government has taken many steps like- - Mental Healthcare Act 2017 was passed to protect the rights of mentally challenged and fulfill obligations towards them during delivery of mental healthcare and services. - The Rehabilitation Council of India Act 1992 monitors training of rehabilitation professionals and advances research in this area. - India has committed to inclusive and rights based society by signing documents like ‘Declaration on the Full Participation and Equality of People with Disabilities in the Asia Pacific Region’, Biwako Millennium Framework etc. - Schemes like Sugamya Bharat, Rsahtriya Vayoshri Yojana, Deendayal Disable Rehabilitation Scheme etc are rolled out to cater the needs of these people. - Rights of Persons With Disabilities Act 2016 fulfills India’s obligation to UNCRPD. - Though there are schemes and initiatives in place, but their impact has been limited due to- - The Mental Healthcare Act neglects promotion of mental well being and the aspects related to prevention of this issue. - Rights of Persons With Disabilities Act 2016 is only applicable to the public sector thus giving meager opportunities to the affected. - Though there are 21 categories now, it is highly skewed in favor of few disabilities only and other categories hardly get any vacancy. - There is a stigma attached to these people and less efforts are being made to induce changes in curriculum and spread awareness to bring overall inclusivity. **Conclusion** - Though there are schemes and initiatives, actual implementation is an issue. A case in point is the huge amount of vacancies at university level and the problems associated with one size fits all approach. So there has to be proper implementation and calibrated approach to ensure better effectiveness of government initiatives. --- **Q4\. Though India is largely a peace-loving nation. Cases of communalisation of Indian society surface now and then. What are the factors behind it? Elaborate on the steps needed to ensure harmony and tolerance. (15 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - **Communalism** is a feeling of strong allegiance to one’s ethnic group rather than to society as a whole. The basis of allegiance may be: such as language, ethnicity, region, religion etc. In India, communalism as a social phenomenon is based on mutual religious hatred. **Main Body:** **Factors responsible for the growth of Communalism in India:** - **Economic: Poverty:** - Mass poverty and unemployment create a sense of frustration among the people. It generates backwardness, illiteracy, ignorance, etc. - The unemployed youth of both communities can be easily trapped by religious fundamentalists and fanatics. They are used by them to cause communal riots. The weak economic status often breeds communalism. - **Historic:** - **British rule:** On the basis of the “**Two Nation**” theory of Jinnah, India was partitioned. The “Divide and Rule” policy of the British Government served their colonial interest. The partition of India was the outcome of their politics. - **Presence of Communal Parties:** Religion in India has become an important agency of political socialization. A number of communal and sectarian political parties and organizations are present in India. Muslim League, Jamaat—Islami, Hindu Mahasabha, Akali Dal, and Vishwa Hindu Parishad are directly or indirectly responsible for the emergence of communalism. - **Isolation of Muslims:** Indian Muslims have developed a tendency of isolationism even long after the creation of Pakistan. They remain aloof from the mainstream of national politics. - **Hindu Chauvinism:** The growth of Hindu chauvinistic attitudes have further strengthened the communal tensions in India. The Hindu religious groups like Shiv Sena, Hindu Mahasabha, and Vishwa Hindu Parisad often pressurise the government to take steps suitable to the interest of Hindus. - **Social Cause:** - The two major communities of India have been suspicious of each other. The Muslims complain about the threat of the Hindu majority. - **Cross-Border factors:** Communal tensions in India sometimes are highly intensified due to the rule of two neighbouring theocratic countries. These countries try to create communal problems in the border states. The communal problems of Punjab and Jammu Kashmir are caused due to provocation of Pakistan. - **Political:** Both the Union and the State Governments often fail to prevent communalism in the country. Due to a lack of prior information, they fail to take any preventive measures. Also cases of vote bank politics. **Steps to check the growth of Communalism:** - **Economic:** - Poverty is one of the major factors for communal violence. Poverty alleviation measures are thus important for promoting communal harmony. - **Eradicating the problem of unemployment** among the youths, illiteracy and poverty and that too with honesty and without any discrimination. - Reducing educational and economic backwardness of minorities like Muslims. - This can uplift their socio-economic status and reduce their deprivation compared to Hindus (Sachar committee). - **Social:** - The religious leaders and preachers should promote rational and practical things through religion promoting peace and security. - Children in schools must be taught through textbooks and pamphlets to maintain brotherhood and respect for all religions - Creating awareness in the society about the ill effects of communism through mass media - **Political:** - Political communism should be avoided recent Supreme court’s directives - Identification and mapping of riot prone areas. For Example, Delhi police used drones to monitor to maintain vigil during communal festivals - **Media, movies and other cultural platforms** can be influential in promoting peace and harmony. - **Social Media** should be monitored for **violent and repulsive content** and taken off immediately. **Recommendations of the Committee on National Integration** - Joint celebration of community festivals - Observing restraint by Hindus while taking processions before the mosques - Formation of peace and brotherhood communities at the local level to prevent anti-social elements from engaging in communal riots - Respect for religious customs, rituals and practices **Conclusion** - Jawaharlal Nehru had pointed out the issue and termed it as the greatest danger. And so he said that anyone who loves India would hate communalism and anyone who hates India would love communalism --- **Q5\. Indian secularism is not based on strict separation between religion and state, but on principled distance and equal respect for all religions. Discuss. (10 marks)** **Introduction** Indian secularism has evolved from India’s **multi-religious society and civilisational pluralism**. Unlike the Western model, it does not demand complete separation of religion and state. **Main Body** **Features of Indian Secularism** 1\. Equal Respect, Not Anti-Religion - Indian secularism means **sarva dharma sambhava**—equal respect for all religions. - The State does not privilege one religion as the official religion. - Articles **25–28** guarantee freedom of conscience, worship, propagation and religious management. 2\. Principled Distance - The State can engage with religion when required for **reform, equality and social justice**. - Example: abolition of **untouchability**, temple entry reforms, regulation of religious endowments. - Thus, the State neither blindly interferes nor completely withdraws. 3\. Protection of Minorities - Articles **29–30** protect cultural and educational rights of minorities. - This ensures that secularism is not merely individual freedom but also **group protection**. **Challenges** - Communal violence, politicisation of religion and identity-based mobilisation weaken secular values. **Conclusion** Thus, Indian secularism is a **context-sensitive model** based on equal respect, reform and constitutional morality. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/Sociology-TEst.png) #### Sociology Test Series + Mentorship Special LIVE sessions on ****Sociology Current Affairs** and **Value Addition** Sessions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-test-series-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 1 - Day 19) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-1-day-19/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T13:24:59.000Z **Topic:** Role of Women and Women’s Organisation, Population and Associated Issues, Poverty and Developmental issues, Urbanisation, their problems and their remedies. **Q1\. With the increase in “the missing women in India’s workforce”, state the causes of low women labour force participation. Discuss measures taken to overcome the same? (15 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - The LFPR basically tells what percentage of the total women within the working-age are seeking work; it includes both those who are employed as well as those who are as yet unemployed but seeking work. **Main body :** - As the chart below shows, **at 21% India** has one of the lowest female participation rates in the world. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-6bd948e0-0f69-4d47-b49f-fe6294e9d81f.png) - India’s 21% female LFPR is not even half the global average (47%). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-957a80ed-bc21-461b-88fb-05df4ac6a310.png) **Causes:** - The EUS – show that women’s LFPR was not always this low. It has fallen over time, especially because of a decline in the **LFPR of rural women**. - Employment and Unemployment Survey (EUS) - Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) - **Marriage**: The PLFS states Marriage significantly reduces women’s LFPR. - In the 21-25 years and 26-30 years cohorts, unmarried women are twice as much likely to participate in the labour force as married women. - The expectation of household work after marriage negatively impacts women’s participation in the labour force. - **Household constraints and distance** trump financial need and individual preference for job choice: - Women are engaged in agriculture because such jobs fit these needs of flexibility and proximity. - As India urbanises, labour market opportunities fitting those criteria are in shorter supply, causing women to leave or become unwilling to enter the labour market. - The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) tells us that **Women’s decision-making power** in the household is more if they are employed. - The converse is also true: in households where women have decision-making power, women are more likely to be employed. - **Urban women’s employment** grew only marginally, and in sectors with greater exposure to the risks posed by Covid-19\. - The urban FWPR declined from 25 per cent in 1987-88 to 18 per cent in 2018-19, largely driven by rapid increases in urban household incomes and continued pressure of unpaid work and social norms, with families not requiring “**secondary income earners**”, that is, women to work. - Women remain concentrated in **high-contact sectors (**for example textiles) still at risk due to Covid-19 as well as in low-growth, low-productivity sectors (for example agriculture). - **Unemployed people** – those looking for work but not finding one – possibly report that they are simply not looking for work, and end up being misclassified as out of the labour force. LFPR may not represent the true size of the labour force in that case. **Way forward:** - **Policies**: Robust medium-term policies are needed to stimulate demand and supply of female workers in the economy. - **Incentive-based, course-wise gender-based targets** for skill training under Skill India mission, along with development of gender-sensitive infrastructure at skill training institutions through steps like mandating separate washrooms, balanced gender ratio of trainers and strict security to bridge gender skill gaps. - **Economic:** - State governments can establish **gender-based employment targets** for urban public works, while private firms can expand efforts by increasing diversity targets across job roles and seniority levels. - Governments can offer **wage subsidies**, especially to micro, small and medium enterprises for hiring women, as well as provide financial support to cover costs of maternity leave and creche facilities. And increasing targets for procurement from women-led enterprises. - Increasing **public investment** in the care sector can redistribute the burden of unpaid work and also increase demand for care workers — jobs which can be taken up by women. **Conclusion** - Gender equality reduces violence of all kinds. The beneficial effects of full inclusion for women would be visible at the institutional and national levels, increases transparency and also adds stability for the entire economy. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/WhatsApp-Image-2026-06-22-at-18.20.37.jpeg) #### Missed the PSIR class? Don't worry. We've opened the first session for everyone. Simply enroll in the FREE PSIR course and get access to watch it. [Enroll Today](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-free-course/?ref=upscprep.com) **Q2\. Define ‘double burden of malnutrition’ and highlight the current scenario in the context of India. Also, enumerate the steps that can be taken to tackle this menace. (10 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - The World Health Organisation has defined ‘double burden of malnutrition’ as a situation in which undernutrition coexists with overweight and obesity along with diet-related non-communicable diseases. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-611b8b35-0c3f-4091-8d29-a6e7b8c23579.png) **Main Body** It is measured by body mass index with a value of more than 25 indicating overweight and less than 18.5 indicating underweight. Current status in case of India includes- - India has the world's largest number of stunted (46.6 million) and wasted children (25.5\. million). - 23% women and 20% men in the age bracket of 15-49 are underweight. - 2% of the under 5 children are overweight. - Undernutrition remains disproportionately high in poor regions while obesity is a striking feature of rich regions. Considering the severity of the issues, steps need to be taken like- - Striking at the source by taxing high fat, sugar and salt products as evident from examples of Mexico which has shown considerable improvement since taking these measures. - Further strengthening the mid day meal program to ensure nutrition security. The POSHAN scheme is a step in this direction. - As per UNICEF recommendation, special attention is needed for adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating mothers, and first 2 years post birth. - Diversification of Public Distribution System to also include nutritious and fortified food grains. - Invest substantially in social welfare programmes as India lags far behind when it comes to public expenditure on health and education sectors. **Conclusion** - Every adversity gives an opportunity to bounce back better and develop robust systems to ensure better outcomes. Many steps are taken but their implementation remains the key considering the deadline of sustainable development goals is also coming closer. --- **Q3\. Elaborate on the rising phenomenon of urbanisation by enumerating the multifaceted challenges it poses. Critically evaluate the strategies implemented by the government to address these issues. Also, suggest feasible, forward-looking solutions to effectively navigate the complexities associated with rapid urbanisation. (15 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Urbanisation involves growth of cities and modern infrastructure which is followed by the migration of people from rural to urban areas based on push and pull factors. It involves changes at economic, social, cultural, demographic and technical level. **OR** - Urban population is expected to become 40% of total population by 2030 from current 34% (World Urban Prospects (WUP)) **Main Body** **Challenges due to Urbanisation** - **Dilapidated living conditions** due to the development of **slums and unauthorised colonies.** - They become a hub of **communicable diseases** and **drain natural resources** due to improper payment of electricity and water bills. - Less availability of land and more population for housing means that **rent and land prices increase and quality of living decrease** due to squatter-type settlements. - An increased population but stagnant employment opportunities means that **unemployment rises**. - Overcrowding manifests in many forms like **traffic snarls, competition for education and health services** and **chaos** in case of even minor emergencies. - An increase in population further increases construction activity, private vehicles and public transport which add to pollution. - **Urban anonymity** is a challenging feature which develops as it is not easy to nab petty criminals in high population density areas. This leads to an increase in crime rates. - Waste collection and dumping, and sewage infrastructure is old and not updated with time. With rapid population growth, there is stress on these systems which manifests in mountains of garbage in the city periphery and open drains which damage aesthetics of a city area. - **Social Inequality:** Cities often witness a stark contrast between the rich and the poor, leading to social disparities and issues related to poverty, crime, and health. **Government Initiatives** - Smart Cities mission. - Swachh Bharat mission for universal sanitation coverage and no open defecation. - AMRUT or Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation to provide tap water, sewerage connection to every household, green spaces and public transport. - HRIDAY or Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana to preserve the heritage character of historical cities by improved urban planning. - PM Awas Yojana for affordable housing to slum dwellers with a timely delivery component. **Forward-looking Solutions:** - **Sustainable Urban Planning:** Incorporation of sustainable practices in urban planning such as green buildings, renewable energy sources, and efficient waste management systems. - **Public-Private Partnerships:** To address infrastructure deficits, partnerships between government and private entities can be encouraged to fund and manage urban projects. - **Social Inclusion Policies:** Policies ensuring equal access to services and opportunities, irrespective of socio-economic status, can bridge social disparities. - **Decentralisation:** Empowering local bodies to handle urban planning and management, with adequate resources and authority, can ensure customised and effective solutions. **Conclusion** - Urbanisation needs a holistic approach like accessibility to the differently abled, employment to growing population, better infrastructure with green spaces, improved health facilities and affordable education for a sustainable development. --- **Q4\. Examine the impact of urbanisation on urban water bodies and the associated implications. Propose strategies to preserve the integrity of urban water bodies for generations to come. (15 Marks)** **Introduction** - **Definition-based:** Urbanization indeed is the process of becoming urban, moving to cities, changing from agriculture to other pursuits common to cities, such as trade, manufacturing, industry and management, and corresponding changes of behaviour patterns. - **Data-based:** According to the 2011 Census, around 31 % of India lived in urban areas. It is projected that by 2036, 38.6 % of Indians will live in urban areas - leading to an increase in demand for water for consumption as well as water pollution. **Main Body** **Impact of urbanisation on urban water bodies and associated implications** 1. The consequences of urbanization on these water bodies include pollution, habitat degradation, reduced water quality, and increased vulnerability to flooding. 2. Urbanization often leads to the encroachment and destruction of natural habitats surrounding water bodies. (e.g. lakes in Bangalore) 3. Wetlands are drained for infrastructure development, rivers are straightened and concretized, and natural floodplains are built upon. 4. These alterations disrupt the natural hydrological cycles, reduce the capacity of water bodies to store and filter water, and exacerbate the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall events. 5. Extraction of groundwater and surface water for urban consumption leads to the depletion of water resources. 6. Over-extraction can result in the lowering of groundwater levels, saltwater intrusion in coastal areas, and reduced flow in rivers and streams. **Strategies to promote sustainable urban development** 1. Implementing integrated water management practices that consider the entire water cycle can help mitigate the impact of urbanization. 2. Enforcing strict regulations for wastewater treatment, industrial discharge, and solid waste management is crucial. 3. Protecting and restoring natural habitats, including wetlands and riparian areas, is essential for preserving the ecological balance of urban water bodies. 4. No major development should be permitted in the areas which are subjected to high flooding. Important facilities like hospitals and schools should be built in safe areas. In urban areas, water-holding areas can be created, like ponds, lakes or low-lying areas. 5. Reclamation: For example,Mission Kakatiya of Telangana involves the restoration of irrigation tanks and lakes/minor irrigation sources built by the Kakatiya dynasty. 6. Educating the public about the importance of urban water bodies, the impacts of urbanization, and individual responsibility in preserving water resources is crucial. 7. Strengthening policies, regulations, and enforcement mechanisms related to water management is vital. **Conclusion** - By adopting these strategies, cities can foster sustainable urban development that enhances the quality of life, minimizes environmental impact, and creates resilient, inclusive, and livable urban spaces for present and future generations. --- **Q5\. Analyse the factors contributing to the disproportionate impact of poverty on women in India. Further, suggest strategies to empower women, enhance their economic participation, ensuring inclusive and sustainable development.** **(15 Marks)** **Introduction** - **Context-based:** The disproportionate impact of poverty on women in India is influenced by a combination of social, economic, and cultural factors. These factors contribute to gender inequality, limited access to resources, and barriers to economic participation. **Main Body** **Factors contributing to the disproportionate impact of poverty on women in India** 1. Gender Discrimination: Deep-rooted gender biases and discriminatory practices perpetuate inequalities in education, employment, and decision-making. (E.g. The stereotype that women ‘belong’ to the ‘kitchen’ only) 2. Lack of Education: Limited access to quality education and lower literacy rates among women impede their economic prospects. (E.g. many girls are not sent to school after primary stage) 3. Limited Access to Resources: Women in India often face barriers to accessing land, credit, and financial services. (E.g. Many women, despite being financially independent, are not given loans without the signature of their husband or father) 4. Unpaid Care Work: Women in India shoulder a disproportionate burden of unpaid care work, including household chores, childcare, and eldercare. 5. Social Norms and Cultural Constraints: Traditional gender roles, social norms, and cultural practices shape women's roles and opportunities. **Strategies to empower women, and enhance their economic participation** 1. Education and Skill Development: Promote vocational training, entrepreneurship development, and STEM education to enable women to participate in a wide range of economic sectors. (Example - Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)) 2. Economic Empowerment Programs: Implement targeted programs that provide financial literacy, access to credit, and entrepreneurship support for women. 3. Address Unpaid Care Work: Recognize and redistribute the burden of unpaid care work through policies such as affordable and quality childcare facilities, parental leave, and promoting shared household responsibilities. 4. Land and Property Rights: Ensure equal land and property rights for women through legal reforms and awareness campaigns. 5. Gender-Responsive Employment Practices: Encourage private and public sectors to adopt gender-responsive policies such as flexible working hours, safe working environments, and maternity benefits. 6. Social Awareness and Behavior Change: Launch awareness campaigns to challenge gender stereotypes, promote gender equality, and shift societal attitudes towards women's empowerment. 7. Strengthening Social Safety Nets: Expand social protection programs targeting vulnerable women, including widows, single mothers, and marginalized communities. **Conclusion** - By addressing these factors and implementing comprehensive strategies, India can create an enabling environment for women's empowerment, enhance their economic participation, and work towards inclusive and sustainable development. - Empowered women contribute to stronger economies, improved living standards, and a more equitable society. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/GS-Advance.png) #### GS Advance + Mentorship (for Mains 2027) Complete coverage of the entire UPSC Mains Syllabus: Advanced level [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/gs-advance-mentorship-for-mains-2027/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 1 - Day 18) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-1-day-18/ Last updated: 2026-06-22T14:42:14.000Z **Topic:** Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India. **Q1\. In the background of ever-increasing caste-based reservation. Critically evaluate the need for a caste-based census. (10 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - There have been growing demands for a caste census with the general census in 2022 since **Justice G Rohini**\-led commission submitted a draft proposal recommending a sub-categorisation of the reservation for the OBC. **Main body:** ##### **Rationale behind conducting caste census:** - **Rationalise reservation**: Many have argued that an SECC would be the best way to rationalise reservation based on data . Around 2,633 castes are covered under the OBC reservation. (The states have the flexibility to add castes to the central list depending on local deprivation levels determined by local OBC commissions.) - Since job and education quotas are based on caste, this will help in **evidence-based policymaking.** - **Rohini commission**: 2018, the commission analysed the data of 13,00,00 central jobs and admissions to central higher education institutions under the OBC quota over the preceding five years. - It found that 97% of all jobs and educational seats have gone to just 25% of all sub-castes classified. And 24.95% of these jobs and seats went to just 10 OBC communities. - Further, this census can help the government in identifying the most benefited section and provide fair representation. - Many studies show the **OBC population to be above 40%**. This is much greater than the current reservation, which stands at 27%. The caste census will provide the exact proportion of OBC population. - **Better framing** of Government welfare schemes and **democratic policy making**. - **Break the myths associated with castes:** The caste census will reveal the actual data on castes and remove ambiguities associated with the caste. For instance, - In Karnataka, there were claims that among the castes, the Lingayats are the most numerous. So the census can reveal the true information on that. **Challenges linked to conducting caste census** - **Reservation tussles:** - Reservation is going to cater only to a small proportion of those who are entitled to it. Leading to the growth of elites among castes and communities. So, the caste census along with reservation might favour elites among castes. - It could lead to **demands** for larger or separate quotas. For instance, Patels, Gujjars, Jats and other castes are demanding reservations. The caste census might induce more such demands in future. - The caste census will give rise to **caste division**. As India seeks to eliminate and weaken the notion of caste, a caste census would only strengthen it. - Collection of caste data is not easy: Some people believe that Caste is a very important source of privilege and advantage in our country. On the other hand, some feel disadvantaged by revealing caste-based information. For instance, the same caste is spelt in different ways in different states. **Conclusion** If inclusive development is the constitutional priority of our country, then we must demand the socio-economic caste enumeration and make it publicly available so that our development policies and programmes can be accordingly shaped in a transparent manner. --- **Q2\. What are the challenges faced by the transgender community in India? Enumerate the various steps taken to address these challenges.** **(15 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - According to the World Health Organization, ‘transgender’ is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity and expression do not conform to the norms and expectations traditionally associated with the sex assigned to them at birth. - As per the Census of 2011, the total population of transgender people in India is 4.9 lakh. **Main Body:** While the Indian Constitution provides for the fundamental right to equality and tolerates no discrimination on the grounds of sex, caste, creed or religion, the transgender community continues to face challenges like: - Discrimination: They are often subjected to sexual abuse, rape and other forms of physical violence and exploitation. - Ostracization: Transgender individuals are often ostracised by society. Even their own families view them as a burden and often force them to leave their parental homes. - **Unemployment:** They are economically marginalised with minimal employment opportunities and are forced into professions like prostitution and begging for livelihood or resorting to the exploitative entertainment industry. - **Access to public spaces:** Due to a lack of provision of gender-neutral/separate transgender toilets, they face discrimination and denial while accessing public places like public toilets etc. - **Social Problems:** The transgender community feels neglected due to the lack of inheritance of property or rights of adoption of a child. - **Health issues:** Not only do they face discrimination while accessing health care, but they also remain highly vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases like HIV and AIDS. - According to the UNAIDS report 2019, the risk of acquiring HIV is 12 times higher for transgender people than for adults aged 15–49 years. - They also face mental health issues, including depression and suicidal tendencies, and violence-related stress. **In this regard, the following measures have been taken so far:** - Supreme Court Judgements: - NALSA Judgement, 2014: The Supreme Court in National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India & Ors recognised transgender as ‘third gender’. - Section 377 Judgement, 2018: SC decriminalised same-sex relations between consenting adults by partially striking down the colonial-era provisions of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). - **Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020:** Under the powers conferred by the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, these rules seek to recognise the identity of transgenders and prohibit discrimination. - **National Portal for Transgender Persons:** Launched in consonance with the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020\. - It would help the transgender community digitally apply for a certificate and identity card from anywhere in the country. - **State Level Initiatives:** Various states have taken initiatives for the betterment of the lives of the transgender population like: - Odisha brought Draft Odisha Transgender Policy 2017, which seeks to protect the rights of the gender non-conforming child. - Further, states like Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu have set up a transgender justice board to deal with their complaints and provide welfare with schemes for the socio-economic upliftment of the community. **Conclusion** - Further, there is a need to make efforts towards skill development among transgender communities, sensitisation of the law enforcement agencies, separate policies related to healthcare for transgender communities, large-scale sensitisation of people to eliminate the social stigma etc. - These steps will ensure that the transgender community are brought into the mainstream and are essential to achieve inclusive growth. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/Mains-AW-Group.png) #### Mains Focus Group 2026 with Mentorship Comprehensive lectures to make you Mains ready in 75 Days [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-2026-with-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **Q3\. The agricultural sector in India is undergoing feminisation. In this context, discuss various economic and socio-cultural forces that are driving the increasing feminisation of agriculture in India. (10 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - As per Census 2011, there were about 263 million agricultural workers in India and 37 per cent (or 98 million) of them were women. - In the face of shrinking employment opportunities in agriculture, men diversified into the rural non-farm sector, and male out-migration emerged as a major livelihood strategy. Since women did not feature predominantly in either of these trends, most rural women are still engaged in agriculture, mostly as labourers and cultivators. **Main Body:** - **Capital prefers to employ women:** - Women are more willing to accept low-paid irregular work, are easy to hire and fire, are hardworking, and certain jobs are typified as women’s work. They keep production costs in check and enable capital accumulation. - **Migration and social mobility are largely reserved for men:** - Jobs such as **casual labourers** in construction, brick kilns, mills, or worked as drivers, carpenters, teachers, and so on, while more readily available and better remunerated than agricultural labour, are socially perceived as **‘male work’.** Many of these jobs are better paid, more esteemed, and involve arduous physical labour. - The participation of women in the rural, non-farm economy is few and far between, and depends on **local socio-cultural value systems**. In this context, women often remain in the villages, and therefore in agricultural work. - They are supplementary income earners; the **concept of a ‘breadwinner’** is strongly associated with men. - Social norms and a **gendered division of labour**. - In line with patriarchal social roles, women are responsible for reproduction and care activities. - With male out-migration, women have additionally taken on the role of providing for their households on a daily basis, since remittances are irregular. - Within agriculture, there exists a **gendered division of labour.** - Women undertake work such as weeding, threshing, and paddy transplantation—**tasks that might not require physical strength**. - **Patriarchy** is so deeply rooted that even though women might do male tasks like ploughing and spade work in their own fields, they might not be wage labourers. - Feminisation of agriculture is also linked to **women’s unfree labour,** and it is precisely this unfreedom on the backs of which men’s freedom is built—to migrate, to engage in comparatively better jobs, to escape social discrimination in the villages.. **Implications of this feminisation** - Feminisation does **bring women into the public sphere**. - It does make their labour visible and accounted for (though this is not always the case), and feminisation can potentially lead to building women’s skills and confidence, give them an opportunity to organise, and enhance their bargaining power. - The government has also acknowledged the need for **pro-women farmer policies** with respect to land, water, credit, technology, and training. - This is indeed a laudable goal, and if appropriate policies are designed and implemented, they can lead to better wellbeing and empowerment outcomes for rural women. ex:Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana - **Kudumbashree**, a poverty eradication and women empowerment programme in Keral, is one such example. **Conclusion:** - Recognizing the critical role of women in agriculture, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has declared 15th October of every year as **Women Farmer’s Day.** --- **Q4\. How does hate speech pose a danger for the unity of a heterogeneous society like India? What steps are required to prevent hate speech? (15 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - The Law Commission, in its **267th report on hate speech**, said such utterances have the potential to provoke individuals and society to commit acts of terrorism, genocide, and ethnic cleansing. - There is no international legal definition of hate speech, and the characterization of what is ‘hateful’ is controversial and disputed. **Main Body:** **Dangers posed by hate speech:** - Hate speech is a discursive process of pushing marginalised groups outside of social, economic and political spheres of society by disseminating hate propaganda and encouraging discrimination. - At its most harmful, it is widely recognized as a precursor to ethnic cleansing. - **Internal Security**: The Muzaffarnagar riots of 2013 was triggered by a fake video that incited communal passions. In the West, hate speech combined with fake news on minorities has induced an anti-immigration sentiment (e.g. : France, Italy, Greece) - **User homophily and Bubble phenomenon**: Users with matching political views exchange one-sided information and opinions that suit their own convictions,, even if those were based on false information. E.g. : Twitter prompts users to follow those who express similar views or posts. - **Igniting extremist sentiments**: Fake news’ perpetuates, previously locally found, extremist ideas and groups together dangerously like-minded people e.g. – Neo-Nazis in Germany, Separatists in Kashmir. - **Mob lynching**: Rumours of child lifting in Jharkhand led to mob lynching on innocent victims. - **Violence:** An atmosphere of violence and chaos is created directly or indirectly. The Christchurch Terror attack on a mosque by an extremist was a result of Islamophobia (a direct result of hate speech). - Misinformation and disinformation due to hate speech and fake news have led to riots as seen in the **Delhi Riots case 2020**. **Measures:** - **Social media level**: The world’s biggest social media companies, including Facebook, Google, Twitter and ByteDance, are exploring an industry-wide alliance to curb fake news on their platforms in India. - **Policy level** :The Election Commission of India must tie up with tech companies to identify the creator of such news. - The government should bring out a policy framework on the possible harm due to the internet messaging platforms to engage at a deeper level. - **Attitudinal level**:Imposing hefty fines, like in Germany the Social media companies face fines of up to €50m if they persistently fail to remove illegal content from their sites. - Educating the end-users. **Way forward** - **Clarity** and **technological upgradation** is needed to deal with this and a mechanism to get down sensitive content prone to disturb social setup. - Improving the level of **police training** in equality and non-discrimination among the forces and legal bodies, improving research and encouraging reporting of such content. - The Indian government has been pushing for internet platforms to locate their servers in the country, which might help address dangerous speech in real time. - **Social media platforms** need to take **responsibility to ensure transparency, accountability** and formulate a system of rules and guidelines that users can recognize as standards, and which can be enforced. **Conclusion:** - Therefore giving a proper definition to hate speech would be the first step to deal with the menace and other initiatives such as spreading awareness amongst the public is the need of the hour. --- **Q5\. “Indian society is marked by continuity of traditional structures alongside rapid forces of change.” Discuss with reference to the salient features of Indian society. (15 marks)** **Introduction** Indian society is neither purely traditional nor completely modern; it reflects a **dynamic coexistence of continuity and change**. Its salient features show how old institutions adapt to new socio-economic forces. **Main Boday** **1\. Diversity with Unity** - India has immense **religious, linguistic, ethnic and regional diversity**. - The Census recognises **121 major languages and 270 mother tongues**, while the Constitution lists **22 official languages** in the Eighth Schedule. - Yet, shared civilisational values, constitutional ideals and national institutions create a sense of **“unity in diversity.”** **2\. Caste: Continuity and Transformation** - Caste remains a key feature of social identity, marriage networks and politics. - However, urbanisation, education, reservation and market economy have weakened its occupational rigidity. - Caste has shifted from being mainly a **ritual hierarchy** to also becoming a tool of **political mobilisation and social justice**. **3\. Family and Kinship** - The joint family has been a traditional support system, especially in rural India. - But migration, individualism and urban employment have increased nuclear families. - Still, kinship obligations continue through festivals, marriages, inheritance and care of elders. **4\. Patriarchy with Emerging Gender Assertion** - Indian society remains patriarchal in property rights, unpaid care work and son preference. - NFHS-5 shows improvement in female literacy and institutional delivery, but issues like low female labour force participation persist. - Women’s education, self-help groups and political reservation in Panchayats reflect growing empowerment. **5\. Rural-Urban Continuum** - India is rapidly urbanising, but rural values continue to shape urban life. - Migrants carry caste, language, food habits and community networks to cities. **Conclusion** Thus, Indian society is best understood as a **layered society** \- traditional in structure, modern in aspirations, and constantly negotiating between continuity and change. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/UPSC-Essential-2027.png) #### UPSC Essential 2027 + Mentorship (New Batch) Weekly Current Affairs + Lectures + Material [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2027-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 1 - Day 17) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-1-day-17/ Last updated: 2026-06-22T14:26:24.000Z **Topic:** World History **Q1\. The Russian revolution of 1917 overthrew the system of autocracy in Russia. What were the causes of the Russian revolution? How far are the ideals of the Russian Revolution significant in the modern world? (15 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - The *Russian Revolution was* a period of political and social revolution that took place in the former Russian Empire which began during the First World War. **Main body:** The Russian Revolution of 1917 was actually two revolutions. The first revolution in February overthrew the imperial government. The second revolution in October placed the Bolsheviks in power. **Causes of the Russian Revolution** - **Political**: - In the 19th century, entire Europe was undergoing important social, economic and political transformation. Most of the countries were republics like France or constitutional monarchies like England. The rule of the old feudal aristocracies had been replaced by that of the new middle classes. Russia, however, was still living in **‘the old world**’ under the autocratic rule of the Czars. - **Social:** - Serfdom had been abolished in 1861, but it did not improve the condition of peasants. They still had miserably small holdings of land with no capital to develop even these. - For the small holdings they acquired, they had to pay heavy redemption dues for decades. **Land hunger of the peasants** was a major social factor in Russian society. - The workers had no political rights and no means of gaining even minor reforms. The words of Marx that workers have ‘nothing to lose but their chains’ rang literally true to them. - **Economy:** - Industrialisation began very late in Russia, in the second half of the nineteenth century. Then it developed at a fairly fast rate, but more than half of the capital for investment came from foreign countries. Foreign investors were interested in quick profits and showed no concern for the conditions of workers. Russian capitalists, with insufficient capital, competed with foreign investors by reducing workers’ wages. Whether factories were owned by foreigners or Russians, the conditions of work were horrible. **Significance:** - The Czarist empire was transformed into a new state called the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (U.S.S.R). The policies of the new state were to be directed to the realisation of the old socialist ideal, **‘from each according to his capacity, to each according to his work’.** - Private property in the means of production was abolished and the motive of private profit was eliminated from the system of production. - **Economic planning** by the state was adopted to build a technologically advanced economy at a fast rate and to eliminate glaring inequalities in society. - **The right to work** became a constitutional right and it became the duty of the state to provide employment to every individual. Education of the entire people was given a high priority. The equality of all nationalities in the U S S.R. was recognised in the constitution framed in 1924 and later in 1936\. - The constitution gave the republics formed by the nationalities autonomy to develop their languages and cultures. - These developments were particularly significant for the Asian republics of the U.S.S.R., which were much more backward than the European part. In its impact on the world, the Russian Revolution had few parallels in history. The ideas of **socialism which the socialist movement** had been advocating and which the Russian Revolution espoused, were intended for universal application. The Russian Revolution was the first successful revolution in history, which proclaimed the building of a socialist society as its objective. It led to the creation of a new state over a vast area of the globe. **Conclusion** - Writing about the Russian Revolution in his Autobiography, Jawaharlal Nehru said, *“It made me think of politics much more in terms of social change.”* --- **Q2\. The disruptive character of the Industrial Revolution in Europe was not limited to the economy but extended to social aspects as well. Comment.** **(15 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - The Industrial Revolution refers to the rapid period of economic and social change that began in Britain around 1760, aided by technological innovations such as steam engines, power looms, etc. - It marked a period of development in the latter half of the 18th century that transformed largely rural, agrarian societies in Europe into industrialised, urban ones. **Main Body:** **The disruptive changes brought by Industrial Revolution in Europe’s economy:** - **Shift in the mode of production:** Europe experienced a shift from a traditional, labour-intensive economy to a more capital-intensive economy based on manufacturing by machines, specialised labour, and industrial factories. - **Rise of industry’s share in the national output:** Extraction of surplus output through full exploitation of labour and technological improvements increased the share of industry in the economy of Europe. - **Growth of new cities:** Workers who once were employed among scores of small farms in the countryside were now shifted to places near the factories where they were employed. - This resulted in the emergence of new economic cities in Great Britain, France, Belgium, etc. - **Rising economic inequalities:** Though the wages of workers increased as a result of more profits, still the majority was accrued to the capitalist class leading to huge inequalities. **The disruptive changes were not just confined to the economic sphere but also extended to social aspects:** - **Capitalist and worker’s segregation:** It led to the creation of a wealthy industrial middle class on one hand and a huge industrial working class on the other. - **Poor condition of workers:** They had to work continuously for long hours, under strict discipline and were subjected to sharp forms of punishment. - Further, the machinery was very unsafe, and there was no compensation even for life-threatening injuries. - **Changing social profile:** Women and children started working in factories to supplement the meagre wages of men. - They were exploited and employed in dangerous tasks with meagre wages. - **Urban living conditions:** The development of large factories encouraged the mass movement of people from the countryside to urban areas with no substantial improvements in housing, sanitation, etc., leading to the proliferation of slums. - One of the more important consequences of this urbanisation was a rapid increase in crime. - **Population growth:** Shifting away from the earlier challenges like famines, epidemics and war, the post-industrial revolution ensured adequate food and low intensity of plague, which led to a decline in the death rate and a rapid increase in population. **Conclusion** - Ultimately, the industrial revolution led to increased contact between countries, which resulted in imperialism whereby the colonial powers tried to establish control over the colonies by use of military power, direct rule and rule by intermediaries. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/UPSC-Essential-2027.png) #### UPSC Essential 2027 + Mentorship (New Batch) Weekly Current Affairs + Lectures + Material [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2027-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **Q3\. Evaluate the combination of long-term structural factors and immediate events that contributed to the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789\. (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - The French Revolution was the watershed event in modern European history that brought about enlightenment principles and democracy, creating a rational and egalitarian society. It started in 1789 and ended in 1799\. (Context-based introduction) **Main Body** **Long-term structural factors that led to French Revolution** 1. Socioeconomic Inequality: Most of the population, including the peasantry and urban workers, faced severe economic hardships while the nobility and clergy enjoyed privileges and exemptions from taxation. The burden of taxation fell disproportionately on the lower classes, exacerbating social tensions. 2. Financial Crisis: France faced a severe financial crisis due to its involvement in costly wars, extravagant court expenditures, and a regressive tax system. 3. Absolutist Monarchy: France had an absolutist monarchy, where the king held ultimate power and authority. 4. Intellectual – The 18th century was marked by a conscious refusal by French thinkers of the ‘Divine Rights Theory’. Philosophers like Rousseau rejected the paradigm of absolute monarchy and promulgated the doctrine of equality of man and sovereignty of people. **Immediate events that led to the outbreak of French Revolution** 1. Estates-General: In an attempt to resolve the financial crisis, King Louis XVI called for the convening of the Estates-General in 1789\. However, the commoners, who represented most of the population, were frustrated by the privileged positions held by the first two estates, which had the power to block reforms. 2. The economic hardship worsened due to poor harvests and rising food prices, leading to food shortages and increased suffering among the lower classes. 3. Rumours of royal conspiracies, the dismissal of reform-minded ministers, and the deployment of troops in Paris further aggravated the public's frustration. 4. The Storming of the Bastille: On July 14, 1789, Parisians stormed the Bastille, a symbol of royal authority and repression. This event, sparked by a combination of political and economic grievances, marked a turning point and led to a surge in popular uprising throughout the country. **Conclusion** - Therefore, the French Revolution that introduced the values of **‘Liberty, Equality and Fraternity’**, resulted in the overthrow of the monarchy, the rise of radical political factions, societal upheaval, and the eventual spread of revolutionary ideals across Europe was a culmination of long term structural factors as well as immediate events. --- **Q4\. Assess the influence of decolonisation on the political, social, and economic development of newly independent nations in the post-World War II era.** **(10 Marks)** **Introduction** - **Definition-based:** Decolonisation refers to the process by which colonies or territories under the control of foreign powers gain independence and assert their sovereignty. - **Context-based:** Post-World War II, several States got decolonised as the 2nd World War dealt a serious blow to the colonial powers, depriving them of their former prestige. The emergence of two anti-colonialist superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, and the new international climate after 1945 encouraged the colonies to make a bid for independence. **Main Body** After 1945, many States in Africa and Asia were decolonised. The ultimate goal of decolonisation is to end the political, economic, and cultural domination of colonised peoples by external powers, allowing them to govern themselves and shape their own destinies. Therefore, the decolonisation of the nations in the post-World War II era had a profound influence on their political, social, and economic development. **Influence on political development** 1. Many of these nations adopted various forms of governance, including democracies, one-party states, or authoritarian regimes. 2. There were struggles for power, ethnic tensions, frequent coups and political instability hampering progress in some cases. 3. Many politicians lacked experience of working with the system of parliamentary democracy left behind by the Europeans. 4. Politically, many countries have been unable to pay off this debt for decades, therefore, it still persists. **Influence on social development** 1. Decolonisation played a crucial role in shaping national identities and fostering a sense of self-determination among the newly independent nations. 2. It allowed for the reclamation of cultural heritage, language, and traditions, as well as the pursuit of social reforms and policies aimed at addressing historical injustices, such as discrimination and inequality. 3. However, the process of forging cohesive national identities and managing diverse populations also presented significant challenges, including ethnic conflicts and social divisions. For e.g. in Nigeria, the Congo (Zaire), Burundi and Rwanda, tribal differences became so intense that they led to civil wars. **Influence on economic development** 1. Newly independent nations sought to develop their economies, often focusing on industrialisation, agriculture, and natural resource exploitation. 2. However, the legacies of colonialism, such as economic dependency, unequal distribution of resources, and underdeveloped infrastructure, posed obstacles to progress. 3. Many countries faced economic difficulties, including high poverty levels, unemployment, and debt, leading to economic instability and reliance on foreign aid. 4. Even though the former colonies were now legally independent, they remained largely reliant on the West for assistance in building their political and economic institutions. 5. To finance their own growth, newly independent republics borrowed money from Western nations, which led to mounting debts. **Conclusion** - Decolonisation is not a finite event but an ongoing journey of unlearning, reimagining, and forging new paths towards a new future. Therefore, the influence of decolonization on the political, social, and economic development of newly independent nations in the post-World War II era is of continuing nature. --- **Q5\. How far is it correct to say that the First World War was fought essentially for the preservation of the balance of power? (15 Marks)** **Introduction** - The statement is largely correct. WWI began when the European balance of power, built after 1815, collapsed under German rise and alliance rivalry. But it was not fought only for balance; nationalism, imperialism and militarism converted the crisis into total war. **Main Body** **Why balance of power was central** - Germany’s unification in **1871** disturbed Europe: a powerful industrial-military state emerged at the continent’s centre. - Europe got divided into two armed blocs: **Triple Alliance** and **Triple Entente**. Hence, the Sarajevo assassination became a continental war. - Britain entered partly to prevent German domination of Europe and to defend Belgian neutrality under the **1839 treaty**. - France wanted to contain Germany and recover **Alsace-Lorraine**; Russia wanted to check Austro-German influence in the Balkans. - Thus, each power justified war as preventing another power from becoming hegemonic. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-898647f7-edc5-49ce-ab19-dbd45fdb8738.png) **But balance of power is insufficient** - **Nationalism:** Serbian pan-Slavism and Balkan nationalism directly triggered the July Crisis. - **Imperialism:** Morocco crises and colonial competition sharpened Anglo-German and Franco-German tensions. - **Militarism:** arms race, Schlieffen Plan and railway timetables made diplomacy rigid. - **Alliance system:** instead of preserving balance, alliances created automatic escalation. - WWI mobilised about **70 million** people and caused nearly **9–10 million soldier deaths**, showing how a limited power crisis became total war. **Conclusion** - Therefore, WWI was substantially a balance-of-power war, especially for Britain, France and Russia. However, it was not “essentially” only that; it was a balance-of-power crisis intensified by nationalism, imperialism, militarism and alliance obligations. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/Mains-AW-Group.png) #### Mains Focus Group 2026 with Mentorship Comprehensive lectures to make you Mains ready in 75 Days [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-2026-with-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 1 - Day 16) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-1-day-16/ Last updated: 2026-06-20T14:39:49.000Z **Topic: Post Independence History** **Q1\. Though the second prime minister of India was in power for less than 2 years, he took numerous steps for reforms and implemented some of them as well. Discuss.** **(15 marks)** **Model Structure** Introduction - Lal Bahadur Shastri was India’s second prime minister who was also a great social activist. He dropped his surname and didn’t take dowry to signify his deep held views against some of the traditional norms. **Main body** - He participated in freedom struggles like Non Cooperation and Civil Disobedience movements in his youth and later in the Quit India movement. On becoming the prime minister, he had various challenges on his hands like- - Indo Pakistan war. - Food shortages. - Anti Hindi skirmishes especially in South India. - Changing geopolitics as Pakistan got help from China also. In this situation, he took steps to introduce reforms like- - Decentralized governance by moving decision making from Planning Commission to individual ministries and also set up the National Planning Council. - From an economic perspective, there was relaxation in sectors like steel, cement etc. He also took steps to modernize agriculture. - Decision to devalue Indian currency was also taken, though actual implementation was done by the Indira Gandhi government. - Linked the security of the nation with food security and gave the slogan of ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’. - Laid the foundation of the green revolution and set up institutes like Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Food Corporation of India, National Seed Corporation etc. - He also laid the foundation of White Revolution by setting up the National Dairy Development Board. - He set an example to address food shortage by persuasion and social influence by skipping one meal himself and urged citizens to do that once per week. - To cool off the agitations, he brought peace by assuring English to be continued as official language as long as non-Hindi speaking states wanted. - Appointed secretary to the prime minister which became a permanent position and is known as PMO of today **Conclusion** - Though his stint was short lived due to untimely demise, he set rolling a lot of reforms which bore fruit later. Whether it was plutonium reprocessing plant for atomic energy, upper Krishna project for irrigation or diplomacy when USA and China both were aiding Pakistan, Mr Shastri was a thinker and implementer of measures which were in India’s interest. --- **Q2\. Recognising the scale of the land inequality issue, the Indian government embarked on land reform programs shortly after gaining Independence. Analyse the different components of land reform in India, and elaborate on the challenges encountered during its implementation. (15 Marks)** **Model Structure** - **Introduction(1):** The need for direct intervention in the form of land reforms was required in India because of the exploitative nature of the land tenure system prevailing during the pre Independence period. - **Introduction(2):** After Independence, the government appointed the Agrarian Reforms Committee under the Chairmanship of J.C. Kumarapppa to conduct an in-depth study of the agrarian relations prevailing in the country. The committee recommended that all intermediaries between the state and the tiller should be eliminated, and the land must belong to the tiller subject to certain conditions. **Main Body:** **Components of land reform:** - **Abolition of Intermediaries:** - It abolished all rights of zamindars and jagirdars and put a ban on further acquisition of land. - Abolition of intermediary tenures was effected on payment of compensation to the landowners. - The vast mass of the peasantry was freed from all illegal extractions in cash, kind, and services. - Land records were created, and surveys and settlements were carried out in these areas. - Holdings were demarcated based on the individual as a unit. - **Tenancy Reforms:** - Rent should not exceed one-fifth to one-fourth of the gross produce - All tenancies should be declared non-resumable and permanent (i.e. security of tenure was ensured) except in certain specified circumstances - In respect of non-resumable land, the landlord-tenant relationship should be terminated by conferring ownership rights on tenants. - Leasing of land should be prohibited except in the case of widows, minors and disabled persons. - Abolition of intermediary tenures and bringing the tenants into direct relations with the state. - **Ceilings on Land Holding:** - It has been duly recognised by India’s planners and policymakers that beyond a point, any large-scale farming in the Indian situation becomes not only uneconomic but also unjust. - In 1959, Indian National Congress (Nagpur Resolution) resolved that agrarian legislation to cover restrictions on the size of land holdings must be implemented in all states by the end of 1959. - Accordingly, all the State Governments accepting the north-eastern region imposed ceilings on land holdings in the 1960s. - **Bhoodan and Gramdan:** - The objective were to persuade landowners and leaseholders in each concerned village to renounce their land rights. - Lands would become the property of a village association for the egalitarian redistribution and the purpose of joint cultivation. **Challenges for implementing land reforms:** - **Issues with Abolition of Intermediaries:** - **Intermediaries retained lands without limits** until the 1960s when ceiling laws were enacted. This allowed them ample time to make legal or illegal land transfers. - In some states, the law targeted tenant interests but not agricultural holdings, allowing large intermediaries to persist despite the abolition of zamindari. - **Issues with Tenancy Reforms:** - The **legal measures provoked the landlords** to secure mass eviction of tenants, sub-tenants and sharecroppers through various legal and extra-legal devices. - **Landlords took advantage of multiple factors** such as defective land records, oral leases, lack of rent receipts, nonrecognition of sharecroppers as tenants, and punitive provisions in tenancy laws to facilitate the eviction of tenants. - **Issues with Ceilings on Land Holding:** - Due to the staggered ratification of ceiling laws, except in West Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir, nami and benami land transfers occurred, diminishing the potential availability of surplus land for redistribution. - Exemptions in the ceiling laws allowed for evasion by manipulating land classification and reducing the size of available surplus land for redistribution. - **Aggregate problems:** - Except for select states like Gujarat, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, proper land records were lacking in the country, with limited computerization efforts. - Non-compliance and violations of land reform provisions are widespread due to the lack of political will and the skewed power dynamics within the Panchayati Raj system, dominated by Zamindars and money lenders. - Land use in India is more driven by market forces to other uses than agriculture. - In some of the cases, the farmers were given insufficient compensation. **Suggestive measures for improvements:** - NITI Aayog and certain sections of the industry advocate for widespread adoption of land leasing to allow landholders with unviable holdings to lease out land for investment, promoting increased income and employment opportunities in rural areas. - Modern land reform measures such as **land record digitization** must be accomplished at the earliest. - We need a **farmer-friendly and agriculture-focused land use policy** enabling land allocation for infrastructure and industries. This requires a national land use policy model, followed by state-level policies. - It is crucial to focus on land development and productivity enhancement. Unfortunately, this aspect of land reforms in India has been largely neglected. **Conclusion** - Land reform plays a crucial role in the predominantly agrarian rural economy, where land and agriculture are dominant. To effectively combat rural poverty, it is essential to adopt new and innovative land reform measures with renewed determination. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2028.png) #### UPSC Essential 2028 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2028-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **Q3\. Evaluate the impact and contribution of science and technology in India's post-Independence era, specifically in steering the nation towards modernity. (10 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - Former PM Nehru Ji emphasised the importance of science and technology in solving India's problems, leading to the Lok Sabha passing the Scientific Policy Resolution in March 1958, recognizing their role in the country's overall advancement. **Main Body:** - **Role played by science and technology in the post-Independence:** - **Industrialization:** Nehru initiated a strong industrial base, leading to the adoption of multiple Industrial Policy Resolutions/Statements in 1948, 1956, 1973, 1977, 1980, and 1991. - **Rapid agriculture development:** The first five-year plan focused on the agrarian sector, with investments in dams, irrigation, and related areas. - It led to the development of sectors like irrigation and energy, agriculture and community development, transport and communications, and other sectors and services. - **The ICAR pioneered the Green Revolution in the 1970s,** leading to substantial agricultural advancements in India. - The ICAR has also played a major role in promoting excellence in higher education in agriculture. - **Space technology:** In 1962, the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), together with a Rocket Launching Facility at Thumba (TERLS), was established. - It laid the foundation for future space technology development in the country. - **Technical Education:** In 1952, the first of the five institutes of technology, patterned after the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was set up at Kharagpur. - **Atomic Energy:** Led by Homi J. Bhabha, the Atomic Energy Commission was formed in August 1948\. - The Department of Atomic Energy, established in 1954, saw the first criticality of India's nuclear reactor in Trombay in August 1956\. - These institutions were instrumental in India's nuclear state status. - India adopted scientific temper and secularism as a foundation of new India and **dams as the temples of modern India.** - A **change over to decimal coinage and a metric system of weights and measures**, in line with international standards, was made in phases between 1955 and 1962. **Conclusion** - The Indian government, through initiatives such as the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Policy-2013 and the New Education Policy 2020, aims to elevate India to the ranks of the world's leading scientific powers. These policies also seek to promote scientific temperament among the country's people. - The 21st-century technological advancements were made on the technological developments made in the past century. --- **Q4\. Trace India’s consolidation process during early phase of independence in terms of polity, economy, education and international relations**. **(15 Marks)** **Introduction:**At independence, India inherited Partition trauma, **562 princely states**, food scarcity, low literacy and Cold War pressures. Yet, through institution-building, planning and non-alignment, India consolidated itself as a democratic developmental state. **1\. Political Consolidation** - **Integration of princely states:** Sardar Patel and V.P. Menon integrated **562 states** through Instrument of Accession; Hyderabad, Junagadh and Kashmir required special handling. - **Constitutional consolidation:** The Constitution came into force on **26 Jan 1950**, establishing parliamentary democracy, fundamental rights, federalism and universal adult franchise. - **Democratic legitimacy:** First General Elections **1951–52** involved nearly **17.3 crore voters**, making India the world’s largest democracy. - **Reorganisation of states:** States Reorganisation Act, **1956**, reorganised states linguistically, reducing separatist pressures. **2\. Economic Consolidation** - **Planning model:** Planning Commission set up in **1950**; First Five Year Plan focused on agriculture, irrigation and rehabilitation. - **Public sector-led development:** Second Five Year Plan adopted Mahalanobis strategy, emphasising heavy industries and self-reliance. - **Food security:** Community Development Programme and large irrigation projects such as Bhakra-Nangal built the base for rural transformation. **3\. Educational Consolidation** - **Institution-building:** IIT Kharagpur was established in **1951**, followed by expansion of universities, scientific institutions and technical education. - **Democratic citizenship:** Education was linked to nation-building, secular values and social reform. - **Constitutional vision:** Article 45 aimed at free and compulsory education for children up to 14 years. **4\. International Consolidation** - **Non-alignment:** India avoided Cold War bloc politics and became a founding voice of NAM. - **Anti-colonial leadership:** Supported Asian-African solidarity, reflected in Bandung Conference, **1955**. - **Strategic autonomy:** Panchsheel, **1954**, projected peaceful coexistence. **Conclusion** Thus, early India consolidated not through coercive centralisation alone, but through **democratic integration + planned development + social modernisation + strategic autonomy**, laying the foundation of a stable republic. --- **Q5\. Integration of tribals with the mainstream population post-independence was a difficult task due to multiple challenges and differing viewpoints. Elaborate. (15 Marks)** **Model StructureIntroduction:** - The task of integrating the tribal people into the mainstream was extremely complex as they live under varied conditions in different parts of the country, with their different languages and distinct cultures. **Main Body:** The **challenges of integration of tribals** include: - **Relative isolation:** Tribals of India reside mostly in the hilly and forest areas - Their tradition, habits, culture etc. are different from that of the non-tribal population. - **Classification problem:** Tribal groups as a whole are not a static community but a community in transition. - It was necessary for them to benefit from welfare measures and affirmative actions. - **Conflict between governmental policies and tribal way of life:** Forest laws- - Banned shifting cultivation. - Put restrictions regarding the use of forest and access to forest products. - **Loss of confidence in the state:** Due to colonial policies of exploitation,the tribals lost confidence in the state. - **Demand of autonomy and secession:** - The non-Assamese felt that the Assamese government was imposing Assamese language on them. (Prior 1972). - Secessionist movements in Mizoram, Nagaland etc. post reorganisation in 1972. **Differing viewpoints** regarding integration of tribals: - **Isolationist approach:** Entry of non-tribals should be regulated or prohibited in tribal regions as their culture gets disturbed. - **Assimilation approach:** Integration of tribals with the mainstream society would result in their progress. - **Integrationist approach:** Jawaharlal Nehru formulated the middle path principle. **Efforts for Tribal integration:** - Provisions within the Constitution to protect the interests of the tribes such as **Articles 29, 46, 330, 332 etc.** - Several tribal-specific initiatives such as - **Vandhan Yojana**. - Special Central Assistance to **Tribal Sub Plan**. - Residential schools for tribal students like **Ashram schools** etc. **Way forward**: (Tribal Panchsheel points can be used for any question on Tribals). - They should develop along the lines of their own genius and the **imposition of alien values should be avoided**. - **Tribal rights** regarding land and forest should be respected. - A team of tribals should be **trained in the work of administration and development.** - Tribal areas should not be administered or overwhelmed with a multiplicity of schemes. - Results of any scheme should be judged not by statistics or the amount of money spent, but by the human character that is evolved. **Conclusion** Ms. Draupadi Murmu, a tribal leader becoming the president will strengthen the Tribal integration efforts. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/03/640a36e5c67b4530b98b28d6f6e6be89.png) #### PSIR Optional + Mentorship without Test Series Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-without-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 1 - Day 15) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-1-day-15/ Last updated: 2026-06-19T14:24:58.000Z **Topic: Modern Indian History** **Q1\. Nehru called the Government of India Act, 1935 as "a machine with strong brakes but no engine". Still, Government of India Act, 1935 lays the foundation for the Indian constitution. Discuss.** (**10 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction :** - The Government of India Act 1935 was an important act in the history of India. As a result of **Simon commission** and result of various previous acts, the 1935 act was laid . **Main Body:** **It laid foundation to Indian Constitution in following ways:** - It provided for the establishment of an **All India federation** consisting of provinces and princely states as units. Thus, resulting in today’s Union of India . - It **divided the powers** between the centre and units in terms of **three lists- Federal list, provincial list** and the **concurrent list**. Residuary powers were given to the Viceroy. Today, the residuary powers lay with the centre. But the 3 lists continue. - It abolished dyarchy in the provinces and introduced ‘**provincial autonomy’** in its place. The states today are autonomous under federal structure. - The act introduced **responsible government** in provinces, that is, the governor was required to act with the advice of ministers responsible to the provincial legislature. The responsible government continued with parliamentary form of government and no confidence motion. - **Bicameralism** was introduced in six provinces- Bengal, Bombay Madras, Bihar, Assam and the United Provinces. Which continues at centre and few states. - **Council of India** which was established as per the 1858 act was abolished .The secretary of state was instead provided with a team of advisors. - The act provided for setting up the **Federal Public Service Commission**, **Provincial Public Service Commission**, **Joint Public Service Commission**, **Reserve Bank of India**. Which are constitutional and statutory bodies today. - **Setting up of a Federal court:** - A Federal court was also envisaged to be set up under this act so the provisions of the act could be interpreted in case of any disputes. - The supreme court of India , today functions as the federal court. However, some of its provisions which did not continue in new constitution of independent India: - It provided for the adoption of a **dyarchy** at the centre. But, this provision did not come into effect at all. - **Separate electorates** were further extended to depressed classes, women and labour. - **Preamble**, **Fundamental rights** etc. were introduced later **Conclusion:** - The powers of the Legislature were confined and restricted. The Act protected British vested interests, discouraging the emergence of national unity, rather encouraging separation and communalism. All nationalists, including Nehru and Jinnah, condemned the Act. --- **Q2\. Though Mr Ambedkar and Gandhiji had apparent differences as evident in events prior to Poona pact and other issues, they had a lot of ideological similarities also. Discuss.** **(15 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Gandhiji was the architect of the freedom struggle and B.R Ambedkar was the architect of the Indian constitution and bth were one of the tallest leaders of pre independent India. **Main Body** Though they had differing views when it came to social construct and varna system, they held a lot of similarities also when it came to means to achieve particular ends. They include- - Use of force and compulsion for social reforms and integration was negated by both and they both called for proper education to usher in reforms. - They both believed in freedom of religion and made it as an agent of social change. - They both contemplated that sovereign power of state must be limited and more power must be given to the people to decide for their own betterment. - To reform and reconstruct Hinduism, Mr Ambedkar wanted to cast away evil practices, just like Gandhiji. Though he later believed that Hinduism is an entity which can’t be reformed. - The idea of social transformation through democratic means got support from both. - Use of symbolism by both had similarities, like foreign cloth for Gandhiji and Manusmriti for Mr Ambedkar showed bondage and they both sought to remove it by publicly burning them. - Similarly, a pinch of salt during the Dandi march and a drop of water from Mahad tank were symbols of social philosophy which were aimed at bringing a sea change. But despite these similarities, there were few differences also which brought both at loggerheads, like- - Mr Ambedkar advocated parliamentary democracy for India but Gandhiji said that democracy turns into majority rule with all control in hands of few leaders. - Due to social stratification, Ambedkar always talked of disunity prevalent in society but Gandhiji tried to show unity aspect like in his articles of ‘Hind Swaraj’. - Mr Ambedkar had some principles which were very rigid but Gandhiji was flexible when it came to ideologies and principles. - Gandhiji emphasized ‘Gramraj and Ramraj’ as panacea for all issues but Mr Ambedkar stressed the status quoist villages which denied fraternity and equality to downtrodden in perpetuity. - While Gandhiji was in favour of no mechanization, Mr Ambedkar called for advancements in fields by mechanization. Though Gandhi ji and BR Ambedkar differed in many viewpoints, their contribution to freedom struggle and nation building must not be lost in this debate. Their ideals still thrive today and are indispensable for character building. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/Essay.png) #### Ace the Essay (With Abhijeet Yadav Sir) A comprehensive course to master the ART AND CRAFT of Essay Writing [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/ace-the-essay-with-abhijeet-yadav/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **Q3\. Though various factors were responsible for partition of the country, prominent ones include Jinnah’s ambitions and British amorality. Discuss (10 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - Partition of British India which took place in 1947 has been the worst episode in the Indian subcontinent’s history. This was not an abrupt incident but has many underlying causes. **Main Body:** **Factors responsible for partition**: **Jinnah’s ambitions:** - In 1940, the League under Jinnah demanded autonomy for Muslim majority areas of the subcontinent. - During the Cabinet Mission, Jinnah was adamant that Congress could not nominate a Muslim representative. - In 1946 provincial assembly elections, Jinnah sought a referendum on Pakistan. - **‘Direct Action Day’** by Jinnah in 1946 led to riots in several parts of India lasting several days. **British amorality:** - British policies of **divide and rule** deepened animosities between Hindus and Muslims. - Introduction of **communal electorate** in 1909. - The British **during WWII** offered future political safeguards to the League in exchange for its cooperation. - **August Offer (1940)** gave the League veto assurance. - **Cripps Mission (1942)** provided a right to opt out of future Union. - The British postponed the Punjab boundary award until the days of partition. - When riots broke out during partition, deployment of troops was delayed. **Other factors responsible for partition -** - Partition of Bengal. - Formation of Muslim League. - Communal electorate introduced in The Government of India Act, 1909 etc. **Conclusion:** - Thus, though various factors played a role in the partition of the country. Prominent among them include the short sightedness of Congress and ambitions of Jinnah along with amorality of the British. --- **Q4\. "Rabindranath Tagore's emphasis on education was a departure from the conventional system of education". Comment. (10 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - *Rabindranath Tagore* was primarily an **educationist**. He put *emphasis* on **'naturalism**' for framing *educational* models.The experience of his school days in Calcutta shaped Tagore’s ideas of education. **Main body** - **Unity of West and East:** - Tagore’s education marked a novel blending of the ideas of the East and West. The spiritualism of Indian philosophy and the progressive outlook of the western people. - **Freedom to the learner:** - Tagore had championed the cause of freedom. With that object he had opened Shantiniketan, Sri Niketan and Brahmachari Ashram. Accordingly, he gave free choice to students to develop their interest in any field they like. To him, education should be after the heart of a man. - **Natural growth in natural circumstance:** - Tagore envisaged that nature is the best teacher to the pupil. Nature will provide the student with the necessary situations to earn knowledge. - **Goodbye to book-centred education:** - For the first time in the arena of education, he rejected a book-centred education for students. To him, it is not just to confine the minds of boys and girls to textbooks only. It will kill the natural instincts of a student and make him bookish. It will kill his creative skill. - **Teaching – practical and real:** - According to Tagore, teaching should be practical and real but not artificial and theoretical. As a naturalist out and out, Tagore laid emphasis on the practicality of education. - **Place of fine arts (dance, drama, music, poetry etc.:** - Tagore attached great importance to the fine arts in his educational curriculum. To him, games, dance, music, drama, painting etc. should form a part of the educational process. Students should take an active part in these finer aspects of human life for these are very essential to enrich the soul. **Conclusion:** - The establishment of Shantiniketan fulfilled the desired goal of Tagore on the educational front, whose principles can be imbibed in our modern learning environment. As Tagore stated “**The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence.**” --- **Q5.** **The people of India demanded a responsible government in the country, but “benevolent despotism” was introduced by Morley Minto Reforms. Critically comment. (10 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - The Morley-Minto reforms named after the Secretary of State Lord John Morley and the Viceroy Lord Minto was the alternative name given to **Indian Councils Act, 1909**. It was introduced to accommodate the demands of moderates in the Indian National Congress and to increase the participation of Indians in the governance. **Main body:** - **The main features of the act are:** - It introduced a **system of** ‘separate electorate’ thereby accepting **communal representation** **for Muslims**. Lord Minto came to be known as the **Father of the Communal Electorate.** - It considerably **increased the size of the legislative councils**, both Central and provincial. - The British **retained the official majority in the Central Legislative** **Council** but allowed the provincial legislative councils to have a non-official majority. - The elected members were to be **indirectly elected**. The local bodies were to elect an electoral college, which in turn would elect members of provincial legislatures, who in turn would elect members of the central legislature. - It **enlarged the deliberative functions of the legislative councils** at both levels. Ex: members were allowed to ask supplementary questions, move resolutions on the budget, and so on. - It provided for the first time for the **association of Indians with the executive Councils of the Viceroy and Governors**. Ex: **Satyendra Prasad Sinha** became the first Indian to join the Viceroy’s Executive Council. - **It brought some reforms:** - It for the first time allowed the election of Indians to the various legislative councils in India . - The introduction of the electoral system laid the groundwork for a **parliamentary system.** - It gave some avenues to Indians to vent their grievances. Ex: Gokhale criticized education policies. - Still, its intention was to weaken Indian national struggle: - Lord Morley made it clear that colonial **self-government** (as demanded by the Congress) was not suitable for India, and he was against the introduction of parliamentary or responsible government in India. - **Divide and rule**: dividing the nationalist ranks by confusing the Moderates and at checking the growth of unity among Indians through the instrument of separate electorates. - The officials and the Muslim leaders often talked of the entire community when they talked of the separate electorates, but in reality, it meant the appeasement of a small section of the Muslim elite only. - Besides, the **system of election** was too indirect and it gave the impression of infiltration of legislators through a number of sieves. - And, while parliamentary forms were introduced, **no responsibility** was conceded. - Only some members like Gokhale put to constructive use the opportunity to debate in the councils by demanding universal primary education, attacking repressive policies and drawing attention to the plight of indentured labour and Indian workers in South Africa. - The position of the Governor-General remained unchanged and his **veto power** remained undiluted. - The reforms of 1909 gave the people of the country a shadow rather than substance. **Conclusion:** - Thus Indian Council Act of 1909 was introduced to pacify the moderates and appease the Muslims to withdraw from the National freedom struggle Movement. The people had demanded self-government but what they were given was ‘benevolent despotism’. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/MFG---W-Unlimited.png) #### Mains Focus Group - GS Advance + Write UnLimited (for Mains 2027) LIVE Answer Writing Sessions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-gs-advance-write-unlimited-for-mains-2027/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 1 - Day 14) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-1-day-14-2/ Last updated: 2026-06-19T14:17:49.000Z **Topic: Modern Indian History** **Q1\. What were the main proposals of the Simon Commission report? Analyse the reaction of different parties and ideology-based groups in the following years. (15 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - The Simon Commission was appointed in 1927 in the backdrop of radical forces getting stimulus demanding complete independence and socio-economic reforms. Also, the challenge of Lord Birkenhead to compile an all agreed constitution was accepted unanimously. **Main Body** **The main proposals of Simon Commission:** - Abolition of dyarchy and putting in its place representative governments in the provinces. - It called for discretionary power to the governor in matters of internal security and administration. - Members of the provincial legislative council should be further increased. - It rejected parliamentary responsibility at the center and gave complete power to appoint the members of the cabinet to the governor general. - Communal electorates shall be retained and the idea of universal franchise was rejected. - It called for local legislatures in North-West Frontier Province and Baluchistan with right to representation at the center. - Indianisation of Indian army but retention of British forces and officers at top positions. The report led to varying kinds of reaction from parties which saw an All Parties Conference in 1928 and a subcommittee under Motilal Nehru to draft a constitution. Its recommendations were unanimous except that the majority favored ‘dominion status’ but few wanted ‘complete independence’ as the basis of the constitution. - Other reports and demands from different parties and ideology based groups include- - Delhi Proposals of Muslim League based on four proposals formulated in 1927 to be incorporated in the draft constitution. They were accepted by the Madras session of the Congress. - The Hindu Mahasabha was opposed to the Delhi Proposals and demanded a unitary structure with total centralization of powers. - Jinnah’s Fourteen Points were due to failures in making compromise and were a prelude to further communalization of Indian polity. **Conclusion** - It was not just that the Muslim League, the Hindu Mahasabha, and Sikh communalists were unhappy with the Nehru Report, but a few young bloods of Congress led by Subhas Chandra Bose and Jawaharlal Nehru were also dissatisfied. The idea of dominion status was rejected in total and complete independence was prioritized. --- **Q2\. “Gandhiji transformed the Indian freedom struggle from a mere political movement into a creative mass movement rooted in constructive work.” Discuss. (15 Marks)** **Introduction:**Before Gandhiji, the freedom struggle was largely limited to petitions, resolutions and educated elites. Gandhiji gave it a **creative, constructive and mass-based character**, where fighting British rule also meant rebuilding Indian society from within. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-714f1e04-801f-4f84-90df-c1a4e5f98512.png) **Main Body** - Gandhiji converted freedom struggle into a **people’s movement** by using simple but powerful methods like **Satyagraha, Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience and Quit India Movement**. These movements allowed peasants, workers, women, students and traders to participate directly. - However, his uniqueness was that he did not see freedom only as **transfer of power**. He linked political independence with **constructive programmes**. Through **Khadi and Charkha**, he promoted self-reliance, dignity of labour and boycott of foreign cloth. Through **village industries**, he challenged colonial economic exploitation and encouraged rural employment. - Gandhiji also gave a **social dimension** to the freedom movement. He worked against untouchability, promoted Hindu-Muslim unity, encouraged women’s participation and emphasised basic education. Thus, freedom became a project of **national regeneration**. - His methods were also morally creative. By using **truth, non-violence, fasting, self-suffering and civil disobedience**, he turned resistance into an ethical weapon. This gave Indian nationalism global moral legitimacy. **Conclusion** Thus, Gandhiji made the freedom struggle not merely anti-British, but **pro-India**—a movement for political freedom, social reform, economic self-reliance and moral awakening. This creative dimension made him the true mass leader of India’s national movement. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/Mains-AW-Group.png) #### Mains Focus Group 2026 with Mentorship Comprehensive lectures to make you Mains ready in 75 Days [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-2026-with-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **Q3\. The British education policy in India was narrowly focused on supplying clerks and translators for administrative purposes alone. in this context, critically evaluate the downward filtration strategy adopted by the colonial masters. (15 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - The ‘Filtration theory’, in the educational policy of India, was propagated by Lord Macaulay. - According to which the Britisher focused on educating a small section of upper and middle classes Indians, thus creating a class of persons, Indian in blood and colour, but English in taste, in opinions, in morals, and in intellect. **Main Body:** **The British education policy in India was narrowly focused on supplying clerks and translators for administrative purposes:** - Balance demand: There was a huge demand for clerks and other administrative roles in the company’s functioning. - Cost Benefit: It was cheaper to get Indians rather than Englishmen from England for clerks and translators jobs - Colonial Safeguard: They assumed that a few educated Indians would spread English culture to the masses and that they would be able to rule through this class of educated Indians. **Evaluation of the Downward Filtration Strategy adopted by the British:** - Low penetration of education: In 1911, the illiteracy rate in British India was 94%. In 1921, it was 92%. - Thus, education remained the monopoly of the urban elites and excluded the masses - **Female education was ignored:** This was because the government did not want to displease the orthodox nature of Indians and also because women could not generally be employed as clerks. - **Proselytizing tool:** They established many schools with education only being a means to an end which was Christianizing and ‘civilising’ the natives. - **Destruction of the traditional education system:** the British started on a mission to abolish the ancient gurukul system and sowed seeds for the cultural and linguistic upheaval of the country. - **Divide and Rule:** The colonial legal system and the rise of caste consciousness since the second half of the nineteenth century only accentuated the problem. - **Caused the emergence of a modern stratification:** The elite people never wanted their lower-class counterparts to enjoy what they had already started enjoying. **However, it also had positive impacts as well:** - **New Thoughts:** It helped Indians to develop modernity, secularism, democratic attitudes and rationality along with Nationalistic ideals. - **Unity in the thinking:** It facilitated unity in the thinking process among the educated class and increased the idea of India as a nation. - **Scrutinizing the policies:** the emergence of periodicals helped in scrutinising the policies and working of the government, which in turn enabled the Indians to have critical opinions on various issues. - **Growth of New social and religious reformation movements:** propagated the thoughts of thinkers like J.S. Mill, Rousseau and Montesquieu among the educated youth of India. - **Role in administration:** It provided a path to join government jobs for Indians and opportunities for Indians in Administration. - **Rise of the middle class:** English education created a new class of people who went on to help reform Hindu society like Raja ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidya Sagar etc. **Conclusion** - Though Modern education was one of the reasons behind the early freedom struggle and helped in the generation of national consciousness, Indians realised the shortcoming of the British education system, and since the late 19th century, the focus started shifting towards nationalised education which led to the creation of Universities like Gurukul Kangri and National Education board in 1905. --- **Q4\. The permanent settlement system not only had economic implications, but it also ushered in a new social framework in Indian culture. Explain. (15 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - The Permanent Settlement was brought into effect by the Governor-General Lord Cornwallis in 1793\. This was basically an agreement between the company and the Zamindars to fix the land revenue. - First enacted in Bengal, Bihar and Odisha, this was later followed in northern Madras Presidency and the district of Varanasi. He envisaged the creation of a hereditary class of landlords in India. This system was also called the Zamindari System. **Main Body:** **Key features of the system:** - Hereditary rights of succession: Landlords or Zamindars were recognised as the owners of the land. They were given hereditary rights of succession of the lands under them. - Fixed Land Revenue payment: The amount to be paid by the landlords was fixed. It was agreed that this would not increase in the future (permanent in nature). - The fixed amount was the 10/11th portion of the revenue for the government, and 1/10th was for the Zamindar. **The main economic implications raised due to this land revenue system were:** - **Stagnation and Deterioration of Agriculture:** Most of the absentee zamindars had their focus on the collection of maximum revenue rather than focusing on the betterment of agricultural land, in lack of good inputs and over-cultivation the quality of land increased. - **Impact on company revenues:** By the first decade of the 19th century, cultivation slowly expanded, and prices rose in the market. - Although this meant an increase in the income of Zamindars, it was no gain for the company since it could not increase a revenue demand that had been settled permanently. - **Increasing the commercialisation of land:** Permanent Settlement led to a commercialisation of land that previously did not exist in Bengal. - Absent landlordism further increased it, as it led to a change in the social background of the ruling class. **The permanent system also ushered in a new social framework in Indian culture:** - **Detachment of zamindars from the land:** Zamindars were not the same old hereditary landholders, now anyone could become a Zamindar provided he had good connections in the East India Company. - **Increase in social Inequality:** This system strengthened feudalism in upper sections and slavery in lower sections of society. - **Absentee Landlordism:** Most of the absentee zamindars had their focus on the collection of maximum revenue rather than focusing on the betterment of agricultural land; in the lack of good inputs and over-cultivation, the quality of land increased. - **Land Fragmentation:** With generations, the land kept dividing among sons, which is the main reason for today’s agricultural land fragmentation. - **Famine and Poverty:** Regular recurrence of famines was not just because of food grain scarcity but was a direct result of poverty unleashed by colonial forces in India. - Between 1850 and 1900, about 2.8 crore people died in the famine. - **Distress Migration:** The peasants were depressed by the excessive rent and by loans taken for the cattle, seed and other agricultural inputs. **Conclusion** - The Permanent Settlement of Cornwallis was bitterly criticised on the point that it was adopted with ‘undue haste'. The flagrant defect of this arrangement was that no attempt was made ever either to survey the lands or to assess their value. Thus, for other areas, new revenue collection systems, i.e., ryotwari and mahalwari were devised in subsequent years. --- **Q5\. The main argument that was advanced in "Drain of Wealth" was that “a significant portion of India’s national wealth was transferred to England without any quid pro quo”. Examine the effects of the Drain of wealth on Indian society largely and the Indian economy specifically. (10 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - In 1867, Dadabhai Naoroji put forward the 'drain of wealth' theory in which he stated that Britain **was completely draining India**. Indian nationalist thinkers developed the theory of Drain mainly for analyzing the main cause of poverty in India. **Main body:** **The consequence of the Drain of wealth was as follows:** - It **impoverished all sections of Indian society, particularly** the peasants, who bore the brunt of the taxes raised by the Britishers. - It drained India of its precious capital, which could have otherwise been **invested in the industrialization/ modernization of India**. - The drain of Indian wealth was used for **financing the Industrial Revolution in England** and is also the reason why the Industrial revolution did not take place in India. - The economic criticism of British rule had helped in **shattering the myth of benevolence of British administration in India**. - It was instrumental in laying the foundations for the **demand for Swaraj** and ensuing freedom struggle. - stripped India of its **productive capital** and created a shortage of capital which hindered significant industrial development. This directly impoverished India along with stultifying the process of capital formation - As per Dadabhai Naoroji’s opinion, the drain of resources was the major and sole cause of India’s poverty. Naoroji, R.C. Dutta and S.N. Banerjee were also of the opinion that the drain had created harmful effects on the level of income and employment in India. The drain had resulted in the loss of a generation of income and employment in the country. **Conclusion:** - Thus, British exploitative policies had lasting consequences on the Indian economy, employment, and inequality even till present times. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/UPSC-Essential-2027.png) #### UPSC Essential 2027 + Mentorship (New Batch) Weekly Current Affairs + Lectures + Material [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2027-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 1 - Day 13) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-1-day-13/ Last updated: 2026-06-17T13:31:57.000Z **Topic: Modern Indian History** **Q1\. British land revenue policies were different for different regions. Discuss these policies and their impact on Indian agriculture and economy.** **(15 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Britishers in India extracted land revenue directly or through intermediaries in an indirect way. This was done by different land revenue policies to collect maximum possible land revenue from peasants. **Main Body** The British were dependent upon Indian officials at a lower level to collect land revenue. For this, depending upon local conditions, they introduced three types of settlements. 1. **Ryotwari settlement** was another system for southern India in the princely states of Madras, Bombay and Assam. The cultivator was recognized as the actual owner of land but only if timely payment of land revenue was done. Unlike permanent settlement, this was revised periodically after 20 to 30 years. 2. Third was the **Mahalwari system** for the Gangetic valley, Central India, Punjab and the North–west provinces. Villages were called mahal and were units of settlement. Agreement was done with village heads who collectively represented villages with periodic revision of land revenue. **Permanent settlement** of Bengal, Bihar and other eastern areas saw state demand getting fixed at 90% of the rental. This was done for an infinite period and was unalterable forever. Zamindars got ownership rights which were transferable and hereditary. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/data-src-image-ab530851-ca2c-4d93-be84-9f7fc48074f9.png) These settlements were exploitative. **Impact on Indian Agriculture:** - Decreasing investments in land and stagnation of agriculture because peasants were in the fear of getting evicted even after investing. - Land was commercialized due to high revenue demands which led to ousting of peasants who couldn’t pay the revenue or auctions of many estates. Only those peasants survived who could pay ever increasing revenue demands. - Agricultural productivity decreased because there was no incentive for zamindars to invest in agriculture because they got fixed revenue. - High revenue demands meant peasants had to take credit from moneylenders which resulted in rural indebtedness. - Major part of agriculture revenue was sent to Britain and destruction of other rural industries meant economic collapse of rural India. - Numerous famines and epidemics resulted in starvation and deaths which impacted agriculture from socio economic perspective. **Conclusion** - Land revenue policies by the British were very exploitative in nature and were devised to serve their own interests and that of a few zamindars. It is important to understand this so that exploitation of small farmers and sharecroppers is minimized today. --- **Q2\. In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India. Elaborate. (10 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** Lord Dalhousie was the Governor-General of India between 1848-1856. **Main Body:** **Lord Dalhousie- Founder of modern India:** **Administration:** - For the newly acquired territories, he introduced the centralised control called “**Non-Regulation System**”. - Under military reforms Dalhousie shifted the headquarters of Bengal Artillery from Calcutta to Meerut. - **Simla** was made the permanent headquarters of the army. **Communication** - Introduction **railways** in India → started a new economic era. - The first railway line connecting Bombay with Thane started in 1853\. Railway lines connecting from Calcutta to the Raniganj coal-fields were opened in 1854 . - He started the “**guarantee system**” by which the railway companies were guaranteed a minimum interest of five percent on their investment. **Telegraph** - Telegraph brought commendable changes in the communication system. **Postal Reform** - The foundation of the modern postal system was laid down by him. A new **Post Office Act** was passed in **1854**. - Consequently, irrespective of the distance, a **uniform rate** of half an anna per post card was charged throughout India. - **Postage stamps** were introduced . **Education** - Under him the **educational despatch of Sir Charles Wood (1854)** was considered the “Intellectual Charter of India”. - It provided an outline for the comprehensive education at **primary**, **secondary** and **collegiate levels**. - Dalhousie fully accepted it and took steps to carry out the new scheme. - The **Universities of Calcutta, Bombay** and **Madras** were **established in 1857.** **Public Works Department** - Dalhousie created a separate Public Works Department and allocated more funds for cutting canals and roads. - The **Upper Ganges Canal** was completed in 1854. - By modernizing the Public Works Department he laid the foundations of the engineering service in India. However the outbreak of Mutiny in 1857 led to a severe criticism of his policy of annexation. **Conclusion** - There is no doubt that Dalhousie was an able administrator and visionary. He increased the extent of British India and consolidated it. He inaugurated an era of progress on many sides. - He was the father of Railways and Telegraphs. He introduced the process of modernization of India. Hence, he is hailed as “the maker of modern India”. ***Additional Information*** *Other Highlights of Dalhousie’s Tenure -* - **Policy of Annexation:* His aims for expanding the Company’s territories were administrative, imperial, commercial and financial.His territorial acquisition transformed the map of India.His great annexations include the Punjab, Lower Burma, most of the Central Provinces and Oudh.* - **Doctrine of Lapse -* Dalhousie took advantage through this policy to acquire territory by peaceful means. And annexed Satara, Jhansi and Nagpur were substantial to the British. But he was blamed for using the Doctrine of Lapse as an instrument in pursuing his policy of annexation. After the Mutiny of 1857, the doctrine of lapse was withdrawn.* --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2028.png) #### UPSC Essential 2028 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2028-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **Q3\. With the declining Mughal power, Marathas rise to supremacy was like a writing on the wall. Enumerate the reasons behind this, and also discuss why they failed in their quest to establish pan India supremacy. (15 marks)** **Model Structure** Introduction - The 18th century witnessed decline of Mughal empire and subsequent rise of many regional powers of which Maratha empire was the strongest and controlled large swathes of land. Main body - Marathas were a formidable force in Western India and quickly controlled Deccan, Central India and parts of North India. Many reasons can be cited for quality of their power, like- - The terrain, mountains and dense forests made them adopt guerilla tactics and they also made forts on mountains which were easy to defend due to strategic advantage. - Though they suffered heavy losses in the third battle of Panipat, they quickly regrouped and achieved a position of power. This was possible due to confederacy type of political arrangement. - Before the rise of Marathas, these leaders were employed in the army of Deccan states of Bijapur, Bidar, Ahmednagar etc which made them skillful and tactful. - Bhakti movement of Maharashtra brought a sense of unity among the otherwise fragmented confederacy. - They introduced taxes like Chauth and Sardeshmukhi and also had robust political arrangements of Ashtapradhan which helped manage affairs in a better way. - But there were some weaklings which didn’t make this dream of a pan India empire into a reality like- - Flawed nature of Maratha state- formed on the basis of religion-national movement thus the cohesion was inorganic and due to lack of technology, the military was not advanced. - Incompetent leadership as later Maratha rulers like Bajirao II and Jaswantrao Holkar were despotic and selfish. - Superior English setup with better diplomacy and spy system. This was later evident in the Battle of Plassey which was a turning point in colonization of India. - Unstable economic policy didn’t evolve with time, and lack of foreign trade and industries put the empire on a back foot. - Political setup was also loose because chiefs like Bhonsle and Holkar carved out their own state and didn’t follow central orders. - Renaissance in Europe further gave a progressive tinge to Britishers as they were more focused on scientific developments, industrial breakthroughs and colonization. **Conclusion** - Thus it can be said that though the Marathas stood the test of Mughals and Abdalis in the third battle of Panipat, they had to bow down before the British due to their own flaws and the superior methods of colonizers. --- **Q4\. Social reform movements of the 19**th **century were a distinguishing feature of the Indian freedom struggle. Critically analyse various aspects of these movements. (10 marks)** **Model structure** **Introduction** - The period of social reform movements can also be said to be a period of reawakening or ‘renaissance’ which focused on areas like position of women, religious superstitions, caste problem, western culture and child marriage. **OR** - The 19th-century social reform movements in India were a reaction to the oppressive social norms and customs that were deeply rooted in traditional Indian society. - Caste-based discrimination, child marriage, sati (widow immolation), purdah (seclusion of women), and untouchability were some of the regressive practices that the reformers sought to address. **Main Body** - These reform movements were fuelled by middle class intelligentsia who used medical opinion, religious tenets, vedic scriptures and values of humanity and brotherhood to bring in reforms. **These reforms had positive aspects like** - Worship and other religious practices were made a personal affair which gave the marginalized sections much needed self respect. - It created a social atmosphere for modernization and encouraged a **secular** way of thinking. - **National consciousness** was fostered and it brought people from different sections together (unity). - In earlier times, India was secluded from the outer world and there was minimal exchange of ideas. This renaissance period ended cultural and intellectual isolation. - They contributed to the abolition of sati, the promotion of widow remarriage, the establishment of women's education, the recognition of Dalit rights, and the questioning of caste-based prejudices. - These reforms laid the foundation for a more **progressive and inclusive society**. - Even though the idea and thought process was noble, there were some **unintended negative consequences like** - Some leaders of movements themselves went against the mandate. Like Keshub Chandra Sen was against child marriage but himself married his daughter to a young prince who was not of a legally marriageable. - **Narrow social base** because majority movements were led by upper caste individuals which caused distrust among masses when it came to supporting the movements. - **Religious divides** were visible and Hindu reformers glorified ancient India while Muslim reformers praised the medieval period. - Secular and moral aspects were given less stress and religious aspects of culture were given more attention. **Conclusion** - Social reforms are an ongoing process because of changing times and evolving ideas. Many reforms mentioned above are still to take shape fully. It is the duty of civil society, government and individuals to take these reforms forward to give a better and dignified life to affected groups. ***OR*** - The social reform movements of the 19th century were a pivotal aspect of the Indian freedom struggle, representing the evolving consciousness of Indian society. While these movements achieved significant milestones, the fight for social justice remains an ongoing endeavor in modern India. --- **Q5\. Examine the factors contributing to the frequent uprisings against British rule for a century before 1857\. Furthermore, highlight the distinguishing characteristics of the 1857 revolt compared to earlier rebellions. (15 Marks)** **Model Structure** - **Introduction(1):** While various foreign imperial powers ruled certain regions of India with little or no resistance from the people, it was the British who faced a nationwide revolt in different capacities. The extensive and prolonged nature of British rule affected all sections of society, leaving little opportunity for revolt. - **Introduction(2):** British dominance started from the 1757 Battle of Plassey and was legitimised by the 1764 Buxar Battle. They deployed multiple methods of domination ranging from expansionist policies, land revenue system, industrial and religious policies. **Main Body:** **Reasons for frequent revolts:** - **Economic issues:** oppressive policies like Zamindari, Rayatwari, Mahalwari, and Free Trade policy drained the wealth of farmers and artisans. - E.g. Pabna uprising and Indigo revolts. - **Political conquest:** Starting from Double government in Bengal, ring-fencing, subsidiary alliance, and doctrine of lapse. - This brought them into conflict with natives regularly, thus, revolts and wars like Carnatic wars, Maratha wars, and Punjab rebellion were recurring. - **Religious policy:** British were also involved in the promotion of Christianity. - They brought changes like preventing turban in the armed forces, forcing them to cross the sea, and also mixing bone dust. - The Pagalpanti movement, Wahhabism, and Shuddhi movement were some outbursts by the people. - **Changing administration:** Multiple changes like the Regulation Act, Charter Act, General Enlistment Act, etc., were announced. - Berhampur and Barakpur were the results of these changing policies. All the reasons culminated in the 1857 revolt, and the British might be challenged by natives at the pan-Indian level. **Differentiating factors of the 1857 revolt from its predecessors:** - **Pan India level:** It spread across the length and breadth of the land. From Rani Lamiae in the north to Rani Chennamma in the south. It was more inclusive and spread widely. - **Unity among masses:** Hindu-Muslim unity was widely observed, earlier movements had a narrow base and less cooperation between Hindu and Muslim communities. - The acceptance of Mohamed Shah Zafar by all groups as emperor of India highlights unity. - **Psychological victory:** British were seen as invincible by natives due to technological supremacy, but this movement showed that united people or no less than an army that could tackle the mighty British empire and shake it to its core. - **Result of the revolt:** Revolts earlier had set fear in the people of Britain due to the results. But the stories of bravery of Tatya Tope, and Rani Lakshmi Bai inspired future nationalists to struggle. **Conclusion** - Some historians call the 1847 revolt the First War of Independence, while others call it mutiny with some nationalist elements. But all are in consensus about its landmark in the freedom struggle against the British. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/03/640a36e5c67b4530b98b28d6f6e6be89.png) #### PSIR Optional + Mentorship without Test Series Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-without-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) [UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 1 - Day 12)Practising 5 questions every day with consistency can take you a long way! Join this Free Daily Mains Answer Writing initiative today to improve your skills and score high!![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/icon/logo--1--1-d811d720-2eff-4418-a659-2e1099596c38.png)UPSCprep.com![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/thumbnail/Daily-Mains-Answer-Writing-10-2f022134-234e-49eb-bcf2-986174081ab3.png)](https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-1-day-12/) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 1 - Day 12) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-1-day-12/ Last updated: 2026-06-16T13:01:10.000Z **Topic: Art & Culture** **Q1\. Ramanuja and Madhvacharya were prominent Bhakti saints of their respective times but were different in many aspects. Comment.** **(10 Marks, 150 Words)** **Introduction** - The Bhakti movement originated in the Southern parts of India, especially Tamil Nadu between 6th and 10th century AD and slowly spread to North India by the end of 15th century. **Body** **Ramanuja:** - He is famous as the chief **proponent of Vishishtadvaita subschool of Vedānta.** The universe and Brahman are considered two equally real entities in Vishishta Advaita Vada, but the universe is generated out of Brahman rather than being separate from it. - Ramanuja emphasized the significance of bhakti, or devotion to a personal God (in Ramanuja's case, Vishnu), as a means of spiritual liberation. - Sri Ramanujacharya authored nine scriptures known as the **Navrathnas including Sri Bhashya, Bhagavad Gita Bhashya, Vedarthasangraha** etc. **Madhvacharya:** - He was the chief proponent of **Dvaita (dualism) School of Vedanta philosophy.** He named his philosophy as “**Tatvavada**.” - He saw Brahman and the universe as two equally real entities that are in no way related. - He was a critic of Adi Shankara’s Advaita Vedanta and Ramanuja’s Vishishtadvaita Vedanta. - The **Gita Bhashya, Brahma Sutra Bhashya, Anu Bhashya** are some of his works. **Conclusion:** - Therefore, while both Ramanuja and Madhvacharya were influential figures in the Bhakti movement, they had different approaches to theology and philosophy. Ramanuja's teachings emphasized the concept of qualified monism, while Madhvacharya's teachings emphasized the concept of dualism. Additionally, they lived in different times and had different influences and experiences that shaped their ideas and teachings. --- **Q2\. What does art, architecture and sculptures of Indus Valley Civilisation indicate about its religious practices? Analyse.** **(10 Marks, 150 Words)** **Introduction** - The religious practices of Harappan Civilization remains a subject of speculation. While Indus Valley Civilization seemed to lack any temples or places of worship, art and architecture of Indus Valley Civilization point towards multi-faceted religious practices. **Main Body** - **Worship of Pashupati:** One one of the seals, a deity is wearing a headdress that has horns, the shape being reminiscent of the crescent moon that modern image of Siva shows on his forehead The figure is surrounded by animals such as the deer, antelope, rhinoceros, elephant, tiger and buffalo. - **Mother Goddess**: As evidenced by numerous terracotta figures, the people probably worshiped some sort of Mother Goddess. - **Worship of Animals:** Animals were also worshiped in Harappan times. The most important of them is a humped bull. - **Swastik Symbol:** Some Indus Valley seals show a swastika symbol, which was included in later Indian religions. - **Phallus Worship**: Numerous symbols of phallus have been found in Harappa which were possibly meant for worship. - **Ritual Bathing**: Most scholars agree that the Great Bath of Mohenjodaro would have been used for special religious functions where water was used to purify and renew the well being of the bathers. **Conclusion** - Therefore, as evidenced by art and architecture of Indus Valley Civilization, the religious practices were seeped into worship of nature, animals and earliest manifestations of gods and goddesses. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2028.png) #### UPSC Essential 2028 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2028-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **Q3\. Buddhism and Jainism emerged as powerful heterodox traditions against ritualistic orthodoxy. Compare their philosophical foundations and assess their cultural significance. (10 Marks, 150 Words)** ### **Model Structure** **Introduction(1):** Buddhism and Jainism arose in the 6th century BCE as part of the Shramana tradition, questioning ritualism, Brahmanical dominance and social rigidity. **Introduction(2):** Both traditions emphasised ethical conduct, renunciation and liberation, but differed in their understanding of soul, karma, metaphysics and path to salvation. ### **Main Body:** **Similarities in Philosophy:** - **Anti-ritualism:** Rejected excessive Vedic sacrifices and priestly monopoly. - **Karma and rebirth:** Accepted moral causation and cycle of birth-death. - **Ethics-centred:** Emphasised ahimsa, truth, non-stealing and self-control. - **Monastic order:** Developed sangha-based institutional life. - **Social openness:** Gave space to women, traders and lower social groups. - **Vernacular expression:** Used Prakrit/Pali, making religion accessible. **Differences in Philosophy:** - **Soul:** Jainism accepts eternal soul/jiva; Buddhism denies permanent soul through anatta. - **Path:** Jainism follows Ratnatraya — right faith, knowledge and conduct; Buddhism follows Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path. - **Ahimsa:** Jainism gives absolute emphasis; Buddhism follows a practical middle path. - **Karma:** Jainism sees karma almost as material bondage; Buddhism sees it as moral-intentional action. - **Liberation:** Jainism aims at kevala jnana; Buddhism aims at nirvana. - **Asceticism:** Jainism supports severe austerity; Buddhism rejects extremes. **Cultural Significance:** - Democratised religion by weakening ritual hierarchy. - Promoted compassion, non-violence and ethical statecraft. - Inspired stupas, chaityas, viharas, cave architecture and sculptures. - Encouraged trade networks through merchant patronage. - Strengthened India’s cultural contacts with Sri Lanka, Central Asia and Southeast Asia. ### **Conclusion(1):** Buddhism and Jainism represented an ethical and intellectual revolution that shifted religion from sacrifice to morality and from ritual authority to individual discipline. ### **Conclusion(2):** Though different in metaphysics, both traditions enriched Indian civilisation through ahimsa, rational inquiry, social reform and lasting contributions to art and culture. --- **Q4\. The age of Mahajanapadas marked the transition from tribal polities to territorial states. Discuss the factors behind the rise of Mahajanapadas with special reference to the rise of Magadha. (15 Marks, 250 Words)** ### **Model Structure** **Introduction(1):** The 6th century BCE witnessed the emergence of sixteen Mahajanapadas, representing a shift from lineage-based tribal societies to organised territorial states with regular taxation, armies and administration. (Mention the **reference of Angutra Nikaya**) **Introduction(2):** The Mahajanapadas reflected the second urbanisation in the Gangetic plains, marked by agricultural surplus, iron technology, monetisation, trade expansion and new political formations. ### **Main Body:** **Rise of Mahajanapadas in General:** - **Iron technology:** Use of iron tools helped clear forests and expand agriculture, especially in the middle Gangetic plains. - **Agricultural surplus:** Increased production enabled taxation, standing armies and urban centres. - **Second urbanisation:** Cities like Rajagriha, Vaishali, Kaushambi and Ujjain emerged as political and commercial centres. - **Trade and coinage:** Punch-marked coins and trade routes strengthened market economy. - **Territorial identity:** Janas became Janapadas and later Mahajanapadas with fixed territories. - **Political forms:** Both monarchies and gana-sanghas existed; e.g. Magadha and Kosala were monarchies, while Vajji was a gana-sangha. - **Religious-intellectual churn:** Buddhism and Jainism emerged in this changing socio-economic context. **Rise of Magadha:** - **Geographical advantage:** Located in fertile middle Gangetic plains with access to the Ganga, Son and other rivers. - **Agricultural prosperity:** Alluvial soil and rainfall supported surplus production. - **Iron resources:** Proximity to iron ore in south Bihar and Jharkhand helped in tools and weapons. - **Elephants:** Forested regions supplied elephants, strengthening Magadha’s military power. - **Strategic capitals:** Rajagriha was naturally fortified; later Pataliputra controlled riverine trade routes. - **Strong rulers:** Bimbisara expanded through conquest and matrimonial alliances; Ajatashatru defeated Kosala and Vajji. - **Administrative capacity:** Efficient taxation, army and political centralisation helped Magadha outcompete rivals. - **Commercial advantage:** Control over trade routes and river transport increased wealth. ### **Conclusion(1):** The rise of Mahajanapadas marked a major political and economic transformation in ancient India, laying the foundation for state formation and empire-building. ### **Conclusion(2):** Among them, Magadha succeeded because it combined natural resources, strategic geography, strong rulers and economic surplus, eventually paving the way for the Mauryan Empire. --- **Q5\. Trace the evolution of Indian painting from prehistoric times to the Mughal period. Examine its cultural and historical significance. (15 Marks, 250 Words)** ### **Model Structure** **Introduction(1):** Indian painting is one of the oldest visual traditions, reflecting the evolution of human imagination from cave symbolism to refined courtly aesthetics. **Introduction(2):** From prehistoric rock paintings to Mughal miniatures, Indian paintings reveal changing religious beliefs, social life, patronage systems and artistic techniques. ### **Main Body:** **Evolution of Painting in India:** - **Prehistoric phase:** Bhimbetka rock shelters show hunting, dancing, animals and community life; painted mainly in red, white and green. - **Early historic phase:** Painting traditions developed with religious symbolism, though many early works have not survived. - **Buddhist phase:** Ajanta murals depict Jataka tales, Bodhisattvas, royal courts and common life with emotional depth and naturalism. - **Post-Gupta phase:** Bagh caves continued mural tradition with human figures and graceful lines. - **South Indian phase:** Sittanavasal paintings show Jain influence; Chola murals show Shaiva themes and temple-based art. - **Pala period:** Miniature paintings on palm-leaf manuscripts developed in eastern India, especially Buddhist themes. - **Western Indian/Jain style:** Manuscript paintings used bold lines, bright colours and stylised human figures. - **Sultanate phase:** Persian elements entered through manuscript illustration and court patronage. - **Mughal period:** Under Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan, painting reached refinement through realism, portraiture, natural history and Indo-Persian synthesis. **Cultural and Historical Significance:** - Reflects religious traditions — Buddhist, Jain, Hindu and Islamic. - Shows social life, dress, ornaments, music, dance and court culture. - Reveals patronage of kings, monks, merchants and temples. - Helps reconstruct political history through portraits and court scenes. - Demonstrates cultural synthesis, especially under the Mughals. ### **Conclusion(1):** Indian painting evolved from collective prehistoric expression to sophisticated imperial art, mirroring India’s cultural continuity and diversity. ### **Conclusion(2):** The journey from Bhimbetka to Mughal miniatures shows how Indian art absorbed new influences while retaining its symbolic, spiritual and narrative character. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/03/640a36e5c67b4530b98b28d6f6e6be89.png) #### PSIR Optional + Mentorship without Test Series Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-without-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 1 - Day 11) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-1-day-11/ Last updated: 2026-06-15T13:46:24.000Z **Topic: Art & Culture** **Q1\. Mughal art and architecture represent the composite architectural features employed by them by borrowing elements from various Indian as well as foreign entities. Discuss. (10 Marks, 150 Words)** **Model Structure Introduction:** - The Turko-Mongol Persianate legacy of the dynasty interacted and absorbed enthusiastically the existing cultural traditions in the Indian subcontinent to produce a unique and rich artistic heritage. - Also includes the two other major Islamic regimes- the Safavids in Iran and the Mediterranean-based Ottomans, as well as the European renaissance artists. **Main body:** - **Features of Mughal architecture** (Here you can also consider subdividing these features as borrowed from Indian style and borrowed from foreign entities) - It’s the blend of Indian, Islamic and Persian elements that makes Mughal architecture so unique. - Typical features include huge, double domes, crowning commemorative monuments, and minarets standing symmetrically on either side. Example: Taj Mahal. - The **principle of harmony and symmetry** can be seen in Mughal architectural forms of the Taj Mahal and Humayun’s tomb, and in all architectural monuments in Ottoman & Safavid lands. Eg. the Suleymaniye Mosque complex in Istanbul and the Sufi shrine at Mashhad. This principle can also be seen in Mughal paintings, in particular the Padshahnama paintings. - Impressive entrances and gateways, within tall turreted walls, water features and quadrilateral gardens. - **White marble, red sandstone** (pillared Diwan-i-ʿAm (“Hall of Public Audience”) and the so-called Diwan-i-Khas (“Hall of Private Audience”)) and, less commonly, limestone, are typical construction materials as well as semi-precious stones and coloured marble which is inlaid as decorations. - Understated lattice work appears throughout as well as verses from the Qur’an inscribed on interior and exterior walls in Persian and Arabic. - Royal palaces are often surrounded by symmetrical gardens, such as Chahar-e-bagh featuring walkways and water channels. - Unlike Delhi Sultanate Sultans, Mughals mixed and mingled with the local population & Rajput provinces. Fatehpur Sikri. - Persian culture was considered the high point of Islamicate culture at that time and was emulated in the Islamicate world. The Tutinama, (tales of a parrot) and the Hamzanama (adventures of Hamza, the prophet’s uncle), all popular painted works in Persia. - The reasons for the wholehearted absorption of the visual language of European painting as well as its content, in particular the genre of portraiture in Mughal painting, are: - Akbar’s policy of ***sulh- i kul*** encouraged freedom of expression, enabling the Kitab-khana to embrace new influences. - Akbar’s interest in **history and the commissioning of illustrated histories,** as portraiture painted in these chronicles was the means to assert the Mughals’ legitimacy to rule. - Jahangir’s fascination with **naturalism in painting** encouraged a complete shift toward occidentalism and portraiture. His artist, Mansoor, painted splendid illustrations of wildlife and florals. **Conclusion** - India is often referred to as the land of cultural plurality and diversity where two contrasting worldviews – that of the traditional and continuous and the formal and official (inherited from the British) thrive. Mughal art and architecture are the epitome of composite heritage. --- **Q2\. What measures have been taken by the government of India for the protection and preservation of historic monuments and relics? What are the responsibilities of the Archaeological Survey of India in this regard? (10 Marks, 150 Words)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - India's art and culture are represented by its many monuments located around the country. The historic monuments and relics reflect India's rich cultural heritage. They need adequate protection and conservation. **Main body:** - Government has taken several measures for protection through - **Article 49**: Protection of monuments and places and objects of national importance. - **Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Declaration of National Importance) Act, 1951 -** Certain ancient monuments, etc., are deemed to be of **national importance**. (Ancient and historical monuments and all archaeological sites and remains etc.) - Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR),1958 - **Protected monuments**\- eg. Taj Mahal, Mamallapuram, etc. - **Prohibited area** — at least a 100-m radius — to protect them, where no new construction is allowed. - **Government schemes and efforts:** - **Adopt a Heritage** scheme by the Ministry of Tourism. - **UNESCO World Heritage Sites list** and so on - set up ‘Indian Institute of Heritage’ at Noida - **Archaeological Survey of India Activities:** - All the archaeological study and excavation operations in India are carried out and regulated by the ASI. - It also protects and maintains historical sites and monuments. - Protected monuments, archaeological sites, and national remnants are maintained, conserved, and preserved. - It works to keep monuments and antiquarian relics safe from chemical attacks. - It also organises archaeological digs outside of India. - It oversees the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act of 1972 and the AMASR Act. - Maintenance of gardens & development of new gardens surrounding centrally protected monuments and sites - Exploration and excavation of ancient sites - Specialised study of inscription and various phases of Indian architecture - Maintenance of Archaeological site Museums - Research and Training in different areas of Archaeology **Conclusion:** - Thus they are like a treasure for a nation and a symbol of pride in our civilisation. They help us to appreciate our past and the level of development, knowledge and thoughts. In a way, they provide life to our past. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/Essay.png) #### Ace the Essay (With Abhijeet Yadav Sir) A comprehensive course to master the ART AND CRAFT of Essay Writing [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/ace-the-essay-with-abhijeet-yadav/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **Q3\. Compare the architectural contributions of the Pallavas and Chalukyas. How did they shape the evolution of temple architecture in India? (10 Marks, 150 Words)** ### **Model Structure** **Introduction(1):** Pallava and Chalukya architecture marked a decisive transition from rock-cut traditions to structural temple architecture in early medieval India. **Introduction(2):** While the Pallavas laid the foundation of Dravidian temple architecture in the Tamil region, the Chalukyas experimented with both Nagara and Dravida elements in the Deccan. ### **Main Body:** **Pallava Architecture:** - Developed mainly under Mahendravarman I and Narasimhavarman I. - **Rock-cut phase:** Mandapas at Mahabalipuram with simple pillars and sculptural panels. - **Monolithic phase:** Pancha Rathas represent different temple forms carved from single rocks. - **Structural phase:** Shore Temple and Kailasanatha Temple show mature Dravidian features. - Important features: vimana, mandapa, dvarapalas, lion-pillars and narrative reliefs. - Mahabalipuram’s “Descent of Ganga” reflects mastery in relief sculpture. **Chalukya Architecture:** - Developed at Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal. - Badami caves show Hindu, Jain and Buddhist themes. - Aihole is called a “laboratory of temple architecture” due to diverse experiments. - Pattadakal shows fusion of Nagara and Dravida styles. - Important examples: Durga Temple, Lad Khan Temple, Virupaksha Temple and Mallikarjuna Temple. - Contributed to the evolution of Vesara style. **Comparison:** - Pallavas were more Dravidian in orientation; Chalukyas were more experimental and hybrid. - Pallavas moved from rock-cut to structural temples; Chalukyas experimented with ground plans and superstructures. - Pallava art influenced later Chola temples; Chalukya art influenced Rashtrakuta and Hoysala styles. - Both used temple architecture as a medium of royal legitimacy and religious expression. ### **Conclusion(1):** Pallavas and Chalukyas transformed Indian architecture by creating regional styles that later matured under Cholas, Rashtrakutas and Hoysalas. ### **Conclusion(2):** Their architectural legacy lies in converting temples into centres of art, religion, polity and cultural identity in early medieval India. --- ## **Q4\. Discuss the administrative system of the Cholas and examine their foreign relations.** **(15 Marks, 250 Words)** ### **Model Structure** **Introduction(1):** The Cholas created one of the most efficient administrative systems of early medieval India, combining strong monarchy with vibrant local self-government. **Introduction(2):** Under rulers like Rajaraja I and Rajendra I, the Cholas built a powerful state supported by revenue administration, naval strength, temple networks and overseas relations. ### **Main Body:** **Chola Administration:** - **King:** Central authority; titles like Chakravartin reflected imperial ambition. - **Territorial divisions:** Empire divided into mandalam, valanadu, nadu and village units. - **Local self-government:** Villages had assemblies like ur, sabha and nagaram. - **Uttaramerur inscriptions:** Provide details of election through kudavolai system, qualifications and disqualifications. - **Revenue system:** Land survey, classification and taxation were highly organised. - **Temple administration:** Temples acted as religious, economic and cultural centres. - **Military:** Strong army and navy helped territorial expansion. - **Justice:** Local bodies handled disputes; royal officers supervised administration. **Foreign Relations:** - **Sri Lanka:** Rajaraja I and Rajendra I expanded Chola control over northern Sri Lanka. - **Maldives:** Cholas asserted maritime influence in the Indian Ocean. - **Southeast Asia:** Rajendra I’s naval expedition against Srivijaya showed commercial and strategic ambition. - **China:** Cholas sent embassies to Song China, indicating long-distance diplomacy. - **Trade:** Tamil merchant guilds like Ayyavole and Manigramam expanded trade across Southeast Asia. - **Cultural links:** Spread of temple architecture, Shaivism and Tamil commercial influence. **Significance:** - Combined centralisation with decentralised governance. - Promoted maritime trade and Indian Ocean diplomacy. - Made South India a major political and commercial power. ### **Conclusion(1):** The Chola state was remarkable for its administrative sophistication, naval power and commercial outreach. ### **Conclusion(2):** Their governance and foreign relations show that early medieval South India was not isolated but deeply connected with the wider Indian Ocean world. --- ## **Q5\. Sangam literature is an important source for reconstructing the history and culture of early South India. Discuss. (15 Marks, 250 Words)** ### **Model Structure** **Introduction(1):** Sangam literature refers to the earliest body of Tamil literature, composed roughly between 300 BCE and 300 CE, reflecting the life of early Tamil society. **Introduction(2):** It includes works such as Ettuthokai, Pattupattu and Tolkappiyam, which provide rich insights into polity, economy, society, culture and belief systems of ancient South India. ### **Main Body:** **Historical Significance:** - **Polity:** Mentions three crowned kings — **Cheras, Cholas and Pandyas.** - **Chiefdoms:** Refers to velirs and local chieftains, showing decentralised political structures. - **Warfare:** **Puram** poems describe heroism, cattle raids, battles and gift-giving. - **Economy:** Shows **agriculture, pastoralism, salt-making, fishing and trade.** - **Trade links:** References to Yavanas, **ports like Puhar and Muziris**, and Roman trade. - **Urban life:** Describes markets, ports, merchants and craft production. - **Social structure:** Society was less rigid than later caste-based order but showed occupational divisions. **Cultural Significance:** - **Akam and Puram:** Akam deals with love and inner life; Puram deals with war, ethics and public life. - **Tinai concept:** Landscapes like **kurinji, mullai, marutam, neital and palai** were linked with emotions and occupations. - **Women:** Women appear as lovers, poets, queens and workers, indicating visible social presence. - **Religion:** Mentions **Murugan, Mayon, Korravai** and ancestor/hero worship. - **Ethics:** Celebrates honour, generosity, courage and social responsibility. - **Language:** Shows maturity of Tamil language and literary aesthetics. **Limitations:** - Mostly poetic and elite-oriented. - Chronology is debated. - Needs corroboration from archaeology, coins and foreign accounts. ### **Conclusion(1):** Sangam literature is not merely literary heritage but a historical archive of early Tamil polity, economy and culture. ### **Conclusion(2):** Its value lies in presenting a vivid picture of South India’s social diversity, maritime links, ecological imagination and rich literary tradition. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/MFG---W-Unlimited.png) #### Mains Focus Group - GS Advance + Write UnLimited (for Mains 2027) LIVE Answer Writing Sessions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-gs-advance-write-unlimited-for-mains-2027/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 4 - Day 10) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-4-day-10/ Last updated: 2026-06-13T13:00:06.000Z **Topic: Case Studies** **QUESTIONS** [CASE STUDY\_Day 10\_ 13 June 2026CASE STUDY\_Day 10\_ 13 June 2026.pdf97 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2026/06/CASE-STUDY%5FDay-10%5F-13-June-2026.pdf "Download") **MODEL ANSWERS** 1. **Case Study 1:** Dr. Anil is a State Drug Controller. During routine and risk-based inspections, his team finds that a politically well-connected pharmaceutical manufacturer has been supplying a batch of a paediatric cough syrup and certain generic medicines that fail quality tests — with contamination and sub-therapeutic active ingredients. The drugs are widely distributed, including to government hospitals and exported. The company is a large local employer and a significant taxpayer; its promoter is close to the political establishment. Anil is pressed from several directions: the company seeks "time to fix process issues" and offers to fund a public-health CSR programme in his district; a senior official suggests handling it "quietly" to avoid panic, job losses and adverse publicity for the State's pharma industry. Yet reports of child illnesses possibly linked to the syrup are emerging. Anil knows that delay could cost lives, while precipitate action could harm the firm, jobs and the industry's reputation — and that the evidence, though strong, will be contested. **Questions** **(a) What are the ethical issues involved?** **(b) What are the options available to Dr. Anil?** **(c) Critically evaluate each option.** **(d) Which option is most appropriate, and why?** **MODEL ANSWER** **Introduction** Few duties are more sacred than safeguarding the medicines on which the sick and the young depend. Dr. Anil faces the gravest of regulatory dilemmas: substandard, possibly lethal drugs are in circulation, and powerful interests urge silence. His response will determine whether the regulator serves patients or protects the powerful. **Stakeholders Involved** - Patients, especially children — whose health and lives are directly endangered. - Dr. Anil — the regulator entrusted with drug safety. - The pharmaceutical company and its workers — facing penalties and possible job losses. - Government hospitals and importing recipients — exposed to the defective drugs. - The State and the pharma industry — concerned about reputation and investment. - The public and future patients — relying on a credible regulatory system. **(a) Ethical Issues Involved** - Primacy of life and safety: Public health and the right to life override commercial and political considerations. *Eg: A contaminated paediatric syrup can kill or maim children.* - Regulatory integrity versus capture: CSR funding and ‘quiet handling’ are attempts to compromise impartial enforcement. - Conflict of interest: Accepting the firm’s programme while regulating it corrupts the regulator’s independence. - Transparency versus ‘avoiding panic’: Withholding safety information from the public betrays informed consent and trust. - Proportionate, evidence-based action: Duty to act decisively, yet fairly and on sound evidence, against a contestable but serious risk. **(b) Options Available to Dr. Anil** - **Option 1:** Accept the CSR offer, give the company quiet ‘time to fix’ issues, and avoid publicity. - **Option 2:** Take maximal punitive action instantly — shut the entire plant, announce names publicly before confirmatory testing, and seek immediate prosecution. - **Option 3:** Act decisively but proportionately on evidence — immediately halt and recall the failed batches, alert hospitals and the public to the specific risk, fast-track confirmatory testing, and proceed with lawful enforcement while refusing all inducements. **(c) Critical Evaluation of Each Option** - **Option 1 — Quiet handling and CSR** - **Pros:** Avoids short-term panic, job losses and bad publicity; brings CSR funds to the district. - **Cons:** Leaves dangerous drugs in circulation, risks lives, and corrupts the regulator; a fatal betrayal of duty. - **Why not chosen:** No reputation or investment can justify endangering children’s lives. - **Option 2 — Maximal instant action** - **Pros:** Signals zero tolerance and may protect the public swiftly. - **Cons:** Naming and shutting before confirmatory evidence risks injustice, legal reversal and avoidable harm to innocent workers; may be disproportionate. - **Why not chosen:** Even a just cause must follow due process and proportionality to be sound and durable. - **Option 3 — Decisive, proportionate, evidence-based action** - **Pros:** Protects patients immediately via recall and alerts, ensures fairness through confirmatory testing, maintains independence, and withstands legal scrutiny. - **Cons:** Invites political and commercial backlash and demands courage under pressure. - **Why this is the best:** It puts safety first without sacrificing fairness or the rule of law. **(d) Most Appropriate Option and Why** **Option 3 is the most appropriate.** Dr. Anil should: - Immediately suspend distribution and order a recall of the failed batches, and alert government hospitals, distributors and the public to stop using the specific products. - Notify the central regulator and importing authorities, since the drugs are exported, and coordinate a wider safety review. - Fast-track confirmatory laboratory testing and pharmacovigilance to link or rule out the reported child illnesses, ensuring due process. - Refuse the CSR offer and ‘quiet handling’, document all pressures, and proceed with lawful licensing action and prosecution as evidence warrants. - Communicate transparently and calmly to prevent both danger and panic, and protect whistle-blowers within the firm. This upholds the cardinal principle that the regulator’s first duty is to the patient, exercised through firm, fair and transparent action. **Ethical Theories Applied** - **Deontology (Kant):** The duty to protect life is categorical and cannot be bargained away. - **Utilitarianism (Mill):** Preventing widespread harm to patients yields the greatest good despite localised cost. - **Virtue Ethics (Aristotle):** Courage and justice define the conscientious regulator under pressure. - **Precautionary Principle:** Where serious harm is plausible, decisive protective action need not await absolute certainty. **Relevant Quotes** - “The care of human life and happiness… is the first and only legitimate object of good government.” — Thomas Jefferson - “It is not enough to be honest; one must also be seen to be honest.” — Justice Brandeis **Conclusion** When medicines turn into poison, silence becomes complicity. By recalling the danger at once, acting on evidence, refusing inducements and communicating with honesty, Dr. Anil shows that a regulator’s loyalty lies not with the powerful but with the patient — above all, the child who cannot speak for herself. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/03/640a36e5c67b4530b98b28d6f6e6be89.png) #### PSIR Optional + Mentorship without Test Series Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-without-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) --- 1. **Case Study 2:** Farida is the District Magistrate of a communally sensitive town. After a local altercation, a doctored image and a false rumour — alleging desecration of a religious site by members of another community — begin circulating rapidly on messaging apps and social media. Crowds gather, tempers flare, and there are sporadic clashes; one death is reported. The two communities accuse each other and the administration of bias. Some local leaders amplify the rumour; a few responsible citizens and faith leaders want to help calm things. Farida must decide whether to impose a complete internet shutdown (which would also cut off ambulances, businesses, students and the very fact-checking that could quell the rumour), how to restore order without appearing partisan, and how to address the underlying mistrust. There is pressure from one side to "act tough" against the other community, and political actors seek to exploit the situation. **Questions** **(a) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by Farida?** **(b) What are the options available to her, particularly on information control?** **(c) Critically examine the options.** **(d) What is the most appropriate course of action, and why?** **MODEL ANSWER** **Introduction** Communal peace is among the most fragile and precious public goods, and misinformation has become its most potent solvent. Farida must contain a rumour-fuelled crisis while protecting impartiality, civil liberties and life itself — deciding how much information to restrain without itself becoming an instrument of darkness. **Stakeholders Involved** - Both communities and ordinary citizens — whose lives, safety and harmony are at risk. - The bereaved family — owed justice and dignity. - Farida and the administration — bound to impartial order and the rule of law. - Faith leaders and responsible citizens — potential agents of peace. - Rumour-mongers and divisive political actors — fuelling the conflict. - Students, patients and businesses — affected by any blanket internet shutdown. **(a) Ethical Dilemmas** - Order versus liberty: Restoring peace may require restricting movement and information, curbing rights. *Eg: A full internet shutdown also blocks ambulances and fact-checking.* - Impartiality versus pressure to take sides: Demands to ‘act tough’ against one community threaten even-handed justice. - Truth versus rumour: A falsehood spreads faster than verified facts can be disseminated. - Firmness versus restraint: Excessive force can inflame; under-response can let violence grow. - Immediate control versus underlying healing: Stopping the riot is not the same as repairing the mistrust beneath it. **(b) Options Available to Farida** - **Option 1:** Impose a blanket, prolonged internet and movement shutdown and heavy, undifferentiated force. - **Option 2:** Avoid strong measures to protect liberties and hope tempers cool on their own. - **Option 3:** Adopt a calibrated, impartial response — targeted and time-bound restrictions where strictly necessary, rapid public fact-checking and rumour rebuttal, even-handed law enforcement, and active engagement of faith and community leaders for peace. **(c) Critical Evaluation of Each Option** - **Option 1 — Blanket shutdown and heavy force** - **Pros:** May halt the immediate spread and gathering quickly. - **Cons:** Disproportionately harms innocents, blocks emergency and corrective information, can deepen grievance and look partisan, and is legally vulnerable. - **Why not chosen:** A sledgehammer response inflicts collateral harm and may worsen mistrust. - **Option 2 — Minimal action** - **Pros:** Preserves liberties and avoids the appearance of repression. - **Cons:** Risks escalation, more deaths and a breakdown of order; abdicates the duty to protect. - **Why not chosen:** Protecting life sometimes requires firm, lawful intervention. - **Option 3 — Calibrated, impartial response** - **Pros:** Protects life and order with proportionality, counters the rumour with truth, maintains impartiality, and addresses root mistrust. - **Cons:** Demands fine judgement, speed and coordination; satisfies neither extreme. - **Why this is the best:** It is the proportionate, just and effective middle path. **(d) Most Appropriate Course and Why** **Option 3 is the most appropriate.** Farida should: - Deploy police impartially to flashpoints, impose targeted and time-bound restrictions (e.g. local prohibitory orders) only where strictly necessary, preferring this over a blanket internet shutdown so that emergency services and fact-checking continue. - Launch immediate, credible rumour rebuttal — official clarifications, verified visuals, and collaboration with platforms to flag the doctored content — since truth is the antidote to the lie. - Ensure even-handed action against all instigators regardless of community or political affiliation, and ensure a fair, transparent investigation into the death. - Convene peace committees with faith leaders and respected citizens to appeal for calm and counter provocation. - Communicate transparently, document all decisions, and plan for confidence-building once order is restored. This protects life and order while honouring liberty and impartiality, and begins to heal the underlying distrust. **Ethical Theories Applied** - **Utilitarianism (Mill):** The proportionate response that saves the most lives with least collateral harm is best. - **Deontology (Kant):** Equal dignity demands impartial treatment of all communities and due process for the accused. - **Virtue Ethics (Aristotle):** Prudence and courage guide the mean between repression and inaction. - **Rawlsian Fairness:** Justice must be visibly blind to community, protecting all equally. **Relevant Quotes** - “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.” — Martin Luther King Jr. - “An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind.” — attributed to Mahatma Gandhi **Conclusion** In a crisis of rumour, the administrator’s task is to be a source of light, not a switch for darkness. By countering the lie with truth, restraining only what must be restrained, acting without fear or favour, and enlisting the community in peace, Farida can quell the violence while preserving the liberties and the trust on which lasting harmony depends. --- 1. **Case Study 3:** Priya is a senior officer in a State Pollution Control Board, responsible for monitoring industrial emissions and effluents in an industrial belt where a large factory — a major employer and revenue source — operates near a river and a densely populated settlement. Reviewing continuous-monitoring data, Priya discovers that the factory's pollution figures have been systematically manipulated: real-time sensors are being tampered with, and effluent is discharged at night beyond permissible limits, contaminating groundwater and the river. Local residents report rising illnesses and crop damage. When she raises it, she finds that a junior colleague has been quietly altering reports under pressure, and that a Board superior has been receiving favours from the company. The company's management offers Priya a lucrative "environmental consultancy" role for her spouse and hints that her transfer to a coveted posting can be arranged if she "doesn't rock the boat." Going public or formally reporting may endanger her career and the colleague, and could be framed as harming local employment. **Questions** **(a) What are the ethical issues involved?** **(b) What options are available to Priya?** **(c) Critically examine each option.** **(d) Which option is most appropriate, and why?** **MODEL ANSWER** **Introduction** Environmental regulation protects those who cannot protect themselves — the river, the unborn, the poor downstream. Priya’s discovery of falsified pollution data, internal complicity and tempting inducements tests whether she will be a guardian of the public health or a silent partner in its slow poisoning. **Stakeholders Involved** - Local residents and the downstream public — exposed to contaminated water and air. - The environment and future generations — bearing irreversible ecological harm. - Priya — the regulator caught between duty and inducement. - The junior colleague — coerced into wrongdoing. - The factory, its workers and the local economy — dependent on the plant. - The Pollution Control Board and the State — whose credibility is at stake. **(a) Ethical Issues Involved** - Right to a healthy environment: Contamination violates the right to life under Article 21 and harms public health. *Eg: Rising illnesses and crop damage among residents.* - Integrity of data and regulation: Tampered sensors and falsified reports subvert the entire regulatory system. - Conflict of interest and corruption: The consultancy offer and transfer lure are bribes; the superior’s favours are corruption. - Moral courage versus self-interest: Reporting risks career and comfort; silence betrays the public. - Compassion for the coerced junior: Justice must distinguish the architect of wrongdoing from one pressured into it. **(b) Options Available to Priya** - **Option 1:** Accept the inducements, look the other way, and let the manipulation continue. - **Option 2:** Go straight to the media and the public without first building documented evidence or using official channels. - **Option 3:** Act with integrity through proper channels — secure and document the evidence, order independent re-testing, report to the appropriate authorities and vigilance, initiate lawful action against the polluter, and protect the coerced junior — escalating externally if the system fails. **(c) Critical Evaluation of Each Option** - **Option 1 — Accept inducements and stay silent** - **Pros:** Protects Priya’s career, brings personal benefit, avoids confrontation. - **Cons:** Poisons a community, breaks the law, and corrupts her integrity — a grave betrayal of public trust. - **Why not chosen:** It is corrupt, unlawful and complicit in harm to life and health. - **Option 2 — Go straight to the media** - **Pros:** May force quick public attention and pressure for action. - **Cons:** Without documented evidence it may fail, expose her to defamation, tip off wrongdoers to destroy proof, and unfairly endanger the coerced junior. - **Why not chosen:** Premature, unstructured disclosure can defeat the very cause it serves. - **Option 3 — Integrity through proper channels, escalate if needed** - **Pros:** Builds robust, defensible evidence, triggers lawful action, protects the public, distinguishes coercion from culpability, and shields Priya via process. - **Cons:** Carries career risk and may face internal obstruction. - **Why this is the best:** It is principled, effective and just, with external escalation as a safeguard against capture. **(d) Most Appropriate Option and Why** **Option 3 is the most appropriate.** Priya should: - Immediately secure and document the evidence — sensor logs, sampling records, night-discharge data — and arrange independent, surprise re-sampling of the effluent and groundwater. - Refuse the consultancy and transfer offers outright as conflicts of interest and bribes, and record the inducements in writing. - Initiate lawful regulatory action — show-cause, directions to stop the violation, and penalties — under the environmental laws, and prioritise protecting the affected residents’ water supply. - Report the data tampering and the superior’s corruption to higher authorities, the Board chairperson, and vigilance / the appropriate commission, using whistle-blower protections; escalate to courts or central agencies if the system stalls. - Deal compassionately but correctly with the coerced junior — record that he acted under pressure, encourage him to give a truthful account, and recommend leniency while holding the architects accountable. This puts public health and the rule of law first, exercised with courage, fairness and due process. **Ethical Theories Applied** - **Deontology (Kant):** Duty to protect life and uphold the law is binding regardless of personal cost. - **Trusteeship (Gandhi):** The environment is held in trust for the community and the future. - **Virtue Ethics (Aristotle):** Courage, justice and integrity define the conscientious regulator. - **Rawls’ Justice:** The least advantaged — the affected residents — must be protected first. **Relevant Quotes** - “The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.” — attributed to Mahatma Gandhi - “Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants.” — Justice Louis Brandeis **Conclusion** A regulator who can be bought leaves a community to be poisoned. By securing the truth, refusing the bribe, acting through the law and protecting the coerced while pursuing the corrupt, Priya affirms that the integrity of environmental governance is, ultimately, the integrity of our duty to life itself. --- 1. **Case Study 4:** Vikram is the Municipal Commissioner of a large city gripped by an unprecedented, prolonged heatwave, with temperatures crossing dangerous thresholds and a spike in heatstroke deaths — disproportionately among the poor: outdoor construction workers, street vendors, the homeless, and slum dwellers without cooling or reliable water and power. A powerful real-estate and construction lobby, racing to finish flagship projects before a deadline tied to high-level commitments, resists any order to halt daytime outdoor work, warning of huge losses and delays. Electricity demand has surged, forcing the utility to consider load-shedding that would hit poorer areas hardest while protecting commercial zones. There is political pressure to keep the city "open for business" and to avoid measures that look alarmist. Vikram has limited resources and must decide, quickly, how to protect lives without paralysing the city — and how to allocate scarce relief fairly. **Questions** **(a) What are the ethical dilemmas faced by Vikram?** **(b) What are the options available to him?** **(c) Critically examine each option.** **(d) Which course of action is most appropriate, and why?** **MODEL ANSWER** **Introduction** Climate change is turning the weather itself into a test of governance, and extreme heat kills quietly, mostly the poor. Vikram must balance the imperative to save lives against economic and political pressure to keep the city running, and must allocate scarce relief in a way that is fair to those who suffer most and can protest least. **Stakeholders Involved** - Outdoor workers, the homeless and slum dwellers — most exposed to heat and least protected. - Vikram and the municipal administration — responsible for public health and city functioning. - The construction and real-estate lobby — facing deadlines and losses. - The power utility and commercial establishments — managing supply and demand. - The general public — affected by both heat and any disruption. - Political leadership — concerned with the city’s image and commitments. **(a) Ethical Dilemmas** - Life versus economy: Halting daytime outdoor work saves lives but imposes real economic loss. *Eg: Construction deadlines versus heatstroke deaths among labourers.* - Equity in scarcity: Allocating water, power and cooling fairly when protecting commerce may mean abandoning the poor. *Eg: Load-shedding that spares malls but hits slums.* - Precaution versus ‘not looking alarmist’: Acting decisively on a deadly but invisible threat against pressure to downplay it. - Duty to the voiceless: Those most at risk have the least power to demand protection. - Short-term image versus long-term resilience: Keeping the city ‘open’ today versus building heat resilience for the future. **(b) Options Available to Vikram** - **Option 1:** Bow to the lobby and political pressure, keep everything open, and treat deaths as unavoidable. - **Option 2:** Order a blanket, indefinite shutdown of all outdoor activity and commerce. - **Option 3:** Activate a calibrated Heat Action Plan — restrict outdoor work during peak hours with worker safeguards, prioritise relief and equitable resource allocation to the most vulnerable, and engage all stakeholders — while keeping essential activity running. **(c) Critical Evaluation of Each Option** - **Option 1 — Keep the city fully open** - **Pros:** Avoids economic loss and pleases powerful interests; no disruption. - **Cons:** Sacrifices the lives of the poor; abdicates the duty to protect; morally indefensible. - **Why not chosen:** No deadline or profit can outweigh preventable human deaths. - **Option 2 — Blanket indefinite shutdown** - **Pros:** Maximises immediate protection from heat exposure. - **Cons:** Cripples livelihoods (often of the same poor), is disproportionate, unsustainable and may cause other harms. - **Why not chosen:** An indiscriminate halt can harm the very people it aims to protect. - **Option 3 — Calibrated Heat Action Plan** - **Pros:** Targets protection where risk is highest, allocates relief equitably, keeps essentials running, and builds resilience. - **Cons:** Requires rapid coordination and will face resistance from vested interests. - **Why this is the best:** It saves lives proportionately and fairly without paralysing the city. **(d) Most Appropriate Course and Why** Option 3 is the most appropriate. Vikram should: - Activate and enforce a Heat Action Plan: restrict or reschedule heavy outdoor work during peak afternoon hours, and mandate shade, water, rest breaks, ORS and altered shift timings for construction and other outdoor workers — resisting the lobby’s pressure with the law and data on deaths. - Prioritise the vulnerable in resource allocation: protect water supply and avoid load-shedding that disproportionately hits poorer areas; open cooling centres, ensure shelters and drinking-water points for the homeless and slum dwellers. - Issue clear public heat advisories and early warnings, mobilise health facilities for heatstroke treatment, and deploy outreach to high-risk groups. - Engage employers, the utility, NGOs and resident bodies cooperatively, framing worker safety as non-negotiable and seeking shared solutions (e.g. night shifts) rather than total stoppage. - Plan for long-term resilience — cool roofs, urban greening, heat-resilient housing and codified worker protections — and document all decisions. This protects life and equity proportionately while keeping the city functional and building resilience for a warming future. **Ethical Theories Applied** - **Utilitarianism (Mill):** Targeted measures that prevent the most deaths with least disruption maximise welfare. - **Rawls’ Justice:** Scarce relief must be allocated to protect the least advantaged first. - **Deontology (Kant):** Every worker’s life is an end in itself, not a cost to be traded for a deadline. - **Capability Approach (Sen):** Protection should secure people’s real freedom to live and work safely. **Relevant Quotes** - “A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members.” — attributed to Mahatma Gandhi - “The environment is where we all meet; it is the one thing all of us share.” — Lady Bird Johnson **Conclusion** When the sun itself becomes a hazard, governance is measured by whether it shelters those with nowhere to hide. By acting decisively yet proportionately, allocating relief to the most vulnerable, and resisting pressure to trade lives for deadlines, Vikram upholds the truth that the first business of any city must always be the protection of human life. --- 1. **Case Study 5**: Dr. Leela chairs a State examination authority responsible for a high-stakes recruitment and entrance examination taken by lakhs of aspirants, many from poor and rural backgrounds. After a damaging paper-leak scandal in the previous cycle, there is enormous pressure to guarantee a fair, leak-proof exam. A vendor proposes an AI-powered solution: continuous facial recognition, eye-tracking, audio monitoring and behavioural analysis of candidates (including a remote-proctoring option), with automated flagging of "suspicious" behaviour leading to disqualification. The system promises near-total deterrence of cheating but raises serious concerns: intrusive surveillance and biometric data collection of minors and adults, algorithmic bias that may wrongly flag nervous, disabled, neurodivergent or differently-featured candidates, lack of an effective appeal, exclusion of those with poor connectivity (for remote mode), and storage of sensitive data by a private firm. Some officials want to adopt it wholesale to be seen as "tough on cheating"; aspirant groups and civil society warn of injustice to the innocent. Leela must protect both exam integrity and the rights and fairness owed to candidates. **Questions** **(a) What are the ethical issues and competing values involved?** **(b) What are the options available to Dr. Leela?** **(c) Critically evaluate each option.** **(d) Which option is most appropriate, and why?** **MODEL ANSWER** **Introduction** Examinations are gateways to opportunity, and their integrity is the bedrock of merit-based fairness. Yet the technology that promises to eliminate cheating can itself become a tool of injustice — surveilling the innocent, penalising the different, and excluding the disadvantaged. Dr. Leela must secure fairness in two directions at once: against the cheat, and for the honest candidate. **Stakeholders Involved** - Honest candidates, including the poor, rural, disabled and neurodivergent — entitled to a fair, unbiased exam. - The wider public and the State — relying on a credible, merit-based selection. - Dr. Leela and the examination authority — custodians of integrity and fairness. - The technology vendor — pursuing a contract and product reputation. - Aspirant groups and civil society — defending candidate rights. - Future cohorts — affected by the precedent set in data and surveillance norms. **(a) Ethical Issues and Competing Values** - **Integrity versus privacy:** Preventing cheating must not require disproportionate, intrusive biometric surveillance. *Eg: Continuous facial and audio monitoring of lakhs, including minors.* - **Fairness to the innocent:** Algorithmic bias may wrongly flag the nervous, disabled, neurodivergent or differently-featured. *Eg: A candidate disqualified for atypical eye movement or appearance.* - **Equity and access:** Remote, connectivity-dependent proctoring excludes the poor and rural. *Eg: An aspirant failing for lack of bandwidth, not lack of merit.* - **Due process:** Automated disqualification without effective human review and appeal denies natural justice. - **Data protection:** Sensitive biometric data held by a private firm risks misuse and breach. **(b) Options Available to Dr. Leela** - **Option 1:** Adopt the full surveillance system wholesale, with automated disqualification, to appear maximally tough on cheating. - **Option 2:** Reject technology entirely and rely only on traditional, manual invigilation as before. - **Option 3:** Adopt a proportionate, rights-respecting integrity framework — strengthen process security (question-bank, logistics, biometric identity check at entry) and use technology only as a flagging aid with mandatory human review, due-process appeal, bias and accessibility safeguards, strict data limits, and no exclusionary remote mode for the disadvantaged. **(c) Critical Evaluation of Each Option** - **Option 1 — Full surveillance, automated disqualification** - **Pros:** Strong deterrence of cheating; politically appealing image of toughness. - **Cons:** Punishes innocents through bias and error, violates privacy, excludes the disadvantaged, and lacks due process; injustice in the name of integrity. - Why not chosen: Catching cheats cannot justify wronging the honest. - **Option 2 — Reject technology entirely** - **Pros:** Avoids surveillance and bias harms; preserves the status quo. - **Cons:** Ignores the proven leak risk and forgoes genuine, fair security gains technology can offer. - **Why not chosen:** Rejecting all tools leaves the exam vulnerable to the very fraud that harmed candidates. - **Option 3 — Proportionate, rights-respecting framework** - **Pros:** Secures integrity through robust process, uses technology safely as an aid with human judgement, protects the innocent, ensures access and due process, and limits data risk. - **Cons:** Requires careful design, oversight and resistance to ‘look tough’ pressure. - **Why this is the best:** It protects fairness in both directions — against cheating and for the honest candidate. **(d) Most Appropriate Option and Why** **Option 3 is the most appropriate.** Dr. Leela should: - Prioritise process security at the source — secure question-banking, tamper-evident logistics, randomised papers, and biometric identity verification at entry to stop impersonation — which addresses leaks without mass behavioural surveillance. - Use any AI monitoring strictly as a flagging aid, never as an automatic judge: every flag must trigger mandatory human review and the candidate must have a fair, time-bound appeal before any disqualification. - Mandate independent bias and accessibility audits so that disabled, neurodivergent and differently-featured candidates are not penalised, with reasonable accommodations built in. - Avoid connectivity-dependent remote proctoring as the default, to protect rural and poor aspirants; prefer secure physical centres with equitable access. - Impose strict data-minimisation, purpose limitation, encryption, short retention and a ban on commercial reuse, with the authority — not the vendor — retaining control, and document the policy transparently. This secures genuine integrity while honouring privacy, equality and due process — fairness for all, not surveillance of all. **Ethical Theories Applied** - **Deontology (Kant):** Each candidate is an end with rights to dignity, privacy and a fair hearing. - **Rawls’ Justice**: Rules must be fair to the least advantaged — the poor, rural and disabled aspirant. - **Utilitarianism (Mill):** True welfare counts the harm to wrongly flagged innocents, not just deterrence of cheats. - **Proportionality Principle:** Means must be no more intrusive than necessary to achieve a legitimate aim. **Relevant Quotes** - “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” — Martin Luther King Jr. - “It is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer.” — William Blackstone **Conclusion** An examination loses its purpose if, in chasing the dishonest, it crushes the honest. By securing integrity through sound process, using technology as a careful aid rather than an automatic judge, and protecting privacy, equality and due process, Dr. Leela demonstrates that real fairness defends merit and dignity at once — the true measure of a just gateway to opportunity. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2028.png) #### UPSC Essential 2028 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2028-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 4 - Day 09) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-4-day-09/ Last updated: 2026-06-12T13:00:39.000Z **Topic: Case Studies** **QUESTIONS** [CASE STUDY\_ Day 9\_ 12 June 2026CASE STUDY\_ Day 9\_ 12 June 2026.pdf100 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2026/06/CASE-STUDY%5F-Day-9%5F-12-June-2026.pdf "Download") **MODEL ANSWERS** 1. **Case Study 1:** Meera is the District Magistrate of an aspirational district. To curb leakages, the State has rolled out an AI-driven eligibility engine that auto-validates applicants for the public distribution system (PDS) and a direct-benefit cash scheme by matching their records across Aadhaar, ration databases, bank seeding and family registers. Within weeks, the dashboard shows a sharp fall in "ineligible" beneficiaries, and the State leadership praises the district for "plugging ghost entries." However, field workers and a local NGO bring Meera a different picture: hundreds of genuinely poor households — many headed by widows, the elderly, migrant labourers and persons with disabilities — have been silently dropped because of mismatched names, failed biometric authentication, outdated mobile linkages and the absence of digital records. Some have not received rations for two months. The vendor that built the system claims the model is "97% accurate" and that errors are negligible. The district's monthly performance ranking, on which Meera is being assessed, has improved precisely because of these exclusions. A senior official has informally advised her "not to disturb a working system" before an upcoming review. **1) Questions** **(a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case?** **(b) What are the options available to Meera?** **(c) Critically evaluate each option.** **(d) Which option would be most appropriate, and why?** **MODEL ANSWER** **Introduction** Technology in governance promises efficiency and the elimination of corruption, but it also carries the silent danger of converting administrative errors into denials of constitutional rights. Meera's dilemma captures a defining ethical challenge of our times: a system designed to remove the undeserving has begun to exclude the most deserving, while statistics reward her for the very failure she is morally bound to correct. **Stakeholders Involved** - Excluded poor households — widows, the elderly, migrants and persons with disabilities denied food and cash entitlements. - Meera — the decision-maker, balancing performance metrics against the right to life and dignity. - Field functionaries and the local NGO — witnesses to ground reality, seeking redress. - The technology vendor — defending its product and commercial reputation. - State leadership — invested in the success narrative of the reform. - Taxpayers and the general public — interested in both honest targeting and genuine welfare. **(a) Ethical Issues Involved** - **Right to life versus efficiency:** Denial of food and cash to the genuinely needy violates the right to life and dignity under Article 21. *Eg: Two months without rations can push a vulnerable household into hunger and debt.* - **Accountability for outsourced decisions:** Delegating eligibility to an opaque model does not absolve the State of moral responsibility. *Eg: ‘The algorithm decided’ cannot be a defence for a wrongful denial of entitlement.* - **Truth versus favourable statistics:** Improved rankings built on exclusion misrepresent reality and reward the wrong outcome. *Eg: A falling beneficiary count is celebrated even as genuine hunger rises.* - **Justice for the most vulnerable:** Those least able to navigate digital systems bear the heaviest cost of errors. *Eg: Failed biometrics hurt manual labourers and the elderly disproportionately.* - **Moral courage versus convenience:** Advice ‘not to disturb a working system’ tests whether Meera will privilege comfort over conscience. **(b) Options Available to Meera** - **Option 1:** Accept the system as designed, protect the favourable ranking, and treat exclusions as acceptable statistical error. - **Option 2:** Immediately suspend the entire AI system and revert fully to manual verification. - **Option 3:** Retain the system as a decision-support aid but restore a human override — immediately reinstate wrongly excluded beneficiaries, audit the errors, and report the design flaw transparently up the chain. **(c) Critical Evaluation of Each Option** - **Option 1 — Accept the system and protect the ranking** - **Pros:** Avoids confrontation; preserves the reform narrative and Meera’s short-term assessment. - **Cons:** Sacrifices the rights of the poorest; converts an administrative tool into an instrument of injustice; betrays public trust. - **Why not chosen:** It privileges metrics over human dignity and amounts to silent complicity in the denial of constitutional rights. - **Option 2 — Suspend the system entirely** - **Pros:** Stops the harm at once and reassures the affected population. - **Cons:** Discards genuine gains against leakage; may re-open the door to the very fraud the system curbed; is an over-correction. - **Why not chosen:** Abandoning technology wholesale throws out a useful tool instead of fixing its misuse. - **Option 3 — Human-in-the-loop with audit and transparency** - **Pros:** Restores entitlements to the wrongly excluded, retains anti-leakage benefits, fixes the root cause, and upholds accountability. - **Cons:** Requires effort, may temporarily worsen the ranking, and could displease superiors invested in the success story. - **Why this is the best:** It harmonises efficiency with justice, treating technology as a servant of welfare rather than its master. **(d) Most Appropriate Option and Why** **Option 3** — retaining the system as an aid while reinstating human judgement — is the most ethically sound and administratively feasible course. Meera should: - Order immediate manual re-verification and reinstatement of all flagged-out households, releasing pending entitlements on priority through a camp-mode drive. - Introduce a mandatory human-override and grievance window before any auto-exclusion takes effect, so that no citizen is dropped without notice and a hearing. - Commission an independent audit of the model’s false-exclusion rate, disaggregated by gender, age and disability, and place the findings on record. - Report the design flaw candidly to the State, recommending that performance be measured by inclusion errors, not merely by numbers removed. - Document every decision to ensure accountability and to resist pressure to ‘not disturb the system.’ This course reflects Kantian duty (the citizen as an end, never a mere data point), the utilitarian goal of maximising genuine welfare, and the constitutional morality that places the right to life above any dashboard. **Ethical Theories Applied** - **Deontology (Kant):** Each excluded person is an end in herself; duty to uphold her rights is categorical, regardless of rankings. - **Utilitarianism (Mill):** True welfare maximisation counts the suffering of the wrongly excluded, not just savings on paper. - **Rawls’ Justice as Fairness:** The least advantaged must be protected first; a system that hurts them most is unjust. - **Ethics of Responsibility (Weber):** Officials answer for outcomes, including those produced by the tools they deploy. **Relevant Quotes** - “Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master.” — Christian Lous Lange - “Recall the face of the poorest and weakest… and ask if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him.” — Mahatma Gandhi **Conclusion** Digital governance must amplify justice, not automate exclusion. By keeping a human conscience in the loop, fixing the flaw transparently and refusing to mistake a falling number for a rising good, Meera demonstrates that the measure of a system is not how many it removes, but how faithfully it reaches those it was built to serve. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/Essay.png) #### Ace the Essay (With Abhijeet Yadav Sir) A comprehensive course to master the ART AND CRAFT of Essay Writing [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/ace-the-essay-with-abhijeet-yadav/?ref=upscprep.com) --- 1. **Case Study 2:** Arjun is the District Election Officer (DEO) of a politically sensitive district where polling is scheduled in 48 hours. Late one evening, a highly realistic video begins circulating on social media and messaging groups, appearing to show a prominent local candidate making an inflammatory communal statement. The video spreads to lakhs of phones within hours, triggering anger in several localities and a few stone-pelting incidents. The candidate's party claims the video is an AI-generated deepfake and demands immediate action and a public clarification. The rival camp insists the video is genuine and accuses the administration of a cover-up. Arjun's preliminary technical team suspects manipulation but cannot give a conclusive forensic verdict within the available time. A senior political functionary privately urges Arjun to "stay neutral and do nothing" until polling is over. Meanwhile, the platform companies are slow to respond, the model code of conduct is in force, and law-and-order is fraying. **Questions** **(a) What are the ethical and administrative dilemmas faced by Arjun?** **(b) What are the options available to him?** **(c) Critically examine each option.** **(d) Which course of action is most appropriate, and why?** **MODEL ANSWER** **Introduction** Synthetic media has made it possible to manufacture a convincing falsehood faster than the truth can be verified. Arjun stands at the frontline of this new threat to democracy: he must protect both the integrity of a free and fair election and public order, while resisting the temptation of convenient inaction and the trap of acting on the unverified. **Stakeholders Involved** - Voters and citizens — whose informed choice and physical safety are at stake. - The maligned candidate — whose reputation may be destroyed by a fabrication. - The rival candidate and parties — with competing claims and electoral interests. - Arjun and the Election Commission — guardians of free, fair and peaceful polls. - Police and administration — responsible for law and order. - Social-media platforms — gatekeepers of the spread of content. - Communities at risk — vulnerable to communal violence. **(a) Ethical and Administrative Dilemmas** - **Truth versus speed:** Forensic certainty takes time the election cannot afford; acting on suspicion risks error. *Eg: A premature ‘fake’ verdict that is later wrong, or a delayed response that lets a lie decide votes.* - **Free expression versus public order:** Restricting content can be misread as censorship; inaction can fuel violence. - **Neutrality versus duty to act:** Genuine impartiality is not the same as passivity in the face of harm. - **Protecting reputation versus prejudging facts:** Defending one candidate prematurely may itself bias the field. - **Independence versus political pressure:** The advice to ‘do nothing’ tests Arjun’s institutional autonomy. **(b) Options Available to Arjun** - **Option 1:** Heed the advice to stay passive and take no action until polling concludes. - **Option 2:** Immediately and publicly declare the video a deepfake and order the candidate exonerated. - **Option 3:** Act on the process, not the verdict — issue a neutral advisory that the video is unverified and under examination, fast-track forensic and platform action, invoke lawful containment of its spread, and reinforce law and order. **(c) Critical Evaluation of Each Option** - **Option 1 — Stay passive** - **Pros:** Avoids the risk of an erroneous official verdict; sidesteps accusations of partisanship. - **Cons:** Allows a possible lie to shape an election and incite violence; abdicates the duty to act; is moral cowardice dressed as neutrality. - **Why not chosen:** Inaction in the face of foreseeable harm is itself a choice — the wrong one. - **Option 2 — Declare it a deepfake immediately** - **Pros:** Protects the maligned candidate quickly; calms tempers if correct. - **Cons:** Pronounces a verdict the evidence cannot yet support; if wrong, destroys credibility and influences the result improperly. - **Why not chosen:** An official cannot certify as false what has not been conclusively established as false. - ***Option 3 — Act on process, not verdict*** - **Pros:** Tells the truth that is actually known (it is unverified), curbs the harm lawfully, preserves neutrality, and protects both order and integrity. - **Cons:** Satisfies neither camp fully; demands rapid, coordinated effort under pressure. - **Why this is the best:** It is honest about uncertainty, proportionate in response, and faithful to both democracy and order. **(d) Most Appropriate Option and Why** **Option 3** is the most appropriate. Arjun should: - Issue an immediate, neutral public advisory stating that the video’s authenticity is unverified, that it is under examination, and urging citizens not to circulate or react to unconfirmed content. - Invoke lawful powers and platform-grievance mechanisms to restrict the viral spread of the specific clip pending verification, applying the least restrictive measure necessary. - Fast-track forensic analysis with the State cyber lab and seek expedited cooperation from platforms to trace the origin. - Coordinate with police to deploy preventively in sensitive localities and engage the community and peace-committee leaders. - Report to the Election Commission and document every step, treating all candidates even-handedly. This balances the duty to truth with the limits of present knowledge, protects vulnerable communities, and keeps the administration both independent and accountable. **Ethical Theories Applied** - **Deontology (Kant):** Duty to truth and to protect citizens is binding; one may not lie, even to soothe, nor abandon those in danger. - **Utilitarianism (Mill):** Containing a potentially false, inflammatory video serves the greatest safety and the integrity of the vote. - **Virtue Ethics (Aristotle):** Practical wisdom (phronesis) finds the mean between rash certainty and cowardly inaction. **Relevant Quotes** - “A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.” — commonly attributed to Mark Twain - “The price of apathy towards public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.” — **Plato** **Conclusion** In the age of synthetic media, the integrity of an election may turn on a single official’s composure. By telling the truth that is known, lawfully restraining a possible falsehood, and refusing both partisan haste and convenient silence, Arjun shows that neutrality is not inaction — it is the disciplined defence of fairness itself. --- 1. **Case Study 3:** India has committed to ambitious renewable-energy targets to fight climate change. Kavita is the Collector of an arid border district that the State has identified as ideal for a giant solar-and-wind park, backed by a major private developer and a central scheme. The project promises clean power for millions, large investment, and jobs. However, the earmarked land is common grazing land (oran/gauchar) that has sustained pastoralist and nomadic communities for generations; it is also a critical habitat for an endangered bird species and a corridor used by herders. The Gram Sabha is divided; some welcome compensation and jobs, while others say the project will end their way of life and that promised jobs are mostly short-term and unskilled. Environmental groups warn of habitat loss; the developer presents a clearance and a compensatory-afforestation plan elsewhere. There is strong pressure from the State to "not delay a flagship green project," and Kavita has been told her cooperation will be "noticed favourably." **Questions** **(a) Can a climate-friendly project be ethically pursued at the cost of local livelihoods and biodiversity?** **(b) What ethical and administrative challenges does Kavita face?** **(c) What alternatives or safeguards can reconcile clean energy with justice to people and nature?** **MODEL ANSWER** **Introduction** Climate action is a moral imperative, yet the transition to clean energy must not reproduce the very injustices it claims to transcend. Kavita confronts a collision between global good and local rights: a project that helps the planet may dispossess the powerless and erase a fragile ecology. Genuine sustainability must be just as much about how we transition as about what we transition to. **Stakeholders Involved** - Pastoralist and nomadic communities — dependent on the common land for survival and identity. - The wider public and future generations — beneficiaries of clean energy and a stable climate. - The endangered species and the ecosystem — with intrinsic value and ecological function. - Kavita and the district administration — bound to both welfare and lawful, just process. - The private developer and the State — invested in the flagship project. - Environmental and civil-society groups — advocates for ecology and rights. **(a) Can the Project Be Ethically Pursued at Such Cost?** ***Arguments in Favour*** - **Climate justice for all:** Clean power mitigates climate change, whose worst victims are the poor and future generations. - **Development and jobs:** Investment can bring infrastructure and livelihoods to a backward region. - **National commitments:** Renewable targets serve a legitimate, large-scale public good. ***Arguments Against*** - **Dispossession of the vulnerable:** Common land lost means a way of life destroyed for communities with few alternatives. - **Irreversible ecological harm:** Habitat loss for an endangered species cannot be ‘offset’ by afforestation elsewhere. - **Procedural injustice:** Overriding a divided Gram Sabha violates the right to free, prior and informed consent. ***The Ethical Position*** A green end cannot sanctify an unjust means. The project may be pursued only if it is genuinely consented to, sites are chosen to avoid critical habitat, livelihoods are protected through real (not token) measures, and less harmful alternatives have been honestly examined. Clean energy must not be built on the displacement of the poor or the extinction of a species — that is to fight one injustice by committing another. **(b) Ethical and Administrative Challenges** - **Global good versus local rights:** Weighing diffuse, long-term benefits against concentrated, immediate harm. *Eg: Power for millions versus pasture for a few thousand herders.* - **Consent versus pressure:** Honouring Gram Sabha autonomy while facing top-down demands for speed. *Eg: A divided Gram Sabha cannot be treated as a rubber stamp.* - **Compensation versus restoration:** Cash rarely replaces a commons that is the basis of an entire livelihood system. - **Greenwashing of harm:** A clearance and paper afforestation may mask real ecological and social loss. - **Personal integrity versus career incentive:** The promise that cooperation ‘will be noticed’ is a subtle inducement. **(c) Alternatives and Safeguards** - **Site optimisation:** Use degraded, barren and non-commons land and avoid the critical bird habitat and herding corridors; rooftop and canal-top solar can cut land demand. *Eg: Geospatial mapping to relocate the array away from the oran.* - **Genuine FPIC:** Secure free, prior and informed consent through a fair Gram Sabha process, with full disclosure of costs and benefits. - **Livelihood-first compensation:** Guarantee grazing-rights protection, alternative commons, durable skilled jobs, equity/revenue-sharing, and pastoral mobility, not one-time cash alone. - **Honest impact assessment:** Independent ecological and social-impact studies with public hearings, not procedural box-ticking; redesign or relocate if critical habitat is at risk. - **Coexistence models:** Agrivoltaics and elevated panels that allow continued grazing beneath, and bird-safe turbine siting and design. **Ethical Theories Applied** - **Utilitarianism (Mill):** The true calculus must count the herders’ suffering and species loss, not only aggregate power output. - **Rawls’ Justice:** A reform that worsens the lot of the least advantaged fails the test of fairness. - **Environmental Ethics / Deep Ecology:** Nature has intrinsic worth; an endangered species is not a tradeable cost. - **Intergenerational Equity:** We owe both a stable climate and a living ecology to those who come after us. **Relevant Quotes** - “The Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.” — Mahatma Gandhi - “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” — attributed to a Native American proverb **Conclusion** A just transition refuses to choose between people and the planet. By insisting on genuine consent, careful siting, livelihood protection and ecological honesty, Kavita can advance clean energy without trampling the vulnerable or sacrificing biodiversity — proving that the path to a sustainable future must itself be sustainable in its justice. --- 1. **Case Study 4**: Ravi heads the IT division of a State department that maintains a vast integrated database linking citizens' welfare records, health data, location patterns and demographic profiles. Shortly before State elections, a senior political functionary directs Ravi to quietly hand over anonymised "but re-identifiable" datasets to a private analytics firm to enable "better targeting of beneficiaries." Ravi realises the data, though described as anonymised, can be re-identified and is likely intended for micro-targeted political messaging and voter profiling, not welfare. The firm offers a generous consultancy retainer to Ravi's relative. He is reminded that the data is "already with the government" and that "everyone does this." Refusing may cost him his posting; the new data-protection law and constitutional privacy jurisprudence weigh on his mind, but enforcement is uneven and the request is informal, with nothing in writing. **Questions** **(a) What are the ethical and legal issues involved?** **(b) What options are available to Ravi?** **(c) Critically examine each option.** **(d) Which option is most appropriate, and why?** **MODEL ANSWER** **Introduction** In the data economy, personal information is power, and the custodian of citizens’ data holds a profound trust. Ravi faces a quiet but corrosive demand: to convert a public welfare database into a private political weapon. His choice tests whether the State remains a fiduciary of its citizens or becomes a broker of their most intimate details. **Stakeholders Involved** - Citizens — whose privacy, autonomy and trust are at stake. - Ravi — custodian of the data, caught between law and pressure. - The political functionary — seeking electoral advantage. - The private analytics firm — pursuing commercial and political gain. - The department and government — whose credibility depends on lawful data stewardship. - The democratic process — vulnerable to manipulation through profiling. **(a) Ethical and Legal Issues** - **Breach of informational privacy:** Citizens gave data for welfare, not for political profiling — a violation of purpose limitation and the right to privacy under Article 21 (Puttaswamy). *Eg: ‘Anonymised but re-identifiable’ data is not truly anonymous.* - **Conflict of interest and inducement:** A retainer to Ravi’s relative is a thinly disguised bribe. *Eg: Personal benefit dressed up as a consultancy.* - **Abuse of public office and data:** Diverting State data for partisan use subverts neutrality and may constitute corruption and a data-protection offence. - **Threat to free elections:** Micro-targeted manipulation distorts the informed, autonomous choice that democracy requires. - **Normalisation of wrongdoing:** ‘Everyone does this’ is a rationalisation, not a justification. **(b) Options Available to Ravi** - **Option 1:** Comply quietly, accept the benefit for his relative, and rely on the informal, undocumented nature of the request. - **Option 2:** Refuse verbally but take no further step, hoping the matter quietly dies. - **Option 3:** Decline firmly, insist on a written, lawful authorisation and purpose, record the request in official notings, and escalate to the appropriate authority if pressure persists. **(c) Critical Evaluation of Each Option** - **Option 1 — Comply quietly** - **Pros:** Protects Ravi’s posting and brings personal financial gain. - **Cons:** Betrays citizens’ privacy, breaks the law, and corrupts the electoral process; the ‘informal’ cover offers no real protection. - **Why not chosen:** It is unlawful, corrupt and a fundamental breach of trust. - **Option 2 — Refuse passively** - **Pros:** Keeps Ravi’s own hands clean and avoids open confrontation. - **Cons:** The data may simply be obtained through someone else; silence enables the wrong to continue and leaves no record. - **Why not chosen:** Personal abstention without accountability is insufficient against a systemic harm. - **Option 3 — Refuse, demand legality, document and escalate** - **Pros:** Upholds privacy and the law, creates accountability, protects citizens and the democratic process, and shields Ravi through a paper trail. - **Cons:** May invite hostility and risk to his posting. - **Why this is the best:** It is the only course that is lawful, principled and effective against the wrong. **(d) Most Appropriate Option and Why** Option 3 is the most appropriate. Ravi should: - Politely but unambiguously decline to share the data for any purpose other than that for which it was collected, citing purpose limitation and the privacy framework. - Insist that any data request be made in writing, with a lawful basis, defined purpose, and proper authorisation, and refuse the relative’s retainer as a conflict of interest. - Record the verbal request and his response in official notings to create accountability. - Strengthen technical and access safeguards, audit logs and data-minimisation, so misuse is harder regardless of pressure. - If pressure persists, escalate to the Secretary, the Data Protection Board / appropriate authority, and use whistle-blower channels. This treats citizens’ data as a trust, not a tradeable asset, and keeps the State a fiduciary rather than a manipulator. **Ethical Theories Applied** - **Deontology (Kant):** People are ends, not means; using their data to manipulate them treats them as mere tools. - **Trusteeship (Gandhi):** Public custody of data is a trust to be discharged for the public, not private gain. - **Consequentialism (Mill):** The long-term harm to privacy and democracy far outweighs any short-term targeting benefit. **Relevant Quotes** - “Privacy is the constitutional core of human dignity.” — Supreme Court of India, Puttaswamy (paraphrased) - “The people’s good is the highest law.” — Cicero **Conclusion** Whoever holds a citizen’s data holds a piece of that citizen’s freedom. By refusing to convert welfare data into a campaign tool, demanding legality and creating a record, Ravi affirms that in a digital democracy the State must remain the guardian of privacy — never its predator. --- 1. **Case Study 5:** Sneha is the Labour Commissioner of a metropolitan region with a booming gig and platform economy — food delivery, ride-hailing and quick-commerce. Thousands of riders work long hours in extreme heat and traffic for app-based aggregators, paid per task, with opaque algorithms setting incentives and penalties. A spate of rider accidents, heatstroke cases and a viral video of a delivery worker collapsing has triggered public outrage. Riders, who are classified as "independent partners" rather than employees, demand minimum earnings, accident insurance, rest and shade, and a say in how the algorithm penalises them. The aggregators warn that reclassifying workers or imposing costs will raise prices, cut "flexibility," reduce jobs, and may make them exit the city. A few platforms quietly offer Sneha's office "industry partnership" support. Some officials argue the sector is a job-creating success that should not be over-regulated; consumer groups want cheap, fast delivery to continue. **Questions** **(a) What are the ethical issues in the treatment of gig workers?** **(b) What are the challenges in balancing worker welfare, business viability and consumer interest?** **(c) What policy interventions can ensure dignity and fairness without killing the sector?** **MODEL ANSWER** **Introduction** The platform economy has created millions of jobs while leaving a vast workforce outside the protections that define decent work. Sneha must decide whether ‘flexibility’ is a genuine freedom or a euphemism for precarity, and how to secure the dignity of workers without strangling the innovation and employment the sector provides. **Stakeholders Involved** - Gig and platform workers — seeking dignity, safety, fair pay and voice. - Aggregator companies — protecting business models, margins and flexibility. - Consumers — wanting affordable, fast, reliable service. - Sneha and the labour administration — duty-bound to protect workers and uphold the law. - The wider economy — dependent on both employment and innovation. - Society — affected by inequality and the standards it tolerates for the working poor. **(a) Ethical Issues** - **Dignity of labour:** Workers exposed to heat, accidents and exhaustion without basic protection are denied dignity. *Eg: A rider collapsing on duty with no insurance or rest entitlement.* - **Misclassification and power asymmetry:** Labelling dependent workers as ‘partners’ removes rights while retaining control via the algorithm. *Eg: Penalties and incentives that the worker cannot question.* - **Algorithmic opacity and fairness:** Opaque, unaccountable systems govern pay and discipline without transparency or appeal. - **Conflict of interest:** ‘Industry partnership’ offers to the regulator threaten impartial regulation. - **Distributive justice:** Cheap, fast service for consumers may be subsidised by the unprotected toil of the poor. **(b) Challenges in Balancing Interests** - **Welfare versus viability:** Protections raise costs that may reduce jobs or prices — a real, not imagined, trade-off. - **Flexibility versus security:** Workers value flexible hours yet need a safety net; the two must be reconciled, not opposed. - **Regulatory capture:** Powerful firms can lobby, threaten exit, or co-opt the regulator. - **Legal grey zone:** Classifying platform work under existing labour law is contested and evolving. - **Consumer expectations:** A public used to ultra-cheap, instant service may resist any cost of fairness. **(c) Policy Interventions** - **Register and recognise:** Implement the social-security framework for gig and platform workers — registration, a welfare fund and portable benefits — regardless of ‘employee’ status. - **Floor protections:** Mandate accident and health insurance, a transparent minimum earning per hour of availability, heat-safety norms, rest points, shade and water. - **Algorithmic transparency and appeal:** Require disclosure of how pay, ratings and deactivations work, and a fair grievance and appeal mechanism against automated penalties. - **Tripartite dialogue:** Institutionalise consultation among workers’ collectives, platforms and government; refuse all ‘partnership’ inducements and keep regulation independent. - **Shared, phased costs:** Fund welfare through a small per-transaction contribution shared across the platform, consumer and a public top-up, phased in to protect viability. **Ethical Theories Applied** - **Kantian Deontology:** Workers must be treated as ends with dignity, not as interchangeable, disposable inputs. - **Rawls’ Justice:** Arrangements should be judged by how they treat the least advantaged — here, the riders. - **Utilitarianism (Mill):** Sustainable welfare for many workers, balanced with sectoral health, maximises long-term good. - **Capability Approach (Sen):** Justice means expanding workers’ real freedoms — health, security and voice — not merely incomes. **Relevant Quotes** - “Labour is prior to, and independent of, capital.” — Abraham Lincoln - “The test of our progress is not whether we add to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt **Conclusion** Innovation that rests on invisible precarity is not progress but exploitation in a modern guise. By extending portable protections, demanding algorithmic fairness and refusing capture — while phasing costs to keep the sector alive — Sneha can secure both dignity for workers and dynamism for the economy, showing that decent work and innovation can advance together. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/MFG---W-Unlimited.png) #### Mains Focus Group - GS Advance + Write UnLimited (for Mains 2027) LIVE Answer Writing Sessions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-gs-advance-write-unlimited-for-mains-2027/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 4 - Day 08) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-4-day-08/ Last updated: 2026-06-11T14:45:44.000Z **Topic: Probity in Governance** Q 1) **What is good governance and how is transparency in government organisations important to attain it? (10 M)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - The World Bank defines governance as “**the method through which power is exercised in the management of a country's political, economic and social resources for development**.” At the same time, good governance is **more qualified with parameters like participatory, consensus-oriented, responsive, transparent, accountable, equitable and inclusive**. **Main Body** - Of all the parameters, transparency is most important because it ensures fairness in decision-making and availability of information in the public domain. **Importance of transparency includes-** - Allows **stakeholders access to information** which is critical to their interests. - Ensures **enforcement of rules and regulations** upholding core values of public service. - Opens **channels of communication** with flawless decision-making. - It enhances **public scrutiny** thus building public trust. - Its philosophy is that people are not subjects to be governed but **citizens to be empowered**. - Few **initiatives to enhance transparency** include- **Right to Information Act, citizens charter, social audits,** e-governance initiatives like **MyGov.in, e-choupal** etc. **Conclusion** Thus transparency is a virtue of a healthy government-citizen relationship which makes the government honest and truthful to its communities. As aptly stated by Mahatma Gandhi, **“Truth never damages a cause that is just.”** --- Q 2) **There is a view that corrupt practices have been socially accepted in India. How can this 'acceptance' be shifted to 'rejection' towards corruption? (10 M)** **Model structure** **Introduction:** - Corruption is the use of public office for private gain or dishonest behaviour by those in power. It is so widespread that it has become a socio-cultural issue. **Main Body:** - **Reasons for its increasing acceptance in society:** - People’s willingness to offer bribes to the public officials as a **sign of gratitude to get work done** and cut bureaucratic delays and complexities. - **Low awareness about rules of conduct/anti-corruption laws** or lack of courage to denounce corrupt behaviour and situations conducive to corruption. - **Personal greed** that leads to an unfettered desire for money or power, with no regard whatsoever to moral boundaries. - **Lack of internalisation of universal democratic norms** allows nepotism and favouritism to thrive and breed corruption. - **Less focus on moral and value education** than on technical and job-oriented education. - **Overburdened judiciary and low conviction rate** in corruption cases have undermined the legitimacy of anti-corruption measures. In India, corruption is said to be not just tolerated but also viewed as a status symbol and people strive for it to gain respect. The stigma is against those who condemn corruption and not those who engage in it. - Changing social attitude towards corruption - **Informational Campaigns:** aimed at challenging prevalent belief systems that consider corruption as normal. - Widely **disseminating stories of its negative consequences and reinforcing positive role models** for people to follow, with technology and social media actively facilitating the process. - For example, **marathons against corruption;** organising informative sessions on anti-corruption efforts before public events like cricket matches, movies etc. - **Focus on value education:** Increasing the role of the family and educational institutions to ingrain the importance of upright and moral conduct in children during early socialisation. - **Leadership and instilling a culture of integrity:** leadership that represents high levels of integrity, honesty and transparency inspires mass behaviour against corruption. - Strong leadership and political will can ensure timely justice, which will deter people from promoting corruption. - **Reframing the cultural environment and identity:** There is a need to first identify and acknowledge parts of culture that facilitate corrupt behaviour. - The cultural values that go against corruption need to be promoted by attaching them to the collective identity in the public discourse through media campaigns. **Conclusion:** - There is a need to promote the emotional reward in individuals that comes from doing something “right” by appealing to the conscience inside each of us. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/Mains-AW-Group.png) #### Mains Focus Group 2026 with Mentorship Comprehensive lectures to make you Mains ready in 75 Days [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-2026-with-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) --- Q 3) **Probity in governance is an essential and vital requirement for an efficient and effective system of governance and for socio-economic development. Discuss. Also, state ways to enhance probity in governance. (10 M)** **Model structure** **Introduction:** - Probity is the quality of having strong moral principles and strictly following them. It includes principles such as - **honesty, integrity, uprightness, transparency and incorruptibility.** Probity is confirmed integrity. It is usually regarded as being incorruptible. **Main body:** - **Probity: Essential requirement for an effective and efficient governance** - **Build up the legitimacy of the system,** i.e., the state. - It builds trust in the institutions of the state and a belief that the actions of the state will be for the welfare of the beneficiaries. - **Avoidance of sub-optimal outcomes, corruption and poor perception** as it ensures an objective and independent view on the fairness of the process - **Checking the abuse and misuse of power** by various organs of government such as magistracy, police and all other providers of public service e.g. PWD, health, education, etc. - **Probity: Essential requirement for socio-economic development** - A large number of people are either unaware about their rights and entitlements or do not have means to fight for them. - In the absence of probity, this section would remain deprived. - Because of the scarcity of resources, it is essential that their best allocation and optimal utilisation take place. - It **prevents corruption** that leads to diversion of funds towards unauthorised sources affecting socio-economic development. - **Ways to enhance probity in governance** - **Controlling Misfeasance in public office:** A comprehensive law to make the public servants liable for the losses made to the State by their mala fide actions or omissions of a palpable character. - **Forfeiture of properties:** strictly implement legislation for confiscation of illegally acquired assets of public servants. - **Ethics Act:** Civil Services Conduct Rules should be given statutory status in the form of Ethics Act to ensure its better implementation. - Strengthening criminal judicial system: needs to be strengthened so that quality judgments take place without unnecessary delays. **Conclusion** - Probity helps in ushering good governance which not only leads to effective use of public resources but will also lead to higher socio-economic growth and human development. - It is necessary to take initiatives, enact strong legislations and ensure their effective implementation to inculcate a culture of probity in governance. --- Q 4) **While a code of conduct merely establishes minimal standards of conduct, a better strategy to promote an ethical work culture is through internalisation of values. Discuss. (10 M)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Individuals’ behavior within organisations is subject to formal and informal rules and regulations. - While formal rules ensure consistency, control and accountability, informal rules tend to aid in the functioning of organisations by developing an organisational culture, establishing customs and developing harmonious relationships. - Code of conduct for ethical work culture - A code of conduct functions as an internal document, regulating activities and, particularly, the decision-making process. - It provides for a set of standards, against which to judge behavior. - It is a statement of principles indicating what the profession or organization stands for. - Codes of conduct may have the following shortcomings: - Code of conduct can never be fully descriptive of what a person should do. They can, at best, simply establish minimal standards of conduct. - Possible variations in behavior are infinite, and are impossible to describe and prescribe by statute. - Lack of objective standards: it needs to take subjective ideals and make them objective. - Enforceability: A code of conduct needs to be routinely enforced in order to be effective, which is at odds with autonomy needed by employees. - They also lack enforceability in disciplinary matters. - Vagueness: To ensure universal application, a code of conduct tends to get vague. - This leads to its subjective interpretation. - Ethical codes of conduct cannot anticipate every situation, and often, these codes mainly address past failures. - Ethical challenges often arise because of dynamic, ill-defined and unanticipated situations that demand immediate decision or action. - **Way Forward** - Therefore, a better strategy to guide ethical behaviour is the internalisation of ethical values. - Internalisation of values brings ethical clarity, which can ease the tension of difficult workplace situations. - Internalised values help predict ethical behaviour better. - In Nordic countries, without any written codes of conduct for public servants, they are committed to existing organisational and professional cultures. - Ethically engaged, internally motivated employees tend to learn and adapt faster than ethically disengaged, externally motivated workers. **Conclusion** - The internalisation of values results from the behaviours of its members that, in turn, result from management’s ethics. It also requires that values and expectations are clearly communicated. --- Q 5) **India cannot march successfully into the 21st century with the administrative system having a colonial mindset. Discuss in the context of the bureaucratic work culture in India. (10 M)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - The bureaucratic setup in India is characterised by a strict hierarchy and rule-based decision-making. - The work culture that has developed in administration is that of red-tapism, inefficiency in providing services, inordinate delays in decision-making and even lethargy. **Main Body** - The main issue associated with bureaucracy is that the administrative system was set up under colonial rule in the 19th century. - 21st century, which is marked by- - Rapidly evolving technological systems. - Emergence of a knowledge-based economy. - Increasing inter-dependence due to globalisation. - Rising environmental concerns etc. - Need of paradigmatic shift in the approach of the administration - **From red-tapism to red-carpet:** need to shift the focus from strict procedures, which lead to delays and inefficiencies at all levels. - The mind-set needs to shift from evasion of decision-making to proactive facilitation of decisions. - **From rule orientation to goal orientation:** need to shift the focus on performance- - Through continuous performance analysis. - Data driven goal-setting and real time monitoring. - To ensure that administrators are bound to take necessary bold decisions towards development. - **From rigidity to flexibility:** need to adopt fast paced reforms and new innovations to be at par in terms of global advancements. - Adoption of 360-degree performance evaluation. - **From inaccessibility to responsiveness:** a shift from behaving as a ruling class to a serving one. - They need to be responsive and collaborate with people rather than alienate them by being inaccessible at all levels. - **From generalist to specialisation:** Recent times require technical and professional competence to handle complex issues. - Recent reforms like lateral entry and Mission Karmayogi, the mindset of civil servants needs to shift towards domain specialization. - **From secrecy to transparency:** Absence of transparency not only leads to unlawful practices but also breeds unethical nexus. **Conclusion** The transformed bureaucratic setup that is tuned to international best practices, technology driven competency and improved state capacity would usher in the progress towards development and welfare indicators. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/UPSC-Essential-2027.png) #### UPSC Essential 2027 + Mentorship (New Batch) Weekly Current Affairs + Lectures + Material [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2027-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 4 - Day 07) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-4-day-07/ Last updated: 2026-06-11T14:39:14.000Z **Topic: Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration** Q1) **Administrative discretion can be a blessing if used correctly, however its misuse can prove to be a curse. Discuss with examples.** (10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - Administration has undergone a rapid expansion as we progress further into the 21st century, the range of activities that are being left to administrative control are ever increasing. - More and more discretion is being given to administrative authorities to arrive at decisions without interference from other bodies. **Main Body:** - If the administrative discretion is used correctly by the authority, it can be a blessing: - **Parliament cannot legislate on all aspects of a certain matter** and simply vest authority in the executive to implement the same allowing them to act on a case-to-case basis. - It allows them to **look at various alternatives that the authority can choose to take in a situation** which can give better results depending on local conditions and resources. - It **helps authorities in case of any gaps or lacunae in statutes.** Administrators may act upon their wisdom for larger public good. It may also lead to efficient utilisation of resources at the disposal of the civil servants. - It helps an individual bureaucrat to grow more confident as well as keep him or her motivated and **brings out leadership qualities,** which are very important characteristics required from civil servants. - It **invites out-of-the-box thinking,** which is the need of the hour in the Indian bureaucracy as the level of complexity grows in administration. - **Discretionary power if misused can prove to be a curse:** - It can act as a source of corruption, nepotism and favoritism as the decision lies in the hand of an individual with mala fide intentions. - For e.g. while granting a tender, he may show favoritism or bias, which may lead to the misuse of public resources and hamper larger public interest. - It can lead to a culture of lethargy and impose bureaucratic hurdles which can hamper the ongoing process. - For e.g. in absence of rules/regulations/guidelines, a public official may refrain from acting on a matter, leading to administrative delays. - Some discretionary powers exercised with mala fide intentions can have a cascading effect on the system of administration and demotivate other efficient bureaucrats. **Conclusion:** - It is not the discretionary powers, but their misuse, which creates the problems in the system. So, it is imperative that there shall be a Code of Ethics prescribed for civil servants in India. --- Q2) **While civil servants have the legal right to undertake post-retirement jobs, this raises key ethical issues. Comment.** (10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - One of the foundational values of civil services is political neutrality and non-partisanship. Post-retirement jobs are seen in contradiction to such values. **Main Body** - Legal right to undertake post-retirement jobs - Under the All India Service Rules, bureaucrats are allowed to accept jobs after the expiry of one year from the date of retirement. - Also, they are permitted to seek waiving-off of this cooling off period. - There could be a financial need to continue in a government job as the pension is only equivalent to half of the last pay drawn. - The government itself enables and calls for applications for such assignments. - Such appointment of bureaucrats raises ethical issues - Conflict of interest: routinely join private companies with which they had dealt as government servants. - It raises questions on decisions made by them while holding official positions. - Malfeasance: It creates the perception that bureaucrats make policies either for a quid pro quo or a post-retirement job, which is dangerous for governance. - It leads to loss of public trust in government institutions. - Promotes inefficiency: It is viewed that post-retirement jobs are not necessarily offered on the basis of the experience or the competence rather as a reward for ‘services rendered’. - Therefore, officers with efficiency and integrity remain out of the race and convenient and pliable officers hold important positions. - Seeking political patronage: Civil servants restrict themselves from airing free and frank views in favor of public interest under the apprehension that their personal interest could be adversely affected post-retirement. - It results in erosion of civil service values. **Way Forward** - Civil servants gather enormous knowledge and experience within their long careers. Their enormous expertise can be put to use for the betterment of the nation through post-retirement assignments. - However, the criteria for their selection for a post-retirement assignment should be their competence and integrity and not servility and/ or allegiance. - It should be done in a manner that ensures that decisions taken by the bureaucrats in office are not under any greed for a post-retirement job. - For example, an institution like the UPSC can be tasked with shortlisting the candidates for post-retirement assignments. - The officer will then not feel beholden to the government for the assignment and it may erode the quid pro-quo attitude that is currently the order of the day. **Conclusion** - While on the one-hand post-retirement jobs help in the utilization of expertise, they also hamper public trust as Objectivity and Neutrality are brought under question. - It becomes important that a rule-based mechanism is established for such jobs, which can ensure transparency in the process of providing Post-retirement jobs. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2028.png) #### UPSC Essential 2028 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2028-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) --- Q3) **Which corporate leader has inspired you the most and what moral lessons have you learnt from their life?** (10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - There are multiple corporate leaders in India as well as across the world, who have been a source of huge inspiration for people. Few such names include Ratan Tata, Steve Jobs, Sheryl Sandberg, Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Azim Premji, Anand Mahindra and many others. **Main Body** - I have been hugely inspired by Mr. Ratan Tata. The reasons behind my choice are: - Visionary leadership he not only took his business abroad but also successfully helped acquire global brands like Jaguar Land Rover. - As a result half of Tata’s revenues come from overseas. - His ability to take risks and innovate, helped him launch products like India’s first ‘People’s Car’ – Tata Nano with a starting price of just one lakh rupees. - He is not only hard working even at the age of 75, but also motivates social startups and young entrepreneurs to build companies which can build a better India. - I have learnt following moral lessons from him: - Humility: - He started out working as a blue-collar employee for Tata Steel. - He often interacted with workers at the grassroots, which help him understand their needs better. - Philanthropy: - He donated Rs. 500 Crore to fight COVID-19. - and had been donating earlier in the fields of education, medicine and rural development quite generously. - It is substantiated by the fact that two-thirds of the Tata group is owned by philanthropic groups. - Value-driven businesses: - Tata does well because its employees and management adhere to its values. - He ensured that the mission of his company is “to improve the lives of the communities we serve globally.” - Empathy and care: - After the attack of 26/11 at the Taj hotel in Mumbai, he personally overlooked the assistance being provided to the victims. - He made sure that the families of the staff who were killed or injured were provided all kinds of relief and met all of them to show solidarity. - He once remarked, “One should always think how he/she can do good for the people or society and should never compromise when it comes to upholding moral values.” **Conclusion** - He stands by his beliefs and is driven by principles that are rooted in responsibility than in self fulfillment. - He sets a glaring example of what we could achieve if we overcome our personal limitations, retain our humility, and stay true to our values in spite of all odds. --- Q 4) **“To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.” Comment in the light of the ongoing international crises.** (10 Marks) **Introduction** - In 2025, India conducted Operation Sindoor against Pakistan. Other than this there are several boundary disputes going on between different countries for e.g. Boundary disputes of China with many countries. These tense situations may escalate into a full-fledged war if not kept under check. In this light it has become important in the modern era to be prepared for war which creates deterrence and preserves peace. Deterrence is created by being prepared for war - - Deterrence is the threat of force in order to discourage an opponent from taking an unwelcome action. As long as both sides act “rationally”, i.e. according to a cost-benefit calculus, and if none of them is suicidal, their military potentials do keep each other in check. - For e.g. nuclear powers keep each other in check and hence, peace is maintained. The enemy nation is less likely to attack any state if it knows the might of military and losses it may suffer in a situation of war. After that diplomacy takes the bigger role in solving crises. - However, deterrence has not always been successful in averting the wars. History shows that in spite of deterrence nations have attacked each other and there are cases in which the weaker side attacked the stronger. - For e.g. The military leadership of Imperial Japan, for example, was fully aware of US military superiority yet they attacked USA’s Pearl harbour and brought USA to war. Many studies about human behaviour demonstrate that people who fear to lose something valuable are ready to take greater risks than those who hope to make a gain. If the opponent’s interest in achieving a certain objective is higher than one’s own, deterrence may fail. - Another example is the Vietnam War. Although the United States was militarily far superior, it ultimately had to withdraw because the North Vietnamese and the Vietcong were willing to make much greater sacrifices to achieve their goals than the US. Nuclear Deterrence - - So far, nuclear deterrence has been successful in averting wars and maintains peace. But, even in the nuclear domain, deterrence depends on the interests that one seeks to protect. If a nation’s existence is at stake, the use of nuclear weapons is credible. E.g. no army and no alliance has deterred Russia from annexing Crimea and destabilising Eastern Ukraine. **Conclusion** \- - Deterrence may not always be successful in avoiding wars. But being prepared for war all the time along with boasting capabilities of armed forces does help in maintaining peace in the world. Any great war at this period of time may perish humanity from the earth therefore, It is important that nations take their decisions rationally and create an atmosphere of peace all over the world. --- Q 5) **How ethics should be incorporated into important government policies such as health and education? Illustrate. (10 M)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - The government policies impact all the citizens and decide how the public resources are to be used to further societal goals. Hence, the highest levels of ethical standards must be incorporated in government policies. **Main Body** - Ethical obligations of the practitioners must be clearly specified, and any transgressions punished. In India, MCI specifies the code of medical ethics for doctors which must be strictly adhered to. - Education and healthcare are essential public goods. If an individual is not able to afford education, s/he can become a burden on society by becoming a misfit or an unproductive member of the society. Hence, equity in government policy will ensure the welfare of the entire society. - All members of the society are not at the same level. Hence, government policies must be compassionate to help the weaker sections of the society. For e.g. not taking school fees from students below BPL. - Since public institutions run on public funds, they must be completely transparent in their way of functioning. - To decide how the limited public resources have been used against many competing requirements, requires an ethical decision making. For example, deciding whether the resources have to be used for providing free vaccines to all children or for opening a new stadium. - Every individual must be treated with respect and dignity, and must not be discriminated against in any form. For instance, teacher must ensure Dalit children are not subjected to discrimination or harassment both inside and outside the class. - Protection of privacy of citizens. E.g. doctor keeping the information revealed by patient as confidential. - The practitioners should not exploit the relationship of trust with students or patients for personal gain or advantage. For e.g. doctors prescribing unnecessary procedures when there is no requirement, should result in cancellation of license. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/03/640a36e5c67b4530b98b28d6f6e6be89.png) #### PSIR Optional + Mentorship without Test Series Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-without-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) You can attempt the previous day's questions here: [UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 4 - Day 06)Practising 5 questions every day with consistency can take you a long way! Join this Free Daily Mains Answer Writing initiative today to improve you skills and score high!![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/icon/logo--1--1-8303c85f-0562-489e-95e5-6ab4a7652013.png)UPSCprep.com![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/thumbnail/Daily-Mains-Answer-Writing-4-58005ade-5053-4b85-8d4b-884aee083d1a.png)](https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-4-day-06/) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 4 - Day 06) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-4-day-06/ Last updated: 2026-06-09T13:35:44.000Z **Topic: Contributions of Moral Thinkers/Philosophers** **Q 1)** **Gandhiji was not a philosopher as far as politics is concerned, because his sayings poured from his deep-felt truth and its sincere realisation. Comment.** (10 Marks) **Model structure** **Introduction** - Gandhian thoughts were followed in the early 20th century and are still relevant as he inspired noble souls like Einstein, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King JR, Barack Obama etc. This is because his message is not political alone but is meant for the wholesome development of humankind. **Main body** - Going by the nature of his ideas and their overview, it can be said that he was not committed to any particular school of thought. His ideas and speech came from writings in particular situations, resulting in the revision of ideas from time to time. But it has to be stressed that his basic and root ideas remained the same. - His thoughts were not like a thinker, but there was a conceptual framework common to a philosopher. His thoughts are based on both Eastern and Western ideologies and traditions. This is due to the time spent in South Africa and other overseas territories, and also in India. - He was not a political philosopher, but when he stepped into the freedom struggle and got into the political current, he developed an ideology of his own. - For him, without involvement in politics, it is impossible to remove socio-economic exploitation and political subjugation and thereby moral degradation of the people. - By getting into the freedom struggle and the ideas behind it, Gandhiji focused on Dharmic politics, which meant the removal of corrupt men and sectarianism. He didn’t accept any fixed dogma or mechanical way of politics. **Conclusion** Gandhian politics had the utmost concern for the disunion between the state and civil society. His philosophy integrated moral, ethical and spiritual well-being into a political way of helping India transition into an independent nation. --- Q 2) **What do you understand about the capability approach of Amartya Sen? How does it differ from John Rawls's theory of social justice? Examine.** (10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - The Capability Approach was first articulated by the Indian economist and philosopher Amartya Sen in the 1980s. It is defined by its choice of focus upon the moral significance of individuals’ capability of achieving the kind of lives they have reason to value. - A person’s capability to live a good life is defined in terms of the set of valuable ‘beings and doings’ like being in good health or having loving relationships with others to which they have real access. **Differences with John Rawls’s** \- 1. According to Sen, there is excessive emphasis on liberty in Rawls’s theory of justice. Sen argues that hunger, starvation, medical neglect and other such issues should be given more importance than personal liberty as an important aspect of justice. 2. In the difference principle, Rawls judges the opportunities that people have through the means they possess. It means those who have access to primary goods can easily access the opportunities, while Sen argues that access to only primary goods will not enhance the capabilities of people so that they can get access to the available opportunities. For example, a differently abled person can do far less with the same level of primary goods and income than an able-bodied human being. 3. Contractualist approach of Rawls theory of justice - Rawls develops his approach as a contrast to the utilitarian understanding of justice, but for Sen, the “Theory of Justice” provides transcendental solutions and is more conscious of the demands of institutions and rules. It completely ignores the fact that what kind of what role these theories are playing in the social realisation and formulation of these principles, or whether these theories are concerned with the voices of those who are not part of the contract. 4. Rawls theories of justice lack global perspectives. According to Sen in the era of globalisation, things are related. For example, the US-led attack on Iraq has impacted the whole world. It has also impacted the world’s point of view on terrorism. **Conclusion** - The well-being of people depends upon many things other than increased income or resources. All such things are sidelined when an economic measure like the GDP is taken to indicate development. The basic objective of development should be to create an enabling environment for people to live long, healthy, and creative lives. The capability approach of Amartya Sen provides this perspective --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/03/640a36e5c67b4530b98b28d6f6e6be89.png) #### PSIR Optional + Mentorship without Test Series Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-without-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) --- Q 3) **When Albert Einstein says, “Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value”. How do you relate this saying to your personality and ambitions? (10 M)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - In today's world, there is an increasing tendency to respect people solely by the quantum of their material success, rather than the strength of their character. Hence, individuals are willing to commit any kind of moral transgression to reach the top. Joining the civil services is my dream, and I want to occupy impactful leadership positions in government. But I look at civil services as a means to achieve my goal of serving the country. **Main Body** - Life is a much bigger entity, and success should not become the only objective. - In recent times, there are many civil servants who compromise their integrity or political neutrality to get plum postings. - Such people have given up honour and would only receive external respect from people around them. - Everyone, right from a peon to a chief secretary, is important in an organisation. Hence, in whatever position one works, they must work hard in an ethical manner. - Success is meaningless if it is achieved by trampling others’ lives and following corrupt means. Society might outwardly respect such people, but individuals will lose respect for themselves. Being successful just for the sake of being successful is meaningless if one cannot lead a happy, meaningful and contented life, for which values are a must. --- **Q 4) *"In the happiness of his subjects lies the king's happiness; in their welfare, his welfare."* — Kautilya, *Arthashastra*. Examine how Kautilya's idea of *Raj Dharma* and welfare-oriented statecraft can guide ethical conduct in contemporary public administration. (10 M)** **Model Answer** - Kautilya's *Arthashastra* is not merely a manual of statecraft but a treatise on grounding power in *dharma*. The quoted maxim places the welfare (***yogakshema***) of citizens as the ruler's supreme duty, anchoring authority in service rather than self-interest. - Three dimensions of *Raj Dharma* remain directly relevant to administration today: - ***Trusteeship of public office*** — The ruler (and by extension the civil servant) holds power as a trustee for the public good, not personal aggrandisement. This mirrors the modern ideal of the administrator as a public servant accountable to citizens. - ***Self-discipline and integrity*** — Kautilya insisted the ruler master his senses (*indriyajaya*) before governing others. His vivid warning that one handling state funds will "taste at least a little of the king's wealth," like honey on the tongue, underlines the perennial need for vigilance, transparency and anti-corruption safeguards. - ***Proactive, citizen-centric welfare*** — Statecraft was judged by the prosperity and security it delivered, prefiguring today's outcome-based, citizen-centric governance. - Thus Kautilya offers a timeless template: power legitimised by welfare, exercised with discipline, and accountable to the governed. --- **Q 5) Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar offered contrasting yet complementary visions of an ethical society. Compare their contributions to moral and social philosophy, and discuss their continuing relevance for building a just and inclusive India. (10 M)** **Model Answer** Gandhi and Ambedkar were the two great moral architects of modern India. Both sought human dignity and a just social order, yet they diverged sharply on the *means* and *locus* of ethical change. ***Shared ground*** — Both opposed untouchability, upheld the dignity of labour, and rejected exploitation. Both believed ethics must translate into social action, not remain abstract. ***Divergence in method*** — Gandhi located ethics in **individual self-transformation**: truth (*Satya*), non-violence (*Ahimsa*), the inseparability of ends and means, and *Sarvodaya* (welfare of all). Reform, for him, meant a moral change of heart, with the privileged acting as trustees. Ambedkar located ethics in **just structures and rights**: he argued that without institutional and legal reform, appeals to conscience were inadequate. His method was "educate, agitate, organise," and his moral compass was **constitutional morality** built on liberty, equality and fraternity — the last drawn from the Buddha. ***On caste*** — Gandhi sought to purify Hindu society from within and abolish untouchability; Ambedkar called for the **annihilation of caste** itself, viewing it as structurally embedded. ***Complementarity*** — Gandhi supplies the **inner ethic** of integrity and self-restraint; Ambedkar supplies the **outer architecture** of justice, rights and the rule of law. A truly ethical society needs both. ***Relevance today*** — Gandhian ethics inform integrity, simplicity, and ends–means consistency in governance; Ambedkar's constitutional morality, social justice and fraternity counter inequality and divisiveness. Building a just, inclusive India, therefore, demands a Gandhian conscience working through Ambedkarite institutions — virtue secured by structure. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2028.png) #### UPSC Essential 2028 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2028-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 4 - Day 05) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-4-day-05/ Last updated: 2026-06-08T13:00:44.000Z Topic: Emotional Intelligence and Contributions of Moral Thinkers/Philosophers 1. **Emotional intelligence is a crucial attribute that individuals, especially those in leadership positions, should possess. With this in mind, elaborate on the importance of emotional intelligence for civil servants by discussing how it can influence their decision-making process and overall performance. Provide suitable examples where necessary. (10 M)** **Introduction** - Emotional Intelligence is the ability to understand our and others’ emotions and use them constructively to guide oneʼs thinking and actions. (**Definition-based)** - **As much as 80% of adultʼs “success” comes from EQ – Daniel Goleman.** This quote encapsulates how important a role Emotional Intelligence plays in one’s life and applies equally to civil servants. (**Quote-based)** **Main Body** **Importance of emotional intelligence for civil servants** 1. **Stressful situations:** El helps leaders to manage their own and their teammateʼs emotions, particularly in stressful situations and maintain a positive outlook despite setbacks. - **For** **example**, Devas in Madhya Pradesh was facing severe water issues. IAS Officer **Umakant Umrao** convinced big farmers to make lakes on 1/20th of their land under **‘JAL BACHAO LAABH KAMAO**’, which resulted in groundwater and irrigated land increasing from 18,000 hectares to 4 lakh hectares. 1. **Team Work:** Emotional intelligence is crucial in understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the team and how to extract the best performances. - **For example**, police from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu coordinated to deliver life-saving medicines in Theni for an 11-year-old girl. 1. **Efficiency**: Efficiency can only come from a proper understanding of the work atmosphere and the attitude of the workers. - **For example**, IAS Officer Aruna Sundararjan helped set up e-governance in Kerala. She is known as the ‘IAS Officer who thinks like a businesswoman.’ 1. **Setting an example:** Emotionally Intelligent leaders work consistently toward their goals and establish extremely high standards for the quality of their work. - **For example**, **IAS** **Raj Yadav** adopted 5 Sikkim villages and established the District Administration’s Adopted Villages (DAAN). He then beautified the villages and undertook several reforms in those villages. 1. **Realistic Goal setting:** Self-awareness ability allows a leader not only to know his/her strengths and weaknesses but also the strengths and weaknesses of his team members. 2. **Values:** Identify and abide by core values and beliefs that shape the choices that a civil servant makes. 3. **Curbs Malpractices:** Emotional intelligence helps develop an administrator to perform services which are best in the interest of the people and the state in general. 4. **Communication:** An Emotionally Intelligent civil servant will be able to communicate policies better. Also, the person can foster a healthy relationship with subordinates. - **For example**, **Atul Kulkamiʼs Bharosa Cell** establishes communication between citizens and the police. 1. **Adaptability:** Civil servants operate in various diverse socio-economic scenarios and thus, El plays a vital role in helping them adapt to such situations. - **For** **example,** IAS probationers adapt to the local language and customs in the district of their posting. 1. **Social Capital:** It refers to bonds of mutual trust, respect and care among members of society. A higher level of EI leads to a higher level of social capital. - **For example**, **IAS Sandeep Nanduri** launched a cafe which is run exclusively by differently-abled persons and trained them on the job. 1. **Responsibility and Commitment:** Working with a higher level of motivation. - **For example**, **IAS Awinash Sharan** sent bike ambulances to tribal doorsteps, reducing medical costs by 90 %. 1. **Crisis time:** An emotionally intelligent person will understand what to prioritise during times of crisis. - **For example**, **IAS Minga Sherpa** ensured COVID aid even after the only bridge connecting Dibang Valley to the rest of India snapped in the middle of COVID snapped. **Conclusion** - Therefore, for civil services, EI ensures leadership, the concept of committed bureaucracy, effective decision-making, empathy, compassion, tolerance and impartiality. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/Essay.png) #### Ace the Essay (With Abhijeet Yadav Sir) A comprehensive course to master the ART AND CRAFT of Essay Writing [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/ace-the-essay-with-abhijeet-yadav/?ref=upscprep.com) --- 1. **Assess the relevance and applicability of Kautilya's philosophical and political ideas within the socio-political context of 21st-century India. Provide a nuanced perspective and draw upon specific examples to support your argument.** **(10 M)** **Introduction** - Kautilya, also known as Chanakya or Vishnugupta, was an ancient Indian scholar, philosopher, economist, and statesman who lived in the 4th Century BC. - He authored the Arthashastra, a treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy, which has had a significant impact on Indian thought and governance models. **Main Body** **Relevance and applicability of Kautilya in 21st Century India** 1. **Ethical Governance**: He recommended that rulers be benevolent and work for the welfare of the people. **“Yatha Raja Tatha Praja”** highlights the importance of honesty, efficiency, and accountability of the King. 2. **Rajrishi Concept:** An ideal leader is a combination of Raja and Rishi. Like a Raja, he is dynamic, active, and has decision-making capacity. At the same time, like a sage, he should be able to connect with the spiritual and higher level of the world by being wise and should focus on philosophy. 3. **Public Welfare:** Kautilya believed that the welfare of the state depends on the welfare of the people. This idea aligns with the principles enshrined in the Preamble and Directive Principles of the State Policy of the Constitution of India. 4. **Good Administration:** Kautilya's administrative principles, including the selection of ministers based on merit, the importance of an efficient bureaucracy, and the need for spies to ensure law and order, are still valid today. They underscore the need for transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public administration. 5. **Foreign Policy:** Kautilya outlined a detailed foreign policy, including concepts of alliance, war, peace, and neutrality. His **'Mandala Theory'** of understanding regional geopolitics could be applied to strategic and diplomatic relationships in today's interconnected world. 6. **Economic Policies:** Kautilya advocated for a robust system of taxation, a regulated economy to prevent exploitation, and state intervention in times of economic crisis. These concepts are relevant today as nations grapple with economic challenges and strive to balance free market benefits with social equity. 7. **Environmental Protection:** Kautilya also emphasised the significance of environmental protection and sustainable use of resources, aligning with today's focus on sustainable development. 8. **Education:** His views on education, focusing on a mix of practical and theoretical knowledge, resonate with the need for skill-based learning in the 21st century. **Conclusion** - While the above-mentioned principles are relevant, there are some principles, like his emphasis on the absolute power of the King, his acceptance of the Caste System, and rules and regulations that indicate a lower status for women, that are not relevant in 21st-century India. --- **Q3\. What does this quotation mean to you? (10 M)** **"To find yourself, think for yourself." - Socrates** **Introduction** - This is a profound quote by the ancient Greek philosopher **Socrates**. It emphasises the importance of individual thought and self-reflection in understanding one's true nature and identity. **Main Body** - Socrates champions the notion that one should not merely absorb the opinions, beliefs, and values of others or society at large. - **Instead, one should question, analyse, and form personal viewpoints.** For example, **Martin Luther King Jr.**, who led the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, did not simply accept the racial segregation prevalent in his time. Instead, he questioned this injustice, thought critically about equality and human rights, and envisioned a society free of racial discrimination. - By contemplating our actions, reactions, and thoughts, we learn more about our character, strengths, weaknesses, and passions, enabling us to lead more authentic lives. For instance, **Galileo**, by choosing to think for himself, revolutionised our understanding of the solar system, despite the considerable opposition he faced. - On a **personal level,** consider a student choosing a career path. Suppose they simply follow their parents' wishes without self-reflection. In that case, they might end up in a career that brings them no joy. **Conclusion** - In essence, Socrates' quote **encourages introspection, autonomy, and critical thinking as pathways to self-discovery**. By harnessing the power of thought, we can define who we are, what we stand for, and how we want to navigate our lives. --- **Q 4) What does this quotation mean to you? (10 M)** **"Truth can be stated in a thousand different ways, yet each one can be true" - Swami Vivekananda** **Introduction** - This quote by **Swami Vivekananda** underscores the **complexity and truth.** It suggests that truth is not a singular, absolute entity but can take on different forms based on perspective, experience, and interpretation. **Main Body** - The **Jain parable of the blind men and the elephant**, which aligns with Swami Vivekananda's perspective, illustrates that truth can be multifaceted and subjective. In the story, blind men touch various parts of an elephant, each forming a unique, partial understanding of the creature based on their experience. This suggests that while individual viewpoints may hold elements of truth, they might not fully encompass the complete picture. - The quote conveys that truth is often subjective and may be interpreted differently by different people. **Each person's perception of truth is shaped by their personal experiences, cultural background, cognitive biases, and beliefs.** Thus, the same situation or concept may have different 'truths'. - The quote also hints at the **concept of unity in diversity.** It suggests that although there may be numerous expressions or perspectives of the truth, they all converge towards the same ultimate reality. - For instance, **different cultures often have diverse perspectives on concepts like happiness, success, and morality.** They are all different, yet each one is true. **Conclusion** - Therefore, the quote encapsulates a profound understanding of the nature of truth, encouraging open-mindedness, acceptance of diverse perspectives, and a continual search for knowledge. It inspires us to appreciate the multifaceted nature of reality and respect the myriad ways in which truth can manifest itself. --- **Q 5) Emotional Intelligence (EI), which is instrumental in managing stress, also plays a pivotal role in enhancing decision-making capabilities, which subsequently leads to effective governance. Elaborate with suitable examples. (10 M)** **Introduction** - Emotional Intelligence (EI) refers to the ability to recognise, understand, and manage one's own emotions and the emotions of others. It is crucial in various aspects of life, including stress management, decision-making, and good governance. **Main Body** **Role of EI** 1. **Managing stress:** Public servants often face high-pressure situations and heavy workloads, leading to stress and burnout. EI helps individuals recognise their emotional triggers and develop coping strategies to manage stress effectively. 1. EI helps individuals recognise their emotional triggers and reactions. 2. It allows for better self-regulation, preventing emotional outbursts or breakdowns. 3. Individuals with high EI can employ coping strategies effectively. 2. **Better**, and the public, by understanding and managing emotions.**decision-making:** EI enables public servants to consider the emotional aspects of decision-making, leading to more balanced and informed choices. 1. EI provides clarity by preventing emotions from clouding judgment. 2. It promotes empathy, allowing for a better understanding of others' perspectives. 3. Individuals with high EI can differentiate between emotional and logical decisions 3. **Good governance:** EI is essential for effective communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution, all of which are critical for good governance. 1. Public servants with high EI can work more effectively with diverse stakeholders, including colleagues, superiors 4. **Leadership:** EI is a key component of effective leadership, as it enables public servants to inspire, motivate, and support their teams. 5. **Managing the team:** An emotionally intelligent administrator would be very effective in managing their team. 6. **Strong Motivation:** For instance, with good emotional intelligence, the administrator can motivate people to use toilets more often within their homes rather than defecating in the open, which would improve the health and cleanliness of the whole region. **Conclusion** - Emotional Intelligence plays a significant role in managing stress, making better decisions, and promoting good governance in public service. - It is also an essential skill for administrators who need to develop and maintain a practice which is self-aware and critically reflective. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/MFG---W-Unlimited.png) #### Mains Focus Group - GS Advance + Write UnLimited (for Mains 2027) LIVE Answer Writing Sessions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-gs-advance-write-unlimited-for-mains-2027/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 4 - Day 04) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-4-day-04/ Last updated: 2026-06-06T13:00:52.000Z **Topic: Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service** 1. **While objectivity and neutrality are often used interchangeably, they do not mean the same thing. Comment.** (10 Marks) **Model Answer** **Introduction:** - Objectivity and neutrality are two principles that play a crucial role in the actions and decision-making processes of civil servants. However, they are not identical and serve different purposes. - Objectivity is making judgments or decisions uninfluenced by personal feelings, prejudices, or interpretations. - On the other hand, neutrality implies not taking sides in any situation, conflict, or decision-making process. **Main Body:** **Difference between Objectivity and Neutrality** | Objectivity | Neutrality | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Based on hard evidence and facts. | Not taking sides in any situation, avoiding favouritism or discrimination. | | It will instill confidence in the public that the public servant is not biased. | It may or may not instill confidence in the public. | | Influences the process of decision-making by ensuring it is based on facts. | Influences the outcome of decision-making by ensuring it is impartial. | | Resolves conflicts by determining what is factually correct or incorrect. | Resolves conflicts by not favoring any side and seeking a balanced resolution. | | Can be seen as a commitment to truth and evidence. | Can be seen as a commitment to fairness and equality. | | Risks include ignoring emotional or subjective aspects that may be relevant. | Risks include indecisiveness or lack of action in the face of injustice. | | More applicable when there is a need for fact-based decision-making. | More applicable when there is a need for impartial handling of issues. | **Conclusion:** Both objectivity and neutrality are vital in the conduct of civil servants and help in promoting fairness and equality, enhancing decision-making, mitigating conflicts and preserving integrity. --- 1. **Some crises demand that the administration take unpopular short-term decisions to prevent long-term disasters. What values must a civil servant have to implement such decisions and tide over popular opposition?** (10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - Whenever a crisis occurs, it snowballs into a bigger crisis and catastrophe. Hence, it is required to nip the crisis in the bud. One way of preventing this magnification of the crisis is to take short-term decisions to prevent long-term disasters. - For example, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a nationwide lockdown was imposed to prevent the transmission of the coronavirus. Though it attracted popular opposition, it was required to prevent the long-term disaster. **Main Body:** **Value required by the civil servant to take such decisions:** - **Courage of conviction:** The civil servant must have courage to bear the opposition and yet go ahead with the right but unpopular decision to curb the crisis. - This involves taking harsh decisions, such as lockdowns during the pandemic. - **Motivation:** The right motivation is required towards the public service. Then only he/she will gather the energy to implement such a decision. - For example, working tirelessly during demonetisation. - **Selflessness:** A civil servant must be selfless. This would help him to be unshaken by appreciation and criticism, which is attached to such strict decision-making. - **Aptitude:** To implement a short-term, strict decision, the right aptitude is required, which will help the civil servant to take innovative measures in implementation. - For example, the use of drones to challenge violators of lockdown restrictions. - **Leadership:** Such decisions often demand an active and dedicated workforce which works continuously. For this, a good leadership quality is needed in civil servants who can motivate their team in such circumstances. - For example, imposing Section 144 during a law and order situation. - **Fortitude:** The right aptitude, along with the right mindset, is required. Fortitude helps a civil servant in dealing with the setbacks associated with such short-term decisions and in changing the means of implementation. **Conclusion:** - Hence, taking short-term decisions is necessary to prevent long-term disasters. However, these short-term decisions should be guided by the foundational values of civil services as laid down by the Nolan committee. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/MFG---W-Unlimited.png) #### Mains Focus Group - GS Advance + Write UnLimited (for Mains 2027) LIVE Answer Writing Sessions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-gs-advance-write-unlimited-for-mains-2027/?ref=upscprep.com) --- 1. **While tolerance is widely regarded as a commendable virtue in general, particularly for fostering harmonious coexistence, it is often asserted that for a civil servant, this attribute assumes a non-negotiable significance. In light of this assertion, what insights can you provide to shed light on the unique and indispensable role that tolerance plays in the realm of civil service?** (10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - Tolerance is defined as a fair and objective outlook towards those whose lifestyle differs from a person's. It teaches us to exercise restraint in sensitive matters. Tolerance comprises allowing people to exercise their religious or constitutional rights. - For example, a vegetarian might never eat meat, but he may not force others to eat meat. **Main Body:** **Importance of tolerance for a civil servant:** - **Taking care of the needs of weaker sections:** Tolerance and compassion make a civil servant lead with not only the head but also the heart. - They are the fundamental components of one’s character and of a positive relationship, which is essential to meet the needs of weaker sections like SCs, STs, and Transgenders. - **Promoting Sarva-dharma-sambhav:** Indian society is multi-religious and multicultural. To prevent conflicts caused by religious bigotry and intolerance, Gandhiji suggested "Sarva Dharma Sambhav". - To inculcate this, A civil servant in the role of a police officer or administrator must grow tolerance in him. - **Preserving democratic ethos:** A civil servant must fulfil constitutional obligations, one of which is the preservation of democracy. Gandhiji identified ‘intolerance’ amongst the enemies of correct understanding, which hampers the democratic ethos. - **Maintaining a healthy work culture:** Tolerance also helps in promoting inclusivity at the workplace. It helps the civil servant in leadership roles to maintain equality between different genders, races, and religions, etc. It leads to acceptance and healthy competition from diverse colleagues, thus reducing the superiority complex. - **Tackling Societal evils:** Virtues like tolerance, appreciating diversity can promote Social Harmony and can tackle issues like Communalism, Gender Biasness, etc. These virtues can be applied by civil servants to maintain peace and harmony in society. - **Preserving fundamental rights of citizens:** In the words of Socrates, “tolerance is about the pursuit of truth. - It is about being prepared to see the value of another person’s perspective, which is about equality and the right of people to believe what they believe.” Understanding this tolerance helps a civil servant in strengthening the rights of citizens. - **Reducing Internal disturbances:** In the issue of disturbances in J&K, Naxalism, etc cannot be dealt exclusively with coercion. - A long-term solution is only possible via tolerance and dialogue. **Conclusion:** - Former Indian President P. Mukherjee once remarked that “Intolerance and violence is a betrayal of the letter and spirit of democracy." As followers of our constitution, we must strive to develop a scientific temper and build a tolerant environment. --- 1. **“The administration must be passionate about service and be dispassionate about the profile of the people it is serving.”- Sardar Vallabhai Patel. Discuss how this quote promotes the value of non-partisanship.** (10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - Independent India's first home minister, Sardar Patel, contemplated civil services as the steel frame of India's administrative setup. This is because of the values it is bound to imbibe, and non-partisanship is one such example, which makes civil servants an important part of the administrative setup. **Main Body:** - Non-partisanship is a quality to keep oneself away from any ideology, political party, interest group, etc. It ensures administrators are disinterested about any ideology while making administrative decisions. It promotes the value of non-partisanship by- - It is different from impartiality because the latter involves neutral decision-making, while non-partisanship means not belonging to any group or ideology. The idea of the social contract means upholding the rights of all sections of society. - The above quote sheds light on the idea that duty or service is the only thing that matters, rather than who is being served. Because when this idea comes in mind of administrators as to who they are serving, there is scope for impartiality to creep in. - The ideals of the constitution and fundamental rights also promote equality and justice, which leave no space for partisanship. - This was evident in land revenue policy during British times, which catered to only a few vested interests, because of which inclusivity was absent. - This ensures values like equity, tolerance, impartiality, fraternity and due process in the administration. **Conclusion:** - Thus, it can be said that the value of non-partisanship is a sine qua non for ethical decision-making as it puts all the citizens on the same pedestal without any favour towards a particular group. It also shuns VIP culture and ensures resources are used efficiently to benefit all equally. --- 1. **Enumerate the foundational values for civil services and explain why they are called foundational?** (10 Marks) **Model structure** **Introduction:** - Civil services were called a steel frame of governance by India’s first Home Minister, Mr Sardar Patel. For societal development, civil services are pivotal as they have responsibilities of decision-making as well as policy implementation. **Main body:** - Foundational values for civil services - - **Integrity**: It empowers any person to make a judgment about right or wrong because it is value-driven. - **Impartiality**: Actions of a bureaucrat towards the public has to be merit based which result in fair, equitable and efficient decisions. - **Non-partisanship**: It means that a non-partisan civil servant is responsible to the constitution and law of the land. The officer executes his task without fear or favour. - **Dedication**: It means devotion to duty for work full of purpose and action. It results in continuous actions even when motivation is missing. - **Compassion and tolerance** towards the weaker and marginalised: Service before self requires a humanistic attitude and smartness to interpret the rules objectively to advance the public interest. - **Objectivity**: It means that truth remains true universally, irrespective of mindset and ideology. - These values are important because - - Upholding these values means that gaps of trust deficit between citizens and government are bridged. - They ensure honest and efficient civil servants, which is essential for a developing country. - They ensure that the rule of law is maintained and the law of the land is held supreme. - They serve as a guiding light for civil servants who have discretionary powers in certain matters. **Conclusion:** - These foundational values are like the foundation of a bedrock, which helps achieve social, political and economic justice. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/Mains-AW-Group.png) #### Mains Focus Group 2026 with Mentorship Comprehensive lectures to make you Mains ready in 75 Days [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-2026-with-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 4 - Day 03) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-answer-writing-gs-4-day-03/ Last updated: 2026-06-05T13:00:20.000Z **Topic: Attitude** 1. **Attitude has a huge role to play in the personal as well as professional lives of individuals. Explain.** (10 Marks) **Model structure** **Introduction** - Attitude is a learned predisposition to think, feel, perceive and act in a particular way towards any external or internal object. That object may be tangible or intangible and include any individual, organisation, or social issue. **Main body** - Functions of attitude in personal life- - Promotes positive thinking and a forward-looking mindset. Failures come and go, but rather than feeling defeated, one must learn from them and avoid repeating mistakes. - Helps maintain acceptance, good behaviour, and understanding. It further helps in maintaining a balance between personal and professional life. - Brings empathy and self-belief. Even with continuous rejections, one can make a comeback with a positive attitude. - Functions in professional life- - Important for courage and honesty in public life as it helps uphold the rule of law and take on violators of law and order. - Helps prevent corruption as an attitude of accountability and impartiality helps to further organisational interests. - Brings compassion and objectivity, which helps discharge duties properly. - Emotional intelligence is developed, which helps balance personal and professional life and manage stress. **Conclusion** - The right attitude is indispensable for excellent growth of personality in professional life. To quote Thomas Jefferson, “Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal, nothing on Earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.” --- 1. **Attitude is often described as a key determinant of an individual's behaviour. In light of this statement, analyse the relationship between attitude and behaviour.** (10 Marks) **Model Solution:** **Introduction** - Attitude is an evaluation people make towards persons, objects, ideas or events. On the other hand, behaviour is the conduct of an individual in response to their environment or stimuli. (**Definition-based)** - John C. Maxwell once said, **“People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude." (Quote-based)** **Main Body** **Relationship between attitude and behaviour** - Our attitudes, **often shaped by our values and beliefs, play a crucial role in dictating our behaviours and, thereby, our lives.** - For example, an individual with a negative attitude towards women could manifest discrimination and inequality in their interactions and dealings with women. - On the other hand, **attitude does not always drive behaviour.** - For example, all of us have positive attitudes toward good health, but most of us do not exercise and frequently eat junk food. Similarly, one may have a healthy attitude towards the environment, but if he gets an opportunity to buy an AC or a car, he will definitely buy them. - **Behaviour also affects attitude because one’s behaviour forms habits.** - For **example**, children are taught to be punctual in school, and later, punctuality becomes their attitude. **Attitude and behaviour may go hand in hand or not, depending on the following factors:** - People aware of their feelings display greater attitude and behaviour consistency than those who rely on situational questions to decide how to behave. - For example, a person who is aware of their passion for animal rights will consistently demonstrate their beliefs by attending protests, volunteering at shelters, and promoting veganism. - People with a high level of integrity show a high correlation between Attitude and Behaviour. - People in individual societies have more correlation compared to people in collective societies. - For example, in individualistic societies like the USA, personal achievements and independence are often emphasised, leading to behaviours that align with personal beliefs. In collective societies like Japan, group harmony is prioritised, so an individual might suppress their personal beliefs to conform to group norms. - Individuals who depend on their feelings and principles to judge act much more consistently with their attitudes towards moral issues than people who rely on external standards to determine what is moral. - **Qualities of attitude** – Strong and weak attitudes show a high and low correlation between attitude and behaviour. - For example, a strong attitude towards healthy living might lead a person to consistently exercise and eat well. A weak attitude, however, such as a mild preference for a political party, might not translate into consistent voting behaviour or political activism. - **Attitude accessibility** – Attitudes which are acted upon regularly are more accessible from memory. Such attitudes show a higher correlation with behaviour. - For example, if someone has a well-established attitude towards supporting local businesses, they will likely remember this preference easily and consistently choose local stores over big chains. This attitude is accessible and frequently guides their behaviour. - **Situation:** Norms or beliefs about how one should or is expected to behave in a given situation can exert a powerful influence on behaviour. - Time pressure results in behaviour as per attitude. **Conclusion** - Understanding this relationship is crucial as it allows us to predict behaviours and initiate change, whether on an individual level or a societal one. Effective strategies for change need to consider not just attitudes but also the social, cultural, and situational factors that influence behaviour. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/Mains-AW-Group.png) #### Mains Focus Group 2026 with Mentorship Comprehensive lectures to make you Mains ready in 75 Days [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-2026-with-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) --- 1. **What does this quotation mean to you?** **a) Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. - Winston Churchill. Comment.** (10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - Attitude is a learned tendency to behave, think and feel in a specific way towards a group of people, place, culture, etc. It can be a positive, negative, neutral or ambivalent evaluation of stimuli present in our environment. **Main Body:** **Importance of Attitude in Life:** - **A regulating mechanism in an organisation:** Attitude shapes organisational culture and behaviour. It further ensures that the behaviour of the public servants is aligned with the values of the organisation. - For example, if the attitude towards corruption is negative in an organisation, the employees are unlikely to indulge in it as it is deemed unethical. - **Promotes efficiency:** A collaborative attitude in the public service encourages the public servants to work diligently and inspires people to demonstrate the values of responsiveness and efficiency. - For example, the Proactive Attitude of Mr O.P. Choudhary in the Naxal-affected Bastar region. - **Brings changes in societal values:** Attitude of people determines the progression of a society. - For example, attitudes towards homosexuality are responsible for discrimination against transgender individuals and the LGBTQ community in India. - **Acceptance of change and proactivity:** The right attitude, which is built with the right knowledge, makes a society proactive in fighting challenges. However, a lethargic attitude towards change results in dogma. - For example, the negative attitude of people towards the COVID-19 vaccine is leading to Vaccine hesitancy. - **Courage of conviction:** A strong attitude towards goals helps an individual build courage of conviction. - For example, Helen Keller, despite being physically weak in her childhood, became an Olympic athlete due to her right attitude. - **Shaping international relations:** Attitude of political leaders also shapes the international relations of a country in the globalised world. - For example, Pakistan’s weak Attitude towards terror combating has landed it on the FATF’s grey list. **Conclusion:** - Hence, Attitude plays an important role for individuals as well as society. As Ralph Marston had said, Excellence is not a skill, but an attitude. --- 1. **Responsibility and discipline are important traits for civil servants to discharge their duties without fear or favour. Discuss the attitudes which help develop these traits.** (10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Civil services are a **service of vocation and a duty with the highest level of dedication.** It requires attitudes like **sincerity and ownership of public interest,** which bring in a sense of responsibility and discipline. **Main Body** - To ensure traits like responsibility, dedication to public life and discipline are nurtured in civil servants, below mentioned attitudes are very important. - **Selflessness** helps an officer become compassionate and full of **empathy,** which helps in working off the track to serve society and ensure public interest. Armstrong Pame built a road with crowdfunding to ensure ease of commuters in his native village of Manipur state. Prasanth Nair led his own operation Sulaimani in the Kozhikode district to fight hunger. - **Courageous attitude** helps face adversities and challenges like corrupt systems, political pressure and an unruly mob. Bureaucrats like Ashok Khemka and Durga Shakti Nagpal have exhibited this character. - **A truthful attitude** guarantees honest work and commitment to duty. This further translates into responsibility and discipline, which prevents the misuse of public funds. - **Compassion and empathy** help develop an objective attitude, which is important to discharge duties impartially and ensure the welfare of marginalised sections of society. **Conclusion** - There has to be a wholesome atmosphere which must include role models like superiors and periodic training cum assessment to ensure the highest ethical standards are maintained in the civil services. --- 1. **What do you mean by conscience? Discuss whether conscience plays a role in shaping attitude, which further determines ethical behaviour.** (10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Conscience is a sense of moral goodness which comes from the inner voice passing a moral judgment about the righteousness or wickedness of something. For example, when we see hungry children around the streets, our conscience nudges us to do something for them. **Main Body** - Attitude is an innate way of believing, feeling or thinking about a particular situation. So both the terms are interlinked in a way that conscience provides stimulus to attitude by evoking a response. Conscience plays a role in forming attitude and ethical behaviour by - Immoral attitudes generally evade the inner conscience, and it cannot determine which action is right or wrong. A person knows the right thing but cannot implement it. Conscience helps evade these kinds of situations. - Sometimes there are two conflicting situations which result in attitude ambivalence. Many times, policymakers are caught between the welfare of the environment and the promotion of mining activities or other development work. - There are some basic values like humanity, integrity, objectivity and truth which guarantee that our actions are conscientious. A judge recusing from a case just because a family member is one of the parties is a good example. - Attitudes like scientific temper, tolerance, compassion, and optimism decide the strength of conscience. **Conclusion** - It is clear that attitude and conscience are intertwined and go hand in hand. To ensure that conscience helps not just know what is right but also execute it, there is a need to develop proper attitudes also. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/06/UPSC-Essential-2027.png) #### UPSC Essential 2027 + Mentorship (New Batch) Weekly Current Affairs + Lectures + Material [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2027-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 4 - Day 02) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/4-june-daily-mains-answer-writing/ Last updated: 2026-06-04T14:06:38.000Z **Ethics and Human Interface** 1. **Briefly discuss a few of the biggest moral dilemmas that science faces today.** (10 Mark) **Model Structure** **Genetic engineering:** - Are we playing God by altering the genetic codes? - **Designer babies** \- Should the rich parents be given this control over their baby? This would perpetuate existing genetic divides based on class; it could also start weeding out many of the traits that truly make an individual and community successful in favour of more superficial ones. It also creates a social dichotomy that would reinstate lines of prejudice in society. - There is a high risk of bio-contamination, which can threaten the existence of mankind. For instance, accidentally, a mutated strain of harmful bacteria can escape the lab, wreaking havoc on mankind. This can be viewed as a new category of weapons of mass destruction. - GMOs reduce long-term biodiversity, threatening the existence of and pollute the rest of the existing varieties. - But given the numerous benefits of genetic engineering, it becomes a challenge so as to where to draw the line. **Artificial Intelligence:** - Might create large-scale unemployment and inequality - How do we distribute the wealth created by machines? - Smartest species rules the planet. If machines become smarter than humans, they might take over the world, threatening our dominance and well-being. **Data collection and privacy:** - The principles of privacy and data protection must be balanced against additional societal values such as public health, national security and law enforcement, environmental protection, and economic efficiency. **Geo-engineering:** - No national or international governance body for regulating the geoengineering experiments. - The scale of intervention is huge and might result in permanently changing the nature of the planet. - It can affect the lives of all humans, and many of them might not have given consent to take part in the experiment. --- 1. **Can ethics be taught in educational institutions? Does the awareness of ethical reasoning make a person more ethical?** (10 Mark) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - As Theodore Roosevelt noted, to educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society. **Main Body** It is highly desirable to have ethics as a discipline in educational institutions, and it can impact students in the following ways: - Studying ethics can make students less dogmatic and more tolerant. - It will expose students to various alternative lines of reasoning about day-to-day scenarios. - It will give an opportunity to think and become clearer about their own value commitments. - Classes give students a safe place to talk about moral disagreements. They provide students with the language and social license to discuss topics they would not have otherwise felt comfortable bringing up, such as their moral concerns with shady practices they have observed. - Teaching morality is not about inculcating substantive positions. The purpose isn’t necessarily to answer questions, but to raise them, and at the same time to provide students with a method (rules, or boundaries) in accordance with which the questions must be discussed. - While there may never be consensus on the ‘right answer’ in ethics, ethics courses will help in improving the reasoning and reflecting on our intuitions, principles and values by challenging students to provide reasons for their views, and to counter the reasons of others without invoking flawed arguments or fallacies. **Conclusion** - Many scholars have raised questions on the efficacy of ethics courses being taught. They contend that it merely makes them aware of various kinds of ethical reasoning, but does not make a person more ethical. However, by equipping the people with ethical reasoning, it reduces unethical actions caused due to ignorance. When more and more individuals are ethically aware, it increases the propensity for ethical behaviour. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2028.png) #### UPSC Essential 2028 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2028-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) --- 1. **Do private ethics have a bearing on public life? Can private ethical behaviour be separated from public ethics without consequences?** (10 Mark) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Human beings are complex creatures, and hence, we can find people who are good in their personal lives but are unethical in their professional lives, and vice versa. However, integrity requires consistency in the sense that our moral standards, actions, and values should not be contradictory, irrespective of situation, time or place. **Main Body** Private ethics has an effect on public life, and a few examples discussed below show the impact: - A moral transgression on the part of Bill Clinton by having an affair with Monica Lewinsky led to the loss of his reputation and impeachment proceedings initiated against him. - A government employee is liable to be placed under suspension if he remains in custody for more than 48 hours. - The suspension will come into effect, even if the government employee is arrested because of wrongdoing in their personal life. Public servants are supposed to be on duty 24/7, and hence any ethical violation, even in personal life, is taken seriously. - People are an integral whole, and hence, it is very difficult to maintain a clear and precise distinction between public ethics and private ethics. - No individual behaviour is without social implications. No social situation or problem is without individual repercussions. - For instance, it is difficult to imagine a person who genuinely respects women's rights but indulges in sexual harassment at the office. - However, we can find many hypocritical men who espouse equality for women, even when they don’t believe in it. They might deceive the outside world, but deep inside, it is difficult to be an ethical person in one theater, but not in the other. **Conclusion** - Thus, private and public cannot be separated, and being ethical implies consistency in all spheres of life. --- 1. **Examine how ethics, culture, religion, and morality help to shape public debate on important issues.** (10 Mark) **Model Structure** - Ethics, morality, culture and religion have a significant impact on any public debate in the following ways: - **By providing the basic assumptions -** e.g., on the debate on entry of women into Sabarimala, the believers feel that there is nothing wrong because God is a celibate and his wishes must be respected. - **Deciding the order of priority -** e.g., India is a collectivist society. So, nation comes before community, community comes before family, and family comes before an individual. - **Limiting our choices -** India faces severe protein malnutrition. But, low-cost beef products cannot be included in the menu of mid-day meals or subsidised canteens because of religious sentiments. - **Providing different lines of reasoning -** e.g., vegetarianism should be preferred because Hinduism and Jainism recommend it. Activists believe that animals, too, have rights, which must be respected. Some ethicists believe that humans can eat animals because it is the law of nature. - **Ensuring human rights are not violated -** e.g., despite the public sentiment to hand Kasab in the open, justice prevailed, and he was subjected to due process of law. - **Paving the way for reform and progress -** e.g., discriminating on the basis of gender is unethical, hence women must be paid equally for equal work. --- 1. **"The global proliferation of generative Artificial Intelligence has created fresh moral dilemmas at the interface between human values and technology." In light of this statement, examine the essence and determinants of ethics that should guide both individual and institutional conduct in the age of AI.** (10 Mark) **Model Structure** Ethics at the human interface concerns the moral principles that govern how individuals relate to one another and to the wider world. Generative AI sharpens this relationship because tools that fabricate text, images and decisions can either amplify human dignity or erode it. The **essence** of ethics here lies in distinguishing the technically possible from the morally permissible. Deepfakes, algorithmic bias and opaque automated decisions show that capability alone offers no moral compass; conscience and human judgment must remain sovereign. Several **determinants** shape conduct in this space. *Individually*, values absorbed from family, education and society—honesty, empathy and accountability—anchor responsible use. *Institutionally*, organisational culture, regulatory frameworks (such as the EU AI Act) and professional codes determine whether innovation respects rights or exploits vulnerabilities. The **consequences** of ethical lapses are global: misinformation undermining democracies, surveillance threatening privacy, and automation displacing livelihoods. Conversely, ethically grounded AI advances healthcare, accessibility and education. Thus, the guiding principles must be transparency, fairness, human autonomy and the precautionary protection of the vulnerable. As Kant urged, persons must be treated as ends, never merely as means—a maxim that should govern every human–machine interaction in this transformative era. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/03/640a36e5c67b4530b98b28d6f6e6be89.png) #### PSIR Optional + Mentorship without Test Series Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-without-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) You can attempt the previous day's questions here: [3 June: Daily Mains Answer WritingPractising 5 questions every day with consistency can take you a long way! Join this Free Daily Mains Answer Writing initiative today to improve you skills and score high!![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/icon/logo--1--1-101e3bd0-7954-434e-b70f-6b6f3dc35753.png)UPSCprep.com![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/thumbnail/AA---Banners--a932bf3e-2daa-4ab8-9da3-136cec89eaf3.png)](https://www.upscprep.com/3-june-daily-mains-answer-writing-upsc/) ### UPSC Mains Answer Writing (GS 4 - Day 01) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/3-june-daily-mains-answer-writing-upsc/ Last updated: 2026-06-04T14:05:50.000Z **Ethics and Human Interface** 1. **Differentiate between selfishness, narcissism and self-care. Discuss how narcissism affects ethical decision-making.** (10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Meaning of these terms -** - **Selfishness** \- Focussing upon one's own advantage to the exclusion of regard for others. Lacking consideration for others; concerned with one's own personal profit or pleasure. (Not sharing the food with friends) - **Narcissism** \- Excessive interest in one's self and one's physical appearance. Extreme selfishness with a grandiose view of one's talents and attractiveness, having a consistent craving for admiration. - **Self-care** refers to one's ability to take care of the activities of daily living, such as feeding oneself, showering, brushing one's teeth, wearing clean clothes, and attending to medical concerns. Self-care is a very active and powerful choice to engage in the activities that are required to gain or maintain an optimal level of overall health. - **Differences** \- Selfish people can change, and Narcissists typically won’t. When a selfish person realises he is causing others discomfort, he can choose to do something different. A true narcissist can’t. The self-importance is hardwired in their bodies. On the other hand, self-care is looking after one’s health and overall well-being. Self-care is about taking good care of our own feelings so we don’t project them onto others, act badly, or cause problems in relationships. **Narcissism and ethical decision making** - Ethical decision-making refers to the process of evaluating and choosing among alternatives in a manner consistent with ethical principles. - In making ethical decisions, it is necessary to perceive and eliminate unethical options and select the best ethical alternative. Since narcissism involves excessive self-importance, a person may make unethical decisions. He/she would make decisions by disregarding the needs of others. - Narcissism is sufficiently intrusive and powerful that it entices people into behaving in ways inimical to their most deeply-held beliefs. - Narcissism is not just an obsession with personal appearance or too much self-involvement; it’s a fundamental orientation towards the world where everything associated with you is good, and everything alien to you is bad, where anything that furthers your interests is good and anything that hinders those interests is bad. In such cases, a person may only look after his/her interests and will make unethical decisions. --- 1. **What does this quotation mean to you?** ***“Principles without traits \[virtues\] are impotent, and traits without principles are blind.”*** (10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - A principle is a concept or value that is a guide for behaviour or evaluation. Virtue is thinking and doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong. It is a behaviour showing high moral standards. **Principles without traits -** - Principles guide human behaviour. If a person has values but does not have the courage to follow them or bring them into his/her behaviour, then those principles are considered impotent. - Suppose there is a person who knows the value of honesty and considers it as an important value in a human being, but indulges in corruption due to pressure or fear or remains silent when they see something unjust. Those principles are of no use and are said to be impotent. - Moral courage is the courage to take action for moral reasons despite the risk of adverse consequences. Courage is required to take action when one has doubts or fears about the consequences. Moral courage could bring your principles or beliefs into behaviour or action. - E.g., while investigating any criminal case, a police officer who believes in the highest of values but succumbs to the pressure of his/her boss for fear of family or job, does not show courage in his/her behaviour, and will seem impotent. There is no merit in having values or principles which one cannot show through their actions. **Traits without Principles -** - Virtues show the highest moral standards. But if any action has been taken without thinking or comes out of ignorance, those virtues will be considered as blind. - That is, if there is a virtue, there must be a principle to which it corresponds and from which it derives its virtuous character. It is important to think of the consequences before taking any action. - Merely having virtues without reasoning may seem like ignorance, and sometimes it may not lead to ethical consequences. **Example -** 1. Suppose there is an officer who is implementing a social service scheme to provide support to old and destitute women. An old and illiterate woman comes to him to avail the benefits of the scheme. However, she has no documents to show that she fulfils the eligibility criteria. If an officer denies her benefits on account of being virtuous, and would not take any action so that old lady could get benefits in spite of hurdles. His/her behaviour may seem as blind. He/she may seem to be following virtues without thinking over it. 2. During wartime, thousands and thousands of innocents like women and children, are brutally killed by the army. The actions are also blind as many innocents are killed as part of the plan. **Conclusion** - Principles and virtues both bring out ethical behaviour in a human being. But principles should be backed with courage, and there is a need for thinking required before following any virtues. Fault in both may not lead to ethical consequences. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/03/640a36e5c67b4530b98b28d6f6e6be89.png) #### PSIR Optional + Mentorship without Test Series Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-without-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) --- 1. **What does this quotation mean to you?** ***“A person should not be too honest. Straight trees are cut first, and honest people are screwed first.”*** (10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Honesty is the quality of being truthful with oneself and others. An example of honesty is telling the truth even after doing something wrong. Honesty promotes authenticity, fosters courage and creates a connection. It is being said that though honesty is a great virtue to be possessed by a human, too much honesty could be harmful for the person. **Main Body** **Problems with too much honesty -** - In personal relationships, Brutal honesty does more harm than good. One needs to present his/her issues with some degree of kindness. - Sometimes being “too much” honest means one isn’t as sensitive as others, and offending them can be easier. One might not be trying to be mean, but honesty comes off as harsh and rude. For example, breaking the signal and then walking towards the policemen with honesty. - Since people working beside honest people know that in no circumstance these honest people will lie or go against the truth, they are always taken for granted. Since they do not come forward to ask for their rights, they are treated as content with everything. - When there is an assessment of the skills of an individual in any interview, the honest person will always tell the truth, even if they are not proficient in a particular skill. As a result, honesty fails, and the honest person gets rejected. - Honesty in a relationship can also make you vulnerable. For example, if you have a habit of drinking alcohol occasionally, you might tend to hide this from your wife and family members at home. But an honest person will never lie. - Rather, he would speak the truth. As a result, the relationship turns sour with an argument. - Many people do not like honest people telling the truth. Since honest people say the bitter truth on the face of people, they are disregarded among friends, relatives and colleagues. **On the other hand, honesty also has its own advantages.** It brings peace of mind to an individual. In a relationship, Honesty creates trust and a sense of comfort in partners to show their true selves. People in general may not like brutally honest people, but many will come to the person for advice and may get genuine feedback. **Conclusion** - Truth and honesty are not two sides of the same coin, although most of the time they are paired, but not always. Sometimes lies become honesty, and speaking truth becomes dishonesty because these things are relative, not absolute; hence once should be logical and wise to do so. It is wise to assess the situation before any work to ensure that it may not harm oneself or loved ones in the long run. --- 1. **What do you understand about conservation ethics? Discuss its importance for present and future generations.** (10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - All the natural resources are vulnerable to overexploitation and destruction by humans. They will disappear entirely or be reduced such that humans could no longer benefit from them directly, or they would no longer support functioning ecosystems. Although in reality, humans still often operate selfishly in their use of resources, many actions are now guided by a moral philosophy or ethic towards conservation, including protection, allocation, and sustainable resource use. **Main Body** Importance of conservation ethic: - Our lifestyles are becoming more resource and energy-intensive, which is leading to unsustainable exploitation of our planet. WWF estimated that we would need two Earths by 2030 to sustain present lifestyles. - An increasing population and more people are coming out of poverty and adopting resource-intensive lifestyles. - Eco-friendly indigenous cultures are getting replaced by consumerist cultures, which is leading to the production of more and more goods and services and the unsustainable extraction of natural resources. - Humans are just one species among millions of species, which co-inhabit the planet. It is unethical to monopolise the natural resources and destroy our common home and co-inhabitants. - The view that only people possess intrinsic value and nature possesses merely instrumental value must be shunned. All the natural areas and species have their own worth and must be respected. - As the native American saying goes, "We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children". Hence, our present actions should not result in deterioration of the quality of life for future generations (Intergenerational equity). - Global warming and resulting Climate change have already begun to create extreme weather events, which are causing huge human and economic losses. - So far, we have not been able to find another planet which supports human life as favourably as the Earth. By destroying the Earth, our existence is threatened. - The species and habitats provide goods, services and information that are valuable to humans. Hence, they must be exploited sustainably. **Conclusion** - Poor and marginalised communities are heavily dependent on natural resources for their basic resources and livelihood. Hence, a conservation ethic is necessary for equitable development. - It's high time for humans to act in a more responsible manner to save the planet and save themselves. --- 1. **When Albert Einstein says, “Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value”. How do you relate this saying to your personality and ambitions?** (10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - In today's world, there is an increasing tendency to respect people solely by the quantum of their material success, rather than the strength of their character. Hence, individuals are willing to commit any kind of moral transgression to reach the top. Joining the civil services is my dream, and I want to occupy impactful leadership positions in government. But I look at civil services as a means to achieve my goal of serving the country. **Main Body** - Life is a much bigger entity, and success should not become the only objective. - In recent times, there are many civil servants who compromise their integrity or political neutrality to get plum postings. - Such people have given up honour and would only receive external respect from people around them. - Everyone, right from a peon to a chief secretary, is important in an organisation. Hence, in whatever position one works, they must work hard in an ethical manner. - Success is meaningless if it is achieved by trampling others’ lives and following corrupt means. Society might outwardly respect such people, but individuals will lose respect for themselves. Being successful just for the sake of being successful is meaningless if one cannot lead a happy, meaningful and contented life, for which values are a must. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2028.png) #### UPSC Essential 2028 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2028-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Mains Excel 2026 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/mains-excel-2026/ Last updated: 2026-05-31T05:40:23.000Z Welcome to Mains Excel Program 2026\. This initiative is aimed to help you get mains ready in next 75 days. As a special offer, we are providing this value-loaded course FREE of cost. Use coupon code **UPSCPREP100** to get this course FREE. **Link to enrol:** [Click here](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-mains-excel-program-2026/?ref=upscprep.com) (Coupon code: UPSCPREP100) [Click here](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1oecHnrcxnmyuwZLbAa0Pdix2EqAr-HwJKewLGW9eplc/edit?usp=sharing&ref=upscprep.com) to view the detailed day-by-day targets **Join our FREE UPSC Mains Community on telegram -** [**Click here**](https://telegram.me/+mpXbyXC-VWlhY2Vl?ref=upscprep.com) You will get further information in course portal after enrolment. > KINDLY REPLY "**RECEIVED**", if you've received this mail Best wishes. Regards, UPSCprep.com ### Mains Excel Program URL: https://www.upscprep.com/mains-excel-program/ Last updated: 2026-05-31T04:51:14.000Z Welcome to Mains Excel Program 2026\. This initiative is aimed to help you get mains ready in next 75 days. As a special offer, we are providing this value-loaded course FREE of cost. Use coupon code **UPSCPREP100** to get this course FREE. **Link to enrol:** [Click here](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-mains-excel-program-2026/?ref=upscprep.com) (Coupon code: UPSCPREP100) [Click here](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1oecHnrcxnmyuwZLbAa0Pdix2EqAr-HwJKewLGW9eplc/edit?usp=sharing&ref=upscprep.com) to view the detailed day-by-day targets **Join our FREE UPSC Mains Community on telegram -** [**Click here**](https://telegram.me/+mpXbyXC-VWlhY2Vl?ref=upscprep.com) You will get further information in course portal after enrolment. Best wishes. Regards, UPSCprep.com ### UPSC Prelims 2026 General Studies Paper I - D Set URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-prelims-2026-gs-1-question-paper/ Last updated: 2026-05-24T11:11:28.000Z **1\. Consider the following assertion:** In the Pleistocene period either the Yamuna once flowed into the Indus, or the Sutlej flowed into the Yamuna and one major tributary of either had shifted from the Ganga to the Indus or vice versa. Which of the following is/are the basis of the above assertion? 1\. The Nadi-Sukta of the Rigveda 2\. The explorations of the Sutlej and the Yamuna by Robert Bruce Foote 3\. The presence of the same species of dolphins in both the Indus and the Ganga river systems (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 2 (d) 3 **2\. What does an empty seat represent in early Buddhist iconography?** (a) The meditation of the Buddha (b) The Buddha's First Sermon (c) The Buddha's Mahaparinibbana (d) The Buddha's Mahabhinishkramana **3\. Which of the following pairs of ancient and modern names of rivers is/are correctly matched?** 1\. Vitasta : Chenab 2\. Asikni : Jhelum 3\. Parushni : Ravi 4\. Yavyavati : Beas (a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 and 4 (c) 3 only (d) 4 only **4\. Which of the following statements on the Amaravati Stupa and its relief sculpture is/are correct?** 1\. It was located in the lower Krishna valley. 2\. In India, it was next only to the Sanchi Stupa in size. 3\. The Amaravati school of sculpture made a lasting impact on the later South Indian sculpture, and its products were carried to Sri Lanka and South-east Asia. (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 **5\. Which of the following pairs of the king and his dynasty in early historical Tamilakam is/are NOT correctly matched?** 1\. Senguttuvan : Chera 2\. Udiyanjeral : Chola 3\. Nedunjeliyan : Pandya (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only **6\. Which of the following factors contributed to the formation of the Forward Bloc by Subhas Chandra Bose in 1939?** 1\. Bose failed to win the confidence of Mahatma Gandhi. 2\. The Congress Left was disunited and failed to support Bose. 3\. The Communists did not support Bose in his endeavours. 4\. The supporters of M.N. Roy and socialist leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan preferred Congress unity to supporting Bose. (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1, 2 and 4 (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 2 and 4 only **7\. Consider the following statements regarding the British policy in Awadh immediately after its annexation in 1856:** 1\. The taluqdars were dispossessed of their estates but allowed to retain their arms and forts. 2\. A Summary Revenue Settlement was made in 1856 assuming that the taluqdars were outsiders. 3\. The British believed in taking revenue directly from the peasants by removing the taluqdars. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 2 and 3 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 2 only **8\. Consider the following assertion:** The genesis of political alliances based on community lay in the very nature of the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms, 1919. Which of the following statements support/supports the above assertion? 1\. Reforms retained and extended the principle of separate electorates. 2\. Separate electorates were supposed to counter Indian nationalism, which was growing stronger. 3\. Deprived classes rallied around the favours inherent in separate electorates. (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 **9\. Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur, the famous classical singer from Karnataka, represented the:** (a) Agra Gharana (b) Gwalior Gharana (c) Patiala Gharana (d) Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana **10\. In which one among the following texts does the term kshetra-patni ('mistress of the field') originate?** (a) Rigveda (b) Atharvaveda (c) Ashtadhyayi (d) Arthashastra **11\. Which one of the following Carnatic music ragas is similar to Raga Bilawal in Hindustani music?** (a) Nat Bhairavi (b) Kamavardhini (c) Hanumatodi (d) Dheera Shankarabharanam **12\. The artificially fixed rupee-sterling exchange rate prescribed by the Hilton-Young Commission (1926) was adopted by the British Government for which one of the following reasons?** (a) Aiding the flow of remittances from India and maintaining India's creditworthiness (b) Providing support to Indian importers (c) Encouraging export of cotton produce from India (d) Preventing depreciation of the Rupee in terms of gold **13\. Consider the following statements:** I. Pali texts contain the first definite references to coins, e.g., kahapana, nikkha, kamsa, and kakanika. II. The literary evidence from Pali texts is corroborated by archaeological evidence of punch-marked coins from many sites, most of them made of silver. The above statements have been associated with which of the following? 1\. Emergence of urban life 2\. Transition to money economy (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 **14\. Which of the following temples has/have a Nagara-style shikhara?** 1\. Malegitti Shivalaya, Badami 2\. Huchimalligudi Temple, Aihole 3\. Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh 4\. Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 (c) 3 only (d) 3 and 4 **15\. Among the four main forms of existence of life recognized in Jainism, which one of the following is NOT included?** (a) Deva (gods) (b) Yaksha (demi-gods) (c) Manushya (humans) (d) Tiryancha (animals and plants) **16\. The Hallisalasya painting in the Bagh Caves represents:** (a) A joyous folk dance (b) Buddha in a meditative pose (c) The depiction of Shiva and Parvati on Kailasha (d) Samudramanthan (Churning of the Ocean) **17\. Consider the following statements relating to the use of the place-value system in India:** 1\. The earliest epigraphic use of the place-value system in India is found in the Mankani plates from Gujarat (AD 595-596). 2\. In the ninth century, place-values become general in inscriptions all over India. 3\. The place-values have been found in Sanskrit inscriptions in South-east Asia as early as the seventh century. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 **18\. Consider the following statements about the archaeological findings in Harappan towns:** I. There is wide occurrence of spindle-whorls in the houses but absence of spinning wheels. II. Weights and measurement scales, complete with graduations have been discovered. III. There are houses built in large part with baked bricks, around relatively spacious courtyards, with their own wells, bathing platforms, and large rooms. Which of the following inferences can be drawn from the above statements? 1\. Statement I suggests that spinning was a laborious activity done at home. 2\. Statement II suggests the extent of the scientific knowledge that the Harappans possessed. 3\. Statement III suggests the emergence of a common property system. (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 **19\. Which one of the following statements about the Eka Movement and Bardoli Satyagraha is correct?** (a) The Eka Movement was throughout supported and organized by the Congress while Bardoli Satyagraha was initially independent of Congress influence and was only in the last stages supported by the Congress. (b) The Eka Movement was provided leadership by the taluqdars of Awadh, whereas the Bardoli Satyagraha was a movement of the landless labourers. (c) The Bardoli Satyagraha was a campaign against the enhancement of land revenue, while the Eka Movement was a protest against excessive extraction of rents. (d) The Eka Movement was located in the Varanasi and Mirzapur districts of the present-day U.P., while the Bardoli Satyagraha took place in Saurashtra. **20\. Consider the following statements about the Rigvedic period:** I. Irrigation from wells allowed agriculture to expand away from flood plains and strips on river margins into the present Punjab and Haryana plains having underground water levels reasonably close to the surface. II. Draught-animal power was employed to draw up water out of the wells. Which of the following information support/supports the above statements? 1\. There is evidence in the Rigveda of the use of ashma chakra (stone pulley wheel) and ahava (strapped wooden pails) to draw up water. 2\. Mention has been made in the Rigveda of the use of implements like parashu/kulisha (axe) and datra/sreni (sickle). 3\. There is a history of the use of ox, even before the Rigveda, for ploughing the land and pulling the carts. (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 3 only **21\. Tungurahua Volcano, which was declared a Global Geopark by UNESCO in 2025, is situated in which one among the following countries?** (a) Ecuador (b) Peru (c) Bolivia (d) Colombia **22\. With reference to Madhav National Park, which of the following statements is/are correct?** 1\. It was declared a Tiger Reserve in India in 2025. 2\. Sakhya Sagar, which is designated as a Ramsar Site, is situated within this National Park. 3\. Its area is shared between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 only **23\. With reference to the climate of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which of the following statements is/are correct?** 1\. The climate can be defined as a humid, tropical coastal climate. 2\. It receives rainfall from both South-west monsoon and North-east monsoon. 3\. Maximum precipitation is between December and May. (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 only **24\. Which of the following geographical features or phenomena is/are associated with the Peninsular Block of India?** 1\. Submergence of parts of the western coast due to tectonic activity 2\. Presence of residual mountain ranges such as the Veliconda hills and Mahendragiri hills 3\. Deep, V-shaped river valleys formed by fast-flowing rivers (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 only **25\. Consider the following statements with reference to the Sagarmala Programme of the Government of India:** I. The Sagarmala Programme seeks to achieve port-led economic growth through cost-effective and sustainable coastal infrastructure. II. The success of the Sagarmala Programme is reflected in significant growth in coastal and inland waterway shipping, along with improved global port rankings. III. Sagarmala 2.0 aims to position India as a global maritime innovation hub aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047 visions. Which of the following relationships among the above statements is/are correct? 1\. Statement II validates the effectiveness of the strategies envisioned in statement I. 2\. Statement III extends the objectives of statement I by embedding them into a future-oriented innovation framework. 3\. Statement I contradicts statement III by focusing only on traditional infrastructure instead of modern innovation. (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 only **26\. Consider the following statements about Rhynchostylis retusa (Foxtail orchid):** 1\. It is an epiphytic orchid. 2\. The species is endemic to North-east India. 3\. It is the State flower of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 only **27\. Which one of the following statements with regard to the Moidams, built by the Tai-Ahom kingdom and inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is/are correct?** 1\. They acted as army fortresses. 2\. They were recreation centres of the Royals and Nobles. 3\. They were burial grounds of the Royals and Nobles. 4\. They were battle drill centres of the Royals and Nobles. (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 (c) 3 only (d) 2 and 4 **28\. At the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) held in June, 2025 in France, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) demonstrated its leading voice on marine and ocean issues, especially on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture for resilient livelihood and 'Blue Transformation'. Which of the following combinations about the 'Four Betters' proposed by FAO for 'Blue Transformation' is correct?** (a) Better production, better nutrition, better environment and better ocean (b) Better production, better nutrition, better environment and better life (c) Better coral reefs, better nutrition, better environment and better life (d) Better estuaries, better nutrition, better environment and better mangrove vegetation **29\. Which of the following statements with reference to Lake Turkana is/are correct?** 1\. It is the largest desert lake in the world. 2\. The lake is situated in South Sudan along the eastern fringe of the Sahara desert. 3\. The lake is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also referred to as the 'Jade Sea'. (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 **30\. Which one of the following is the first Plan Vivo certified Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) project in India?** (a) Uttarakhand REDD+ project (b) ICFRE-ICIMOD Transboundary REDD+ project in North-Eastern Himalayas (c) Khasi Hills Community REDD+ project (d) Sikkim Mamley Kamrang Community REDD+ project **31\. Consider the following statements with reference to India's response to climate change:** I. India's Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) is a crucial tool for achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. II. India's 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) submitted in December, 2024 recorded around 8% decrease in Greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 over 2019. III. Climate-resilient development necessarily depends on quick and short-term achievement of emission reduction targets. Which of the following relationships among the above statements is/are correct? 1\. Statement I is empirically supported by statement II. 2\. Statement III contradicts the approach implicit in statement I. 3\. Statement I and statement III together establish the premise of long-term sustainability. (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 only **32\. With respect to the Western Hoolock Gibbons, which of the following statements is/are correct?** 1\. A Sanctuary in North-east India is home to this ape species listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List. 2\. They have specialized brachiation and can easily swing between trees. 3\. They possess a strong and heavy build like gorillas, yet are remarkably agile tree climbers. (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 only **33\. Which of the following best explain(s) the rationale for protecting mangrove ecosystems in the context of climate resilience?** 1\. Mangroves reduce tidal energy and store freshwater, making them ideal sites for paddy cultivation in saline estuarine belts. 2\. Their salt-sensitive roots filter seawater, making mangroves key to converting coastal land into freshwater aquaculture zones. 3\. By withstanding tidal surges and offering biomass resources, mangroves function both as natural bio-shields and livelihood bases for rural communities. (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 only **34\. In what way(s) does the Vizhinjam International Seaport represent a structural shift in India's maritime trade and logistics policy?** 1\. By functioning exclusively as a domestic cargo hub to reduce reliance on coastal shipping and eliminate the need for foreign collaborations. 2\. By focusing primarily on passenger cruise tourism and heritage shipping to increase Kerala's profile as a maritime heritage destination. 3\. By leveraging its natural deep draft and strategic location to reduce dependence on foreign trans-shipment ports, enhance revenue retention, and reposition India in regional maritime trade. (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 only **35\. Identify the river of the Indian sub-continent on the basis of the following information:** 1\. It has an antecedent drainage system. 2\. It flows through three countries. 3\. It originates in the Tibetan Plateau and is an important river for irrigation. 4\. It does not form distributaries. (a) Brahmaputra (b) Indus (c) Sutlej (d) Teesta **36\. Which of the following with reference to Indian States is/are NOT correct?** 1\. Uttar Pradesh shares its boundary with the highest number of other Indian States. 2\. Rajasthan shares the longest international border among all Indian States. 3\. Sikkim is the only State that shares its boundary with just one other Indian State. (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 only **37\. Which of the following statements with regard to the arrival of Amur Falcons at Doyang Lake in Nagaland each year from Mongolia is/are correct?** 1\. It showcases how sustained local conservation efforts can contribute to the arrival and protection of international migratory birds. 2\. It reflects the global success of advanced tracking technologies that guide migratory birds back to their stopover sites. 3\. It confirms that Amur Falcons have adapted to permanent residency in India due to favourable habitat changes. (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 only **38\. Which among the following is/are the objective(s) of the Rainfed Area Development (RAD) initiative under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)?** 1\. Encouraging monoculture in rainfed areas 2\. Increasing rice cultivation in irrigated regions 3\. Enhancing productivity and minimising climatic risks through Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 only **39\. Which of the following is/are the most significant implication(s) of obtaining Oeko-Tex certification for Eri Silk in the global textile industry?** 1\. It allows Indian exporters to compete in high-end markets that prioritise chemical-free products. 2\. It confirms that Eri Silk meets international safety, environmental, and quality standards, enabling its entry into premium eco-conscious markets. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 **40\. Ships from which of the following countries have to cross the Strait of Hormuz to reach out to the Indian Ocean?** 1\. Bahrain 2\. Syria 3\. Qatar 4\. Egypt (a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 3 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 and 4 **41\. Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists:** List I (INTERPOL Notice) - List II (Description) A. Silver Notice - 1\. To seek information on unidentified bodies B. Blue Notice - 2\. To collect additional information about a person's identity, location, or activities in relation to a criminal investigation C. Black Notice - 3\. To provide warning about a person's criminal activities, where the person is considered to be a possible threat to public safety D. Green Notice - 4\. To identify and trace criminal assets (a) A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4 (b) A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4 (c) A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3 (d) A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3 **42\. Which of the following statements in relation to NIRANTAR (National Institute for Research and Application of Natural Resources to Transform, Adapt and Build Resilience), a platform under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, is/are correct?** 1\. Ecosystem Survey and Analysis is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata. 2\. Research and Management of Ecosystem Service is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi. 3\. Capacity Development Support is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal. (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 only (d) 3 only **43\. The Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany visited India in January, 2026\. Which of the following is/are NOT correct in terms of outcomes of this visit?** 1\. Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the All India Institute of Ayurveda and the University of Hamburg 2\. Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Youth Hockey Development between Hockey India and the German Hockey Federation 3\. Establishment of a bilateral dialogue mechanism on the Indo-Pacific 4\. Opening of an Honorary Consul of Germany in Lucknow (a) 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 4 (c) 3 and 4 (d) 1 only **44\. Which of the following statements about DHRUV64 is/are correct?** 1\. It is the third chip fabricated under the DIR-V Programme with an overall aim to enable the creation of microprocessors for India. 2\. It is India's first homegrown 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 **45\. The Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS) recently introduced a national standard to test and assess bomb disposal system. Which of the following statements with regard to this system is/are correct?** 1\. The new standard is known as IS 19445 : 2025. 2\. It will improve interoperability of equipment across agencies. 3\. It was developed by TBRL, DRDO in collaboration with the 30th Central Scientific Research Institute, Russia. (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1 only **46\. 'X', born in the UK, was conferred the Nobel Prize in 2025\. He was a professor in an American university when this prize was announced. Identify 'X':** (a) Michel H. Devoret (b) Richard Robson (c) John Clarke (d) Joel Mokyr **47\. Which of the following statements with regard to the Grand Slam Tennis Tournaments is/are correct?** 1\. The tournaments have a shared governance structure establishing the partnership among the four Grand Slam tournaments. 2\. They are open for entry to all internationally ranked tennis players above the age of 14. 3\. There is a limitation on the number of 'Wild Cards' a player may receive to compete in a Grand Slam Tournament. (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 **48\. Which one of the following pairs of semiconductor plants in India and their locations is NOT correctly matched?** (a) CG Power and Industrial Solutions Pvt. Ltd. in partnership with Renesas Electronics and STARS Microelectronics : Gujarat (b) Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt. Ltd. : Assam (c) HCL-Foxconn Joint Venture India Chip Ltd. : Madhya Pradesh (d) SicSem Pvt. Ltd. : Odisha **49\. Which of the following statements with regard to India's indigenous new high resolution weather model, the 'Bharat Forecast System,' is/are correct?** 1\. Its objective is to generate forecasts at the Panchayats cluster level. 2\. It was developed by IIT Delhi. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 **50\. Consider the following statements with regard to the film 'Boong':** 1\. The film has recently won the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Award in the Children's and Family Film category. 2\. The film is directed by Lakshmipriya Devi. 3\. This is the first Indian film to win a BAFTA award in the Children's and Family Film category. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 3 only **51\. Which of the following statements regarding the features of blockchain technology are correct?** 1\. Records stored in the database may be made visible to relevant stakeholders without risk of alteration. 2\. Copies of the entire database are stored on multiple computers on a network, syncing within seconds. 3\. Consortium blockchain is a blend of public and private blockchains allowing selective data access. 4\. Mathematical algorithms make it impossible to change or delete any data once recorded and accepted. (a) 1 and 3 (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 (d) 1 and 4 only **52\. An e-commerce revenue model where the seller has control over pricing but doesn't keep products in stock and instead transfers customer orders and shipment details to a third-party supplier, who then ships the goods directly to the customer, is called:** (a) Dropshipping Model (b) Affiliate Revenue Model (c) Transaction Fee Revenue Model (d) Agency Revenue Model **53\. Which one of the following correctly represents the three key sub-indices of the Financial Inclusion Index (FI-Index) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)?** (a) Credit access, Insurance depth, and Pension coverage (b) Banking access, GDP contribution, and Financial literacy (c) Access, Usage, and Quality (d) Access, Affordability, and Transparency **54\. Which one of the following best describes the key objective of India's 'Open Network for Digital Commerce' (ONDC) initiative?** (a) To allow government control over all digital commerce transactions (b) To replace private e-commerce players (c) To break the dominance of large e-commerce platforms by enabling interoperability across networks (d) To mandate UPI-based payments for all online transactions **55\. Which one of the following statements about Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Central Bank Digital Currency (Digital Rupee) is NOT correct?** (a) UPI is a real-time payment system but Digital Rupee is akin to sovereign paper currency. (b) In case of UPI, settlement for end users happens instantly as the money gets immediately debited or credited but in case of Digital Rupee, there is no settlement as the wallet balance gets transferred to another wallet. (c) UPI transactions are recorded by banks and reflected in bank statements but in case of Digital Rupee, no data is captured in bank statements as transactions are from one wallet to another. (d) In both the cases (UPI and Digital Rupee), the liability lies with the users and their respective banks. **56\. Which of the following statements about Real-World Assets (RWA) Tokenization are correct?** 1\. Tokenization is the process of turning real world assets into digital tokens using blockchain technology. 2\. Tokenization of real world assets offers 24x7 access, promoting financial inclusion. 3\. Tokenization of real world assets will allow the access to high growth investment opportunities for individuals in India. (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1 and 3 only **57\. A bond whose proceeds are used only to finance or refinance a combination of both environmental and social projects is called:** (a) Green Bond (b) Social Bond (c) Sustainability Bond (d) Sovereign Bond **58\. Which of the following statements about M1xchange's role in Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) financing is/are correct?** 1\. M1xchange provides collateral based loans to MSMEs. 2\. M1xchange facilitates discounting of invoices and Bills of Exchange for MSMEs. 3\. M1xchange functions as a credit rating agency for MSMEs. (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 only **59\. Which one of the following best describes the 'Crowding Out Effect' in the context of fiscal policy?** (a) A situation where private investment increases due to increased Government spending (b) A situation where Government borrowing leads to higher interest rates, which reduces private investment (c) A situation where an increase in taxes leads to increased private sector investment (d) A situation where Government spending has no impact on aggregate demand **60\. Which of the following statements about Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and Critical Minerals is/are correct?** 1\. Modern technological innovations including Artificial Intelligence, robotics and space exploration extensively utilise Rare Earth Elements (REEs). 2\. China has the highest share in mining of REEs followed by India. 3\. The Government of India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025 to establish a robust framework for self-reliance in the critical mineral sector. 4\. Rare Earth Elements are a set of 13 metallic elements. (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 3 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2 and 4 **61\. Which of the following statements about insurance in aviation sector is/are correct?** 1\. 'Aviation Hull Insurance' covers the physical aircraft, including the body, engine, and on-board equipment. 2\. Under the Montreal Convention, adopted in 1999 by over 130 countries, including India, airlines are strictly liable to pay compensation to the family/nominee of every deceased passenger without requiring the family to prove fault. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 **62\. Which of the following statements about Crowdfunding is/are correct?** 1\. Crowdfunding is solicitation of funds (small amount) from multiple investors through a web-based platform or social networking site for a specific project. 2\. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are able to raise funds at lower cost of capital without undergoing rigorous procedures. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 **63\. With reference to different Committees in India, consider the following details:** 1\. R.N. Malhotra Committee - Comprehensive reforms of Insurance Regulatory sector in India - Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India 2\. L.C. Gupta Committee - Preparing a roadmap for the introduction of derivatives trading in India - Securities and Exchange Board of India 3\. Urjit R. Patel Committee - Preparing a roadmap for reforming bank lending to the Housing sector - Reserve Bank of India 4\. Y.H. Malegam Committee - Preparing a roadmap for reforms in Microfinance sector in India - Reserve Bank of India In which of the above rows are all the details correctly matched? (a) 2 only (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 2 and 4 **64\. Consider the following statements about the Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in India:** 1\. NBFCs cannot accept demand deposits. 2\. All the NBFCs operating in India have to be registered with the RBI. 3\. NBFCs form part of the payment and settlement system and can issue cheque drawn on itself. 4\. Deposit insurance facility of Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) is not available to the depositors of deposit taking NBFCs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 4 (b) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 4 only (d) 2, 3 and 4 **65\. Consider the following statements about Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI):** 1\. MPI is calculated using Alkire-Foster methodology. 2\. MPI calculated by NITI Aayog has a total of twelve indicators. 3\. Maternal Health and Bank Account are common indicators in the MPI of NITI Aayog and MPI of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 2 only **66\. Which of the following statements with regard to genetic medicine is/are correct?** 1\. Genetic medicines correct/compensate for the faulty genes responsible for disease. 2\. Engineered viruses and lipid nanoparticles are used as carriers of the genetic medicine. 3\. Genetic medicines alter the entire DNA sequence. (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 **67\. Which of the following statements with regard to Large Language Models (LLMs) used in machine learning is/are correct?** 1\. LLMs assign probabilities to the next possible words and then pick the one with the highest probability. 2\. LLMs process data through mathematical optimization to minimise prediction errors. 3\. LLMs produce unbiased outputs. (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 **68\. Which of the following statements with regard to stealth technology is/are correct?** 1\. Stealth objects have a very small radar cross-section and are coated with Radar Absorbing Material. 2\. Stealth objects can be detected using specific frequencies. 3\. Stealth objects are coated with metamaterials to increase the scattering of electromagnetic radiation. (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 **69\. Which of the following statements with regard to Black Boxes used in modern aircrafts is/are correct?** 1\. They carry a beacon emitting red light pulses to facilitate underwater detection. 2\. They record both the cockpit voice and flight data. 3\. Their memory units are made using either stainless steel or titanium. (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 **70\. Which of the following statements with regard to Green Hydrogen is/are correct?** 1\. It is decarbonized hydrogen obtained from natural gas reforming combined with carbon capture and storage (CCS). 2\. It is produced using electrolysis of water with electricity generated by renewable energy. 3\. National Green Hydrogen Mission of India aims for abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 **71\. Consider the following statements with regard to involvement of private entities in India's space programme:** 1\. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) is an autonomous agency formed to facilitate participation of private entities. 2\. Agnikul Cosmos launched the world's first flight using 3D-printed rocket engine. 3\. Skyroot Aerospace has developed liquid fuel for GSLV. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 **72\. Which of the following statements with regard to drone swarms is/are correct?** 1\. They use Terahertz band of frequency to communicate with the command centre. 2\. Individual drones in the swarm can communicate with other drones in the swarm. 3\. GPS Spoofing is a commonly used technique to counter drone swarm attack. (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 **73\. Which of the following statements with regard to GenomeIndia Project is/are correct?** 1\. It is a part of the Human Genome Project. 2\. The project is funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India. 3\. Its primary aim is to build a catalogue of genetic diversity of the Indian population. (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 **74\. Which of the following statements with regard to the National Quantum Mission (NQM) is/are correct?** 1\. It aims at developing intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits. 2\. Its implementation includes setting up of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in academic and national R&D institutes across India. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 **75\. Which of the following statements with regard to India's Deep Ocean Mission is/are correct?** 1\. It was launched by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India. 2\. Matsya-6000 has been designed to carry 3 people for deep sea exploration. 3\. Samudrayaan is a project under this mission. (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 **76\. Mr. X, a senior officer, was overseeing a critical vaccination programme during a pandemic. He found that a private service provider responsible for vaccine distribution was compromising on quality to make profits. Despite immense pressure due to vested interests, he raised his voice based on the principles of public administration and reported the issue to the appropriate vigilance authority and halted the contract to ensure citizen welfare.** Which one among the following principles of public administration was most strongly demonstrated by Mr. X's actions? (a) Esprit de corps (b) Equity (c) Accountability (d) Delegation **77\. In a multi-ethnic district, a flashpoint has arisen with a Government decision to allocate land for a waste management facility near a tribal hamlet, sparking protests by the tribal community. As a responsible Government official tasked with resolving the situation, consider the following statements:** 1\. A successful conflict resolution process must begin with acknowledging the cultural concerns of the protesting tribal community before discussing technical alternatives. 2\. The Government should move ahead with the project without delay to address urban health concerns, which outweigh the sentiments of a small group. 3\. Creating a multi-stakeholder dialogue platform including tribal leaders, environmental experts, and municipal representatives to build mutual understanding and help de-escalate tensions. 4\. Conducting an independent Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and sharing findings transparently with both sides to facilitate evidence-based decision-making. Which of the statements given above would contribute to the resolution process? (a) 1, 3 and 4 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 **78\. Ms. X is a mid-level civil service official working in the urban development department of a major city. She received confidential information that one of the shortlisted contractors for a community park project had a history of poor workmanship and allegations of corruption, though nothing had been legally proven. The Head of the Department advised her not to disclose this information. However, Ms. X believed that withholding such information compromised transparency and public trust.** What amongst the following should Ms. X do now? 1\. Immediately disclose the information to the project committee and the public 2\. Recommend removing the contractor from the shortlist to protect the project's integrity 3\. Propose a 'limited disclosure' to an oversight committee, while keeping the information confidential from the public for the time being (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 **79\. 'X' was addressing a seminar on the meaning of the term 'law' as provided under Article 13, Part III of the Constitution of India. 'X' explained that the meaning of the term 'law' in the Constitution of India was very comprehensive. It included ordinances, orders and even rules and regulations. 'Y' pointed out that the term 'law' in Article 13 also included custom or usage having in the territory of India the force of law, to which 'X' was not convinced.** Based on the above, select the correct conclusion: (a) 'X' is correct in the interpretation of law, including the view on non-inclusion of custom. (b) The view of 'Y' that 'law' included custom is not correct. (c) The views of both 'X' and 'Y' are correct. (d) The view of only 'Y' is correct. **80\. Consider the following statements with reference to the Constitution of India:** 1\. There is no Article in the Constitution of India that specifies that the Constitution of India will be officially called the 'Constitution of India'. 2\. There is no Article in the Constitution of India that specifies that the Indian Independence Act, 1947 and the Government of India Act, 1935 stand repealed. 3\. There is no Article in the Constitution of India that mentions 26th January, 1950 as the date of the commencement of the Constitution of India. Which one of the following conclusions based on the above statements is correct? (a) All three statements are correct. (b) There is no correct statement. (c) There are two correct statements that include statement 3. (d) There is only one correct statement. **81\. Which of the following statements with regard to the persons with disabilities in India is/are correct?** 1\. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, an Act passed by the Parliament of India in 2018, mandates reservation in education and employment, places a legal duty on Governments to ensure accessibility and non-discrimination. 2\. The Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan focuses on achieving universal accessibility for Persons with Disabilities across three key domains - built infrastructure, transport systems and information and communication technology. 3\. The National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC) is a public sector organisation set up by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs as a not-for-profit company to promote entrepreneurship among Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1 only **82\. Consider the following statements about the provisions pertaining to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in India:** 1\. Provisions regarding the administration of the Tribal Areas in the States of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram are given in the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India. 2\. Some tribes of India are entitled to exemption from paying Income Tax on certain incomes. 3\. The Constitution of India provides for reservation of seats in Panchayats for women belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes. Which one of the following conclusions based on the above statements is correct? (a) There are two correct statements, that include statement 2. (b) There are two correct statements, that are statements 1 and 3. (c) There is only one correct statement. (d) All three statements are correct. **83\. Consider the following statements in respect of questions asked by the Members in the Parliament of India:** 1\. Unstarred questions are those to which a Member desires an oral answer in the House. 2\. Starred questions are those to which a Member desires a written answer. 3\. No supplementary question can be asked on an unstarred question. Which one of the following conclusions based on the above statements is correct? (a) All the three statements are correct. (b) There are two correct statements, that include statement 2. (c) There is only one correct statement. (d) There is no correct statement. **84\. Consider the following statements about the Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes of the Parliament of India:** 1\. Although members of this Committee are elected from both Houses of Parliament, the Chairperson of this Committee is appointed by the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. 2\. Twenty members are elected by the Rajya Sabha and ten members by the Lok Sabha. 3\. No Minister, except for the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, is eligible to be a member of this Committee. 4\. Members are elected for a fixed term of two years from the date they enter their office. Which one of the following conclusions based on the above statements is correct? (a) There are four correct statements. (b) There is only one correct statement, that is statement 2. (c) There are two correct statements, that include statement 1. (d) There is no correct statement. **85\. Consider the following statements about Mission Sudarshan Chakra of India:** 1\. It aims to enhance India's air defence, ballistic missile defence and aerial offensive capabilities. 2\. This Mission is being designed to enhance rapid, precise, and powerful defence responses, reinforcing India's strategic autonomy. 3\. One of the aims of this Mission is to cover all public places of India by an expanded nationwide security shield by 2035. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 only **86\. Consider the following statements about river bridges connecting India with neighbouring countries:** 1\. 'Maitri Setu', built over Feni river, connects Ramgarh in India with Sabroom in Bangladesh. 2\. Jhulaghat suspension bridge connects India with Myanmar. 3\. Mechi bridge and its approaches connect Panitanki Bypass in India with Kakarvitta in Nepal. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 only (d) 3 only **87\. Which of the following statements about a Zero First Information Report (Zero FIR) under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 is/are correct?** 1\. A Zero FIR can be lodged at a police station, even though the place of commission of a cognizable/non-cognizable offence is outside the territorial jurisdiction of that police station. 2\. The Officer-in-Charge of the police station where a Zero FIR has been lodged may, with the permission of the competent authority, initiate a preliminary enquiry. 3\. Under Zero FIR, it is obligatory for the informant to furnish information electronically. (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 only (d) 2 only **88\. With reference to the organisations under the Government of India, consider the following details:** 1\. Central Economic Intelligence Bureau (CEIB) - To coordinate between various law enforcement agencies - Ministry of Home Affairs 2\. Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) - To investigate complex corporate frauds - Ministry of Finance 3\. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) - To preserve values in public life and ensure the health of the national economy - Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension In how many of the above rows are the given details correctly matched? (a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) None **89\. Which of the following international conventions have NOT been ratified by India?** 1\. Employment Policy Convention 2\. Abolition of Forced Labour Convention 3\. International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families 4\. Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War 5\. Convention on Reduction of Statelessness (a) 2 and 4 (b) 1 and 2 (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 3, 4 and 5 **90\. Consider the following statements with respect to the AI Impact Summit, 2026 held in New Delhi:** 1\. The Summit's intellectual framework was based on three foundational Sutras: People, Planning, and Progress. 2\. The Preamble of the Summit stresses Democratising AI Resources, which acknowledges the Charter for Democratic Diffusion of AI as a binding framework to support locally relevant innovation and strengthen resilient AI ecosystems while respecting national laws. 3\. The New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact was structured around seven Chakras (Pillars), which included Access for Social Empowerment, AI for Science, and Secure and Trusted AI. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 3 only **91\. Which of the following connectivity projects is/are a part of cooperation between India and the ASEAN member countries?** 1\. Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project 2\. IMT Trilateral Highway 3\. Agartala-Akhaura Rail Line (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 (d) 2 only **92\. Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists:** List I (Project Supported by India) - List II (Country) A. Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project - 1\. Maldives B. Restoration of Stor Palace - 2\. Afghanistan C. District Hospital at Dickoya - 3\. Bhutan D. Institute of Security and Law Enforcement Studies - 4\. Sri Lanka (a) A-1, B-4, C-2, D-3 (b) A-3, B-2, C-4, D-1 (c) A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1 (d) A-1, B-2, C-4, D-3 **93\. Which of the following items of defence hardware is/are manufactured in India?** 1\. Su-30 MKI Fighter Jets 2\. T-90 MK-III Tanks 3\. Akula Class Submarine (a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 3 (c) 1 only (d) 2 only **94\. Consider the following statements about platforms for multilateral co-operation:** 1\. The 'Colombo Process' is a regional consultative process in which member states take binding decisions by consensus. 2\. The 'Abu Dhabi Dialogue' is a voluntary non-binding consultative process among Asian countries of labour origin and destination to facilitate regional cooperation on contractual labour mobility. 3\. The 'Global Forum for Migration and Development', created upon the proposal of a former UN Secretary General, is a voluntary forum whose decisions are non-binding in nature. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 2 only **95\. Consider the following UN organisations/agencies:** 1\. World Food Programme 2\. United Nations Children's Fund 3\. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees 4\. International Labour Organisation How many of the above has/have been awarded the Nobel Prize twice? (a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4 **96\. Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists:** List I (UN Peacekeeping Operation) - List II (Period of Operation) A. UNMIL - 1\. 2007-2010 B. MINURCAT - 2\. 2002-2005 C. MINUSTAH - 3\. 2003-2018 D. UNMISET - 4\. 2004-2017 (a) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2 (b) A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2 (c) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3 (d) A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3 **97\. Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists:** List I (BIMSTEC Centre/Establishment) - List II (Location) A. BIMSTEC Cultural Industries Observatory - 1\. NOIDA B. BIMSTEC Energy Centre - 2\. Bengaluru C. BIMSTEC Centre for Weather and Climate - 3\. Colombo D. BIMSTEC Technology Transfer Facility - 4\. Thimphu (a) A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4 (b) A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4 (c) A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3 (d) A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3 **98\. Which one of the following pairs is NOT correctly matched?** (Indian Army Corps - Headquarters) (a) 3 Corps : Dimapur (b) 4 Corps : Tezpur (c) 14 Corps : Leh (d) 33 Corps : Srinagar **99\. Which of the following statements with respect to the Revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) is/are correct?** 1\. The period of its implementation is 1st April, 2021 to 31st March, 2026. 2\. The key objective of the Revamped RGSA is to develop the governance capabilities of the Panchayati Raj Institutions to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals. 3\. The share of the Central funding for the Revamped RGSA is 100% for all States and Union Territories. (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 2 and 3 **100\. Which of the following countries are members of the European Union?** 1\. Belarus 2\. Poland 3\. Germany 4\. Switzerland (a) 1, 2 and 4 (b) 1 and 4 only (c) 2 and 3 (d) 2 and 4 only ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 142 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-142/ Last updated: 2026-05-23T14:17:34.000Z ### **23 May, 2026** May 23: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) - [April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-119/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-120/) - [2 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-121/) - [3 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-122/) - [4 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-123/) - [5 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-124/) - [6 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-125/) - [7 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-126/) - [8 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-127/) - [9 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-128/) - [10 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-129/) - [11 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-130/) - [12 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-131/) - [13 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-132/) - [14 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-133/) - [15 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-134/) - [16 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-135/) - [17 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-136/) - [18 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-137/) - [19 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-138/) - [20 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-139/) - [21 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-140/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 141 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-141/ Last updated: 2026-05-22T14:17:01.000Z ### **22 May, 2026** May 22: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) - [April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-119/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-120/) - [2 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-121/) - [3 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-122/) - [4 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-123/) - [5 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-124/) - [6 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-125/) - [7 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-126/) - [8 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-127/) - [9 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-128/) - [10 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-129/) - [11 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-130/) - [12 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-131/) - [13 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-132/) - [14 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-133/) - [15 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-134/) - [16 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-135/) - [17 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-136/) - [18 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-137/) - [19 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-138/) - [20 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-139/) - [21 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-140/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 140 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-140/ Last updated: 2026-05-21T14:17:26.000Z ### **21 May, 2026** May 21: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) - [April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-119/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-120/) - [2 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-121/) - [3 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-122/) - [4 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-123/) - [5 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-124/) - [6 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-125/) - [7 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-126/) - [8 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-127/) - [9 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-128/) - [10 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-129/) - [11 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-130/) - [12 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-131/) - [13 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-132/) - [14 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-133/) - [15 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-134/) - [16 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-135/) - [17 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-136/) - [18 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-137/) - [19 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-138/) - [20 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-139/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 139 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-139/ Last updated: 2026-05-20T14:17:36.000Z ### **20 May, 2026** May 20: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) - [April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-119/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-120/) - [2 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-121/) - [3 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-122/) - [4 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-123/) - [5 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-124/) - [6 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-125/) - [7 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-126/) - [8 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-127/) - [9 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-128/) - [10 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-129/) - [11 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-130/) - [12 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-131/) - [13 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-132/) - [14 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-133/) - [15 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-134/) - [16 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-135/) - [17 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-136/) - [18 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-137/) - [19 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-138/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 138 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-138/ Last updated: 2026-05-19T14:17:09.000Z ### **19 May, 2026** May 19: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) - [April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-119/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-120/) - [2 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-121/) - [3 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-122/) - [4 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-123/) - [5 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-124/) - [6 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-125/) - [7 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-126/) - [8 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-127/) - [9 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-128/) - [10 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-129/) - [11 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-130/) - [12 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-131/) - [13 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-132/) - [14 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-133/) - [15 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-134/) - [16 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-135/) - [17 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-136/) - [18 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-137/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 137 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-137/ Last updated: 2026-05-18T14:17:37.000Z ### **18 May, 2026** May 18: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) - [April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-119/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-120/) - [2 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-121/) - [3 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-122/) - [4 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-123/) - [5 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-124/) - [6 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-125/) - [7 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-126/) - [8 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-127/) - [9 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-128/) - [10 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-129/) - [11 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-130/) - [12 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-131/) - [13 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-132/) - [14 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-133/) - [15 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-134/) - [16 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-135/) - [17 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-136/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 136 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-136/ Last updated: 2026-05-17T14:17:17.000Z ### **17 May, 2026** May 17: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) - [April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-119/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-120/) - [2 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-121/) - [3 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-122/) - [4 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-123/) - [5 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-124/) - [6 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-125/) - [7 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-126/) - [8 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-127/) - [9 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-128/) - [10 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-129/) - [11 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-130/) - [12 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-131/) - [13 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-132/) - [14 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-133/) - [15 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-134/) - [16 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-135/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 135 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-135/ Last updated: 2026-05-16T14:17:48.000Z ### **16 May, 2026** May 16: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) - [April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-119/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-120/) - [2 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-121/) - [3 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-122/) - [4 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-123/) - [5 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-124/) - [6 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-125/) - [7 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-126/) - [8 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-127/) - [9 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-128/) - [10 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-129/) - [11 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-130/) - [12 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-131/) - [13 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-132/) - [14 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-133/) - [15 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-134/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 134 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-134/ Last updated: 2026-05-15T14:17:24.000Z ### **15 May, 2026** May 15: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) - [April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-119/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-120/) - [2 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-121/) - [3 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-122/) - [4 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-123/) - [5 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-124/) - [6 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-125/) - [7 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-126/) - [8 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-127/) - [9 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-128/) - [10 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-129/) - [11 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-130/) - [12 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-131/) - [13 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-132/) - [14 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-133/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 133 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-133/ Last updated: 2026-05-14T14:17:58.000Z ### **14 May, 2026** May 14: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) - [April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-119/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-120/) - [2 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-121/) - [3 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-122/) - [4 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-123/) - [5 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-124/) - [6 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-125/) - [7 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-126/) - [8 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-127/) - [9 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-128/) - [10 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-129/) - [11 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-130/) - [12 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-131/) - [13 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-132/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 132 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-132/ Last updated: 2026-05-13T14:17:40.000Z ### **13 May, 2026** May 13: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) - [April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-119/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-120/) - [2 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-121/) - [3 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-122/) - [4 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-123/) - [5 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-124/) - [6 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-125/) - [7 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-126/) - [8 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-127/) - [9 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-128/) - [10 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-129/) - [11 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-130/) - [12 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-131/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 131 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-131/ Last updated: 2026-05-12T14:17:18.000Z ### **12 May, 2026** May 12: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) - [April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-119/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-120/) - [2 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-121/) - [3 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-122/) - [4 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-123/) - [5 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-124/) - [6 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-125/) - [7 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-126/) - [8 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-127/) - [9 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-128/) - [10 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-129/) - [11 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-130/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 130 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-130/ Last updated: 2026-05-11T14:17:44.000Z ### **11 May, 2026** May 11: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) - [April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-119/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-120/) - [2 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-121/) - [3 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-122/) - [4 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-123/) - [5 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-124/) - [6 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-125/) - [7 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-126/) - [8 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-127/) - [9 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-128/) - [10 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-129/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 129 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-129/ Last updated: 2026-05-10T14:17:16.000Z ### **10 May, 2026** May 10: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) - [April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-119/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-120/) - [2 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-121/) - [3 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-122/) - [4 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-123/) - [5 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-124/) - [6 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-125/) - [7 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-126/) - [8 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-127/) - [9 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-128/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 128 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-128/ Last updated: 2026-05-09T14:17:51.000Z ### **9 May, 2026** May 09: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) - [April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-119/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-120/) - [2 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-121/) - [3 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-122/) - [4 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-123/) - [5 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-124/) - [6 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-125/) - [7 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-126/) - [8 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-127/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 127 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-127/ Last updated: 2026-05-08T14:17:34.000Z ### **8 May, 2026** May 08: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) - [April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-119/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-120/) - [2 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-121/) - [3 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-122/) - [4 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-123/) - [5 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-124/) - [6 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-125/) - [7 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-126/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 126 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-126/ Last updated: 2026-05-07T14:16:59.000Z ### **7 May, 2026** May 07: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) - [April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-119/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-120/) - [2 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-121/) - [3 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-122/) - [4 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-123/) - [5 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-124/) - [6 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-125/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 125 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-125/ Last updated: 2026-05-06T14:17:36.000Z ### **6 May, 2026** May 06: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) - [April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-119/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-120/) - [2 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-121/) - [3 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-122/) - [4 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-123/) - [5 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-124/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 124 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-124/ Last updated: 2026-05-05T14:17:11.000Z ### **5 May, 2026** May 05: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) - [April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-119/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-120/) - [2 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-121/) - [3 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-122/) - [4 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-123/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 123 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-123/ Last updated: 2026-05-04T14:17:38.000Z ### **4 May, 2026** May 04: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) - [April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-119/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-120/) - [2 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-121/) - [3 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-122/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 122 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-122/ Last updated: 2026-05-03T14:17:17.000Z ### **3 May, 2026** May 03: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) - [April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-119/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-120/) - [2 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-121/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 121 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-121/ Last updated: 2026-05-02T14:17:49.000Z ### **2 May, 2026** May 02: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) - [April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-119/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 May, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-120/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 120 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-120/ Last updated: 2026-05-01T14:17:05.000Z ### **1 May, 2026** May 01: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) - [April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-119/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 119 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-119/ Last updated: 2026-04-30T14:17:25.000Z ### **30 April, 2026** April 30: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2027-1.png) #### UPSC Essential 2027 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2027-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-90/) - [2 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-91/) - [3 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-92/) - [4 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-93/) - [5 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-94/) - [6 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-95/) - [7 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-96/) - [8 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-97/) - [9 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-98/) - [10 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-99/) - [11 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-100/) - [12 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-101/) - [13 April, 2o26](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-102/) - [14 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-103/) - [15 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-104/) - [16 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-105/) - [17 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-106/) - [18 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-107/) - [19 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-108/) - [20 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-109/) - [21 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-110/) - [22 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-111/) - [23 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-112/) - [24 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-113/) - [25 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-114/) - [26 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-115/) - [27 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-116/) - [28 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-117/) - [29 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-118/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 118 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-118/ Last updated: 2026-04-29T14:17:06.000Z ### **29 April, 2026** April 29: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Mains-Test-series-2026.png) #### Mains Test Series 2026 + Mentorship Not just a test series but complete guide to Mains Answer Writing [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-test-series-2026-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-90/) - [2 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-91/) - [3 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-92/) - [4 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-93/) - [5 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-94/) - [6 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-95/) - [7 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-96/) - [8 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-97/) - [9 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-98/) - [10 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-99/) - [11 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-100/) - [12 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-101/) - [13 April, 2o26](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-102/) - [14 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-103/) - [15 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-104/) - [16 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-105/) - [17 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-106/) - [18 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-107/) - [19 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-108/) - [20 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-109/) - [21 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-110/) - [22 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-111/) - [23 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-112/) - [24 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-113/) - [25 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-114/) - [26 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-115/) - [27 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-116/) - [28 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-117/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 117 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-117/ Last updated: 2026-04-28T14:17:32.000Z ### **28 April, 2026** April 28: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Prelims-360.png) #### Prelims 360 (GS + CSAT) with Mentorship 10% discount to existing students [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-360-gs-csat-with-mentorship-xudt6ay9u4pr/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-90/) - [2 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-91/) - [3 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-92/) - [4 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-93/) - [5 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-94/) - [6 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-95/) - [7 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-96/) - [8 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-97/) - [9 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-98/) - [10 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-99/) - [11 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-100/) - [12 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-101/) - [13 April, 2o26](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-102/) - [14 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-103/) - [15 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-104/) - [16 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-105/) - [17 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-106/) - [18 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-107/) - [19 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-108/) - [20 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-109/) - [21 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-110/) - [22 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-111/) - [23 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-112/) - [24 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-113/) - [25 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-114/) - [26 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-115/) - [27 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-116/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 116 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-116/ Last updated: 2026-04-27T14:17:56.000Z ### **27 April, 2026** April 27: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Prelims-SIP.png) #### Prelims SIP (Strategic Intensive Practice) Practice 6000+ Questions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-sip/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-90/) - [2 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-91/) - [3 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-92/) - [4 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-93/) - [5 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-94/) - [6 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-95/) - [7 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-96/) - [8 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-97/) - [9 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-98/) - [10 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-99/) - [11 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-100/) - [12 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-101/) - [13 April, 2o26](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-102/) - [14 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-103/) - [15 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-104/) - [16 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-105/) - [17 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-106/) - [18 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-107/) - [19 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-108/) - [20 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-109/) - [21 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-110/) - [22 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-111/) - [23 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-112/) - [24 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-113/) - [25 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-114/) - [26 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-115/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 115 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-115/ Last updated: 2026-04-26T14:17:23.000Z ### **26 April, 2026** April 26: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/03/640a36e5c67b4530b98b28d6f6e6be89.png) #### PSIR Optional + Mentorship without Test Series Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-without-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-90/) - [2 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-91/) - [3 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-92/) - [4 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-93/) - [5 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-94/) - [6 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-95/) - [7 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-96/) - [8 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-97/) - [9 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-98/) - [10 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-99/) - [11 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-100/) - [12 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-101/) - [13 April, 2o26](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-102/) - [14 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-103/) - [15 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-104/) - [16 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-105/) - [17 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-106/) - [18 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-107/) - [19 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-108/) - [20 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-109/) - [21 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-110/) - [22 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-111/) - [23 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-112/) - [24 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-113/) - [25 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-114/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 114 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-114/ Last updated: 2026-04-25T14:17:56.000Z ### **25 April, 2026** April 25: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2027-1.png) #### UPSC Essential 2027 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2027-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-90/) - [2 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-91/) - [3 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-92/) - [4 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-93/) - [5 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-94/) - [6 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-95/) - [7 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-96/) - [8 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-97/) - [9 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-98/) - [10 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-99/) - [11 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-100/) - [12 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-101/) - [13 April, 2o26](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-102/) - [14 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-103/) - [15 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-104/) - [16 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-105/) - [17 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-106/) - [18 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-107/) - [19 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-108/) - [20 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-109/) - [21 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-110/) - [22 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-111/) - [23 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-112/) - [24 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-113/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 113 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-113/ Last updated: 2026-04-24T14:17:12.000Z ### **24 April, 2026** April 24: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/03/640a36e5c67b4530b98b28d6f6e6be89.png) #### PSIR Optional + Mentorship without Test Series Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-without-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-90/) - [2 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-91/) - [3 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-92/) - [4 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-93/) - [5 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-94/) - [6 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-95/) - [7 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-96/) - [8 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-97/) - [9 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-98/) - [10 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-99/) - [11 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-100/) - [12 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-101/) - [13 April, 2o26](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-102/) - [14 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-103/) - [15 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-104/) - [16 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-105/) - [17 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-106/) - [18 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-107/) - [19 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-108/) - [20 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-109/) - [21 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-110/) - [22 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-111/) - [23 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-112/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 112 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-112/ Last updated: 2026-04-23T14:17:45.000Z ### **23 April, 2026** April 23: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Mains-Test-series-2026.png) #### Mains Test Series 2026 + Mentorship Not just a test series but complete guide to Mains Answer Writing [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-test-series-2026-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-90/) - [2 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-91/) - [3 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-92/) - [4 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-93/) - [5 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-94/) - [6 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-95/) - [7 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-96/) - [8 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-97/) - [9 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-98/) - [10 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-99/) - [11 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-100/) - [12 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-101/) - [13 April, 2o26](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-102/) - [14 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-103/) - [15 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-104/) - [16 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-105/) - [17 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-106/) - [18 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-107/) - [19 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-108/) - [20 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-109/) - [21 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-110/) - [22 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-111/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 111 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-111/ Last updated: 2026-04-22T14:17:21.000Z ### **22 April, 2026** April 22: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Prelims-360.png) #### Prelims 360 (GS + CSAT) with Mentorship 10% discount to existing students [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-360-gs-csat-with-mentorship-xudt6ay9u4pr/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-90/) - [2 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-91/) - [3 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-92/) - [4 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-93/) - [5 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-94/) - [6 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-95/) - [7 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-96/) - [8 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-97/) - [9 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-98/) - [10 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-99/) - [11 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-100/) - [12 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-101/) - [13 April, 2o26](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-102/) - [14 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-103/) - [15 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-104/) - [16 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-105/) - [17 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-106/) - [18 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-107/) - [19 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-108/) - [20 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-109/) - [21 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-110/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 110 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-110/ Last updated: 2026-04-21T14:17:44.000Z ### **21 April, 2026** April 21: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/03/640a36e5c67b4530b98b28d6f6e6be89.png) #### PSIR Optional + Mentorship without Test Series Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-without-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-90/) - [2 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-91/) - [3 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-92/) - [4 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-93/) - [5 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-94/) - [6 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-95/) - [7 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-96/) - [8 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-97/) - [9 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-98/) - [10 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-99/) - [11 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-100/) - [12 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-101/) - [13 April, 2o26](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-102/) - [14 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-103/) - [15 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-104/) - [16 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-105/) - [17 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-106/) - [18 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-107/) - [19 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-108/) - [20 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-109/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 109 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-109/ Last updated: 2026-04-20T14:17:45.000Z ### **20 April, 2026** April 20: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/03/1211f9828f9b4276aedcbc4d1961c8d1.png) #### PSIR Optional + Mentorship with Test Series This course is designed for serious UPSC aspirants who want conceptual clarity, structured preparation, and strong answer-writing skills without feeling overwhelmed. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-with-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-90/) - [2 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-91/) - [3 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-92/) - [4 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-93/) - [5 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-94/) - [6 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-95/) - [7 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-96/) - [8 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-97/) - [9 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-98/) - [10 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-99/) - [11 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-100/) - [12 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-101/) - [13 April, 2o26](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-102/) - [14 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-103/) - [15 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-104/) - [16 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-105/) - [17 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-106/) - [18 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-107/) - [19 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-108/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 108 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-108/ Last updated: 2026-04-19T14:17:51.000Z ### **19 April, 2026** April 19: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2028.png) #### UPSC Essential 2028 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2028-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-90/) - [2 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-91/) - [3 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-92/) - [4 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-93/) - [5 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-94/) - [6 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-95/) - [7 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-96/) - [8 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-97/) - [9 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-98/) - [10 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-99/) - [11 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-100/) - [12 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-101/) - [13 April, 2o26](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-102/) - [14 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-103/) - [15 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-104/) - [16 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-105/) - [17 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-106/) - [18 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-107/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 107 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-107/ Last updated: 2026-04-18T14:17:34.000Z ### **18 April, 2026** April 18: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2027-1.png) #### UPSC Essential 2027 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2027-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-90/) - [2 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-91/) - [3 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-92/) - [4 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-93/) - [5 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-94/) - [6 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-95/) - [7 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-96/) - [8 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-97/) - [9 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-98/) - [10 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-99/) - [11 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-100/) - [12 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-101/) - [13 April, 2o26](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-102/) - [14 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-103/) - [15 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-104/) - [16 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-105/) - [17 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-106/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 106 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-106/ Last updated: 2026-04-17T14:17:08.000Z ### **17 April, 2026** April 17: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/03/640a36e5c67b4530b98b28d6f6e6be89.png) #### PSIR Optional + Mentorship without Test Series Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-without-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-90/) - [2 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-91/) - [3 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-92/) - [4 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-93/) - [5 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-94/) - [6 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-95/) - [7 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-96/) - [8 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-97/) - [9 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-98/) - [10 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-99/) - [11 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-100/) - [12 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-101/) - [13 April, 2o26](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-102/) - [14 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-103/) - [15 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-104/) - [16 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-105/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 105 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-105/ Last updated: 2026-04-16T14:17:58.000Z ### **16 April, 2026** April 16: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/03/1211f9828f9b4276aedcbc4d1961c8d1.png) #### PSIR Optional + Mentorship with Test Series This course is designed for serious UPSC aspirants who want conceptual clarity, structured preparation, and strong answer-writing skills without feeling overwhelmed. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-with-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-90/) - [2 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-91/) - [3 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-92/) - [4 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-93/) - [5 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-94/) - [6 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-95/) - [7 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-96/) - [8 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-97/) - [9 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-98/) - [10 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-99/) - [11 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-100/) - [12 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-101/) - [13 April, 2o26](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-102/) - [14 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-103/) - [15 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-104/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 104 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-104/ Last updated: 2026-04-15T14:17:17.000Z ### **15 April, 2026** April 15: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Prelims-360.png) #### Prelims 360 (GS + CSAT) with Mentorship 10% discount to existing students [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-360-gs-csat-with-mentorship-xudt6ay9u4pr/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-90/) - [2 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-91/) - [3 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-92/) - [4 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-93/) - [5 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-94/) - [6 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-95/) - [7 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-96/) - [8 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-97/) - [9 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-98/) - [10 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-99/) - [11 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-100/) - [12 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-101/) - [13 April, 2o26](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-102/) - [14 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-103/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 103 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-103/ Last updated: 2026-04-14T14:17:06.000Z ### **14 April, 2026** April 14: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Prelims-SIP.png) #### Prelims SIP (Strategic Intensive Practice) Practice 6000+ Questions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-sip/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-90/) - [2 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-91/) - [3 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-92/) - [4 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-93/) - [5 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-94/) - [6 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-95/) - [7 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-96/) - [8 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-97/) - [9 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-98/) - [10 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-99/) - [11 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-100/) - [12 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-101/) - [13 April, 2o26](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-102/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 102 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-102/ Last updated: 2026-04-13T14:17:31.000Z ### **13 April, 2026** April 13: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/03/640a36e5c67b4530b98b28d6f6e6be89.png) #### PSIR Optional + Mentorship without Test Series Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-without-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-90/) - [2 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-91/) - [3 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-92/) - [4 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-93/) - [5 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-94/) - [6 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-95/) - [7 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-96/) - [8 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-97/) - [9 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-98/) - [10 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-99/) - [11 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-100/) - [12 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-101/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 101 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-101/ Last updated: 2026-04-12T14:17:48.000Z ### **12 April, 2026** April 12: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2028.png) #### UPSC Essential 2028 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2028-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-90/) - [2 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-91/) - [3 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-92/) - [4 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-93/) - [5 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-94/) - [6 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-95/) - [7 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-96/) - [8 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-97/) - [9 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-98/) - [10 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-99/) - [11 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-100/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 100 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-100/ Last updated: 2026-04-11T14:17:12.000Z ### **11 April, 2026** April 11: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2027-1.png) #### UPSC Essential 2027 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2027-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-90/) - [2 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-91/) - [3 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-92/) - [4 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-93/) - [5 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-94/) - [6 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-95/) - [7 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-96/) - [8 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-97/) - [9 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-98/) - [10 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-99/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 99 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-99/ Last updated: 2026-04-10T14:17:41.000Z ### **10 April, 2026** April 10: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Ace-the-Essay.png) #### Ace the Essay (With Abhijeet Yadav Sir) A comprehensive course to MASTER the ART AND CRAFT OF ESSAY WRITING (Self-Paced) [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/ace-the-essay-with-abhijeet-yadav-sir/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-90/) - [2 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-91/) - [3 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-92/) - [4 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-93/) - [5 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-94/) - [6 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-95/) - [7 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-96/) - [8 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-97/) - [9 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-98/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 98 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-98/ Last updated: 2026-04-09T14:17:17.000Z ### **9 April, 2026** April 9: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Mains-Test-series-2026.png) #### Mains Test Series 2026 + Mentorship Not just a test series but complete guide to Mains Answer Writing [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-test-series-2026-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-90/) - [2 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-91/) - [3 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-92/) - [4 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-93/) - [5 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-94/) - [6 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-95/) - [7 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-96/) - [8 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-97/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 97 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-97/ Last updated: 2026-04-08T15:07:27.000Z ### **8 April, 2026** April 8: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Prelims-360.png) #### Prelims 360 (GS + CSAT) with Mentorship 10% discount to existing students [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-360-gs-csat-with-mentorship-xudt6ay9u4pr/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-90/) - [2 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-91/) - [3 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-92/) - [4 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-93/) - [5 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-94/) - [6 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-95/) - [7 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-96/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 96 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-96/ Last updated: 2026-04-07T14:17:32.000Z ### **7 April, 2026** April 7: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Prelims-SIP.png) #### Prelims SIP (Strategic Intensive Practice) Practice 6000+ Questions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-sip/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-90/) - [2 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-91/) - [3 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-92/) - [4 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-93/) - [5 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-94/) - [6 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-95/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 95 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-95/ Last updated: 2026-04-06T14:17:47.000Z ### **6 April, 2026** April 6: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/CSAT-Test-Series.png) #### CSAT Test Series 10 CSAT tests with solutions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/csat-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-90/) - [2 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-91/) - [3 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-92/) - [4 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-93/) - [5 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-94/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 94 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-94/ Last updated: 2026-04-05T14:17:23.000Z ### **5 April, 2026** April 5: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2028.png) #### UPSC Essential 2028 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2028-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-90/) - [2 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-91/) - [3 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-92/) - [4 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-93/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 93 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-93/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T14:17:00.000Z ### **4 April, 2026** April 4: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2027-1.png) #### UPSC Essential 2027 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2027-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-90/) - [2 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-91/) - [3 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-92/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 92 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-92/ Last updated: 2026-04-03T14:17:40.000Z ### **3 April, 2026** April 3: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Ace-the-Essay.png) #### Ace the Essay (With Abhijeet Yadav Sir) A comprehensive course to MASTER the ART AND CRAFT OF ESSAY WRITING (Self-Paced) [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/ace-the-essay-with-abhijeet-yadav-sir/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-90/) - [2 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-91/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 91 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-91/ Last updated: 2026-04-02T14:17:20.000Z ### **2 April, 2026** April 2: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Mains-Test-series-2026.png) #### Mains Test Series 2026 + Mentorship Not just a test series but complete guide to Mains Answer Writing [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-test-series-2026-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 April, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-90/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 90 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-90/ Last updated: 2026-04-01T14:17:56.000Z ### **1 April, 2026** April 1: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Prelims-360.png) #### Prelims 360 (GS + CSAT) with Mentorship 10% discount to existing students [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-360-gs-csat-with-mentorship-xudt6ay9u4pr/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) - [March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 89 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-89/ Last updated: 2026-03-31T14:17:07.000Z ### **31 March, 2026** March 31: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/03/640a36e5c67b4530b98b28d6f6e6be89.png) #### PSIR Optional + Mentorship without Test Series Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-without-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-59/) - [2 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-60/) - [3 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-61/) - [4 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-62/) - [5 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-63/) - [6 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-64/) - [7 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-65/) - [8 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-66/) - [9 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-67/) - [10 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-68/) - [11 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-69/) - [12 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-70/) - [13 March, 2o26](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-71/) - [14 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-72/) - [15 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-73/) - [16 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-74/) - [17 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-75/) - [18 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-76/) - [19 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-77/) - [20 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-78/) - [21 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-79/) - [22 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-80/) - [23 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-81/) - [24 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-82/) - [25 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-83/) - [26 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-84/) - [27 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-85/) - [28 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-86/) - [29 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-87/) - [30 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-88/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 88 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-88/ Last updated: 2026-03-30T14:17:46.000Z ### **30 March, 2026** March 30: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2028.png) #### UPSC Essential 2028 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2028-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-59/) - [2 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-60/) - [3 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-61/) - [4 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-62/) - [5 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-63/) - [6 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-64/) - [7 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-65/) - [8 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-66/) - [9 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-67/) - [10 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-68/) - [11 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-69/) - [12 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-70/) - [13 March, 2o26](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-71/) - [14 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-72/) - [15 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-73/) - [16 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-74/) - [17 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-75/) - [18 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-76/) - [19 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-77/) - [20 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-78/) - [21 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-79/) - [22 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-80/) - [23 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-81/) - [24 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-82/) - [25 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-83/) - [26 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-84/) - [27 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-85/) - [28 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-86/) - [29 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-87/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 87 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-87/ Last updated: 2026-03-29T14:17:58.000Z ### **29 March, 2026** March 29: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2027-1.png) #### UPSC Essential 2027 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2027-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-59/) - [2 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-60/) - [3 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-61/) - [4 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-62/) - [5 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-63/) - [6 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-64/) - [7 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-65/) - [8 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-66/) - [9 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-67/) - [10 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-68/) - [11 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-69/) - [12 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-70/) - [13 March, 2o26](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-71/) - [14 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-72/) - [15 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-73/) - [16 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-74/) - [17 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-75/) - [18 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-76/) - [19 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-77/) - [20 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-78/) - [21 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-79/) - [22 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-80/) - [23 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-81/) - [24 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-82/) - [25 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-83/) - [26 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-84/) - [27 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-85/) - [28 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-86/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 86 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-86/ Last updated: 2026-03-28T14:17:21.000Z ### **28 March, 2026** March 28: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Prelims-SIP.png) #### Prelims SIP (Strategic Intensive Practice) Practice 6000+ Questions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-sip/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-59/) - [2 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-60/) - [3 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-61/) - [4 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-62/) - [5 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-63/) - [6 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-64/) - [7 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-65/) - [8 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-66/) - [9 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-67/) - [10 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-68/) - [11 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-69/) - [12 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-70/) - [13 March, 2o26](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-71/) - [14 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-72/) - [15 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-73/) - [16 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-74/) - [17 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-75/) - [18 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-76/) - [19 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-77/) - [20 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-78/) - [21 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-79/) - [22 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-80/) - [23 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-81/) - [24 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-82/) - [25 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-83/) - [26 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-84/) - [27 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-85/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 85 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-85/ Last updated: 2026-03-27T14:17:08.000Z ### **27 March, 2026** March 27: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/03/640a36e5c67b4530b98b28d6f6e6be89.png) #### PSIR Optional + Mentorship without Test Series Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-without-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-59/) - [2 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-60/) - [3 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-61/) - [4 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-62/) - [5 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-63/) - [6 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-64/) - [7 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-65/) - [8 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-66/) - [9 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-67/) - [10 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-68/) - [11 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-69/) - [12 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-70/) - [13 March, 2o26](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-71/) - [14 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-72/) - [15 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-73/) - [16 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-74/) - [17 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-75/) - [18 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-76/) - [19 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-77/) - [20 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-78/) - [21 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-79/) - [22 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-80/) - [23 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-81/) - [24 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-82/) - [25 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-83/) - [26 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-84/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 84 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-84/ Last updated: 2026-03-26T14:17:22.000Z ### **26 March, 2026** March 26: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Prelims-SIP.png) #### Prelims SIP (Strategic Intensive Practice) Practice 6000+ Questions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-sip/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-59/) - [2 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-60/) - [3 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-61/) - [4 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-62/) - [5 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-63/) - [6 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-64/) - [7 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-65/) - [8 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-66/) - [9 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-67/) - [10 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-68/) - [11 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-69/) - [12 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-70/) - [13 March, 2o26](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-71/) - [14 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-72/) - [15 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-73/) - [16 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-74/) - [17 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-75/) - [18 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-76/) - [19 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-77/) - [20 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-78/) - [21 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-79/) - [22 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-80/) - [23 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-81/) - [24 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-82/) - [25 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-83/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 83 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-83/ Last updated: 2026-03-25T14:17:52.000Z ### **25 March, 2026** March 25: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2028.png) #### UPSC Essential 2028 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2028-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-59/) - [2 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-60/) - [3 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-61/) - [4 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-62/) - [5 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-63/) - [6 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-64/) - [7 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-65/) - [8 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-66/) - [9 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-67/) - [10 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-68/) - [11 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-69/) - [12 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-70/) - [13 March, 2o26](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-71/) - [14 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-72/) - [15 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-73/) - [16 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-74/) - [17 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-75/) - [18 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-76/) - [19 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-77/) - [20 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-78/) - [21 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-79/) - [22 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-80/) - [23 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-81/) - [24 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-82/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 82 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-82/ Last updated: 2026-03-24T14:17:03.000Z ### **24 March, 2026** March 24: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2027-1.png) #### UPSC Essential 2027 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2027-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-59/) - [2 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-60/) - [3 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-61/) - [4 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-62/) - [5 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-63/) - [6 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-64/) - [7 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-65/) - [8 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-66/) - [9 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-67/) - [10 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-68/) - [11 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-69/) - [12 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-70/) - [13 March, 2o26](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-71/) - [14 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-72/) - [15 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-73/) - [16 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-74/) - [17 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-75/) - [18 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-76/) - [19 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-77/) - [20 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-78/) - [21 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-79/) - [22 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-80/) - [23 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-81/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 81 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-81/ Last updated: 2026-03-26T16:11:21.000Z ### **23 March, 2026** March 23: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/03/640a36e5c67b4530b98b28d6f6e6be89.png) #### PSIR Optional + Mentorship without Test Series Comprehensive LIVE PSIR Optional Foundation Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/psir-optional-mentorship-without-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-59/) - [2 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-60/) - [3 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-61/) - [4 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-62/) - [5 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-63/) - [6 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-64/) - [7 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-65/) - [8 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-66/) - [9 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-67/) - [10 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-68/) - [11 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-69/) - [12 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-70/) - [13 March, 2o26](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-71/) - [14 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-72/) - [15 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-73/) - [16 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-74/) - [17 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-75/) - [18 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-76/) - [19 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-77/) - [20 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-78/) - [21 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-79/) - [22 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-80/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 80 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-80/ Last updated: 2026-03-22T14:17:36.000Z ### **22 March, 2026** March 22: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/CSAT-Test-Series.png) #### CSAT Test Series 10 CSAT tests with solutions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/csat-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-59/) - [2 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-60/) - [3 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-61/) - [4 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-62/) - [5 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-63/) - [6 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-64/) - [7 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-65/) - [8 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-66/) - [9 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-67/) - [10 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-68/) - [11 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-69/) - [12 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-70/) - [13 March, 2o26](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-71/) - [14 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-72/) - [15 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-73/) - [16 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-74/) - [17 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-75/) - [18 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-76/) - [19 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-77/) - [20 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-78/) - [21 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-79/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 79 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-79/ Last updated: 2026-03-21T14:17:00.000Z ### **21 March, 2026** March 21: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2028.png) #### UPSC Essential 2028 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2028-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-59/) - [2 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-60/) - [3 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-61/) - [4 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-62/) - [5 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-63/) - [6 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-64/) - [7 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-65/) - [8 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-66/) - [9 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-67/) - [10 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-68/) - [11 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-69/) - [12 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-70/) - [13 March, 2o26](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-71/) - [14 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-72/) - [15 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-73/) - [16 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-74/) - [17 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-75/) - [18 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-76/) - [19 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-77/) - [20 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-78/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 78 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-78/ Last updated: 2026-03-20T14:17:24.000Z ### **20 March, 2026** March 20: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2027-1.png) #### UPSC Essential 2027 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2027-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-59/) - [2 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-60/) - [3 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-61/) - [4 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-62/) - [5 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-63/) - [6 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-64/) - [7 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-65/) - [8 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-66/) - [9 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-67/) - [10 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-68/) - [11 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-69/) - [12 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-70/) - [13 March, 2o26](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-71/) - [14 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-72/) - [15 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-73/) - [16 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-74/) - [17 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-75/) - [18 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-76/) - [19 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-77/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 77 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-77/ Last updated: 2026-03-19T14:17:53.000Z ### **19 March, 2026** March 19: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Ace-the-Essay.png) #### Ace the Essay (With Abhijeet Yadav Sir) A comprehensive course to MASTER the ART AND CRAFT OF ESSAY WRITING (Self-Paced) [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/ace-the-essay-with-abhijeet-yadav-sir/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-59/) - [2 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-60/) - [3 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-61/) - [4 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-62/) - [5 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-63/) - [6 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-64/) - [7 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-65/) - [8 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-66/) - [9 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-67/) - [10 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-68/) - [11 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-69/) - [12 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-70/) - [13 March, 2o26](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-71/) - [14 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-72/) - [15 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-73/) - [16 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-74/) - [17 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-75/) - [18 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-76/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 76 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-76/ Last updated: 2026-03-18T14:17:20.000Z ### **18 March, 2026** March 18: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Mains-Test-series-2026.png) #### Mains Test Series 2026 + Mentorship Not just a test series but complete guide to Mains Answer Writing [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-test-series-2026-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-59/) - [2 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-60/) - [3 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-61/) - [4 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-62/) - [5 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-63/) - [6 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-64/) - [7 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-65/) - [8 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-66/) - [9 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-67/) - [10 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-68/) - [11 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-69/) - [12 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-70/) - [13 March, 2o26](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-71/) - [14 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-72/) - [15 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-73/) - [16 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-74/) - [17 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-75/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 75 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-75/ Last updated: 2026-03-17T14:17:39.000Z ### **17 March, 2026** March 17: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Prelims-360.png) #### Prelims 360 (GS + CSAT) with Mentorship 10% discount to existing students [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-360-gs-csat-with-mentorship-xudt6ay9u4pr/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-59/) - [2 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-60/) - [3 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-61/) - [4 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-62/) - [5 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-63/) - [6 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-64/) - [7 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-65/) - [8 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-66/) - [9 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-67/) - [10 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-68/) - [11 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-69/) - [12 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-70/) - [13 March, 2o26](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-71/) - [14 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-72/) - [15 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-73/) - [16 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-74/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 74 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-74/ Last updated: 2026-03-16T14:17:04.000Z ### **16 March, 2026** March 16: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/CSAT-Test-Series.png) #### CSAT Test Series 10 CSAT tests with solutions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/csat-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - 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72 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-72/ Last updated: 2026-03-14T14:17:49.000Z ### **14 March, 2026** March 14: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2027-1.png) #### UPSC Essential 2027 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2027-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-59/) - [2 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-60/) - [3 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-61/) - [4 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-62/) - [5 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-63/) - 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[12 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-70/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 70 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-70/ Last updated: 2026-03-12T14:17:06.000Z ### **12 March, 2026** March 12: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Mains-Test-series-2026.png) #### Mains Test Series 2026 + Mentorship Not just a test series but complete guide to Mains Answer Writing [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-test-series-2026-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-59/) - [2 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-60/) - [3 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-61/) - [4 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-62/) - [5 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-63/) - [6 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-64/) - [7 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-65/) - [8 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-66/) - [9 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-67/) - [10 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-68/) - [11 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-69/) ### Passive Euthanasia in India: The Harish Rana Case URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-harish-rana-euthanasia-supreme-court-allows-passive-euthanasia-for-ghaziabad-man-in-vegetative-state-for-13-years/ Last updated: 2026-03-12T07:59:40.000Z The recent March 2026 verdict by the Supreme Court of India in the **Harish Rana case** marks a significant milestone in India’s legal and ethical journey regarding the "Right to Die with Dignity." For a UPSC aspirant, this topic intersects: - **GS Paper II:** Government policies, welfare schemes, judiciary - **GS Paper IV:** Ethics — right to life, dignity, medical ethics, end-of-life care - **Essay Paper:** Dignity in death, medical intervention vs. natural death, state vs. individual rights - **Prelims:** Landmark SC judgments, constitutional provisions (Article 21) --- ## 1\. CONTEXT: THE HARISH RANA VERDICT (MARCH 2026) On March 12, 2026, the Supreme Court of India — in a landmark 286-page judgment — permitted the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment for 32-year-old Harish Rana, who had been in a Persistent Vegetative State (PVS) for nearly 13 years following a fall from the fourth floor of his paying guest accommodation in 2013. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/03/image-8.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/03/image-7-1.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/03/image-16-1.png) | | | | ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Bench** | Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan | | **Key Direction** | Withdrawal of CANH from Harish Rana; AIIMS Delhi directed to shift him to a palliative care centre | | **Significance** | First Indian court order approving passive euthanasia under the SC's own 2018 constitutional framework | | **Waiver Granted** | The usual 30-day reconsideration (cooling-off) window was waived, as both medical boards found the condition irreversible | The court noted that the family had "left no stone unturned" to care for Harish, and that only when the matter reached a "point of no return" did they resort to this legal route. The bench observed: *"Our decision today does not neatly fit within logic and reason alone. It sits in a space between love, loss, medicine and mercy."* --- ## 2\. ACTIVE VS. PASSIVE EUTHANASIA ### 2.1 Euthanasia — Definition Euthanasia refers to the deliberate ending of a person's life to relieve intractable suffering. The term derives from the Greek words *eu* (good) and *thanatos* (death). ![what is euthanasia? | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/03/image-14.png) ### 2.2 Active Euthanasia Active euthanasia involves intentionally causing death through a positive, overt act — such as the administration of a lethal injection or drug. - Introduces a new, external agency of harm that directly causes death - Death is not a result of the underlying illness but of an intervention that sets a new chain of events in motion - Legal in countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada (limited cases), and some US states - **Illegal in India** — amounts to culpable homicide under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) - A doctor assisting in such an act faces criminal liability for abetment to suicide ### 2.3 Passive Euthanasia Passive euthanasia involves withdrawing or withholding medical treatment that is artificially prolonging life, allowing the underlying fatal condition to take its natural course. - Does NOT introduce a new cause of death — the doctor does not create a new risk - The physician is "allowing death to occur", not causing it - The patient's affliction is due to factors independent of the doctor - **Permissible in India** under strict conditions laid down by the Supreme Court. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/03/image-9.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/03/image-6.png) ![Types of Euthanasia | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/03/image-13.png) ### 2.4 Justice Pardiwala's Distinction — Beyond Act vs. Omission Traditionally, active euthanasia is characterised as an "act" and passive euthanasia as an "omission". However, Justice Pardiwala clarified that this is an oversimplification. The true distinction lies in the **source of the harm** that leads to death: - **Active euthanasia:** harm comes from an introduced external agency (the lethal act itself) - **Passive euthanasia:** harm flows from the patient's own underlying condition; the doctor merely stops an artificial impediment to natural death - Withdrawing treatment should not violate the duty of care a doctor owes a patient in all circumstances - The surrendering of medical effort must not be "at loggerheads with the duty of care which joists all medical action" **KEY DISTINCTION FOR MAINS:** - Active euthanasia = introducing new cause of death (illegal in India) - Passive euthanasia = removing artificial life support, allowing natural death (permitted under SC guidelines) - The difference lies not merely in act vs. omission, but in the SOURCE of the causal harm - CANH (Clinically Assisted Nutrition & Hydration) = medically supervised treatment, NOT ordinary feeding --- ## 3\. CONSTITUTIONAL & LEGAL FRAMEWORK ### 3.1 Article 21: Right to Life and Personal Liberty Article 21 guarantees that no person shall be deprived of their life or personal liberty except according to a procedure established by law. The SC has progressively expanded this to include: - Right to live with human dignity (Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India, 1978) - Right to health and medical care - Right to die with dignity — the central question in euthanasia jurisprudence ### 3.2 Evolution: Right to Die as Part of Right to Live with Dignity For terminally ill or persistently vegetative patients whose life is "ebbing out", the SC has held that the Constitution protects the choice not to be kept alive through invasive or futile medical intervention. When death due to the termination of natural life is "certain and imminent and the process of natural death has commenced", a premature end to life may fall within the ambit of the right to die with dignity. ### 3.3 The Law on Attempted Suicide While Section 309 of the IPC (now BNS) criminalises attempted suicide, the SC has repeatedly observed that a person attempting suicide requires care, not punishment. Doctors assisting patients in performing the act face criminal liability for abetment — a distinction crucial to the euthanasia debate. ### 3.4 No Comprehensive Legislation India has no legislation governing euthanasia or end-of-life care. The SC bench pointedly observed: *"There are moments when legislative inaction speaks more loudly than legislative action."* ![Framework Behind Euthanasia Vertict | Harish Rana Case | UPSC ](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/03/image-12-1.png) --- ## 4\. TIMELINE: KEY JUDICIAL MILESTONES | Year / Case | Key Development | | ------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **2011 — Aruna Shanbaug v. Union of India** | SC held that passive euthanasia cases would need to be approved by the High Court. Aruna Shanbaug, a nurse at Mumbai's KEM Hospital, sexually assaulted in 1973, remained in a vegetative state for decades. Nurses who cared for her opposed withdrawal of treatment. | | **2018 — Common Cause v. Union of India** | Constitution Bench held that the right to die with dignity is an inseparable facet of Article 21\. Recognised Advance Medical Directives (Living Wills). Allowed two medical boards to take the decision with consent of next of kin. Also classified CANH as a medical treatment, not ordinary feeding. | | **2018 — Safeguards & Guidelines** | Advance directives to be attested before a notary or gazetted officer and stored in digital health records. Required signing by two witnesses and countersigning by a judicial magistrate. | | **2023 — Simplified Guidelines** | Court acknowledged "insurmountable obstacles" in the 2018 framework. Removed mandatory Collector's role; two medical boards can now take the decision; magistrate must be informed but approval no longer required. | | **March 2026 — Harish Rana Case** | First actual court order applying the passive euthanasia framework. SC permitted withdrawal of CANH. Described CANH as a "technologically mediated medical intervention". Waived the 30-day cooling-off period. Directed AIIMS Delhi to shift Rana to a palliative care centre. | --- ## 5\. THE PROCEDURE FOR PASSIVE EUTHANASIA (2023 GUIDELINES) The Union Health Ministry released draft guidelines in 2024, based on the court's 2023 directives: **Step 1 — Treating Physician's Assessment** The treating physician must decide whether the patient has any hope of recovery or a good quality of life if treatment measures remain in place. **Step 2 — Primary Medical Board** A primary board assesses the case and reaches a consensus. It comprises the treating physician and two subject experts with five or more years of experience. **Step 3 — Family Discussion** Doctors must discuss the prognosis with the family and ascertain whether they want any other treatment. A shared decision must be taken; the team must produce a consistent plan for care. **Step 4 — Secondary Medical Board (if withdrawal is sought)** Consists of: - A doctor nominated by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the district - Two subject experts with five or more years of experience - The board must take a decision within 48 hours Hospitals must also **inform the Magistrate** before withdrawal of treatment. However, the Magistrate's **approval is no longer required** — only notification. **PRACTICAL HURDLES (Important for Mains):** - Insufficient doctors with expertise across all hospitals - Very few states have created the Secondary Medical Board (Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka are exceptions) - CMOs must send nomination lists — many have not done so - Private hospitals are reluctant due to fear of litigation - High guilt burden on families; difficult to find willing doctors - Advance Directives remain largely unused due to lack of awareness ![Euthanasia Procedure | Harish Rana Case | UPSC | Supreme Court ](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/03/image-10-1.png) --- ## 6\. CLINICALLY ASSISTED NUTRITION & HYDRATION (CANH) | | | | ---------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **What is CANH?** | Administration of nutrition and fluids through medical means (e.g., feeding tubes, IV drip), as opposed to natural eating and drinking | | **SC's Finding (2026)** | CANH is a "medically supervised treatment" — not ordinary feeding. It is "prescribed, supervised and periodically reviewed by trained healthcare professionals in accordance with established medical standards" | | **Why This Matters** | Since CANH = medical treatment, discontinuing it = withdrawing medical treatment (permitted), NOT starving the patient (which would be illegal) | | **Delhi HC's Earlier Error** | Delhi HC had said Rana was not dependent on mechanical life support since he could breathe on his own. SC disagreed — artificial feeding via CANH requires clinical judgment and cannot be equated with ordinary feeding | --- ## 7\. ADVANCE DIRECTIVES / LIVING WILLS ### 7.1 What Can a Living Will Do? - Specify the type of care the person would like to receive - Specify the gender by which the person would like to be addressed - Nominate a person (who may be someone other than a family member) to take medical decisions on their behalf - Refuse specific life-prolonging interventions (e.g., CPR, ventilator support, dialysis, chemotherapy, radiotherapy) ### 7.2 How to Create One (Post-2023 Rules) - Attest before a notary or gazetted officer - Signed by two witnesses - Can be stored in digital health records - Collector's role and hospital board no longer mandatory for attestation ### 7.3 Significance Living wills ease the process by making the patient's wishes known through a legally enforceable document. This reduces the moral and emotional burden on families and provides clearer legal protection to doctors who follow them. --- ## 8\. RIGHT TO DIGNIFIED DEATH VS. STATE INTEREST IN PRESERVING LIFE ### 8.1 The State's Interest Traditionally, the state has an absolute interest in preserving life. This flows from the sovereign duty to protect citizens and the principle of sanctity of life. However, the SC held that this interest is not unconditional. ### 8.2 The Tipping Point Principle Justice Pardiwala articulated a crucial principle: the state's absolute interest in preserving life must become **subservient** to a patient's right to dignity at a "tipping point" — when medical interventions become increasingly futile and invasive while the chances of recovery keep dropping. *"When the degree of bodily invasion progressively increases, and the prognosis for recovery progressively decreases, there arises a certain point when the state's absolute interest in preserving life must become subservient to the dignity of the individual, though he is unconscious or incompetent."* Keeping a terminally ill patient alive solely because technology permits it — compelling them to endure a slow, agonising death — "cannot fully be compatible with the Constitutional ideal of dignity." ### 8.3 Dignity as the Most Sacred Possession The court reaffirmed that dignity is the most sacred possession of a human being. Its possession "can neither be said to lose its sanctity in the process of death nor when death occurs." The interest of the state must not be allowed to overpower the dignity which must be equally assured to individuals in the process of life and death. **IMPORTANT QUOTES FOR ESSAY/MAINS:** - *"This decision is not about choosing death, but is rather one of not artificially prolonging life."* — Justice Pardiwala - *"Dignity is the most sacred possession of a human being. Its possession can neither be said to lose its sanctity in the process of death nor when death occurs."* — Justice Pardiwala - *"This decision can feel like an act of surrender, but we believe it is, in truth, an act of profound compassion and courage."* — Justice Pardiwala (to Harish Rana's family) --- ## 9\. ETHICAL DIMENSIONS (GS Paper IV) ### 9.1 Arguments FOR Passive Euthanasia - **Respect for Autonomy:** Individuals have the right to decide what happens to their own bodies, including refusing futile treatment - **Human Dignity:** Forcing an irreversible condition to continue through artificial means is an affront to dignity - **Prevention of Suffering:** Prolonging a vegetative state does not benefit the patient — it may extend suffering - **Resource Allocation:** Medical resources used to prolong futile lives could serve patients who can genuinely benefit - **Family Well-being:** Prolonged PVS causes severe emotional and financial burden on families ### 9.2 Arguments AGAINST / Concerns - **Sanctity of Life:** Many religious and ethical traditions hold that life is sacred and should not be ended deliberately - **Slippery Slope:** Permitting passive euthanasia may open the door to active euthanasia and abuse - **Diagnostic Uncertainty:** PVS can sometimes be misdiagnosed; rare recoveries have occurred - **Potential for Abuse:** Vulnerable patients could be pressured by families or institutions for financial reasons - **Duty of Care:** Medicine's core principle — *primum non nocere* (first, do no harm) — may be in tension with withdrawal ### 9.3 Ethical Frameworks at Play | Framework | Application | | -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **Consequentialism** | Withdrawal is justified if it reduces overall suffering and serves the best interest of the patient | | **Deontology** | Tension: duty to respect patient autonomy vs. duty not to take life | | **Virtue Ethics** | What would a compassionate and reasonable doctor/family do? The SC explicitly invoked compassion and courage | | **Care Ethics** | Emphasises relationships — the family's years of devotion and the court's acknowledgment of their love are central | --- ## 10\. GLOBAL COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE | Country | Framework | | ------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Netherlands & Belgium** | Both active and passive euthanasia permitted under strict conditions (terminal illness, unbearable suffering, voluntary and repeated request) | | **Canada** | Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) permitted since 2016; expanded in 2021 to include non-terminal illness cases | | **USA** | Death with Dignity Acts in Oregon (1997) and several states allow physician-assisted suicide; passive euthanasia generally permitted | | **UK** | Active euthanasia and assisted dying remain illegal; passive euthanasia allowed under careful clinical and judicial oversight | | **India** | Active euthanasia illegal; passive euthanasia permitted under SC guidelines (no legislation); first approved case: Harish Rana (2026) | | **Switzerland** | Assisted suicide legal; basis for "suicide tourism" — foreigners travel to Switzerland for end-of-life assistance | ![Euthanasia laws around the world | Legal or Illegal | UPSC Maps](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/03/image-15.png) --- ## 11\. WAY FORWARD AND POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS ### 11.1 Legislation - Parliament must enact a comprehensive end-of-life care law to replace the current judge-made framework - Clear definitions, procedural safeguards, and liability protections for doctors are essential ### 11.2 Institutional Strengthening - All states must constitute Secondary Medical Boards with empanelled, qualified nominated doctors - CMOs must send updated nomination lists — currently a major bottleneck - Training programmes for doctors in palliative care and end-of-life communication ### 11.3 Awareness and Living Wills - Public awareness campaigns on the right to create Advance Medical Directives - Integration of living will registration with digital health records under ABDM/ABHA - Hospitals should proactively inform patients of their right to create living wills ### 11.4 Palliative Care Expansion - India's palliative care infrastructure is extremely limited — needs urgent expansion - Withdrawal of life support must be firmly tied to robust palliative care (as directed by the SC) ### 11.5 Reducing Litigation Fear - Legal protection and safe-harbour provisions for doctors who follow prescribed procedures in good faith - Private hospitals need clear guidelines and protection so they are not deterred from following the law --- ## 12\. QUICK FACTS FOR PRELIMS - **Article 21:** Right to Life — expanded by SC to include right to die with dignity - **Aruna Shanbaug Case (2011):** First SC judgment on passive euthanasia; required HC approval - **Common Cause Case (2018):** Constitution Bench — recognised living wills; two medical boards - **2023 SC Guidelines:** Simplified process; no HC approval; notary attestation sufficient for living wills - **Harish Rana (2026):** First actual SC order approving passive euthanasia - **CANH** \= Clinically Assisted Nutrition and Hydration — classified as **medical treatment** by SC - **Secondary Medical Board:** Doctor from CMO list + 2 subject experts; must decide in **48 hours** - **Magistrate Role (post-2023):** Must be **informed**, but approval **not required** - **Active Euthanasia:** Illegal in India; lethal injection/act = new external cause of death - **Passive Euthanasia:** Legal under SC guidelines; **no legislation** yet passed by Parliament - **PVS** \= Persistent Vegetative State — unconscious but with preserved brainstem functions - **BNS** (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita): Replaced IPC; active euthanasia = culpable homicide --- ## 13\. CONCLUSION The Supreme Court's order in the Harish Rana case is a watershed moment in Indian legal history. For the first time, India's highest court has moved from articulating a framework for passive euthanasia to actually applying it — giving judicial sanction to a family's painful but compassionate decision to let their loved one go. The verdict reaffirms that the right to life under Article 21 is not merely a right to biological survival, but a right to live — and ultimately die — with dignity. It places human dignity at the centre of end-of-life care, above the state's paternalistic interest in preserving life at any cost. Yet the judgment also lays bare the institutional and legislative gap: India still has no law on euthanasia. What is now needed is a comprehensive legal framework, robust palliative care infrastructure, and a cultural shift in how India approaches death, dying, and dignity. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Prelims-360.png) #### Prelims 360 (GS + CSAT) with Mentorship 10% discount to existing students [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-360-gs-csat-with-mentorship-xudt6ay9u4pr/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 69 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-69/ Last updated: 2026-03-11T14:17:53.000Z ### **11 March, 2026** March 11: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Prelims-360.png) #### Prelims 360 (GS + CSAT) with Mentorship 10% discount to existing students [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-360-gs-csat-with-mentorship-xudt6ay9u4pr/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - 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The latest update introduces a "New GDP Series" with a **revised base year of 2022-23**, replacing the previous 2011-12 series. This exercise aims to provide a more accurate and contemporary reflection of the Indian economy. But first, ## What is Gross Domestic Product (GDP)? Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the total monetary value of all final goods and services produced within the geographical boundaries of a country during a specific period (usually one year). **Key Features:** - Includes **only final goods and services** (to avoid double counting) - Includes production **within domestic territory** - Measured for a **specific time period** - Indicates the **size and health of an economy** For India, GDP is estimated by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). ## How is GDP Calculated? GDP can be calculated using **three methods**. Ideally, all three should give the same value. ### **(A) Production (Value Added) Method** GDP = Sum of **Gross Value Added (GVA)** of all sectors + Taxes − Subsidies Used widely in India. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/03/image.png) ### (B) Expenditure Method GDP = C + I + G + (X − M) Where: - **C** \= Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) - **I** \= Investment (Gross Capital Formation) - **G** \= Government Expenditure - **X − M** \= Net Exports ### (C) Income Method GDP = Sum of: - Wages & salaries - Rent - Interest - Profits 📌 **Note:** In India, GDP is primarily estimated using the **production approach**, cross-checked with expenditure data through **Supply and Use Tables (SUTs)**. --- ### Difference Between Nominal and Real GDP | Basis | Nominal GDP | Real GDP | | --------------------------- | ----------------------- | -------------------- | | Prices Used | Current year prices | Base year prices | | Inflation Effect | Includes inflation | Removes inflation | | Reflects | Price + Quantity change | Only Quantity change | | Better Indicator of Growth? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Example: If output increases 3% but prices increase 5%: - Nominal GDP may show 8% growth - Real GDP will show only 3% growth Thus, **Real GDP reflects actual economic growth.** ## What is the Significance of the Base Year in GDP Calculation? ### Meaning of Base Year The **base year** is the reference year whose prices are used to calculate **real GDP**. India’s new base year is **2022–23**, replacing **2011–12**. ### Why is Base Year Important? 1. **Removes Inflation Distortion** Real GDP compares output using constant prices of the base year. 2. **Reflects Structural Changes** A newer base year captures: - Rise of digital economy - Growth in services - Changing consumption patterns 3. **Improves Data Accuracy** Incorporates updated surveys like: - ASUSE - PLFS - GST-based data 4. **Ensures International Comparability** Aligns with UN’s System of National Accounts (SNA). ### Why was 2022–23 chosen? - Considered a relatively **normal post-COVID year** - Better reflects current economic structure --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/CSAT-Test-Series.png) #### CSAT Test Series 10 CSAT tests with solutions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/csat-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) --- ## New GDP Series (Base Year: 2022–23) India’s GDP is periodically revised by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) to reflect structural changes in the economy and improve statistical accuracy. The latest revision shifts the **base year from 2011–12 to 2022–23**. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/03/image-2.png) ### Why Was a New GDP Series Introduced? 1. **Structural Changes in the Economy** - Expansion of digital economy - Growth of services & platform-based work - Formalisation due to GST 2. **Post-COVID Normalisation** - 2022–23 considered a relatively stable year after pandemic disruptions. 3. **Alignment with International Standards** - Conforms to UN’s System of National Accounts (SNA). ### 1\. Base Year Revision - **Concept**: The **base year** is a reference point for calculating real GDP, allowing for the comparison of economic output across different periods by removing the effect of price changes (inflation). - **Explanation**: The shift from **2011-12 to 2022-23** is significant. - **Why 2022-23?**: This year is considered a more "normal" economic period, post-COVID-19 disruptions, providing a stable benchmark. - **Impact**: A newer base year incorporates the latest structural changes in the economy, such as the growth of new industries, changes in consumption patterns, and technological advancements, which might not have been adequately captured by an older base year. ![Revising India'a National Accounts Base Year | New GDP Base Year](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/03/image-4.png) ### 2\. Updated Data Sources - **Concept**: GDP estimation relies on vast amounts of data from various sectors. Using more current and granular data sources enhances accuracy. - **Explanation**: The new series integrates a wider array of **high-frequency and administrative data**. - **Examples**: - **Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections**: Provides detailed insights into consumption and production across sectors. - **e-Vahan portal**: Offers data on vehicle registrations, indicating activity in the transport sector. - **Public Financial Management System (PFMS)**: Tracks government expenditure and receipts. - **Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE)**: Captures economic activity in the vast informal and unorganized sectors, which are crucial for India. - **Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)**: Provides direct yearly estimates of employment and unemployment, aiding in calculating value addition from labour. - **Benefit**: These sources offer more timely and comprehensive information, reducing reliance on older or less frequent surveys. ### 3\. Refined Methodologies - **Concept**: The methods used to aggregate data and calculate value addition are continuously improved to align with international best practices. - **Expanded Item Basket**: The number of price indicators used to deflate output has more than tripled, increasing from **180 items** in the old series to approximately **600 items**. - **Explanation**: - **Double Deflation**: - **Previous**: Often used single deflation (adjusting output for price changes). - **New**: Applies **double deflation** to sectors like **manufacturing and agriculture**. This involves deflating both output and intermediate consumption separately, providing a more accurate measure of real value added. - **Supply and Use Tables (SUT)**: - **Concept**: SUTs provide a detailed picture of the supply of goods and services (from domestic production and imports) and their use (as intermediate consumption, final consumption, capital formation, and exports). - **Application**: The new series aligns GDP estimation with SUTs, helping to **reduce discrepancies** between GDP calculated from the production side and the expenditure side. This ensures consistency and improves data quality. - **Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) Estimation**: - **Improvement**: PFCE, a major component of GDP, is now estimated using a combination of **direct production data, administrative data, and a commodity flow approach**. This offers a more robust and granular estimation of household consumption. ### 4\. Capturing the Gig and Informal Economy - **Concept**: Modern economies are seeing a rise in platform-based work and informal sector contributions, which are often challenging to measure. - **Explanation**: The new series makes dedicated efforts to better capture: - **Digital and Platform Economy**: Activities related to online services, e-commerce, and app-based services. - **Gig Economy**: Freelance, temporary, or flexible jobs performed by independent contractors. - **Informal Sector**: Including activities of **hired domestic workers** and other unorganized economic units, which contribute significantly to India's economy. - **Benefit**: This ensures a more inclusive measure of economic activity, reflecting the evolving nature of work and production. ### 5\. Implications for Economic Indicators ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/03/image-1.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/03/image-3.png) - **Revised Growth Rates**: - The new series often leads to **revisions in historical and projected GDP growth rates**. For instance, the FY2023-24 real GDP growth was revised downwards. - FY 2023–24 real GDP growth revised downward. - FY 2025–26 projected growth around 7.6%. - **Why?**: The updated methodologies and data sources might present a different picture of economic expansion compared to the previous series. - **Nominal GDP Size**: - The **nominal GDP** (GDP at current prices) can also be revised. The new series has shown a **downward revision** in nominal GDP for recent years. - Recent years’ nominal GDP estimated 3–4% lower. - FY 2025–26 nominal GDP ≈ ₹345.47 lakh crore (as per new series). - **Impact**: A smaller nominal GDP base has significant implications for various economic ratios. - **Fiscal Ratios**: Since fiscal indicators use GDP as denominator: - **Debt-to-GDP Ratio**: If nominal GDP is revised downwards, the debt-to-GDP ratio (a key indicator of fiscal health) will **increase**, even if the absolute debt remains the same. - Debt-to-GDP ratio ↑ - **Fiscal Deficit-to-GDP Ratio**: Similarly, the fiscal deficit as a percentage of GDP will also **increase**, making fiscal targets harder to achieve. - Fiscal deficit-to-GDP ratio ↑ - **Significance**: These changes impact government policy decisions and international ratings. - Even if absolute borrowing remains unchanged. This has implications for: - Fiscal policy - Credit ratings - Budget targets ### 6\. Back Series Data - **Concept**: To maintain comparability, historical GDP data (the "back series") needs to be recalculated using the new methodology. - **Explanation**: MoSPI will release recalculated back series data, allowing economists and policymakers to analyze long-term economic trends consistently with the new base year and methodology. This is crucial for understanding the trajectory of the economy over time. ### Conclusion The introduction of the new GDP series with a 2022-23 base year is a crucial step towards enhancing the accuracy and relevance of India's economic statistics. It provides a more robust framework for policymakers, researchers, and the public to understand the true state and dynamics of the Indian economy. For UPSC aspirants, a clear understanding of these changes, their underlying concepts, and their implications is essential for both Prelims and Mains examinations. ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 61 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-61/ Last updated: 2026-03-03T14:17:26.000Z ### **3 March, 2026** March 3: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Prelims-SIP.png) #### Prelims SIP (Strategic Intensive Practice) Practice 6000+ Questions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-sip/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-59/) - [2 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-60/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 60 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-60/ Last updated: 2026-03-02T14:17:07.000Z ### **2 March, 2026** March 2: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/CSAT-Test-Series.png) #### CSAT Test Series 10 CSAT tests with solutions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/csat-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) - [February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-58/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 March, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-59/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 59 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-59/ Last updated: 2026-03-01T14:15:01.000Z ### **1 March, 2026** March 1: Test Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2028.png) #### UPSC Essential 2028 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2028-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: - 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56 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-56/ Last updated: 2026-02-26T14:15:04.000Z ### **26 Feb, 2026** Day 26 Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Prelims-360.png) #### Prelims 360 (GS + CSAT) with Mentorship 10% discount to existing students [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-360-gs-csat-with-mentorship-xudt6ay9u4pr/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-31/) - [2 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-32/) - [3 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-33/) - [4 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-34/) - [5 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-35/) - 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[19 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-49/) - [20 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-50/) - [21 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-51/) - [22 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-52/) - [23 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-53/) - [24 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-54/) - [25 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-55/) ### Union Cabinet Approves Renaming Kerala to ‘Keralam’ URL: https://www.upscprep.com/union-cabinet-approves-renaming-kerala-to-keralam/ Last updated: 2026-02-26T00:30:35.000Z On February 24, 2026, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the proposal to alter the name of the state of **‘Kerala’ to ‘Keralam’**. This decision aims to align the state's official nomenclature with its linguistic roots and the identity recognized by its citizens in the Malayalam language. ## Why the Change? The demand for renaming is rooted in linguistic identity and cultural heritage. - **Linguistic Authenticity:** While the state is referred to as ‘Keralam’ in Malayalam, it has remained ‘Kerala’ in official records and other languages since the State Reorganisation Act of 1956. - **Legislative Initiative:** The Kerala Legislative Assembly passed two resolutions (August 2023 and June 2024) urging the Centre to amend the **First Schedule** of the Constitution. - **Uniformity:** The goal is to ensure the state is referred to as ‘Keralam’ across all **22 languages** listed in the **Eighth Schedule** of the Indian Constitution. --- ## Constitutional Provisions: Article 3 The power to change the name of a state rests solely with the Parliament under **Article 3** of the Indian Constitution. ![Article 3 of the Indian Constitution | UPSC ](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/image-2.png) Article 3 of the Indian Constitution ### Scope of Article 3: Parliament may by law: 1. Form a new State by separation or union of territories. 2. Increase or diminish the area of any State. 3. Alter the boundaries of any State. 4. **Alter the name of any State.** ### The Procedure for Renaming The process follows a specific constitutional roadmap to ensure "Indestructible Union of Destructible States": 1. **Presidential Recommendation:** A Bill for renaming can only be introduced in Parliament on the prior recommendation of the President. 2. **State Views:** Before recommending the Bill, the President refers it to the concerned State Legislature to express its views within a specified timeframe. - *Note:* The Parliament is **not bound** by the views of the State Legislature. 3. **Simple Majority:** The Bill must be passed by a **simple majority** in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. 4. **Schedule Amendment:** Once passed, the **First Schedule** (which lists the states) and the **Fourth Schedule** (allocation of seats in Rajya Sabha) are updated. This is not considered a formal Constitutional Amendment under Article 368. --- ## Historical Precedents of Name Changes India has a long history of renaming states and cities to reflect post-colonial identities and linguistic pride. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/image-1.png) --- ## The Case of West Bengal: Why Rejections Happen? While the Centre has approved Kerala's request, it previously turned down proposals from West Bengal. - **2011 & 2016 Proposals:** West Bengal suggested 'Paschimbanga' and later a trio of names ('Bengal' in English, 'Bangla' in Bengali, and 'Bangal' in Hindi). - **The Rejection Criteria:** The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) often rejects names if they cause international confusion (e.g., 'Bangla' sounding too similar to 'Bangladesh') or if they lack consensus on a single uniform name across languages. ## Next Steps for 'Keralam' Following the Cabinet's approval: 1. The President will refer the **Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026** to the Kerala Assembly for its formal opinion. 2. Upon receiving the views, the Union Government will introduce the Bill in Parliament. 3. Once passed and signed by the President, the name 'Keralam' will become official in all Union and State records. --- ## Practice Quiz Q1\. With reference to the alteration of the name of a state in India, consider the following statements: 1\. A Bill for this purpose can be introduced in either House without the President's recommendation. 2\. The President must refer the Bill to the State Legislature for its views within a specified period. A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 Submit Answer **Correct Answer: B** Explanation: Recommendation of the President is mandatory under Article 3\. The President refers the Bill to the State Legislature to ensure federal consultation, though their views aren't binding. Q2\. Which Schedules of the Constitution must be amended to reflect a change in a State's name? A. First and Fourth Schedule B. First Schedule only C. Second and Third Schedule D. Seventh and Eighth Schedule Submit Answer **Correct Answer: A** Explanation: The First Schedule lists names of states; the Fourth Schedule allocates seats in the Rajya Sabha. Both are impacted by the renaming or creation of states. Q3\. Is Parliament bound by the views of a State Legislature regarding its renaming? A. Yes, views are mandatory. B. No, Parliament can accept or reject them. C. Only if the state has a Special Category Status. D. Only if the Governor recommends rejection. Submit Answer **Correct Answer: B** Explanation: India is an "Indestructible Union of Destructible States." Parliament has the final say in reorganizing the internal boundaries and names of states. Q4\. A Bill for the alteration of the name of a state under Article 3 requires what type of majority? A. Simple Majority B. Special Majority (Art 368) C. Special Majority + State Ratification D. Absolute Majority Submit Answer **Correct Answer: A** Explanation: Article 4 specifies that changes under Articles 2 and 3 are not deemed amendments under Article 368, requiring only a simple majority. Q5\. The Kerala resolution sought a name change to 'Keralam' to align with which Schedule? A. Eighth Schedule B. Sixth Schedule C. Ninth Schedule D. Twelfth Schedule Submit Answer **Correct Answer: A** Explanation: The request was to change the name in all 22 languages recognized under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2027-1.png) #### UPSC Essential 2027 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2027-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 55 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-55/ Last updated: 2026-02-25T14:15:45.000Z ### **25 Feb, 2026** Day 25 Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Prelims-SIP.png) #### Prelims SIP (Strategic Intensive Practice) Practice 6000+ Questions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-sip/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-31/) - [2 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-32/) - [3 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-33/) - [4 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-34/) - [5 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-35/) - [6 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-36/) - [7 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-37/) - [8 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-38/) - [9 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-39/) - [10 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-40/) - [11 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-41/) - [12 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-42/) - [13 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-43/) - [14 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-44/) - [15 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-45/) - [16 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-46/) - [17 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-47/) - [18 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-48/) - [19 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-49/) - [20 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-50/) - [21 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-51/) - [22 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-52/) - [23 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-53/) - [24 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-54/) ### PROFILE OF INDIA'S EIGHT MAJOR RIVER SYSTEMS URL: https://www.upscprep.com/profile-of-indias-eight-major-river-systems/ Last updated: 2026-02-25T00:30:41.000Z ## **Introduction: The Indian Drainage Architecture** The Indian drainage system is a profoundly complex and geographically diverse network shaped by the subcontinent's evolutionary geological history, tectonic activities, and precipitation patterns. This report provides a comprehensive, cross-referenced synthesis of India's eight most critical river basins, drawing on two independently compiled source documents to ensure factual accuracy and completeness across nine exam-critical dimensions: geography, tributaries, dams, lakes, waterfalls, protected areas, river-linking projects, water disputes, and frequently tested facts. ## **Classification Framework** India's drainage systems are classified into two primary categories based on origin and geomorphological characteristics. The Himalayan rivers (**Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra**) are antecedent and perennial, fed by glacial meltwater and monsoon precipitation. They carve deep V-shaped valleys and carry immense sediment loads, forming the world's most extensive alluvial plains and deltas. The Peninsular rivers (**Narmada, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Mahanadi**) are considerably older, predominantly rain-fed, and flow through broad, shallow, graded valleys indicative of geological maturity, exhibiting significant seasonal discharge fluctuations. ## **Spatial Orientation** Approximately 77% of India's drainage area is oriented towards the Bay of Bengal, encompassing the Ganga, Brahmaputra, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri. Only about 23% discharges into the Arabian Sea, comprising the Indus system and the rift-valley-bound Narmada and Tapi along with numerous swift streams descending from the Western Ghats. The Ambala ridge forms the critical water divide between the Indus and Ganga systems. --- ## **1\. The Ganga River System** ### **1.1 Course and Geography** The Ganga originates as the **Bhagirathi from the Gangotri Glacier** at Gaumukh in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, at approximately 3,892 m altitude. The second headstream, the **Alaknanda, rises from the Satopanth Glacier near Badrinath**. The two merge at Devprayag, the point where the river officially becomes the Ganga. Five sacred confluences (Panch Prayag) occur along the Alaknanda: Vishnuprayag (Dhauliganga), Nandaprayag (Nandakini), Karnaprayag (Pindar), Rudraprayag (Mandakini), and Devprayag (Bhagirathi). The Ganga enters the plains at Haridwar, flows through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand (basin), and West Bengal, covering approximately **2,525 km**. Near Farakka in West Bengal, it splits into the Bhagirathi-Hooghly (right, towards Kolkata) and the Padma (left, into Bangladesh). The Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta (Sundarbans) is the world's largest delta and largest mangrove forest, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The basin covers roughly **8,61,404 sq km** (26.4 percent of India's landmass) across **11 states**, supporting approximately 43 percent of India's population. It exhibits a dendritic drainage pattern in the plains and an antecedent pattern in the Himalayan section. ![Ganga River System](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/data-src-image-2228a95c-7df4-4487-b600-710da4dfecc4.png) Ganga River System ### **1.2 Tributary Architecture** The Ganga's massive annual discharge results from an extensive network of tributaries descending from the Himalayas (left bank) and the Peninsular plateau (right bank). **1.2.1 Left Bank (Himalayan, Perennial)** | Tributary | Origin | Key Facts | | ------------------ | ------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Ramganga | Dudhatoli Hills, Garhwal | Kalagarh Dam near Jim Corbett NP | | Gomti | Gomat Taal, Pilibhit, UP | Originates from a lake, not glacier; Lucknow on its banks | | Ghaghara (Karnali) | Mapchachungo Glacier, Tibet | Largest tributary by discharge; trans-Himalayan; sub-tributaries: Sharda, Rapti, Sarayu | | Gandak (Narayani) | Between Dhaulagiri and Everest | Called Narayani in Nepal; Joint India-Nepal project | | Burhi Gandak | Chautarwa Chur, Bihar | Meandering formed Kanwar Lake (Asia's largest freshwater oxbow lake) | | Kosi (Sapt Kosi) | North of Everest, Tibet | "Sorrow of Bihar"; seven rivers form Sapt Kosi; catastrophic course-shifting | | Mahananda | Darjeeling Hills, WB | Last left-bank tributary of Ganga | **1.2.2 Right Bank (Himalayan and Peninsular)** | Tributary | Origin | Key Facts | | ---------- | ------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Yamuna | Yamunotri Glacier, Banderpunch | Longest tributary; Triveni Sangam at Prayagraj; sub-tributaries: Chambal, Betwa, Ken, Sindh, Tons (largest) | | Son (Sone) | Amarkantak Plateau, MP | Major Peninsular right-bank tributary; sub-tributary: Rihand (GB Pant Sagar) | | Damodar | Chotanagpur Plateau, Jharkhand | "Sorrow of Bengal" / "Ruhr of India"; DVC modeled on TVA; joins Hooghly | ### **1.3 Hydraulic Infrastructure** | Dam/Barrage | River | Significance | | --------------- | -------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Tehri Dam | Bhagirathi, Uttarakhand | India's tallest dam (260.5 m); rock-fill; \~1,000 MW; Seismic Zone V | | Farakka Barrage | Ganga, West Bengal | 2,240 m long; diverts water to Hooghly for Kolkata Port; 1996 Ganga Water Treaty | | Rihand Dam | Rihand (Son tributary), UP | Reservoir: GB Pant Sagar, one of India's largest artificial lakes | | Bansagar Dam | Son, MP | Joint MP-UP-Bihar project | | Tilaiya Dam | Barakar, Jharkhand | First DVC dam (1953) | | Ramganga Dam | Ramganga, UP | Near Jim Corbett NP | ### **1.4 Lakes and Wetlands** - **Kanwar Lake (Kabar Taal),** Begusarai, Bihar: Asia's largest freshwater oxbow lake; Bihar's first Ramsar Site (2020); formed by Burhi Gandak meandering. - **Haiderpur Wetland,** Muzaffarnagar, UP: Ramsar Site; formed by Madhya Ganga Barrage. - **Asan Conservation Reserve,** Dehradun: Ramsar Site at Asan-Yamuna confluence. ### **1.5 Protected Areas** | Protected Area | Location | Significance | | -------------------------------------- | ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Gangotri NP | Uttarakhand | Contains Gangotri Glacier (Ganga's origin); snow leopard, musk deer | | Jim Corbett NP/TR | Uttarakhand | India's first NP (1936); Ramganga flows through it, NOT Ganga (UPSC trap); Project Tiger launched 1973 | | Rajaji NP/TR | Uttarakhand | Ganga and Song rivers flow through; Asian elephant corridor | | Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary | Bhagalpur, Bihar | India's only dolphin sanctuary; 60 km stretch of Ganga | | Sundarbans NP/TR | West Bengal | UNESCO WHS + Ramsar Site; Royal Bengal Tiger; world's largest mangrove | | National Chambal Sanctuary | Raj-MP-UP | Gharial, Gangetic dolphin, red-crowned roofed turtle | | Panna NP/TR | MP | Ken River; Ken-Betwa Link Project impacts this reserve | ### **1.6 Ecological Indicators** The **Gangetic Dolphin** (Platanista gangetica) is India's National Aquatic Animal (2009), classified as IUCN Endangered and listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972\. It is practically blind and relies on echolocation. The comprehensive 2021-2023 dolphin survey estimated the Gangetic dolphin population at 6,324 individuals, with the highest concentrations in Uttar Pradesh (2,397) and Bihar (2,220). ### **1.7 River Linking** The **Ken-Betwa Link Project** is India's first approved river interlinking project under the National Perspective Plan. It links the surplus Ken River to the deficit Betwa (both Yamuna tributaries) via the Daudhan Dam (77 m) within Panna Tiger Reserve. Cabinet approval came in December 2021 at a cost of Rs. 44,605 crore. The project is ecologically contentious as it threatens to submerge approximately 10 percent of Panna's critical tiger habitat. --- ## **2\. The Indus River System** ### **2.1 Course and Geography** The Indus originates from a glacier near **Bokhar Chu**, close to Lake Mansarovar, in the Kailash Mountain Range, Tibet, at approximately 4,164 m. Known as Singi Khamban ("Lion's Mouth") in Tibet, it enters India at Demchok in Ladakh, flows between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges, carves gorges 4,500-5,200 m deep near Nanga Parbat, then enters Pakistan and drains into the Arabian Sea near Karachi. Total length: approximately **3,180 km**. India derives its very name from the Indus (Sindhu). The river is a trans-Himalayan, antecedent river, older than the Himalayas themselves. **Note on in-India length:* Source documents cite both 710 km and 1,114 km. The former refers to the stretch within undisputed Indian territory, while the latter includes the full course through Indian territory.* ![Indus River System](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/data-src-image-e3ce5301-0604-4cab-a5a0-fa664759d54c.png) Indus River System ### **2.2\. Left Bank (The Five Punjab Rivers)** | Tributary | Origin | Key Facts | | --------- | --------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Zanskar | Zanskar Range, Ladakh | First major left-bank tributary; Chadar Trek | | Jhelum | Spring at Verinag, Pir Panjal | Flows through Srinagar, Wular Lake; ancient name: Vitasta | | Chenab | Chandra + Bhaga at Tandi, HP | Largest tributary of Indus; also called Chandrabhaga; world's highest railway bridge | | Ravi | Kullu hills near Rohtang Pass | Flows between Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar | | Beas | Beas Kund near Rohtang Pass | Entirely within Indian territory; joins Sutlej at Harike (Ramsar site) | | Sutlej | Rakas Lake near Mansarovar, Tibet | Only Indus tributary originating in Tibet; enters at Shipki La; antecedent river | ### **2.3 Hydraulic Infrastructure** | Dam | River | Significance | | -------------------- | ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Bhakra Dam | Sutlej, HP | 226 m; 2nd tallest in India; reservoir: Gobind Sagar. | | Pong Dam | Beas, HP | Reservoir: Maharana Pratap Sagar (Ramsar Site) | | Salal Dam | Chenab, J&K | India's first major dam on western rivers; 690 MW | | Baglihar Dam | Chenab, J&K | Pakistan objected under IWT; Neutral Expert ruled for India (2007) | | Kishanganga HEP | Kishanganga, J&K | Tributary of Jhelum. 330 MW; Court of Arbitration ruled for India (2013) | | Ranjit Sagar (Thein) | Ravi, Punjab | 160 m; largest dam on Ravi; 600 MW | | Harike Barrage | Beas-Sutlej, Punjab | Feeds Indira Gandhi Canal (\~650 km, India's longest) | ### **2.4 Lakes** | Lake | Key Facts | | ---------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Wular Lake | Jhelum river. Bandipora, J&K; largest freshwater lake in India; tectonic; Ramsar Site (1990) | | Dal Lake | Srinagar; oxbow lake of Jhelum; houseboats, Mughal gardens | | Chandertal | Lahaul-Spiti, HP; Ramsar Site; Chandra (Chenab) system | ### **2.5 Protected Areas** | Protected Area | Significance | | ------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Hemis NP | Indus river. Largest NP in India (\~4,400 sq km); highest Snow Leopard density globally. | | Dachigam NP | Dangwan, tributary of Jhelum. Sole habitat of Hangul (Kashmir Stag), critically endangered | | Great Himalayan NP | Tirthan river, tributary of Beas. UNESCO World Heritage Site (2014); Kullu, HP | | Pin Valley NP | Pin river, tributary of Spiti, tributary of Sutlej.Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve; Spiti; Snow Leopard | ### **2.6 Water Disputes: The Indus Waters Treaty** The Indus Waters Treaty (1960) allocated the three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India for unrestricted use, and the three western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan with limited non-consumptive Indian use. The treaty features a three-tier dispute resolution mechanism: Permanent Indus Commission, Neutral Expert, and Court of Arbitration. **Critical 2025 Development:** India suspended the IWT in April 2025 (the first time in the treaty's 65-year history) following the Pahalgam attack. ### **2.7 Ecological Indicators** The Indus River Dolphin (Bhulan) is found only in the Indus system. India's known population is critically fragmented, with only three individuals recorded in the Beas River near Harike during the 2021-2023 survey, underscoring the catastrophic impact of flow alterations. --- ## **3\. The Brahmaputra River System** ### **3.1 Course and Geography** The Brahmaputra originates from the **Angsi Glacier** near Chemayungdung in Tibet at approximately 5,150-5,300 m. It carries different names across its journey: - Yarlung Tsangpo (Tibet), - Siang/Dihang (Arunachal Pradesh), - Brahmaputra (Assam), and - Jamuna (Bangladesh). Near **Namcha Barwa** (7,756 m), it takes a dramatic U-turn around the eastern syntaxis of the Himalayas, carving the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, the world's longest and deepest river canyon. Total length: approximately **2,900 km**. The Brahmaputra exhibits a braided channel pattern in Assam (up to 16-20 km wide in places), carries approximately 590-790 million tonnes of sediment annually, and **ranks among the top 5 rivers globally by discharge**. It is designated National Waterway 2 (891 km, Sadiya to Dhubri). ![Brahmaputra River System](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/data-src-image-88b42851-d524-4725-9144-aaec8b8d483f.png) Brahmaputra River System ### **3.2 Tributary Architecture** The Brahmaputra flows roughly east-to-west through Assam, so the north bank equals the right bank (Himalayan) and the south bank equals the left bank (Meghalaya/Naga/Patkai hills). | Tributary | Bank | Key Facts | | ------------------ | ------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Subansiri | Right (North) | Largest tributary; originates in Tibet; called "Gold River"; antecedent | | Kameng/Jia Bharali | Right | From Indo-Tibetan border; joins at Tezpur | | Manas | Right | Transboundary from Bhutan; Manas NP on its banks | | Teesta | Right | From Tso Lhamo Lake, North Sikkim (5,330 m); was Ganga tributary before 1787 floods | | Dibang | Left (South) | From snow-covered Himalayas near Tibet; joins Siang near Sadiya | | Lohit | Left | From eastern Tibet; joins Siang near Sadiya | | Kopili | Left | Largest south-bank tributary in Assam | ### **3.3 Hydraulic Infrastructure** | Dam/Project | Key Facts | | ---------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Subansiri Lower HEP | 2,000 MW; India's largest hydropower project under construction; at Gerukamukh | | Teesta Stage III | 1,200 MW; operational in Sikkim | | Zangmu Dam (China) | First dam on Brahmaputra main stem; 510 MW; operational 2015 | | Medog Mega Dam (China) | 60 GW; world's largest proposed hydropower project in Tibet, China; Its ongoing development remains a critical downstream water security concern for India. | ### **3.4 Protected Areas** | Protected Area | Significance | | ----------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Kaziranga NP | UNESCO WHS; \~70% of world's one-horned rhinos; highest tiger density among Indian NPs | | Manas NP | UNESCO WHS; only known population of pygmy hog; golden langur | | Orang NP | "Mini Kaziranga"; Tiger Reserve (2016) | | Dibru-Saikhowa NP | Biosphere Reserve; feral horses; 380+ bird species | | Dehing Patkai NP | "Amazon of the East"; hoolock gibbons (India's only ape) | | Pobitora WLS | World's highest density of rhinos per sq km | ### **3.5 Key Geographic Features** - **Majuli Island:** World's largest inhabited river island; first island designated as a district (2016); UNESCO Tentative List; shrinking from \~1,250 sq km to \~421-880 sq km. --- ## **4\. The Narmada River System** ### **4.1 Course and Geography** The Narmada originates from **Narmada Kund at Amarkantak Plateau**, Maikal Hills, Anuppur district, MP, at approximately 1,057 m. It flows westward for **1,312 km**, making it India's longest west-flowing river, draining into the Arabian Sea via the Gulf of Khambhat, forming an estuary (not a delta). Its defining feature is that it flows through a rift valley (graben) between the Vindhya Range (north/horst) and Satpura Range (south/horst). This explains both its westward flow and estuary formation: the hard rock terrain in the rift valley means less silt, therefore no delta. The Narmada also forms the traditional boundary between North and South India. At Amarkantak, the Narmada, Son, and Mahanadi all originate nearby, creating a classic radial drainage pattern. Basin area: 98,796 sq km; MP (82%), Gujarat (12%), Maharashtra (4%), Chhattisgarh (2%). Due to the rift valley confinement, tributaries are short and join at near right angles, creating a classic trellis drainage pattern. ![Narmada River System](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/data-src-image-e5c78841-c0e5-4e96-b28b-f605e726d76e.png) Narmada River System ### **4.2 Tributaries** - **Left bank (Satpura Range):** Tawa (largest tributary, 172 km), Banjar, Shakkar, Dudhi, Burhner. The Banjar flows near Kanha NP. - **Right bank (Vindhya Range):** Hiran, Orsang, Barna, Kolar, Tendoni, Man. Total: 41 tributaries (22 left, 19 right). ### **4.3 Hydraulic Infrastructure** | Dam | River/Location | Significance | | ------------------ | ------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Indira Sagar Dam | Narmada, Khandwa, MP | Largest reservoir in India by storage capacity (12.22 billion cu.m); 1,000 MW | | Sardar Sarovar Dam | Narmada, Kevadia, Gujarat | 163 m high; 1,450 MW; Narmada Main Canal (532 km, largest irrigation canal in world); Statue of Unity downstream | | Bargi Dam | Narmada, Jabalpur | First major dam on Narmada; completed 1988 | | Omkareshwar Dam | Narmada, Khandwa | 520 MW; near Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga | | Tawa Dam | Tawa tributary, MP | On largest tributary | ### **4.4 Waterfalls and Natural Features** - **Dhuandhar Falls** at Bhedaghat, Jabalpur: Name means "Fall of Mist/Smoke"; adjacent to the Marble Rocks gorge (8 km of magnesium limestone cliffs, 30-35 m high, river narrows to 18 m). Bhedaghat-Lameta Ghat is on the UNESCO WH Tentative List and is a major dinosaur fossil site (Rajasaurus narmadensis discovered here). - **Kapildhara Falls:** Located 8 km from origin at Amarkantak; first waterfall on the river. ### **4.5 Protected Areas** - **Satpura NP/Tiger Reserve:** Core of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO MAB 2009); bounded by Tawa River. Drained by the Denwa River. - **Bori WLS:** India's first reserved forest (1862); part of Pachmarhi BR. - **Kanha NP/TR:** Narmada tributaries (Banjar, Sulkum) flow through; barasingha conservation; Jungle Book inspiration. ### **4.6 River Linking** The Par-Tapi-Narmada Link proposes transferring surplus monsoon water from Western Ghats rivers to water-deficit Saurashtra and Kutch. Seven dams, 395 km canal; cost approximately Rs. 10,211 crore. The project faces intense opposition as it threatens to submerge over 6,000 hectares, displacing 60+ tribal villages. ### **4.7 Critical Facts** - **Narmada Parikrama:** Only Indian river with a tradition of complete circumambulation (\~2,600-3,500 km walk along both banks). --- ## **5\. The Godavari River System** ### **5.1 Course and Geography** The Godavari originates at **Trimbakeshwar (Brahmagiri Hills) near Nashik**, Maharashtra, at approximately 1,067 m, just 80 km from the Arabian Sea, yet flows east **1,465 km** to the Bay of Bengal. It is India's second-longest river (after Ganga), the longest peninsular river, and has the largest peninsular river basin at 3,12,812 sq km (roughly 10 percent of India's area). Called "Dakshin Ganga" and "Vridha Ganga" (Old Ganga). Near Rajahmundry, it splits into Gautami Godavari (north) and Vasishta Godavari (south), forming the "Sapta Godavari" (seven branches). The delta includes the Coringa mangrove forests, India's second-largest mangrove formation. ![Godavari River System](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/data-src-image-b2484dd2-e584-40c2-b19c-79b06a8d81a2.png) Godavari River System ### **5.2 Tributary Architecture** | Tributary | Bank | Key Facts | | -------------- | ----- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Pranhita | Left | Largest tributary (\~34-35% of basin); formed by Wardha + Wainganga confluence | | Indravati | Left | 2nd largest; 535 km; "lifeline of Bastar"; Chitrakote Falls | | Sabari/Kolab | Left | Last major tributary; joins \~100 km upstream of Rajahmundry | | Penganga | Left | From Ajanta Range; sub-tributary of Pranhita | | Manjra/Manjira | Right | Longest right-bank tributary; holds Nizam Sagar | | Pravara | Right | Originates in Western Ghats | ### **5.3 Hydraulic Infrastructure** | Dam/Barrage | Key Facts | | ------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Jayakwadi Dam | Paithan, Maharashtra; one of longest earthen dams in Asia; reservoir: Nath Sagar; lifeline of Marathwada | | Dowleswaram/Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage | Rajahmundry, AP; original anicut (1850); first major irrigation project on Godavari | | Polavaram Dam | AP; National Project status; interlinks Godavari-Krishna (80 TMC); 960 MW; controversial | | Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation | Telangana; world's largest multi-stage lift irrigation project; Rs. 80,500 crore | | Sriram Sagar Dam | Telangana; "lifeline of Telangana" | ### **5.4 Waterfalls** **Chitrakote Falls** on the Indravati River, Bastar, Chhattisgarh: India's widest waterfall (\~300 m during monsoon); horseshoe-shaped; called the "Niagara Falls of India." Height: approximately 29-30 m. ### **5.5 Protected Areas** | Protected Area | Significance | | --------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Indravati NP/TR | Chhattisgarh; last remaining wild water buffalo population | | Papikonda NP | AP; Godavari flows through Papi Hills gorge; threatened by Polavaram submergence | | Nandur Madhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary | Nashik; Ramsar Site (Maharashtra's first); "Bharatpur of Maharashtra" | | Coringa WLS | AP; Godavari estuary; 2nd-largest mangrove; saltwater crocodiles | ### **5.6 River Linking** - **Pattiseema Lift Irrigation (2015-16):** India's first completed river-linking project. Links Godavari to Krishna via Polavaram Right Bank Canal. - **Godavari-Cauvery Link:** Proposed Inchampalli to Nagarjunasagar to Somasila to Grand Anicut; DPR completed 2019; estimated cost Rs. 60,361 crore. ### **5.7 Critical Facts** - **Krishna-Godavari (KG) Basin:** Major offshore natural gas/petroleum reserves. - **Highest dam density:** The basin has approximately 350+ major/medium dams, the highest in India. - Singareni coalfields. --- ## **6\. The Krishna River System** ### **6.1 Course and Geography** The Krishna originates near **Jor village, Mahabaleshwar** in the Western Ghats, Satara district, Maharashtra, at approximately 1,337 m, just 64 km from the Arabian Sea. It flows east through Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh for approximately **1,400 km**, draining into the Bay of Bengal. Basin area: 2,58,948 sq km (roughly 8 percent of India). The Krishna-Godavari delta is known as the "Rice Granary of India." ![Krishna River System](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/data-src-image-175ebc0e-6bee-4a0b-b619-e1cdcad89995.png) Krishna River System ### **6.2 Tributary Architecture** | Tributary | Bank | Key Facts | | ----------- | ----- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Bhima | Left | Longest tributary (861 km); from Bhimashankar Hills; sub-tributaries: Sina, Nira, Mula-Mutha | | Musi | Left | Hyderabad on its banks; Osman Sagar Dam | | Tungabhadra | Right | Largest right-bank tributary; formed by Tunga + Bhadra at Koodli; near Hampi WHS | | Koyna | Right | Koyna Dam; reservoir-induced seismicity | | Ghataprabha | Right | 283 km; Gokak Falls (52 m); Hidkal Dam | | Malaprabha | Right | Joins at Kudalasangama; Samadhi of Basavanna | ### **6.3 Hydraulic Infrastructure** | Dam | Key Facts | | ------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Nagarjuna Sagar Dam | One of world's largest masonry dams; 124 m; Nagarjunakonda (Buddhist site) in reservoir | | Srisailam Dam | Nallamala Hills gorge; 143 m; India's 2nd-largest hydroelectric station (1,670 MW); near Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga | | Almatti Dam | North Karnataka; Upper Krishna Project | | Tungabhadra Dam | Hospet, Karnataka; near Hampi World Heritage Site | | Koyna Dam | Satara; classic case of reservoir-induced seismicity (1967, M 6.3) | | Prakasam Barrage | Vijayawada, AP; last structure on Krishna before Bay of Bengal | ### **6.4 Waterfalls** - **Gokak Falls** on the Ghataprabha: 52 m drop; horseshoe-shaped; "Niagara of Karnataka"; first hydroelectric power in Asia generated here (1887). - **Ethipothala Falls** (21 m) near Nagarjuna Sagar: crocodile breeding centre below. ### **6.5 Protected Areas** - **Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve:** India's largest tiger reserve (3,728 sq km); Nallamala Hills; Krishna flows through for 270 km. - **Koyna WLS:** Part of UNESCO WHS (Western Ghats, 2012); part of Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. - **Kudremukh NP:** Birthplace of the Tunga and Bhadra rivers in the Western Ghats. ### **6.6 Critical Facts** - **Koyna Earthquake (1967):** M 6.3; \~200 deaths; world's most famous case of reservoir-induced seismicity; Deccan Plateau previously considered aseismic. - **Raichur Doab:** Between Tungabhadra and Krishna. - **Hussain Sagar:** Heart-shaped artificial lake linking Hyderabad and Secunderabad, built on a Musi tributary. --- ## **7\. The Kaveri (Cauvery) River System** ### **7.1 Course and Geography** The Kaveri originates at **Talakaveri, Brahmagiri Hills**, Kodagu (Coorg) district, Karnataka, at 1,341 m. It flows through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for approximately **800 km**, draining into the Bay of Bengal near Poompuhar. Basin area: 81,155 sq km. Called "Dakshin Ganga" and "Ponni" ("the golden one" in Tamil). Unlike other peninsular rivers, the Kaveri exhibits near-perennial flow because its upper catchment receives Southwest monsoon rainfall while its lower catchment receives Northeast monsoon rainfall. The river creates iconic islands as it bifurcates and rejoins: Srirangapatna (Tipu Sultan's capital), Shivanasamudra (hydroelectric station), and Srirangam (Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple). The Kaveri Delta (Thanjavur-Tiruvarur region) is the "Granary of South India." Approximately 90-95 percent of the Kaveri's irrigation and power potential is already harnessed. ![Kaveri (Cauvery) River System](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/data-src-image-b3a98d1e-341d-4de7-a24b-cc1c9c0be2b0.png) Kaveri (Cauvery) River System ### **7.2 Tributaries** | Tributary | Bank | Key Facts | | ---------- | ----- | ------------------------------------------------- | | Hemavati | Left | Longest tributary (\~245 km); Gorur Dam | | Shimsha | Left | Hydroelectric projects | | Arkavathi | Left | From Nandi Hills | | Kabini | Right | Major perennial; from Wayanad, Kerala; Kabini Dam | | Bhavani | Right | 2nd longest; Bhavanisagar Dam | | Amaravathi | Right | From Anamalai Hills | ### **7.3 Hydraulic Infrastructure** | Dam | Key Facts | | ------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) | Near Mysuru; designed by Sir M. Visvesvaraya; Brindavan Gardens; built 1911-1932 | | Mettur Dam | Salem, TN; Stanley Reservoir (93.4 TMC); was largest dam in world at construction | | Grand Anicut/Kallanai | Built by Chola King Karikalan, c. 2nd century CE; \~1,900 years old; oldest water-diversion structure in India still in use | | Kabini Dam | Mysuru; key ecotourism area adjacent to Nagarhole NP | ### **7.4 Waterfalls** - **Shivanasamudra Falls** (Gaganachukki: 90 m; Bharachukki: 69 m): Asia's first hydroelectric power station established here in 1902 (700 KW); powered Kolar Gold Fields; made Bangalore India's first electrified city (1905). - **Hogenakkal Falls:** Called "Niagara of India"; "Smoking Rocks" in Kannada; carbonatite rocks among the oldest in South Asia. ### **7.5 Protected Areas** | Protected Area | Significance | | ------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Nagarhole NP (Rajiv Gandhi NP) | Part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve; Kabini River boundary; elephants, tigers | | Bandipur NP/TR | Part of Nilgiri BR; bounded by Kabini (north) and Moyar (south) | | Cauvery WLS | 1,027 sq km; grizzled giant squirrel; hump-backed mahseer (CR) | | Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary | Karnataka's largest bird sanctuary; Ramsar Site (2022); recommended by Dr. Salim Ali | ### **7.6 Water Disputes: India's Most Contentious** The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (constituted 1990) delivered its final award in 2007: TN 419 TMC, KA 270 TMC, KL 30 TMC, Puducherry 7 TMC. The Supreme Court Modified Order (16 February 2018) adjusted allocations: Karnataka 284.75 TMC (+14.75), Tamil Nadu 404.25 TMC (-14.75), Kerala 30 TMC, Puducherry 7 TMC, with 10 TMC for environmental protection. The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) was constituted in June 2018\. Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu Dam remains a major flashpoint. ### **7.7 Critical Facts** - **Shivanasamudra (1902):** First major commercial hydroelectric station; note Sidrapong, Darjeeling (1898) was India's first, but smaller. - **Grand Anicut:** Textbook example of ancient Indian hydraulic engineering; Sir Arthur Cotton modeled his designs on it. - **Srirangapatna:** Tipu Sultan's island capital, formed by Kaveri's bifurcation. --- ## **8\. The Mahanadi River System** ### **8.1 Course and Geography** The Mahanadi originates near Pharsiya village, south of Nagri town, in the Sihawa Hills, Dhamtari district, Chhattisgarh, at 442 m. It flows through Chhattisgarh (\~53% of basin) and Odisha (\~47%) for approximately **858 km**, draining into the Bay of Bengal at False Point near Paradip. Basin area: approximately 1,41,589 sq km. Called the "Sorrow of Odisha" due to devastating historical floods. It is the most active silt-depositing stream in the Indian subcontinent. The Satkosia Gorge (22 km) is where the Mahanadi cuts through the Eastern Ghats. The upper basin forms a distinct saucer-shaped depression known as the "Chhattisgarh Plain." ![The Mahanadi River System](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/data-src-image-53471fc5-23a7-432f-bed7-e60969fe65c4.png) The Mahanadi River System ### **8.2 Tributaries** - **Left bank (SHMI mnemonic):** Shivnath/Seonath (longest/largest, 345 km; drains \~25% of basin), Hasdeo (333 km; Hasdeo Bango Dam), Mand (241 km), Ib (251 km; Ib Valley coalfield). - **Right bank (JOT mnemonic):** Jonk (182 km), Ong (\~200 km), Tel (296 km; largest right-bank tributary). ### **8.3 Hydraulic Infrastructure** | Dam/Barrage | Key Facts | | --------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Hirakud Dam | \~15 km from Sambalpur; 25.8 km total length (longest dam in India/world including dykes); first major multipurpose project after independence; operational 1957; Ramsar Site (2021) | | Ravishankar Sagar (Gangrel) | Longest dam in Chhattisgarh; supplies water to Bhilai Steel Plant | | Tandula Dam | Dhamtari, CG; built 1910-21; first dam in Asia with siphon spillways | ### **8.4 Lakes and Wetlands** - **Chilika Lake:** South of Mahanadi Delta; largest coastal/brackish water lagoon in India, 2nd largest in world; India's first Ramsar Site (1981); Irrawaddy dolphins; 1 million+ migratory birds in winter. - **Ansupa Lake:** Largest freshwater lake in Odisha; oxbow lake of Mahanadi; Ramsar Site (2021). ### **8.5 Protected Areas** | Protected Area | Significance | | ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Satkosia Tiger Reserve | Mahanadi passes through Satkosia Gorge; gharial and mugger conservation; Ramsar Site | | Achanakmar WLS/TR | Part of Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve; linked to Kanha TR | - **Bhitarkanika National Park:** While geographically adjacent to the broader Mahanadi delta region, this ecosystem is primarily formed by the Brahmani, Baitarani, and Dhamra rivers. It is India's second-largest mangrove ecosystem, houses the largest saltwater crocodile population, and is adjacent to the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary (the world's largest nesting beach for Olive Ridley turtles). ### **8.6 Economic and Navigational Significance** National Waterway 5 (NW-5) comprises a 588 km stretch of the East Coast Canal alongside the Brahmani and Mahanadi delta rivers, essential for transporting coal, fertilizers, and mineral resources from Odisha's mining hinterlands to coastal ports. --- # **Quick-Reference Comparison** Synthesis of the core parameters of all eight river systems for quick revision. | River | Length (km) | Origin | Drains Into | Largest Tributary | | ----------- | ----------- | ----------------------------- | ------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------- | | Ganga | 2,525 | Gangotri Glacier, Uttarakhand | Bay of Bengal | Ghaghara (discharge); Yamuna (length) | | Indus | 3,180 | Near Lake Mansarovar, Tibet | Arabian Sea | Chenab (discharge); Sutlej (length) | | Brahmaputra | 2,900 | Angsi Glacier, Tibet | Bay of Bengal (via Meghna) | Subansiri | | Narmada | 1,312 | Amarkantak, MP | Arabian Sea (Gulf of Khambhat) | Tawa | | Mahanadi | 858 | Sihawa Hills, Chhattisgarh | Bay of Bengal | Shivnath | | Godavari | 1,465 | Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra | Bay of Bengal | Pranhita | | Krishna | 1,400 | Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra | Bay of Bengal | Bhima (length); Tungabhadra (right bank) | | Kaveri | 800 | Talakaveri, Karnataka | Bay of Bengal | Hemavati | ## **Key Projects Status** | Project | Status | Key Details | | -------------------------- | ------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------ | | Ken-Betwa Link | First approved (Dec 2021) | Daudhan Dam within Panna TR; Rs. 44,605 crore | | Pattiseema | First completed (2015-16) | Godavari to Krishna via Polavaram RBC | | Par-Tapi-Narmada Link | DPR completed | 7 dams, 395 km canal; tribal opposition | | Godavari-Cauvery Link | DPR completed (2019) | Three-stage transfer; Rs. 60,361 crore | | Manas-Sankosh-Teesta-Ganga | Pre-feasibility stage | 457 km canal; Manas and Buxa TR alignment issues | ## **Inland Waterways** | Waterway | River System | Length | Route | | -------- | ----------------- | -------- | -------------------------------------------- | | NW-1 | Ganga | 1,620 km | Prayagraj to Haldia | | NW-2 | Brahmaputra | 891 km | Sadiya to Dhubri | | NW-4 | Godavari-Krishna | 1,095 km | Bhadrachalam to Vijayawada and canal systems | | NW-5 | Mahanadi-Brahmani | 588 km | East Coast Canal and delta rivers | --- If you wish to watch Abhijeet Yadav sir cover Indian rivers through maps, click the YouTube link below. 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[1 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-31/) - [2 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-32/) - [3 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-33/) - [4 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-34/) - [5 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-35/) - [6 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-36/) - [7 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-37/) - [8 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-38/) - [9 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-39/) - [10 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-40/) - [11 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-41/) - [12 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-42/) - [13 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-43/) - [14 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-44/) - [15 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-45/) - [16 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-46/) - [17 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-47/) - [18 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-48/) - [19 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-49/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 49 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-49/ Last updated: 2026-02-19T14:15:51.000Z ### **19 Feb, 2026** Day 19 Results (Feb 2026) 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Prelims-360.png) #### Prelims 360 (GS + CSAT) with Mentorship 10% discount to existing students [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-360-gs-csat-with-mentorship-xudt6ay9u4pr/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-31/) - [2 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-32/) - [3 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-33/) - [4 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-34/) - [5 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-35/) - [6 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-36/) - [7 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-37/) - [8 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-38/) - [9 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-39/) - [10 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-40/) - [11 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-41/) - [12 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-42/) - [13 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-43/) - [14 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-44/) - [15 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-45/) - [16 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-46/) - [17 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-47/) - [18 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-48/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 48 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-48/ Last updated: 2026-02-18T14:15:06.000Z ### **18 Feb, 2026** Day 18 Results (Feb 2026) 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Prelims-SIP.png) #### Prelims SIP (Strategic Intensive Practice) Practice 6000+ Questions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-sip/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-31/) - [2 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-32/) - [3 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-33/) - [4 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-34/) - [5 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-35/) - [6 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-36/) - [7 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-37/) - [8 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-38/) - [9 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-39/) - [10 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-40/) - [11 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-41/) - [12 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-42/) - [13 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-43/) - [14 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-44/) - [15 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-45/) - [16 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-46/) - [17 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-47/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 47 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-47/ Last updated: 2026-02-17T14:15:43.000Z ### **17 Feb, 2026** Day 17 Results (Feb 2026) 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/CSAT-Test-Series.png) #### CSAT Test Series 10 CSAT tests with solutions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/csat-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-31/) - [2 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-32/) - [3 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-33/) - [4 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-34/) - [5 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-35/) - [6 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-36/) - [7 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-37/) - [8 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-38/) - [9 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-39/) - [10 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-40/) - [11 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-41/) - [12 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-42/) - [13 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-43/) - [14 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-44/) - [15 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-45/) - [16 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-46/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 46 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-46/ Last updated: 2026-02-16T14:15:39.000Z ### **16 Feb, 2026** Day 16 Results (Feb 2026) 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2028.png) #### UPSC Essential 2028 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2028-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-31/) - [2 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-32/) - [3 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-33/) - [4 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-34/) - [5 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-35/) - [6 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-36/) - [7 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-37/) - [8 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-38/) - [9 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-39/) - [10 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-40/) - [11 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-41/) - [12 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-42/) - [13 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-43/) - [14 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-44/) - [15 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-45/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 45 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-45/ Last updated: 2026-02-15T14:15:03.000Z ### **15 Feb, 2026** Day 15 Results (Feb 2026) 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2027-1.png) #### UPSC Essential 2027 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2027-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-31/) - [2 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-32/) - [3 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-33/) - [4 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-34/) - [5 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-35/) - [6 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-36/) - [7 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-37/) - [8 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-38/) - [9 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-39/) - [10 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-40/) - [11 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-41/) - [12 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-42/) - [13 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-43/) - [14 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-44/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 44 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-44/ Last updated: 2026-02-14T14:15:28.000Z ### **14 Feb, 2026** Day 14 Results (Feb 2026) 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Ace-the-Essay.png) #### Ace the Essay (With Abhijeet Yadav Sir) A comprehensive course to MASTER the ART AND CRAFT OF ESSAY WRITING (Self-Paced) [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/ace-the-essay-with-abhijeet-yadav-sir/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-31/) - [2 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-32/) - [3 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-33/) - [4 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-34/) - [5 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-35/) - [6 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-36/) - [7 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-37/) - [8 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-38/) - [9 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-39/) - [10 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-40/) - [11 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-41/) - [12 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-42/) - [13 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-43/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 43 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-43/ Last updated: 2026-02-13T14:15:25.000Z ### **13 Feb, 2026** Day 13 Results (Feb 2026) 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Mains-Test-series-2026.png) #### Mains Test Series 2026 + Mentorship Not just a test series but complete guide to Mains Answer Writing [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-test-series-2026-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-31/) - [2 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-32/) - [3 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-33/) - [4 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-34/) - [5 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-35/) - [6 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-36/) - [7 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-37/) - [8 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-38/) - [9 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-39/) - [10 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-40/) - [11 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-41/) - [12 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-42/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 42 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-42/ Last updated: 2026-02-12T14:15:31.000Z ### **12 Feb, 2026** Day 12 Results (Feb 2026) 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Prelims-360.png) #### Prelims 360 (GS + CSAT) with Mentorship 10% discount to existing students [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-360-gs-csat-with-mentorship-xudt6ay9u4pr/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-31/) - [2 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-32/) - [3 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-33/) - [4 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-34/) - [5 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-35/) - [6 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-36/) - [7 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-37/) - [8 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-38/) - [9 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-39/) - [10 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-40/) - [11 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-41/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 41 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-41/ Last updated: 2026-02-11T14:15:14.000Z ### **11 Feb, 2026** Day 11 Results (Feb 2026) 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Prelims-SIP.png) #### Prelims SIP (Strategic Intensive Practice) Practice 6000+ Questions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-sip/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-31/) - [2 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-32/) - [3 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-33/) - [4 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-34/) - [5 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-35/) - [6 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-36/) - [7 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-37/) - [8 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-38/) - [9 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-39/) - [10 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-40/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 40 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-40/ Last updated: 2026-02-10T14:15:31.000Z ### **10 Feb, 2026** Day 10 Results (Feb 2026) 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/CSAT-Test-Series.png) #### CSAT Test Series 10 CSAT tests with solutions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/csat-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-31/) - [2 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-32/) - [3 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-33/) - [4 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-34/) - [5 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-35/) - [6 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-36/) - [7 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-37/) - [8 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-38/) - [9 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-39/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 39 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-39/ Last updated: 2026-02-09T14:15:45.000Z ### **9 Feb, 2026** Day 9 Results (Feb 2026) 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2028.png) #### UPSC Essential 2028 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2028-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-31/) - [2 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-32/) - [3 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-33/) - [4 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-34/) - [5 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-35/) - [6 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-36/) - [7 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-37/) - [8 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-38/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 38 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-38/ Last updated: 2026-02-08T14:15:53.000Z ### **8 Feb, 2026** Day 8 Results (Feb 2026) 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2027-1.png) #### UPSC Essential 2027 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2027-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-31/) - [2 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-32/) - [3 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-33/) - [4 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-34/) - [5 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-35/) - [6 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-36/) - [7 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-37/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 37 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-37/ Last updated: 2026-02-07T14:15:16.000Z ### **7 Feb, 2026** Day 7 Results (Feb 2026) 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Ace-the-Essay.png) #### Ace the Essay (With Abhijeet Yadav Sir) A comprehensive course to MASTER the ART AND CRAFT OF ESSAY WRITING (Self-Paced) [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/ace-the-essay-with-abhijeet-yadav-sir/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-31/) - [2 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-32/) - [3 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-33/) - [4 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-34/) - [5 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-35/) - [6 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-36/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 36 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-36/ Last updated: 2026-02-06T14:15:02.000Z ### **6 Feb, 2026** Day 6 Results (Feb 2026) 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Mains-Test-series-2026.png) #### Mains Test Series 2026 + Mentorship Not just a test series but complete guide to Mains Answer Writing [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-test-series-2026-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-31/) - [2 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-32/) - [3 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-33/) - [4 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-34/) - [5 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-35/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 35 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-35/ Last updated: 2026-02-05T14:15:46.000Z ### **5 Feb, 2026** Day 5 Results (Feb 2026) 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Prelims-360.png) #### Prelims 360 (GS + CSAT) with Mentorship 10% discount to existing students [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-360-gs-csat-with-mentorship-xudt6ay9u4pr/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-31/) - [2 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-32/) - [3 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-33/) - [4 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-34/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 34 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-34/ Last updated: 2026-02-04T14:15:52.000Z ### **4 Feb, 2026** Day 4 Results (Feb 2026) 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Prelims-SIP.png) #### Prelims SIP (Strategic Intensive Practice) Practice 6000+ Questions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-sip/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-31/) - [2 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-32/) - [3 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-33/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 33 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-33/ Last updated: 2026-02-03T14:15:46.000Z ### **3 Feb, 2026** Day 3 Results (Feb 2026) 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/CSAT-Test-Series.png) #### CSAT Test Series 10 CSAT tests with solutions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/csat-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-31/) - [2 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-32/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 32 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-32/ Last updated: 2026-02-02T14:15:49.000Z ### **2 Feb, 2026** Day 2 Results (Feb 2026) 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2028.png) #### UPSC Essential 2028 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2028-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [1 February, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-31/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 31 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-31/ Last updated: 2026-02-01T16:35:08.000Z ### **1 Feb, 2026** Day 1 Results (Feb 2026) 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2027-1.png) #### UPSC Essential 2027 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2027-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from the previous Month here: [January, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 30 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-30/ Last updated: 2026-02-01T16:56:56.000Z ### **30 Jan, 2026** Day 30 Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Ace-the-Essay.png) #### Ace the Essay (With Abhijeet Yadav Sir) A comprehensive course to MASTER the ART AND CRAFT OF ESSAY WRITING (Self-Paced) [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/ace-the-essay-with-abhijeet-yadav-sir/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [January 1, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq/) - [January 2, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-2/) - [January 3, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-3/) - [January 4, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-4/) - [January 5, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-5/) - [January 6, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-6/) - [January 7, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-7/) - [January 8, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-8/) - [January 9, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-9/) - [January 10, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-10/) - [January 11, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-11/) - [January 12, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-12/) - [January 13, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-13/) - [January 14, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-14/) - [January 15, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-15/) - [January 16, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-16/) - [January 17, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-17/) - [January 18, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-18/) - [January 19, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-19/) - [January 20, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-20/) - [January 21, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-21/) - [January 22, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-22/) - [January 23, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-23/) - [January 24, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-24/) - [January 25, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-25/) - [January 26, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-26/) - [January 27, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-27/) - [January 28, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-28/) - [January 29, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-29/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 29 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-29/ Last updated: 2026-02-01T16:57:40.000Z ### **29 Jan, 2026** Day 29 Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Mains-Test-series-2026.png) #### Mains Test Series 2026 + Mentorship Not just a test series but complete guide to Mains Answer Writing [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-test-series-2026-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [January 1, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq/) - [January 2, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-2/) - [January 3, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-3/) - [January 4, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-4/) - [January 5, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-5/) - [January 6, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-6/) - [January 7, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-7/) - [January 8, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-8/) - [January 9, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-9/) - [January 10, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-10/) - [January 11, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-11/) - [January 12, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-12/) - [January 13, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-13/) - [January 14, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-14/) - [January 15, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-15/) - [January 16, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-16/) - [January 17, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-17/) - [January 18, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-18/) - [January 19, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-19/) - [January 20, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-20/) - [January 21, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-21/) - [January 22, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-22/) - [January 23, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-23/) - [January 24, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-24/) - [January 25, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-25/) - [January 26, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-26/) - [January 27, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-27/) - [January 28, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-28/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 28 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-28/ Last updated: 2026-02-01T16:58:19.000Z ### **28 Jan, 2026** Day 28 Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Prelims-360.png) #### Prelims 360 (GS + CSAT) with Mentorship 10% discount to existing students [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-360-gs-csat-with-mentorship-xudt6ay9u4pr/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [January 1, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq/) - [January 2, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-2/) - [January 3, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-3/) - [January 4, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-4/) - [January 5, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-5/) - [January 6, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-6/) - [January 7, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-7/) - [January 8, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-8/) - [January 9, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-9/) - [January 10, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-10/) - [January 11, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-11/) - [January 12, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-12/) - [January 13, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-13/) - [January 14, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-14/) - [January 15, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-15/) - [January 16, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-16/) - [January 17, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-17/) - [January 18, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-18/) - [January 19, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-19/) - [January 20, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-20/) - [January 21, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-21/) - [January 22, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-22/) - [January 23, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-23/) - [January 24, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-24/) - [January 25, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-25/) - [January 26, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-26/) - [January 27, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-27/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 27 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-27/ Last updated: 2026-02-01T16:58:38.000Z ### **27 Jan, 2026** Day 27 Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Prelims-SIP.png) #### Prelims SIP (Strategic Intensive Practice) Practice 6000+ Questions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-sip/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [January 1, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq/) - [January 2, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-2/) - [January 3, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-3/) - [January 4, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-4/) - [January 5, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-5/) - [January 6, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-6/) - [January 7, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-7/) - [January 8, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-8/) - [January 9, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-9/) - [January 10, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-10/) - [January 11, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-11/) - [January 12, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-12/) - [January 13, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-13/) - [January 14, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-14/) - [January 15, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-15/) - [January 16, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-16/) - [January 17, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-17/) - [January 18, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-18/) - [January 19, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-19/) - [January 20, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-20/) - [January 21, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-21/) - [January 22, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-22/) - [January 23, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-23/) - [January 24, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-24/) - [January 25, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-25/) - [January 26, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-26/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 26 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-26/ Last updated: 2026-02-01T16:59:13.000Z ### **26 Jan, 2026** Day 26 Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/CSAT-Test-Series.png) #### CSAT Test Series 10 CSAT tests with solutions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/csat-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [January 1, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq/) - [January 2, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-2/) - [January 3, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-3/) - [January 4, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-4/) - [January 5, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-5/) - [January 6, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-6/) - [January 7, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-7/) - [January 8, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-8/) - [January 9, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-9/) - [January 10, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-10/) - [January 11, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-11/) - [January 12, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-12/) - [January 13, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-13/) - [January 14, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-14/) - [January 15, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-15/) - [January 16, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-16/) - [January 17, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-17/) - [January 18, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-18/) - [January 19, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-19/) - [January 20, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-20/) - [January 21, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-21/) - [January 22, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-22/) - [January 23, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-23/) - [January 24, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-24/) - [January 25, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-25/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 25 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-25/ Last updated: 2026-02-01T16:59:41.000Z ### **25 Jan, 2026** Day 25 Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2028.png) #### UPSC Essential 2028 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2028-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [January 1, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq/) - [January 2, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-2/) - [January 3, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-3/) - [January 4, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-4/) - [January 5, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-5/) - [January 6, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-6/) - [January 7, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-7/) - [January 8, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-8/) - [January 9, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-9/) - [January 10, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-10/) - [January 11, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-11/) - [January 12, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-12/) - [January 13, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-13/) - [January 14, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-14/) - [January 15, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-15/) - [January 16, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-16/) - [January 17, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-17/) - [January 18, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-18/) - [January 19, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-19/) - [January 20, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-20/) - [January 21, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-21/) - [January 22, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-22/) - [January 23, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-23/) - [January 24, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-24/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 24 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-24/ Last updated: 2026-02-01T17:00:22.000Z ### **24 Jan, 2026** Day 24 Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2027-1.png) #### UPSC Essential 2027 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2027-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [January 1, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq/) - [January 2, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-2/) - [January 3, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-3/) - [January 4, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-4/) - [January 5, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-5/) - [January 6, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-6/) - [January 7, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-7/) - [January 8, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-8/) - [January 9, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-9/) - [January 10, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-10/) - [January 11, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-11/) - [January 12, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-12/) - [January 13, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-13/) - [January 14, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-14/) - [January 15, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-15/) - [January 16, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-16/) - [January 17, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-17/) - [January 18, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-18/) - [January 19, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-19/) - [January 20, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-20/) - [January 21, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-21/) - [January 22, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-22/) - [January 23, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-23/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 23 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-23/ Last updated: 2026-02-01T17:01:05.000Z ### **23 Jan, 2026** Day 23 Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Ace-the-Essay.png) #### Ace the Essay (With Abhijeet Yadav Sir) A comprehensive course to MASTER the ART AND CRAFT OF ESSAY WRITING (Self-Paced) [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/ace-the-essay-with-abhijeet-yadav-sir/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [January 1, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq/) - [January 2, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-2/) - [January 3, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-3/) - [January 4, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-4/) - [January 5, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-5/) - [January 6, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-6/) - [January 7, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-7/) - [January 8, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-8/) - [January 9, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-9/) - [January 10, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-10/) - [January 11, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-11/) - [January 12, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-12/) - [January 13, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-13/) - [January 14, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-14/) - [January 15, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-15/) - [January 16, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-16/) - [January 17, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-17/) - [January 18, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-18/) - [January 19, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-19/) - [January 20, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-20/) - [January 21, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-21/) - [January 22, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-22/) ### Spain Joins Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/spain-joins-indo-pacific-oceans-initiative-ipoi-upsc-current-affairs/ Last updated: 2026-02-01T17:01:37.000Z India has welcomed Spain's accession to the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), marking a significant step in strengthening cooperation for a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Spain's Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares, formally handed over the Declaration of Accession to India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, during his visit to India on January 21, 2026. ![IPOI: India-Spain: Foreign Minister of Spain, Jose Manuel Albares, handed over the signed Declaration of Accession to the IPOI to External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/01/image.png) ### Why in the News? - **Accession:** Spain officially joined the **Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)**. - **Diplomatic Exchange:** Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares met with EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar in New Delhi. - **India's Stance:** India looks forward to collaborating with Spain under the IPOI framework to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. - **Bilateral Relations:** The visit also highlighted the upcoming 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Spain in 2026. ### Indo-Pacific Region The Indo-Pacific is a crucial geopolitical and geoeconomic construct. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/01/image-1.png) - **Definition:** It represents an interconnected strategic space spanning the Indian and Pacific Oceans, primarily linked by vital trade routes like the **Malacca Strait**. - **Significance:** - Home to over half of the world's population. - Accounts for nearly two-thirds of the global economy. - A hub for global trade, energy flows, and maritime security. ### Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) The IPOI is India's vision for a secure and prosperous maritime domain. #### Genesis and Background - **Launch:** Proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the **East Asia Summit in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 4, 2019**. - **Nature:** It is a **non-treaty-based, voluntary arrangement** designed to foster cooperation. - **Foundation:** Builds upon India's earlier **"Security and Growth for All in the Region" (SAGAR) initiative**, announced in 2015, which emphasizes a safe, secure, and stable maritime domain. ### Core Pillars of IPOI The IPOI focuses on seven interconnected pillars to achieve its objectives: | Pillar | Focus Area | | -------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Maritime Security | Ensuring safe and secure seas, combating piracy and terrorism. | | Maritime Ecology | Protecting marine environment, addressing pollution and climate change impacts. | | Maritime Resources | Sustainable management and utilization of ocean resources. | | Capacity Building and Resource Sharing | Enhancing capabilities of regional partners, sharing best practices. | | Disaster Risk Reduction and Management | Strengthening preparedness and response to natural disasters. | | Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation | Promoting research, innovation, and knowledge exchange. | | Trade Connectivity and Maritime Transport | Facilitating unimpeded lawful commerce and efficient maritime logistics. | ### Key Significance of IPOI - **Rules-Based Order:** Promotes a rules-based international order, respecting sovereignty, territorial integrity, and freedom of navigation. - **Countering Assertiveness:** Serves as a framework for cooperation to address challenges, including the assertiveness of certain actors in the region. - **Global Convergences:** Aligns and converges with other regional and global initiatives, such as: - **AIIPOIP** (Australia-India Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative Partnership) - **AOIP** (ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific) - **IPEF** (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity) - **India's Role:** Reinforces India's position as a responsible and proactive stakeholder in regional security and prosperity. The Indian Navy plays a crucial role in actualising these pillars. Spain's entry into IPOI underscores the growing international recognition of the Indo-Pacific's importance and the collaborative spirit required to maintain its stability and prosperity. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Mains-Test-series-2026.png) #### Mains Test Series 2026 + Mentorship Not just a test series but complete guide to Mains Answer Writing [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-test-series-2026-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 22 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-22/ Last updated: 2026-02-01T17:01:58.000Z ### **22 Jan, 2026** Day 22 Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Prelims-360.png) #### Prelims 360 (GS + CSAT) with Mentorship 10% discount to existing students [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-360-gs-csat-with-mentorship-xudt6ay9u4pr/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [January 1, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq/) - [January 2, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-2/) - [January 3, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-3/) - [January 4, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-4/) - [January 5, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-5/) - [January 6, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-6/) - [January 7, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-7/) - [January 8, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-8/) - [January 9, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-9/) - [January 10, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-10/) - [January 11, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-11/) - [January 12, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-12/) - [January 13, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-13/) - [January 14, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-14/) - [January 15, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-15/) - [January 16, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-16/) - [January 17, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-17/) - [January 18, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-18/) - [January 19, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-19/) - [January 20, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-20/) - [January 21, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-21/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 21 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-21/ Last updated: 2026-02-01T17:02:21.000Z ### **21 Jan, 2026** Day 21 Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Prelims-SIP.png) #### Prelims SIP (Strategic Intensive Practice) Practice 6000+ Questions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-sip/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [January 1, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq/) - [January 2, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-2/) - [January 3, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-3/) - [January 4, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-4/) - [January 5, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-5/) - [January 6, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-6/) - [January 7, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-7/) - [January 8, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-8/) - [January 9, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-9/) - [January 10, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-10/) - [January 11, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-11/) - [January 12, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-12/) - [January 13, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-13/) - [January 14, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-14/) - [January 15, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-15/) - [January 16, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-16/) - [January 17, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-17/) - [January 18, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-18/) - [January 19, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-19/) - [January 20, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-20/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 20 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-20/ Last updated: 2026-02-01T17:02:42.000Z ### **20 Jan, 2026** Day 20 Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/CSAT-Test-Series.png) #### CSAT Test Series 10 CSAT tests with solutions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/csat-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [January 1, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq/) - [January 2, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-2/) - [January 3, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-3/) - [January 4, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-4/) - [January 5, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-5/) - [January 6, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-6/) - [January 7, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-7/) - [January 8, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-8/) - [January 9, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-9/) - [January 10, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-10/) - [January 11, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-11/) - [January 12, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-12/) - [January 13, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-13/) - [January 14, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-14/) - [January 15, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-15/) - [January 16, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-16/) - [January 17, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-17/) - [January 18, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-18/) - [January 19, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-19/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 19 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-19/ Last updated: 2026-02-01T17:03:05.000Z ### **19 Jan, 2026** Day 19 Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2028.png) #### UPSC Essential 2028 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2028-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [January 1, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq/) - [January 2, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-2/) - [January 3, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-3/) - [January 4, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-4/) - [January 5, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-5/) - [January 6, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-6/) - [January 7, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-7/) - [January 8, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-8/) - [January 9, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-9/) - [January 10, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-10/) - [January 11, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-11/) - [January 12, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-12/) - [January 13, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-13/) - [January 14, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-14/) - [January 15, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-15/) - [January 16, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-16/) - [January 17, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-17/) - [January 18, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-18/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 18 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-18/ Last updated: 2026-02-01T17:03:25.000Z ### **18 Jan, 2026** Day 18 Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2027-1.png) #### UPSC Essential 2027 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2027-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [January 1, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq/) - [January 2, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-2/) - [January 3, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-3/) - [January 4, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-4/) - [January 5, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-5/) - [January 6, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-6/) - [January 7, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-7/) - [January 8, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-8/) - [January 9, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-9/) - [January 10, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-10/) - [January 11, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-11/) - [January 12, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-12/) - [January 13, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-13/) - [January 14, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-14/) - [January 15, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-15/) - [January 16, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-16/) - [January 17, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-17/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 17 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-17/ Last updated: 2026-02-01T17:03:52.000Z ### **17 Jan, 2026** Day 17 Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Ace-the-Essay.png) #### Ace the Essay (With Abhijeet Yadav Sir) A comprehensive course to MASTER the ART AND CRAFT OF ESSAY WRITING (Self-Paced) [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/ace-the-essay-with-abhijeet-yadav-sir/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [January 1, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq/) - [January 2, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-2/) - [January 3, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-3/) - [January 4, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-4/) - [January 5, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-5/) - [January 6, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-6/) - [January 7, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-7/) - [January 8, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-8/) - [January 9, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-9/) - [January 10, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-10/) - [January 11, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-11/) - [January 12, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-12/) - [January 13, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-13/) - [January 14, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-14/) - [January 15, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-15/) - [January 16, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-16/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 16 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-16/ Last updated: 2026-02-01T17:04:18.000Z ### **16 Jan, 2026** Day 16 Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Mains-Test-series-2026.png) #### Mains Test Series 2026 + Mentorship Not just a test series but complete guide to Mains Answer Writing [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-test-series-2026-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [January 1, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq/) - [January 2, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-2/) - [January 3, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-3/) - [January 4, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-4/) - [January 5, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-5/) - [January 6, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-6/) - [January 7, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-7/) - [January 8, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-8/) - [January 9, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-9/) - [January 10, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-10/) - [January 11, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-11/) - [January 12, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-12/) - [January 13, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-13/) - [January 14, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-14/) - [January 15, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-15/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 15 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-15/ Last updated: 2026-02-01T17:04:37.000Z ### **15 Jan, 2026** Day 15 Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Prelims-360.png) #### Prelims 360 (GS + CSAT) with Mentorship 10% discount to existing students [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-360-gs-csat-with-mentorship-xudt6ay9u4pr/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [January 1, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq/) - [January 2, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-2/) - [January 3, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-3/) - [January 4, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-4/) - [January 5, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-5/) - [January 6, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-6/) - [January 7, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-7/) - [January 8, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-8/) - [January 9, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-9/) - [January 10, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-10/) - [January 11, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-11/) - [January 12, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-12/) - [January 13, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-13/) - [January 14, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-14/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 14 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-14/ Last updated: 2026-02-01T17:05:33.000Z ### **14 Jan, 2026** Day 14 Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Prelims-SIP.png) #### Prelims SIP (Strategic Intensive Practice) Practice 6000+ Questions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-sip/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [January 1, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq/) - [January 2, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-2/) - [January 3, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-3/) - [January 4, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-4/) - [January 5, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-5/) - [January 6, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-6/) - [January 7, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-7/) - [January 8, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-8/) - [January 9, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-9/) - [January 10, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-10/) - [January 11, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-11/) - [January 12, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-12/) - [January 13, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-13/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 13 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-13/ Last updated: 2026-02-01T17:05:57.000Z ### **13 Jan, 2026** Day 13 Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/CSAT-Test-Series.png) #### CSAT Test Series 10 CSAT tests with solutions [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/csat-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [January 1, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq/) - [January 2, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-2/) - [January 3, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-3/) - [January 4, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-4/) - [January 5, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-5/) - [January 6, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-6/) - [January 7, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-7/) - [January 8, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-8/) - [January 9, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-9/) - [January 10, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-10/) - [January 11, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-11/) - [January 12, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-12/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 12 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-12/ Last updated: 2026-02-01T17:06:21.000Z ### **12 Jan, 2026** Day 12 Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2028.png) #### UPSC Essential 2028 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2028-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [January 1, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq/) - [January 2, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-2/) - [January 3, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-3/) - [January 4, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-4/) - [January 5, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-5/) - [January 6, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-6/) - [January 7, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-7/) - [January 8, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-8/) - [January 9, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-9/) - [January 10, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-10/) - [January 11, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-11/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 11 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-11/ Last updated: 2026-02-01T17:06:52.000Z ### **11 Jan, 2026** Day 11 Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2026/02/Essential-2027-1.png) #### UPSC Essential 2027 + Mentorship [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2027-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [January 1, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq/) - [January 2, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-2/) - [January 3, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-3/) - [January 4, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-4/) - [January 5, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-5/) - [January 6, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-6/) - [January 7, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-7/) - [January 8, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-8/) - [January 9, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-9/) - [January 10, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-10/) ### Prelims SIP Consistency Meter URL: https://www.upscprep.com/prelims-sip-consistency-meter/ Last updated: 2026-04-19T17:28:33.000Z ### Check Your Score on Consistency Meter (Out of 75 For Batch 1 & Out of 65 for batch 2) Get Score ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 10 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-10/ Last updated: 2026-01-10T14:15:54.000Z ### **10 Jan, 2026** Day 10 Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [January 1, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq/) - [January 2, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-2/) - [January 3, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-3/) - [January 4, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-4/) - [January 5, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-5/) - [January 6, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-6/) - [January 7, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-7/) - [January 8, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-8/) - [January 9, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-9/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 9 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-8-2/ Last updated: 2026-01-09T14:15:47.000Z ### **9 Jan, 2026** Day 9 Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [January 1, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq/) - [January 2, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-2/) - [January 3, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-3/) - [January 4, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-4/) - [January 5, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-5/) - [January 6, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-6/) - [January 7, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-7/) - [January 8, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-8/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 8 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-8/ Last updated: 2026-01-08T14:28:48.000Z ### **8 Jan, 2026** Day 8 Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [January 1, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq/) - [January 2, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-2/) - [January 3, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-3/) - [January 4, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-4/) - [January 5, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-5/) - [January 6, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-6/) - [January 7, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-7/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 7 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-7/ Last updated: 2026-01-07T14:10:48.000Z ### **7 Jan, 2026** Day 7 Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [January 1, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq/) - [January 2, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-2/) - [January 3, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-3/) - [January 4, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-4/) - [January 5, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-5/) - [January 6, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-6/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 6 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-6/ Last updated: 2026-01-06T14:28:28.000Z ### **6 Jan, 2026** Day 6 Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [January 1, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq/) - [January 2, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-2/) - [January 3, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-3/) - [January 4, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-4/) - [January 5, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-5/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 5 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-5/ Last updated: 2026-01-05T12:10:49.000Z ### **5 Jan 2026** Day 5 Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [January 1, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq/) - [January 2, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-2/) - [January 3, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-3/) - [January 4, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-4/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 4 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-4/ Last updated: 2026-01-04T14:28:37.000Z ### **4 Jan 2026** Day 4 Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [January 1, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq/) - [January 2, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-2/) - [January 3, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-3/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 3 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-3/ Last updated: 2026-01-04T14:25:07.000Z ### **3 Jan 2026** Day 3 Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test Solve Daily CA MCQs from previous dates here: - [January 1, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq/) - [January 2, 2026](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-2/) ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 2 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq-2/ Last updated: 2026-01-04T14:24:57.000Z ### **Jan 2, 2026** Day 2 Results 0 Correct 0 Incorrect 0 Unattempted Submit Test **You can attempt** [**Jan 1, 2025 CA MCQs**](https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq/) **here.** ### Daily Current Affairs MCQ - 1 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-current-affairs-mcq/ Last updated: 2026-01-04T14:24:50.000Z Dear Aspirants, UPSC rewards what you can **retrieve quickly** in MCQs, not what you once read.Which means you need to **convert “reading”** into **“remembering + recalling under pressure.”** So we’ll use the proven learning loop to revise Current Affairs effectively: ***Read → Recall → Feedback → Re-recall → Retain → Score!*** 1. Read any newspaper or our [CA PDF in Telegram](https://t.me/UPSCprepIAS?ref=upscprep.com), Daily or Weekly (first exposure) 2. Revise the [Monthly Magazine ](https://www.upscprep.com/core-monthly-current-affairs-magazine-for-upsc-cse/)and solve Practice Questions (structured consolidation) 3. Solve daily MCQs on the website (regular recall and revision) 4. Check answers + note mistakes (feedback loop) Every day, we will be sharing a Test of 5 Current Affairs MCQs. These are topics that featured in the previous month's news cycle. This works because: ***Active Recall + Spaced Revision + Testing Effect*** Reading builds familiarity. Testing builds memory. ### **1 Jan, 2026** Day 1 Results 0Correct 0Incorrect 0Unattempted Submit Test ### INDIA’S MANUFACTURING SECTOR URL: https://www.upscprep.com/indias-manufacturing-sector/ Last updated: 2025-11-05T14:55:04.000Z ## **Context** Recently, **NITI Aayog’s Frontier Tech Hub** launched the roadmap *“Reimagining Manufacturing: India’s Roadmap to Global Leadership in Advanced Manufacturing”*, which envisions India becoming a **top-three global manufacturing hub by 2035**. It lays down a **10-year strategic roadmap** for integrating **frontier technologies**—AI, robotics, advanced materials, and digital twins—across 13 key manufacturing sectors to achieve **Viksit Bharat @2047**. ## **Current Status of India’s Manufacturing Sector** | Parameter | Data (2025) | Source | | -------------------------------- | -------------------- | ------ | | Share in GDP | 16–17% | IBEF | | Employment | 27 million+ | IBEF | | IIP Growth (July 2025) | 3.5% YoY | MoSPI | | Manufacturing Growth (July 2025) | 5.4% YoY | MoSPI | | PMI (July 2025) | 59.1 (16-month high) | PIB | - Major industries: **Automotive, Engineering, Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Electronics, Textiles, Consumer Durables.** - Supported by **Make in India**, **PLI Schemes**, and **PM GatiShakti**. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/11/data-src-image-a120ed64-1066-426d-a3cd-6bafd2f79610.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/11/data-src-image-fe9464c2-d064-4ab3-891f-d9d2005ef8b6.png) --- ## **Significance of the Manufacturing Sector** ### **1\. Driver of Economic Growth** - Manufacturing anchors India’s growth engine with **16–17% GDP share** and is projected to reach **25% by 2035**. - Sectors like **automobiles, engineering, and electronics** form the core of India’s industrial ecosystem. ### ### **2\. Employment & Inclusive Development** - Employment in manufacturing rose from **6% (2004–14)** to **15% (2014–24)** (PIB, 2025). - **PM MITRA Parks** aim for 20 lakh jobs; **Footwear & Leather Mission** targets 22 lakh jobs. - Manufacturing fosters **urban–rural, male–female inclusion** through skill-based employment. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/11/data-src-image-3a9e0b4f-aacf-4d75-90c7-4e6da3c48d71.png) ### **3\. Export Competitiveness** - Exports (Q1 FY26): **US$210.3 bn (+6% YoY)** driven by engineering, chemicals, electronics. - **Electronics exports**: US$29.1 bn (FY24) → US$38.6 bn (FY25) → est. US$50 bn (FY26). - India supplies **50% of global vaccines**, earning the tag *Pharmacy of the World*. ### **4\. Investment & Industrial Ecosystems** - FDI inflows (2014–25): **US$748.8 bn**, with manufacturing FDI up **69%** in a decade. - **PLI** disbursed ₹21,534 crore, catalysing ₹1.76 lakh crore investment. ### **5\. Technology-Driven Competitiveness** - **Industry 4.0** tools (AI, digital twins, robotics) are enhancing productivity and quality. - The HSBC PMI of 59.1 reflects **high business confidence and export order growth**. ### **6\. Linkages & Multiplier Effects** - Strong interlinkages with logistics, energy, and services create multiplier effects. - **GatiShakti & National Logistics Policy** enhance supply-chain efficiency. ### **7\. Sustainable Industrialisation** - Initiatives like **National Manufacturing Mission** and **Net Zero 2070** align with clean-tech goals—solar PV, EV batteries, wind turbines. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/11/data-src-image-0c673a1c-833f-46fe-b453-07c71dd01104.png) --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/11/1.-UPSCprep-Banner.png) [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) --- ## **Opportunities and Potential** ### **1\. Pathway to a $1 Trillion Manufacturing Economy** - India aims for **US$1 trillion manufacturing output by FY26**. - Manufacturing could contribute **US$500 bn annually** to the global economy by 2030. ### **2\. Global Value Chain Integration** - **Mobile exports**: ₹1,500 crore (2014–15) → ₹2 lakh crore (2024–25). - India is emerging as a **China+1 alternative**, with value addition in electronics up to **70%**. ### **3\. Industry 4.0 Transformation** - Adoption of AI, robotics, and advanced materials could add **US$1 trillion to GDP by 2047**. - Initiatives: **SAMARTH Udyog Bharat 4.0**, **Digital Manufacturing Hubs**. ### **4\. Green Manufacturing** - ₹20,000 crore allocated in Budget 2025–26 for renewable manufacturing. - India targets **10% of global wind component demand by 2030**. ### **5\. Expanding Domestic Demand** - By 2030, India’s middle class will form **17% of global consumption**. - E-commerce exports: **US$1 bn → US$400 bn annually by 2030**. ### **6\. Investment Confidence** - FY25 FDI inflow: **US$81 bn**, of which **US$19 bn** in manufacturing. - Global giants—**Google (Pixel Tamil Nadu)**, **Micron (₹23,771 crore Gujarat plant)**—boost investor trust. ### **7\. MSME and Startup Synergy** - MSMEs → 30% of manufacturing output. - **1.91 lakh startups**, generating **17.7 lakh jobs** (DPIIT, 2025). - MSME–startup collaboration fuels **innovation and decentralisation**. ### **8\. Infrastructure & Industrial Corridors** - FY25: ₹28,602 crore in new corridor projects. - Logistics cost to be cut below **8% of GDP** by 2030 (World Bank LPI top 25 target). ### **9\. Sunrise Sectors** | Sector | Target | | --------------------- | ------------------------------------------ | | Semiconductors | ₹76,000 crore PLI – first chip by Dec 2025 | | Defence Manufacturing | ₹50,000 crore exports by 2029 | | EVs & Automobiles | 4th largest global producer | | Textiles & Leather | US$350 bn by 2030 | ### **10\. Strategic Window (2025–2047)** - Timely adoption of frontier tech could make India the **top 3 globally** by 2035. - Delay could cost **US$270 bn by 2035** and **US$1 tn by 2047** (NITI Aayog). --- ## **Challenges** | Category | Key Issues | | ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Infrastructure | High logistics cost (double that of China), power outages, and poor warehousing | | Regulation & Policy | Complex clearances, land acquisition delays, and inconsistent implementation | | Skill Gap | Mismatch between workforce skills and Industry 4.0 needs | | MSME Constraints | Credit access, outdated technology, and low R&D | | Competition | High input costs vis-à-vis Vietnam, China | | Environment | Resource intensity, climate compliance (e.g., CBAM risk) | --- ## **Government Initiatives** | Initiative | Focus | | ---------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- | | PLI Scheme | Incentivises production across 14 sectors; boosts scale & exports | | National Manufacturing Mission (2025–26) | Focus on clean-tech, cost of doing business, and quality manufacturing | | Make in India (2014) | Enhances investment, innovation, and job creation | | PM GatiShakti & Industrial Corridors | Integrated logistics, multimodal connectivity | | National Logistics Policy (2022) | Reduces cost, improves export competitiveness | | Skill India & PMKVY | Workforce training for modern tech manufacturing | | Startup India & MSME Schemes | Tech and finance support for innovation and job creation | | Green Manufacturing Drive | Solar PV, EV batteries, electrolysers, wind turbines | ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/11/data-src-image-57cabe39-8d76-4ca0-bf2f-94745d545223.png) --- ## **Way Forward** 1. **Accelerate Technology Adoption** – Integrate AI, robotics, and digital twins in cluster-based models. 2. **Empower MSMEs** – Simplify credit, promote digital manufacturing & R&D linkages. 3. **Enhance Infrastructure** – Fully operationalise GatiShakti and reduce logistics cost to <8% of GDP. 4. **Green Transition** – Expand clean-tech production aligned with Net Zero 2070. 5. **Skilling & Innovation** – Strengthen industry–academia partnerships; promote innovation hubs. 6. **Stable Policy Regime** – Predictable regulatory environment for domestic and global investors. --- ## **Conclusion** India stands at a **historic inflexion point** in its industrial journey. By combining **frontier technology adoption**, **green industrialisation**, and **inclusive workforce development**, India can transition from a **factor-driven to a technology-driven economy**. If executed with consistency, the manufacturing sector can anchor the vision of a **US$1 trillion manufacturing economy** and realise the dream of a **Viksit Bharat @2047**. *Source:*[ *PIB* ](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2168711&ref=upscprep.com) ## **Download PDF** [PT25\_ INDIA’S MANUFACTURING SECTORPT25\_ INDIA’S MANUFACTURING SECTOR.pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2025/11/PT25%5F-INDIA---S-MANUFACTURING-SECTOR.pdf "Download") --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Extreme Poverty Eradication Project (EPEP) – Kerala URL: https://www.upscprep.com/extreme-poverty-eradication-project-epep-kerala/ Last updated: 2025-11-01T05:12:46.000Z ## **What is Extreme Poverty?** **Definition:** *Extreme poverty* is the condition where individuals are unable to meet even the most basic needs for survival — **food, safe drinking water, shelter, sanitation, healthcare, and education**. It reflects **severe deprivation of basic human capabilities** rather than just low income. - **Global Monetary Metric (World Bank):** - 1990s → US $1.90/day (PPP 2011) - **Revised 2022 → From US $2.15/day (PPP 2017)** to **$3.00/ day (PPP 2021)** - **SDG Target 1.1**: “By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere.” - **Multidimensional Metric (UNDP-Oxford MPI):** - Based on **three dimensions**: *Health, Education, and Standard of Living*. - A person is “extremely poor” if deprived in **≥ one-third of weighted indicators**. - Indicators include nutrition, child mortality, years of schooling, access to cooking fuel, sanitation, drinking water, electricity, housing, and assets. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/11/image.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/11/image-1.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/11/image-2.png) --- ### **Background & Context** - **Kerala** has the *lowest Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)* among Indian states, as per **NITI Aayog 2023 report** — only **0.55% population** is multidimensionally poor (vs. India’s 14.96%). - The **Athidridrya Nirmarjana Project** (Extreme Poverty Eradication Project – EPEP) aims to **completely eliminate extreme poverty** within 5 years. - Focus: Families **outside existing welfare schemes**, suffering **critical deprivations** in multiple dimensions. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/11/image-3.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/11/image-5.png) --- ### **Objectives** - Identify and assist families experiencing **extreme poverty** (beyond income measure — includes deprivation in food, health, housing, income). - Ensure that every family attains **basic human needs, rights, and social security**. - Move from welfare dependency to **empowerment and inclusion**. --- ### **Methodology – Unique Features** - **Community-based identification**: - Involved **over 14 lakh people** statewide in identification. - Led by **Local Self Governments (LSGs)** with help from: - **ASHA workers**, **Anganwadi workers**, **Kudumbashree units**, residential associations, NGOs & activists. - **Deprivation Indices**: - Developed after multiple trials to capture *critical and very critical deprivation*. - Indicators: food insecurity, chronic illness, lack of housing, no steady income. - **Validation process**: - Multi-stage verification — community identification → field validation → super-check → **final approval in grama/ward sabhas**. --- ### **Key Findings** - **Total Identified**: 64,006 families (1,03,099 individuals) in **1,032 local bodies**. - Identified through **four stress factors**: - **Food** insecurity - **Health** issues - **Income** instability - **Housing** inadequacy --- ### **Implementation Strategy** - **Micro-plans** for every family: - Prepared through household visits and participatory meetings. - Each plan includes *short-term relief + long-term livelihood measures*. - **Local Self-Government (LSG) Sub-plans**: - Codified into local plans with *budgetary allocations*. - Integrated into annual plans of LSGs. - **Digital Monitoring**: - Each family’s needs recorded on an **MIS (Management Information System)**. - Tracks how much of each need is met by LSGs/departments. - **Rights & Access**: - Provided **Aadhaar, Ration Cards, UDID (disability cards), Voter ID**. - Enabled access to **health insurance**, **social security pensions**, etc. - So far, **21,263 families** received essential identity and emergency service benefits. - **Community Monitoring**: - **Kudumbashree** acts as *community service provider and monitor*. - **Priority Interventions** (Phase 1): - Immediate provision of *food security and healthcare* for each family. --- ### **Institutional Mechanisms** - **Nodal Department**: Local Self-Government Department (LSGD). - **Partners**: Kudumbashree Mission, Health Dept., Social Justice Dept., Civil Supplies, and Panchayati Raj institutions. - **Governance model**: - Decentralised, participatory, and data-driven. - Uses *bottom-up planning* and *digital tracking* for accountability. --- ### **Progress (as of 2025)** - **Over 50,000 families** (\~78.7%) already moved out of the “extreme poverty” category. - Kerala on track to become **India’s first state to eradicate extreme poverty**. --- ### **Why It Matters** - Model for **SDG-1 (“No Poverty”)** implementation at sub-national level. - Demonstrates that **decentralisation + community mobilisation + data systems** can achieve poverty eradication sustainably. - Reinforces Kerala’s **“human development first”** approach as an alternative to growth-centric models. --- ### **Takeaways for UPSC** | Dimension | Kerala’s Strategy | UPSC Relevance | | -------------- | ----------------------------------- | --------------------------------- | | Identification | Participatory, data-based | *Inclusive governance, SDG 1* | | Intervention | Family-specific micro-plans | *Decentralised planning* | | Monitoring | Digital MIS + community oversight | *Good governance practices* | | Outcome | 78% families out of extreme poverty | *Human Development success model* | --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/11/image-6.png) **Summary for Prelims:** - Project: *Athidridrya Nirmarjana / Extreme Poverty Eradication Project (EPEP)* - State: Kerala - Launched by: Local Self Government Department (LSGD) - **Identified Families:** 64,006 (≈1.03 lakh persons) - **Deprivation factors:** Food, Health, Income, Housing - MIS for tracking, Kudumbashree as monitor - 50,401 families lifted out of extreme poverty (2025) --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Your UPSC Success Starts Here URL: https://www.upscprep.com/your-upsc-success-starts-here/ Last updated: 2025-10-19T13:18:24.000Z Are you serious about acing the Civil Services Examination? The first, most crucial step isn't a textbook—it's the official **UPSC Syllabus**. The syllabus is your essential roadmap, outlining every topic for Prelims and Mains. Don't waste precious time studying the wrong things! **Why is the syllabus your key to success?** - **Clarity:** Know exactly what subjects and sub-topics you need to master. - **Strategy:** Design a focused, effective study plan from day one. - **Confidence:** Eliminate uncertainty by working directly from the source. **Download the UPSC Syllabus PDF** and turn your preparation from guesswork into a precise, targeted mission. [UPSC Syllabus PDF Download (UPSC Mains and Prelims Syllabus)UPSC Syllabus PDF Download (UPSC Mains and Prelims Syllabus).pdf533 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2025/10/UPSC-Syllabus-PDF-Download--UPSC-Mains-and-Prelims-Syllabus--1.pdf "Download") Get focused, stay organised, and take the first real step toward your goal. Happy Studying! ### Decoding 'Directives' for UPSC Mains Answer Writing URL: https://www.upscprep.com/decoding-directives-for-upsc-mains-answer-writing/ Last updated: 2025-10-15T03:47:08.000Z ## Why Directives Matter Every UPSC Mains question includes a **core concept** and a **directive keyword** (tail-word). This directive tells you *what* the question demands, and *how* to engage with the concept — whether to define, describe, explain, analyse, or critically evaluate it. Misinterpreting this can lead to a poorly framed answer, even if your content is correct. --- ## Descriptive Directives ### 1\. Define Use this directive to write a clear and concise definition of a concept. If multiple definitions exist, mention the most relevant ones and cite legal, constitutional or expert sources. Definitions are best suited for introductory statements. **PYQ (GS3 – 2018)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image.png) **PYQ (GS3 - 2020)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-1.png) ### 2\. Describe Here, you must objectively list down the key characteristics, parts, or features without inserting your personal judgment or analysis. The goal is to paint a factual picture of the issue. **PYQ (GS3 – 2020)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-2.png) **PYQ (GS3 - 2017)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-59.png) ### 3\. Enumerate Write down specific points or features in a point-wise manner. It indicates a finite set of aspects. Stick to listing without deep explanation unless space permits. **PYQ (GS1 – 2021)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-4.png) **PYQ (GS3 - 2019)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-9.png) ### 4\. Outline Highlight only the structure or framework of the idea. Avoid detailing. Outline is often used in questions where a schematic overview is enough to demonstrate understanding. **PYQ (GS3 – 2013)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-5.png) **PYQ (GS2 - 2013)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-58.png) ### 5\. Summarise Give a compressed version of facts or arguments. Leave out all minor details and elaborations. Summaries are concise by design and aim to distil the essence. - **Rare. Used more in Ethics/Short notes format** ### 6\. Identify Used when the question demands naming or pinpointing key ideas. Often comes in policy or map-based questions. Responses are brief and factual. **PYQ (GS1 – 2023)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-6.png) **PYQ (GS2 - 2024)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-57.png) --- ## Clarificatory Directives ### 7\. Explain Clarify an issue by exploring the What, Why, and How. Provide coherent logic with proper linkages. Your tone must be instructive, as if teaching someone unfamiliar with the topic. **PYQ (GS1 - 2014)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-49.png) **PYQ (GS4 – 2015)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-7.png) ### 8\. Elaborate Go beyond explanation to expand an idea with dimensions, examples, or linkages. Often includes implications and future trajectory. **PYQ (GS2 - 2025)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-38.png) **PYQ (GS3 - 2019)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-16.png) ### 9\. Elucidate / Clarify Use this to simplify a technical or complex idea using illustrations or analogies. Particularly useful for cause-effect linkages or theoretical concepts. **PYQ (GS1 - 2025)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-31.png) **PYQ (GS3 – 2019)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-13.png) ### 10\. Illustrate Strengthen your explanation with examples, data, case laws, or diagrams. This directive expects a concrete base of understanding to support a conceptual idea. **PYQ (GS2 – 2023)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-18.png) **PYQ (GS4 - 2022)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-19.png) ### 11\. Substantiate / Demonstrate Back a claim with robust evidence, facts, provisions, or examples. This is not an open debate — your view must be proven and well-supported. **PYQ (GS1 – 2018)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-20.png) **PYQ (GS1 - 2016)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-21.png) --- ## Comparative Directives ### 12\. Compare & Contrast Bring out similarities and differences. Try to use bullet points, tabular format, or parallel structure to aid clarity and showcase how the subjects diverge in principles, features, or impact. **PYQ (GS2 – 2025)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-22.png) **PYQ (GS2 - 2023)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-23.png) ### 13\. Differentiate/Distinguish Show the distinction between closely related concepts with examples. Ideal for philosophical, constitutional, or theoretical comparisons. **PYQ (GS3 - 2025)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-42.png) **PYQ (GS4 - 2023) - 4(b)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-28.png) --- ## Critical Directives ### 14\. Discuss Take a multi-dimensional view of an issue, present both sides, and conclude with your opinion. It invites debate and inclusion of multiple stakeholders/views. **PYQ (GS1 – 2021)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-26.png) **PYQ (GS2 - 2025)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-27.png) ### 15\. Examine Scrutinise the issue deeply. Present facts, effects, stakeholder views, and limitations. More fact-based and grounded than analysis. **PYQ (GS1 - 2025)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-30.png) **PYQ (GS2 - 2025)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-37.png) ### 16\. Analyse Break the topic into its components and study linkages between them. Focus on structure, interactions, and systemic understanding. **PYQ (GS4 – 2016)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-32.png) **PYQ (GS3 - 2016)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-34.png) ### 17\. Evaluate Judge the impact or worth of something based on both merits and drawbacks. End with a value judgment that aligns with constitutional and ethical principles. **PYQ (GS1 – 2021)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-3.png) **PYQ (GS1 - 2014)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-50.png) ### 18\. Critically Examine / Analyse / Evaluate Present positives and negatives, then give your conclusion with logical reasoning and constitutional values. A strong stand must be taken. **PYQ (GS2 - 2025)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-39.png) **PYQ (GS2 - 2025)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-41.png) **PYQ (GS2 - 2017)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-52.png) ### 19\. Assess Review performance, impact or utility of a concept and provide a balanced judgment. Often includes examining evidence and acknowledging limitations. **PYQ (GS1 – 2018)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-45.png) **PYQ (GS3 - 2018)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-47.png) ### 20\. Comment Present a brief analysis and then express your viewpoint supported with logic and examples. Keep tone balanced and concise. **PYQ (GS1 - 2025)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-36.png) **PYQ (GS3 – 2016)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-33.png) ### 21\. To what extent Take a nuanced stand. Neither full agreement nor full rejection. Use qualifiers such as 'partially', 'largely', 'in limited scope'. **PYQ (GS3 – 2024)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-43.png) **PYQ (GS2 - 2023)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-44.png) ### 22\. Do you agree? It demands a clear stand — yes, no, or partially. Justify your position using logical reasoning, evidence, and constitutional or ethical principles. Acknowledge counterpoints to show awareness of alternate views. End with a well-reasoned conclusion that ties back to your stand. **PYQ (GS1 - 2014)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-51.png) **PYQ (GS4 - 2014)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-56.png) ### 23\. Give arguments It demands **logical, evidence-based reasoning**. **Multiple perspectives**, if applicable. Use of **examples, case studies, data, and theories** to strengthen your case. It's closer to **“justify”** or **“support with reasoning”**, but also invites you to briefly acknowledge counter-arguments for depth. It is usually accompanied by other directives. **PYQ (GS3 - 2016)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-54.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/10/image-53.png) --- ## Summary Table of Common UPSC Directives | Directive | What It Demands | Similar To | | ------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- | | Define | Precise meaning or concept; cite authoritative definitions | State, Identify | | Describe | Factual listing of features, processes, or traits | Explain (limited) | | Enumerate | Point-wise list of elements without elaboration | Outline | | Outline | Structural overview without deep details | Enumerate | | Summarise | Condensed version of key ideas or arguments | Conclude | | Identify | Pinpoint or name key items concisely | State, Define | | Explain | Clarify What–Why–How; give background and internal logic | Elucidate, Clarify | | Elaborate | Expand with dimensions, illustrations, future scope | Explain | | Clarify / Elucidate | Simplify complex cause-effect or abstract ideas | Explain | | Illustrate | Support ideas with examples, data, diagrams | Substantiate | | Substantiate | Prove a point using examples, facts, judgments | Justify, Demonstrate | | Compare | Show similarities (and optionally differences) | Differentiate (partial) | | Contrast | Show clear differences only | Differentiate | | Differentiate | Distinguish between similar concepts | Compare, Contrast | | Discuss | Multi-dimensional view; arguments for and against + conclusion | Comment, Examine | | Examine | In-depth scrutiny with evidence and limitations | Analyse, Review | | Analyse | Break into parts; study relationships, causality | Examine | | Evaluate | Assess worth based on evidence; balanced judgment | Assess, Critically Analyse | | Critically Examine | Positives + Negatives + Your Opinion | Critically Analyse, Critically Evaluate | | Assess | Appraise performance, utility or relevance with pros & cons | Evaluate | | Comment | Short analytical essay with personal opinion | Discuss | | To what extent | Take a nuanced stand with qualifiers | Do you agree?, Evaluate | | Do you agree? | Take a clear stand and justify it; acknowledge opposing views | Critically Examine, To what extent | | Give arguments | Provide reasoned and evidence-based logic to support a claim | Justify, Substantiate, Comment | --- ## Pro Tips 1. 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It was established to promote cooperation and mutual support among its member states in areas such as trade, security, regional stability, and development. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/09/image-1.png) ## Background and Evolution - **Origins**: - Evolved from Shanghai Five (China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, 1996–2001), focusing on border peace. - SCO formed in June 2001, with Uzbekistan joining. - **Founding Date & Legal Status**: - Established on 15 June 2001 (Shanghai). - SCO Charter signed 2002 (St. Petersburg), effective 19 Sep 2003\. - **Legal status:** Permanent international organisation. - **Headquarters & Languages**: - SCO Secretariat in Beijing (China), RATS headquarters in Tashkent (Uzbekistan). - Official languages: Chinese, Russian. - **Membership Expansion**: From 6 states, expanded to 10 (India, Pakistan joined in 2017; Iran 2023; Belarus 2024). - **Observers & Dialogue Partners**: - **Observer states:** Afghanistan, Mongolia. - **Dialogue partners:** Turkey, Sri Lanka, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, etc. - Account for **43% global population** and **23% global economy**. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/09/image-2.png) --- ## Objectives, Principles, & “Shanghai Spirit” - **Stated Objectives**: - Strengthen relations, promote cooperation (political, economic, scientific, cultural), maintain peace and stability, and pursue equitable order. - Focus on fighting terrorism, separatism, and extremism (“**Three Evils**”). - **Shanghai Spirit**: - Core values—mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity, pursuit of common development. Summit declarations often reiterate these. - **Security Focus**: - Joint military exercises (“**Peace Mission**”), RATS coordinates anti-terrorism. - Strong emphasis on collective security against terrorism and extremism. - **Economic & Cultural Cooperation**: - SCO Business Council, Interbank Consortium. - Initiatives in energy, transport, digital economy, cultural exchanges, youth programs, traditional medicine, science and technology. - **Indivisible Security & Multipolarity**: Emphasis on equal security for all; opposes unilateralism, advocates a multipolar order. --- ## Organizational Structure | Body | Function | | -------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Council of Heads of State | Supreme decision-making, annual summit (strategic direction)[](https://padhai.ai/blogs-padhai/shanghai-cooperation-organization-sco-upsc-exam?ref=upscprep.com) | | Council of Heads of Govt. | Approves budget, economic priorities, annual meetings | | Council of Foreign Ministers | Prepares summit documents | | Council of National Coordinators | Day-to-day coordination, meeting preparations | | Secretariat | Permanent administrative (Beijing), headed by Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbaev (2025–2027)[](https://padhai.ai/blogs-padhai/shanghai-cooperation-organization-sco-upsc-exam?ref=upscprep.com) | | RATS | Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (Tashkent), anti-terror coordination[](https://testbook.com/ias-preparation/shanghai-cooperation-organisation-sco-upsc-notes?ref=upscprep.com) | | Other Mechanisms | Sectoral meetings (Defence, Economy, Transport, Culture, etc.), Chief Jusitces, Prosecutors[](https://vajiramandravi.com/upsc-exam/shanghai-cooperation-organization-sco/?ref=upscprep.com) | ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/09/image-3.png) --- ## Activities and Initiatives - **Security Cooperation**: Joint anti-terror drills (“**Peace Mission**”), **RATS** intelligence sharing, condemned terrorism (e.g. Tianjin Declaration 2025, Pahalgam attack). - **Economic Initiatives**: Trade, investment, joint bonds, payment system proposals, infrastructure corridors, and economic councils. - **Connectivity**: Transport corridors (**N–S**, **E–W**), synergy with Belt & Road (India opposes **BRI-CPEC** over sovereignty), focus on regional access. - **Cultural Exchanges**: Traditional medicine, science, youth empowerment, Buddhist heritage, Varanasi (SCO Tourism Capital 2022–23). - **Recent Summits**: - 23rd Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State (CHS) (India, 2023): Iran admitted. India’s **“SECURE”** priorities. - 24th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State (CHS) (Astana, 2024): Belarus admitted; focus on diplomacy and Afghanistan. - 25th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State (CHS) (Tianjin, 2025): Tianjin Declaration, terrorism condemned, future reforms discussed. --- ## Significance for India - **Counter-Terrorism & Security**: Addresses India's neighbourhood challenges, RATS intelligence, condemnation of attacks (Tianjin Declaration). - **Central Asia Engagement**: Facilitates **“Connect Central Asia”** **policy**, access to energy-rich states. - **Energy Security**: Cooperation on oil, gas, and proposed pipelines (India-Pakistan-Iran). - **Connectivity & Trade**: INSTC, Chabahar corridor, alternatives to BRI, trade access to Eurasia. - **Multilateral Diplomacy**: Engages China, Russia, promotes UN reforms, civilisational dialogue, and Varanasi cultural capital. - **Strategic Balance**: Simultaneous engagement with China/Russia and Western partners (**QUAD**), strategic autonomy. --- ## Challenges for India - **China–Pakistan Axis**: CPEC through PoK, opposition on sovereignty, frequent coordination by China and Pakistan. - **Balancing Major Powers**: Managing ties amid differences (Ukraine, Taiwan) and with Western groupings. - **India–Pakistan Relations**: Difficulty in consensus on terrorism, India’s refusal to sign certain statements lacking strong anti-terror language. - **Economic Hurdles**: Low trade with Central Asia, connectivity barriers, and visa issues, compared to China’s outreach. - **Ambiguous Mandate**: SCO lacks a clear identity; oscillation between security and economic functions, and effectiveness is questioned. --- ## Suggestions & Way Forward - **Strengthen Terror Cooperation**: Active use of RATS, push for a unified anti-terror position, zero tolerance. - **Promote Connectivity**: Accelerate INSTC, Chabahar, national currency-based settlements, and diversify access routes. - **Economic Engagement**: Increase participation in SCO business forums, attract investment, and joint initiatives in digital and green sectors. - **Cultural Diplomacy**: Leverage soft power (Buddhism, yoga, Ayurveda), promote youth/science/culture programs. - **Strategic Autonomy**: Active participation, balance ties with QUAD/ASEAN, advocate an inclusive, rules-based order. --- ## UPSC Prelims Facts - **Formation**: 2001; - **Charter**: 2002; - **HQ**: Beijing (Secretariat), Tashkent (RATS). - **Members (2025):** Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan. - **Observers**: Afghanistan, Mongolia. - **Dialogue Partners**: 14, including Turkey, Sri Lanka, UAE, Qatar, etc.. - **Official Languages**: Chinese & Russian. - **Permanent Bodies**: Secretariat (Beijing), RATS (Tashkent). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/09/image-4.png) ## UPSC Mains Pointers & Analysis - Trace evolution from Shanghai **Five to 10-member** SCO; analyse effects of recent expansion. - Critically assess **“Shanghai Spirit”** – is it reflected in practice, especially in decision-making and inclusivity?. - **India’s role:** Security, connectivity, energy, trade, soft-power initiatives; cite Varanasi, youth programs. - **Challenges:** China-Pakistan collusion, trade constraints, balancing multilateral ties, and the effectiveness of anti-terror platforms. - **Importance of recent summits:** Advancement of multipolarity, condemnation of terrorism; assess the impact on regional and Indian interests. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### India Elected Chairman of AIBD Executive Board (2025) – Explained URL: https://www.upscprep.com/india-elected-chairman-of-aibd-executive-board-2025-explained/ Last updated: 2025-08-24T14:56:46.000Z ## Context: What Happened? India was elected as the **Chairman of the Executive Board** of the **Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD)** during the **23rd AIBD General Conference**, held from **August 19–21, 2025,** in **Phuket, Thailand**. - **India last held this position in 2016** - Currently also serving as **President of AIBD General Conference (2018–2023)** - **Prasar Bharati** is the representative body of India at AIBD ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/08/image-2-1.png) ## What is AIBD? The **Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD)** is a regional intergovernmental organisation established in **August 1977** under the auspices of **UNESCO**, aimed at promoting electronic media development across **UN-ESCAP** member nations. It serves as a platform to: - Shape **mass media policy** - Foster **inter-regional cooperation** - Promote **regional programming** aligned with Asia-Pacific values - Support **national media development**, human resource training, and consultative support --- ## About AIBD – Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development | Feature | Details | | ------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **Established** | August 1977 | | **Hosted by** | Government of **Malaysia** | | **Headquarters** | **Kuala Lumpur**, Malaysia | | **Founding Bodies** | UNESCO, UNDP, ITU (non-voting members) | | **Membership** | 26 Full Member Countries (49 organisations) 38 Affiliate Members (organisations) | | **Region Served** | Countries of the **UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP)** | | **India’s Nodal Agency** | **Ministry of Information & Broadcasting**, via **Prasar Bharati** | --- ## Mandate and Functions of AIBD AIBD aims to **build a vibrant electronic media ecosystem** in Asia-Pacific by: 1. **Mass Media Policy**: Acts as a think-tank and reference hub 2. **Capacity Building**: Offers training, HR development & consultative support 3. **Regional Cooperation**: Promotes value-based programming and collaboration 4. **Digital Transformation**: Helps members adapt to IT and broadcasting innovation 5. **Inter-Governmental Coordination**: Links broadcasters with NGOs, academia, governments, and private players > 💬 *"AIBD is a window to the world for Asia-Pacific broadcasters."* --- ## India's Role: From Founder to Front-Runner - **India is a founding member** of AIBD. - **Prasar Bharati**, India’s public service broadcaster, represents India at AIBD under the **Ministry of Information & Broadcasting**. - India held the **Chairman** position of the AIBD Executive Board previously in **2016** and has now been elected again during the **23rd General Conference** (Phuket, Thailand, Aug 19–21, 2025). - India also holds the **Presidency of the AIBD General Conference**, having served **two consecutive terms** (2018–2021 and 2021–2023). --- ## Significance for India | Dimension | Value | | ----------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Soft Power** | Enhances India's leadership in **media diplomacy** | | **Digital Media Cooperation** | Promotes India's expertise in **public service broadcasting**, fact-checking, and digitisation | | **Cultural Diplomacy** | Reflects India's push for value-based, inclusive, multilingual broadcasting in the region | | **Strategic Engagement** | Boosts India’s visibility in **multilateral institutions**, aligned with Act East & Indo-Pacific strategies | > 🎙️ *"Media today is the message of diplomacy. India is shaping that message globally."* --- ## PYQ Linkages & UPSC Themes | Relevant UPSC Areas | Relevance | | ------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Prelims** | International institutions; India’s role; Prasar Bharati | | **GS Paper 2** | Regional & global groupings; India's bilateral & multilateral outreach | | **Interview** | Soft power, UNESCO-related institutions, digital public goods | | **Essay** | "Media as the new diplomacy frontier" or "Global India, Media India" | --- ## UPSC Practice MCQs **Q1\. With reference to AIBD, consider the following:** 1. It is a BRICS initiative to promote regional broadcasting standards. 2. UNESCO is one of its founding organisations. 3. Private broadcasters are allowed as full members. **Which are correct?** (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 > ✅ **Answer: (b)** --- **Q2\. Consider the following about India's role in AIBD:** 1. Prasar Bharati represents India at AIBD. 2. India hosted the 23rd AIBD General Conference in 2025. 3. India has held the position of AIBD President and Chairman both. **Which are correct?** (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 > ✅ **Answer: (b)** --- **Q3\. AIBD serves which of the following functions?** 1. Promotes Asia-Pacific programming with traditional values 2. Acts as a training and consultancy hub for broadcasters 3. Facilitates disaster response coordination for ESCAP countries **Select the correct code:** (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 > ✅ **Answer: (a)** --- ## Final Takeaway > **India’s leadership at AIBD reflects the rise of Indian soft power in global digital diplomacy.** > In a time when narratives are as powerful as policies, **media diplomacy** matters — and India is leading from the front. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### GS 4 Ethics: UPSC CSE Mains 2025 Question Paper URL: https://www.upscprep.com/gs-4-ethics-upsc-cse-mains-2025-question-paper/ Last updated: 2025-08-24T12:52:14.000Z **Time Allowed**: Three Hours **Maximum Marks**: 250 ## खण्ड 'A' / SECTION 'A' **1 (a)** **मौजूदा डिजिटल युग में सोशल मीडिया ने संचार और बातचीत के तरीके में क्रांति ला दी है । हालाँकि इसने कई नैतिक मुद्दे और चुनौतियाँ खड़ी कर दी है। इस संबंध में मूल नैतिक दुविधाओं का वर्णन कीजिए ।**(उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए) In the present digital age, social media has revolutionised our way of communication and interaction. However, it has raised several ethical issues and challenges. Describe the key ethical dilemmas in this regard. (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks) **1\. (b)** **“संवैधानिक नैतिकता कोई स्वाभाविक मनोभाव नहीं है, बल्कि नागरिक शिक्षा और कानून के शासन के पालन का परिणाम है ।" सिविल सेवक के लिए संवैधानिक नैतिकता का परीक्षण करते हुए लोक प्रशासन में सुशासन को बढ़ावा देने और जवाबदेही सुनिश्चित करने में इसकी भूमिका पर प्रकाश डालिए ।** (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए) "Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment but a product of civil education and adherence of the rule of law." Examine the significance of constitutional morality for public servant highlighting the role in promoting good governance and ensuring accountability in public administration. (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks) **2\. (a)** **कार्ल वॉन क्लॉजविट्ज ने एक बार कहा था, “युद्ध दूसरे माध्यमों से की जाने वाली एक कूटनीति है ।” समकालीन भू-राजनीतिक संघर्ष के वर्तमान संदर्भ में उपर्युक्त कथन का आलोचनात्मक विश्लेषण कीजिए ।** (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए) Carl von Clausewitz once said, “War is a diplomacy by other means.” Critically analyse the above statement in the present context of contemporary geo-political conflict. (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks) **2\. (b)** **राष्ट्रीय सुरक्षा को ध्यान में रखते हुए देश में पारिस्थितिक रूप से संवेदनशील सीमावर्ती क्षेत्रों में विकास परियोजनाओं की पर्यावरणीय मंजूरी पर विवादों से संबंधित नैतिक दुविधाओं का परीक्षण कीजिए ।** (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए) Keeping the national security in mind, examine the ethical dilemmas related to controversies over environmental clearance of development projects in ecologically sensitive border areas in the country. (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks) **3\. (a)** **महान विचारकों के तीन उद्धरण नीचे दिए गए हैं। वर्तमान संदर्भ में, प्रत्येक उद्धरण आपको क्या संप्रेषित करता है ?** Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? **“जो लोग मुसीबत में भी शांत रहते हैं, मुसीबत ही स्वयं परेशान होगी ।" – तिरुवल्लुवर** (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए) "Those who in trouble untroubled are, Will trouble trouble itself." – Thiruvalluvar (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks) **3\. (b)** **"मेरी पीढ़ी की सबसे बड़ी खोज यह है कि मनुष्य अपना दृष्टिकोण बदलकर अपना जीवन बदल सकता है ।” – विलियम जोन्स** (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए) "The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes." - William James (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks) **3\. (c)** **“किसी समाज की शक्ति उसके कानूनों में नहीं, बल्कि उसके लोगों की नैतिकता में होती है।" – स्वामी विवेकानंद** (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए) "The strength of a society is not in its laws, but in the morality of its people." – Swami Vivekananda (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks) **4\. (a)** **किसी भी प्रकार की सामाजिक पुनर्रचना के लिए कल्याणकारी योजनाओं को सफलतापूर्वक क्रियान्वित करने हेतु एक सिविल सेवक को नैतिक ढाँचे में तर्क और आलोचनात्मक सोच का उपयोग करना चाहिए । उपयुक्त उदाहरणों के साथ इस कथन की पुष्टि कीजिए ।** (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए) "For any kind of social re-engineering by successfully implementing welfare schemes, a civil servant must use reason and critical thinking in an ethical framework." Justify this statement with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks) **4\. (b)** **महावीर की प्रमुख शिक्षाएँ क्या हैं ? समकालीन विश्व में उनकी प्रासंगिकता स्पष्ट कीजिए ।** (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए) What are the major teachings of Mahavir? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world. (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks) **5\. (a)** **"जो व्यक्ति अपने कर्त्तव्य के प्रति समर्पित होता है, वह जीवन में सर्वोच्च पूर्णता को प्राप्त करता है।" एक सिविल सेवक के रूप में जिम्मेदारी की भावना और व्यक्तिगत संतुष्टि के संदर्भ में इस कथन का विश्लेषण कीजिए ।** (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए) "One who is devoted to one's duty attains highest perfection in life." Analyse this statement with reference to sense of responsibility and personal fulfilment as a civil servant. (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks) **5\. (b)** **समग्र विकास लक्ष्य को प्राप्त करने के लिए, एक सिविल सेवक विकास के नियामक के बजाए एक सक्षमकर्ता और सुविधाप्रदाता के रूप में कार्य करता है। इस लक्ष्य को प्राप्त करने के लिए आप क्या विशिष्ट उपाय सुझायेंगे ?** (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए) To achieve holistic development goal, a civil servant acts as an enabler and active facilitator of growth rather than a regulator. What specific measures will you suggest to achieve this goal? (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks) **6\. (a)** **ऐसा कहा जाता है कि नैतिक कार्य संस्कृति के लिए प्रत्येक संगठन में आचार संहिता होनी चाहिए । मूल्य-आधारित और अनुपालन-आधारित कार्य संस्कृति सुनिश्चित करने के लिए, आप अपने कार्यस्थल में कौन से उपयुक्त उपाय अपनायेंगे ?** (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए) It is said that for an ethical work culture, there must be code of ethics in place in every organisation. To ensure value-based and compliance-based work culture, what suitable measures would you adopt in your work place? (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks) **6\. (b)** **भारत विश्व की उभरती हुई आर्थिक शक्ति है क्योंकि आइ.एम.एफ. के अनुमानानुसार हाल ही में इसने विश्व की चौथी सबसे बड़ी अर्थव्यवस्था का दर्जा हासिल किया है । तथापि यह देखा गया है कि कुछ क्षेत्रों में आबंटित धनराशि का या तो कम उपयोग किया जाता है अथवा उसका गलत उपयोग होता है। इस संबंध में जवाबदेही सुनिश्चित करने, लीकेज रोकने तथा निकट भविष्य में विश्व की तीसरी सबसे बड़ी अर्थव्यवस्था का दर्जा प्राप्त करने के लिए आप क्या विशिष्ट उपाय सुझायेंगे ?** (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए) India is an emerging economic power of the world as it has recently secured the status of fourth largest economy of the world as per IMF projection. However, it has been observed that in some sectors, allocated funds remain either under-utilised or misutilised. What specific measures would you recommend for ensuring accountability in this regard to stop leakages and gaining the status of third largest economy of the world in near future? (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks) --- ## खण्ड 'B' / SECTION 'B' **7.** **विजय पिछले दो वर्षों से देश के पहाड़ी उत्तरी राज्य के सुदूर जिले के डिप्टी कमिशनर थे । अगस्त महीने में पूरे राज्य में भारी बारिश हुई और इसके बाद उक्त जिले के ऊपरी इलाकों में बादल फट गए। पूरे राज्य में विशेष कर प्रभावित जिले में बहुत भारी क्षति हुई । पूरा सडक नेटवर्क और दूरसंचार बाधित हो गया । इमारतें बड़े पैमाने पर क्षतिग्रस्त हो गईं। लोगों के घर नष्ट हो गए और वे खुले में रहने को मजबूर हुए। 200 से अधिक लोग मारे गये और लगभग 5000 लोग बुरी तरह घायल हो गये । विजय के नेतृत्व में नागरिक प्रशासन सक्रिय हो गया और बचाव तथा राहत अभियान शुरू हो गया । बेघर और घायल लोगों को आश्रय एवं चिकित्सा सुविधाएँ प्रदान करने के लिए अस्थायी आश्रय शिविर तथा अस्पताल स्थापित किए गए। दूरदराज के इलाकों से बीमार और बूढ़े लोगों को निकालने के लिए हेलीकॉप्टर सेवाएँ शुरू की गई। विजय को अपने गृहनगर केरल से संदेश मिला कि उनकी माँ गंभीर रूप से बीमार हैं। दो दिन बाद विजय को दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण संदेश मिला कि उनकी माँ की मृत्यु हो गई है। विजय का एक बड़ी बहन के अलावा कोई करीबी रिश्तेदार न था । उनकी बड़ी बहन अमेरिकी नागरिक थीं और पिछले कई वर्षों से वहीं रह रही थीं। इस वीच पाँच दिनों के अंतराल के बाद फिर से शुरू हुई भारी बारिश के कारण प्रभावित जिले में स्थिति और खराब हो गई। वहीं, उनके मोबाइल पर अपने गृहनगर से माँ का अंतिम संस्कार करने के लिए जल्द से जल्द पहुँचने के लगातार संदेश आ रहे थे ।** **(a) विजय के पास कौन से विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं ?** **(b) विजय को किन नैतिक दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है ?** **(c) विजय द्वारा पहचाने गए प्रत्येक विकल्प का आलोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन और परीक्षण कीजिए ।** **(d) आपके अनुसार विजय के लिए कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों ?** (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए) Vijay was Deputy Commissioner of remote district of Hilly Northern State of the country for the last two years. In the month of August heavy rains lashed the complete state followed by cloud burst in the upper reaches of the said district. The damage was very heavy in the complete state especially in the affected district. The complete road network and telecommunication were disrupted and the buildings were damaged extensively. People's houses have been destroyed and they were forced to stay in open. More than 200 people have been killed and about 5000 were badly injured. The Civil Administration under Vijay got activated and started conducting rescue and relief operations. Temporary shelter camps and hospitals were established to provide shelter and medical facilities to the homeless and injured people. Helicopter services were pressed in, for evacuating sick and old people from remote areas. Vijay got a message from his hometown in Kerala that his mother was seriously sick. After two days Vijay received the unfortunate message that his mother has expired. Vijay has no close relative except one elder sister who was US citizen and staying there for last several years. In the meantime, the situation in the affected district deteriorated further due to resumption of heavy rains after a gap of five days. At the same time, continuous messages were coming on his mobile from his hometown to reach at the earliest for performing last rites of his mother. (a) What are the options available with Vijay? (b) What are the ethical dilemma being faced by Vijay? (c) Critically evaluate and examine each of these options identified by Vijay. (d) Which of the options, do you think, would be most appropriate for Vijay to adopt and why? (Answer in 250 words) (20 marks) **8.** **भारतीय संविधान में निहित राज्य के नीति निर्देशक सिद्धांतों के अनुरूप रोटी, कपड़ा और मकान की बुनियादी जरूरतों को सुनिश्चित करना सरकार का संवैधानिक दायित्व है। इस आदेश का पालन करते हुए, जिला प्रशासन ने समाज के बेघर और आर्थिक रूप से कमजोर वर्ग के लिए आवास विकसित करने हेतु वनभूमि के एक हिस्से की सफाई का प्रस्ताव रखा ।** **हालाँकि, प्रस्तावित भूमि पारिस्थितिक रूप से एक संवेदनशील क्षेत्र है जो सदियों पुराने पेड़ों, औषधीय पौधों और महत्वपूर्ण जैववैविध्य से परिपूर्ण है । इसके अलावा, ये वन सूक्ष्म जलवायु और वर्षा को विनियमित करने, वन्यजीवों के लिए आश्रय प्रदान करने, मृत्तिका की उर्वरता बढ़ाने, भूमिर/मृदा अपरदन रोकने एवं आदिवासी तथा खानाबदोश समुदायों की आजीविका को बनाए रखने में मदद करते हैं ।** **पारिस्थितिक और सामाजिक लागतों के बावजूद, प्रशासन उक्त प्रस्ताव के पक्ष में तर्क देता है कि यह पहल मौलिक मानवाधिकारों को एक महत्वपूर्ण कल्याणपरक प्राथमिकता के रूप में संबोधित करती है। इसके अलावा, इस समावेशी आवास विकास के माध्यम से गरीबों के उत्थान और सशक्तिकरण से सरकार का कर्तव्य पूरा होगा । पुनः जंगली जानवरों के खतरे और बार-बार होनेवाले मानव-वन्यजीव संघर्ष के कारण ये वनक्षेत्र असुरक्षित हो गए हैं। अंत में, वनक्षेत्रों को साफ करने से इन इलाकों को कथित तौर पर छिपने के स्थानों के रूप में उपयोग करने वाले असामाजिक तत्वों पर अंकुश लगाने में मदद मिल सकती है, जिससे कानून और व्यवस्था में सुधार होगा ।** **(a) क्या बेघरों के लिए सामाजिक कल्याणपरक उद्देश्यों की पूर्ति हेतु वनों की कटाई को नैतिक रूप से उचित ठहराया जा सकता है ?** **(b) मानव विकास के साथ पर्यावरण संरक्षण को संतुलित करने में समाजार्थिक, प्रशासनिक और नैतिक चुनौतियां क्या हैं?** **(c) पर्यावरणीय अखंडता और मानवीय गरिमा दोनों की सुरक्षा को सुनिश्चित करने के लिए कौन से ठोस विकल्प या नीतिगत हस्तक्षेप प्रस्तावित किए जा सकते हैं ?** (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए) In line with the Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in the Indian Constitution, the government has a constitutional obligation to ensure basic needs "Roti, Kapda aur Makan (Food, Clothes and Shelter)" - for the under-privileged. Pursuing this mandate, the district administration proposed clearing a portion of forest land to develop housing for the homeless and economically weaker sections of the society, The proposed land, however, is an ecologically sensitive zone densely populated with age-old trees, medicinal plants and vital biodiversity. Besides, these forests help to regulate micro-climate and rainfalls; provide habitat for wildlife, support soil fertility and prevent land/soil erosion and sustain livelihoods of tribal and nomadic communities. Inspite of the ecological and social costs, the administration argues in favour of the proposal by highlighting that this very initiative addresses fundamental human rights as a critical welfare priority. Besides, it fulfils the government's duty to uplift and empower the poor through inclusive housing development. Further, these forest areas have become unsafe due to wild-animal threats and recurring human-wildlife conflicts. Lastly, clearing forest-zones may help to curb anti-social elements allegedly using these areas as hideouts, thereby enhancing law and order. **(a)** Can deforestation be ethically justified in the pursuit of social welfare objectives like, housing for the homeless? **(b)** What are the socio-economic, administrative and ethical challenges in balancing environmental conservation with human development? **(c)** What substantial alternatives or policy interventions can be proposed to ensure that both environmental integrity and human dignity are protected? (Answer in 250 words) (20 marks) **9.** **सुभाष राज्य सरकार में लोकनिर्माण विभाग के सचिव हैं। वह एक वरिष्ठ अधिकारी हैं, जो अपनी योग्यता, निष्ठा और काम के प्रति समर्पण के लिए जाने जाते हैं। उन्हें लोकनिर्माण विभाग और कार्यक्रम कार्यान्वयन के प्रभारी मंत्री का भरोसा और विश्वास प्राप्त है। अपनी जॉब प्रोफाइल के अलावा वह राज्य में नीति निर्माण के लिए भी जिम्मेदार हैं। इसके अलावा, वह योजना, डिजाइनिंग और निर्माण आदि से संबंधित तकनीकी और प्रशासनिक पहलुओं की देखरेख करते हैं।** **सुभाष के मंत्री राज्य के एक महत्वपूर्ण मंत्री हैं और उनके कार्यकाल के दौरान शहरी बुनियादी ढाँचे के विकास और सड़क नेटवर्क में महत्वपूर्ण वृद्धि दर्ज की गई है। वह निकट भविष्य में महत्वाकांक्षी सड़क निर्माण परियोजना शुरू करने के लिए उत्सुक हैं।** **सुभाष मंत्री के साथ नियमित संपर्क में हैं और सड़क निर्माण परियोजना के विभिन्न तौर-तरीकों पर काम कर रहे हैं। मंत्री द्वारा परियोजना की औपचारिक सार्वजनिक घोषणा करने से पहले उनके द्वारा मंत्री के समक्ष नियमित बैठकें, चर्चाएँ और प्रस्तुतियाँ की जाती हैं । सुभाष का इकलौता बेटा विकास रियल एस्टेट बिज़नेस में है । उनके बेटे को अपने सूत्रों से पता चलता है कि एक मेगा रोड परियोजना अंतिम चरण पर है और इस संबंध में किसी भी समय घोषणा होने की उम्मीद है। वह अपने पिता से आगामी प्रोजेक्ट का सटीक स्थान जानने के लिए बहुत उत्सुक हैं । उसे पता है कि आसपास की जमीन की कीमतों में भारी उछाल आएगा । इस स्तर पर सस्ती कीमतों पर जमीन खरीदने से उसे भरपूर लाभ मिलेगा । वह प्रस्तावित परियोजना का स्थान दिखाने के लिए दिन-रात अपने पिता से विनती कर रहा है । उसने उन्हें आश्वस्त किया कि वह इस मामले को सीधे संभालेगा क्योंकि इससे कोई प्रतिकूल असर नहीं पड़ेगा। यह इसलिए कि वह स्वाभाविक रूप से अपने व्यवसाय के हिस्से के रूप में जमीन खरीदता रहता है । अपने बेटे की लगातार मिन्नतों के कारण वह दबाव महसूस करते हैं ।** **इस मामले का एक अन्य महत्वपूर्ण पहलू लोक निर्माण विभाग के मंत्री द्वारा उपर्युक्त परियोजना में अतिरिक्त/अनुचित रुचि से संबंधित है। उनके भतीजे की भी बड़ी आधारभूत संरचनावाली परियोजना कंपनी थी । दरअसल, मंत्री ने अपने भतीजे का भी उनसे परिचय कराया है और उन्हें आगामी प्रोजेक्ट में भतीजे के व्यावसायिक हितों का ध्यान रखने का संकेत भी दिया है। मंत्री ने उन्हें इस मामले में तेजी से काम करने के लिए प्रोत्साहित किया क्योंकि मेगा रोड़ परियोजना की शीघ्र घोषणा और कार्यान्वयन से अपनी पार्टी और सार्वजनिक जीवन में उनकी स्थिति मजबूत होगी ।** **उपर्युक्त पृष्ठभूमि में सुभाष भावी कार्रवाई को लेकर असमंजस में हैं ।** **(a) उक्त मामले में शामिल नैतिक मुद्दों पर चर्चा कीजिए ।** **(b) उपर्युक्त स्थिति में सुभाष के पास उपलब्ध विकल्पों का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए ।** **(c) उपर्युक्त में से कौन सा सर्वाधिक उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों ?** (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए) Subash is Secretary, PWD in the State Government. He is a senior officer, known for his competence, integrity and dedication to work. He enjoys the trust and confidence of Minister Incharge of PWD and Programme Implementation. As a part of his job profile, he is responsible for policy formulation, execution of projects relating to infrastructure initiatives in the State. Besides, he oversees the technical and administrative aspects, relating to planning, designing and construction etc. Subash's Minister is an important Minister in the state and significant growth in urban infrastructure development and road network has been registered during his tenure. He is very keen for launching of ambitious road construction project in the near future. Subash is in regular touch with the Minister and is working various modalities of road construction project. Regular meetings, interactions and presentations are made by him to the Minister before a formal public announcement of the project is made by the Minister. Subash's only son Vikas is in real estate business. His son from his own sources is aware that a mega road project is on the anvil and announcement in this regard is expected anytime. He is very keen to know from his father the exact location of the upcoming project. He knows that there would be quantum jump in the prices of land in the vicinity. Buying land at this stage at cheaper prices would pay him rich dividends. He is pleading with him (his father) day in and day out to share him location of the proposed project. He assured him that he would handle the matter discretely as it would not attract any adverse notice as he in the normal course, keeps on buying land as a part of his business. He feels pressurised because of constant pleadings by his son. Another significant aspect of the matter pertained to the extra/undue interest in the above project by the Minister PWD. His nephew was also having big infrastructure project company. In fact, the Minister has also introduced his nephew to him and indicated to him to take care of his nephew's business interest in the forthcoming project. The Minister encouraged him to act fast in the matter as early announcement and execution of mega road project would enhance his status in the party and public life. In the above backdrop, Subash is in a fix as to the future course of action. **(a)** Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. **(b)** Critically examine the options available to Subash in the above situation, **(c)** Which of the above would be most appropriate and why? (Answer in 250 words) (20 marks) **10.** **राजेश अपनी नौ साल की सेवा के साथ ग्रुप ए अधिकारी हैं। वह एक सार्वजनिक क्षेत्र के तेल उपक्रम में प्रशासनिक अधिकारी के रूप में तैनात हैं। एक प्रशासनिक अधिकारी के रूप में, वह कार्यालय के सुचारु संचालन को सुनिश्चित करने के लिए विभिन्न प्रशासनिक कार्यों के प्रबंधन और समन्वय हेतु जिम्मेदार हैं। वह कार्यालय की आपूर्ति, उपकरण आदि का प्रबंधन भी करते हैं । राजेश अब काफी वरिष्ठ हो गए हैं और अगले एक या दो वर्षों में जेएजी (जूनियर एडमिनिस्ट्रेटिव ग्रेड) में उनकी पदोन्नति की उम्मीद है। वह जानते हैं कि पदोन्नति, डीपीसी (विभागीय पदोन्नति समिति) द्वारा अधिकारी की पिछले कुछ वर्षों (लगभग 5 वर्ष) की एसीआर/निष्पादन मूल्यांकन की जांच के आधार पर होती है तथा एसीआर में अपेक्षित ग्रेडिंग के अभाव वाले अधिकारी को पदोन्नति के लिए उपयुक्त नहीं पाया जा सकता है । पदोन्नति खोने के परिणामस्वरूप वित्तीय और प्रतिष्ठा संबंधी हानि हो सकती है तथा कैरियर की प्रगति में बाधा आ सकती है । यद्यपि वह अपने कर्तव्यों के निर्वहन में अपना सर्वश्रेष्ठ प्रयास करते हैं, फिर भी, वह अपने वरिष्ठ अधिकारी द्वारा किये जाने वाले मूल्यांकन के बारे में अनिश्चित हैं । अब वह अतिरिक्त प्रयास कर रहे हैं, ताकि वित्तीय वर्ष के अंत में उन्हें शानदार रिपोर्ट मिले ।** **प्रशासनिक अधिकारी के रूप में राजेश नियमित रूप से अपने तात्कालिक बॉस के साथ बातचीत करते रहते हैं, जो उनकी एसीआर लिखने वाले रिपोर्टिंग अधिकारी हैं। एक दिन उन्होंने राजेश को बुलाया और कहा कि एक विशेष विक्रेता से प्राथमिकता के आधार पर कंप्यूटर से संबंधित स्टेशनरी खरीदें । राजेश अपने कार्यालय को इन वस्तुओं की खरीद के लिए कारवाई शुरू करने का निर्देश देते हैं । उसी दिन संबंधित सहायक उसी विक्रेता के सभी स्टेशनरी सामग्री सम्मिलित करते हुए पैंतीस लाख रुपये का अनुमान पत्र लाता है । यह देखा गया कि उस संगठन में लागू जीएफआर (सामान्य वित्तीय नियमों) के अनुसार, कार्यालय मदों के लिए तीस लाख रुपये से अधिक के व्यय के लिए अगले उच्च प्राधिकारी (वर्तमान मामले में बॉस) की मंजूरी की आवश्यकता होती है । राजेश को पता है कि उनके वरिष्ठ अधिकारी यह उम्मीद करेंगे कि ये सारी खरीदारी उनके स्तर पर हो और वे उनकी ओर से इस तरह की पहल की कमी को पसंद नहीं करेंगे । कार्यालय के साथ विचार-विमर्श के दौरान उन्हें पता चला कि उच्च प्राधिकारी से मंजूरी प्राप्त करने से बचने के लिए व्यय को विभाजित करने की सामान्य प्रथा (जहाँ बड़े ऑर्डर को छोटे ऑर्डर की एक श्रृंखला में विभाजित किया जाता है) का प्रचलन है। यह प्रथा नियमों के विरुद्ध है और लेखापरीक्षा के प्रतिकूल संज्ञान में आ सकती है।** **राजेश परेशान हैं। वह इस मामले में कोई निर्णय लेने में अनिश्चित हैं ।** **(a) उपरोक्त स्थिति में राजेश के लिए क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं ?** **(b) इस मामले में नैतिक मुद्दे क्या हैं ?** **(c) राजेश के लिए कौन सा विकल्प सबसे उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों ?** (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए) Rajesh is a Group A officer with nine years of service. He is posted as Administrative Officer in an Oil Public Sector undertaking. As an Administrative Officer he is responsible for managing and coordinating various administrative tasks to ensure smooth functioning of office. He also manages office supplies, equipment etc. Rajesh is now sufficient senior and is expecting his next promotion in JAG (Junior Administrative Grade) in the next one or two years. He knows that promotion is based on examination of ACRs/Performance Appraisal of last few years (5 years or so) of an officer by a DPC (Departmental Promotion Committee) and an officer lacking requisite grading of ACRs may not be found fit for promotion. Consequences of losing promotion may entail financial and reputational loss and set-back for career progression. Though he also puts his best efforts in official discharge of his duties, yet he is unsure of assessment by his superior officer. He is now putting extra efforts so that he gets thumping report at the end of financial year. As Administrative Officer, Rajesh is regularly interacting with his immediate boss, who is his reporting officer for writing his ACR. One day he calls Rajesh and wants him to buy computer-related stationery on priority from a particular vendor, Rajesh instructs his office to initiate action for procuring these items. During the day, the dealing Assistant brings an estimate of Rupees Thirty Five Lakhs covering all stationery items from the same vendor. It is noticed that as per delegated financial powers, as provided in the GFR (General Financial Rules) as applicable in that Organisation, expenditure for office items exceeding Rupees Thirty Lakhs requires sanction of the next higher authority (boss in the present case). Rajesh knows that immediate superior would expect all these purchases should be done at his level and may not appreciate such lack of initiative on his part. During discussions with office, he learns that common practice of splitting of expenditure (where large order is divided into a series of smaller ones) is followed to avoid obtaining sanction from higher authority. This practice is against the rules and may come to the adverse notice of Audit. Rajesh is perturbed. He is unsure of taking decision in the matter. **(a)** What are the options available with Rajesh in the above situation? **(b)** What are the ethical issues involved in this case? **(c)** Which would be the most appropriate option for Rajesh and why? (Answer in 250 words) (20 marks) **11.** **महात्मा गांधी राष्ट्रीय ग्रामीण रोजगार गारंटी कार्यक्रम, एम जी एन आर ई जी ए को पहले राष्ट्रीय ग्रामीण रोजगार योजना, एन आर ई जी ए के रूप में जाना जाता था। यह एक भारतीय समाज कल्याण कार्यक्रम है जिसका उद्देश्य संविधान में दिए गए 'काम करने के अधिकार' के प्रावधानों को पूरा करना है। ग्रामीण विकास मंत्रालय द्वारा ग्रामीण रोजगार क्षेत्र के अंतर्गत 2006 में मनरेगा शुरु किया गया ।** **कार्यक्रम का मुख्य उद्देश्य ग्रामीण परिवार के वयस्क सदस्यों को मजदूरी रोजगार की कानूनी गारंटी देना है जो प्रति परिवार अधिकतम प्रतिवर्ष 100 दिनों की सीमा के अधीन अकुशल शारीरिक श्रम कार्य के लिए तैयार हैं; प्रत्येक ग्रामीण परिवार को इस योजना के अंतर्गत पंजीकरण कराने का अधिकार है; जॉब कार्ड पंजीकृत को जारी किया जाता है; जॉब कार्ड धारक रोजगार की तलाश कर सकता है; राज्य सरकार परिवारों को प्रतिपूरक दैनिक वेरोजगारी भत्ते के रूप में पहले 30 दिनों के लिए न्यूनतम मजदूरी का 25% और वर्ष की शेष अवधि के लिए मजदूरी का भुगतान करेगी । विभिन्न ग्राम पंचायतों द्वारा मनरेगा कार्य कराया गया ।** **आपको एक जिले का प्रभारी प्रशासक नियुक्त किया गया है। आपको विभिन्न ग्राम पंचायतों द्वारा किए जा रहे मनरेगा कार्यों की निगरानी की जिम्मेदारी दी गई है। आपको सभी मनरेगा कार्यों की तकनीकी मंजूरी देने का अधिकार भी दिया गया है।** **आपके अधिकार क्षेत्र में एक पंचायत में आपने देखा कि आपके पूर्ववर्ती ने कार्यक्रम का निम्न प्रकार से कुप्रबंधन किया है :** **(i) वास्तविक नौकरी चाहने वालों को धन वितरित नहीं किया गया है।** **(ii) मजदूरों की मस्टर रोल का ठीक से रखरखाव नहीं किया गया है।** **(iii) किए गए कार्य और किए गए भुगतान के वीच वेमेल है ।** **(iv) फर्जी व्यक्तियों को भुगतान किया गया है।** **(v) व्यक्ति की आवश्यकता को देखे बिना जॉब कार्ड दिए गए हैं ।** **(vi) निधियों का कुप्रबंधन तथा निधियों की कुछ हद तक हेराफेरी हुई है ।** **(vii) ऐसे स्वीकृत कार्य जो कभी अस्तित्व में ही नहीं थे ।** **(a) उपरोक्त स्थिति पर आपकी क्या प्रतिक्रिया है तथा आप इस क्षेत्र में मनरेगा कार्यक्रम के समुचित संचालन को कैसे बहाल करेंगे ?** **(b) ऊपर सूचीबद्ध विभिन्न मुद्दों को हल करने के लिए आप क्या कार्रवाई शुरू करेंगे ?** **(c) आप उपरोक्त स्थिति से कैसे निपटेंगे ?** (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए) Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Program, MGNREGA was earlier known as National Rural Employment Scheme, NREGA. It is an Indian Social Welfare Program that aimed at fulfilling the 'Right to Work' provisions made in the Constitution. MGNREGA was launched in 2006 under Rural Employment Sector by the Ministry of Rural Development. Main objective of the program is to give legal guarantee of wage employment to the adult members of rural households who are willing to do unskilled manual labour work subject to a maximum of 100 days per year for every household. Every rural household has the right to register under the scheme, job card is issued to the registered, Job Card holder can seek employment; State Government shall pay 25% of minimum wage for the first 30 days as compensatory daily unemployment allowance to the families and of wage for remaining period of the year. MGNREGA work was undertaken by various Gram Panchayats. You have been appointed as an Administrator Incharge of the District. You have been given the responsibility of monitoring MGNREGA work undertaken by various Gram Panchayats. You are also given the authority to give technical sanctions to all MGNREGA works. In one of the Panchayats in your jurisdiction, you notice that your predecessor has mismanaged the Program in terms of : (i) Money not disbursed to actual job-seekers. (ii) Muster Rolls of the Labourers not properly maintained. (iii) Mismatch between the work done and payments made. (iv) Payments made to fictitious persons. (v) Job Cards were given without looking into the need of person. (vi) Mismanagement of funds and to the extent of siphoning of funds. (vii) Approved works that never existed. **(a)** What is your reaction to the above situation and how do you restore the proper functioning of MGNREGA Program in this regard? **(b)** What actions would you initiate to solve the various issues listed above? **(c)** How would you deal with the above situation? (Answer in 250 words) (20 marks) **12.** **अशोक पूर्वोत्तर राज्य के एक सीमावर्ती जिले के मंडल आयुक्त हैं। कुछ वर्ष पहले, सेना ने निर्वाचित नागरिक सरकार को उखाड़ फेंकने के वाद पड़ोसी देश पर कब्जा कर लिया था । देश में विशेष रूप से पिछले दो वर्षों से गृहयुद्ध की स्थिति वनी हुई है। हालाँकि, विद्रोही समूहों द्वारा अपनी सीमा के पास कुछ आबादी वाले क्षेत्रों पर नियंत्रण करने के कारण आंतरिक स्थिति और बिगड़ गई ।** **सैन्य और विद्रोही समूहों के बीच तीव्र संघर्ष के कारण हाल के दिनों में नागरिक हताहतों की संख्या में कई गुना वृद्धि हुई है। इसी बीच अशोक को एक रात में सीमा चौकी पर तैनात पुलिस से सूचना मिली कि लगभग 200-250 लोग, जिनमें मुख्य रूप से महिलाएँ और बच्चे हैं, सीमा पार करके हमारी सीमा की ओर आने की कोशिश कर रहे थे। इस समूह में सैन्य वर्दीधारी हथियारों के साथ लगभग 10 सैनिक शामिल हैं जो सीमा पार करना चाहते हैं। महिलाएँ और बच्चे रो रहे हैं और मदद की भीख मांग रहे हैं। उनमें कुछ घायल हैं और बहुत ज्यादा खून बह रहा है, उन्हें तुरंत चिकित्सा की जरूरत है। अशोक ने राज्य के गृह सचिव से संपर्क करने का प्रयास किया, लेकिन खराब मौसम के कारण खराब कनेक्टिविटी के कारण ऐसा करने में असफल रहे ।** **(a) इस स्थिति से निपटने के लिए अशोक के पास क्या विकल्प उपलब्ध हैं ?** **(b) अशोक को किन नैतिक और कानूनी दुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ रहा है ?** **(c) आपके विचार से अशोक के लिए कौन सा विकल्प अपनाना अधिक उपयुक्त होगा और क्यों ?** **(d) वर्तमान स्थिति में वर्दीधारी सैनिकों के साथ व्यवहार करते समय सीमा सुरक्षा पुलिस द्वारा क्या अतिरिक्त एहतियाती उपाय किए जाने चाहिए ?** (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए) Ashok is Divisional Commissioner of one of the border districts of the North East State. A few years back, Military has taken over the neighbouring country after overthrowing the elected civil government. Civil war situation is prevailing in the country especially in last two years. However, internal situation further deteriorated due to rebel groups taking over control of certain populated areas near own border. Due to intense fight between military and rebel groups, civilian casualties has increased manifold in recent past. In the meantime, in one night Ashok got information from the local police guarding the border check post that there are about 200-250 people mainly women and children trying to cross over to our side of the border. There are also about 10 soldiers with their weapons in military uniform part of this group who wants to cross over. Women and Children are also crying and begging for help. A few of them are injured and bleeding profusely need immediate medical care. Ashok tried to contact Home Secretary of the State but failed to do so due to poor connectivity mainly due to inclement weather. **(a)** What are the options available with Ashok to cope with the situation? **(b)** What are the ethical and legal dilemmas being faced by Ashok? **(c)** Which of the options, do you think would be more appropriate for Ashok to adopt and why ? **(d)** In the present situation, what are the extra precautionary measures to be taken by the Border Guarding Police in dealing with soldiers in uniform? (Answer in 250 words) (20 marks) --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### GS 3: UPSC CSE Mains 2025 Question Paper URL: https://www.upscprep.com/gs-3-upsc-cse-mains-2025-question-paper/ Last updated: 2025-08-24T07:55:30.000Z **Time Allowed**: Three Hours **Maximum Marks**: 250 ### Questions 1–10 (Answer in 150 words each) – 10 marks each 1. **मानव विकास सूचकांक (HDI) और असमानता समायोजित मानव विकास सूचकांक (IHDI) में क्या अंतर है? भारत के संदर्भ में स्पष्ट कीजिए। IHDI को समावेशी विकास का बेहतर संकेतक क्यों माना जाता है?** *Distinguish between the Human Development Index (HDI) and Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI) with special reference to India. Why is the IHDI considered a better indicator of inclusive growth?* 2. **जब विश्व मुक्त व्यापार और बहुपक्षवाद से संरक्षणवाद और द्विपक्षीयता की ओर बढ़ रहा है, तब भारतीय अर्थव्यवस्था के समक्ष क्या चुनौतियाँ हैं? इनसे कैसे निपटा जा सकता है?** *What are the challenges before the Indian economy when the world is moving away from free trade and multilateralism to protectionism and bilateralism? How can these challenges be met?* 3. **भारत में किसान उच्च मूल्य वाली फसलों के चयन का निर्णय करते समय किन कारकों को ध्यान में रखते हैं? स्पष्ट कीजिए।** *Explain the factors influencing the decision of the farmers on the selection of high value crops in India.* 4. **भारत में कृषि वस्तुओं के आपूर्ति श्रृंखला प्रबंधन की व्यापकता और महत्त्व स्पष्ट कीजिए।** *Elaborate the scope and significance of supply chain management of agricultural commodities in India.* 5. **भारत का संलयन ऊर्जा कार्यक्रम पिछले कुछ दशकों में निरंतर विकसित हुआ है। इंटरनेशनल थर्मोन्यूक्लियर एक्सपेरिमेंटल रिएक्टर (ITER) परियोजना में भारत के योगदानों का उल्लेख कीजिए। इस परियोजना की सफलता का वैश्विक ऊर्जा के भविष्य पर क्या प्रभाव पड़ेगा?** *The fusion energy programme in India has steadily evolved over the past few decades. Mention India’s contributions to the international fusion energy project – International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). What will be the implications of the success of this project for the future of global energy?* 6. **भारत 2047 तक स्वच्छ प्रौद्योगिकी के माध्यम से ऊर्जा आत्मनिर्भरता कैसे प्राप्त कर सकता है? इस प्रयास में जैव प्रौद्योगिकी की क्या भूमिका हो सकती है?** *How can India achieve energy independence through clean technology by 2047? How can biotechnology play a crucial role in this endeavour?* 7. **कार्बन कैप्चर, उपयोग और भंडारण (CCUS) क्या है? जलवायु परिवर्तन से निपटने में इसकी क्या संभावित भूमिका है?** *What is Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)? What is the potential role of CCUS in tackling climate change?* 8. **भारत में तटीय जलभृतों में समुद्री जल का प्रवेश एक प्रमुख चिंता है। इसके कारण और समाधानात्मक उपाय क्या हैं?** *Seawater intrusion in the coastal aquifers is a major concern in India. What are the causes of seawater intrusion and the remedial measures to combat this hazard?* 9. **आतंकवाद एक वैश्विक अभिशाप है। यह भारत में कैसे प्रकट हुआ है? समसामयिक उदाहरणों सहित स्पष्ट कीजिए। राज्य द्वारा उठाए गए प्रतिरोधात्मक उपायों को समझाइए।** *Terrorism is a global scourge. How has it manifested in India? Elaborate with contemporary examples. What are the countermeasures adopted by the State?* 10. **भारत सरकार ने हाल ही में कहा है कि वामपंथी उग्रवाद (LWE) को 2026 तक समाप्त कर दिया जाएगा। आप LWE से क्या समझते हैं और यह लोगों को कैसे प्रभावित करता है? इसे समाप्त करने हेतु सरकार द्वारा क्या कदम उठाए गए हैं?** *The Government of India recently stated that Left Wing Extremism (LWE) will be eliminated by 2026\. What do you understand by LWE and how are the people affected by it? What measures have been taken by the government to eliminate LWE?* --- ### Questions 11–20 (Answer in 250 words each) – 15 marks each 1. **राज्यों के वित्तीय प्रदर्शन का आकलन करने हेतु वित्तीय स्वास्थ्य सूचकांक (FHI) को एक उपकरण के रूप में कैसे प्रयोग किया जा सकता है? यह राज्यों को विवेकपूर्ण और टिकाऊ वित्तीय नीतियाँ अपनाने के लिए किस प्रकार प्रेरित करेगा?** *Explain how the Fiscal Health Index (FHI) can be used as a tool for assessing the fiscal performance of states in India. In what way would it encourage the states to adopt prudent and sustainable fiscal policies?* 2. **उत्पादन से जुड़ी प्रोत्साहन (PLI) योजना का औचित्य स्पष्ट कीजिए। इसकी उपलब्धियाँ क्या हैं? इस योजना के कार्यान्वयन और परिणामों को कैसे बेहतर बनाया जा सकता है?** *"* *Discuss the rationale of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. What are its achievements? In what way can the functioning and outcomes of the scheme be improved?* 3. **भारत में भूजल की कमी के लिए कौन-कौन से कारक जिम्मेदार हैं? सरकार द्वारा इस कमी को कम करने के लिए क्या उपाय किए गए हैं?** *Examine the factors responsible for depleting groundwater in India. What are the steps taken by the government to mitigate such depletion?* 4. **भारत में खाद्य प्रसंस्करण उद्योगों की व्यापकता की विवेचना कीजिए। रोजगार सृजन हेतु सरकार द्वारा उठाए गए उपायों को स्पष्ट कीजिए।** *Examine the scope of the food processing industries in India. Elaborate the measures taken by the government in the food processing industries for generating employment opportunities.* 5. **नैनो प्रौद्योगिकी कृषि क्षेत्र में महत्वपूर्ण प्रगति कैसे प्रदान करती है? यह प्रौद्योगिकी सामाजिक-आर्थिक स्थिति को सुधारने में किस प्रकार सहायक हो सकती है?** *How does nanotechnology offer significant advancements in the field of agriculture? How can this technology help to uplift the socio-economic status?* 6. **भारत अर्धचालक निर्माण केंद्र बनने का लक्ष्य रखता है। भारत में अर्धचालक उद्योग को कौन-कौन सी चुनौतियाँ हैं? भारत सेमीकंडक्टर मिशन की प्रमुख विशेषताएँ बताइए।** *India aims to become a semiconductor manufacturing hub. What are the challenges faced by the semiconductor industry in India? Mention the salient features of the India Semiconductor Mission.* 7. **खनिज संसाधन देश की अर्थव्यवस्था के लिए मूलभूत होते हैं और इनका दोहन खनन द्वारा किया जाता है। खनन को पर्यावरणीय खतरा क्यों माना जाता है? इसे कम करने के उपाय स्पष्ट कीजिए।** *Mineral resources are fundamental to the country’s economy and these are exploited by mining. Why is mining considered an environmental hazard? Explain the remedial measures required to reduce the environmental hazard due to mining.* 8. **पेरिस समझौता (2015) के अंतर्गत भारत की जलवायु प्रतिबद्धताओं की समीक्षा कीजिए। COP-26 (2021) में इन्हें भारत ने किस प्रकार और मजबूत किया है? वर्ष 2022 में अद्यतन की गई भारत की पहली राष्ट्रीय रूप से निर्धारित योगदान (NDC) का उल्लेख कीजिए।** *Write a review on India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015) and mention how these have been further strengthened in COP26 (2021). In this direction, how has the first Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) intended by India been updated in 2022?* 9. **उत्तर-पूर्वी राज्यों में आंतरिक सुरक्षा और शांति प्रक्रिया के प्रमुख चुनौती क्या हैं? पिछले एक दशक में सरकार द्वारा किए गए शांति समझौतों और संधियों को मैप कीजिए।** *What are the major challenges to internal security and peace process in the North-Eastern States? Map the various peace accords and agreements initiated by the government in the past decade.* 10. **भारत के समुद्री व्यापार की सुरक्षा हेतु समुद्री सुरक्षा क्यों आवश्यक है? समुद्री एवं तटीय सुरक्षा की चुनौतियों और आगे की राह पर चर्चा कीजिए।** *Why is maritime security vital to protect India’s sea trade? Discuss maritime and coastal security challenges and the way forward.* --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### GS 2: UPSC CSE Mains 2025 Question Paper URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-gs-2-cse-mains-2025-question-paper/ Last updated: 2025-08-23T13:01:49.000Z **Time Allowed**: Three Hours **Maximum Marks**: 250 ### **प्रश्न 1–10 (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दें) | Answer in 150 words each, 10 marks each)** 1. **जन प्रतिनिधित्व अधिनियम, 1951 के प्रयोजन के लिए 'भ्रष्ट प्रथाओं' पर चर्चा कीजिए। क्या विधायकों और/या उनके सहयोगियों की ज्ञात स्रोतों से असंगत संपत्ति में वृद्धि को अनुचित प्रभाव और परिणामस्वरूप भ्रष्ट प्रथा माना जा सकता है? विश्लेषण कीजिए।** *Discuss the ‘corrupt practices’ for the purpose of the Representation of the People Act, 1951\. Analyze whether the increase in the assets of the legislators and/or their associates, disproportionate to their known sources of income, would constitute undue influence and consequently a corrupt practice.* 2. **न्यायालय प्रणाली की तुलना में प्रशासनिक न्यायाधिकरणों की आवश्यकता पर टिप्पणी कीजिए। 2021 में किए गए न्यायाधिकरणों के सुधारों के प्रभाव का आकलन कीजिए।** *Comment on the need of administrative tribunals as compared to the court system. Assess the impact of the recent tribunal reforms through rationalization of tribunals made in 2021.* 3. **भारत और अमेरिका में राष्ट्रपति की क्षमा शक्ति की तुलना कीजिए। क्या दोनों देशों में इसकी कोई सीमा है? पूर्वव्यापी क्षमा क्या हैं?** *Compare and contrast the President’s power to pardon in India and in the USA. Are there any limits to it in both countries? What are preemptive pardons?* 4. **जम्मू और कश्मीर पुनर्गठन अधिनियम, 2019 के बाद जम्मू और कश्मीर की विधानसभा की प्रकृति पर चर्चा कीजिए। जम्मू और कश्मीर केंद्र शासित प्रदेश की विधानसभा की शक्तियों और कार्यों का संक्षेप में वर्णन कीजिए।** *Discuss the nature of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly after the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019\. Briefly describe the powers and functions of the Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.* 5. **"भारत के महान्यायवादी की भूमिका संघ सरकार के विधिक ढांचे का मार्गदर्शन करने और विधिक परामर्श के माध्यम से सुशासन सुनिश्चित करने में महत्वपूर्ण है।" उनके उत्तरदायित्वों, अधिकारों और सीमाओं पर चर्चा कीजिए।** *"The Attorney General of India plays a crucial role in guiding the legal framework of the Union Government and ensuring sound governance through legal counsel." Discuss his responsibilities, rights and limitations in this regard.* 6. **महिलाओं की सामाजिक पूंजी सशक्तिकरण और लैंगिक समानता को आगे बढ़ाने में सहयोग करती है। स्पष्ट कीजिए।** *Women’s social capital complements in advancing empowerment and gender equity. Explain.* 7. **ई-शासन परियोजनाओं की डिज़ाइन एकीकृत तकनीकी और बैकएंड डिज़ाइन की ओर झुकी होती है न कि उपयोगकर्ता-केंद्रित डिज़ाइन की ओर। विवेचना कीजिए।** *E-governance projects have a built-in bias towards integration than user-centric designs. Examine.* 8. **नागरिक समाज संगठन को राज्य विरोधी से अधिक गैर-राज्यीय अभिनेता के रूप में माना जाना चाहिए। क्या आप सहमत हैं? उत्तर को प्रमाणित कीजिए।** *Civil Society Organizations are often perceived as being anti-State actors than non-State actors. Do you agree? Justify.* 9. **भारत-अफ्रीका डिजिटल साझेदारी परस्पर सम्मान, सह-विकास और दीर्घकालिक संस्थागत भागीदारी को प्राप्त कर रही है। विस्तार से समझाइए।** *India-Africa digital partnership is achieving mutual respect, co-development and long-term institutional partnerships. Elaborate.* 10. **"भूमंडलीकरण के कमजोर होने के साथ, शीत युद्ध के बाद की दुनिया संप्रभु राष्ट्रवाद का स्थल बनती जा रही है।" स्पष्ट कीजिए।** *"With the waning of globalization, post-Cold War world is becoming a site of sovereign nationalism." Elucidate.* --- ### **प्रश्न 11–20 (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दें | Answer in 250 words each, 15 marks each)** 1. **"संवैधानिक नैतिकता वह धुरी है जो उच्च पदधारकों और नागरिकों पर समान रूप से आवश्यक नियंत्रण के रूप में कार्य करती है।"** **उपर्युक्त उच्चतम न्यायालय की टिप्पणी के संदर्भ में, संवैधानिक नैतिकता की अवधारणा और भारत में न्यायिक स्वतंत्रता तथा न्यायिक जवाबदेही के बीच संतुलन सुनिश्चित करने में इसकी प्रासंगिकता स्पष्ट कीजिए।** *"Constitutional morality is the fulcrum which acts as an essential check upon the high functionaries and citizens alike..."* *In view of the above observation of the Supreme Court, explain the concept of constitutional morality and its application to ensure balance between judicial independence and judicial accountability in India.* 2. **भारतीय संविधान ने साधारण विधायी संस्थाओं को संशोधन शक्ति प्रदान की है, जिसमें कुछ प्रक्रियात्मक कठिनाइयाँ हैं। इस कथन के परिप्रेक्ष्य में संविधान में संशोधन हेतु संसद की शक्ति की प्रक्रियात्मक एवं वास्तविक सीमाओं का परीक्षण कीजिए।** *Indian Constitution has conferred the amending power on the ordinary legislative institutions with a few procedural hurdles. In view of this statement, examine the procedural and substantive limitations on the amending power of the Parliament to change the Constitution.* 3. **भारत में कॉलेजियम प्रणाली के विकास की चर्चा कीजिए। भारत और अमेरिका में सर्वोच्च न्यायालय के न्यायाधीशों की नियुक्ति प्रणाली की समीक्षा कीजिए।** *Discuss the evolution of collegium system in India. Critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the system of appointment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India and that of the USA.* 4. **भारत में नियोजित विकास के परिप्रेक्ष्य में केंद्र-राज्य वित्तीय संबंधों के विकसित होते स्वरूप की समीक्षा कीजिए। हालिया सुधारों ने भारत में वित्तीय संघवाद को किस हद तक प्रभावित किया है?** *Examine the evolving pattern of Centre-State financial relations in the context of planned development in India. How far have the recent reforms impacted the fiscal federalism in India?* 5. **पर्यावरणीय दबाव समूह क्या होते हैं? भारत में इनके भूमिका का पर्यावरण संरक्षण के संदर्भ में मूल्यांकन कीजिए।** *What are environmental pressure groups? Discuss their role in raising awareness, influencing policies and advocating for environmental protection in India.* 6. **संसाधनों के स्वामित्व के पैटर्न में असमानता गरीबी के प्रमुख कारणों में से एक है। 'गरीबी का विरोधाभास' के संदर्भ में चर्चा कीजिए।** *Inequality in the ownership pattern of resources is one of the major causes of poverty. Discuss in the context of ‘paradox of poverty’.* 7. **"समकालीन विकास मॉडल में, निर्णय-निर्माण और समस्या समाधान की जिम्मेदारियाँ सूचना और क्रियान्वयन के स्रोत से दूर स्थित होती हैं, जिससे विकास के उद्देश्य पराजित होते हैं।" समालोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन कीजिए।** *“In contemporary development models, decision-making and problem-solving responsibilities are not located close to the source of information and execution – defeating the objectives of development.” Critically evaluate.* 8. **बाल अधिकार संरक्षण के लिए राष्ट्रीय आयोग को डिजिटल युग में बच्चों के समक्ष उत्पन्न चुनौतियों का समाधान करना होता है। मौजूदा नीतियों की समीक्षा कीजिए और आयोग द्वारा शुरू किए जा सकने वाले उपायों का सुझाव दीजिए।** *The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has to address the challenges faced by children in the digital era. Examine the existing policies and suggest measures the Commission can initiate to tackle the issue.* 9. **"ऊर्जा सुरक्षा भारत की विदेश नीति की प्रमुख धुरी है और यह मध्य पूर्वी देशों में भारत के प्रभाव से जुड़ी हुई है।" आने वाले वर्षों में भारत की विदेश नीति की दिशा में ऊर्जा सुरक्षा को कैसे जोड़ा जा सकता है?** *Energy security constitutes the dominant kingpin of India’s foreign policy, and is linked with India’s overarching influence in Middle Eastern countries. How would you integrate energy security with India’s foreign policy trajectories in the coming years?* 10. **संयुक्त राष्ट्र में सुधार प्रक्रिया अब भी अधूरी है, क्योंकि यह पूर्व और पश्चिम के बीच नाजुक संतुलन तथा अमेरिका बनाम रूस-चीन गठबंधन की उलझनों में फँसी हुई है। इस परिप्रेक्ष्य में पूर्व-पश्चिम नीति संघर्षों की समीक्षा और आलोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन कीजिए।** *The reform process in the United Nations remains unresolved because of the delicate imbalance of East and West and entanglement of the USA vs. Russo-Chinese alliance. Examine and critically evaluate the East-West policy confrontations in this regard.* --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### GS 1: UPSC CSE Mains 2025 Question Paper URL: https://www.upscprep.com/gs-1-upsc-cse-mains-2025-question-paper/ Last updated: 2025-08-23T12:48:35.000Z **Time Allowed**: Three Hours **Maximum Marks**: 250 ### **प्रश्न 1–10 (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दें | Answer in 150 words each)** 1. **हड़प्पाई वास्तुकला की मुख्य विशेषताओं की चर्चा कीजिए।** *Discuss the salient features of the Harappan architecture.* 2. **अकबर के धार्मिक समन्वय के मुख्य पहलुओं की विवेचना कीजिए।** *Examine the main aspects of Akbar’s religious syncretism.* 3. **चंदेल कला शैली को मूर्तिकारों ने जीवन्त उत्साह और व्यापकता से परिपूर्ण किया। स्पष्ट कीजिए।** *The sculptors filled the Chandella art form with resilient vigor and breadth of life. Elucidate.* 4. **जलवायु परिवर्तन और समुद्र स्तर में वृद्धि कैसे अनेक द्वीपीय राष्ट्रों के अस्तित्व को प्रभावित कर रहे हैं? उदाहरण सहित स्पष्ट कीजिए।** *How are climate change and sea level rise affecting the very existence of many island nations? Discuss with examples.* 5. **गैर-कृषि प्राथमिक गतिविधियाँ क्या होती हैं? भारत में ये गतिविधियाँ भौगोलिक विशेषताओं से कैसे संबंधित हैं? उपयुक्त उदाहरणों सहित स्पष्ट कीजिए।** *What are non-farm primary activities? How are these activities related to physiographic features in India? Discuss with suitable examples.* 6. **भारत में सौर ऊर्जा उत्पादन के पारिस्थितिकीय तथा आर्थिक लाभों को उपयुक्त उदाहरणों सहित संक्षेप में स्पष्ट कीजिए।** *Explain briefly the ecological and economic benefits of solar energy generation in India with suitable examples.* 7. **सुनामी क्या होते हैं? ये कैसे और कहाँ उत्पन्न होते हैं? इनके दुष्परिणाम क्या हैं? उदाहरण सहित स्पष्ट कीजिए।** *What are Tsunamis? How and where are they formed? What are their consequences? Explain with examples.* 8. **भारत में स्मार्ट सिटी की संकल्पना शहरी गरीबी तथा न्याय के वितरण संबंधी मुद्दों को किस प्रकार संबोधित करती है?** *How does Smart City in India address the issues of urban poverty and distributive justice?* 9. **भारत में सिविल सेवा की कार्य-संस्कृति राष्ट्रवाद की चेतना के साथ व्यावसायिकता के समन्वय का प्रतिनिधित्व करती है – स्पष्ट कीजिए।** *The ethos of civil service in India stands for the combination of professionalism with nationalistic consciousness. Elucidate.* 10. **क्या आप सोचते हैं कि भूमंडलीकरण केवल आक्रामक उपभोक्ता संस्कृति को जन्म देता है? अपने उत्तर की पुष्टि कीजिए।** *Do you think that globalization results in only an aggressive consumer culture? Justify your answer.* --- ### **प्रश्न 11–20 (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दें | Answer in 250 words each)** 1. **महात्मा ज्योतिराव फुले के लेखन और समाज-सुधार प्रयासों ने लगभग सभी वंचित वर्गों के मुद्दों को छुआ। विवेचना कीजिए।** *Mahatma Jotirao Phule’s writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern classes. Discuss.* 2. **स्वतंत्रता के आरंभिक चरण में भारत के एकीकरण की प्रक्रिया का राजनीति, अर्थव्यवस्था, शिक्षा तथा अंतर्राष्ट्रीय संबंधों के संदर्भ में अनुशीलन कीजिए।** *Trace India’s consolidation process during the early phase of independence in terms of polity, economy, education and international relations.* 3. **फ्रांसीसी क्रांति की वर्तमान विश्व में स्थायी प्रासंगिकता है। स्पष्ट कीजिए।** *The French Revolution has enduring relevance to the contemporary world. Explain.* 4. **विश्व में अपतटीय तेल भंडारों का वितरणात्मक भौगोलिक विवेचन कीजिए। वे स्थल स्थित तेल भंडारों से किस प्रकार भिन्न हैं?** *Give a geographical explanation of the distribution of offshore oil reserves of the world. How are they different from the onshore occurrences of oil reserves?* 5. **स्थानिक एवं क्षेत्रीय नियोजन में कृत्रिम बुद्धिमत्ता (AI) और ड्रोन को भौगोलिक सूचना प्रणाली (GIS) तथा रिमोट सेंसिंग (RS) तकनीकों के साथ प्रभावी रूप से किस प्रकार प्रयोग किया जा सकता है?** *How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drones be effectively used along with GIS and RS techniques in locational and areal planning?* 6. **क्रस्टल संरचनाओं की विवर्तनिक गतियों के कारण ग्रह के महाद्वीपों तथा महासागरीय बेसिनों के आकार और आयाम में किस प्रकार परिवर्तन होते हैं, विवेचना कीजिए।** *Discuss how the changes in shape and sizes of continents and ocean basins of the planet take place due to tectonic movements of the crustal masses.* 7. **गंगा नदी घाटी में भूमि, मृदा तथा जल संसाधनों के विशेष संदर्भ में जनसंख्या का वितरण और घनत्व स्पष्ट कीजिए।** *Discuss the distribution and density of population in the Ganga River Basin with special reference to land, soil and water resources.* 8. **वर्तमान समाज में स्वास्थ्य संबंधी बढ़ती चिंताओं के होते हुए भी फास्ट फूड उद्योग किस प्रकार तीव्र गति से फैल रहा है? भारतीय अनुभवों सहित स्पष्ट कीजिए।** *How do you account for the growing fast food industries given that there are increased health concerns in modern society? Illustrate your answer with the Indian experience.* 9. **पर्यावरणीय संरक्षण को प्राथमिकता देने वाली सतत् वृद्धि की दिशा भारत जैसे देश में गरीबों की आवश्यकताओं के साथ टकराव में आ सकती है – टिप्पणी कीजिए।** *Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could come into conflict with poor people’s needs in a country like India – Comment.* 10. **क्या भारत में जनजातीय विकास विस्थापन तथा पुनर्वास की दो धुरीयों के इर्द-गिर्द केंद्रित होता है? अपना मत दीजिए।** *Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation? Give your opinion.* --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains 2025 - Essay (Paper 1) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-essay-2025-paper-1/ Last updated: 2025-08-22T10:41:50.000Z **Exam date:** 22 August 2025 **Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the following Sections A and B, in about 1000–1200 words each :** **125×2=250** ### खण्ड–A / SECTION–A 1. **सत्य कोई रंग नहीं जानता है।** *Truth knows no color.* 2. **बिना लड़े ही शत्रु को परास्त करना युद्ध की सर्वोच्च कला है।** *The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.* 3. **विचार एक दुनिया खोजता भी है और एक बनाता भी है।** *Thought finds a world and creates one also.* 4. **सबसे अच्छी सख़्त कड़े अनुभवों से सीखी जाती है।** *Best lessons are learnt through bitter experiences.* --- ### खण्ड–B / SECTION–B 1. **मैले पानी को अकेला छोड़ने से ही उसे सबसे अच्छा साफ किया जा सकता है।** *Muddy water is best cleared by leaving it alone.* 2. **वर्ष बहुत कुछ सिखाते हैं, जो दिन कभी नहीं जानते।** *The years teach much which the days never know.* 3. **जीवन को एक यात्रा के रूप में देखना समर्पण है, न कि एक गंतव्य के रूप में।** *It is best to see life as a journey, not as a destination.* 4. **संतोष प्राकृतिक संपत्ति है; विलासिता कृत्रिम निर्धनता है।** *Contentment is natural wealth; luxury is artificial poverty.* --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Why are you delaying your UPSC preparation? | course start tomorrow URL: https://www.upscprep.com/why-are-you-delaying-your-upsc-preparation-course-start-tomorrow/ Last updated: 2025-07-24T14:10:54.000Z Dear UPSC Aspirant, **This is your final reminder!** Our comprehensive UPSC courses are starting tomorrow, **July 25th, 2025**, do not delay your preparation further Choose the Right Course for Your UPSC Journey **For Beginners & Complete Preparation:** **1.UPSC Essential + Mentorship (July Refresh Batch)** \- ₹19,999 - **Perfect for:** Freshers starting UPSC prep or those struggling with successive prelims attempts - **Complete Coverage:** Prelims + Mains + Interview from absolute basics to advanced level - **Comprehensive Package:** Live lectures with 3-year access to recordings, **personalized mentorship by past UPSC rankers for 3 years**, test series, current affairs - **Phase-wise Approach:** (GS Basics → GS Advance → Prelims Focus → Mains Revision → Interview Preparation) to help you understand better - **Suitable for:** UPSC 2026 & 2027 aspirants **\[Enroll Today:** [**UPSC Essential Course**](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2026-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com)**\]** **For Mains-Focused Preparation:** **1\. 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Focus on recognising these features on elevation/geological maps and memorising their geographic locations. ## Indian Subcontinent Elevation Map ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-92.png) - **The Himalayas**: World’s highest mountain range; northern boundary of India; influences monsoon and river systems. - **Indo-Gangetic Plains**: Vast fertile alluvial plain between the Himalayas and the Deccan plateau, formed by rivers Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra. - **Peninsular Plateau**: Ancient, stable landmass; includes Deccan Plateau, Malwa Plateau, Chhota Nagpur Plateau, and Bundelkhand. - **Eastern and Western Ghats**: Ranges flanking the Deccan Plateau; the Western Ghats are higher and more continuous. - **Thar Desert**: Arid area in northwest India (Rajasthan), formed by rain shadow effect. - **Coastal Plains**: Eastern and Western coastal plains along the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea, separated by the Ghats. - **Islands**: Andaman & Nicobar (Bay of Bengal), Lakshadweep (Arabian Sea). ## Geological Map of India ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-93-1.png) - **Deccan Traps**: Large volcanic basalt province; among world’s largest; source of black soil. - **Gondwana Rocks**: Found in Damodar, Mahanadi, and Godavari basins; significant for coal reserves. - **Vindhyan Systems**: Sedimentary rocks, mainly in central India. - **Aravalli Range**: Among oldest mountain ranges; regionally significant for mineral resources. --- ## Elevation Map of Asia ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-94.png) - **Himalayas**: Extends into Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan, forming Asia’s roof. - **Tibetan Plateau**: "Roof of the World," highest and largest plateau. - **West Siberian Plain**: One of world’s largest flatlands, major feature of northern Asia. - **Central Asian Highlands**: Steppes (grasslands) and deserts like the Gobi Desert; significant for nomadic cultures. - **Major Rivers**: Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra (South Asia), Yangtze, Yellow (China), Amur, Mekong. - **Deserts**: Gobi (Mongolia/China), Karakum, Kyzylkum. --- ## Elevation and Geological Maps of Africa ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-95.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-96-1.png) - **Plateaus**: Most of Africa is a series of plateaus at different elevations (average 600m), not long continuous mountain chains. - **Ethiopian Highlands**: Highest, most rugged; elevations over 4,400m. - **East African Rift**: Great East African Rift Valley, with volcanic peaks: Mt. Kilimanjaro (Africa’s highest), Mt. Kenya, Rwenzori Mountains. - **Great Basin Areas**: Congo, Chad, Kalahari, and Sudan basins. - **Deserts**: Sahara (North), Kalahari (Southwest), Namib (West coast). - **Rivers**: Nile (world’s longest), Congo, Niger, Zambezi. --- ## Geological Map of Australia ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-97-1.png) - **Western Plateau**: Ancient, stable cratonic region with features like Yilgarn and Pilbara cratons; arid, flat. - **Great Dividing Range**: Runs parallel to the East Coast, separates rivers draining east and west. - **Eastern Highlands**: Includes the Blue Mountains, Victorian Alps, Mount Kosciuszko (highest point). - **Uluru and Kata Tjuta**: Famous inselbergs (isolated rocky hills). - **Central Lowlands**: Lake Eyre basin—very flat; arid. - **Coastal Plains**: Relatively narrow except in the north. --- ## Geological Map of Europe ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-98-1.png) - **East European (Russian) Plain**: Broad, flat, extending from Russia to Central Europe. - **Scandinavian Highlands**: Rugged, fjorded. - **Alpine System**: Pyrenees, Alps, Carpathians, Apennines, Balkan Mountains—form the major mountain backbone, separating North and South Europe. - **Ural Mountains**: Eastern boundary of Europe, separates Europe from Asia. - **Iberian and Italian Peninsulas**: Varied, mountainous relief. --- ## Geological Map of North America [](https://x.com/abhiwhy/status/1947252656080138571/photo/1?ref=upscprep.com) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-99-1.png) - **Canadian Shield**: Exposed Precambrian rocks in eastern/northern Canada; source of mineral resources. - **Appalachian Mountains**: Ancient, eroded range in the east. - **Interior Plains**: Broad, low plains (Great Plains, Central Lowlands). - **Rocky Mountains**: Major mountain range of western North America. - **Cordillera**: Comprehensive term for all mountainous west; includes Cascades, Sierra Nevada. - **Coastal Plains**: Atlantic and Gulf coastal lands. - **Colorado Plateau**: Uplifted, deeply eroded with canyons including Grand Canyon. --- ## Geological Map of South America ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-100-1.png) - **Andes Mountains**: World’s longest continental mountain chain, continuous along the western edge, includes highest peaks outside Asia like Aconcagua. - **Brazilian and Guiana Highlands**: Precambrian uplands in the east and north, dissected by major rivers. - **Amazon Basin**: World’s largest rainforest, flat, low-lying. - **Orinoco and Paraná Basins**: Other important lowland areas. - **Patagonia**: Arid plateau in the south. - **Atacama Desert**: Driest place on earth, northern Chile. --- ## Elevation Map of Antarctica ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-101.png) - **Transantarctic Mountains**: Divide continent into East and West Antarctica (East: mostly high plateau; West: lower and mountainous). - **Antarctic Peninsula**: Northward extension toward South America. - **Ice Sheet**: Over 98% of the continent is covered by thick ice; highest average elevation of all continents. --- ## Key Global Relief Features | Region | Mountains/Highs | Plateaus/Plains | Basins/Lows | Deserts | Special Features | | ------------------- | -------------------------------- | --------------------------------- | -------------------------------- | ----------------------- | ------------------------------ | | Indian Subcontinent | Himalayas, Western/Eastern Ghats | Peninsular, Deccan, Chhota Nagpur | Indo-Gangetic Plain | Thar | Islands: Andaman, Lakshadweep | | Asia | Himalayas, Hindu Kush | Tibetan Plateau, Steppes | Ganga, Indus, Brahmaputra Plains | Gobi, Taklamakan | Lake Baikal, Aral Sea | | Africa | Ethiopian Highlands, Rwenzori | East, Southern African Plateaus | Chad, Congo Basins | Sahara, Kalahari, Namib | Rift Valley, Kilimanjaro | | Australia | Great Dividing Range | Western Plateau, Arnhem Land | Central Lowlands | Great Victoria, Simpson | Uluru (Ayers Rock) | | Europe | Alps, Carpathians | East European Plain | Po, Danube Basins | None major | Scandinavian Fjords | | North America | Rockies, Appalachians | Canadian Shield, Great Plains | Mississippi Basin | Mojave, Sonoran | Colorado Plateau, Great Lakes | | South America | Andes | Brazilian, Guiana Highlands | Amazon, Orinoco Basins | Atacama, Patagonian | Lake Titicaca, Pampas | | Antarctica | Transantarctic Mountains | East Antarctic Plateau | N/A | N/A | Ice Sheet, Antarctic Peninsula | **Tip for UPSC:** Focus on location, geologic history, and significance of each feature—these often serve as map-based and comparative geography questions in both prelims and mains. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Disaster Management) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-3-disaster-management/ Last updated: 2025-07-15T18:59:10.000Z **Subject:** GS 3 **Syllabus:** Disaster Management ### **Questions** 1. Disaster management needs to be planned in a decentralised manner, keeping in mind local conditions and needs. Discuss the role of local bodies in disaster management.(150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. Europe in the present time is witnessing record-breaking heat waves. In light of this, highlight the factors responsible for the occurrence of heat waves and their effects on life and the economy. Also, enumerate the guidelines given by NDMA to reduce the negative impact of heat waves. (250 words, 15 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. Disaster management needs to be planned in a decentralised manner, keeping in mind local conditions and needs. Discuss the role of local bodies in disaster management.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Disaster Management is defined as **an integrated process which includes planning, coordinating, organising and implementing measures to reduce disaster risks, prevent disaster threats and ensure preparedness to deal with any disaster**. **Main Body** - Disaster Management is important in a country like India due to its vulnerability. India ranks 10th in most disaster-prone countries. There is lack of training which impacts prediction, relief and rescue operations. Also, when a disaster transcends state borders, there is an issue of coordination which impacts overall operations. Less developed supercomputing and artificial intelligence capabilities have resulted in poor warning and forecasting systems. - In this slow response and poor community empowerment scenario, there is a need to empower local bodies for better disaster management because- - Local bodies have better knowledge of areas of strength and weaknesses of a particular area which will help in better planning and execution. - Tools like social audits, Jan Sunwai etc enhance community participation which helps keep interests of all groups at the forefront in the planning process. - Better devolution of funds and functionaries will result in effective response for better disaster management in the case of natural calamities. - Decentralized decision making will ensure transparency, efficiency, better awareness and cooperation. - Better command and directions by state governments and timely execution by local bodies will enhance response and relief measures. **Conclusion** - Disaster management needs to be included in compulsory provisions of local bodies so that there is uniformity across states. Activity mapping can be done to incentivize this exercise and also keep a tab on progress of initiatives taken. Timely resource availability and information dissemination are other areas which need to be worked upon to ensure disaster management is proactive rather than reactive. --- **2\. Europe in present times is witnessing record-breaking heat waves. In light of this, highlight the factors responsible for the occurrence of heat waves and their effects on life and the economy. Also, enumerate the guidelines given by NDMA to reduce the negative impact of heat waves.** (250 words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - Europe is experiencing its worst-ever heatwave, with temperatures reaching record levels of more than 40 degrees Celsius have spelled misery for millions and shattered heat records, focusing attention on the impact of global warming. **Main Body:** - According to the **Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)**, a heat wave is considered if the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C or more for Plains, 37°C or more for coastal stations and at least 30°C or more for Hilly regions. - **Following criteria are used to declare heat wave:** - **Based on Departure from Normal** - Heat Wave: Departure from normal is 4.5°C to 6.4°C - Severe Heat Wave: Departure from normal is >6.4°C - **Based on Actual Maximum Temperature (for plains only)** - Heat Wave: When actual maximum temperature ≥ 45°C - Severe Heat Wave: When actual maximum temperature ≥47°C - **Factors responsible for occurrence of heat waves:** - When a **high pressure trough moves into an area**, which forms a "cap" over the region by trapping heat. - This environment of minimal heat circulation also reduces the chance of precipitation and rain thereby causing the heat to build-up. - **Urban heat island effect:** - The trapping of hot air between buildings. - Limited tree cover. - Other heat inducing factors such as fuel combustion and air conditioning. - Global warming: led to delayed onset of monsoons and also reduced intensity of pre-monsoon showers in several parts of India. - **Adverse impact due to the increased frequency of heat waves:** - **Health impacts:** - It can cause dehydration, cramps, exhaustion and heatstroke creating health emergencies in the region. - It has caused nearly 3500 deaths between 2015 and 2018 in India. - Increased temperatures also lead to acute gastroenteritis. - Food poisoning due to spoilage of food and reduction of its shelf life. - **Impact on Agriculture:** - Low amount of moisture in soil creates drought like conditions leading to crop failures. - It adversely impacts the health and mortality of livestock. - **Forest fire and loss of wild-life:** - In India, 6.17% of the forests are prone to severe fire damage. - With greater heat stress, it is likely to increase. - **Loss of man-hours:** Reduced productivity of the workforce and loss in wages for those involved in outdoor occupations. - Section 144 was imposed to deal with heat waves in Bihar. - **NDMA guidelines:** - Heat waves have been **classified as a natural disaster in India.** - **Establish early warning and communication system:** - The State Nodal Officer should coordinate with the local IMD office. - Gather summer season forecasts and release early warning and daily alert systems with colour codes. - **Develop inter-agency coordination:** state officials and agencies need to be well trained and well informed regarding pre, during and post heat season activities. - **Capacity building/training programs for healthcare officials:** so that they can effectively recognise and respond to prevent and manage heat - related medical issues. - **Public awareness and community outreach:** Do’s and Don’ts during a heat wave should be available in local language and disseminated through media including social media. - **Data collection and documentation:** The Ministry of Health and family welfare must collect and standardise data related to heat waves, so that a long-term strategy could be formed. **Conclusion:** - With the looming threat of climate change and global warming, the frequency of such heat waves might increase. This calls for increasing the green cover in cities and timely implementation of the strategies to control climate change. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Border Areas, Organised Crime, Terrorism) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-3-internal-security-challenges-cybersecurity-money-laundering-2/ Last updated: 2025-07-15T18:57:11.000Z **Subject:** GS 3 **Syllabus:** Security Challenges and their Management in Border Areas. Linkages of Organised Crime with Terrorism. Various Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate. ### **Questions** 1. Critically examine the role of paramilitary forces in tackling the various issues of internal security.(150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. Write a brief note on linkages between organized crime and terrorism. Also discuss the challenges involved in combating them in case of India. (250 Words, 15 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. Critically examine the role of paramilitary forces in tackling the various issues of internal security.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - Indian armed forces largely consist of the Defence forces, Paramilitary forces and Strategic Command forces. All these forces play a major role in ensuring national security. However, the Paramilitary forces are the semi-militarised forces used for both national security and other specific roles. **Main Body:** **Role of paramilitary forces:** - **The crusade against Naxalism:** The forces, especially the Assam Rifles and CRPF (Central Reserve Police Forces) are deployed in insurgency areas like Bastar, Bodo area and in the Borders of Nagaland to neutralise the risk posed by Naxals. - **Organised crime:** Drug trafficking, human and animal trafficking, extortion and carried at international borders of Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar. - This is because of the long porous border. Forces like the ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Forces) and the BSF are specialised in countering such organised crimes. - **Transnational crime:** As India shares a large, porous border, the militants create turmoil in the nation and hide out in neighbouring countries. - The paramilitary forces conduct operations like “Operation Sunrise” along with the Myanmar army to tackle the militants. - **Disaster management:** Although they serve the borders but yet they are aware of internal issues like natural disasters. - When flash floods broke out in Uttarakhand, ITBP was the first responder and many CRPF jawans were airlifted to Kerala during the 2018 floods. - **Law and order:** Generally, “Law and Order” is a state subject and is under the jurisdiction of the State Police. - But under extraordinary circumstances, when the state police lack the resources and expertise, the paramilitary forces are deployed. In the recent COVID pandemic, we observed paramilitary forces deployed in multiple cities to support state machinery. They are also used during elections and riot control operations. **Some of the issues associated with these forces:** - **AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Power Act):** This act provides special powers and immunity to the forces to maintain public order in “disturbed areas”. - But this act is also infamous for the violation of human rights and basic fundamental rights by a few personnel of the armed forces. Even the National Human Rights Commission noticed a few issues of violation. - **Modernisation of the forces:** Only a few forces, like the NSG (National Security Guard) are trained in modern lines with advanced weaponry. - The recent death of four CRPF jawans amidst the West Bengal election also highlights the lack of modern weapons in comparison with the insurgents. - **Burdened by the state's responsibilities:** As several states go to election mode every year, a large chunk of the paramilitary is deployed in routine election activities. - Thus, the sole purpose of hire ie- the internal security of the nation is at risk. This year, West Bengal, Kerala, Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry went for elections demanding massive forces. - **Cadre management and Working conditions:** The standing committee on Home Affairs also expressed its concern over 16 to 18 hours of working conditions and dominance of IPS (Indian Police Service) Officers in top posts of the paramilitary, leading to alienation of the personnel. **Way forward:** - **Rationalisation of forces:** The number of Battalions should be increased, and the carers should be specialised in matters of internal security, like Disaster response and Crowd management. - **Interoperability:** Regular training and coordination between the civil forces (ie-state police) and paramilitary forces to enhance the interoperability. - **Mental well-being:** Nearly 140 CAPF Jawans lost life in 2019 due to mental health and other health diseases, thus it is high time to focus on mental health by introducing counselling, yoga and other allied activities. **Conclusion:** - Paramilitary forces are the main forces to tackle internal security issues; they are specialised and carry a versatile experience in internal security. - The recent amendments, like the post of IG (Inspector General) to be filled from personnel of the same forces, are a welcome step. Upgradation of state police to a specialised form like GreyHounds in Andhra Pradesh can also assist the paramilitary forces. --- **2\. Write a brief note on linkages between organized crime and terrorism. Also discuss the challenges involved in combating them in case of India.** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Organised crime is a well-planned and sophisticated method of transnational, national, or local crime, including highly centralised illegal operations. **Main Body** - Organised crime and terrorism are linked and feed from each other to further their prime objectives. Some ways in which they both help each other include- - Organised crime syndicates have better access to money and arms. They are also involved in lobbying and have links with politicians to further their interests as well as of terrorists. - They also provide logistics support and safe passage to terrorist groups. **E.g.**\- Madrid terror attacks in which Al Qaeda got support from Eastern European organised crime syndicates. - Terrorist groups, on the other hand, provide protection to organised crime syndicates. - There are times when terror groups themselves conduct functions of organised crime groups. **E.g.**\- ISIS capturing oil wells in Iraq and Taliban indulging in poppy cultivation. - When the ideology of a terror group matches with that of an organised crime syndicate, it becomes even smoother and lethal. **E.g.**\- Mumbai blasts of 1992-93 saw D-company supporting LeT to carry out attacks. - In the case of northeast India, insurgent groups are involved in organised crime like drug trafficking and smuggling. - Challenges in combating organised crime include- - Indian Penal Code 1860 does not define organised crime and this lack of legal framework affects efforts to tackle it. - Fragmentation of the administrative functions: Lack of cooperation and coordination between different agencies and units. - Low police to population ratio, lack of modernisation of investigation agencies and dearth of mid-career training affect the efficiency of work. - Criminalisation of politics and growing nexus among bureaucrats, organised criminals and politicians means strict laws are not passed to deal with this menace. - Glorification of organised crime by movies and media has made this not become a public issue. **Conclusion** - India lies in a strategically volatile area, and there is a need to have strict laws to ensure better tackling of organised crime. Some laws passed by state governments include MCOCA, GCTOCA etc. Also, there is a need to improve cooperation between different agencies for better information sharing. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Internal Security Challenges, Cybersecurity, Money-Laundering) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-3-internal-security-challenges-cybersecurity-money-laundering/ Last updated: 2025-07-15T18:48:57.000Z **Subject:** GS 3 **Syllabus:** Challenges to Internal Security through Communication Networks, Role of Media and Social Networking Sites in Internal Security Challenges, Basics of Cybersecurity, Money-Laundering and its prevention. ### **Questions** 1. Social media has huge potential to disrupt societal peace and political stability. Discuss the threats to internal security due to social media and also enumerate the steps that can be taken. (250 Words, 15 Marks) 2. Money laundering has become a more sophisticated activity with time. Discuss. Also mention the steps taken at national and international level to deal with it. ( 250 Words, 15 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. Social media has huge potential to disrupt societal peace and political stability. Discuss the threats to internal security due to social media and also enumerate the steps that can be taken.** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - The advent of social media led to decentralization of service delivery, grievance redressal, information dissemination and a wide array of other benefits. But with time, it has been used for other acts like cyber frauds, terrorism, organized crimes etc. **Main Body** - Not just non-state actors, but state actors are also using social media to create instability, spread propaganda and cause social unrest. This is because of internet penetration and its accessibility and affordability which has enabled spread of terrorism, hate and disruption of peace. - Social media poses a lot of threats to internal security like- - Crowding of cyberspace by sophisticated operators who are difficult to trace. These cyber-planners identify recruits, train them and plan terror attacks. - Radicalisation of youth by propaganda and brainwashing on various social media platforms. - Lack of data localization makes it difficult to gather information on time to make these groups accountable and take action against them. - Social media allows them to work in a target country without any physical presence which further adds to complexity and minimizes deterrence. - Use of social media by political parties for polarization aids external agents in posing threat to internal security. - Fake news and its quick spread on social media results in false propaganda and sensitive issues being prioritized which triggers issues detrimental to societal peace. - Thus there is a need to take steps to ensure social media is not taken advantage of by external agents which affects internal security of India. Some of them are- - Current infrastructure on e-surveillance like National Intelligence Grid, CERT-In, Network and Traffic Analysis System and National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre needs to be updated as per need of time. - Review of the IT Act to make it stronger and setting up a crack team to respond to unusual incidents on a war footing. - Fact checking websites need to be promoted more which can check authenticity on a real time basis. - Dedicated institutes to promote training of ethical hackers to ensure preventive checks on hacking and quick response when attacked. **Conclusion** - Certainty of punishment is a better deterrent than severity of punishment. There must be provisions that ensure punishment for spreading fake news. --- **2\. Money laundering has become a more sophisticated activity with time. Discuss. Also mention the steps taken at national and international level to deal with it.** ( 250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Money laundering is a method to hide or conceal sources of money generated by illegal activities like trafficking of arms, drugs and humans, corruption etc. **Main Body** - Money laundering has become a more sophisticated activity with time because of ever developing technologies and methods like- - Use of cryptocurrencies, alternate finance and digital currency are unregulated and hence have huge potential of misuse. - Placing money followed by integration in the global financial system results in coordination issues between several government institutions and jurisdictions. - Structuring deposits by use of a large number of channels called as smurfs helps launderers hide illegitimate money from anti-money laundering agencies. - Shell companies work without active business presence and use fake invoices to channelize laundered money into illegitimate businesses. - Use of tax havens like Cayman Islands, Panama etc. for tax evasion and round tripping. - To tackle these issues, many steps are taken like- - The Black money (undisclosed foreign income and assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015 was passed to address the issues related to black money, undisclosed income and assets. - In 2002, Prevention of Money Laundering Act was passed which criminalized money laundering as a cognizable and non-bailable offense. - The Financial Intelligence Unit under the Ministry of Finance helps coordinate and share information on money laundering with national and international intelligence agencies. - The Financial Action Task Force established by G7 countries sets standard procedures and ensures implementation of legal and regulatory measures against money laundering and terror financing. - Countries which have ratified the Vienna convention have an obligation to criminalize money laundering from drug trafficking. - The OECD forum has adopted a convention against money laundering. It supports appropriate safeguards, access to tax administration in suspicious transactions based on information received from FIUs. **Conclusion** - Money Laundering transcends international boundaries and requires global effort to deal with it. All stakeholders must collaborate to strengthen data sharing to eliminate the problem of money laundering. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Internal Security) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-3-environmental-pollution-and-degradation-eia-2/ Last updated: 2025-07-15T18:46:58.000Z **Subject:** GS 3 **Syllabus:** Internal Security - Linkages between Development and Spread of Extremism. Role of External State and Non-state Actors in creating challenges to Internal Security. ### **Questions** 1. Discuss how there is a link between development and the spread of extremism. Also, enumerate the steps taken by the central government to address issues in Naxal-affected areas. (250 Words, 15 Marks) 2. Non-state actors are detrimental to the internal security of India. Discuss how various non-state actors have impacted the internal security of India.(250 Words, 15 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. Discuss how there is a link between development and the spread of extremism. Also, enumerate the steps taken by the central government to address issues in Naxal-affected areas.** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Development is a holistic process that takes the interests of all stakeholders into account. But when some sections of society do not get the benefits of development and support from the administration, there is resistance from citizens, which sometimes takes the shape of extremist actions. **Main Body** - The link between development and the spread of extremism can be seen in the following ways- - Most areas with unemployment, chronic poverty, and poor social indicators since decades compel people to take up extreme measures to make the government hear their demands. This is a reason why Naxalism or left wing extremism started in the first place. - Tribal issues like the Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980 which prevented them from using forest produce and tribal displacement due to development projects and mining resulted in distrust and alienation of these tribes who later took extreme measures. - Social discrimination based on caste, region and religion of marginalized communities and tribes has also added to naxalism and insurgency. - Poor administration and inefficient governance in remote interior areas along with lax implementation of government schemes has repeatedly caused suffering among people. - Tourism in restricted and pristine areas has affected tribal ways of life due to westernization and commercialization. - To address these issues, government has launched some schemes and welfare programs like- - Security Related Expenditure scheme by central government under which state governments of 10 LWE affected areas get expenditure incurred on training and operational needs of security forces. - Special Central Assistance and Special Infrastructure Scheme for LWE affected districts, as part of the umbrella scheme ‘Modernization of Police Forces’. Scheme of 400 fortified police stations in LWE affected States. - Aspirational Districts Programme of Ministry of Home Affairs in five critical areas to ensure holistic development according to the spirit of competitive federalism. - Eklavya modern residential schools, Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Jan Jatiya Vikas Mission for overall socio economic development. - Civic Action Programme to bridge trust deficit between security forces and citizens through participation and interaction. - Road Requirement Plan-I and Road Connectivity Project for LWE affected districts. **Conclusion** - People in naxal areas face a dual brunt of inaccessible government support and exploitation by local powerful groups. There is a need to make constitutional and civil rights effective to bridge trust deficit. For infrastructural and mining projects, EIA needs to be undertaken with objectivity and transparency. --- **2\. Non-state actors are detrimental to the internal security of India. Discuss how various non-state actors have impacted the internal security of India.** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Non-state actors are **informal groups** of people or individuals without any formal backing but have **substantial influence on international events**. Some of them are civil society organisations, extremist outfits, lobbyists, multinational companies etc. **Main Body** - Due to the informal, scattered and rogue nature of the non-state actors, it is difficult to make them accountable for their actions. And even if made accountable, it is not easy to punish or take legal action against them. Non-state actors have impacted the internal security of India by- - Terrorism is the biggest threat due to the various modes it can opt for. Non-state actors operating from Pakistan, like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad etc are a continuous threat. - Insurgency and Naxalism are other issues that arose due to perceived development deficit and have festered due to external help. North-East suffers from insurgency and the red corridor from Naxalism with the support of China. - Fake Indian currency note is another menace that facilitates black money and money laundering, which further fosters terrorism. - There are well-organized financial networks and sophisticated techniques that are used to deal in bio chemical weapons and drug trafficking. All this money is integrated into the legal financial system to create instabilities. - India is between the golden crescent and the golden triangle which are 2 of the three highest drug cultivation areas. - India is highly impacted by communalism and this is cashed in by propagandists across the borders with the only aim of destabilizing India. - Cybersecurity is an evolving area of concern that is not only restricted to hacking personal or office computers. It also encompasses ATM skimming, hacking of power grids, nuclear installations and other critical infrastructure. The recent hacking of the AIIMS Delhi website and the leaking of patient data is a glaring example. **Conclusion** - National and internal security is a comprehensive area and needs to be tackled with a holistic approach. There needs to be global definition of terrorism and members in agencies like FATF must work in unison to ensure non-state actors are brought to book for their misdeeds. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Environmental Pollution and Degradation, EIA) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-3-environmental-pollution-and-degradation-eia/ Last updated: 2025-07-15T18:44:16.000Z **Subject:** GS 3 **Syllabus:** Environmental pollution and degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. ### **Questions** 1. What is Environmental Impact Assessment and enumerate its significance? Also discuss what are the challenges involved which have made it ineffective.(150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. Analyze the reasons for high pollution in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). Also, examine the steps taken by the Government and constraints leading to pollution not decreasing. (150 Words, 10 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. What is Environmental Impact Assessment and enumerate its significance? Also discuss what are the challenges involved which have made it ineffective.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an exercise which helps in **decision-making** by **identifying all the impacts** of a project, whether environmental, social or economic. **Main Body** - EIA in India is backed legally by a statute. The impacts are recognized at the project planning and design stage and strategy is made to reduce these impacts. In this context, significance of EIA includes- - EIA is a participatory approach to minimize adverse impacts of developmental projects. - EIA is in line with sustainable development goals as it links environment protection with development for sustainable development. - It takes into account all stakeholders, including environment and other intangible assets, so that the development aspects of all of them are taken care of. - EIA helps promote mitigation and adaptation strategies which are good in the long run. - But there are some issues which have made EIA ineffective. Some of them are- - Lack of domain experts and surplus generalists result in a lot of actions done without careful study and analysis. - Public hearing is an important part of EIA but many times, public feedback is considered at a later stage thus resulting in conflicts and delays. - Predetermined criteria like listing in Schedule I and a particular threshold of investment makes some projects with huge environmental impacts inapplicable when it comes to EIA. - There are some exceptions, like linear projects, which have huge environmental and social ramifications but they are excluded from public hearing. - Quality of EIA reports is another issue as lack of data analysis and compilation affects decision making. - There are strategic industries like defense projects and nuclear energy for which the EIA reports and environment management projects are kept confidential. **Conclusion** - Environmental Impact Assessment is an important tool for socio economic development and needs to be strengthened further to ensure it is followed in letter and spirit. --- **2\. Analyze the reasons for high pollution in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). Also, examine the steps taken by the Government and constraints leading to pollution not decreasing.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Introduction** - Delhi ranked fourth on a list of 50 of the world’s most polluted cities in terms of PM2.5 levels in 2022, according to the World Air Quality Report. **(Statistic-based)** **Main Body** Reasons for high pollution in Delhi-NCRNatural Reasons: - Delhi is landlocked when compared to Mumbai and Kolkata, so the level of pollution is more as the level of particulate matter and pollutants is not able to get discharged into the surrounding areas. - Change in Wind Direction: October usually marks the withdrawal of monsoons in Northwest India, and during this time, the predominant direction of winds is northwesterly. The direction of the wind is northwesterly in summer as well, which brings dust from northern Pakistan and Afghanistan. - Dust Storms: Dust storms from Gulf countries enhance the already worse condition. - Temperature Inversion: As temperature dips, the inversion height is lowered and the concentration of pollutants in the air increases when this happens. Man-made reasons - The burning of paddy crops and other crops in Punjab and Haryana during winter months also is responsible for pollution - Vehicular and industrial emissions that get trapped in the winter fog. - Fireworks in the run-up to Diwali: It may not be the top reason for air pollution, but it definitely contributed to its build-up. - Construction Activities: Due to the rising population leading to the increased spread of Urbanisation, large-scale construction in Delhi-NCR is taking place. - Open Waste Burning: Delhi also has landfill sites for the dumping of waste, and the burning of waste in these sites also contributes to air pollution. - High Population: Over-population adds up to the various types of pollution e.g. huge solid waste, water waste, construction activities emitting particulate pollution etc. Steps taken by the Government 1. Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM): For better coordination, research, identification, and resolution of problems related to air quality in the Delhi NCR and adjoining areas. 2. Implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): The government has introduced the GRAP, which outlines specific measures to be taken based on pollution severity levels. 3. Introduction of cleaner fuel standards: The transition from BS-IV to BS-VI fuels has led to a reduction in sulfur content and emissions from vehicles. 4. Expansion of public transportation: The government has invested in improving public transportation infrastructure, including the expansion of the Delhi Metro network and the introduction of electric buses. Constraints leading to pollution not decreasing 1. Regional coordination: The lack of effective coordination among neighbouring states to address issues such as crop burning and industrial pollution hampers efforts to tackle the problem comprehensively. 2. Enforcement challenges: Limited resources and inadequate monitoring mechanisms hinder the effective implementation and enforcement of pollution control measures. 3. Public awareness and participation: Encouraging public participation and ensuring compliance with pollution control measures remain ongoing challenges. 4. Economic considerations: Balancing environmental concerns with economic growth is a significant challenge. **Conclusion** - Delhi's pollution problem demands a long-term vision, collective action, and sustained commitment. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Biodiversity and Environment Conservation) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-3-science-and-technology-3/ Last updated: 2025-07-15T18:42:37.000Z **Subject:** GS 3 **Syllabus:** Biodiversity and Environment Conservation. ### **Questions** 1. Despite their significant contribution to the environment and socio-economic aspects, Mangrove ecosystems in India are facing a severe threat. Comment. (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. Mindless human development has only exacerbated negative impacts on ecologically vulnerable regions of the Western Ghats. In light of the statement, discuss the measures needed to conserve the fragile ecosystem. (250 Words, 15 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. Despite their significant contribution to the environment and socio-economic aspects, Mangrove ecosystems in India are facing a severe threat. Comment.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Introduction** - Mangroves are salt-tolerant plant communities found in tropical and subtropical intertidal regions. They are valuable both in terms of environmental protection and socio-economic contribution. Despite their importance, mangroves in India are under significant threat. **(Definition-based)** - As per the Indian State of Forest Report 2019, the mangrove cover of India is 0.15% of the country's total geographical area. (**Statistic-based)** - They are valuable both in terms of environmental protection and socio-economic contribution. Despite their importance, mangroves in India are under significant threat. **Main Body** **Significance of Mangroves** | ![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcAv2Uroxpn5opi_hkwS9LJl2bgOiO3zjrknhrIhVEmDMkVqFOuKcc1_HHfKvI79FttDr3uflkwH6J2o3xRzhPw7eLrG7413HSpgXoFxDzOgz8IPGtpXSPShgny8de2UKGNg4lKLylYgxvr1kI-E-L9borG?key=AbAKn9RSSJ-1hRBNe21YBQ)Fig: Mangroves in India | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | **Environmental Contribution:** - Coastal Protection: Mangroves act as natural barriers against storm surges, cyclones, and tsunamis, protecting coastal communities and infrastructure. - Biodiversity Hotspots: They provide a rich habitat for a variety of terrestrial and marine species, including numerous birds, mammals, fish, and crustaceans. - Carbon Sequestration: Mangroves are highly efficient carbon sinks, storing large amounts of carbon in their biomass and soil, thus helping mitigate climate change. **Socio-economic Contribution:** - Livelihood Support: Many coastal communities depend on mangroves for their livelihood, which includes fishing, honey collection, and the extraction of other non-timber forest products. - Ecotourism: Mangrove ecosystems, with their unique flora and fauna, attract tourists, which can provide local communities with additional income. - Provides resources — timber and fuelwood, when collected sustainably. - Medicinal Benefits — coastal communities collect medicinal plants from mangroves and use mangrove leaves as animal fodder. **Threats to Mangrove Ecosystems in India** - Deforestation and Habitat Destruction: Rapid urbanisation, infrastructure development, and expansion of agriculture and aquaculture are leading to significant loss of mangrove forests. - Pollution: Industrial effluents, domestic sewage, and plastic waste dumped into water bodies are causing severe damage to these ecosystems. - Climate Change: Rising sea levels, increased frequency and intensity of cyclones, and changing rainfall patterns due to climate change pose a major threat to mangroves. - Unsustainable Exploitation: Overfishing and over-harvesting of resources from mangrove forests are degrading these ecosystems and reducing their biodiversity. **Conclusion** - Initiatives like **Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI)** announced in the recent budget is a step in the right direction. Furthermore, raising awareness about the importance of mangroves among local communities and involving them in conservation efforts can be an effective strategy for the long-term survival of these ecosystems. --- **2\. Mindless human development has only exacerbated negative impacts on ecologically vulnerable regions of the Western Ghats. In light of the statement, discuss the measures needed to conserve the fragile ecosystem.** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - Development cannot be done without environmental resources. Therefore, the disruption of resources has negative repercussions on the development process itself and the violation of the objective of holistic development. **Main Body:** **Negative impact of human development on Western Ghats:** - **Developmental Pressures:** Urbanisation, together with agricultural expansion and livestock grazing, are posing serious threats to the region. - About 50 million people are estimated to live in the Western Ghats Region, resulting in developmental pressures. - **Biodiversity Relates Issues:** Forest loss, habitat fragmentation, habitat degradation by invasive plant species, encroachment and conversion also continue to affect the Ghats. - Shrinking the availability of wildlife corridors and suitable habitats outside Protected Areas. - **Climate Change:** In the intermediate years, the climate crisis has gained momentum: - Landslides and flash floods ravaged the ghat areas of Konkan in 2021. - Cyclones are also gaining intensity with the warming of the Arabian Sea, leaving the west coast especially vulnerable. - **Threats from Industrialisation:** More polluting industries, quarries and mines, roads, and townships are likely to be planned due to the absence of the Western Ghats ESA policy. - This implies more damage to the fragile landscape of the region in future. **Measures needed to conserve the fragile ecosystem:** - **Preventive Approach:** Changes in climate would affect the livelihood of all people and hurt the nation’s economy; it is prudent to conserve the fragile ecosystems. - This will cost less compared to a situation prone to calamities than spending money /resources for restoration/rejuvenation. - **Engaging With All Stakeholders:** A proper analysis based on scientific study, followed by consensus among various stakeholders by addressing respective concerns, is required urgently. - **Addressing the Concerns of Local People:** The idea of demarcating an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) is inherently against people and their developmental aspirations. - The issue can be discussed through detailed public consultations (Bottoms-up approach). - **Empowering Local Communities:** as they have the knowledge and are tied to the environment. Also have the motivation to safeguard the region. The way forward lies in the pursuit of **genuine democratic decentralisation** and **empowering local communities** in villages and cities. **Conclusion:** - There is a need to strike a balance between safeguarding the forests and the right to livelihood of the local people. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Science and Technology) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-3-science-and-technology-2/ Last updated: 2025-07-15T18:40:24.000Z **xSubject:** GS 3 **Syllabus:** Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights. ### **Questions** 1. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are needed for a creative environment and innovative growth. Enumerating the need for IPR, discuss the achievements under the new IPR policy. Also, bring out a few shortcomings in it. (250 Words, 15 Marks) 2. India needs a thriving start-up environment that promotes innovation and supplements and complements the country's space requirements. Elaborate. (250 Words, 15 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are needed for a creative environment and innovative growth. Enumerating the need for IPR, discuss the achievements under the new IPR policy. Also, bring out a few shortcomings in it.** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are **creator rights** which are given to them for their literary work, invention, artwork and any other thing which can be commercialised. They are valid for a certain period and give the creator exclusive right over their use. **Main Body** - These rights are backed by global instruments like Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Paris Convention, Berne Convention and domestic laws. IPR include areas like trademarks, copyrights, geographical indications, trade secrets, industrial designs etc. - IPR are needed because- - They are an incentive to creators that helps foster an environment of creation and innovation. - Helps in ease of doing business and research for furthering innovation prospects and helps build human capital, which is significant in the long run. - Fosters economic growth by providing quality jobs, which in turn enhances quality of life. It results in improved industrial growth. - Any innovative creation will have some cutting-edge technology or an idea that can be shared or commercialised for better trade prospects. - New IPR policy was launched in 2016 to improve awareness, generation, commercialisation, administration and enforcement of IPR-related frameworks. This has been significant due to achievements such as - Improved technical manpower in granting or approving applications has helped clear backlogs in applications, which has fostered an environment of innovation. - There is an increase in IPR filings, especially patents by around 7% and trademarks by around 28% in the year 2018-19. - Initiative to automatically issue electronically generated trademark and patent certificates has streamlined the process and made it hassle-free. - Improved ranking in Global Innovation Index as India was 81st in 2015 and now has got 52nd rank in 2019’s GII. - IPR awareness is one of the objectives of the 2016 IPR policy, which has been done very well in higher institutions and rural schools, and at the industry level. - But India’s IPR has time and again been questioned in the WTO and WIPO due to issues like- - India has often been on the United States Trade Representative's (USTR’s) ‘Priority Watch List’ for alleged violations of intellectual property rights. - No scope for evergreening of patents under the Indian Patent Act. It means that a patent cannot be granted if the properties of a new invention don't differ significantly when compared to older products. - Compulsory licensing is another clause that has upset foreign investors who want to bring new technology but are sceptical. It involves granting permission to companies by the government to use, manufacture or sell a patented invention without the owner’s consent. - Lack of data exclusivity for foreign companies means there is potential for unfair commercial use of test data by the Indian government. **Conclusion** - Intellectual property is like the brain of a nation, which needs to be given a conducive environment and an enabling atmosphere to grow and advance further. Recent steps have been taken in this direction, and a few more things need to be done, keeping in mind the requirements of changing times. --- **2\. India needs a thriving start-up environment that promotes innovation and supplements and complements the country's space requirements. Elaborate.** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - India’s space programme is one of the most well-developed in the world and is driven by a state-owned agency—the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The current global space economy is estimated at US$360 billion, with India accounting for \~2% (US$7 billion). **Main Body** **Need of a thriving start-up environment:** - **Plugging the demand-supply gap:** Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s annual budget has crossed ₹10,000 crore and is growing steadily. - However, the demand for these services is soaring worldwide and in India, with satellite data, imagery and space technology being used across most sectors. - Moreover, ISRO would have to expand 10x the current level to meet this rising demand - **Opening up new domains:** enhanced startup participation will be necessary to penetrate satellite-based services and ground-based system segments. - **Greater pool of resources:** Startup participation will open a new pool of resources and talent. It will bring more funding and experience into space exploration activities. - **Human Capital:** Thegrowth of Startups in the sector can exploit the talent across the nation, contributing a lot to space exploration in India. - **Technological advancement:** Commercialisation will also develop better technologies, which are important. It will allow the integration of many other technologies, like artificial intelligence, into space exploration activities. - **Commercial demand:** There is a need to enhance internet connectivity for the masses, which is another demand pull factor for increased commercial interest in space. - Asteroid mining is also another potential area that looks promising, with scope for monetisation and disrupting commodity markets. - **International trends and experience:** Elon Musk’s “SpaceX” and its high-profile projects have highlighted the increasing significance of private players in the space sector. - In India, despite the various strategic, security and regulatory constraints, a limited private ecosystem has evolved around the ISRO. **Challenges faced by the Space Startups that inhibit their growth:** - **According to DataLabs by Inc42,** currently, there are about 120 active Space startups in India, 64% of which have emerged in the last six years. - However, despite remarkable growth in the global New Space market, which thrives on innovative startups for technology breakthroughs and business development, small companies in India have struggled to find their feet. - **Unavailability of funds:** Unavailability of funds, be it access to non-dilutive funding to start building prototypes and demonstrate proofs-of-concept, or access to investment to sustain operations, has been a major pain point for most startups - **Difficult criteria:** Difficult criteria for startups to bid in ISRO and DRDO contracts, as current perimeters — prior track record, profitability, security deposit, and performance bank guarantee — make it impossible for these companies to independently apply for such bids - **Lack of a domestic market:** lack of a domestic market beyond ISRO. In most cases, startups have to sell only to ISRO and DRDO, or go abroad to get customers. - **Lack of institutional support:** There are also issues like a lack of institutional support in the way of intellectual property, strategic partnerships, and hand-holding for the nascent industry. - Access to specialised testing and manufacturing infrastructure, which is beyond the reach of startups, has further limited growth and innovation - **No legal framework:** Some companies move out since there is currently no legal framework to allow Indian firms to operate their own Space assets from the country **Way forward:** - **Enabling ecosystem**: a culture of accelerators, incubators, Venture Capitalists and mentors that exists in cities like Bengaluru, which is where most New Space start-ups have mushroomed, is needed to give impetus to the startups. - **New Space law:** A new Space law for India is needed that should aim at facilitating India's share of the global space economy to 10% within a decade, which requires a new kind of partnership between ISRO, the established private sector and the New Space entrepreneurs. - **Promoting innovation:** Development of partial to fully reusable launchers, Progressive introduction of a new generation of launchers, Engines using LOX/ Methane propellants etc needs to be promoted to enhance India's standing at the global level. - **New Business models and Architecture:** Space Startup policy should be drafted keeping in view the new Business models and Architecture, like Hybridisation of network – Combining MEO and GEO assets to form a unified network, which is dominating the global trend. - **R&D contracts and grants:** Space companies need more R&D contracts and grants from government initiatives. There is also a need to ease criteria for startups to bid in ISRO and DRDO **Conclusion:** - The space sector can play a major catalytic role in the technological advancement and expansion of our Industrial base. - Recent reforms in the sector, like the formation of IN-SPACe, have the potential to alter the course of the private Space industry, just as the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has done to the telecom sector. There is a growing belief that with proper implementation, the recently announced reforms will take the game to a new level for Indian Space Startups. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Science and Technology) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-3-science-and-technology/ Last updated: 2025-07-15T18:38:14.000Z **Subject:** GS 3 **Syllabus:** Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology. ### **Questions** 1. There has been a persistent call for indigenizing the defence sector in India. Why are these persistent demands being made for indigenization? Have any steps been taken to indigenize the defence sector at present? (250 Words, 15 Marks) 2. Biotechnology harnesses cellular and biomolecular processes to develop technologies and products that help improve our lives. In this context, analyse the role of application of biotechnology in the inclusive economic development of a country. (150 Words, 10 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. There has been a persistent call for indigenizing the defence sector in India. Why are these persistent demands being made for indigenization? Have any steps been taken to indigenize the defence sector at present?** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Introduction** - Indigenization of the defence sector refers to the development and production of defence equipment within the country using local resources, expertise, and industries. **(Definition-based)** - According to the Ministry of Defence, the expenditure on defence procurement from foreign sources, which used to account for 46% of the total expenditure from 2018–19 to 2021–22, has fallen to around 36%. This is a result of persistent calls for the indigenization of the defence sector in India. (**Statistic-based)** **Main Body** **Need for Indigenization** 1. **Strategic Autonomy:** Dependence on foreign suppliers for defence equipment can compromise India's strategic autonomy. In the event of conflicts, embargoes or strained diplomatic relations, foreign suppliers may refuse to supply crucial defence equipment, thereby affecting national security. 2. **Economic Considerations:** India is one of the world's largest importers of defence equipment. Indigenization can reduce the country's defence import bill significantly. 3. **Technological Sovereignty:** Indigenization can ensure full control over the technology used in defence equipment, and prevent potential vulnerabilities or sabotage from foreign equipment. 4. **Boost to Domestic Industry:** Indigenization can boost the domestic defence manufacturing sector, creating jobs and contributing to economic growth. 5. **Defence readiness:** Despite spending close to $50 billion on defence annually, India may yet be underprepared to fight in the battles of today, especially those that occur close to home. 6. **Boost Confidence:** The Indian military forces' trust and confidence will grow because of indigenous equipment. Additionally, it will improve India's standing internationally. 7. **National security at stake:** Due to a shortage of components and assemblies, imported equipment is currently posing various maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) challenges in India. 8. **Reduce Fiscal Burden:** India is currently the second-largest importer of weapons in the world. Defence industry indigenization is necessary to reduce the fiscal deficit. 9. **Employment generation:** According to government predictions, India might gain 100,000–120,000 highly skilled jobs if defence-related imports were reduced by 20–25 per cent. In addition, it will lead to widespread innovation, a plethora of spin-off industries and start-ups, and more. 10. **Boost Indian export:** India is the 23rd-largest exporter of defensive products, according to SIPRI data. India can sell its neighbour's equipment and technologies used in the defence industry. **Steps taken to indigenize the defence sector** 1. **Public-Private Partnership:** Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO), Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) and private organisations are playing a critical role in the indigenisation of defence industries. 2. **Procurement Policy:** To support the "Make in India" agenda, Defence Procurement Procedure focuses on institutionalising, streamlining, and simplifying the defence procurement process. 3. **Offset Policy:** The main goals of the defence offset policy are to use capital purchases to support the growth of the domestic defence sector. 4. **Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020:** DAP 2020 promotes creating and producing defence products domestically. 5. **Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme:** Modern testing infrastructure would be built with an investment of INR 400 crore in collaboration with industry. 6. **Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy 2020 (DPEPP):** The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has developed a draft DPEPP 2020 as a guiding document of MoD to give the nation's defence production capabilities a focused, structured and major push for independence and exports. 7. **Spending on Indigenous Production:** The total budgetary allocation for FY 2022-23 towards the Capital Outlay on Defence Services is more than INR 1,50,000 cr. 8. **Defence Industrial Corridors:** The Indian government has planned to develop two defence industrial corridors to serve as hubs for defence manufacturing. 9. **Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan:** This initiative, announced in 2020, also focuses on self-reliance in defence production. The government has published a list of weapons/platforms that will not be imported in the future. 10. **Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO):** DRDO has been developing and producing various defence technologies indigenously, such as the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), and the Akash missile system. **Conclusion** - While significant steps have been taken towards indigenization of the defence sector in India, there are still challenges to be addressed, including bureaucratic hurdles, limited private sector participation, and lack of R&D funding. --- **2\. Biotechnology harnesses cellular and biomolecular processes to develop technologies and products that help improve our lives. In this context, analyse the role of application of biotechnology in the inclusive economic development of a country.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - Biotechnology refers to the harnessing of cellular and bio molecular processes within living beings to help produce various applications and technologies. **Main Body:** **Biotechnology and inclusive growth:** - **Agricultural production:** - Biotechnology makes possible the use of genetically modified **(GM) crops** that can increase agricultural yield and raise their income levels. - Molecular breeding helps to improve yields and resist disease. - **Making crops tolerant** to abiotic stresses (cold, drought, salt, heat) and a reduced reliance on chemical pesticides (pest-resistant crops). - **Boost to non-chemical agriculture** methods and help farmers increase the yield of high value agricultural products. - Enhance our approach towards an evergreen revolution. - Selective plant and animal breeding for improved productivity - **Nutrition:** - Biofortified food can help reduce malnutrition drastically. - **Eg- Dhansakthi,** an iron fortified crop helped raise nutrition levels in pilot programmes conducted in Rajasthan and Maharashtra. - **Manufacturing:** - Alcohol, foods and biofuels can help energise the manufacturing sector in India and generate much needed employment. - Techniques of modern molecular biology, improves efficiency. - Example: Paper and pulp, chemical manufacturing, and textile. - **Healthcare:** - Many plants are grown and genetically engineered to produce the antibodies. - Accelerated development of vaccines. - **Environment:** - Waste treatment and pollution prevention **Eg-bioremediation.** - Environmental engineers introduce nutrients to stimulate the activity of bacteria to help in digesting the waste. **Way forward(Steps needed ):** - Bridging the knowledge gap between farmers and biotech scientists. - Regulatory framework that eases promotion of biotech products without compromising on bioethics. - Ex: Recent “National Guidelines for Gene Therapy- Product Development and Clinical Trials” of ICMR, DNA Technology bill, etc. **Conclusion:** - Various initiatives of the Department of Biotechnology like Genome India Project, Manav Human Atlas Initiative, UMMID(Unique Methods of Management and treatment of Inherited Disorders) and promotion of golden rice are all steps to promote biotechnology for the development of health and social sectors. (any one or two initiatives can be mentioned). ***or*** - Policy on GM crops need to be re-evaluated in the wake of the need for climate-resilient agriculture along with our fight against malnutrition. ***or*** - India can also leverage its IT prowess to pioneer biometrics through projects like the human genome project, telemedicine that can help improve our approach to health services in the country.(Futuristic conclusion) --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Science and Technology) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-3-land-reforms-effects-of-liberalisation-2/ Last updated: 2025-07-15T18:36:19.000Z **Subject:** GS 3 **Syllabus:** Science and Technology - developments and their applications and effects in everyday life ### **Questions** 1. Nanotechnology is an evolving field of science and is quickly gathering pace due to a multitude of applications. Enumerate and discuss these applications.(150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. Robotics technology can potentially enhance our lives by saving human effort and energy. Elaborate with examples. Also, list the challenges faced by India in the optimum utilisation of this technology. (250 Words, 15 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. Nanotechnology is an evolving field of science and is quickly gathering pace due to a multitude of applications. Enumerate and discuss these applications.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Nanotechnology is the branch of science involving the manipulation of matter at the nano level, which is on the scale of about 1 to 100 nanometres, and involves atoms and molecules. **Main Body** - It is an interdisciplinary branch involving engineering and science, and owes its development to the Atomic Force Microscope and the Scanning Tunnelling Microscope. - **Applications of nanotechnology** - **Medicine**\- Nanomaterials like nanomicelles help in better drug delivery, early diagnosis of cancer and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Their targeting is so precise that nearby cells and tissues are left unharmed. - **Food**\- for improving quality and ensuring stale food is disposed of rather than consumed, nanobiosensors in food can help detect pathogens and disease-causing microbes. It can also help in food processing by improving mechanical resistance so that the original texture is not lost. - **Nanotubes** and other nano composites help manufacture low-weight parts of windmills and solar panels, which reduces the cost of production and installation, thus promoting renewable energy. - Currently, silicon is used widely for electronic devices and microchips, but nanotechnology has the potential to replace it and ensure the cost of production is reduced, thus improving **affordability** for manufacturers and consumers. - **Technical textile** is a new concept in which nanotechnology is used to manufacture lightweight, wrinkle-free, affordable and durable clothes for work like firefighting, cleaning and other tough work. **Conclusion** - Nanotechnology is an evolving area, and government efforts like the Mission on Nano Science and Technology or Nano Mission, Indian Institute of Nano Sciences, and the Nanotechnology regulatory board need to be backed by a better research and development atmosphere and investments to make it a success. --- **2\. Robotics technology can potentially enhance our lives by saving human effort and energy. Elaborate with examples. Also, list the challenges faced by India in the optimum utilisation of this technology.** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - Robotics is a branch of science and technology that deals with the design and manufacturing of robots using computer applications. It is an interdisciplinary field merging together at least mechanical, electronics and computer science engineering. - A robot is a mechanical agent, usually an electromechanical machine that is guided by a computer program or electronic circuitry. Robots can be autonomous or semi-autonomous and range from humanoid to industrial robots, collectively programmed ‘swarm’ robots, and even microscopic nano robots. **Main Body:** **Applications of robots:** - **Automobile industry:** Industrial robots are known for their speed, accuracy and reliability. They are used in assembling of parts, welding, spraying and material handling. - **Electronics:** Robots used to fit chips in the motherboard of a machine. These chips are very small and difficult for humans to fit. - **Military applications:** Telerobots used as UAVs to perform military operations at dangerous, faraway or inaccessible places. - **Health & medicine:** Robotic surgery has been developed with technological development, and also nano-robots are used to deliver medicines to targeted organs, helping in the medical treatment of humans. - **Environment:** Nanorobots can be used to clear oil spills & disassemble pollutants, especially nonbiodegradable ones, reducing pollution impact. - **Disaster Management:** Robots can be used in nuclear plants for handling & disposal of nuclear waste material and also during the scenario of a Nuclear disaster. - **Other Fields:** It is also used in Exploration, Farms, and Entertainment. **Robotics projects in India: Several institutions and universities are involved in Robotics and related fields.** - Indian Institute of Science (Bangalore), etc, have robotic laboratories. - **BARC uses robots in nuclear waste handling.** So some of the robotic projects taken up by Indian government institutions are: - Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CAIR), Bangalore, has developed a robot named **‘CHATUR’**. A CHATUR robot is developed with a vision sensor to pick up objects in the visual field. - **DRDO has initiated a project to make Robotics Soldiers** Deployed in the LOC (Line of Control), but the challenge is to integrate cognitive skills under AI to differentiate between a threat and a friend. - **DRDO has developed a robot by the name ‘DAKSH’.** It is a counter-terrorist remotely operated vehicle designed to handle hazardous materials and suspect objects in public places. It is provided with multiple cameras used for surveillance. **Challenges of robotics in India** - **Procurement of hardware components:** The cost of adopting Robotic technology is very high due to the cost of procuring imported hardware components as well as training personnel. - **Skilled Manpower:** As Robotics is a multidisciplinary field, acquiring and retaining quality talent is a big issue. The capital-intensive nature of Robotics adoption, when compared to the low cost of human labour, clearly tips the scale in favour of the latter. - **Educational Institutions:** As Robotics is multidisciplinary in nature, barring students in the top schools in India, the others lack the knowledge required in four to five engineering disciplines to become an expert in this field. Also, most of the students develop projects that already exist in the public domain. - **Scarcity of good faculty to teach the subject:** Barring a few regions in India, Robotics as a subject is not taught well to engineering students. **Conclusion:** - Robotics' advancement sparks concerns over job displacement as they replace humans in various tasks. Manufacturing industries are increasingly adopting robots for higher efficiency, raising questions about the future of human employment. - As the unemployment rate rises, the government must address concerns about job losses due to robotics. However, proponents argue that robots may also create opportunities and jobs in associated sectors, thanks to increased work efficiency and productivity. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Land Reforms, Effects of Liberalisation) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-3-land-reforms-effects-of-liberalisation/ Last updated: 2025-07-15T18:33:49.000Z **Subject:** GS 3 **Syllabus:** - Land reforms in India. - Effects of liberalisation on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth. ### **Questions** 1. Land reform is an ongoing task since independence which has succeeded only in a few pockets. Discuss the need of land reforms and what are the problems in it.(150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. Organic farming is gathering pace and has a lot of potential in many ways. Discuss the factors that are favourable for organic farming in India and the challenges that need to be addressed. (250 Words, 15 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. Land reform is an ongoing task since independence which has succeeded only in a few pockets. Discuss the need of land reforms and what are the problems in it.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Land reforms include all exercises that involve **redistributing land to the landless and bringing parity in the society so that all sections of society have access to land**. - It aims at improving the income and bargaining power of the weaker sections of society. **Main Body** - In the past, land ownership belonged to the zamindars and jagirdars, and the actual cultivators of land didn’t have any ownership rights. Tenant exploitation was rampant, and there was a proliferation of intermediaries due to land leases. - **Need for land reforms** - Socialism is a part of the basic structure of the constitution and also the directive principles, which make land redistribution indispensable. - Ensure that the land ceiling helps take surplus land from big farmers to small and marginal farmers. - Ensure better agricultural productivity and involve women also in the development process. - It will also protect tribals from getting evicted from their land. - Address the issue of rural poverty and register all tenant holdings with local bodies so that government initiatives like insurance schemes can be easily availed by them. - But land reforms are yet to take shape due to the following **issues** - The implementation part was made inefficient as lower-level officials were hand in glove with zamindars. - Issues in the availability of land records hampered the progress of land reforms as without documentation, no action could be taken. - There was a clause under ‘personal cultivation’ which was very loosely defined and was prone to interpretation. - Judicial delays and case after case led to delays in justice, which ultimately made the whole exercise ineffective. **Conclusion** - To ensure land reforms are made a success, modern-day steps like land digitisation, leasing of unviable land and re-consolidation of land holdings can be undertaken. --- **2\. Organic farming is gathering pace and has a lot of potential in many ways. Discuss the factors that are favourable for organic farming in India and the challenges that need to be addressed.** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - **Organic farming** is a farming system that uses environmentally friendly methods of weed, pest, and disease control - India ranks first when it comes to the number of organic farmers but 9th in area under organic farming. **Main Body** **Favourable factors for organic farming in India:** - Organic farming is linked with our tradition, and it is still continually practised in North East India, with Sikkim becoming the world's first fully organic state. - Organic farming requires a workforce that is present in India, with 55% of the manpower depending on farming and allied activities. - India has six major types of soils and a few minor soils based on terrain and geography. This gives an opportunity to exploit naturally available organic nutrients for organic farming. - There is a thrust on achieving sustainable development goals, and organic farming, being less harmful to the environment, can help promote sustainable agriculture. - India has a lot of tribal population living in remote interiors of a pristine environment. They do not depend on chemicals and fertilisers and only practice organic farming. **Challenges that need to be addressed:** - Yield per hectare in the case of organic farming is very small, which naturally makes the costs at which organic products are sold higher. - Conversion of a conventional farm to organic is time-consuming because there are some minimal standards and labelling guidelines that need to be adhered to. - For the same quantity produced by conventional farming, organic farming needs more land, which is not conducive to a growing population. This can also raise issues around food security. - Non-adherence to policy in states like Kerala and Karnataka, which have organic farming policies since pre 2012 period. Whereas states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh etc, do not have such a policy but have around half the area under organic cultivation. - Awareness among farmers and a lack of marketing facilities are other challenges. **Conclusion** - Organic farming needs a push due to advantages like increased jobs and economic sustainability with more social impact. Government schemes like Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOCVD-NER) etc have been supportive but need to improve at the implementation level. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Public Distribution System, Food processing) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-3-major-crops-agriculture-2/ Last updated: 2025-07-15T18:31:05.000Z **Subject:** GS 3 **Syllabus:** - Public Distribution System - objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; - Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing. - Food processing and related industries in India - scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management. ### **Questions** 1. The Public Distribution System was introduced to make food grains available to the needy and marginalised sections. What are the issues involved in this system, and suggest some reforms that can be implemented? (250 Words, 15 Marks) 2. Changing times have put focus on e-technology, which can aid farmers in the long run. Discuss the advantages of e-technology and list some government schemes in this regard. (250 Words, 15 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. The Public Distribution System was introduced to make food grains available to the needy and marginalised sections. What are the issues involved in this system, and suggest some reforms that can be implemented?** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Public Distribution System is a food security system that aims to distribute food grains and other food items at affordable prices to those people who fulfil a set of criteria. Both central and state governments are involved in this, where the centre procures, stores and transports grains, and state governments distribute them. **Main Body** - The Public Distribution System (PDS) is quite an old system, going back to World War times and continues even today due to the needs of society. But due to less upgradation and changes with changing times, there are a few issues like- - Huge amounts of leakages result in black marketing, which results in inflation, and also deprives target beneficiaries of their entitlements. - The Food Corporation of India is mandated to store the grains, but many audits have pointed out the incapacity of these godowns, resulting in rotting of grains. - There are large inclusion and exclusion errors due to corruption and negligence at lower levels. This results in undue benefits for those who are not entitled and a loss for deserving beneficiaries. - No limit to procurement even if demand is met or godowns at full capacity. This open-ended procurement results in a shortage in the open market, which results in inflation. - PDS and MSP are interlinked, and both are major contributors to environmental issues like depletion of the groundwater table and salinisation of soils. - These issues need to be addressed at the earliest by taking reform measures like- - Wadhwa committee suggested technology-driven PDS system to plug leakages by ensuring the timely disbursal of food grains to targeted beneficiaries. - One nation one ration card for better portability, which allows migrants to avail food grains on ration cards of their home state. - Aadhar-linked and enabled authentication of beneficiaries to plug leakages and ensure there are no middlemen. - Smart card to prevent counterfeiting, which is done by states like Haryana and Andhra Pradesh. - Use of GPS technology to monitor the status and location of PDS trucks so that no food is diverted towards middlemen. **Conclusion** - PDS is indispensable in the long run because of the enormous benefits it entails. But to make it more robust, there is a need to take steps like social audits, GPS enabling and colour coding of trucks in all states and bio-fortification of food to ensure nutrition security along with food security. --- **2\. Changing times have put focus on e-technology, which can aid farmers in the long run. Discuss the advantages of e-technology and list some government schemes in this regard.** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - India has around 50% population engaged in agriculture and is also the seventh largest country in the world. Both these factors make use of e-technology in agriculture indispensable. It involves the use of the internet, communication and information technology to make all the processes in the agricultural sector efficient and smooth. **Main Body** - Technological changes in the Indian agricultural landscape go back to the 1960s when the green revolution ushered and the adoption of e-technology began in 2007 when the National Policy for Farmers was launched. This happened because of the advantages of e-technology, like- - Better weather and rainfall prediction make early information dissemination, which enhances the preparedness of farmers. - Bargaining power improves due to better price discovery of produce, which helps farmers get better returns. - Use of technology helps develop high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties of crops, which ensure food security and check inflation in the long run. - Timely availability of inputs like fertilisers, fuel, and seeds that farmers can know the status of their arrival from sources and plan accordingly. - Better availability of institutional credit, as there is a lot of push for digital India, and the presence of bank branches in rural areas also helps protect farmers from the clutches of moneylenders. - To ensure these benefits are reaped, there are many schemes and initiatives launched by the government. Some of them are- - National Agriculture Market, which is pan-India virtual market and an e-trading portal linking all APMCs and other markets, for better price discovery and easy selling of farm produce. - Digital Agricultural Mission is a recently launched mission aiming to infuse new technologies like robotics, artificial intelligence, blockchain etc in agriculture. - AGMARKNET, or the agriculture market network, is an e-governance portal allowing information dissemination on prices of produce and their arrival. - Agristack is a collection of technology-based agriculture interventions. - e-choupal provides weather updates, alternative marketing options, input arrival status and upcoming agricultural practices. **Conclusion** - Digital penetration due to affordability and accessibility of the internet has improved in the past decade, and there is a need to tap into reap benefits. Better availability of institutional credit, climate-smart agriculture due to climate change, crop ecological zonation, diversification, organic farming etc are some of the areas which must be integrated to make e-technology successful. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Major Crops & Agriculture) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-3-major-crops-agriculture/ Last updated: 2025-07-15T18:28:48.000Z **Subject:** GS 3 **Syllabus: Major Crops & Agriculture** - Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; - e-technology in the aid of farmers. - Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; ### **Questions** 1. Crop diversification as a remedy for a large number of issues is suggested by various economists. In this context, highlight the present challenges before crop diversification. How do emerging technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification? (250 Words, 15 Marks) 2. More than 30 years have passed since the reforms of 1991\. Discuss the objectives of those reforms and what are the positive outcomes of them.(250 Words, 15 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. Crop diversification as a remedy for a large number of issues is suggested by various economists. In this context, highlight the present challenges before crop diversification. How do emerging technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification?** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - Crop diversification refers to the addition of new crops or cropping systems to agricultural production on a particular farm, considering the different returns from value-added crops with complementary marketing opportunities.***or*** - It refers to the crops, crop sequences and management techniques used on a particular agricultural field over a period of years. **Main Body:** **Remedy for a large number of issues:** - **Increases Farmers’ income:** Enables farmers to gain access to national and international markets with new products, food and medicinal plants. - **Increases natural biodiversity and productivity:** Strengthening the ability of the agroecosystem to respond to these stresses. - **Reduces the risk of total crop failure:** As different crops will respond to climate scenarios in different ways. - Ex- While the cold may affect one crop negatively, production in an alternative crop may increase. - **Food security:** Ex- growing crops as well as rearing livestock in the same field. - **Manage price risk:** not all products will suffer low market prices at the same time and increase the profitability of the farming community. - **Environmental conservation:** - Ex- the introduction of legume in the rice-wheat cropping system, which has the ability to fix atmospheric Nitrogen to help sustain soil fertility. **Challenges faced:** (only 5-6 to be mentioned) - Majority of the cropped area in the country is completely dependent on rainfall (around 52%). - **Sub-optimal and over-use of resources** like land and water causes a negative impact on the environment and sustainability of agriculture. - Inadequate supply of seeds and plants of improved cultivars. - **Fragmentation of land holdings** is less favourable for the modernisation and mechanisation of agriculture. - **Poor basic infrastructure,** like rural roads, power, transport, communications, etc. - **Inadequate post-harvest technologies and inadequate infrastructure** for post-harvest handling of perishable horticultural produce. - Very weak agro-based industry. - Weak research – extension – farmer linkages. - **Inadequately trained human resources,** together with persistent and large-scale illiteracy among farmers. - A host of diseases and pests affect most crop plants. - Poor database for horticultural crops. - Decrease in investments in the agricultural sector over the years. **Role of emerging technologies in crop diversification:** - With the help of the IT revolution, farmers are directly connected with grocery customers (farm-to-fork model). - leading to the cultivation of high-value perishable products (ex- Big Basket, BlinkIt startup platforms). - **Aquaponics and urban farming** techniques of controlled environment cultivation help in crop diversification in order to meet the heavy urban demand for perishable items. - Through **financial inclusion and digitisation,** small farmers and women self-help groups have been able to ensure crop diversification through credit supply. - In arid areas, technologies like **Urea Deep Placement (UDP), Poly-bag Nursery farming,** etc., have been introduced by the Indo-Israel Agriculture Project. - Soil health management assisted in facilitating the right fertiliser usage, developing organic farming and providing GIS-based thematic mapping for soil. **Way Forward (Steps Needed):** - Need to identify crops and varieties that may suit a range of environments and farmers’ preferences. - Need for a shift in the perspective of skill development, with a focus on sustainable rural livelihoods. - Research institutes should come with some other technological breakthroughs. - Ex- for shifting production frontiers and raising efficiency in the use of inputs. Precision farming to raise the production and income of farmers substantially etc. - Adequate attention needs to be given to improve the welfare of farmers and raise agricultural income. - The government must promote crop diversification by purchasing crops produced other than wheat and rice at a Minimum Support Price. **Conclusion:** - Thoughcrop diversification is considered a panacea for a large number of issues, the policy for this needs to be well crafted, taking interests of all stakeholders into account. **Additional information:** Government Policies And Strategies For Crop Diversification: - **Launching a Technology Mission for the Integrated Development of Horticulture in the Northeastern Region:** - The programme will establish effective linkages between research, production, extension, post-harvest management, processing, marketing and exports and bring about the rapid development of agriculture in the region. - **Implementing National Agriculture Insurance Scheme:** The scheme will cover food crops, oilseeds, annual commercial and horticulture crops. Small and marginal farmers are eligible for 50 per cent subsidy under the Scheme. - **Operationalising Technology Mission on Cotton:** The Technology Mission will have separate Mini-Missions on technology generation, product support and extension. - **Creation of Watershed Development Fund:** At the National level for the development of Rainfed lands. - **Strengthening Agricultural Marketing:** Greater attention to be paid to the development of a comprehensive, efficient and responsive marketing system for domestic marketing as well as exports by ensuring proper quality control and standardisation. - **Seed Crop Insurance:** A pilot scheme on Seed Crop Insurance has been launched, which will cover the risk factor involved in the production of seeds. --- **2\. Discuss the need to reform the public distribution system in order to fight the menace of hunger and malnutrition.** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - The public distribution system works in a multi-level process where the Centre procures food grains from farmers at MSP and then allocates them to states. - State governments identify beneficiaries and deliver food grains to ration shops. Hence in this way, PDS is used as a tool to ensure the food security of people to eradicate hunger and malnutrition. **Main Body:** **Why are reforms needed in PDS?** - **Identification of beneficiaries:** The targeted Public Distribution System is prone to inclusion and exclusion errors. - A PDS expert group set up in 2009 reported, PDS suffers from around 60% error of exclusion and 25% inclusion of beneficiaries, which means that, poor are being classified as non-poor and vice versa. - **Leakage of food grains:** PDS also suffers from leakages of food grains while they are being transported from state storehouses to **Fair Price Shops (FPS)**. - The Planning Commission had found 36% leakage of PDS rice and wheat at the all-India level. - **Black Marketing by FPS owners:** Many times, good quality food grains are replaced with poor quality, cheap food grains by the FPS owners. The good quality grain is then sold in the open market. - **Narrow food basket:** ThePublic distribution system includes only a few food grains, such as wheat and rice etc. In modern days, it is not sufficient to fulfil the nutritional demands of the body. - **Issues of migrants:** Migrants, along with their families, are often excluded from the PDS system due to their movement to other places for work. - Though the government has introduced ONORC, many states have not implemented this yet. **Hence, due to the above reasons:** - Child hunger as a problem persists in India, 37.9% of children under 5 years are stunted, and 20.8% are wasted - The Global Nutrition Report 2020 stated that India is among 88 countries that are likely to miss global nutrition targets by 2025. - In the 2020 Global Hunger Index, India ranks 94th out of the 107 countries, below neighbours Pakistan and Nepal. **Reforms needed to fight the menace of Malnutrition and Hunger:** - **Food fortification:** To enhance the nutritional level of the masses and fight the menace of hunger and malnutrition, bio-fortified foods need to be distributed through the PDS. - **Scrutiny to enhance transparency and accountability:** Increased public participation is required to reform the PDS system. It can be achieved through social audits, participation of SHGs, NGOs, etc. to ensure the transparency and efficiency of the PDS system at the ground level. It will ensure the needy get their share of quality food grains to tackle hunger and malnutrition. - **Including migrant families in PDS:** proper implementation of the ONORC scheme. - **Diversification of food items under PDS:** The food basket of PDS can be enhanced by including more nutritious items like eggs, tofu etc. This will improve the micronutrient levels of people and reduce the prevalence of hidden hunger. - **Technology use:** Use of end-to-end technology is required to prevent leakage of food grains and substitution of high-quality food grains by low-quality grains by FPS owners. **Some Successful PDS reforms in India:** - **Issue of smart cards:** In Haryana, data such as name, address, biometrics, poverty level and number of family members are recorded, which prevents counterfeiting. - **SMS tracking:** Tamil Nadu uses SMS based monitoring by citizens so that they can send/receive SMS alerts during the dispatch and arrival of TPDS commodities. It prevents the leakage of grains. - **Online Citizen Grievance Solutions:** TheChhattisgarh government publicises grievance redressal, such as a toll-free number for call centres to register complaints or suggestions to maintain accountability of the government and ensure transparency of grievance resolution. - **Real-time monitoring:** Use of GPS technology is prevalent in Tamil Nadu, where movement of trucks carrying food grains from state depots to Fair Price shops can be easily monitored to prevent leakages. **Conclusion:** - The National Food Security Act, 2013, modified the TPDS programme from a welfare approach to a rights-based approach of social protection. Therefore, to provide the right-based social protection, it is required to reform the PDS system to eradicate the menace of malnutrition and hunger in India. - Recommendations of the Shanta Kumar Committee. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Economic Development) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-2-bilateral-regional-and-global-groupings-2/ Last updated: 2025-07-15T18:26:25.000Z **Subject:** GS 3 **Syllabus: Economic Development** - Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development and employment. - Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. - Government Budgeting. - Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways, etc. Investment models. ### **Questions** 1. National monetisation pipeline could be a game changer for the Indian economy, but at the same time, it is marred with various challenges. Discuss. (250 Words, 15 Marks) 2. More than 30 years have passed since the reforms of 1991\. Discuss the objectives of those reforms and what are the positive outcomes of them.(250 Words, 15 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. National monetisation pipeline could be a game changer for the Indian economy, but at the same time, it is marred with various challenges. Discuss.** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - National Monetisation Pipeline is an initiative by the Government of India for **resource mobilisation through monetisation of brownfield, but underutilised infrastructure assets.** ***or*** - The Union Budget 2021-22 identifies monetisation of public assets as one of the three pillars for infrastructure financing in the country. **Main Body:** **NMP as a game changer** for the economy:- - **Mobilising resources** for the creation of capital assets and meeting the infrastructure requirements of the country. - **Ensures resource efficiency** in infrastructure operations and maintenance by leveraging private sector expertise. - **Reduced risk for the private sector** as these are brownfield projects. - There will not be inordinate delays owing to land and environmental clearances. - It will **enable Government-led capital creation** to overcome the economic slowdown induced by the COVID-19 pandemic. - Assist in **quality job creation** in the different sectors as envisioned by the programme. **Challenges in the implementation of the National monetisation pipeline are:** - **Attracting private players:** Privatisation in government companies such as Air India and BPCL or the PPP initiative in railways, did not attract enough private sector interest. - **Providing a balanced risk profile of assets:** Making correct projections of risks associated with long-term projects in diverse sectors. - **Lack of identifiable revenue streams:** in less profitable sectors, due to an immediate lack of revenue streams or poor investment sentiments for such sectors. - **Asset-specific Challenges:** - Low level of capacity utilisation in gas and petroleum pipeline networks, - Regulated tariffs in the power sector assets. - Low interest among investors in national highways below four lanes etc. **The following measures can help in overcoming the challenges:** - **Development finance institution (DFI):** DFIs can help in domain-specific assessment of risks and benefits, and in overseeing effective utilisation of mobilised resources. - **Dispute Resolution Mechanism:** Efficient and effective dispute resolution will help improve the attractiveness of projects and assets. - **Transparent Bidding:** Promotes trust and helps create a level playing field. - **Investor-friendly Taxation:** There should be synergy between taxation and investment promotion measures in attracting foreign investments. - Promotion of financial instruments such as Infrastructure investment trusts, Masala Bonds, etc. **Conclusion:** - National Monetisation Pipeline provides a critical diversification of options in mobilising resources for infrastructure expansion in the country. ***or*** - Effective management of issues inherent to public-private partnerships, asset valuation, predictable government policies and execution will be crucial for success. --- **2\. More than 30 years have passed since the reforms of 1991\. Discuss the objectives of those reforms and what are the positive outcomes of them.** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Reforms are an ongoing process that were seen in the 1970s and 1980s, but the massive reforms of 1991 were a watershed moment in the history of the Indian economy. These reforms were a change from earlier highly regulated, bureaucratically controlled and strictly licensed systems. **Main Body** - The reforms of 1991 were labelled as liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation. Its **objectives** were - - De-licensing of items that were an exclusive domain of MSMEs by following a forward-looking policy. - Liberal norms for foreign investments, which were selective in earlier times due to fear of pulling out of investments due to fed increasing rates and also the impact on local businesses. - For economic reforms to succeed, fiscal stabilisation is a precondition. Fiscal deficit reached 8.4-8.6% and it was necessary to reduce it by restructuring expenditure and subsidies, along with the abolition of export subsidies. - Tax reforms like a reduction in income tax and corporate tax. - Financial sector reforms like opening the banking sector to private players, statutory powers to SEBI, etc. - With the changing global scenario and domestic needs, the reforms were significant and have had a **positive impact.** - Better investment scenario and steadily increasing foreign investments, which has eased the burden on the fiscal deficit and government spending to some extent. - Capital availability is a major factor driving industrial growth, and reforms have eased the flow of capital, which makes it easy for industrialists to access it. - Better GDP growth and shedding the tag of ‘Hindu rate of growth’ which used to hover around 3.5%. The GDP rate was high in the late 2000s and even touched the mark of 9%. - The establishment of SEBI helped a lot in stock market growth, which further eased investments and the growth of the capital market. - Forex reserves are at a record high and are still on the rise. This is important because the fall in forex reserves forced reforms from the government side. **Conclusion** - Reforms are a constant that must be pursued with changing time and economic scenario. It helps bring positive changes in all sectors of the economy, whether agriculture, services or manufacturing. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### PM Modi's Historic 5-Nation Tour & BRICS Summit: Summary URL: https://www.upscprep.com/pm-modis-historic-5-nation-tour-brics-summit-summary/ Last updated: 2025-07-10T15:45:10.000Z ## Overview Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a historic 5-nation tour (2-9 July, 2025) to **Ghana**, **Trinidad & Tobago**, **Argentina**, **Brazil**, and **Namibia**, aimed at strengthening India's engagement with the **Global South** and deepening strategic partnerships across the Atlantic. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-15.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-82.png) --- ## 1\. GHANA (First Stop) ### Key Highlights - **Historic Achievement**: Elevated India-Ghana ties to the **Comprehensive Partnership** level - **Highest Honour**: PM Modi conferred with **"The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana"** \- Ghana's highest civilian honour - **Parliamentary Address**: Historic address to Ghana's Parliament ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-27.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-38.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-28.png) ### Agreements & MoUs - **4 MoUs signed** covering: - Cultural exchange and traditional music - Standards cooperation - Ayurveda and Traditional Medicine - Joint Commission Mechanism between Foreign Ministries ### Key Statements & Quotes **PM Modi on India-Ghana relationship:** > "The relationship between India and Ghana knows no bounds, noting the friendship between the two nations is sweeter than Ghana's famous 'Sugar Loaf Pineapple'" **PM Modi on democracy:** > "For India, democracy is not just a system, it is a part of our fundamental values" **PM Modi describing India:** > "India as the mother of democracy, stressing the importance of openness and dialogue in a democratic setup" ### Cooperation Areas Discussed - Vaccine hub development for West African region - Digital public infrastructure - Skill development - Critical minerals - Defence and maritime security - Energy cooperation --- ## 2\. TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (Second Stop) ### Key Highlights - **Historic Milestone**: Commemorating **180 years of India-Trinidad & Tobago relations** - **Highest Honour**: PM Modi conferred with **"The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago"** \- the Caribbean nation's highest civilian honour - **Parliamentary Address**: Historic address to Joint Session of Parliament at the iconic Red House ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-35.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-37.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-36.png) ### Major Announcements - **OCI Extension**: 6th generation Indian-origin citizens now eligible for OCI cards - **Digital Infrastructure**: Trinidad & Tobago becomes **first Caribbean nation to adopt UPI** - **Educational Support**: India to provide **2000 laptops** to students ### Agreements & MoUs - **6 agreements signed** covering: - Diplomatic training - Sports cooperation - ICCR establishment - Cultural exchanges - Accessible pharmaceuticals - Infrastructure development ### Key Statements & Quotes **PM Modi on Global South:** > "The voice of the developing world remains on the margins and India will work with its partners to give the Global South its rightful seat at the high table" **PM Modi on democracy:** > "Democracy is more than just a political system for India, calling it a way of life" **PM Modi on global governance:** > "The old institutions are struggling to deliver peace and progress while at the same time, the Global South is rising" ### Cooperation Areas - Disaster management - Climate change - Defense - Technology - Healthcare - Agricultural research --- ## 3\. ARGENTINA (Third Stop) ### Key Highlights - **Historic Visit**: **First bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in 57 years** - **Strategic Partnership**: Agreed to further deepen existing strategic partnership - **Ceremonial Honor**: Received **"Key to the City of Buenos Aires"** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-46.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-45.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-47.png) ### Key Meetings - Bilateral talks with President Javier Milei - Paid tribute to General José de San Martín (Argentina's freedom fighter) - Paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore statues ### Major Discussions & Agreements - **MERCOSUR Expansion**: Support for expanding India-MERCOSUR preferential trade agreement - **Pharmaceutical Cooperation**: Argentina to allow imports of medicines with US FDA/European EMA approvals - **Energy Partnership**: Cooperation in shale gas, oil, and critical minerals (lithium, copper, rare earth elements) - **Space Cooperation**: Building on 2007 launch of Argentina's first satellite by ISRO - **UPI Interest**: President Milei showed keen interest in India's UPI digital payment system ### Key Statements **PM Modi on Mahatma Gandhi:** > "Mahatma Gandhi's timeless vision and noble ideals will always guide humanity" **PM Modi on Rabindranath Tagore:** > "Gurudev Tagore had visited Argentina in 1924 and had left a lasting impression on the minds of many people in this nation, especially scholars and students" ### Cooperation Areas - Defense and security - Agriculture and food processing - Mining and mineral resources - Renewable energy - Trade and investment - Space technology - Sports management (cricket-football collaboration) --- ## 4\. BRAZIL (Fourth Stop) ### A. BRICS Summit (Rio de Janeiro) #### Key Highlights - **17th BRICS Summit** participation - **India's Future Role**: India to assume BRICS Chairmanship in 2026 - **Pahalgam Terror Attack**: BRICS leaders condemned the April 22 attack in strongest terms #### Major Statements by PM Modi **On Global South and institutional reforms:** > "The Global South often faces double standards about development, distribution of resources, and security-related matters" > "Without the Global South, these institutions are like a mobile phone with a SIM card without a network" > "21st Century software cannot run on 20th Century typewriters" **On Climate Justice:** > "For India, Climate Justice is no alternative but a Moral Duty" **On AI and Technology:** > "No country should weaponise critical minerals, technology and supply chains to further its selfish gain" #### Key Initiatives Proposed by PM Modi - BRICS Science and Research Repository - AI Impact Summit (to be hosted by India) - Secure supply chains for critical minerals - Responsible AI governance #### Bilateral Meetings on BRICS Sidelines - **Malaysia**: Reviewed Comprehensive Strategic Partnership - **Cuba**: Discussed biotechnology, pharma, Ayurveda, Digital Public Infrastructure - **Bolivia**: Bilateral discussions with President Luis Arce Catacora - **Uruguay**: Meeting with President Yamandú Orsi ### B. State Visit to Brasília ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-58.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-59.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-60.png) #### Key Highlights - **Historic Visit**: **First bilateral visit by Indian PM to Brazil in 57 years (second overall)** - **Highest Honor**: PM Modi conferred with **"Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross"** \- Brazil's highest civilian award - **Trade Target**: Set ambitious target of **$20 billion bilateral trade by 2030** (from current $12.2 billion) #### Major Announcements - **UPI in Brazil**: Plans to enable UPI adoption in Brazil - **MERCOSUR Expansion**: Work to expand preferential trade agreement - **Pharmaceutical Cooperation**: Brazilian welcome to Indian pharma companies setting up base in Brazil #### Agreements & MoUs - **6 MoUs signed**: - Counter-terrorism and transnational crime intelligence - Biofuel cooperation (ethanol blended fuel) - Renewable energy cooperation - Agriculture research - Classified information exchange - Intellectual Property regime #### Key Cooperation Areas - Agriculture and food processing - Digital public infrastructure - Space technology - Defense and security - Critical minerals access - Sports management (cricket-football collaboration) --- ## 5\. NAMIBIA (Fifth & Final Stop) ### Key Highlights - **Historic Visit**: **First PM Modi visit to Namibia; third-ever Indian PM visit after 27 years** - **Highest Honour**: PM Modi conferred with **"Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis"** \- Namibia's highest civilian award (**4th award during this tour, 27th overall**) - **Parliamentary Address**: Historic address to the Namibian Parliament ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-68.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-69.png) ### Major Announcements - **UPI Launch**: Namibia becomes the **first country globally** where NPCI signed a technology agreement with the central bank for a UPI-like system - **Global Initiatives**: Namibia joined: - Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) - Global Bio Fuel Alliance - International Big Cat Alliance ### Agreements & MoUs - **4 MoUs signed**: - Health and Medicine cooperation - Entrepreneurship Development Centre establishment - Digital Payment System implementation - Capacity building programs ### Key Statements by PM Modi **On Africa's role:** > "Africa must not be viewed merely as a source of raw materials, but as a continent that must lead in value creation and sustainable growth" **On partnership approach:** > "Build a future not through power, but through partnership, while preserving their indigenous identities" **On India-Africa relationship:** > "India is deeply concerned about the Global South and believes in growing together with the world, not just individually" **On shared values:** > "The true value of the India-Africa partnership lies in shared growth and shared purpose" ### Cooperation Areas - Critical minerals and hydrocarbons - Defense cooperation - Healthcare and traditional medicine - Digital public infrastructure - Capacity building - Agriculture and food security - Environmental conservation On his 5-nation tour, PM Modi presented global leaders with gifts that carried more than artistic value. Each offering was a tribute to our timeless traditions, crafted by the hands of Indian artisans and steeped in spiritual and cultural significance. Here are the iconic gifts presented to world leaders, each one echoing the powerful message of “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-79.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-80.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-81.png) --- ## Key Diplomatic Meetings (EAM Jaishankar) ### On BRICS Sidelines: - **Iran**: Met Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi - discussed regional developments - **Russia**: Met Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov - discussed bilateral cooperation, West Asia, BRICS, SCO - **Mexico**: Met Secretary of Foreign Affairs Juan Ramón de la Fuente - discussed health, digital, technology, space cooperation --- ## Major Themes & Strategic Outcomes ### 1\. Global South Leadership - Consistent emphasis on Global South representation in international institutions - Call for comprehensive reforms in UN Security Council, IMF, World Bank, WTO - Advocacy for multipolar and inclusive world order ### 2\. Counter-Terrorism Cooperation - Strong condemnation of Pahalgam terror attack by all partner nations - Emphasis on zero tolerance for terrorism - Rejection of double standards in counter-terrorism efforts ### 3\. Digital Infrastructure Expansion - UPI adoption in multiple countries (Brazil, Namibia, Trinidad & Tobago) - Digital public infrastructure cooperation - Technology transfer and capacity building ### 4\. Economic Partnerships - Ambitious trade targets (Brazil: $20 billion by 2030) - Focus on critical minerals and energy security - Pharmaceutical cooperation and healthcare access ### 5\. Climate and Environment - Climate justice as moral duty - Sustainable development partnerships - Green energy cooperation ### 6\. Cultural and People-to-People Ties - OCI extension for Trinidad & Tobago (6th generation) - Cultural exchange programs - Educational cooperation and skill development ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-70.png) --- ## Historic Significance 1. **First bilateral visits in decades**: Argentina (57 years), Brazil (57 years), Namibia (27 years) 2. **Highest civilian honors**: Received from all 5 nations visited 3. **Comprehensive partnership elevation**: Ghana elevated to Comprehensive Partnership 4. **Global South advocacy**: Consistent push for reformed global governance 5. **Digital payment expansion**: Multiple countries adopting UPI-like systems 6. **BRICS leadership**: India set to assume chairmanship with clear agenda --- ## Looking Forward ### India's BRICS Chairmanship (2026) - Theme: "Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability" - AI Impact Summit to be hosted by India - Focus on South-South cooperation - Emphasis on responsible AI governance ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-90.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-89.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-91.png) ### Multilateral Engagement - Strengthened ties with the African Union, ECOWAS, and CARICOM - Enhanced cooperation in the BRICS and G20 platforms - Continued advocacy for Global South priorities This comprehensive tour successfully reinforced India's position as a leading voice of the Global South while establishing concrete partnerships for economic, technological, and strategic cooperation across multiple continents. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### The Dalai Lama Succession URL: https://www.upscprep.com/the-dalai-lama-succession/ Last updated: 2025-07-03T06:53:17.000Z ## The Current Crisis: July 2025 As the 14th Dalai Lama approaches his 90th birthday on July 6, 2025, a significant diplomatic and religious crisis is unfolding. The Tibetan spiritual leader has just announced that his successor will be chosen exclusively by the **Gaden Phodrang Trust**, directly defying China's claims to control the succession process. This announcement has triggered immediate pushback from Beijing, setting the stage for a complex geopolitical confrontation involving religious freedom, political sovereignty, and international relations. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-11.png) ## Understanding the Traditional Succession Process ### The Reincarnation Tradition The selection of the Dalai Lama follows a centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist tradition based on the concept of reincarnation. According to this belief system: - **Tulku System**: High-ranking lamas (spiritual teachers) are believed to be reincarnated beings who consciously choose to return to help others achieve enlightenment - **Recognition Process**: When a Dalai Lama dies, senior monks and religious authorities conduct searches to identify the child who is believed to be his reincarnation - **Traditional Methods**: The search involves various spiritual practices, including: - Consulting oracles and divination - Analysing prophetic dreams and visions - Testing children with objects belonging to the previous Dalai Lama - Seeking signs and omens ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-1.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-2.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-3.png) ### Historical Precedent The current 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was identified through this traditional process in 1937 as a two-year-old child in northeastern Tibet. He was recognised as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama and officially enthroned in 1940. ## Key Institutions in the Succession Process ### The Gaden Phodrang Trust The Gaden Phodrang Trust is the central institution in the current succession controversy: - **Establishment**: Founded by the 14th Dalai Lama as a charitable organization - **Registration**: Registered in Zurich, Switzerland, as a tax-exempt nonprofit - **Purpose**: Originally created to support Tibetan students, scholars, and educational institutions - **Current Role**: Now designated as the sole authority to recognize the next Dalai Lama - **Leadership**: Managed by the Dalai Lama and supervised by the Swiss Federal Department of Home Affairs ### The Gaden Phodrang Foundation A related but separate entity that works alongside the Trust in preserving Tibetan Buddhist traditions and supporting the Dalai Lama's charitable work. ### The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) - **Location**: Based in Dharamshala, India - **Role**: Serves as the Tibetan government-in-exile - **Function**: Maintains democratic institutions and represents Tibetan interests internationally - **Relationship**: Works closely with the Dalai Lama but operates as a separate political entity ## China's Position and Claims ### Beijing's Assertions China maintains several key positions regarding the Dalai Lama succession: 1. **Legal Authority**: Claims that Chinese law requires government approval for all reincarnations of "Living Buddhas" 2. **Historical Precedent**: Points to historical instances where Chinese emperors confirmed Dalai Lama selections 3. **Sovereignty**: Argues that as Tibet is part of China, the succession process must occur within Chinese territory and under Chinese oversight 4. **Anti-Separatism**: Views the current Dalai Lama as a "separatist" who seeks to undermine Chinese territorial integrity ### Chinese Government Response (July 2025) Following the Dalai Lama's recent announcement, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated that the succession must take place in mainland China and get approval from the central government. China has consistently stated that it alone has the authority to appoint the next leader of Tibetan Buddhism. ### Historical Context of Chinese Involvement China's involvement in Tibetan religious affairs intensified after: - The 1959 Tibetan uprising and the Dalai Lama's subsequent exile - The establishment of the Tibet Autonomous Region in 1965 - The implementation of regulations governing reincarnation processes in 2007 ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-7.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-8.png) ## India's Critical Role ### Strategic Importance India's position in the Dalai Lama succession is multifaceted: 1. **Host Nation**: India has hosted the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile since 1960 2. **Diplomatic Balancing**: Must balance support for the Dalai Lama with its complex relationship with China 3. **Security Considerations**: Views Tibet as strategically important for border security and water resources 4. **Cultural Connections**: Recognizes historical Buddhist ties between India and Tibet ### Current Indian Stance India has generally supported the Dalai Lama's right to choose his successor while avoiding direct confrontation with China. In June 2024, the Times of India, a mainstream newspaper, published an op-ed asking India to prepare for a post–Dalai Lama scenario. The piece advocated for a robust Tibet policy as leverage against China at a sensitive time. ### The Dharamshala Factor The Dalai Lama's residence in Dharamshala, India, adds another layer of complexity. After fleeing Tibet, the current Dalai Lama helped establish a democratic Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamshala, while also traveling the world to advocate autonomy for the Tibetan people. ## International Dimensions ### United States Position The U.S. has taken a supportive stance toward Tibetan autonomy. U.S. lawmakers have previously said they would not allow China to influence the choice of the Dalai Lama's successor. In 2024, then U.S. President Joe Biden signed a law that presses Beijing to resolve a dispute over Tibet's demands for greater autonomy. ### Global Religious Freedom Implications The succession dispute raises broader questions about religious freedom and state interference in spiritual matters. International human rights organizations have condemned China's attempts to control religious practices in Tibet. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/1.-UPSCprep-Banner.png) [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) --- ## The Current Succession Plan ### The Dalai Lama's 2025 Declaration In his recent statement, the 14th Dalai Lama made several key declarations: 1. **Institutional Continuity**: "I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue" 2. **Exclusive Authority**: "I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognize the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter" 3. **Location Independence**: The Dalai Lama has said his successor will be born outside China and urged his followers to reject anyone chosen by Beijing ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-6.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-9.png) ### Breaking from Previous Uncertainty This declaration represents a significant shift from the Dalai Lama's previous statements. In previous years, he had also said it was possible that there might be no successor at all. ## Potential Scenarios and Implications ### Scenario 1: Competing Successors The most likely outcome is the emergence of two competing claimants: - One chosen by the Gaden Phodrang Trust and recognised by the Tibetan exile community - Another selected by the Chinese authorities and recognized by Beijing ### Scenario 2: International Recognition Battle Different countries may recognise different successors, creating a diplomatic split similar to historical papal schisms. ### Scenario 3: Institutional Evolution The succession process may evolve beyond traditional reincarnation concepts, potentially incorporating more democratic elements as the Dalai Lama has previously suggested. ## Challenges and Complexities ### Religious vs. Political Authority The succession dispute highlights the tension between: - Traditional religious authority based on spiritual recognition - Modern political sovereignty and state control - International law and human rights principles ### Practical Considerations Several practical challenges complicate the succession: - **Physical Access**: Chinese control of Tibet limits access for traditional search procedures - **Authenticity**: Questions about the legitimacy if the process cannot follow traditional protocols - **Security**: Safety concerns for potential candidates and their families - **Documentation**: Proving the validity of the selection process to international observers ### The Role of Technology and Modernity The succession process must navigate between ancient traditions and modern realities, including: - Global communications and media attention - International law and diplomatic protocols - Changing attitudes toward religious authority among younger Tibetans ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-14.png) ## Broader Implications ### For Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism The succession outcome will significantly impact: - The unity of the Tibetan Buddhist community - The preservation of Tibetan cultural and religious traditions - The political future of the Tibet movement ### For China-India Relations The dispute adds another layer of complexity to already strained China-India relations, particularly regarding: - Border disputes in the Himalayas - Competition for influence in South Asia - Water rights and environmental concerns ### For International Relations The succession creates challenges for countries seeking to balance: - Support for religious freedom and human rights - Economic and diplomatic relationships with China - Stability in the Asia-Pacific region ## Conclusion: An Unfolding Crisis The Dalai Lama succession represents more than a religious transition—it embodies a fundamental clash between competing worldviews about sovereignty, religious freedom, and cultural preservation. As the 14th Dalai Lama approaches his 90th birthday, his recent declaration that his successor will be chosen by free Tibetans and the Gaden Phodrang Trust, defying Chinese interference, sets the stage for a protracted international dispute. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-5-1.png) The resolution of this crisis will likely depend on several factors: the international community's commitment to religious freedom, China's willingness to allow traditional processes to proceed, India's diplomatic approach, and the Tibetan people's ability to maintain unity across political and geographical divisions. What remains certain is that the succession process will be closely watched by governments, religious communities, and human rights organisations worldwide, as it represents a critical test of whether ancient spiritual traditions can survive in an increasingly interconnected and politically complex world. The stakes extend far beyond the selection of a single religious leader—they encompass fundamental questions about cultural survival, religious autonomy, and the balance between traditional authority and modern state power in the 21st century. --- **Also read:** ![The Indian Express Explained | The Dalai Lama, his successor, and China | For UPSC Aspirants](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-10.png) ![Source: Dainik Bhaskar English | For UPSC Aspirants ](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/07/image-12.png) **Note*: This is a developing story; updates will be added to this page.* --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/1.-Abhijeet-Essay-Course.png) #### Ace the Essay (With Abhijeet Yadav Sir) A comprehensive course to MASTER the ART AND CRAFT OF ESSAY WRITING [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/ace-the-essay-with-abhijeet-yadav-sir/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Bilateral, Regional, and Global Groupings) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-2-bilateral-regional-and-global-groupings/ Last updated: 2025-07-01T17:28:56.000Z **Subject:** GS 2 **Syllabus:** Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. ### **Questions** 1. Highlight the strategy and potential contradictions in India's participation in the Quad, a coalition with the US and its Asian allies, and BRICS, where India engages with China, Russia, Brazil, and South Africa.(250 Words, 15 Marks) 2. Analyse the reasons behind the growing preference for mini-laterals in global politics and discuss the advantages of mini-laterals compared to global bodies. (150 Words, 10 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. Highlight the strategy and potential contradictions in India's participation in the Quad, a coalition with the US and its Asian allies, and BRICS, where India engages with China, Russia, Brazil, and South Africa.** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - The quadrilateral security dialogue (Quad) consists of Japan, India, the United States, and Australia, united by their democratic values and shared interests in maritime trade and security. - On the other hand, BRICS is a grouping of emerging economies, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, aimed at enhancing cooperation for sustainable and mutually beneficial development. **Main Body** However, in moving closer to the US and the US-led Quad in recent years”, experts argue, Delhi has worsened “India-China and India-Russia relations” and halted progress “in the development of BRICS”. So it presents a contradiction before India whether to choose QUAD or BRICS. **Contradictions:** - India's engagement in both BRICS and the Quad reflects its **strategic confusion** between the East and the West and between Eurasia and the Indo-Pacific. - From Beijing’s perspective, India has leveraged the BRICS for regional cooperation and used the Quad as a potential counterbalance to China's influence, according to Beijing's perspective. - To become a member of an anti-China military alliance while remaining part of an important bloc involving China, India finds itself in a difficult situation where it may be forced to choose its side. - **China accuses India of adopting a non-cooperative attitude within BRICS,** limiting the development of the group in recent years. - While India seeks financial support through platforms like the New Development Bank, China believes India's approach has been restrictive in other aspects. **India’s Strategy:** - The BRICS was part of India’s strategy in the unipolar moment that dawned at the end of the Cold War. - India’s current enthusiasm for the Quad is about limiting the dangers of a unipolar Asia dominated by China. - The BRICS forum provides a useful communication channel between Delhi and Beijing at a very difficult moment in the evolution of their bilateral relations. - The BRICS is also about India’s enduring partnerships with Russia, Brazil, and South Africa. - India, through various multilateral ties, now appears ready to expand cooperation with the West or East **based on enlightened self-interest.** - India is open to benefiting from the Quad's support and enhancing regional connectivity, as well as expanding its naval capabilities. - Additionally, India is willing to engage with China if there is cooperation in addressing terrorism and facilitating India's growth. - India held that the **Quad was more about sharing democratic experiences** than a security arrangement directed at China. - India’s membership in QUAD should be seen in this light as a counterbalancing initiative to secure its neighbourhood. - The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said India seeks to have a prominent role in the Quad and BRICS, aiming for active participation on international platforms and maintaining a balanced engagement between the two groups. **Conclusion:** - India's government has maintained a clear stance regarding India's role in global affairs. However, how it navigates its position in both the BRICS and the Quad will ultimately determine its statesmanship. - Given India's proximity to China and the extensive border shared between the two countries, India must exercise caution and strategically engage with both BRICS and the Quad, aiming to have a role in both groups. --- **2\. Analyse the reasons behind the growing preference for mini-laterals in global politics and discuss the advantages of mini-laterals compared to global bodies.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - Minilaterals are **informal initiatives involving a small number of states** that aim to **address specific threats or security issues** within a defined timeframe. They are ad hoc in nature and rely on voluntary commitments from participating countries. - Minilaterals have existed alongside bilateral and multilateral approaches in global governance since the post-war era. The creation of multilateral institutions involved disguised minilateral negotiations among Atlantic powers led by the United States. **Main Body:** In recent years there has been a **steady proliferation of minilateral initiatives** in the areas of trade, security, finance, and climate change. Certain reasons for this are: - **Inertia and stagnation in Multilaterals:** Multilateral organisations face hurdles in decision-making due to their formal structures and diverse membership. - The changing global order raises questions about their continued relevance. - **The growing importance of Strategic Alliances** over global cooperation. - These initiatives can facilitate issue-specific partnerships between like-minded countries. - Example: Quad has been created to advance the interests of like-minded countries. - **Rising Geopolitical Rivalry:** Geopolitical rivalry and a multipolar world have strained multilateral organisations, leading to stalled decision-making and institutional reforms. - **Growth of ICT:** Technological advancements have facilitated global and regional cooperation by expanding networks and enabling less formal means of communication, such as telephony and the Internet. - **Capacity constraints of countries:** China's territorial disputes with neighbours challenge minilateralism due to its aggressive behaviour and the power disparity with smaller countries. - **Cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR),** Freedom of navigation, the rule of law, and the rules-based order are key drivers of minilateralism in the Indo-Pacific region. **The advantages of mini laterals are:** - **Bring in Balance of Power:** Disputes with China have compelled India and other Indo-Pacific countries to adopt a power-centric approach in shaping the regional order, contrary to their historical stance. - **Coming together of Like-minded Partners:** India's multilateral engagement strengthens military preparedness and interoperability through agreements with key Indo-Pacific powers. - **The slower pace of Multilateral bodies:** Plurilateral initiatives have shown greater success in international trade regulation than multilateral agreements. - For ex-, Because of the slow pace of the Doha trade negotiations, countries have increasingly explored minilateral and plurilateral mechanisms to renegotiate tariffs and remove trade barriers. - **Absence of Formal Institutions:** Minilaterals operate without formal institutions or physical offices, allowing member states to determine objectives and priorities based on pressing issues. **However, the rise of these mini laterals is also associated with certain disadvantages and limitations. Some of them are:** - **Impact on Multilaterals:** Minilaterals can undermine the role of regional multilateral institutions like ASEAN, ARF, and East Asia Summit, weakening their neutrality and centrality. - **Impact on Global Organisations:** Minilaterals undermine international organisations, impacting their relevance and work programs. - **Impact on Global governance:** Minilaterals can fragment global governance mechanisms and escalate great power competition, hindering cooperation. - Example: SCO and AIIB, led by China, compete with G20 and G7, led by the West, forming parallel power structures. **Conclusion:** - Minilaterals foster political dialogue and confidence-building among key partners, paving the way for streamlined negotiations in multilateral platforms and advancing international cooperation. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (India and Its Neighbourhood) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-2-union-and-states-separation-of-powers-2/ Last updated: 2025-07-01T17:28:03.000Z **Subject:** GS 2 **Syllabus:** International Relations - India and its neighbourhood relations. - Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests ### **Questions** 1. Evaluate the efficacy of India's Neighbourhood First policy in fostering a peaceful and amicable subcontinent. (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. Among all the neighbours of India, there is minimal conflict in the case of Bhutan. Discuss the significance and areas of cooperation between India and Bhutan.(150 Words, 10 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. Evaluate the efficacy of India's Neighbourhood First policy in fostering a peaceful and amicable subcontinent.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - The "Neighbourhood First" policy is an important factor of India’s foreign policy that focuses on frequent high-level political exchanges and a policy of non-reciprocity towards neighbours in the subcontinent. - It is based on the Gujral Doctrine, which is a set of five principles to guide the conduct of foreign relations with India's immediate neighbours to maintain stability and growth in the region. **Main Body:** **Effectiveness of India's Neighbourhood First Policy:** - **Balancing India’s image and culture:** "Neighbourhood First" policy follows India’s vision of Vasudhaiva kutumbakam while making it a leader of the southern world developing countries. - **Continuous Dialogue** involves vigorous regional diplomacy by engaging with neighbouring nations and building political connectivity through dialogue. - For example, all heads of government of SAARC countries were invited to the oath-taking ceremony of the Prime minister in 2014. - **Resolving bilateral issues:** This policy helps India solve bilateral issues through mutual agreements without conflict. - For example, India and Bangladesh had agreed on the historic Land Boundary Agreement (LBA). - **Technical Cooperation in Subcontinent:** The policy also focuses on technical cooperation among like-minded developing countries without many technological advancements. - For example, the SAARC satellite was developed to share technology like telemedicine, e-learning etc., with people across South Asia. - **Disaster management:** India’s cooperation in disaster response, weather forecasting etc., has created a positive image worldwide while increasing soft power. - For example, operation Insaniyat, recent vaccine support during covid19 pandemic etc. - **Connectivity:** to ensure a free flow of resources, energy, goods, labour, and security information across borders. - For example, the Kaladan project with Myanmar. **Challenges to** **Neighbourhood First Policy:** - **Role of Pakistan:** Normalising equations with Pakistan remains India’s biggest challenge, as it openly uses terror as an instrument of state policy. - **Unstable Afghanistan:** Fragile politics and state-sponsored external threats from Pakistan make maintaining relations with Afghanistan a challenge too. - The recent role of the Taliban and the Non-inclusion of India as a major member in talks shows the weakness of the Neighbourhood First" policy. - **Dominant and Expansionist China:** China's policies towards Pakistan, such as constructing Gwadar Port and Diamer Bhasha dam, have raised suspicions. - Additionally, China's OBOR initiative has attracted smaller nations, further increasing concerns. - **Anti-Indian sentiments:** Increasing anti-Indian sentiments in Nepal, fueled by local political tactics and accusations of a big brotherly attitude from India, challenge India's Neighbourhood First policy. - Nepal's utilisation of China as a bargaining chip adds further complexity to the situation. **Conclusion:** - To quote Former Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee, You can change your friends but not neighbours. - Hence, to play a dominant role in the emerging multipolar world politics, India must develop good relations with its neighbours while not compromising its national aspirations. --- **2\. Among all the neighbours of India, there is minimal conflict in the case of Bhutan. Discuss the significance and areas of cooperation between India and Bhutan.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** ![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeMqsjo9H15rnEwGoBYLJjAXIdNkZyMyNENoaE0Vt9rkdkFuoSkDFSlxz68vuiozKL8FvoCPyERlVggZZkA7DKVV3qp36Pgkn-e_h_RTQxE_wrSZuAFU_-VyfL_A4r3-Or_-vKHrBkWrfFFxzWohpXZy7Hk?key=FaNWweO0IADgzHt_JzAByA) - Bhutan is our neighbor with the shortest land border shared among all the neighbors. It was in 1910 when Bhutan became a protectorate of British India which led to growing ties between two countries. **Main Body** Bhutan was first to recognize India when it got independent. It is **significant** for India in more than one ways like- - It is a buffer state between India and China and plays an important role in security. - Being an all weather friend, it is important for us in multilateral fora like UN etc to vote in India’s favor in host of issues. - India is Bhutan’s largest trading partner thus serving as an important market for Indian commodities. - Being a Himalayan state with many rivers, it has huge potential of hydropower which is reaped by India to some extent. - Politically stable Bhutan is in India’s interests and has at times helped in addressing the issues related to insurgency. **Areas of cooperation between India and Bhutan:** - There is a free-trade regime between the two which is administered by India Bhutan Trade and Transit Agreement 1972. - India has continually provided for access to sea routes for duty-free transit of Bhutanese exports. - Bhutan’s first five year plan was launched in 1961 and India has been its development partner since then by extending financial support. - India is a big source of investment and technology for hydro-power projects in Bhutan which not only fulfills Bhutanese demand but also fulfills the needs of North East states by export of surplus electricity. Current project development on Mangdechhu River is an example. - Border security is a big area of cooperation and there is a secretary-level mechanism and Border District Coordination Meeting established for it. - Education scholarships and cultural exchanges are another area of cooperation which help foster our soft power. **Conclusion** - Bhutan and India share deep and cordial ties and it borders our North East states which makes it very important from insurgency, connectivity and Chinese inclusion perspective. Thus it becomes more important to engage more and more with such neighbors. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Executive, Judiciary, Ministries, Pressure Groups) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-2-executive-judiciary-ministries-pressure-groups/ Last updated: 2025-07-01T17:11:18.000Z **Subject:** GS 2 **Syllabus:** Structure, organisation and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity. ### **Questions** 1. Corruption is a big issue plaguing the socio-economic and political landscape of India. In this context, discuss the impact of the Central Vigilance Commission and the issues involved in its functioning. (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. Lok Adalat, as a dispute resolution structure, is very significant for the current scenario. Discuss and also bring out some challenges faced by them.(250 Words, 15 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. Corruption is a big issue plaguing the socio-economic and political landscape of India. In this context, discuss the impact of the Central Vigilance Commission and the issues involved in its functioning.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - **Central Vigilance Commission** was established as an executive body as per the recommendations of **Santhanam Committee in 1964** and got statutory status under the **CVC Act 2003**. It was created to prevent corruption and hold civil servants and authorities accountable for any illegal activity. **Main Body** - Its main objective is to check corruption in **All India Services, central services, PSUs** etc, and it also reviews prosecution sanctions and recommends disciplinary actions against higher officials. - Central Vigilance Commission has been functioning for a long time and its impact since its formation includes- - It has taken **preventive and punitive actions** against erring officials and politicians. - Organizes **vigilance week annually** to spread awareness against corruption. It can act suo moto and acts as a civil court in this regard. - It gives clearances by checking profile of new appointees and going into criminal activities of those officers who seek voluntary retirements. - There are few measures to ensure its independence such as appointment by an independent committee comprising the **PM, Home Minister, Leader of Opposition** etc. - But even after this, there are some issues like- - The **conviction rate** in case of CVC is very low which has affected its impact and effectiveness. - CVC is only an **advisory body** because it can only register the criminal cases and after that it directs CBI to set up inquiries. - Any **decision** by the CVC is **not binding** and for further prosecution, the body needs to take sanction of organizations or ministries. - Due to the **high backlog of cases** and **vacancy** in judiciary, huge delays occur in the cases which makes it less deterrent. - Majority of the cases include issues like **unclear domain and jurisdiction**. **Conclusion** - Corruption strikes at the root of development and it is time that powers of the CVC are increased by giving it **more financial independence** and making its recommendation binding rather than just advisory. --- **2\. Lok Adalat as a dispute resolution structure is very significant for the current scenario. Discuss and also bring out some challenges faced by them.** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Lok Adalat is a method of alternative dispute redressal in which pending court cases at a pre-litigation stage are settled with assent of parties involved. They ensure that the idea of preamble which enshrines social, economic and political justice to every citizen of India is fulfilled. **Main Body** - Part IV under article 39A has provision for free legal aid to weaker sections and also to ensure justice to all. As a result, the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 was enacted to give statutory status to Lok Adalats. Significance of Lok Adalat includes- - Saving litigants and other stakeholders from lengthy and tedious court proceedings. - Decreasing court backlogs and pendency by ensuring cases are disposed of quickly. - It also ensures speedy justice, because it is available in local languages and at suitable places. - The award made by a lok adalat is made binding upon reaching a compromise and is enforced as a decree of a civil court. - Much more affordable because there is no court fee and any previous fee paid in the regular court is refunded. - The award by lok adalats is sustainable because they are made on compromise and help ensure friendly relations between parties. - During the proceedings, lok adalat acts as a conciliator with the main objective of convincing the parties to agree for a solution. - The lok adalats have been around for a long time but have not been able to achieve their objectives due to challenges like- - The provision of quick sittings at short intervals involving the same judge is almost impossible which affects continuity of the deliberations. - The clause of consent based decision making adds to delays and makes the process time consuming. - Lok adalats also focus on modernisation thus neglecting indigenous practices and beliefs which prevents people from all areas to opt for it. - Because they are held in open court, there is a lack of confidentiality which makes people skip this method if it involves some kind of embarrassment. - Vacancies and financial constraints means lack of resources in lok adalats resulting in inefficient dispensation of cases. - Awareness is also an issue, and because the proceedings take place in regular court premises, some iota of formality still remains. **Conclusion** - To ensure free legal aid which finds place in the directive principles is implemented properly, people need to be made aware and more Lok Adalats needs to be organized. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Constitutional & Quasi-judicial Bodies) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-2-constitutional-quasi-judicial-bodies/ Last updated: 2025-07-01T17:10:35.000Z **Subject:** GS 2 **Syllabus:** Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies. Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies. ### **Questions** 1. Environmental protection is gaining currency in recent decades and the National Green Tribunal is mandated to play a vital role. Discuss the role and list the issues faced by it in fulfilling its mandate. (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. Quasi-judicial bodies are important organs of governance. Explain their role and features. Also discuss the issues associated with them. (250 Words, 15 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. Environmental protection is gaining currency in recent decades and the National Green Tribunal is mandated to play a vital role. Discuss the role and list the issues faced by it in fulfilling its mandate.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - National Green Tribunal is a **quasi-judicial body** dealing with matters related to the environment conservation and protection. It was established in **2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act** for enforcing laws related to the environment and to grant relief to persons in case of damage to the environment. **Main Body** - India became the third country to have a dedicated tribunal for environment related issues giving mandate to the National Green Tribunal like- - It has the **powers of civil court and is not bound by the Code of Civil Procedure** but follows principles of natural justice. - **Environmental clearances** for any activity or projects by the government come under the jurisdiction of National Green Tribunal. - Enforces **legal rights and rectifies any wrongdoing,** which includes aspects related to the environment. - **Dispose appeals and applications within 6 months** of filing and recommend policies for environment protection. - But even with this mandate and few powers, it has not been able to function in an efficient manner due to reasons like- - The National Green Tribunal has many times invoked a **deadline clause** on the basis of technicality to dispose of petitions without any solution. This was done 11 times in 2020. - There is a **lack of expertise** and most of the appointments are from the judiciary rather than people with domain expertise. - Accessibility is another factor due to **less regional benches and environment exploitatio**n takes place in the length and breadth of the country. - **Vacancy** is another issue as since its creation, it has never worked in full capacity. This adds to **delays and pendency of cases**. - Many times the NGT has failed to fulfill merits based review criteria. This was pointed out by the Supreme Court in the Mopa airport case. **Conclusion** - The **NGT has better track record than other courts** in concluding environment related cases but to achieve its full potential, the issues of vacancies and pendency needs to be addressed. Also, appointments must be from domain experts rather than generalists. --- **2\. Quasi-judicial bodies are important organs of governance. Explain their role and features. Also discuss the issues associated with them.** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - **Quasi-judicial** bodies have functions similar to a court of law or a tribunal but they themselves are **not part of the judicial hierarchy**. Their powers are limited to specific areas of operation like administration, financial market, minorities etc. **Main body:** - They are **important in governance because**\- - These bodies do not follow conventional lengthy procedures of jurisprudence and thus make the **process simple to understand**. - **Lessen caseload on the judiciary** and help address the issue of case pendency. - Purpose of **justice upheld** as the public are hesitant to approach courts for want of time and money. But in the case of quasi-judicial bodies, **better access and affordable** justice make it easy for aggrieved citizens. - They are **manned by experts** rather than generalists thus making the process expeditious. - Their **role and features include**\- - They are created for a specific purpose, making them **‘issue specific**’. Eg- Central Administrative Tribunal, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Election Commission etc. - Their **nature can be different**. For instance, the Finance Commission is a constitutional body, SEBI is a regulatory body and NHRC is a statutory body. - They can include subject experts also apart from judges allowing for **technical expertise**. - Their decisions are **subject to judicial review.** - They are **affordable, accessible** and more effective for the common man. - **Issues** involved- - **Vacancies** are a major issue of these bodies which delays decision making. - **Pendency** of cases seen in tribunals is also due to the large volume of false cases. - Provision of making available **free legal aid** for weaker parties, not provided for like in NALSA, making the process disadvantageous. - **Independence** of these bodies is an issue as many appointments are at the sole discretion of the executive. - Most of the bodies **are recommendatory in nature** like NHRC and have no power to punish. They lack an enforcement mechanism and have no power to even enforce award compensation. **Conclusion:** - Formed to reduce the burden on the judiciary, they are now themselves subject to vacancies and a high case burden. It is time to bring in laws to allow **transparent appointment processes** and reduce vacancies which will expedite the disposal of cases. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Governance and Social Justice) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-2-governance-and-social-justice/ Last updated: 2025-07-01T17:09:45.000Z **Subject:** GS 2 **Syllabus:** Governance and Social Justice - Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation. - Development Processes and the Development Industry — the Role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders. ### **Questions** 1. How can we ensure that the bureaucracy functions as a strong support system and makes decisions that prioritise the best interests of the people, aligning with the motto of "minimum government and maximum governance"? (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. Examine the significance of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in India's developmental journey. In your opinion, are the current legal and regulatory systems sufficient to ensure the efficient functioning of NGOs?(250 Words, 15 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. How can we ensure that the bureaucracy functions as a strong support system and makes decisions that prioritise the best interests of the people, aligning with the motto of "minimum government and maximum governance"?** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - Civil servants are the 'steel frame of India,' connecting the government with the public. They formulate and implement policies, always prioritising the public interest. With the aim of 'minimum government and maximum governance,' they make decisions that ensure effective and welfare-oriented governance. ***or*** - The mantra of "minimum government and maximum governance" implies that the purpose of government is to serve the public interest through governance. In this, the Public is at the system's core rather than the government. The said purpose can be achieved by solving the following issues in governance. **Main Body** **Bureaucracy supporting the System but lagging in Public Interest:** - **Rule-based civil services** with a negligible connection between civil servants and citizens often become complex and cumbersome for the average citizen. - **Red Tapism and apathy of civil servants** towards the receiver (public) and blind loyalty towards political masters often lead to the ineffective formulation and implementation of public policies. - For example, A tribal woman in Jharkhand died due to hunger, she was denied ration due to the absence of required documents. It's not all dark and gloomy. There are many examples of various programmes and schemes which were designed in the larger public interest, such as MGNREGA, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and JAM Trinity etc. But more needs to be done for minimum government and maximum governance. **Prerequisites for minimum government and maximum governance:** - **Accessibility:** Bureaucratic red-tapism, the complexity of the paperwork, a multiplicity of authorities, etc., often make it difficult for an average citizen to access public services. - **Affordability:** Public service fees, paperwork, the complexity of the procedure (leads to agent involvement) etc., make it unaffordable for an average citizen to access public services. - For example, to get a loan of Rs. 1 Lakh, a poor man has to go through an expenditure of 10,000 for bribes, agents, travel and wage loss, etc. - **Accountability:** For a citizen-centric governance system, there is a need for accountability at the individual as well as organisational levels. **Steps that can be taken:** - **Digitisation:** Digitisation of governance also brings transparency, further pushing for the priority of the public interest. - The UMANG app is a good example of this direction from which citizens can avail of various services. - **Citizen Charter:** It will bring transparency and reduce the time for service delivery. - **Objectivity and simplification of the system:** Simplification of the documentation requirement will ease up the task for both civil servants as well as citizens. - Inculcating **Nolan's Principles** can make Indian Bureaucracy more in the public interest. - These principles are selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. - Also, **Mission Karmyogi** aims to radically improve the steel frame of India and bring public interest to the centre stage through maximum governance. **Conclusion:** - The trusteeship relationship between the public and the officials requires that the authority entrusted to the officials be exercised in the best interest of the people or the ‘public interest’. - The Nolan Committee, in its seven principles of public life, has emphasised serving "the public interest". Therefore the motto of "minimum government and maximum governance" is to serve the public interest by supporting the system. --- **2\. Examine the significance of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in India's developmental journey. In your opinion, are the current legal and regulatory systems sufficient to ensure the efficient functioning of NGOs?** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - A non-governmental organization (NGO) is a group that functions independently of any government. It is usually non-profit. - Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play an integral role in India's development trajectory. Acting as critical drivers of civil society, NGOs not only facilitate service delivery but also foster innovation, voice underrepresented groups, and shape policy discourse. **Main Body** Their role becomes critical, especially in areas where government mechanisms may not reach efficiently. **Significance of NGOs in India’s developmental journey** - **Service Delivery:** NGOs often fill gaps in public service delivery, especially in inaccessible and underserved regions. For example, organizations like **Goonj** have made noteworthy contributions to disaster relief efforts, filling in gaps left by official relief measures - **Representation and Advocacy:** NGOs serve as a voice for marginalized and vulnerable sections of society, advocating for their rights and welfare. For instance, PRADAN has been instrumental in empowering rural women through self-help groups. - **Policy Influence:** Many NGOs actively contribute to policy discourse and reforms. - **Innovation:** NGOs have pioneered innovative development models. The **Akshaya Patra** Foundation’s mid-day meal program exemplifies an NGO initiative scaling up to national importance. **Current Legal and Regulatory Systems for NGOs**The present legal and regulatory mechanisms present a **mixed picture.** While they do provide a structured framework for NGO operations, they also pose some stringent constraints. - **Regulatory Acts:** The functioning of NGOs in India is governed by various acts like the Societies Registration Act, 1860; the Indian Trusts Act, 1882; and the Companies Act, 2013 (Section 8). - **FCRA Regulations:** The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, regulates the acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions. The 2020 amendment to FCRA has been viewed by some as restrictive, potentially constraining the NGO sector. - **Accountability Mechanisms:** Mechanisms like the Darpan portal of NITI Aayog, and the NGO Darpan portal managed by the Ministry of Electronics and IT aim to ensure transparency and accountability. **Conclusion** - To enhance the efficiency of NGOs, it is paramount to ensure a balance between accountability and autonomy. - A conducive regulatory environment characterised by ease of compliance, transparency, and proportionate controls on malpractices, can truly leverage the potential of NGOs in India's socio-economic development. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-2-welfare-schemes-for-vulnerable-sections/ Last updated: 2025-07-01T17:08:56.000Z **Subject:** GS 2 **Syllabus:** Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes; Mechanisms, Laws, Institutions and Bodies constituted for the Protection and Betterment of these Vulnerable Sections. ### **Questions** 1. Institutes created for the betterment of vulnerable sections are themselves in need of betterment. Discuss? (250 Words, 15 Marks) 2. India's asymmetrical federalism has contributed to maintaining national unity by addressing the needs of various vulnerable communities. Critically analyze. (150 Words, 10 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. Institutes created for the betterment of vulnerable sections are themselves in need of betterment. Discuss?** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - Vulnerable groups are those groups of people who are not resilient and lack stability in leading a comfortable life, even by the slightest disturbance their stability can be disturbed. - In the Indian context old age people, physically disabled, sexual minorities, women, lower caste, and class groups for vulnerable sections of society. **Main Body:** **Institutes working for the betterment of vulnerable sections:** - National Commission for Scheduled Castes. - National Commission for Backward Classes. - National Commission for Safai Karamcharis. - National Commission for Scheduled Tribes – NCST. - The Rehabilitation Council of India. - The Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities - The National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities. - National Commission for Women - National Commission for Protection of Child Rights. - National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. - National Human Rights Commission **Reasons for failure:** - **Failure in execution:** The mandate is inclusive to a large extent but the bodies fail to implement the provisions using the existing mechanisms. - The recent incidents of Kathua and reports of NCRB (National Crime Record Bureau) highlighting increased violence by 300% depict the failure of the National Commission for Women. - **Dilution of principles:** Successive legislation and judgments have weakened provisions of the institutions. - The amendment to Forest Act 2006 has impacted the working of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes and affected their livelihood and community rights. - **Non-comprehensive mandates:** The mandate of institutions and citizen charter designed for it is non-inclusive. - For example, the failure to include intersex provisions in National Commission for Transgender Persons has side lined a large chunk of its benefits. - **Toothless tigers:** Many courts have commented on these bodies as “toothless tigers” as they lack the investigation and power to punish the deviants. They are dependent on courts for writs. - **Lack of funding avenues:** Poor finances of the institutions lead to poor performance. They are dependent on the central government for their operations. **Measure to improve the functioning:** - **Adoption of zero-tolerance policy:** This has to be adopted against deviants by the bodies to ensure deterrence. - **Making institutions responsive and accountable:** The institutions can be subjected to social audits annually and adopt ICT tools in line with the PRAGATI portal. - **Decentralization:** Active involvement of local bodies and citizens makes the commissions more citizen-centric and transparent. - **Process reforms:** The redesigning of citizen charters, gaining penal provisions, and integration with related ministries and commissions can shift institutions' focus towards result orientation. **Conclusion:** - Attitudinal problems, red-tapism, and lack of accountability have pulled down the functioning of the institutions meant for vulnerable sections. - As they are directed towards weaker sections it is important for their success in ensuring egalitarian society and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Ensure inclusivity and equality). --- **2\. India's asymmetrical federalism has contributed to maintaining national unity by addressing the needs of various vulnerable communities. Critically analyze.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Introduction** - Asymmetrical federalism in India refers to the differentiated relationship that the central government has with different states or regions based on their unique needs and circumstances. (E.g. Article 371) **Main BodyRole of asymmetrical federalism in maintaining national unity** 1. **Accommodation of Diversity:** By making special provisions for certain regions, it caters to the unique socio-economic and political needs of these regions, thereby accommodating diversity. 2. **Addressing Historical Injustices:** Special provisions like those for the North-Eastern states (Article 371A-J) acknowledge historical injustices and the unique political circumstances of these states, which fosters a sense of belonging and trust among these communities towards the Indian Union. 3. **Protecting Vulnerable Communities**: Asymmetrical federalism protects the cultural and social rights of vulnerable communities. For example, the Sixth Schedule provides for autonomous districts in tribal areas, allowing them to govern themselves according to their customary laws. 4. **Preventing Secessionist Tendencies:** By granting special autonomy and addressing specific issues, asymmetrical federalism has also played a role in managing and preventing secessionist tendencies in various parts of India. **Shortcomings of asymmetrical federalism** 1. **Perpetuating Regional Imbalances:** Critics argue that asymmetrical federalism can sometimes exacerbate regional imbalances, as certain regions receive more attention and resources than others. 2. **Encouraging Parochial Identities:** The emphasis on local and regional identities might perpetuate parochial sentiments, impeding the cultivation of a pan-Indian identity. 3. **Manipulation for Political Gains:** Special provisions can sometimes be manipulated for political gains. For instance, President's Rule has often been imposed in states based on arbitrary justifications, undermining federal principles. 4. **Uneven Implementation:** The implementation of the provisions of asymmetrical federalism has often been uneven, leading to discontent among certain sections. **Conclusion** - Asymmetrical federalism in India, in its essence, captures the ethos of unity in diversity. However, it is essential to ensure that these provisions are not misused for political gains and that their implementation is consistent and fair. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Issues in Social Sector) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-2-issues-in-social-sector/ Last updated: 2025-07-01T17:08:00.000Z **Subject:** GS 2 **Syllabus:** Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. Issues relating to Poverty and Hunger. ### **Questions** 1. The socio-economic benefits of Universal Health Coverage are plenty, but for it to be a reality the government must learn core lessons from pandemics and rebuild trust in public health. Comment. (250 Words, 15 Marks) 2. E-governance is not only time saving but also citizen friendly which ushers in participatory democracy. Discuss the importance of e-governance and the challenges involved. (150 Words, 10 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1.** **The socio-economic benefits of Universal Health Coverage are plenty, but for it to be a reality the government must learn core lessons from pandemics and rebuild trust in public health. Comment.**(250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - India with mass poverty, geographically distant communities, absence of healthcare infrastructure and shortage of healthcare professionals, needs a robust universal health coverage programme. **Main Body:** **Socio-Economic benefits of Universal Healthcare Coverage** - **Social:** - **Enhance accessibility:** every individual should have access to services that address the causes of disease and death. - **Improve health:** UHC ensures that quality of health services are good enough leading to improved health of people - **Formation of human capital:** affordable and good quality health services to women, children, adolescents and people suffering from mental health issues, would **enhance human capital.** - **Economic:** - **Reduction of financial distress:** it protects people from spending on healthcare services out of their own pockets. - **Reduction of poverty:** it will cut down the risk of people being pushed into poverty due to huge amounts of spending on unexpected diseases. - **Economic development:** In the long run, good health will allow children to learn and adults to earn. - Building a foundation of economic development in the country. **To provide UHC-core lessons of the pandemic** - **Human Resources:** - **Shortage of healthcare professionals:** especially in rural and small cities. - Only 45 doctors per lakh population are available, against WHO recommendation of 100. - **Compulsory Rural Stint:** To enhance availability and accessibility. - Maharashtra’s step to stop doctors avoiding rural stint after paying 10 lakhs fine. - **Affordability:** - **Price Regulation:** Need to regulate rates and quality in the private sector. - **Insurance coverage:** Increase insurance penetration and also the spectrum of treatments covered and PMJAY’s hospital coverage. - **Decrease out of pocket expenditure:** Report by Pew Research Center states that the pandemic pushed 32 million out of the middle class. - **Structural changes:** - **Increase vaccination infrastructure:** to tackle mass vaccination on lines of Polio eradication programme. - **Network of laboratories:** Robust testing infrastructure, with hub and spoke model. - **WHO’s framework of six healthcare system building blocks:** Study the lessons learnt post pandemic and create actionable points. - **Innovative Approach:** - **Behavioral change campaigns:** On lines of Swachh Bharat Mission to instill hygiene habits like hand washing. - **Focus on NCDs:** NCD burden was highlighted by comorbid complications of COVID-19\. They account for 2/3rd deaths in India. - **Technology leverage:** Tele-medicine, mobile-health, and digital platforms should be used for healthcare delivery at remote locations. **Steps to rebuild trust in healthcare:** - **Increase public spending on health:** By at least 3% by 2024. - **Expand healthcare workforce:** multilayered, multi skilled teams that can deliver the needed services must be made available. - **Address regional disparities:** incentivising rural areas for healthcare infrastructure. - **Reduce out-of-pocket expenditure:** essential drugs and diagnostics at public health care facilities should be made free, especially in rural areas. **Conclusion** - In the pandemic era, it is the public system, with all its problems, that has risen to the occasion. - There is a need to transform the fractured healthcare to a single healthcare system for everyone involving both public and private sectors. --- **2\. E-governance is not only time saving but also citizen friendly which ushers in participatory democracy. Discuss the importance of e-governance and the challenges involved.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - E-governance is the **application of information and communication technology to bring in more efficiency, transparency, accountability and accessibility in governance**. - The World Bank defines e-governance as **the use of information technology which can transform government relations** with businesses and citizens, and also at an intra-governmental level. **Main Body** - **Importance of e-governance** - It has enabled swift transfer of information with better data storage and retrieval systems for all the stakeholders involved like citizens, businesses, governments etc. Eg. Bhoomi Project (Karnataka), MCA21 Portal. - More digital penetration means **more awareness** among citizens and more use of their rights for vibrant and functioning democracy. Eg. Awareness about PDS after mandatory biometric verification. - It enables **bypassing of red tapism**, delays and complex approvals which affect smooth functioning of the governance process. Eg. Setu Suvidha Kendra - There is a **feedback system** like in case of citizen charter by which organizations and authorities know what improvements need to be done in line with changing times and demands. Eg. myGov portal - A lot of government procurement for office work goes in stationery which e-governance eliminates. This not only prevents extra recurring expenditure but also makes the process hassle free. - **Challenges** - **Digital divide** and **lack of awareness** is the biggest hurdle as people either don’t have access to means required for e-governance or lack the required skills to access it. - **Affordability**\- cost of setting up digital infrastructure to provide as well as access e-governance services is huge. - Lack of **skilled workforce** and human resources. - Data security and privacy issues- If the servers are not located in India, there is a risk of data compromise. - Just like the linguistic barrier in case of citizen charter, there is this barrier also in case of e-governance which excludes a lot of people who are comfortable only in their mother tongue. **Conclusion** - E-governance is a very important tool to usher in smart and effective governance but it is not possible without focusing on ease of governance. This can be done by making digital services more affordable and accessible so that even the weakest section can avail them. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Governance, Transparency, Accountability, and E-Governance) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-2-issues-in-social-sector-2/ Last updated: 2025-07-01T17:07:18.000Z **Subject:** GS 2 **Syllabus:** Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability, E-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; Citizens Charters, Transparency & Accountability and institutional and other measures. Role of Civil Services in a Democracy. ### **Questions** 1. What measures does the citizen's charter employ to ensure transparency and accountability within the administration? To what extent has it succeeded in promoting citizen-centric administration? (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. E-governance is an important tool to ensure citizen friendly services in a time bound manner. What are the challenges in e-governance and enumerate a few initiatives taken by the government? (150 Words, 10 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. What measures does the citizen's charter employ to ensure transparency and accountability within the administration? To what extent has it succeeded in promoting citizen-centric administration?** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - The Citizen's Charter is an optional and non-binding document that outlines the commitments made by a government organisation to its citizens regarding the services provided to them. - It includes the organisation's vision and mission statement and aims to promote accountability within the administration. **Main Body** **Measures Citizen's Charter employs to ensure transparency and accountability within the administration:** - It sets a measurable standard of service, allowing high expectations from an organisation, and pushing them to work diligently. - It promotes participative governance by making citizens aware of the aims and goals of the organisation and facilitating a feedback mechanism. - It makes provisions for the time-bound delivery of services, thus ensuring accountability by cutting into bureaucratic delays. - It promotes transparency in governance by clearly defining the service delivery process, thus reducing the element of discretion. - It provides for grievance redressal, thus giving citizens a recourse against poor service. - It streamlines the service delivery process, making the organisation efficient and cost-effective. **Challenges associated with Citizen Charter:** - The content, language and design are not user-friendly, which makes it difficult to understand. - Ex. Charters are often unavailable in regional languages, creating a linguistic barrier. - It is observed that in most cases, the citizen’s charter is not formulated through a consultative process, resulting in a copy-paste charter for every department/organisation. - The service providers, especially at the cutting-edge level, are not familiar with the philosophy, goals and features of the charter. - Poor awareness about the charter among the public makes it limited. - Charters are not updated promptly, failing to reflect the aspirations of the changing society. **Way Forward:** - Consumer groups, CSOs, etc., and stakeholders should be involved at every stage of formulating the citizen’s charter. - The language and design of the charter should be easily comprehensible. The charter should be made disabled-friendly. - E.g., the Charter should be brought into the braille system. - Orientation and training of the staff about the features and requirements of the charter. - Citizens’ charter should be publicised through hoardings, pamphlets, text messages etc. - Third-party involvement in assessing the charter and revising it periodically. - To make the charter more effective, it can be given a binding character through legal backing. **Conclusion:** - The Citizen's Charter reduces the information gap between citizens and the government. To enhance its effectiveness, it is essential to incorporate global best practices and implement the Sevottam model recommended by the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC). --- **2\. E-governance is an important tool to ensure citizen friendly services in a time bound manner. What are the challenges in e-governance and enumerate a few initiatives taken by the government?** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - E-governance involves the use of internet connection and communications devices which can be portable like smartphones and tablets or non-portable like computers. It is used to deliver goods and services to citizens in an efficient and time bound manner. **Main Body** - It is an evolving area which offers new and innovative opportunities for delivering services with a feedback mechanism. It ensures a participatory approach where services can be customized based on the target audience. - But due to some challenges, e-governance has not achieved its potential. **Some of these challenges are**: - There is less human interaction in the e-governance process due to more mechanization which leads to less value integration and more rule following. - Lack of digital infrastructure, connectivity and speed issues in rural hinterland and inhospitable terrain is a big glitch. - Lack of computer literacy is a big issue as the majority doesn’t know how to operate devices to access e-governance benefits. Even if they know, many are not aware of how to use applications and processes to get benefits. - Efficient e-governance can at times become inefficient due to technical glitches, server issues or poor internet speed. - Due to rising risks of cyber crimes and data theft, huge amounts of data are at the risk of being sabotaged. - **Government initiatives:** - Common Services Centres - MyGov Initiative - National Scholarships Portal (NSP) - Darpan Portal - DigiLocker - National Center of Geo-informatics - National e-Governance Plan - Unified Payment Interface (UPI) **Conclusion** - E-governance is the way forward to deliver goods and services to a growing population which is going to surpass China and become the most populated country in the world. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Union and States, Separation of powers) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-2-union-and-states-separation-of-powers/ Last updated: 2025-07-01T15:42:19.000Z **Subject:** GS 2 **Syllabus:** - Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein. - Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions. ### **Questions** 1. Indian constitution defines India to be a Union of States. But federalism is a part of the basic structure of the constitution. Comment. Also discuss the challenges to this federal structure. (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. How does the principle of separation of powers in the Constitution of India differ from the rigid separation of powers in the Constitution of the United States of America? Provide illustrations to support your explanation. (250 Words, 15 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. Indian constitution defines India to be a Union of States. But federalism is a part of the basic structure of the constitution. Comment. Also discuss the challenges to this federal structure.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Federal structure of polity means decentralization and division of power between the center and states. Federal system in India is a quasi-federal type with features of both federation and union. **Main Body** - Many important leaders in constituent assembly called for a unitary structure due to challenges and social diversity prevailing at that time. But the federal structure of power distribution was opted to give voice to regional aspirations. **Federal features of Indian constitution** - Dispersion of powers between the center and the unit states forming a federation among a number of coordinate bodies, controlled by constitution. - Rigidity – neither the center nor the state has power to amend the provision of the constitution relating to separation of powers. - A written constitution - Domination of the constitution – neither of center or state have power to nullify the constitution - An independent body and unprejudiced authority (Eg. Judiciary) **Challenges to the Indian Federal structure** - Centralized planning by organs like Planning Commission, National Development Council and other such organs make states dependent on the center for finance and at times arm twisting for getting such funds. - Regionalism is acceptable to a certain limit when it helps in the progress of a region. But an extreme form of regionalism can manifest in demand of autonomy which can take violent forms and affect internal security. - Single citizenship goes against the identity of a citizen as a member of a particular state and creates a rift in their mind sowing the seeds of discontent. - The office of governor is vested with all executive powers of the state. Also, the imposition of constitutional emergency can be recommended by this office. There have been instances where this emergency was imposed unconstitutionally and was revoked on the orders of the Supreme court. - Supremacy of constitution with centralized amending powers and states having almost nil voice in this exercise makes the structure more unitary and less federal. - Indestructible union of destructible states means that the center can create new states but states do not have a right to secede from the Indian union. **Conclusion** - Federalism is a part of the basic structure of the constitution and steps need to be taken to ensure that this is not violated. Due deliberations and taking all states on board is a way ahead before framing any law which has an impact on states as a whole. --- **2\. How does the principle of separation of powers in the Constitution of India differ from the rigid separation of powers in the Constitution of the United States of America? Provide illustrations to support your explanation.** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Introduction** - The separation of powers is a fundamental principle underlying the design of political systems. Both the Constitution of India and the United States Constitution include elements of this principle but implement it in unique ways. - There is an old adage containing a lot of truth that **“power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely*”*. To evolve effective control mechanisms, the man had been looking for devices to contain the forces of tyranny and authoritarianism. “Separation of Powers” was conceived to be one such device. (**Quote-based)** **Main Body1\. Distinction in the nature of separation:** - The U.S. The Constitution has a rigid separation of powers, with clear delineations between the branches of government - the executive (President), legislative (Congress), and judiciary (Supreme Court). - The Indian Constitution endorses a flexible separation of powers, where overlap between branches is permitted, leading to a fusion of powers. (For e.g. The council of ministers, part of the executive, are members of the legislature and are collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.) **2\. Role of Judiciary:** - The U.S. judiciary is constitutionally granted the power of judicial review explicitly. It stands as a separate and independent entity. - In India, the Constitution does not explicitly provide for judicial review. However, it has been accepted as a part of the basic structure of the Constitution, as per the Supreme Court's interpretation. (Kesavananda Bharati vs. State of Kerala (1973)\] **3\. Checks and Balances:** - The U.S. Constitution puts in place a system of checks and balances through which each branch of government has some measure of influence over the other branches. - For instance, the President has veto powers over Congress but Congress can override this veto by a two-thirds majority vote. - In contrast, the Indian Constitution envisages a system of checks and balances but it leans towards parliamentary supremacy. - As per Article 111, the President of India has the power to return a bill (except a money bill) for reconsideration. However, if the Parliament sends the bill again, the President has to give his assent, showing the dominance of Parliament. **4\. Parliamentary vs Presidential System:** - The U.S. adopts the Presidential form of government, meaning a clearer separation between the legislative and executive branches. - On the contrary, India follows a Parliamentary form of government, which involves a certain fusion of legislative and executive powers. **Conclusion** - While both the Indian and U.S. Constitutions embrace the principle of separation of powers, the U.S. Constitution enforces a more rigid separation between different branches of government, whereas the Indian Constitution adopts a more flexible approach, primarily due to its adoption of a Parliamentary system. - This difference, however, does not undermine the commitment of both systems to democratic governance and rule. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Constitution, RPA) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-2-constitution-rpa/ Last updated: 2025-07-01T15:41:09.000Z **Subject:** GS 2 **Syllabus:** Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries. Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act. ### **Questions** 1. Philosophical undertone of the Indian constitution resonates with the French constitution but there are many differences between the two. Discuss. (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. The Representation of Peoples Act of 1951 provides for grounds of election disqualification. List them and discuss the issues in current grounds of disqualification.(150 Words, 10 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. Philosophical undertone of the Indian constitution resonates with the French constitution but there are many differences between the two. Discuss.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Indian constitution is partly borrowed and partly original with many features and ideals developing during the freedom struggle. Ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity were taken from the French revolution and the ensuing constitution. **Main Body** Similarities between Indian and French Constitution: - Written constitutions, - Elected heads, - Emergency and amendment process. But there are many differences also. These differences include - - There is a semi–presidential system in France with the President being de facto head and having more power than the Prime Minister. India went for a parliamentary form of government with the Prime Minister being the de facto head and having more powers. - Head of the government in India is the prime minister with tenure of 5 years but the French President has tenure of 7 years. - Indian constitution has a provision for procedure established by law and has due process of law introduced by judiciary. There is no such provision in the French Constitution. - Both countries have secularism but the French adopted complete separation of state from religion while India has provided for distance between state and religion but not complete separation. - India follows federal polity whereas France has more of a unitary structure. - Elections in India are conducted by the election commission with no role of the judiciary whereas in France the judiciary plays a role in elections. - India is a written constitution whereas the French constitution is based on the principle of Executive supremacy and is the only Democratic constitution that way. - The constitution of India is flexible and changes can be easily done at the time of need. On the contrary, the constitution of France has a rigid constitution that requires a resolution to be passed by a 60% majority in two houses of Parliament. - The Indian constitution does not allow the President to have an upper hand in the country’s management whereas the President of France has complete power here and the Prime Minister works as his assistant. - France allows dual citizenship in comparison to India which provides for single citizenship. **Conclusion** - India borrowed many features from mature democracies of that time but in comparison, there are more differences than similarities which shows the indigenous nature of our constitution. --- **2\. The Representation of Peoples Act of 1951 provides for grounds of election disqualification. List them and discuss the issues in current grounds of disqualification.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Under articles 327 and 328 of the Indian constitution, parliament and state legislatures are empowered to make rules for elections at their respective levels. As a result, the Parliament has passed The Representation of Peoples Act of 1951 to list grounds of disqualification. **Main Body** - The act provides for conduct of elections at both levels, administrative machinery for the elections, qualifications and disqualifications, and corrupt practices. In all these provisions, there are disqualification provisions for which any guilty person can be disqualified from contesting elections for 6 years if he/she is found- - Indulging in bribery or any corrupt practice, and if found influencing elections. - Promoting hatred and enmity between groups or classes of people, and also spreading religious disharmony. - Practicing and promoting untouchability and committing heinous crimes against women. - Indulging in terrorism and other acts against the state. - Dealing in prohibited goods and selling or consuming illegal drugs. - Getting imprisoned for a minimum of two years and failing to declare assets. - Though there are ways to disqualify candidates under section 8A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 for above mentioned practices, the current process of disqualification is found to be complex, time-consuming and ineffective due to reasons like- - If a person who stands disqualified may submit a petition to the President for the removal of disqualification. This is a time consuming and complicated process. One infamous example is former CM of Sikkim Prem Singh Tamang who was convicted after 20 years. - Corrupt practice does not cover areas like paid and fake news which has risen recently due to the internet revolution. - Promoting hatred and enmity is also not clearly defined and many politicians have escaped any action for blatant violation of this clause. - The Election Commission has powers to reduce disqualification period but for this there is no oversight to ensure decisions taken in objective. **Conclusion** - There is a need for a simplified and time bound disqualification process to break nexus between politicians and criminals. The Election Commission’s advice to make bribery a cognizable offense and a 2-year jail term could also be implemented to create some sort of deterrence. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Parliament and State Legislatures) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-2-constitution-and-polity-2/ Last updated: 2025-07-01T15:40:24.000Z **Subject:** GS 2 **Syllabus:** Parliament and State Legislatures - structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these. ### **Questions** 1. Parliament has witnessed less productivity and more disruptions in recent times which strikes at the root of deliberative democracy. Discuss steps to be taken to reduce disruptions. (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. Parliamentary privileges are a prerequisite for members of parliament and legislative assemblies to discharge their functions. Discuss. (150 Words, 10 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. Parliament has witnessed less productivity and more disruptions in recent times which strikes at the root of deliberative democracy. Discuss steps to be taken to reduce disruptions.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - As per data released by PRS legislative research, 16% of working time of the 16th Lok Sabha was lost due to disruptions. The current lok sabha is also witnessing frequent disruptions which not only impacts the legislative business but also weakens parliamentary control over the executive. **Main Body** - In this context, the following measures need to be taken for preventing disruption of parliament- - Amendments in the Anti-Defection law because party whip makes members act in union which results in frequent walkouts and disruptions. - Parliament (Enhancement of Productivity) Bill, 2017 must be reintroduced and passed so that minimum days are fixed for parliament to stay in session. - Code of Conduct- Though there is code of conduct for Lok Sabha MPs since 1952, it is hardly implemented and also needs to be updated with changing times. - Salaries of the members can be linked to their attendance for better productivity. - Less recourse to delegated legislation and more deliberative work by pre legislative scrutiny (Parliamentary Standing Committees) and taking public opinion which will help build broad consensus. - There can be innovative measures like the concept of opposition days in the UK parliament in which the opposition sets agenda for Parliamentary discussion. - Another innovative measure can be Parliament Disruption Index which was suggested by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson Harivansh Narayan Singh to keep a tab on disruptions in Parliament and state legislatures. - NCRWC recommended that Lok Sabha should meet for 120 and Rajya Sabha for 100 days every year, and state assemblies for 90 days. **Conclusion** - Parliamentarians carry public mandate and it is their duty to deliberate and implement laws which are in favor of the public. But frequent disruptions and subversion of discussions strike at the root of parliamentary democracy. Thus more efforts must be taken to bring consensus and avoid unnecessary parliamentary disruption. --- **2\. Parliamentary privileges are a prerequisite for members of parliament and legislative assemblies to discharge their functions. Discuss.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Parliamentary privileges are some codified and uncodified rights and immunities enjoyed by members of houses at both center and state level which enables them to discharge their functions effectively and efficiently. **Main Body** - There are many sources of these privileges like constitution under article 105 and 194, conventions, acts and rules of house. Some of these privileges include- - Freedom of speech as no member can be questioned for anything said within the house and if they are part of any committee. - Freedom from arrest in civil cases, during sittings of the house and 40 days before and after the adjournment of house. - They are also exempt to be present as witnesses. - Right to prevent the media or press from publishing its proceedings by conducting them in secret. Also, the house can punish anyone guilty of contempt of the house. - All the above mentioned privileges are very significant in functioning of parliament and legislatures because- - They help ensure and maintain dignity and authority of the houses by ensuring rules are followed and external influences are eliminated. - There is less influence of vested interests, especially those who try to influence decision making from outside and ensure independence and effectiveness of the actions. - These privileges also protect members from any targeted agenda by rivals. - Parliamentary productivity is very important to ensure all business is conducted with due deliberation. Privileges play an important role in ensuring this. **Conclusion** - Though privileges are important, they are misused many times which makes it necessary to codify them and give priority to citizens' right to free speech over legislative privileges. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/1.-Abhijeet-Essay-Course.png) #### Ace the Essay (With Abhijeet Yadav Sir) A comprehensive course to MASTER the ART AND CRAFT OF ESSAY WRITING [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/ace-the-essay-with-abhijeet-yadav-sir/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Constitution and Polity) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-2-constitution-and-polity/ Last updated: 2025-07-01T15:39:27.000Z **Subject:** GS 2 **Syllabus:** Constitution and Polity - Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure ### **Questions** 1. Basic structure of the constitution is an important premise on which many ideals of the constitution rest. Discuss the historical development of basic structure in India. (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. The Indian constitution was not framed in a few years but was as a result of experiences during freedom struggle and adoption of main principles of the constitution of various countries. Discuss. (150 Words, 10 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. Basic structure of the constitution is an important premise on which many ideals of the constitution rest. Discuss the historical development of basic structure in India.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Basic structure is an ever-evolving concept with features getting added in subsequent court judgments even today. But it first found its shape in the Kesavananda Bharati vs State of Kerala case of 1973. **Main Body** - The amendment powers of the parliament were the main thing which led to its origin because these powers were absolute initially, as evident in the Shankari Prasad case, 1951 and the Sajjan Singh case, 1965. - Here, Parliament had the power to amend any part of the constitution, including Fundamental rights. - Later in the Golaknath case of 1967, the Supreme Court reversed its earlier verdict to take away the power of Parliament to amend Fundamental Rights. This was done by reinterpreting articles 368 and 13 of the Constitution. - To bypass these judgments, the 24th, 25th, 26th and 29th amendments to the Constitution were passed. These amendments were challenged in the Kesavananda Bharati case. - In this case, relief against restrictions on supervision of religious property was sought under Article 26\. The bench ruled by a 7-6 majority that Parliament could amend any part of the Constitution without altering the basic structure. - The term ‘basic structure’ was not defined in this judgment and has evolved since to include federalism, separation of powers, secularism, democracy, independence of the judiciary, rule of law, welfare state, etc. - But there are some arguments against the basic structure, like undemocratic, unelected judges having the authority to cancel a constitutional amendment. **Conclusion** - Indian democracy works on the premise of checks and balances between the parliament, executive and judiciary. Thus, the basic structure is seen as a safety valve against authoritarian and majoritarian tendencies of the parliament. --- **2\. The Indian constitution was not framed in a few years but was as a result of experiences during freedom struggle and adoption of main principles of the constitution of various countries. Discuss.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - The constitution of independent India was framed under the chairmanship of Dr B.R. Ambedkar and took around 3 years and 166 sittings to become the lengthiest written constitution of the world. **Main Body** - Many features of the constitution are a direct result of the experiences gained due to specific events that occurred during the freedom struggle. Some of them are- - The main principles on which the constituent assembly worked are based on the objectives resolution of 1946 moved by Mr Nehru. - The Karachi session of 1931 highlighted some of the principles that find resonance in fundamental rights and ever-evolving economic policy. - Then there is the draft constitution moved by Mr Motilal Nehru in 1928, which included provisions like right to freedom, universal adult franchise, protection of minorities, etc. - The bulk of the constitution is based on the Government of India Act 1935, which had provisions like provincial autonomy, federal structure, bicameralism, separation of powers etc. - Wide differences based on religion, caste, region, language etc prompted the leaders to adopt equality. - A lot of ideas and provisions were adopted from work during the freedom struggle. But there are a few provisions which were directly incorporated from other constitutions, like- - Ideas of socio-economic and political justice from the USSR constitution. - Liberty, fraternity and equality from the French constitution. - Preamble, fundamental rights, judicial independence and review from the Constitution of the USA. - Parliamentary government, a procedure established by law and the rule of law in the British constitution. - Directive principles of state policy and emergency provisions from the Irish and German constitutions, respectively. **Conclusion** - The Indian constitution is not a product of a few years and haste, but decades as it evolved with changing socio-economic conditions and ideas which were native and were also adopted from various revolutions going on across the globe. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/1.-UPSC-Essential--1--.png) #### UPSC Essential + Mentorship (New Batch) One course for all your needs - Comprehensive Lectures, Test Series, 1:1 Mentorship, Notes, Current Affairs etc. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2026-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### 1 day left and then it is OVER URL: https://www.upscprep.com/1-day-left-and-then-it-is-over/ Last updated: 2025-06-29T11:43:49.000Z Just **1 day left** to grab our **exclusive Early Bird Discount of 7.5%** on **UPSC Essential + Mentorship 2026/27** and **GS Advance + Mentorship (for Mains 2026)**! 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Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles III. Fuel cell electric hybrid vehicles How many of the above are considered as alternative powertrain vehicles? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three (d) None **Answer**: c **Explanation**: Alternative powertrains include propulsion systems that are not based exclusively on the popular internal combustion engine. This may include hybrids, full battery electrics, hydrogen fuel cells, compressed air, and many other types. 1. **Full battery electric vehicles (BEVs)** \- These run entirely on electricity and have no internal combustion engine. 2. **Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs)** \- These generate electricity from hydrogen to power an electric motor. 3. **Fuel cell electric hybrid vehicles** \- These use both a hydrogen fuel cell and a battery (possibly with regenerative braking). > **Subject**: Science and Tech, Environment > **Source**: [*https://www.acea.auto/fact/alternative-powertrains*](https://www.acea.auto/fact/alternative-powertrains/?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Easy --- **2\. With reference to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), consider the following statements:** I. All types of UAVs can do vertical landing. II. All types of UAVs can do automated hovering. III. All types of UAVs can use battery only as a source of power supply. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three (d) None **Answer**: d **Explanation**: - Only certain types of UAVs like multirotor drones and VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) UAVs can land vertically. In contrast, fixed-wing UAVs need a runway or launching gear and cannot land vertically. Therefore, not all UAVs are capable of vertical landing. - Only drones with rotary-wing designs (like quadcopters or helicopters) can hover in place. Fixed-wing UAVs must move forward to stay airborne and cannot hover, even if automated. Hence, this statement is also incorrect. - UAVs can run on varied power sources such as batteries, petrol/diesel engines, hydrogen fuel cells, and solar energy. Larger drones or those meant for long missions often use internal combustion engines or hybrid systems. So, it is incorrect to say that all UAVs rely only on batteries. > **Subject**: Science and Technology > **Source**: [*https://www.dhs.gov*](https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2025-02/25%5F0210%5Fst%5Fnustl%5Fsaver%5Fblue%5Fuas%5Fmarket%5Fsurvey.pdf?ref=upscprep.com) *|* [*https://psscive.ac.in* ](https://psscive.ac.in/storage/uploads/textbooks/pdf/english/kisan-drone-operator-new-25-job-role-english-class-11.pdf?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Easy --- **3\. In the context of electric vehicle batteries, consider the following elements:** I. Cobalt II. Graphite III. Lithium IV. Nickel How many of the above usually make up battery cathodes? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All the four **Answer**: c **Explanation**: - **Cathode active materials (CAM)** are typically composed of metal oxides. The most common cathode materials used in lithium-ion batteries include lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2), lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4), lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP), and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (LiNiMnCoO2 or NMC). Each of these materials offers varying levels of energy density, thermal stability, and cost-effectiveness. - **Anode active materials (AAM)**, on the other hand, are generally made from carbon-based materials like graphite, silicon, or a combination of both. Graphite is the most commonly used anode material due to its high electrical conductivity, low cost, and stable structure. Silicon anodes offer higher energy density but face challenges in terms of volume expansion and shorter cycle life. Some anode iterations will also ‘dope’ graphite anodes with a small amount of silicon to improve performance characteristics and energy density. - **Cobalt** - Commonly used in cathode materials like **Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LiCoO₂)** and **Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC)**. Cobalt improves energy density and battery life. - **Nickel** - A key component in **NMC** and **Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (NCA) cathodes**. It increases energy density and reduces reliance on cobalt. - **Lithium** - All lithium-ion batteries use lithium in the cathode as part of metal oxides like **LiCoO₂**, **LiMn₂O₄**, **LiFePO₄**, etc. - **Graphite** - Graphite is used in anodes, not cathodes. It is favoured for its conductivity, structural stability, and cost-effectiveness. > **Subject**: Science and Tech, Environment > **Source**: [*https://elements.visualcapitalist.com* ](https://elements.visualcapitalist.com/the-key-minerals-in-an-ev-battery/?ref=upscprep.com#:~:text=The%20cathode%20contains%20the%20widest,for%20casing%20and%20current%20collectors) > **Difficulty**: Difficult --- **4\. Consider the following:** I. Cigarette butts II. Eyeglass lenses III. Car tyres How many of them contain plastic? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three (d) None **Answer**: c **Explanation**: - Cigarette butts contain cellulose acetate, a type of plastic, in their filters. They don’t fully decompose and are a major microplastic pollutant. - Eyeglass lenses are often made from polycarbonate or CR-39 plastic, not glass, due to durability and lightweight properties. - Car tyres are composed of a mixture of natural rubber and synthetic rubber (plastics like styrene-butadiene rubber), along with additives and reinforcing materials. > **Subject**: Science and Technology > **Source**: [*https://cpcb.nic.in*](https://cpcb.nic.in/uploads/MSW/cigarette-bidi-butts.pdf?ref=upscprep.com#:~:text=Cigarette%3A%20These%20butts%20are%20made,These%20fibers) | [*https://www.optometryadvisor.com* ](https://www.optometryadvisor.com/features/optometric-waste-management-allows-better-environmental-outcomes/?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Medium --- **5\. Consider the following substances:** I. Ethanol II. Nitroglycerine III. Urea Coal gasification technology can be used in the production of how many of them? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three (d) None **Answer**: c **Explanation**: Coal gasification is a process that converts coal into syngas, a mixture of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H₂). This **syngas** can be used as a basic chemical feedstock for producing a wide range of chemicals. Let’s see how each substance can be derived: - **Ethanol**: Syngas (from coal) can be catalytically converted to ethanol. Though not as common as fermentation, this pathway exists and is used in some industrial settings. - **Nitroglycerine**: Coal-derived syngas produces ammonia, which is used to make nitric acid. Nitric acid then reacts with glycerol to make nitroglycerine. So, coal contributes indirectly via precursors. - **Urea**: A direct application—syngas is used to make ammonia, which reacts with CO₂ to produce urea. Widely used in the fertiliser industry. > **Subject**: Economic Geography | Science and Technology > **Source**: [*https://www.pib.gov.in*](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2083788&ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Hard --- **6\. What is the common characteristic of the chemical substances generally known as CL-20, HMX and LLM-105, which are sometimes talked about in the media?** (a) These are alternatives to hydro-fluorocarbon refrigerants (b) These are explosives in military weapons (c) These are high-energy fuels for cruise missiles (d) These are fuels for rocket propulsion **Answer**: b **Explanation**: - All three are high-energy explosives used in advanced military applications. CL-20 (Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane) is one of the most powerful non-nuclear explosives. - HMX (High Melting eXplosive) is a powerful and stable explosive used in missiles. - LLM-105 is a newer explosive with high performance and less sensitivity, researched by defence institutions. > **Subject**: Science and Technology > **Source**: [https://www.pib.gov.in ](https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=67872&ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Easy --- **7\. Consider the following statements:** I. It is expected that Majorana 1 chip will enable quantum computing. II. Majorana 1 chip has been introduced by Amazon Web Services (AWS). III. Deep learning is a subset of machine learning. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III **Answer**: c **Explanation**: - The Majorana 1 chip is a **quantum computing chip** being developed using Majorana fermions—exotic particles that are expected to improve the stability of qubits by making them less error-prone. - This chip is aimed at enabling scalable quantum computing. - The Majorana 1 chip is not introduced by AWS. It is part of research by companies like **Microsoft** and research institutions such as Delft University and TU Braunschweig, not Amazon. AWS Braket is AWS’s quantum service but not related to this chip. - Deep learning is a specialised subset of machine learning that uses neural networks with many layers. It is used in image recognition, NLP, etc. (Source: NCERT Class XI Informatics Practices, NITI Aayog AI Report) > **Subject**: Science and Technology > **Source**: [*https://news.microsoft.com*](https://news.microsoft.com/source/features/innovation/microsofts-majorana-1-chip-carves-new-path-for-quantum-computing?ref=upscprep.com) *|* [*techcrunch.com*](https://techcrunch.com/2025/02/27/amazon-debuts-ocelot-its-first-quantum-computing-chip/?ref=upscprep.com) *|* [*indiaai.gov.in* ](https://indiaai.gov.in/article/why-does-deep-learning-have-the-name-deep?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Medium --- **8\. With reference to monoclonal antibodies, often mentioned in news, consider the following statements:** I. They are man-made proteins. II. They stimulate immunological function due to their ability to bind to specific antigens. III. They are used in treating viral infections like that of Nipah virus. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III **Answer**: d **Explanation**: - **Statement I is correct:** They are engineered/man-made proteins designed to target specific antigens. - **Statement II is correct:** They help modulate the immune system by binding to specific cells. - **Statement III is correct:** They’ve been used in treating viruses like Nipah and COVID-19 (e.g., REGN-COV2). > **Subject**: Science and Technology > **Source**:[*https://www.cancer.org*](https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/treatment-types/immunotherapy/monoclonal-antibodies.html?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Easy --- **9\. Consider the following statements:** I. No virus can survive in ocean waters. II. No virus can infect bacteria. III. No virus can change the cellular transcriptional activity in host cells. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three (d) None **Answer**: a **Explanation**: - **Statement I is incorrect:** Many viruses do survive and thrive in ocean waters. In fact, marine viruses are among the most abundant biological entities on Earth, playing critical roles in regulating marine microbial populations and nutrient cycles. They infect marine bacteria, archaea, and plankton. - **Statement II is incorrect:** Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria. They are widely studied in genetic engineering and were the earliest evidence for viruses infecting organisms. - **Statement III is correct:** Viruses definitely alter the transcriptional activity of host cells. Upon infection, viral genomes often hijack the host's transcription machinery to express viral proteins. This is a fundamental characteristic of all viruses. > **Subject**: Science and Technology > **Source**: [*https://www.nature.com*](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-42125-5?ref=upscprep.com) *|* [*https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov* ](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493185/?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Medium --- **10\. Consider the following statements:** **Statement I:** Activated carbon is a good and an attractive tool to remove pollutants from effluent streams and to remediate contaminants from various industries. **Statement II:** Activated carbon exhibits a large surface area and a strong potential for adsorbing heavy metals. **Statement III:** Activated carbon can be easily synthesized from environmental wastes with high carbon content. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I (b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I (c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct **Answer**: a **Explanation**: - **Statement I is correct:** - Activated carbon is a good and an attractive tool to remove pollutants from effluent streams and to remediate contaminants from various industries. This statement is correct. - Activated carbon is widely recognised for its effectiveness in removing a broad spectrum of pollutants from industrial effluents and wastewater streams through adsorption. - **Statement II is correct:** - Activated carbon exhibits a large surface area and a strong potential for adsorbing heavy metals. This statement is also correct. - Activated carbon is characterised by its high porosity and large surface area, which makes it an excellent adsorbent for various pollutants, including heavy metals. - The large surface area and the presence of functional groups on activated carbon enhance its ability to adsorb heavy metal ions from water. - **Statement III is correct:** - Activated carbon can be easily synthesised from environmental wastes with high carbon content. This statement is correct as well. - Activated carbon can be produced from various waste materials with high carbon content, such as agricultural residues, biomass, coconut shells, spent coffee grounds, and waste-activated sludge. - The processes for converting these wastes into activated carbon are well-established and considered sustainable and scalable - **Statement II explains Statement I** because the large surface area and strong adsorption capacity of activated carbon are the primary reasons it is effective in removing pollutants from effluent streams. - **Statement III supports Statement I** by indicating that activated carbon is not only effective but can also be produced sustainably and economically from waste materials, making it an attractive tool for industrial applications. > **Subject**: Environment > **Source**: [*https://www.sciencedirect.com*](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/activated-carbon?ref=upscprep.com#:~:text=Activated%20carbon%20is%20produced%20from,Zelmanov%20and%20Semiat%2C%202014) > **Difficulty**: Medium --- **11\. Consider the following statements:** **Statement I:** Studies indicate that carbon dioxide emissions from cement industry account for more than 5% of global carbon emissions. **Statement II:** Silica-bearing clay is mixed with limestone while manufacturing cement. **Statement III:** Limestone is converted into lime during clinker production for cement manufacturing. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I (b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I (c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct **Answer**: b **Explanation**: - **Statement 1 is correct:** Cement Industry is responsible for 7-8% of global carbon dioxide emissions (UNFCCC/IPCC). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image.png) - **Statement 2 is correct:** During cement manufacturing, silica-bearing clay is mixed with limestone. This mixture is then heated in a kiln, undergoing a process called calcination, to produce clinker, the main ingredient in cement. - **Statement 3 is correct:** During the high-temperature calcination process in clinker production, limestone (CaCO3) decomposes to form lime (CaO) and releases CO2: CaCO3 → CaO + CO2 - Now, examining which statements explain Statement I: - **Statement II** describes a raw material input but doesn't explain why the cement industry produces high CO2 emissions. - **Statement III** directly explains the major source of CO2 emissions in cement production - the chemical decomposition of limestone that releases CO2 as a byproduct. This process accounts for about 60% of cement industry emissions, with the remainder from fuel combustion. - **Both Statement II and Statement III are factually correct, but only Statement III explains** why the cement industry has such high carbon emissions. - The answer is (b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I. > **Subject**: Environment and Ecology > **Source**: [https://www.researchgate.net](https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Cement-productions-share-of-global-CO-2-emissions-adapted-from-Czigler-et-al-2020%5Ffig1%5F354873215?ref=upscprep.com) | [https://www.ultratechcement.com](https://www.ultratechcement.com/for-infrastructure/infrastructure-solution/very-amazing-concrete?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Hard --- **12\. Consider the following statements:** **Statement I:** At the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), India refrained from signing the ‘Declaration on Climate and Health’. **Statement II:** The COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health is a binding declaration; and if signed, it becomes mandatory to decarbonize the health sector. **Statement III:** If India’s health sector is decarbonized, the resilience of its health-care system may be compromised. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I (b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I (c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct **Answer**: c **Explanation**: - **Statement I is correct** and self-explanatory. - **Statement II** **is incorrect**. The COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health is explicitly described as a non-binding, voluntary political commitment aimed at galvanizing action, not a legally enforceable mandate - **Statement III is correct:** Curbing greenhouse gas use for cooling in the health sector, which is one of the points in the document, may not be practical or achievable within the country's healthcare infrastructure in the short term. This may lead to compromise in resilience of India’s health-care system. (This statement is vague, the answer may vary based on how you interpret it.) - Thus, only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I. > **Subject**: Environment and Ecology > **Source**: [https://www.cop28.com](https://www.cop28.com/en/cop28-uae-declaration-on-climate-and-health?ref=upscprep.com) | [https://economictimes.com ](https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/renewable/india-refrains-from-signing-cop28-health-and-climate-declaration/105718386?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Medium --- **13\. Consider the following statements:** **Statement I:** Scientific studies suggest that a shift is taking place in the Earth’s rotation and axis. **Statement II:** Solar flares and associated coronal mass ejections bombarded the Earth’s outermost atmosphere with tremendous amount of energy. **Statement III:** As the Earth’s polar ice melts, the water tends to move towards the equator. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I (b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I (c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct **Answer**: c **Explanation**: - **Statement I:** Scientific studies suggest that a shift is taking place in the Earth’s rotation and axis. - This is correct. Multiple recent studies confirm that Earth's axis and rotation are shifting, with causes including redistribution of water and mass on the planet. - **Statement II:** Solar flares and associated coronal mass ejections bombarded the Earth’s outermost atmosphere with tremendous amount of energy. - This statement is factually incorrect. There is no scientific evidence linking solar flares or coronal mass ejections to the observed shifts in Earth's axis or rotation. The shifts are attributed to redistribution of mass, especially due to water movement and melting ice. - **Statement III:** As the Earth’s polar ice melts, the water tends to move towards the equator. - This is correct. Scientific research shows that melting polar ice contributes water to the oceans, which redistributes mass toward the equator and affects Earth's rotation and axis. - **Statement(s) Explain Statement I** - **Statement III directly explains Statement I.** The redistribution of mass due to melting polar ice and the movement of water toward the equator is a primary cause of the observed shift in Earth's axis and rotation. - **Statement II does not explain Statement I**, as solar flares are not responsible for the axis shift. > **Subject**: Geography > **Source**: [https://www.jpl.nasa.gov](https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasa-funded-studies-explain-how-climate-is-changing-earths-rotation/?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Easy --- **14\. Consider the following statements:** **Statement I:** Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change is frequently discussed in global discussions on sustainable development and climate change. **Statement II:** Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change sets out the principles of carbon markets. **Statement III:** Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change intends to promote inter-country non-market strategies to reach their climate targets. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I (b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I (c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct Answer: a Explanation: - **Statement 1 is correct** \- Article 6 of the Paris Agreement is a frequent topic in global climate and sustainable development discussions, as it provides the framework for international cooperation on climate action - **Statement 2 is correct** \- Article 6 of the Paris Agreement sets out how countries can pursue voluntary cooperation to reach their climate targets. It enables international cooperation to tackle climate change and unlock financial support for developing countries. This means that, under Article 6, countries are able to transfer carbon credits earned from the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to help one or more countries meet their climate targets. There are three tools which countries can draw upon under Article 6, one of which is the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM) - the UN’s new high-integrity carbon crediting mechanism. - **Statement 3 is correct** \- Article 6 also includes provisions (specifically Article 6.8) for promoting non-market-based approaches, enabling countries to cooperate through strategies such as technology transfer and capacity building, beyond just carbon trading - **Now examining which statements explain Statement I:** Both Statement II and Statement III explain why Article 6 is frequently discussed: - The establishment of international carbon market principles (Statement II) is a significant and complex topic that generates extensive discussion - The promotion of non-market cooperation strategies (Statement III) is equally important and frequently debated in international forums. - Both mechanisms represent major pathways for international climate cooperation, making Article 6 a central topic in global climate discussions. - Thus the answer is (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I. > **Subject**: Environment and Ecology > **Source**:[*https://unfccc.int*](https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/article-64-mechanism?ref=upscprep.com) *|* [*https://unfccc.int/process* ](https://unfccc.int/process/the-paris-agreement/cooperative-implementation?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Medium --- **15\. Which one of the following launched the ‘Nature Solutions Finance Hub for Asia and the Pacific’?** (a) The Asian Development Bank (ADB) (b) The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) (c) The New Development Bank (NDB) (d) The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) **Answer**: a **Explanation**: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) launched a Nature Solutions Finance Hub for Asia and the Pacific at COP28 which aims to attract at least $2 billion into investment programs that incorporate nature-based solutions, particularly focused on capital markets and other sources of private capital. The hub will deploy a range of financing measures to reduce risks in nature-based solutions projects such as guarantees, impact-linked payments, and blended finance options. The hub is targeting about $1 billion in such de-risking funds from global development partners with advanced discussions underway with several entities. > **Subject**: Environment and Ecology > **Source**: [https://www.adb.org](https://www.adb.org/news/adb-and-partners-launch-nature-financing-initiative-asia-and-pacific?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Easy --- **16\. With reference to Direct Air Capture, an emerging technology, which of the following statements is/are correct?** I. It can be used as a way of carbon sequestration. II. It can be a valuable approach for plastic production and in food processing. III. In aviation, it can be a source of carbon for combining with hydrogen to create synthetic low-carbon fuel. Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) I and II only (b) III only (c) I, II and III (d) None of the above statements is correct **Answer**: c **Explanation**: - **Statement I is correct** \- Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology extracts CO2 directly from ambient air. The captured CO2 can then be permanently stored underground or in other long-term storage solutions, making it a form of carbon sequestration that removes CO2 from the atmosphere. - **Statement II is correct** \- The CO2 captured through DAC can be used as a feedstock for various industrial processes: - **In plastic production:** CO2 can be converted into chemicals like methanol or other carbon-based compounds used in polymer manufacturing. - **In food processing**: CO2 has various applications including carbonation of beverages, packaging (modified atmosphere packaging), and as a refrigerant. - **Statement III is correct** \- In aviation, it can be a source of carbon for combining with hydrogen to create synthetic low-carbon fuel: DAC-derived CO₂ can be combined with green hydrogen to synthesise low-carbon fuels suitable for aviation and other transport sectors Thus, all three statements are correct. > **Subject**: Environment and Ecology > **Source**: [*https://www.wri.org*](https://www.wri.org/insights/direct-air-capture-resource-considerations-and-costs-carbon-removal?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Hard --- **17\. Regarding Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula), consider the following statements:** I. It is an omnivorous crustacean. II. Its natural habitat in India is only limited to some forest areas. III. In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) I only (b) I and III (c) II only (d) II and III **Answer**: d **Explanation**: - **Statement I is incorrect:** The Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula, Poecilotheria metallica) is an arachnid, not a crustacean, and it is a predator that primarily feeds on insects, not an omnivore. - **Statement II is correct:** The Gooty tarantula has a very restricted range in India, found only in specific forest areas in Andhra Pradesh (particularly around the town of Gooty, from which it gets its name) and Tamilnadu. It has an extremely limited natural distribution. - **Statement III is correct:** The Peacock tarantula is an arboreal species, living in tree holes and crevices in its forest habitat . Thus, statements II and III are correct. **Subject**: Environment and Ecology **Source**: [*https://www.thehindu.com*](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/rare-tarantula-sighted-in-villupuram-district/article29272058.ece?ref=upscprep.com) | [*https://focusedconservation.org*](http://focusedconservation.org/2023/07/27/the-endangered-peacock-tarantula/?ref=upscprep.com) **Difficulty**: --- **18\. Consider the following statements:** I. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO₂ / capita. II. In terms of CO₂ emissions from fuel combustion, India ranks second in Asia-Pacific region. III. Electricity and heat producers are the largest sources of CO₂ emissions in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) I and III only (b) II only (c) II and III only (d) I, II and III **Answer**: c **Explanation**: - **Statement I is incorrect:** India's per capita CO₂ emissions are significantly higher, at around 1.9 to 2.07 metric tons per capita as of 2023. - **Statement 2 is correct:** In the Asia-Pacific region, China ranks first in total CO₂ emissions from fuel combustion, and India ranks second. - **Statement 3 is correct:** The power sector (electricity and heat producers) is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in India. > **Subject**: Environment and Ecology > **Source**: [*https://www.statista.com*](https://www.statista.com/statistics/606019/co2-emissions-india/?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: --- **19\. Consider the following pairs:** | Plant | Description | | -------------------- | -------------------- | | I. Cassava | Woody shrub | | II. Ginger | Herb with pseudostem | | III. Malabar spinach | Herbaceous climber | | IV. Mint | Annual shrub | | V. Papaya | Woody shrub | How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? (a) Only two (b) Only three (c) Only four (d) All the five **Answer: b** **Explanation**: - **Pair I is correct.** Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is indeed a woody shrub. - **Pair II is correct.** Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a herbaceous plant with a pseudostem formed by rolled leaf bases. - **Pair III is correct.** Malabar spinach (Basella alba) is a fast-growing, soft-stemmed, herbaceous climbing plant. - **Pair IV is incorrect.** Mint (Mentha spp.) is a perennial herb, not an annual shrub. - **Pair V is incorrect.** Papaya (Carica papaya) is generally considered a small, soft-wooded tree or tree-like herb, not a woody shrub. - So, Pair I, II, III are correct. > **Subject**: Environment and Ecology Source: > **Difficulty**: Hard --- **20\. With reference to the planet Earth, consider the following statements:** I. Rain forests produce more oxygen than that produced by oceans. II. Marine phytoplankton and photosynthetic bacteria produce about 50% of world’s oxygen. III. Well-oxygenated surface water contains several folds higher oxygen than that in atmospheric air. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) I and II (b) II only (c) I and III (d) None of the above statements is correct **Answer**: b **Explanation**: - **Statement I is incorrect**: While rainforests are significant oxygen producers, the oceans produce considerably more oxygen than terrestrial rainforests. Marine photosynthesis, primarily by phytoplankton, is the dominant source of atmospheric oxygen production on Earth. - **Statement II is correct**: Scientific estimates indicate that marine phytoplankton and photosynthetic bacteria (primarily cyanobacteria) in the oceans produce approximately 50-70% of the world's oxygen through photosynthesis. This makes oceanic sources the largest contributors to global oxygen production. - **Statement III is incorrect**: The concentration of dissolved oxygen in well-oxygenated surface water is much lower than the concentration of oxygen in atmospheric air. Atmospheric air contains about 21% oxygen by volume, while even saturated surface water contains only a few parts per million (ppm) of dissolved oxygen. Thus, only statement 2 is correct > **Subject**: Environment and Ecology > **Source**: > **Difficulty**: --- **21\. Consider the following statements about Raja Ram Mohan Roy:** I. He possessed great love and respect for the traditional philosophical systems of the East. II. He desired his countrymen to accept the rational and scientific approach and the principle of human dignity and social equality of all men and women. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) I only (b) II only (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II **Answer**: c **Explanation**: Both Statements 1 and 2 are correct. > **Subject**: Modern Indian History > **Source**: [*https://www.srjis.com.pdf*](https://www.srjis.com/downloadPdf/161173666020.%20Subrata%20Das.pdf/5232/165?ref=upscprep.com#:~:text=He%20was%20not%20just%20a,of%20social%20work%20in%20India.) > **Difficulty**: Easy --- **22\. Consider the following subjects with regard to Non-Cooperation Programme:** I. Boycott of law-courts and foreign cloth II. Observance of strict non-violence III. Retention of titles and honours without using them in public IV. Establishment of Panchayats for settling disputes How many of the above were parts of Non-Cooperation Programme? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All the four **Answer**: b **Explanation**: - **Statement 1 is correct:** Boycott of law-courts and foreign cloth: Yes, these were key components of the Non-Cooperation Movement, which sought to withdraw support from British institutions. - **Statement 2 is incorrect:** Observance of strict non-violence – No, while Mahatma Gandhi emphasized non-violence, there were instances where the movement saw violent outbreaks, leading to its suspension in 1922 after the Chauri Chaura incident. - **Statement 3 is incorrect:** Retention of titles and honours without using them in public – No, the movement called for a complete renunciation of British-given titles and honours, not just refraining from using them. - **Statement 4 is Correct:** Establishment of Panchayats for settling disputes – Yes, the idea of local self-governance and dispute resolution outside colonial courts was encouraged. > **Subject**: Modern Indian History > **Source**: *NCERT, Spectrum and UPSCprep Class Notes* > **Difficulty**: Easy --- **23\. The irrigation device called 'Araghatta' was:** (a) a water bag made of leather pulled over a pulley (b) a large wheel with earthen pots tied to the outer ends of its spokes (c) a larger earthen pot driven by bullocks (d) a large water bucket pulled up by rope directly by hand **Answer**: b **Explanation**: In the economic history of medieval India, “Araghatta” refers to the waterwheel, or Persian wheel, used for irrigation purposes. Araghatta is a mechanical device, a type of waterwheel, used to lift water, typically from wells, for irrigating fields. These wheels are an ancient technology used to lift water and have been in use for the last 800 years in the Indian subcontinent (and in other parts of the world as well, spanning Southern Europe and North Africa). They were possibly introduced to North West India sometime during the early Delhi Sultanates as the wheels made access to water considerably easier across the region. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-1.png) > **Subject**: Medieval Indian History > **Source**: *PYQs - UPSC CSE 2016* > **Difficulty**: Easy --- **24\. Who among the following rulers in ancient India had assumed the titles 'Mattavilasa', 'Vichitrachitta' and 'Gunabhara'?** (a) Mahendravarman I (b) Simhavishnu (c) Narasimhavarman I (d) Simhavarman **Answer**: a **Explanation**: The ancient Indian ruler who assumed the titles 'Mattavilasa', 'Vichitrachitta', and 'Gunabhara' was Mahendravarman I of the Pallava dynasty. He ruled from around 600 to 630 CE and was renowned for his contributions to art, architecture, and literature. Mahendravarman I was a pioneer in rock-cut temple architecture, authored the Sanskrit play Mattavilasa Prahasanam, and was known for his talents in music and painting. > **Subject**: Ancient Indian History > **Source**: *Upinder Singh* > **Difficulty**: Hard --- **25\. Fa-hien (Faxian), the Chinese pilgrim, travelled to India during the reign of:** (a) Samudragupta (b) Chandragupta II (c) Kumaragupta I (d) Skandagupta **Answer**: b **Explanation**: Fa-hien (Faxian), the Chinese pilgrim, traveled to India during the reign of Chandragupta II.Chandragupta II was a prominent ruler of the Gupta dynasty, and Faxian's visit occurred in the early 5th century CE. > **Subject**: Ancient Indian History > **Source**: *Old NCERT Class 11th / R.S. Sharma and UPSCprep Class Notes* > **Difficulty**: Easy --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/1.-Abhijeet-Essay-Course.png) #### Ace the Essay (With Abhijeet Yadav Sir) A comprehensive course to MASTER the ART AND CRAFT OF ESSAY WRITING [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/ace-the-essay-with-abhijeet-yadav-sir/?ref=upscprep.com) --- ### Questions 26 to 50 **26\. Who among the following led a successful military campaign against the kingdom of Srivijaya, the powerful maritime State, which ruled the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java and the neighbouring islands?** (a) Amoghavarsha (Rashtrakuta) (b) Prataparudra (Kakatiya) (c) Rajendra I (Chola) (d) Vishnuvardhana (Hoysala) **Answer**: c **Explanation**: Srivijaya was a powerful maritime kingdom controlling the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java, and neighboring islands during the early medieval period. Around the 11th century CE, Rajendra Chola I launched naval expeditions against Srivijaya to assert Chola dominance over the important maritime trade routes of Southeast Asia. These campaigns disrupted Srivijaya's control over the Strait of Malacca and demonstrated the naval prowess of the Chola Empire. > **Subject**: Medieval Indian History > **Source**: *Old NCERT Class 11th / Satish Chandra and UPSCprep Class Notes* > **Difficulty**: Easy --- **27\. With reference to ancient India (600–322 BCE), consider the following pairs:** | Territorial Region | River flowing in the region | | ------------------ | --------------------------- | | I. Asmaka | Godavari | | II. Kamboja | Vipas (Beas) | | III. Avanti | Mahanadi | | IV. Kosala | Sarayu | How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All the four **Answer**: b **Explanation**: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-2.png) - **I. Asmaka – Godavari (Correct):** Asmaka (Assaka) was in the Deccan; the Godavari flows through that region. - **II. Kamboja – Vipas (Incorrect):** Kamboja was in the northwest (Afghanistan/northern Pakistan); Vipas (Beas) flows in modern Himachal/Punjab but is not in Kamboja. - **III. Avanti – Mahanadi (Incorrect):** Avanti corresponds to Malwa (central India); main rivers there are Chambal, Narmada. Mahanadi flows in eastern India (Odisha/Chhattisgarh). - **IV. Kosala – Sarayu (Correct):** Kosala kingdom was centred around the Sarayu (modern UP). Therefore, exactly two pairs (I and IV) are correct. > **Subject:** Ancient Indian History > **Source:** *Old NCERT Class 11th / R.S. Sharma + Upinder Singh, "A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India"* > **Difficulty:** Hard --- **28\. The first Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, a music training school, was set up in 1901 by Vishnu Digambar Paluskar in:** (a) Delhi (b) Gwalior (c) Ujjain (d) Lahore **Answer:** d **Explanation:** The first Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, a pioneering music training school, was established by Vishnu Digambar Paluskar on 5 May 1901 in Lahore (then part of undivided India). Paluskar founded this institution with the vision of democratising and spreading Hindustani classical music education to the broader public, moving away from the traditional system of exclusive court patronage. The school in Lahore became a major centre for music education and inspired the creation of affiliated institutions across India > **Subject:** Art and Culture / Modern Indian History > **Source:**[*https://abgmvm.org*](https://abgmvm.org/about-abgmvm/?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty:** Hard --- **9\. Ashokan inscriptions suggest that the ‘Pradeshika’, ‘Rajuka’ and ‘Yukta’ were important officers at the:** (a) village-level administration (b) district-level administration (c) provincial administration (d) level of the central administration **Answer:** b **Explanation:** Ashokan inscriptions suggest that the pradeshika, rajuka, and yukta were important officers at the district level. Rock edict 3 refers to these officers going on tours every five years in order to instruct people in dhamma and for other purposes. Bongard-Levin (1971: 115) suggests that the rajukas of the inscriptions can be identified with the agronomoi of Megasthenes, who seem to have been connected with the measurement of land for purposes of revenue assessment. The term rajuka may come from rajju, meaning rope, and the reference may be to the measurement of land using ropes. > **Subject:** Ancient Indian History > **Source:** *Upinder Singh* > **Difficulty:** Hard --- **30\. Consider the following statements in respect of the Non-Cooperation Movement:** I. The Congress declared the attainment of ‘Swaraj’ by all legitimate and peaceful means to be its objective. II. It was to be implemented in stages with civil disobedience and non-payment of taxes for the next stage only if ‘Swaraj’ did not come within a year and the Government resorted to repression. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) I only (b) II only (c) I and II (d) Neither I nor II **Answer:** c **Explanation:** - **Statement 1 is Correct:** The Congress, under Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership, declared the attainment of Swaraj through legitimate and peaceful means as its objective during the Non-Cooperation Movement. - **Statement 2 is Correct:** Gandhi planned the movement in stages, beginning with non-cooperation (boycotts of British institutions, titles, and goods) and moving to civil disobedience and non-payment of taxes if Swaraj was not achieved within a year. The escalation depended on both government's response and the people's commitment. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-3.png) > **Subject:** Modern Indian History > **Source:** *Class VIII NCERT Our Pasts III;* [*Britannica*](https://www.britannica.com/event/noncooperation-movement?ref=upscprep.com) *(Non-Cooperation Movement)* > **Difficulty:** Easy --- **31\. With reference to investments, consider the following:** I. Bonds II. Hedge Funds III. Stocks IV. Venture Capital How many of the above are treated as Alternative Investment Funds? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All the four **Answer:** b **Explanation:** According to SEBI’s classification (Alternative Investment Funds Regulations, 2012): - **Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs)** include privately pooled funds (Category I, II, III). - **Category I AIFs**: Venture Capital Funds, SME Funds, Infrastructure Funds, etc. - **Category II AIFs**: Private equity funds, debt funds, hedge funds, etc. - “Venture Capital Funds” (IV) and “Hedge Funds” (II) are AIFs. - “Bonds” (I) and “Stocks” (III) are not AIFs (they are traditional securities). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-4.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-5.png) > **Subject:** Indian Economy > **Source:**[*https://www.sebi.gov.in*](https://www.sebi.gov.in/sebi%5Fdata/attachdocs/1471519155273.pdf?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty:** Medium --- **32\. Which of the following are the sources of income for the Reserve Bank of India?** I. Buying and selling Government bonds II. Buying and selling foreign currency III. Pension fund management IV. Lending to private companies V. Printing and distributing currency notes Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) I and II only (b) II, III and IV (c) I, III, IV and V (d) I, II and V **Answer:** (d) I, II and V **Explanation:** - **I (Yes):** RBI buys/sells government bonds (G-Secs) in the open market; earns interest and capital gains. - **II (Yes):** RBI’s forex operations: buys/sells foreign exchange; earns from trading margins/spreads. - **III (No):** RBI manages pension fund only for its own employees; not a source of external income. - **IV (No):** RBI does not lend to private companies directly; it lends to banks and financial institutions. - **V (Yes):** RBI recovers printing costs (charges govt.), and collects issue fees for printing and distributing currency. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-6.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-7.png) **Subject:** Indian Economy **Source:** *Indian Economy Handbook* **Difficulty:** Easy --- **33\. With reference to the Government of India, consider the following information:** | Organization | Some of its functions | It works under | | ------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | --------------------------------- | | I. Directorate of Enforcement | Enforcement of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 | Internal Security Division-I, MHA | | II. Directorate of Revenue Intelligence | Enforces the Provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 | Department of Revenue, MoF | | III. Directorate General of Systems and Data Management | Carrying out big data analytics to assist tax officers for better policy and nabbing tax evaders | Department of Revenue, MoF | In how many of the above rows is the information correctly matched? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three (d) None **Answer:** b **Explanation:** - **Mismatch - I. Directorate of Enforcement (ED)**: Actually works under the **Ministry of Finance (MoF), Department of Revenue**, not MHA’s Internal Security Division. - **Correct - II. Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)**: Enforces Customs Act, 1962, works under **Department of Revenue, MoF**. - **Correct - III. Directorate General of Systems and Data Management (DGSDM)**: Responsible for big data analytics for tax officers, works under **Department of Revenue, MoF**. So, exactly two rows (II and III) are correct. > **Subject:** Economy / Polity > **Source:** [*https://enforcementdirectorate.gov.in/*](https://enforcementdirectorate.gov.in/?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty:** Hard --- **34\. Consider the following statements:** I. The Reserve Bank of India mandates all the listed companies in India to submit a Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR). II. In India, a company submitting a BRSR makes disclosures in the report that are largely non-financial in nature. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) I only (b) II only (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II **Answer:** b **Explanation:** - **Statement I (Incorrect):** SEBI (not RBI) mandates that the top 1,000 listed companies by market capitalisation file a BRSR. RBI does not handle this mandate. - **Statement II (Correct):** BRSR disclosures focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) parameters—non-financial aspects like carbon footprint, gender diversity, governance structures, and sustainability practices. ![Economic Survey](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-8.png) > **Subject:** Indian Economy > **Source:** *Economic Survey* > **Difficulty:** Medium --- **35\. Consider the following statements:** I. In India, income from allied agricultural activities like poultry farming and wool rearing in rural areas is exempted from any tax. II. In India, rural agricultural land is not considered a capital asset under the provisions of the Income-tax Act, 1961. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I (b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I (c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct (d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct **Answer:** d **Explanation:** - **Statement I is incorrect:** Agricultural income is exempted from tax under the Income-tax Act, 1961\. It is important to note that income from allied agricultural activities like poultry farming, wool rearing, etc. are not considered as agricultural income. Hence, tax may be levied on incomes from such activities. - **Statement II is Correct:** Yes, In India, rural agricultural land is not considered a capital asset under the provisions of the Income-tax Act, 1961. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-9.png) > **Subject:** Economy > **Source:** [*https://www.businesstoday.in*](https://www.businesstoday.in/personal-finance/tax/story/income-tax-bill-2025-heres-how-taxation-of-agricultural-income-farmland-has-been-tweaked-464590-2025-02-13?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty:** Hard --- **36\. Consider the following statements:** I. India has joined the Minerals Security Partnership as a member. II. India is a resource-rich country in all the 30 critical minerals that it has identified. III. The Parliament in 2023 has amended the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 empowering the Central Government to exclusively auction mining lease and composite license for certain critical minerals. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III **Answer:** c **Explanation:** - **Statement I is correct:** India has joined the Minerals Security Partnership as a member in June 2023. - **Statement II is incorrect:** India has identified 30 critical minerals and is actively working to strengthen its position in the mining and processing of these resources. While India possesses some mineral resources, it faces import dependency for several, particularly for lithium, cobalt, nickel, and germanium. The Government of India has launched initiatives like the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) to enhance self-reliance in this sector. - **Statement III is correct:** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-10.png) > **Subject:** Economy / Geography / Current Affairs > **Source:** > *•* [*https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1946416*](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1946416&ref=upscprep.com) > *•* [*https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2120525*](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2120525&ref=upscprep.com) > *•* [*https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1945102*](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1945102&ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty:** Medium --- **37\. Consider the following statements:** **Statement I:** As regards returns from an investment in a company, generally, bondholders are considered to be relatively at lower risk than stockholders. **Statement II:** Bondholders are lenders to a company whereas stockholders are its owners. **Statement III:** For repayment purpose, bondholders are prioritized over stockholders by a company. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I (b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement I explains Statement II (c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct **Answer:** a **Explanation:** - **Statement I (Correct):** Bondholders lend money; they receive fixed interest. Stockholders bear residual risk/return. - **Statement II (Correct):** Bondholders are creditors (lenders); stockholders are owners (equity). - **Statement III (Correct):** On liquidation, bondholders have priority over stockholders; interest/principal paid to bondholders before equity dividends. Thus, II and III both explain why bondholders face lower risk than stockholders. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-11.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-12.png) > **Subject:** Indian Economy > **Source:** *Indian Economy Handbook* > **Difficulty:** Easy --- **38\. Consider the following statements:** I. India accounts for a very large portion of all equity option contracts traded globally thus exhibiting a great boom. II. India’s stock market has grown rapidly in the recent past even overtaking Hong Kong’s at some point of time. III. There is no regulatory body either to warn the small investors about the risks of options trading or to act on unregistered financial advisors in this regard. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III **Answer:** a **Explanation:** Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is the regulatory authority responsible for the regulation of capital markets including derivatives and options trading. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-13.png) > **Subject:** Indian Economy > **Source:** *Indian Economy Handbook* > **Difficulty:** Easy --- **39\. Consider the following statements:** **Statement I:** Circular economy reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases. **Statement II:** Circular economy reduces the use of raw materials as inputs. **Statement III:** Circular economy reduces wastage in the production process. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both explain Statement I (b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one explains Statement I (c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct **Answer:** a **Explanation: Circular economy** aims to close resource loops by reusing, recycling, refurbishing, remanufacturing, reducing inputs, and minimising waste. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-14.png) > **Subject:** Indian Economy / Environment > **Source:** *Indian Economy Handbook* > **Difficulty:** Easy --- **40\. Consider the following statements:** I. Capital receipts create a liability or cause a reduction in the assets of the Government. II. Borrowings and disinvestment are capital receipts. III. Interest received on loans creates a liability of the Government. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III **Answer:** a **Explanation:** Under government accounting, **Capital Receipts** either create a liability (e.g., borrowings) or cause a reduction in assets (e.g., disinvestment). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-15.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-16.png) > **Subject:** Indian Economy > **Source:** *Indian Economy Handbook* > **Difficulty:** Easy --- **41\. Consider the following countries:** I. Austria II. Bulgaria III. Croatia IV. Serbia V. Sweden VI. North Macedonia How many of the above are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)? (a) Only three (b) Only four (c) Only five (d) All the six **Answer:** (b) Only four **Explanation:** The question holds importance due to the induction of Sweden as the 32nd member in 2024. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-17.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-18.png) - **NATO Members from this list:** Bulgaria (joined 2004), Croatia (2009), Sweden (joined 2024), North Macedonia (2020). - **Not NATO:** Austria (neutral), Serbia (non-aligned). Thus, four of the six are NATO members. > **Subject:** International Relations / Current Affairs > **Source:** [*https://www.nato.int*](https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics%5F52044.htm?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty:** Medium --- **42\. Consider the following countries:** I. Bolivia II. Brazil III. Colombia IV. Ecuador V. Paraguay VI. Venezuela Andes mountains pass through how many of the above countries? (a) Only two (b) Only three (c) Only four (d) Only five **Answer:** c **Explanation:** The Andes Mountains run along the western edge of South America, passing through: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-19.png) - Bolivia (Yes) - Colombia (Yes) - Ecuador (Yes) - Venezuela (Yes; Andes extend into western Venezuela) - Not through Brazil or Paraguay. So, four countries from the list. > **Subject:** Geography > **Source:** *Oxford Atlas;* [*https://www.maptrove.com*](https://www.maptrove.com/south-america-map-showing-andes-mountain-range.html?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty:** Medium --- **43\. Consider the following water bodies:** I. Lake Tanganyika II. Lake Tonlé Sap III. Patos Lagoon Through how many of them does the equator pass? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three (d) None **Answer:** d **Explanation:** - **Lake Tanganyika**: Located between \~3°–8°S, the equator does not pass through it. - **Lake Tonlé Sap**: In Cambodia (\~11°N), the equator does not pass through it. - **Patos Lagoon**: In Brazil (\~32°–33°S), the equator does not pass through it. Hence, none. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-20.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-21.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-22.png) > **Subject:** Geography > **Source:** *World Atlas* > **Difficulty:** Hard --- **44\. Consider the following statements about turmeric during the year 2022–23:** I. India is the largest producer and exporter of turmeric in the world. II. More than 30 varieties of turmeric are grown in India. III. Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are major turmeric producing States in India. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III **Answer:** d **Explanation:** **All three statements are correct.** - **I (Correct):** India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric in the world. In the year 2022-23, an area of 3.24 lakh ha was under turmeric cultivation in India with a production of 11.61 lakh tonnes (over 75% of global turmeric production). - **II (Correct):** More than 30 varieties of Turmeric are grown in India and it is grown in over 20 states in the country. - **III (Correct):** The largest producing states of Turmeric are Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. - India has more than 62% share of the world trade in turmeric. During 2022-23, 1.534 lakh tonnes of turmeric and turmeric products valued at 207.45 million USD were exported by more than 380 exporters. - The leading export markets for Indian Turmeric are Bangladesh, UAE, USA and Malaysia. With the focused activities of the Board, it is expected that turmeric exports will reach USD 1 billion by 2030. > **Subject:** Geography > **Source:**[*https://www.pib.gov.in*](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1964083&ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty:** Medium --- **45\. Which of the following are evidences of the phenomenon of continental drift?** I. The belt of ancient rocks from Brazil coast matches with those from Western Africa. II. The gold deposits of Ghana are derived from the Brazil plateau when the two continents lay side by side. III. The Gondwana system of sediments from India is known to have its counterparts in six different landmasses of the Southern Hemisphere. Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) I and III only (b) I and II only (c) I, II and III (d) II and III only **Answer:** c **Explanation:** All three statements are correct as shown in the image below**.** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-23.png) - **I (Correct):** Precambrian shield rocks in eastern Brazil align with those in western Africa (West African Shield). - **II (Correct):** Gold-bearing quartz veins and greenstone belts in Ghana correlate geologically with Brazil’s Birimian greenstone belt (both were contiguous in Gondwana). - **III (Correct):** Gondwana sediments in India (e.g., Jurassic coal measures) correlate with marine and fluvial deposits in South America, Africa, Antarctica, Australia, and Madagascar. These matching geological features across continents provide strong evidence for continental drift. > **Subject:** Geography > **Source:** *NCERT Class 11, Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Chapter 4* > **Difficulty:** Easy --- **46\. Consider the following statements:** **Statement I:** The amount of dust particles in the atmosphere is more in subtropical and temperate areas than in equatorial and polar regions. **Statement II:** Subtropical and temperate areas have less dry winds. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I (b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I (c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct (d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct **Answer:** c **Explanation:** - **Statement I is correct** \- Subtropical and temperate regions, especially those including deserts such as the Sahara, Arabian Peninsula, and Central Asia, are major global sources of atmospheric dust. These regions experience high dust loading due to factors like arid climates, erodible soils, and strong winds. In contrast, equatorial regions are typically humid and densely vegetated, which suppresses dust emissions, while polar regions have little exposed soil and are often covered by ice or snow, limiting dust availability. - **Statement II is incorrect** \- Subtropical and temperate regions actually have more dry winds, not less. The prevalence of dry, strong winds in these areas (such as the Shamal, Harmattan, and westerlies) is a key reason for the high dust emissions and transport observed there. These winds lift and carry dust over large distances, contributing to higher atmospheric dust concentrations. > **Subject:** Geography > **Source:** [*https://cuet.iitk.ac.in*](https://cuet.iitk.ac.in/sathee-cuet/student-corner/ncert-books/class-11/geography/fundamental-of-physical-geography/chapter-07-composition-and-structure-of-atmosphere/?ref=upscprep.com#:~:text=Dust%20particles%20are%20generally%20concentrated%20in%20the,in%20comparison%20to%20equatorial%20and%20polar%20regions.) > **Difficulty:** Hard --- **47\. Consider the following statements:** Statement I: In January, in the Northern Hemisphere, the isotherms bend equatorward while crossing the landmasses, and poleward while crossing the oceans. Statement II: In January, the air over the oceans is warmer than that over the landmasses in the Northern Hemisphere. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I (b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I (c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct (d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct **Answer:** (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I **Explanation:** - **Statement I is correct** \- In January (winter in the Northern Hemisphere), landmasses cool more rapidly and to a greater extent than oceans. As a result, isotherms (lines of equal temperature) bend southward (equatorward) over the colder continents and northward (poleward) over the relatively warmer oceans. - **Statement II is correct** \- During this time, the air above the oceans remains warmer than the air above the land at the same latitude because water retains heat longer and cools more slowly than land. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-24.png) **Subject:** Geography **Source:** *NCERT Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Chapter 9* **Difficulty:** Easy --- **48\. Consider the following statements:** **Statement I:** In the context of the effect of water on rocks, chalk is known as a very permeable rock whereas clay is known as quite an impermeable or least permeable rock. **Statement II:** Chalk is porous and hence can absorb water. **Statement III:** Clay is not at all porous. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both explain Statement I (b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one explains Statement I (c) Only one of the Statement II and III is correct and that explains Statement I (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct. **Answer:** c **Explanation:** - **Statement I is incorrect:** Chalk has low permeability and clay is quite impermeable. - **Statement II is correct:** Chalk is porous and can absorb water, which explains its permeability. - **Statement III is incorrect:** Clay has very low permeability because its pores are extremely small and not well-connected. Clay is not at all porous is wrong. (most porous) Only Statement II is correct and explains why chalk is (relatively) more permeable than clay. > **Subject:** Geography > **Source:** *NCERT Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Chapter 5 & 6 |* [*https://www.sciencedirect.com*](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013795221000703?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty:** Medium --- **49\. Consider the following statements:** **Statement I:** Without the atmosphere, temperature would be well below freezing point everywhere on the Earth’s surface. **Statement II:** Heat absorbed and trapped by the atmosphere maintains our planet’s average temperature. **Statement III:** Atmosphere’s gases, like carbon dioxide, are particularly good at absorbing and trapping radiation. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) I and III only (b) I and II only (c) I, II and III (d) II and III only **Answer:** c **Explanation:** - **Statement I (Correct):** Without greenhouse gases, Earth’s average surface temperature would be \~–18 °C (well below freezing) rather than the current \~15 °C. - **Statement II (Correct):** Atmosphere absorbs solar and terrestrial radiation; greenhouse gases trap longwave infrared, maintaining average temperature. - **Statement III (Correct):** CO₂, CH₄, H₂O vapour, etc., absorb/emit infrared radiation, fundamental to the greenhouse effect. > **Subject:** Geography > **Source:** *NCERT Class 11 Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Chapter 8 & 9* > **Difficulty:** Easy --- **50\. Consider the following statements about the Rashtriya Gokul Mission:** **Statement I:** It is important for the upliftment of rural poor as majority of low producing indigenous animals are with small and marginal farmers and landless labourers. **Statement II:** It was initiated to promote indigenous cattle and buffalo rearing and conservation in a scientific and holistic manner. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) I only (b) II only (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II **Answer:** c **Explanation:** - **Statement I: Correct.** The Rashtriya Gokul Mission is especially important for the upliftment of rural poor, as the majority of low-producing indigenous animals are owned by small and marginal farmers and landless laborers. The scheme is designed to enhance productivity and benefits for these groups. - **Statement II: Correct.** The mission was initiated to promote indigenous cattle and buffalo rearing and conservation in a scientific and holistic manner, as explicitly stated in its objectives. > **Subject**: Current Affairs > **Source**: [*https://dahd.gov.in* ](https://dahd.gov.in/schemes/programmes/rashtriya%5Fgokul%5Fmission?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Medium --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/1.-Mains-Focus-Group-.png) #### Mains Focus Group (For Mains 2025) One Stop Solution for UPSC Mains 2025 [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-2025/?ref=upscprep.com) --- ### Questions 51 to 75 **51\. Consider the following statements:** I. Panchayats at the intermediate level exist in all States. II. To be eligible to be a Member of a Panchayat at the intermediate level, a person should attain the age of thirty years. III. The Chief Minister of a State constitutes a commission to review the financial position of Panchayats at the intermediate levels and to make recommendations regarding the distribution of net proceeds of taxes and duties, leviable by the State, between the State and Panchayats at the intermediate level. Which of the statements given above are not correct? (a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III **Answer**: d **Explanation**: - **Statement I:** **Incorrect.** Article 243B(2) of the Indian Constitution stipulates that Panchayats at the intermediate level may not be constituted in a State having a population not exceeding twenty lakhs. - **Statement II:** **Incorrect.** According to Article 243F of the Indian Constitution, the minimum age prescribed for election as a member of a Panchayat is 21 years - **Statement III: Incorrect.** Article 243I of the Indian Constitution mandates that the Governor of a State constitutes a Finance Commission every five years to review the financial position of Panchayats and make recommendations regarding the distribution of net proceeds of taxes and duties between the State and Panchayats at all levels. > **Subject**: Indian Polity > **Source**: *M. Laxmikanth , Bare Act* > **Difficulty**: Medium --- **52\. Consider the following statements in respect of BIMSTEC:** I. It is a regional organization consisting of seven member States till January 2025. II. It came into existence with the signing of the Dhaka Declaration, 1999\. III. Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Nepal are founding member States of BIMSTEC. IV. In BIMSTEC, the subsector of tourism is being led by India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) I and II (b) II and III (c) I and IV (d) I only **Answer**: c **Explanation**: - **Statement I is correct:** BIMSTEC consists of seven member states—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand—until January 2025\. - **Statement II is incorrect:** BIMSTEC was established through the Bangkok Declaration in 1997, not the Dhaka Declaration of 1999\. - **Statement III is incorrect:** The founding members of BIMSTEC were Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand(originally called BIST-EC). Myanmar joined in 1997, and Nepal and Bhutan joined in 2004\. - **Statement IV is correct:** India leads the tourism subsector within BIMSTEC, overseeing initiatives like the BIMSTEC Tourism Fund and regional tourism promotion. > **Subject**: International Relations/Organisations > **Source**: [*https://www.mea.gov.in*](https://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/BIMSTEC%5FJune%5F2020.pdf?ref=upscprep.com) | [*https://bimstec.org/tourism*](https://bimstec.org/tourism?ref=upscprep.com#:~:text=The%20BIMSTEC%20Tourism%20Fund%20is%20being%20administrated%20by%20India.) > **Difficulty**: Medium --- **53\. Who amongst the following are members of the Jury to select the recipient of ‘Gandhi Peace Prize’?** I. The President of India II. The Prime Minister of India III. The Chief Justice of India IV. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) II and IV only (b) I, II and III (c) II, III and IV (d) I and III only **Answer**: c **Explanation**: - The Prime Minister of India is the Chairperson of the jury. - The Chief Justice of India is a member. - The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha is also a member. - The President of India is not part of the jury. Additionally, the jury includes two eminent persons appointed every three years ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-25.png) > **Subject**: Current Affairs/Miscellaneous > **Source**: [*https://www.indiaculture.gov.in*](https://www.indiaculture.gov.in/sites/default/files/awards/Code%5Fof%5FProcedure%5FGPP%5F21%5F03%5F2022.pdf?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Medium --- **54\. GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) uses a system of ground stations to provide necessary augmentation. Which of the following statements is/are correct in respect of GAGAN?** I. It is designed to provide additional accuracy and integrity. II. It will allow more uniform and high-quality air traffic management. III. It will provide benefits only in aviation but not in other modes of transportation. Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) I, II and III (b) II and III only (c) I only (d) I and II only **Answer**: d **Explanation**: - **Statement I is correct:** GAGAN is designed to provide additional accuracy and integrity for satellite-based navigation, particularly for civil aviation. - **Statement II is correct:** GAGAN enhances air traffic management by improving navigation precision, making flight operations more efficient and safer. - **Statement III is incorrect:** While GAGAN is primarily developed for aviation, it also benefits other sectors, such as railways, maritime navigation, and disaster management, by improving location accuracy > **Subject**: Science and Technology > **Source**: [*https://economictimes.indiatimes.com* ](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/definition/gagan?from=mdr&ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Medium --- **55\. Consider the following statements regarding AI Action Summit held in Grand Palais, Paris in February 2025:** I. Co-chaired with India, the event builds on the advances made at the Bletchley Park Summit held in 2023 and the Seoul Summit held in 2024\. II. Along with other countries, US and UK also signed the declaration on inclusive and sustainable AI. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) I only (b) II only (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II **Answer**: a **Explanation**: - **Statement I is correct:** The AI Action Summit in Paris was co-chaired by India and built upon the advances made at the Bletchley Park Summit (UK, 2023) and the Seoul Summit (South Korea, 2024). - **Statement II is incorrect:** While many countries signed the Joint Declaration on Inclusive and Sustainable AI, the US and UK did not sign it, citing concerns about excessive regulations on AI > **Subject**: Current Affairs/International Relations > **Source**: [*https://www.pib.gov.in*](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2101947&ref=upscprep.com) | [*https://indianexpress.com*](https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/paris-ai-action-summit-india-lead-global-south-9829576/?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Medium --- **56\. Consider the following pairs:** I. International Year of the Woman Farmer: 2026 II. International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism: 2027 III. International Year of Peace and Trust: 2025 IV. International Year of Asteroid Awareness and Planetary Defence: 2029 How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All the four **Answer**: d **Explanation**: - International Year of the Woman Farmer (2026) – **Correct**. The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. - International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism (2027) – **Correct**. The UN designated 2027 for this theme to promote sustainable tourism. - International Year of Peace and Trust (2025) – **Correct**. The UN has recognized 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. - International Year of Asteroid Awareness and Planetary Defence (2029) – **Correct**. The UN has designated 2029 for raising awareness about asteroid threats and planetary defense > **Subject**: International Relations/Current Affairs > **Source**: [*https://www.un.org*](https://www.un.org/en/observances/international-years?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Hard --- **57\. Consider the following statements with regard to BRICS:** I. 16th BRICS Summit was held under the Chairship of Russia in Kazan. II. Indonesia has become a full member of BRICS. III. The theme of the 16th BRICS Summit was Strengthening Multiculturalism for Just Global Development and Security. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) I and II (b) II and III (c) I and III (d) I only **Answer**: a **Explanation**: - Statements 1 and 2 are correct. - **Statement 3 is incorrect** as the theme was "Strengthening multilateralism" not multiculturalism > **Subject**: International Relations > **Source**:[ *https://indianexpress.com*](https://indianexpress.com/article/world/indonesia-becomes-full-member-of-brics-brazil-confirms-9764158/?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Medium --- **58\. Consider the following statements about Lokpal:** I. The power of Lokpal applies to public servants of India, but not to the Indian public servants posted outside India. II. The Chairperson or a Member shall not be a Member of the Parliament or a Member of the Legislature of any State or Union Territory, and only the Chief Justice of India, whether incumbent or retired, has to be its Chairperson. III. The Chairperson or a Member shall not be a person of less than forty-five years of age on the date of assuming office as the Chairperson or Member, as the case may be. IV. Lokpal cannot inquire into the allegations of corruption against a sitting Prime Minister of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) III only (b) II and III (c) I and IV (d) None of the above statements is correct **Answer**: a **Explanation**: - **Statement I: Incorrect.** The jurisdiction of the Lokpal extends to public servants both within India and abroad. Section 14 of the Act defines "public servant" to include individuals serving in India and abroad. - **Statement II: Incorrect.** While it's true that the Chairperson or a Member must not be a Member of Parliament or a Member of the Legislature of any State or Union Territory, the requirement for the Chairperson is not limited to the Chief Justice of India. The Act specifies that the Chairperson should be a person of eminence who fulfils certain eligibility criteria, which include being a former Chief Justice of India, a former Supreme Court Judge, or an individual with impeccable integrity and outstanding ability in relevant fields. - **Statement III: Correct.** According to the Act, a person shall not be eligible to be appointed as the Chairperson or a Member if they are less than forty-five years of age on the date of assuming office. - **Statement IV: Incorrect.** The Lokpal can inquire into allegations of corruption against a sitting Prime Minister, but with certain limitations. The Act allows such inquiries unless the allegations pertain to matters of national security, external affairs, public order, atomic energy, or space. Additionally, any such inquiry requires the approval of at least two-thirds of the full bench of the Lokpal and must be conducted in camera. > **Subject**: Indian Polity > **Source**: *M. Laxmikanth, Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013\.* > **Difficulty**: Medium --- **59\. Consider the following statements in respect of the first Kho Kho World Cup:** I. The event was held in Delhi, India. II. Indian men beat Nepal with a score of 78–40 in the final to become the World Champions in the men's category. III. Indian women beat Nepal with a score of 54–36 in the final to become the World Champions in the women's category. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) I only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III **Answer**: a **Explanation**: - **Statement I is correct:** The first Kho Kho World Cup was held in New Delhi, India, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium from January 13–19, 2025\. - **Statement II is incorrect:** The Indian men’s team defeated Nepal with a score of 54–36, not 78–40\. - **Statement III is incorrect:** The Indian women’s team defeated Nepal with a score of 78–40 to become the world champions. > **Subject**: sports/ CA > **Source**:[ *https://www.olympics.com*](https://www.olympics.com/en/news/kho-kho-world-cup-2025-results-scores-standings-points-table?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Hard --- **60\. Consider the following statements:** I. In the finals of the 45th Chess Olympiad held in 2024, Gukesh Dommaraju became the world’s youngest winner after defeating the Russian player Ian Nepomniachtchi. II. Abhimanyu Mishra, an American chess player, holds the record of becoming world’s youngest ever Grandmaster. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) I only (b) II only (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II **Answer**: b **Explanation**: - **Statement I: Incorrect.** The 45th Chess Olympiad is scheduled to be held in 2024, but the Chess Olympiad is a team event, not an individual final. Gukesh Dommaraju did not become the "world’s youngest winner" at the Chess Olympiad by defeating Ian Nepomniachtchi. However, Gukesh D did win the **2024 Candidates Tournament** and became the youngest ever challenger for the World Chess Championship, but not at the Chess Olympiad. - **Statement II: Correct.** Abhimanyu Mishra became the world’s youngest ever Grandmaster in June 2021 at the age of 12 years, 4 months, and 25 days. > **Subject**: Current Affairs > **Source**: [*https://www.europechess.org*](https://www.chess.com/news/view/abhimanyu-mishra-youngest-grandmaster-in-chess-history?ref=upscprep.com) | [*https://www.thehindu.com*](https://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/chess-olympiad-2024-india-clinches-maiden-g?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Hard --- **61\. Consider the following statements:** **Statement I:** Some rare earth elements are used in the manufacture of flat television screens and computer monitors. **Statement II:** Some rare earth elements have phosphorescent properties. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I (b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I (c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct (d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct **Answer**: a **Explanation**: - Statement I is correct: Rare earths like europium and terbium are used in display screens. - Statement II is correct: Their phosphorescent properties allow them to emit visible light, making them useful in screens and LEDs. > **Subject**: Science & Technology > **Source**: [*https://profession.americangeosciences.org* ](https://profession.americangeosciences.org/society/intersections/faq/how-do-we-use-rare-earth-elements?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Medium --- **62\. Consider the following statements:** I. Indian Railways have prepared a National Rail Plan (NRP) to create a future ready railway system by 2028\. II. ‘Kavach’ is an Automatic Train Protection system developed in collaboration with Germany. III. ‘Kavach’ system consists of RFID tags fitted on track in station section. Which of the statements given above are not correct? (a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III **Answer**: b **Explanation**: - **Statement I is correct:** The National Rail Plan targets a future-ready system by 2030, not 2028\. - **Statement II is incorrect:** Kavach is an indigenous safety system developed by Indian Railways, not Germany. - **Statement III is incorrect:** Kavach uses RFID on tracks and trains, but “station section” wording is vague and misleading. > **Subject**: Science & Technology > **Source**: [*https://www.pib.gov.in*](https://www.pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1797575&ref=upscprep.com) | [*https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com*](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/in-a-a-first-indian-railways-allows-mncs-to-deploy-indigenous-kavach-anti-train-collision-system-on-network/articleshow/105611337.cms?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Medium --- **63\. Consider the following space missions:** I. Axiom-4 II. SpaDeX III. Gaganyaan How many of the space missions given above encourage microgravity research? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three (d) None **Answer**: c **Explanation**: Axiom-4 is a private space mission that facilitates microgravity research on ISS. SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment by ISRO) includes plans to study microgravity conditions. Gaganyaan will conduct experiments related to microgravity in the Indian human spaceflight mission. > **Subject**: Science & technology > **Source**: [*https://www.nasa.gov*](https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-partners-to-welcome-fourth-axiom-space-mission-to-space-station/?ref=upscprep.com) | [*https://www.isro.gov.in*](https://www.isro.gov.in/POEM%5F4%5FPayloads%5Fspadex.html?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Medium --- **64\. With reference to India’s defence, consider the following pairs:** | Aircraft type | Description | | ------------------------- | --------------------------- | | I. Dornier-228 | Maritime patrol aircraft | | II. IL-76 | Supersonic combat aircraft | | III. C-17 Globemaster III | Military transport aircraft | How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three (d) None **Answer: b** **Explanation**: - **I is correctly matched** \- The Dornier 228 is a twin-turboprop, short takeoff and landing (STOL) utility aircraft originally designed and manufactured by Dornier GmbH in Germany, with later production under license by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in India. It is widely used for both civilian and military applications, including passenger transport, cargo, surveillance, and maritime patrol. - **II is not correctly matched** \- The Ilyushin Il-76 is a four-engine, heavy-lift, strategic airlifter developed by the Soviet Union’s Ilyushin design bureau. First flown in 1971 and entering service in 1975, the Il-76 was designed primarily for military transport, but it is also widely used for civilian cargo, firefighting, and humanitarian aid operations. It is not a Supersonic combat aircraft. - **III is correctly matched** \- The C-17 Globemaster III is a large, strategic and tactical military transport aircraft developed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) for the United States Air Force and several allied nations. It is designed for rapid strategic airlift of troops and cargo to main operating bases or forward operating bases, and is capable of carrying oversized loads, vehicles, and even helicopters. > **Subject**: Current Affairs > **Source**: [*https://www.hal-india.co.in*](https://www.hal-india.co.in/product/dornier?ref=upscprep.com) | [ *https://www.aircharterservice.co.kr*](https://www.aircharterservice.co.kr/en/aircraft-guide/cargo/ilyushin-russia/ilyushin-il-76t-a?ref=upscprep.com) | [*https://www.airforce.gov.au* ](https://www.airforce.gov.au/aircraft/c-17-globemaster?ref=upscprep.com)|[*https://www.thehindu.com*](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/first-batch-of-indian-aid-and-personnel-reach-t%C3%BCrkiye-more-relief-en-route/article66482011.ece?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Medium --- **65\. Artificial way of causing rainfall to reduce air pollution makes use of:** (a) silver iodide and potassium iodide (b) silver nitrate and potassium iodide (c) silver iodide and potassium nitrate (d) silver nitrate and potassium chloride **Answer**: a **Explanation**: Artificial rainfall, also known as cloud seeding, is a weather modification technique used to induce precipitation. Silver iodide (AgI) and potassium iodide (KI) are commonly used as ice nuclei to encourage the formation of raindrops in clouds. These substances help water vapor condense and freeze, leading to precipitation, which can wash pollutants out of the atmosphere and improve air quality. > **Subject**: Environment/Current Affairs > **Sources**: [*https://indianexpress.com*](https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/air-pollution-artificial-rain-delhi-9678247/?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Easy --- **66\. Consider the following statements with regard to pardoning power of the President of India:** I. The exercise of this power by the President can be subjected to limited judicial review. II. The President can exercise this power without the advice of the Central Government. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) I only (b) II only (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II Correct **Answer**: a **Explanation**: - **Statement I:** The exercise of this power by the President can be subjected to limited judicial review. Correct. The Supreme Court has held that while the President's decision to grant a pardon is generally not open to judicial scrutiny, courts can intervene if the exercise of this power is found to be arbitrary, irrational, or made in bad faith. - **Statement II:** The President can exercise this power without the advice of the Central Government. Incorrect. Article 74(1) of the Constitution mandates that the President shall act in accordance with the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister. > **Subject**: Indian Polity > **Source**: M. Laxmikanth > **Difficulty**: Easy --- **67\. Consider the following statements:** **Statement I:** On the dissolution of the House of the People, the Speaker shall not vacate his/her office until immediately before the first meeting of the House of the People after the dissolution. **Statement II:** According to the provisions of the Constitution of India, a Member of the House of the People on being elected as Speaker shall resign from his/her political party immediately. **Statement III:** The Speaker of the House of the People may be removed from his/her office by a resolution of the House of the People passed by a majority of all the then Members of the House, provided that no resolution shall be moved unless at least fourteen days’ notice has been given of the intention to move the resolution. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III **Answer**: c **Explanation**: - **Statement I is correct**. According to Article 94(1) of the Indian Constitution, the Speaker does not vacate office immediately on dissolution of the Lok Sabha but continues until just before the new Lok Sabha meets. - **Statement II is incorrect.** The Constitution does not mandate the Speaker to resign from their political party. However, by convention and to maintain impartiality, the Speaker generally disassociates from active politics, but resignation from the party is not a constitutional requirement. \\ - **Statement III is correct.** The House of People can remove the Speaker through a resolution with notice of 14 days, passed by an effective majority (more than 50% of the effective strength (total strength-vacancies) of the house present and voting) as per Articles 94 of the Indian Constitution. > **Subject**: Indian Polity > **Source**: *Laxmikanth , Bare Act , UPSC PYQ* > **Difficulty**: Easy --- **68\. Consider the following statements:** I. If any question arises as to whether a Member of the House of the People has become subject to disqualification under the 10th Schedule, the President’s decision in accordance with the opinion of the Council of Union Ministers shall be final. II. There is no mention of the word ‘political party’ in the Constitution of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) I only (b) II only (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II Correct **Answer**: d **Explanation**: - **Statement I:** Disqualification under the 10th Schedule (Anti-Defection Law) is decided by the Presiding Officer (Speaker for Lok Sabha, Chairman for Rajya Sabha). The President’s role applies to disqualification under Article 102 (other than defection) based on the Election Commission’s opinion. Hence, Statement I is incorrect. - **Statement II:** The term “political party” is included in the Constitution through the 52nd Amendment Act (1985), which introduced the 10th Schedule. Thus, Statement II is incorrect. > **Subject**: Indian Polity > **Source**: *Laxmikanth, Bare Act.* > **Difficulty**: Medium --- **Q 69\. Consider the following statements:** **Statement I:** In India, State Governments have no power for making rules for grant of concessions in respect of extraction of minor minerals even though such minerals are located in their territories. **Statement II:** In India, the Central Government has the power to notify minor minerals under the relevant law. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I (b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I (c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct (d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct **Answer**: d **Explanation**: - **Statement I is incorrect:** State Governments in India do have the power to make rules regarding the grant of concessions for minor mineral extraction, even if the minerals are located within their territories. Section 15 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 explicitly grants them this authority. - **Statement II is correct:** Section 3(e) of the MMDR Act, 1957 defines "minor minerals" as building stones, kankar, and ordinary clay used for making bricks, ordinary sand used for any purpose, and any other mineral which the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare to be a minor mineral. > **Subject**: Geography/Economy > **Source**: [*https://ibm.gov.in*](https://ibm.gov.in/writereaddata/files/10252016173841Mineral%20digest%20PartI.pdf?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Hard --- **70\. Which organization has enacted the Nature Restoration Law (NRL) to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss?** (a) The European Union (b) The World Bank (c) The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (d) The Food and Agriculture Organization **Answer**: a **Explanation**: - The Nature Restoration Law is a comprehensive regulation adopted by the European Union to restore degraded ecosystems, address climate change, and halt biodiversity loss across EU member states. - It sets legally binding targets to restore at least 20% of the EU’s degraded land and sea areas by 2030, with the goal of restoring all ecosystems in need by 2050\. - It aims to halt biodiversity loss, improve ecosystem health, and support climate change mitigation and adaptation across member states. > **Subject**: Environment and Ecology > **Source**: [*https://environment.ec.europa.eu*](https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/nature-and-biodiversity/nature-restoration-regulation%5Fen?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Medium --- **71\. Suppose the revenue expenditure is ₹ 80,000 crores and the revenue receipts of the Government are ₹ 60,000 crores. The Government budget also shows borrowings of ₹ 10,000 crores and interest payments of ₹ 6,000 crores. Which of the following statements are correct?** I. Revenue deficit is ₹ 20,000 crores. II. Fiscal deficit is ₹ 10,000 crores. III. Primary deficit is ₹ 4,000 crores. Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I, II and III only (d) I, II and III **Answer**: d **Explanation**: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-26.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-27.png) > **Subject**: Indian Economy > **Source**: Indian Economy Handbook > **Difficulty**: Easy --- **72\. India is one of the founding members of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multimodal transportation corridor, which will connect** (a) India to Central Asia to Europe via Iran (b) India to Central Asia via China (c) India to South-East Asia through Bangladesh and Myanmar (d) India to Europe through Azerbaijan **Answer**: a **Explanation**: - The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is a 7,200-kilometer-long multimodal transportation network connecting the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf to the Caspian Sea via Iran, and onward to northern and western Europe, primarily through Russia. - It integrates ship, rail, and road routes to facilitate the movement of freight among India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-28.png) > **Subject**: Current Affairs > **Source**: [*https://www.thehindu.com*](https://www.thehindu.com/business/budget/vessel-container-traffic-increased-via-chabahar-port-and-instc-in-fy24-economic-survey/article69164241.ece?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Easy --- **73\. Consider the following statements:** **Statement I:** Of the two major ethanol producers in the world, i.e., Brazil and the United States of America, the former produces more ethanol than the latter. **Statement II:** Unlike in the United States of America where corn is the principal feedstock for ethanol production, sugarcane is the principal feedstock for ethanol production in Brazil. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I (b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I (c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct (d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct **Answer**: c **Explanation**: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-29.png) > **Subject**: Economy/Environment > **Source**: [*https://afdc.energy.gov/data*](https://afdc.energy.gov/data?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Hard --- **74\. The World Bank warned that India could become one of the first places where wet-bulb temperatures routinely exceed 35°C. Which of the following statements best reflect(s) the implication of the above-said report?** I. Peninsular India will most likely suffer from flooding, tropical cyclones and droughts. II. The survival of animals including humans will be affected as shedding of their body heat through perspiration becomes difficult. Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) I only (b) II only (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II **Answer**: c **Explanation**: - **Statement I is correct:** High wet-bulb temperatures provide more moisture and energy for cyclones to develop and intensify. The warm, humid air in the tropics fuels the storm, making it more likely to form and grow. Increased humidity and higher wet-bulb temperatures can lead to more intense cyclones with higher wind speeds and heavier rainfall, potentially resulting in more significant damage and flooding. - **Statement II is correct:** Wet-bulb temperature combines heat and humidity, making it difficult for the body to cool itself through perspiration. When wet-bulb temperatures exceed 35°C, even in the shade with access to water, the body cannot regulate heat, leading to heatstroke and potential fatality > **Subject**: Environment > **Source**: [*https://economictimes.indiatimes.com*](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/record-heat-waves-push-india-closer-to-limit-of-human-survival/articleshow/99033530.cms?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Medium --- **75\. A country’s fiscal deficit stands at ₹ 50,000 crores. It is receiving ₹ 10,000 crores through non-debt creating capital receipts. The country’s interest liabilities are ₹ 1,500 crores. What is the gross primary deficit?** (a) ₹ 48,500 crores (b) ₹ 51,500 crores (c) ₹ 58,500 crores (d) None of the above **Answer**: a **Explanation**: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-30.png) > **Subject**: Indian Economy > **Source**: *Indian Economy Handbook* > **Difficulty**: Medium --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/1.-MG-Unlimited.png) #### Mains Focus Group + Write Unlimited (for Mains 2025) One Stop Solution for UPSC Mains 2025 [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-write-unlimited/?ref=upscprep.com) --- ### Questions 76 to 100 **76\. Which of the following statements with regard to recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission of India are correct?** I. It has recommended grants of ₹ 4,800 crores from the year 2022–23 to the year 2025–26 for incentivizing States to enhance educational outcomes. II. 45% of the net proceeds of Union taxes are to be shared with States. III. ₹ 45,000 crores are to be kept as performance-based incentive for all States for carrying out agricultural reforms. IV. It reintroduced tax effort criteria to reward fiscal performance. Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) I, II and III (b) I, II and IV (c) I, III and IV (d) II, III and IV **Answer**: c **Explanation**: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-31.png) **Subject**: Economy/Polity **Source**: [*https://prsindia.org*](https://prsindia.org/policy/report-summaries/report-15th-finance-commission-2021-26?ref=upscprep.com) **Difficulty**: Hard --- **77\. Consider the following statements in respect of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD):** I. It provides loans and guarantees to middle income countries. II. It works single-handedly to help developing countries to reduce poverty. III. It was established to help Europe rebuild after the World War II. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III **Answer**: c **Explanation**: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-32.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-33.png) > **Subject**: Economy > **Source**: *Indian Economy Handbook* > **Difficulty**: Easy --- **78\. Consider the following statements in respect of RTGS and NEFT:** I. In RTGS, the settlement time is instantaneous while in case of NEFT, it takes some time to settle payments. II. In RTGS, the customer is charged for inward transactions while that is not the case for NEFT. III. Operating hours for RTGS are restricted on certain days while this is not true for NEFT. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) I only (b) I and II (c) I and III (d) III only **Answer**: a **Explanation**: - I: Correct — RTGS settles instantly; NEFT settles in batches. - II: Incorrect — No charges on inward transactions for both. - III: Incorrect — Both operate almost round-the-clock now. > **Subject**: Indian Economy > **Source**: [*https://retail.onlinesbi.sbi*](https://retail.onlinesbi.sbi/npersonal/neft%5Frtgs%5Ffaq.html?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Medium --- **79\. Consider the following countries:** I. United Arab Emirates II. France III. Germany IV. Singapore V. Bangladesh How many countries amongst the above are there other than India where international merchant payments are accepted under UPI? (a) Only two (b) Only three (c) Only four (d) All the five **Answer**: b **Explanation**: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-34.png) > **Subject**: Current Affairs/ Economy > **Source**:[ *https://www.npci.org.in*](https://www.npci.org.in/what-we-do/upi-global/upi-global-acceptance/live-members?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Medium --- **80\. Consider the following statements about ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’:** I. It targets installation of one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential sector. II. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy aims to impart training on installation, operation, maintenance and repairs of solar rooftop systems at grassroot levels. III. It aims to create more than three lakhs skilled manpower through fresh skilling, and upskilling, under scheme component of capacity building. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) I and II only (b) I and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III **Answer**: d **Explanation**: - **Statement I is correct:** The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana aims to install one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential sector. - **Statement II is correct:** The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is actively working to train individuals in the installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of solar rooftop systems at the grassroots level. - **Statement III is correct:** The scheme aims to create more than three lakh skilled manpower through fresh skilling and upskilling, as part of its capacity-building component. > **Subject**: Current Affairs/ Economy > **Source**: [*https://www.pib.gov.in*](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2081250&ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Medium --- **81\. With reference to the Indian polity, consider the following statements:** I. An Ordinance can amend any Central Act. II. An Ordinance can abridge a Fundamental Right. III. An Ordinance can come into effect from a back date. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III **Answer**: c **Explanation** - **Statement I:** An ordinance can amend any Central Act. This is correct because the President’s ordinance power is as broad as Parliament’s law-making power, allowing modification or repeal of existing Acts or ordinances. The Supreme Court recognises ordinances as having legislative force until replaced or invalidated. - **Statement II:** An ordinance can abridge Fundamental Rights. This is incorrect. Ordinances are subject to constitutional limits, including Article 13(2), which prohibits laws that infringe Fundamental Rights. Ordinances violating these rights are void. - **Statement III:** An ordinance can have a retrospective effect. > **Subject**: Indian Polity > **Source**: *Indian Polity By Laxmikanth* > **Difficulty**: Easy --- **82\. Consider the following pairs:** | State | Description | | ----------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Arunachal Pradesh | The capital is named after a fort, and the State has two National Parks | | Nagaland | The State came into existence on the basis of a Constitutional Amendment Act | | Tripura | Initially a Part ‘C’ State, it became a centrally administered territory with reorganization of States in 1956 and later attained the status of a full-fledged State | How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three (d) None **Answer: c** **Explanation**: - **Pair I:** Arunachal Pradesh – The capital, Itanagar, is named after the Ita Fort, and the state has two national parks, making this pair correct. - **Pair II:** Nagaland – Nagaland's creation was based on a constitutional amendment, making this pair correct. It became the 16th state through the State of Nagaland Act, 1962 and the Constitution (13th Amendment) Act, 1962, which added Article 371A, granting special status. - **Pair III:** Tripura – Initially a Part 'C' state, Tripura became a Union Territory in 1956 and gained full statehood in 1972\. This pair is also correct. > **Subject**: Indian Polity > **Source**: *Laxmikanth, Random GK Website* > **Difficulty**: Medium --- **83\. With reference to India, consider the following:** I. The Inter-State Council II. The National Security Council III. Zonal Councils How many of the above were established as per the provisions of the Constitution of India? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three (d) None **Answer**: a **Explanation**: - **I. The Inter-State Council:** Established under Article 263 of the Indian Constitution, the Inter-State Council is a constitutional body. It was constituted by a Presidential Order on May 28, 1990, following the recommendations of the Sarkaria Commission on Centre-State Relations. Its purpose is to promote coordination between states and between the Centre and states on matters of common interest. Therefore, this body is constitutionally mandated. - **II. The National Security Council:** The National Security Council (NSC) was established in 1998 through a Cabinet Resolution, not by a constitutional provision. It serves as an executive body advising the Prime Minister on matters of national security and foreign policy. Since it was not established by the Constitution, it is not a constitutional body - **III. Zonal Councils:** The Zonal Councils were established by the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, which is a statutory (not constitutional) provision. These councils are advisory bodies intended to foster cooperation among states and between the Centre and states. They are not constitutionally mandated bodies. > **Subject**: Indian Polity > **Source**: *Laxmikanth |* [*interstatecouncil.gov.in*](http://interstatecouncil.gov.in/?ref=upscprep.com) *|* [*nsc.gov.in*](http://nsc.gov.in/?ref=upscprep.com) *|* [*mha.gov.in*](http://mha.gov.in/en/page/zonal-council?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Medium --- **84\. Consider the following statements:** I. The Constitution of India explicitly mentions that in certain spheres the Governor of a State acts in his/her own discretion. II. The President of India can, of his/her own, reserve a bill passed by a State Legislature for his/her consideration without it being forwarded by the Governor of the State concerned. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) I only (b) II only (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II Correct **Answer**: a **Explanation**: - **Statement I is Correct**. Article 163(1) of the Indian Constitution states that the Governor shall act according to the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, except in matters where the Constitution requires him to act in his discretion. - **Statement II is Incorrect**. According to Article 201 of the Constitution, the Governor of a State may reserve a bill for the consideration of the President. The President cannot reserve a bill directly; it must be forwarded to them by the Governor > **Subject**: Indian Polity > **Source**: *Laxmikanth, Bare Act* > **Difficulty**: Medium --- **85\. Consider the following pairs:** | Provision in the Constitution of India | Stated under | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------- | | Separation of Judiciary from the Executive in the public services of the State | The Directive Principles of the State Policy | | Valuing and preserving the rich heritage of our composite culture | The Fundamental Duties | | Prohibition of employment of children below the age of 14 years in factories | The Fundamental Rights | How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three (d) None **Answer: c** **Explanation**: - **Pair I:** Separation of Judiciary from the Executive in the public services of the State – The Directive Principles of State Policy. This pair is correctly matched. Article 50, which is part of Part IV (Directive Principles of State Policy), mandates that the state shall take steps to separate the judiciary from the executive in public services. - **Pair II:** Valuing and preserving the rich heritage of our composite culture – The Fundamental Duties. This pair is correctly matched. Article 51A(f), under Part IVA (Fundamental Duties), makes it the duty of every citizen of India to value and preserve the rich heritage of the nation's composite culture. - **Pair III:** Prohibition of employment of children below the age of 14 years in factories – The Fundamental Rights. This pair is correctly matched. Article 24, under Part III (Fundamental Rights), specifically prohibits the employment of children under the age of 14 in factories, mines, or any hazardous work. > **Subject**: Indian Polity > **Source**: Laxmikanth > **Difficulty**: Easy --- **86\. Consider the following statements:** With reference to the Constitution of India, if an area in a State is declared as Scheduled Area under the Fifth Schedule— I. The State Government loses its executive power in such areas and a local body assumes total administration. II. The Union Government can take over the total administration of such areas under certain circumstances on the recommendations of the Governor. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) I only (b) II only (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II **Answer**: d **Explanation**: - **Statement I is Incorrect.** According to Paragraph 2 of the Fifth Schedule, the executive power of a State extends to its Scheduled Areas. - While the Governor has special responsibilities, the State Government retains its executive authority. - The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA), empowers Gram Sabhas with significant self-governance functions, but this does not equate to the State Government losing its executive power or a local body assuming total administration. - **Statement II is Incorrect.** Paragraph 3 of the Fifth Schedule allows the Union Government to give directions to the State regarding the administration of Scheduled Areas. - However, it does not provide for the Union Government to take over the total administration of such areas based solely on the recommendations of the Governor. - This provision is distinct from the general emergency provisions like Article 356 (President's Rule), which allows the President to assume control over the entire State government under specific circumstances. > **Subject**: Indian Polity > **Source**: *Laxmikanth, Bare Act* > **Difficulty**: Medium --- **87\. With reference to India, consider the following pairs:** | Organization | Union Ministry | | ---------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- | | I. The National Automotive Board | Ministry of Commerce and Industry | | II. The Coir Board | Ministry of Heavy Industries | | III. The National Centre for Trade Information | Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises | How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three (d) None **Answer:** d **Explanation**: - The National Automotive Board – Ministry of Commerce and Industry **Incorrect**. The National Automotive Board is under the Ministry of Heavy Industries. It serves as the operating agency for the implementation of the FAME India Scheme and handles matters related to the automotive sector, such as testing, certification, and homologation. - The Coir Board – Ministry of Heavy Industries **Incorrect**. The Coir Board is a statutory body under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). It focuses on the promotion and development of the coir industry, including export promotion and expansion of the domestic market. - The National Centre for Trade Information – Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises **Incorrect**. The National Centre for Trade Information (NCTI) operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It serves as an institutional mechanism for the collection and dissemination of trade data and for improving business information services. > **Subject**: Indian Polity > **Source**: Laxmikanth | [*https://heavyindustries.gov.in*](https://heavyindustries.gov.in/national-automotive-board?ref=upscprep.com) | [*https://www.commerce.gov.in*](https://coirboard.gov.in/?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Difficult --- **88\. Consider the following subjects under the Constitution of India:** I. List I—Union List, in the Seventh Schedule II. Extent of the executive power of a State III. Conditions of the Governor’s office For a constitutional amendment with respect to which of the above, ratification by the Legislatures of not less than one-half of the States is required before presenting the bill to the President of India for assent? (a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III **Answer**: a **Explanation**: - **List I—Union List, in the Seventh Schedule:** Amendments to the Union List require ratification by at least half of the State legislatures. This is because changes to the Union List impact the distribution of legislative powers between the Union and the States. Therefore, this statement is correct. - **Extent of the executive power of a State:** Amendments affecting the extent of the executive power of a State (Article 162) require ratification by at least half of the State legislatures. This is because such changes pertain to the federal structure and the distribution of powers. Therefore, this statement is correct. - **Conditions of the Governor’s office:** Amendments to the provisions related to the Governor's office (Articles 154–162) do not require ratification by the State legislatures. These provisions are not considered part of the federal structure that necessitates state ratification. Therefore, this statement is incorrect. > **Subject**: Indian Polity > **Source**: Laxmikanth, Bare Act > **Difficulty**: Medium --- **89\. With reference to the Indian polity, consider the following statements:** I. The Governor of a State is not answerable to any court for the exercise and performance of the powers and duties of his/her office. II. No criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against the Governor during his/her term of office. III. Members of a State Legislature are not liable to any proceedings in any court in respect of anything said within the House. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) II and III only **Answer**: d **Explanation**: - **Statement I is Correct.** Article 361(1) of the Constitution provides that the President or the Governor of a State shall not be answerable to any court for the exercise and performance of the powers and duties of their office or for any act done or purporting to be done by them in the exercise and performance of those powers and duties. - **Statement II is Correct.** Article 361(2) explicitly states that no criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against the President or the Governor of a State in any court during their term of office. - **Statement III is Correct.** Article 194(2) of the Constitution grants members of the Legislature of a State immunity from legal proceedings in any court in respect of anything said or any vote given by them in the Legislature or any committee thereof. > **Subject**: Indian Polity > **Source**: *Laxmikanth, Bare Act* > **Difficulty**: Medium --- **90\. Consider the following activities:** I. Production of crude oil II. Refining, storage and distribution of petroleum III. Marketing and sale of petroleum products IV. Production of natural gas How many of the above activities are regulated by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board in our country? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All the four **Answer**: b **Explanation**: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-35.png) > **Subject**: Indian Economy > **Source**: [*https://pngrb.gov.in*](https://pngrb.gov.in/pdf/Act/ACT%5FPNGRB.pdf?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Hard --- **91\. "Sedition has become my religion" was the famous statement given by Gandhiji at the time of** (a) the Champaran Satyagraha (b) publicly violating Salt Law at Dandi (c) attending the Second Round Table Conference in London (d) the launch of the Quit India Movement **Answer**: b **Explanation**: Mahatma Gandhi made the statement "Sedition has become my religion" during the Salt Satyagraha (Dandi March) in 1930\. This was a direct act of civil disobedience against British rule, where Gandhi and his followers openly defied the Salt Law by making salt from seawater. The British considered such defiance as seditious, but Gandhi framed it as a moral and spiritual duty to resist unjust laws. > **Subject**: Modern Indian History > **Source**: [*https://www.governancenow.com*](https://www.governancenow.com/news/regular-story/i-have-made-sedition-my-dharma?ref=upscprep.com#:~:text=At%20one%20time%20I%20was,crores%20of%20people%20of%20India.) > **Difficulty**: Medium --- **92\. The famous female figurine known as 'Dancing Girl', found at Mohenjo-daro, is made of** (a) carnelian (b) clay (c) bronze (d) gold **Answer**: c **Explanation**: The Dancing Girl figurine is one of the most famous and iconic artefacts of the Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC), also known as the Harappan Civilisation. It was discovered in 1926 by archaeologist Ernest Mackay at Mohenjo-Daro, one of the largest and most advanced urban settlements of the ancient world. The figurine is made of bronze and was sculpted using the lost wax technique. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-37.png) > **Subject**: (Ancient Indian History) > **Source**: *(Old NCERT Class 11th/R.S. Sharma) and UPSCprep Class Notes* > **Difficulty**: Easy --- **93\. Who provided legal defence to the people arrested in the aftermath of Chauri Chaura incident?** (a) C. R. Das (b) Madan Mohan Malaviya and Krishna Kant (c) Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew and Khwaja Hasan Nizami (d) M. A. Jinnah **Answer**: b **Explanation**: - Madan Mohan Malaviya and Krishna Kant provided the legal defense for those arrested in the aftermath of the Chauri Chaura incident. - They took up the case of the accused, many of whom had initially been sentenced to death or long prison terms by the British colonial authorities. - Their efforts in the legal appeals resulted in a significant reduction in the number of death sentences, with only 19 ultimately executed after the Allahabad High Court's review. - Also, a movie was released in 2023 with the name ‘1922 Pratikaar Chauri Chaura’ which shows the role of MM Malviya. > **Subject**: Modern Indian History > **Source**: [*https://www.pib.gov.in*](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1695165&ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Hard --- **94: Subsequent to which one of the following events, Gandhiji, who consistently opposed untouchability and appealed for its eradication from all spheres, decided to include the upliftment of 'Harijans' in his political and social programme?** (a) The Poona Pact (b) The Gandhi-Irwin Agreement (Delhi Pact) (c) Arrest of Congress leadership at the time of the Quit India Movement (d) Promulgation of the Government of India Act, 1935 **Answer**: a **Explanation**: - The Poona Pact of 1932 was a crucial agreement between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar regarding the political representation of the Depressed Classes (Dalits). - Gandhi strongly opposed the British government's Communal Award, which proposed separate electorates for Dalits. He believed it would divide Hindu society. - To protest, Gandhi undertook a fast unto death while imprisoned in Yerwada Jail. The Poona Pact was signed on 24 September 1932, ensuring reserved seats for Dalits within the general electorate instead of separate electorates. - Following this, Gandhi intensified his efforts for Harijan upliftment, founding the Harijan Sevak Sangh to work for the eradication of untouchability > **Subject**: Modern Indian History > **Source**: NCERT | UPSCprep Class Notes |[*https://indianexpress.com*](https://indianexpress.com/article/upsc-current-affairs/upsc-essentials/the-ambedkar-gandhi-debate-on-untouchability-9742756/?ref=upscprep.com) | [*https://frontline.thehindu.com*](https://frontline.thehindu.com/books/ambedkar-gandhi-idea-dalit-untouchable-emancipati?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Easy --- **95: Consider the following fruits:** I. Papaya II. Pineapple III. Guava How many of the above were introduced in India by the Portuguese in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three (d) None **Answer**: c **Explanation**: - Papaya was introduced to India by the Portuguese during the 16th and 17th centuries, along with other American crops. - Pineapple was brought from Brazil to India by the Portuguese in the 16th century, and its cultivation spread rapidly. - Guava was also introduced by the Portuguese and became widely accepted in Indian agriculture and food culture > **Subject**: Modern Indian History > **Source**: [*https://ripublication.com*](https://ripublication.com/ijhss/ijhssv5n3%5F07.pdf?ref=upscprep.com) | NCERT > **Difficulty**: Hard --- **96\. Consider the following countries:** I. United Kingdom II. Denmark III. New Zealand IV. Australia V. Brazil How many of the above countries have more than four time zones? (a) All the five (b) Only four (c) Only three (d) Only two **Answer**: b **Explanation**: UK has 9 time zones, Denmark has 5 time zones, New Zealand has 5 time zones, Australia has 9 time zones and Brazil has 4 time zones. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-38.png) > **Subject**: Geography > **Source**: [*https://en.wikipedia.org*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List%5Fof%5Ftime%5Fzones%5Fby%5Fcountry?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Hard --- **97\. Consider the following statements:** I. Anadyr in Siberia and Nome in Alaska are a few kilometers from each other, but when people are waking up and getting set for breakfast in these cities, it would be different days. II. When it is Monday in Anadyr, it is Tuesday in Nome. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) I only (b) II only (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II **Answer**: a **Explanation**: - **Statement I is correct:** Anadyr (Russia) and Nome (USA) are geographically close, separated by the Bering Strait, but they lie on opposite sides of the International Date Line (IDL). This means that when people wake up in one city, it could be a different calendar day in the other. - **Statement II is incorrect:** Since Anadyr is ahead of Nome in time, if it is Monday in Anadyr, it would still be Sunday in Nome, not Tuesday. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-39.png) > **Subject**: Geography > **Source**: *Maps, NCERT* > **Difficulty**: Easy --- **98\. Who among the following was the founder of the 'Self-Respect Movement'?** (a) Periyar E. V. Ramaswamy Naicker (b) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (c) Bhaskarrao Jadhav (d) Dinkarrao Javalkar **Answer**: a **Explanation**: The Self-Respect Movement was founded in 1925 by S. Ramanathan, who later invited E. V. Ramaswamy Naicker (Periyar) to lead it. Periyar played a crucial role in shaping the movement, advocating for social equality, rationalism, and the abolition of caste-based discrimination. > **Subject**: Modern Indian History > **Source**: NCERT Class VIII Our Pasts III |[ *https://indianexpress.com*](https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-history/periyar-9572605/?ref=upscprep.com) | [*https://www.thehindu.com*](https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/keep-the-fire-of-the-self-respect-movement-going/article68687061.ece?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Easy --- **99\. Consider the following pairs:** | Country | Resource-rich in | | -------------- | ---------------- | | I. Botswana | Diamond | | II. Chile | Lithium | | III. Indonesia | Nickel | In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three (d) None **Answer: c** **Explanation**: - Botswana – Diamond: Botswana is one of the world's leading producers of diamonds, with major mines like Jwaneng and Orapa contributing significantly to its economy. - Chile – Lithium: Chile holds some of the largest lithium reserves globally, particularly in the Atacama Desert, making it a key player in lithium production. - Indonesia – Nickel: Indonesia is a major producer of nickel, with vast reserves that are crucial for stainless steel and battery production. > **Subject**: Geography > **Source**: [*https://indianexpress.com*](https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/geopolitics-complicating-clean-energy-move-nickel-8899569/?ref=upscprep.com) | [*https://indianexpress.com*](https://indianexpress.com/article/world/worlds-second-largest-diamond-with-2492-carat-discovered-in-botswana-9528239/?ref=upscprep.com) | [*https://indianexpress.com*](https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/chiles-atacama-lithium-mining-9531288/?ref=upscprep.com) > **Difficulty**: Medium --- **100\. Consider the following pairs:** | Region | Country | | ------------- | ------- | | I. Mallorca | Italy | | II. Normandy | Spain | | III. Sardinia | France | In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three (d) None **Answer: d** **Explanation**: - Mallorca is part of the Balearic Islands, which belong to Spain, not Italy. - Normandy is a historical and cultural region in France, not Spain. - Sardinia is an autonomous region of Italy, not France. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-40.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-41.png) > **Subject**: Geography/Maps > **Source**: World Maps > **Difficulty**: Medium --- Download the PDF from here: [UPSC Prelims Paper 1 - Set B Solutions UPSC Prelims Paper 1 - Set B Solutions .pdf19 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2025/06/UPSC-Prelims-Paper-1---Set-B-Solutions--1.pdf "Download") --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/1.-UPSCprep-Banner.png) [Know More About Our Courses](https://courses.upscprep.com/?%5Fgl=1%2Az2wd1r%2A%5Fga%2AMTcwMzgyODEzNi4xNjk0MzU2MjM1%2A%5Fga%5FYBPES8JNLE%2AczE3NDkxMzQzODgkbzMwOSRnMCR0MTc0OTEzNDM4OCRqNjAkbDAkaDA.&ref=upscprep.com) ### [IMPORTANT] GS Advance Course Starts Today URL: https://www.upscprep.com/important-gs-advance-course-starts-today/ Last updated: 2025-06-24T11:04:25.000Z Hi, We are starting with the [**GS Advance**](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/gs-advance-mentorship-for-mains-2026/?ref=upscprep.com) Today at 7 PM. 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NCERTs, standard books like M Laxmikanth, specturm, etc. - Those students who have given serious attempt in UPSC - but are not confident about UPSC Mains - Those students who need guidance for mains answer writing from basics to advance If you are a fresher - check our [UPSC Essential Course](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2026-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) or [GS Basics Course. ](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/gs-basics-target-csat-combo-with-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### [1 day left] Mains 2026 is closer than you think URL: https://www.upscprep.com/1-day-left-mains-2026-is-closer-than-you-think/ Last updated: 2025-06-23T09:46:59.000Z - Are your **Mains notes** ready? - Have you mastered the art of making **interconnections in your answers** — the kind that actually fetch marks? - Do you know how to write **impactful introductions and conclusions**? If not, what are you waiting for? Trust us — trying to fix all this after clearing Prelims is a tough battle.The next 6 months are your golden window. Use them wisely. Start your Mains preparation today.Join [**GS Advance!**](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/gs-advance-mentorship-for-mains-2026/?ref=upscprep.com) **The course is starting on 24th June, so hurry up and enroll today!** **Course feature** - **Complete coverage** of entire UPSC Mains Syllabus - advance level - Personalised 1:1 unlimited Mentorship by past rankers - Weekly current affairs sessions - covering Pre+Mains aspects of current affairs. - Includes Mains Test Series with evaluation - Crisp value addition material - Course Duration: Till Mains 2026 - **LIVE Answer Writing Sessions** (Including LIVE answer writing of PYQs) - **Comprehensive Mains Notes** \- for all GS subjects and Essay - 3 Phases: ([Check schedule](http://d18qz45wk4tdlr.cloudfront.net/institute/upscprep/ckeditor/150b50584b434b61a7a6a510034bb142.pdf?ref=upscprep.com) for details) 1. Phase 1 (From June to September) - Covers Core subjects such as History, Polity, etc. 2. Phase 2 (From October to December) - Covers Mains Specific Subjects such as Society, Governnce, Ethics, etc. 3. Phase 3 (From June 2026 till Mains) - Mains Revision & Answer Writing Practice Phase. **Structure of course** - Live-cum-recorded lectures - Access to recordings for 3 years. - Access to Mentorship will be till Mains 2026. - GS Advance - covers micro aspects related to UPSC Mains, mains specific topics, deep understanding of core subjects, mains answer writing (Advance level), etc. - All subjects including Essay & Ethics to be covered. - Current affairs - weekly current affairs sessions - from Pre+Mains perspective - Special Answer Writing workshops will be conducted for each GS as well as essay - Prelims strategy sessions - Time management, how to analyze prelims tests, note making and revision strategy for prelims, utility of prelims test series, etc. - **LIVE Answer Writing Sessions** (Including LIVE answer writing of PYQs) - Periodic sessions to help you get over the inertia of writing answers - After every lecture, **Daily Practice Questions (DPQs)** will be provided - UPSC Mains AnswerCraft workbook - learn the art and science of answer writing - Comprehensive Notes for UPSC Mains - Mains Test series (*This course includes 16 free tests!)* - 16 Tests - 11 Sectional + 5 Full Length Tests - You can discuss your test paper with the personal mentor. - Detailed solution of each test will be provided - All tests will be evaluated by our expert team within 10 days - Tests will include essay papers as well **GS Advance**: One stop course for UPSC Mains 2026 at just: 10,999/- Enroll now:[https://courses.upscprep.com/products/gs-advance-mentorship-for-mains-2026/ ](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/gs-advance-mentorship-for-mains-2026/?ref=upscprep.com)[Click here to check course brochure ](https://d18qz45wk4tdlr.cloudfront.net/institute/upscprep/ckeditor/68b449ed749a4f25a7d31365118714d4.pdf?ref=upscprep.com)[Click here to check course schedule ](https://d18qz45wk4tdlr.cloudfront.net/institute/upscprep/ckeditor/53af27c4a2ff4ebcb9b304a4276c7c2b.pdf?ref=upscprep.com) **Who should join this course** - Those students who have covered the basics books for UPSC - eg. NCERTs, standard books like M Laxmikanth, specturm, etc. - Those students who have given serious attempt in UPSC - but are not confident about UPSC Mains - Those students who need guidance for mains answer writing from basics to advance If you are a fresher - check our [**UPSC Essential Course**](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2026-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) or [**GS Basics Course.**](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/gs-basics-target-csat-combo-with-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### [2 days] UPSC Mains 2026, Game over URL: https://www.upscprep.com/2-days-upsc-mains-2026-game-over/ Last updated: 2025-06-22T11:40:56.000Z UPSC Mains preparation requires special attention. At first glance, the questions might look easy, but when you start writing the answers, **you realise how difficult it is to answer one question with good content within 7 minutes.** This demands rigorous answer writing practice, quality content, and a deeper understanding of the subject. Therefore, one should dedicate significant time to the preparation. But you don’t need to worry about this yourself, you can go with[**GS Advance**](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/gs-advance-mentorship-for-mains-2026/?ref=upscprep.com) instead! This course will help you get done with the Mains by December through live lectures, test series, and mentorship, so that you are a lot more confident about Mains when you clear Prelims. **The course is starting on 24th June, so hurry up and enroll today!** **Course feature** - **Complete coverage** of entire UPSC Mains Syllabus - advance level - Personalised 1:1 unlimited Mentorship by past rankers - Weekly current affairs sessions - covering Pre+Mains aspects of current affairs. - Includes Mains Test Series with evaluation - Crisp value addition material - **Course Duration: Till Mains 2026** - **LIVE Answer Writing Sessions** (Including LIVE answer writing of PYQs) - **Comprehensive Mains Notes** \- for all GS subjects and Essay - 3 Phases: ([Check schedule](http://d18qz45wk4tdlr.cloudfront.net/institute/upscprep/ckeditor/150b50584b434b61a7a6a510034bb142.pdf?ref=upscprep.com) for details) 1. Phase 1 (From June to September) - Covers Core subjects such as History, Polity, etc. 2. Phase 2 (From October to December) - Covers Mains Specific Subjects such as Society, Governnce, Ethics, etc. 3. Phase 3 (From June 2026 till Mains) - Mains Revision & Answer Writing Practice Phase. **Structure of course** - Live-cum-recorded lectures - Access to recordings for 3 years. - Access to Mentorship will be till Mains 2026. - GS Advance - covers micro aspects related to UPSC Mains, mains specific topics, deep understanding of core subjects, mains answer writing (Advance level), etc. - All subjects including Essay & Ethics to be covered. - Current affairs - weekly current affairs sessions - from Pre+Mains perspective - Special Answer Writing workshops will be conducted for each GS as well as essay - Prelims strategy sessions - Time management, how to analyze prelims tests, note making and revision strategy for prelims, utility of prelims test series, etc. - **LIVE Answer Writing Sessions** (Including LIVE answer writing of PYQs) - Periodic sessions to help you get over the inertia of writing answers - After every lecture, **Daily Practice Questions (DPQs)** will be provided - UPSC Mains AnswerCraft workbook - learn the art and science of answer writing - Comprehensive Notes for UPSC Mains - **Mains Test series (*This course includes 16 free tests!)*** - 16 Tests - 11 Sectional + 5 Full Length Tests - You can discuss your test paper with the personal mentor. - Detailed solution of each test will be provided - All tests will be evaluated by our expert team within 10 days - Tests will include essay papers as well GS Advance: One stop course for UPSC Mains 2026 at just: 10,999/- **Enroll now**: [https://courses.upscprep.com/products/gs-advance-mentorship-for-mains-2026/](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/gs-advance-mentorship-for-mains-2026/?ref=upscprep.com)[Click here to check course brochure](https://d18qz45wk4tdlr.cloudfront.net/institute/upscprep/ckeditor/68b449ed749a4f25a7d31365118714d4.pdf?ref=upscprep.com)[Click here to check course schedule](https://d18qz45wk4tdlr.cloudfront.net/institute/upscprep/ckeditor/53af27c4a2ff4ebcb9b304a4276c7c2b.pdf?ref=upscprep.com) **Who should join this course** - Those students who have covered the basics books for UPSC - eg. NCERTs, standard books like M Laxmikanth, specturm, etc. - Those students who have given serious attempt in UPSC - but are not confident about UPSC Mains - Those students who need guidance for mains answer writing from basics to advance If you are a fresher - check our [UPSC Essential Course](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2026-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) or [GS Basics Course.](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/gs-basics-target-csat-combo-with-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### India's Linguistic Landscape URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-current-affairs-indias-linguistic-landscape-constitutional-safeguards-endangered-languages/ Last updated: 2025-06-22T00:15:13.000Z ## I. Introduction to India's Linguistic Diversity - India's multilingual landscape is a prime example of the country's diversity and heritage, shaped by millennia of migrations and cultural integration. - This linguistic richness has been a significant strength, though at times, a source of political conflicts. - The age-old saying, **"Kos-kos par badle paani, chaar kos par baani"** (The water changes every mile, the speech every fourth), beautifully encapsulates India's linguistic richness. - In contrast to the Western model of a nation-state, where a dominant language becomes the norm, the Constitution of India established **federal principles to encourage and protect a multilingual-multicultural ethos**. - India has served as a model for other linguistically diverse states by embracing cultural-linguistic diversity. ![India's Linguistic Diversity | Languages in India | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-52.png) ## II. Constitutional Provisions Related to Languages - **The Constitution does not list any one language as India's "national language"**. - Part XVII of the Constitution of India specifically deals with the official language. ### **A. Eighth Schedule** - The Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India lists the official languages of the Republic of India. - As of May 2025, there are **22 languages** included in the Eighth Schedule. - **Initially, the schedule included 14 languages**: Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Malayalam, Marathi, Oriya (renamed to Odia in 2011), Punjabi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. - These initial 14 languages were chosen from among the 700 linguistic varieties cataloged by the Linguistic Survey of India by 1927. - **Expansion of the Schedule**: - **Sindhi** was added through the **21st Amendment Act of 1967**. - **Konkani, Manipuri, and Nepali** were added by the **71st Amendment Act of 1992** \[20, 9(a)\]. - **Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santhali** were included through the **92nd Amendment Act of 2003**. - **Criteria for Inclusion**: - The Constituent Assembly did not lay down any formal criteria for the inclusion of languages in the Eighth Schedule. - Recommendations for such criteria have been made by various committees, including the **Ashok Pahwa Committee (1996)** and the **Sitakant Mohapatra Committee (2003)** \[22, 11(c)\]. Both committees were associated with the Eighth Schedule \[11(c)\]. - **Demands for Inclusion**: There are demands to include more than 30 languages in the Eighth Schedule, such as Kokborok, Bhojpuri, Garhwali (Pahari), and Rajasthani. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-57.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-58-1.png) ### **B. Official Language of the Union (Article 343)** - **Hindi in Devanagari script** is the official language of the Union. - The numerals to be used are the **international form of Indian numerals**. - For a period of 15 years from the commencement of the Constitution (January 26, 1950), the English language was to continue for all official purposes. - Under Article 343(3), Parliament could legislate to continue the use of English after this 15-year period. ### **C. Commission and Committees on Official Language (Article 344)** - Article 344(1) provides for the constitution of a Commission on Official Language after five years from the commencement of the Constitution, and subsequently after the expiration of ten years from such commencement. - This Commission is to consist of a Chairman and other members representing the different languages of India. ### **D. Official Language(s) of a State (Article 345)** - Subject to Articles 346 and 347, the Legislature of a State may by law adopt any one or more of the languages in use in the State or Hindi as the official language(s) for all or any of the official purposes of that State. ### **E. Language for Redress of Grievances (Article 350)** - Every person is entitled to submit a representation for the redress of any grievance to any officer or authority of the Union or a State in any language used in the Union or in the State, as the case may be. ### **F. Facilities for Instruction in Mother Tongue at Primary Stage (Article 350A)** - Every State and local authority within the State must endeavor to provide adequate facilities for instruction in the mother-tongue at the primary stage of education to children belonging to linguistic minority groups. - The President may issue necessary directions to any State to ensure the provision of such facilities. ### **G. Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities (Article 350B)** - The Constitution mandates the appointment of a Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities. - The officer's duty is to investigate all matters relating to the safeguards provided for linguistic minorities under the Constitution and report to the President. - These reports are then laid before each House of Parliament and sent to the Governments of the States concerned. ### **H. Directive for Development of Hindi Language (Article 351)** - It is the duty of the Union to promote the spread of the Hindi language and develop it to serve as a medium of expression for all elements of the composite culture of India. - This must be done "without interfering with its genius, the forms, style and expressions" of other languages. ### Mindmap ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/NotebookLM-Mind-Map--1--2-1.png) ## III. Classical Languages of India - Classical languages are considered **custodians of India’s ancient and profound cultural heritage**, preserving the rich history, literature, and traditions of their respective communities. - The government grants this status to honor and safeguard the linguistic milestones of India’s diverse cultural landscape. ### **Initiation of Classical Language Status**: - The Centre decided to create a new category of "classical languages" in **October 2004**. - Initially, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture granted classical status to Tamil and Sanskrit. - Later, the Ministry of Culture assumed responsibility for further implementations and future recognition. ### **Linguistic Experts Committee (LEC)**: - Constituted by the Ministry of Culture under the Sahitya Akademi in November 2004 to examine the eligibility of languages proposed for classical language status. - On July 25, 2024, the LEC revised the criteria and recommended Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali for classical language status. - These recommended languages were granted ‘Classical Language’ status in October last year. ### **Key Criteria for Classical Language Status**: - **High antiquity of texts/recorded history** over a period of 1500-2000 years. - A **body of ancient literature/texts**, considered a heritage by generations of speakers. - **Original literary tradition**, not borrowed from another speech community. - **Knowledge texts**, including prose texts, epigraphic, and inscriptional evidence. - The classical language and literature could be **distinct from its current form** or discontinuous with later forms. ### **List of Classical Languages and Year of Status Grant**: - **Tamil (2004)** - **Sanskrit (2005)** - **Kannada (2008)** - **Telugu (2008)** - **Malayalam (2013)** - **Odia (2014)** - **Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali** (granted status in October last year, based on July 25, 2024, LEC recommendation). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-55.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-56.png) ### **Descriptions of Newly Added Classical Languages**: - **Marathi**: Modern Marathi descends from Maharashtri Prakrit, with oldest evidence from the 1st century BCE. Earliest evidence of modern Marathi dates to 739 CE. - **Bengali & Assamese**: These are Eastern Indo-Aryan languages. Their emergence is contested, with scholars suggesting dates between the 6th and 12th centuries. They took on a recognizable form well into the second millennium CE. - **Prakrit**: This term refers to a group of closely-related Indo-Aryan languages. They were considered the language of the masses, unlike Sanskrit which was restricted to elites and high literature. They were also the vernaculars of popular heterodox religions like Buddhism and Jainism. - **Pali**: Closely associated with Buddhism and known as the language of the Theravada Buddhist canon, the Tipitaka. Some modern scholars believe it to be a mix of several Prakrit languages, partially Sanskritised. - **Relationship with Eighth Schedule**: Notably, **Prakrit and Pali are two classical languages that are not mentioned in the Eighth Schedule** of the Indian Constitution. ### **Importance of Classical Language Status**: - **Elevates their stature** and promotes their growth. - **Encourages research** and ensures their continued relevance. - Aids in addressing contemporary challenges like **digitalization and globalization**. - Expected to boost language-related academics and research. - The tasks of preservation, documentation, and digitisation of ancient texts will likely **generate jobs** in archiving, translation, publishing, and digital media. ### Mindmap ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/NotebookLM-Mind-Map--2--1.png) ## IV. Endangered Languages - The extinction of each language causes a **permanent loss of distinctive ecological, historical, and cultural knowledge**. - According to Dr. K Sreenivasarao (Secretary of the Sahitya Akademi), the loss of languages equates to the **loss of culture**. ### **Definition/Characteristics of Endangered Languages**: - Languages spoken by **fewer than 10,000 speakers** or languages that have not been linguistically documented are considered endangered or likely to be endangered. - According to UNESCO, any language spoken by **less than 10,000 people is potentially endangered**. - Experts note that endangered languages see an increasingly reduced number of communicative domains and cease to be passed on from one generation to the next, meaning there are no new speakers, adults or children. - **Categories of Endangerment (UNESCO)**: Vulnerable, Definitely Endangered, Severely Endangered, and Critically Endangered. - **Global Statistics**: Nearly 40% of the world’s 7,000 languages, including dialects of indigenous people groups, have already disappeared, with several others on the verge of extinction. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-54.png) ![Endangered Languages in India | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-53.png) ### **Endangered Languages in India**: - Literary critic Ganesh Narayan Devy states that after the 1971 census, the Indian government decided that any language spoken by less than 10,000 people was not worthy of mention. - Based on his survey, there are close to **780 languages in India**, out of which about **600 are potentially endangered**. - The 1991 and 2001 censuses only accounted for not more than 122 languages, implying most others are potentially endangered. - About **250 languages disappeared in India in the last 60 years**. - **Examples of endangered languages**: - **Nomadic people's languages**: Wadari, Kolhati, Golla, Gisari (in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana). - **Tribal languages**: Pauri, Korku, Haldi, Mavchi. - **Assam languages**: Moran, Tangsa, Aiton. - **Examples of recently disappeared languages**: - **Bo language** in Andaman (disappeared in 2010). - **Majhi language** in Sikkim (disappeared in 2015). - Ganesh Devy emphasizes that "A language is not a single life system. It is a very large symbolic system. When the symbols collapse they do not do so in a single moment. The collapse is sprayed over a large time". ### Mindmap ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/NotebookLM-Mind-Map--3--1.png) ## V. Initiatives for Protection of Endangered Languages - The Constitution of India states that any citizen residing in India having a distinct language, script, or culture has the right to conserve the same. - Initiatives are in place at both national and global levels. ### **A. Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages (SPPEL)** - Instituted by the **Ministry of Education (Government of India) in 2013**. - **Objective**: To document and archive the country’s languages that have become endangered or are likely to be endangered in the near future. - **Monitoring and Collaboration**: The scheme is monitored by the **Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL)** located in Mysuru, Karnataka. CIIL has collaborated with various universities and institutes across India for this mission. - The scheme focuses on languages spoken by fewer than 10,000 speakers or those not yet linguistically documented. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-50.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-49.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-51.png) ### **B. Initiatives of the University Grants Commission (UGC)** - The UGC has initiated two schemes for the protection of endangered languages: - ‘**Funding Support to the State Universities for Study and Research in Indigenous and Endangered Languages in India**’. - ‘**Establishment of Centres for Endangered Languages in Central Universities**’. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-47.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-48.png) ### **C. International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032)** - **UNESCO** has declared the years between **2022 and 2032** as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages for their protection and propagation. ![International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032) | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-46.png) ### **D. UNESCO World Atlas of Languages** - This is a dynamic and interactive online tool, constantly updated by users. - It serves as a global overview of languages, a repository for information on language-related issues, and an interactive tool for language teaching and learning. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-45.png) --- ## VI. Linguistic Surveys and Census Data - **The Linguistic Survey of India**: Conducted by **Sir George Abraham Grierson between 1901 and 1928**. This survey cataloged over 700 linguistic varieties across the subcontinent by 1927. - **2011 Linguistic Census**: Accounts for **121 mother tongues**, including the 22 languages listed in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution. - **Hindi** is the most widely spoken, declared as mother tongue by 52.8 crore individuals, or **43.6% of the population**. - **Bengali** is the next highest, with 9.7 crores (8%) declaring it as their mother tongue. ### Mindmap ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/NotebookLM-Mind-Map--4--1.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-44.png) *Sources: Articles from The Indian Express, Wikipedia, MyGov.in* *Note: Image credits to respective owners.* --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. 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NCERTs, standard books like M Laxmikanth, specturm, etc. - Those students who have given serious attempt in UPSC - but are not confident about UPSC Mains - Those students who need guidance for mains answer writing from basics to advance If you are a fresher - check our [**UPSC Essential Course**](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2026-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) or [**GS Basics Course.** ](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/gs-basics-target-csat-combo-with-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains General Studies Notes URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-general-studies-notes/ Last updated: 2026-06-01T17:28:20.000Z ### GS I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society [GS 1 Notes - Ancient, Medieval and Art-CultureGS 1 Notes - Ancient, Medieval and Art-Culture.pdf12 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2025/06/GS-1-Notes----Ancient--Medieval-and-Art-Culture.pdf "Download") [GS 1 Notes - Modern HistoryGS 1 Notes - Modern History.pdf9 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2025/06/GS-1-Notes---Modern-History.pdf "Download") [GS 1 Notes - Post Independence HistoryGS 1 Notes - Post Independence History.pdf4 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2025/06/GS-1-Notes---Post-Independence-History.pdf "Download") [GS 1 Notes - World HistoryGS 1 Notes - World History.pdf7 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2025/06/GS-1-Notes---World-History.pdf "Download") [GS 1 Notes - Indian SocietyGS 1 Notes - Indian Society.pdf13 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2025/06/GS-1-Notes---Indian-Society.pdf "Download") --- ### GS II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations [GS 2 Notes - Indian Polity and ConstitutionGS 2 Notes - Indian Polity and Constitution.pdf6 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2025/06/GS-2-Notes---Indian-Polity-and-Constitution.pdf "Download") [GS 2 Notes - GovernanceGS 2 Notes - Governance.pdf6 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2025/06/GS-2-Notes---Governance.pdf "Download") [GS 2 Notes - Social JusticeGS 2 Notes - Social Justice.pdf11 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2025/06/GS-2-Notes---Social-Justice.pdf "Download") [GS 2 Notes - International RelationsGS 2 Notes - International Relations.pdf31 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2025/06/GS-2-Notes---International-Relations.pdf "Download") --- ### GS III: Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management [GS 3 Notes - Economic Development including AgricultureGS 3 Notes - Economic Development including Agriculture.pdf19 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2025/06/GS-3-Notes---Economic-Development-including-Agriculture-1.pdf "Download") [GS3 Notes - Environment and BiodiversityGS3 Notes - Environment and Biodiversity.pdf29 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2025/07/GS3-Notes---Environment-and-Biodiversity.pdf "Download") [GS 3 Notes - Disaster ManagementGS 3 Notes - Disaster Management.pdf9 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2025/06/GS-3-Notes---Disaster-Management.pdf "Download") [GS 3 Notes - Internal SecurityGS 3 Notes - Internal Security.pdf46 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2025/06/GS-3-Notes---Internal-Security.pdf "Download") --- ### GS IV: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude [GS 4 Notes - EthicsGS 4 Notes - Ethics.pdf10 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2025/06/GS-4-Notes---Ethics.pdf "Download") --- **Note: Remaining notes will be updated on this page soon.** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-10.14.31---PM.png) #### Courses by UPSCprep.com A **comprehensive range of courses** meticulously designed to help you ****cover the syllabus in phases**, without overwhelming you with long classes, ensuring you have ample time for self-study. 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[**UPSC Essential 2026**](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2026-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) **is a course for those who want to appear in UPSC CSE 2026/27.**The new batch **starts tomorrow (19th June)** and is designed for aspirants targeting **UPSC CSE 2026 and 2027**. 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Use coupon code **EBLT** to get an exclusive 7.5 off on this course.**For further details** Download Course Schedule - [Click here](https://d18qz45wk4tdlr.cloudfront.net/institute/upscprep/ckeditor/3cdf0e3169084a21a7fa1d812f066e00.pdf?ref=upscprep.com) Download Course Brochure - [Click here](https://d18qz45wk4tdlr.cloudfront.net/institute/upscprep/ckeditor/d45f3f62785d4a39ad86f7c5a3f9d516.pdf?ref=upscprep.com) For Enrollment Details - [Click here](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2026-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Geography) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-1-geography-3/ Last updated: 2025-06-17T16:42:05.000Z **Subject:** GS 1 **Syllabus:** Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, tsunamis, Volcanic activity, cyclones, etc., geographical features and their location, changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes. ### **Questions** 1. What is a tsunami? Explain briefly the factors behind it and discuss the impacts on areas where it makes landfall.(150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. What is an earthquake swarm? Give a few examples of areas where an earthquake swarm has impacted recently, also discuss its impacts. (250 Words, 15 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. What is a tsunami? Explain briefly the factors behind it and discuss the impacts on areas where it makes landfall.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** Tsunamis are **giant waves of high wavelength** mainly caused by undersea earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. They cannot be observed by the naked eye or heard because of their long wavelength and low amplitude. ![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfsG7JIxsmUzw69z_VrELJ6WXsqfJQJEVKdJAKaGEwd63V7hU3DXqfMH2LieaLwJTV2DYioYCKuMyd2dFjjOv7v-2eLLuYcNWkGLJ-8yDJK1G1pCyEf3NL29zVjSJRhJqOYpvrbfNEj4urd0hfB9NDm8yM?key=D991SXctDFa_D4-xe7Atmw) **Main Body** - These waves include a quick and huge displacement of ocean water, which is seen later as a fast-moving train of water with huge potential for destruction. - **Factors driving the Tsunami:** - **Submarine earthquakes**: This results in vertical movement of the water column due to sudden motion of blocks or big rocks on the seabed. - **Submarine volcanism** disturbs normal movement of water, and the eruption is so sudden and huge that it forms tsunami waves - **Oceanic landslides** result in the falling of rocks and turbidity currents, resulting in the displacement of seawater and ultimately in tsunami waves. - A minor cause is **meteorites and asteroids,** which, in the case of falling into the ocean water, can result in a similar displacement of water and formation of a tsunami. - Owing to the gigantic nature and less developed methods of mitigation, damages by tsunamis are huge in the form of: - There have been many **physiographic changes** in areas where tsunamis have struck in the past. There are many islands where beaches are split into two due to a rise in water level in coastal areas. Indira Point in the Andaman Islands was washed out in a 2004 tsunami, which reduced the coastline. - **Loss of life and property** in low-lying, coastal and island areas because tsunamis are dangerous, but the backwash or seiches are even stronger. Property worth millions is damaged, and it takes a long time to return to normal. - **Inundation of coastal and low-lying areas** can result in increased salinity of soil and a decrease in soil fertility and agricultural productivity. - **Marine life** is also affected as fish shoals and coral habitat gets damaged. - Secondary Hazards: Tsunamis may trigger secondary hazards like fires, contamination of water sources, and infrastructure failures, exacerbating the overall impact on affected areas. - There is a **shift in Earth’s magnetic poles** due to the release of enormous energy, which has tilted the Earth slightly. This can impact the Earth in the case of solar storms. **Conclusion** - Tsunami is one of the few natural disasters that is hard to predict in advance. The focus of mitigation and adaptation strategies must be to make coastal communities and the ecosystem resilient to such disasters. --- **2\. What is an earthquake swarm? Give a few examples of areas where an earthquake swarm has impacted recently, also discuss its impacts.** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - An Earthquake swarm is a sequence of seismic events consisting of many small earthquakes and with a short time span but lacking any main shock. - Though they are short-lived, at times they can go on for days, weeks, or even months. They occur at active plate boundaries, in volcanic environments and hydrothermal vents. **Main Body** - Earthquake swarms have occurred all over the globe, with few notable examples like- - **Germany** \- Bohemia region lies between the Czechia and Germany border, where earthquake swarms occurred and were first studied in the 19th century. - **Philippines** \- lying near the Pacific ring of fire, an earthquake swarm occurred here for four months in 2017, in the province of Batangas. - **India** \- In Dahanu area of Maharashtra, an earthquake swarm has been occurring since 2018 where 10-20 quakes are felt daily. - **France** \- In Alpes-de-Haute province, the Ubaye Valley experiences earthquake swarms. - **El Salvador** \- This country experienced a series of approximately 500 earthquake swarms within 2 days in 2017. - It is clear that earthquake swarms are spread across the globe and though they are very mild, but their longevity makes a case to understand their impacts like- - Earthquake swarms can also occur due to self-inflicted stress fields without any external pore pressure, which means that they are also possible in aseismic areas. Dhanau swarm of Maharashtra is an example. - Because earthquake swarms last for a long time, there is stress redistribution, which can influence future earthquake swarms and their intensity. - There is no fixed damage potential as some cause considerable damage but others are relatively harmless. - Earthquake swarms have the potential to trigger the collapse of structures due to aftershocks, which are similar to normal earthquakes. Dhanau swarm has caused damage to structures in the past. - Low-intensity swarms can be a result of anthropogenic activities like the construction of dams and reservoirs. **Conclusion** - Swarms, just like earthquakes, pose a threat to infrastructure and life. Even though this threat is very less frequent, there is a need to mitigate the risks by repairing and reinforcing building foundations, adhering to seismic building standards and following disaster risk reduction frameworks. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/1.-UPSC-Essential--1--.png) #### UPSC Essential + Mentorship (New Batch) One course for all your needs - Comprehensive Lectures, Test Series, 1:1 Mentorship, Notes, Current Affairs etc. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2026-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Geography) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-1-geography-2/ Last updated: 2025-06-17T16:28:30.000Z **Subject:** GS 1 **Syllabus:** Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India) ### **Questions** 1. Eastern Indian states are the most mineral-rich areas in India, but lag in socioeconomic development. Delineate geographically the minerals present in the eastern belt and the formation of minerals in this area with time. (250 Words, 15 Marks) 2. Analyse the paradoxical situation of India possessing abundant natural resources yet facing economic challenges in effectively harnessing its geographic advantages. Explore the reasons behind this discrepancy and discuss potential strategies and reforms that could fully enable India to leverage its natural resources for economic growth and development. (250 Words, 15 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. Eastern Indian states are the most mineral rich areas in India but lag in socioeconomic development. Delineate geographically the minerals present in eastern belt and formation of minerals in this area with time.** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model structure** **Introduction** - According to data from the Ministry of Mines, **Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh** contribute to more than **24.8% of the value of mineral production** in India. **Main body** - **Geographically,** minerals present in the Eastern belt can be understood state-wise: - **Jharkhand**\- - Iron ore of **Noamundi**. - Uranium in **Turandeh and Narwapahar**. - Coal in **Jharia, Bokaro and Giridih** in Damodar valley. - **Chhattisgarh** - Iron ore locations in **Dalli Rajhara, Bila Dila and Jagdalpur**. - Manganese in **Durg and Bhilai**. - Limestone and Dolomite in **Bilaspur and Raipur,** respectively. - Coal in **Korba and Chirmiri** in Hasdo valley. - **West Bengal** - Coal in Raniganj fields. - Iron ore in Purulia. - **Odisha** - Manganese and Limestone in **Kendujhar and Sundargarh,** respectively**.** - Iron ore in **Badampahar and Mayurbhanj** - Uranium in **Jharsuguda** of the Garhjat hills in Odisha, - Coal in **Talcher**, - These states **lag in socioeconomic development because**\- - **Opposition by locals** who are mostly tribals. - Growth of **Naxalism,** which involves violent resistance to any development efforts. - Issues in policy making which has mostly **neglected environmental issues** and the traditional rights of tribals. - **Low outreach and implementation** of government schemes due to difficult terrain. - **Mining and its issues,** like cancer due to contamination of soil and groundwater. E.g.- uranium mining in Jharsuguda and Narwapahar. **Conclusion** - Eastern states have lagged behind in many indicators like Ease of doing business, **SDG India Index, NITI Aayog health index,** etc. Their development is critical in achieving SDG 1 (no poverty), 2 (zero hunger), 4 (quality education) and 10 (reduced inequalities). --- **2\. Analyse the paradoxical situation of India possessing abundant natural resources yet facing economic challenges in effectively harnessing its geographic advantages. Explore the reasons behind this discrepancy and discuss potential strategies and reforms that could fully enable India to leverage its natural resources for economic growth and development.** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - India is gifted with various types of natural resources such as fertile soil, forests, minerals and water. These resources are unevenly distributed. The Indian continent covers a multitude of biotic and abiotic resources. **Main Body** **Natural Resources present in India:** - **Soil:** In the sedimentary soil of the Northern Great Plains of the Sutlej-Ganga plains and Brahmaputra Valley, wheat, rice, maize, sugarcane, jute, cotton, rapeseed, mustard, sesame, linseed, are grown in abundance. - **Natural vegetation:** India also has a variety of natural vegetation since the country has a varied relief and climate. - Forests are the main source of Firewood, Paper, Spices, Drugs, Herbs, Gums and more. - **Marine and Inland water resources:** Reports indicate that India has an 8129 km long coastline. - Reports of EIA estimates indicated that in Indian rivers, more than 400 fish species are found, and many species are economically important. - **Indian Oil reserves:** India holds 4,728,790,000 barrels of proven oil reserves as of 2016, ranking 24th globally and accounting for about 0.3% of the world’s total oil reserves. - **Mineral resources in India** are also large, such as iron, coal, mineral oil, manganese, bauxite, chromite, copper, tungsten, gypsum, limestone, and mica. - **Livestock Resource,** India ranks number one in cattle & buffalo population in the world. **Major challenges faced by India in harnessing the resources:** - **Lack of technology to explore the resources:** Despite having reserves of shale gas, due to a lack of state-of-the-art technology, it remains under-explored. - **Lack of financial viability:** Despite India being the pioneering state to get permission to extract the polymetallic nodules in the Indian Ocean region, India cannot utilise them due to the huge cost of the project. - **Lack of human resources:** According to NSO, only 14% of youth in India go through any kind of formal or informal training. - E.g., Most of the coal in India is mined through open-cast mining due to less skill requirement. - **Lack of key raw material:** Natural resources like uranium, vanadium, electronic elements, etc. - Eg India's dependency on APIs from China. - **Policy uncertainty:** It has been seen that with the change in political regime, there is a drastic shift in policy. Also, the Supreme Court's interference has a profound impact. - E.g. the Supreme Court imposed a ban on coal mining for a certain period. And schemes like NELP to HELP. - **Low level of research and development:** India is among the lowest-spending nations in the research sector. - Eg R&D to GDP ratio is less than 1%. - **Underperforming manufacturing sector:** India's manufacturing sector is still inefficient and employs old techniques. - E.g., the share of manufacturing to GDP is <30%, which is much lower than comparable countries like China. - **Lack of extensive geological mapping:** ISRO is the sole authority to oversee the geo-mapping. - Private participation is very low in this sector. - **Environmental clearance:** Environmental Impact Assessment acts as a green hurdle to the exploration and extraction of natural resources. - Eg protest against the Vedanta project in Central India. **Way forward:** - **Natural Resource Management:** The World Charter for Nature acknowledges the need to safeguard nature from increasing depletion due to human activities. - It asserts that actions to safeguard nature must be adopted at all levels of society, from international to individual. - **Reducing the policy uncertainty:** Need uniform policy for public and private parties. Bringing transparency in the auctioning process. - **Wider public participation:** involving the Gram Sabha can be effective for balancing development and the environment. - **EIA compliance:** Following the EIA process from the initial step can avoid the later clearance hurdles. - **Looking for alternatives:** Focusing more on renewable resources like solar, biogas etc. - E.g., steps like the International Solar Alliance. - **Improving technology:** increasing more on RnD, skilling the workforce etc, will lead to an efficient system. - E.g., involving AI tools. - **Private participation:** private participation will bring funds and efficiency. - E.g., recently, the government increased the flexibility to increase the participation of private parties. **Conclusion** - Commercial and industrial utility, aesthetic value, scientific interest, and cultural significance are all examples of sources of value. For the sake of humanity's well-being, natural resources must be exploited sustainably. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/1.-UPSC-Essential--1--.png) #### UPSC Essential + Mentorship (New Batch) One course for all your needs - Comprehensive Lectures, Test Series, 1:1 Mentorship, Notes, Current Affairs etc. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2026-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Geography) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-1-geography/ Last updated: 2025-06-17T16:17:49.000Z **Subject:** GS 1 **Syllabus:** Geography: Salient features of world’s physical geography. ### **Questions** 1. Local winds influence the weather of a small area but are still important due to their impact on human lives. Enumerating the local winds globally. Highlight their impacts. (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. Volcanism is an endogenic force. Briefly explaining the types of extrusive volcanism, mention the endogenic features developed on the Earth’s surface due to it. (150 Words, 10 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. Local winds influence the weather of a small area but are still important due to their impact on human lives. Enumerating the local winds globally. Highlight their impacts.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - On a geographical scale, surface winds also include local winds that are gradient winds regulated by the local pressure profile. These local winds may be hot or cold depending on the prevailing climate. **Main body** - They include winds that are found all over the world in coastal and mountainous regions. Coastal winds include **land** **and** **sea** **breezes** and mountainous winds include **anabatic and katabatic winds**. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-43.png) - Land and sea breezes are daily regulators of coastal weather due to the differential heating and cooling of land and water. But they are absent in equatorial and regions above 60 degrees latitude due to the negligible climatological difference between land and sea. - **Anabatic** and **katabatic** **winds** owe their genesis to differential heating and cooling of the mountain wall and the valley floor. These parts also develop temperature inversion and regulate the demographic and economic significance of mountains. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/image-42.png) - Region-specific category of local winds includes winds like- - **Cold and dry winds** \- They represent polar outbreaks, thus confined to the low sun season. Some examples are Blizzards of North America, Purgas of Siberia and Pampero of Argentina. - **Hot winds** \- They regulate the weather of tropical desert areas and are typical of the high sun season. They are also called dust devils due to sudden heating of the land, which develops low pressure and hence sand particles are tossed up in the air. Winds include the **Loo** in Western India, **Harmattan** in upper Guinea, which reduces humidity levels, **Sirocco,** which blows over the Mediterranean sea and causes precipitation in nearby islands, and Khansein, which increases local temperature and causes heat strokes. - **Descending winds** \- All these are warm and dry, but can be favourable like Chinook in Canada and Foehn in Switzerland, which aid in melting mountain snow and increase local temperature. They can also be unfavourable, like Santa Ana in California and Shamoon in Iran, causing forest fires. **Conclusion** - As stated above, local winds are very important in the regulation of local weather conditions if they are favourable, but can be a health and environmental hazard if they are unfavourable. --- **2\. Volcanism is an endogenic force. Briefly explaining the types of extrusive volcanism, mention the endogenic features developed on the Earth’s surface due to it.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Volcanism is a sudden endogenic force that is capable of forming many relief features by the movement of molten magma from Earth’s interior to the surface. - It results in the ejection of many materials based on composition, like magma, which can be felsic or mafic, gases and pyroclasts. **Main Body** - It is the location of ejected magma that makes it extrusive. The central type of ejection results in magma reaching Earth’s surface due to the presence of a well-defined pipe. These eruptions are located along active plate boundaries and based on intensity, there are **four types of extrusive volcanism**\- - **Hawaiian**\- Oceanic intra-plate divergence, as seen in the Hawaiian Islands, where the complete absence of trapping of gases and less distance travelled by magma makes it quietest of all types. - **Strombolian**\- This involves comparatively stronger ejection due to trapped gases, but is still weaker than the next two types. It involves continental divergence areas as in Mount Kilimanjaro, and transverse boundaries, such as Mount Whitney. - **Vesuvian**\- It is very intense due to the absence of a clear passage for magma and is located along a convergent destructive boundary. It is associated with condensation and precipitation along with lahar i.e mass movement of water-saturated pyroclast. - **Pelean**\- It is the strongest of all and involves all of the Vesuvian activities, along with the blowing up of existing cones. The eruption is so strong that pyroclast reaches to heights of clouds and generate glowing clouds. Eg- Krakatoa and Martinique. - These activities develop many endogenic features, which include a crater and caldera lake, a volcanic cone which may be a cinder or parasitic cone, and a plug dome. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/1.-UPSC-Essential--1--.png) #### UPSC Essential + Mentorship (New Batch) One course for all your needs - Comprehensive Lectures, Test Series, 1:1 Mentorship, Notes, Current Affairs etc. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2026-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Art and Culture) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-1-art-and-culture-2/ Last updated: 2025-06-17T15:57:03.000Z **Subject:** GS 1 **Syllabus:** Art and Culture: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. ### **Questions** 1. Introduction of Islamic architectural features saw its intermingling with indigenous architecture, which resulted in many similarities and differences. Discuss. (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. The Vijayanagara Empire used its riches to erect magnificent temples and introduce distinct features. Discuss and also enumerate these features. (250 Words, 15 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. Introduction of Islamic architectural features saw its intermingling with indigenous architecture, which resulted in many similarities and differences. Discuss.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** (use diagram to enrich this answer) **Introduction** - The Indo-Islamic or Indo-Saracenic architecture involves intermixing of Indian and Islamic style which was a result of Muslim rule in India mainly after 10th century CE. **Main Body** Many structures like minarets and tombs were built from scratch and some were converted from hitherto temple forms which led to this mixture of architectural forms. This can be understood by delineating differences and similarities between both architectures. **The differences include**: - **Style:** Indian architecture is also known as trabeate style with horizontal beams and lintels as important features. Islamic style uses arcuate style which involves hemisphere structured top. - Indian architecture used beams and columns whereas Indo-Islamic architecture has arches, domes and minarets as important features as evident in the Red Fort. - **Walls:** Designs on walls of Indo-Islamic architecture are restricted to calligraphy, floral designs etc while Indian style has diverse designs like images of gods and goddesses, human images, nature etc. - **Geometric Patterns:** Islamic architecture is known for its intricate geometric patterns, such as arabesques, tessellations, and interlacing designs. These patterns were often adopted and adapted by indigenous cultures, finding their way into the decorative elements of buildings, especially in tile work, woodcarvings, and stucco ornamentation. But due to local influences there are many **similarities** also which include- - Local influences like carvings of bell motifs, toranas or gateways, lintels in mehrabs and depiction of trees are seen in both architecture. - Assimilation of both forms was also the result of employing local labor and masons who were previously trained for Indian architecture. - Materials used in few buildings are common because they are made on remnants of previously broken architecture. Like the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque in Qutub Complex. - Building Techniques: Different regions had their construction techniques and craftsmanship traditions. With the introduction of Islamic architectural elements, new construction methods and artistic expressions emerged, leading to differences in how buildings were constructed and adorned. **Conclusion** - Indo-Islamic architecture has played a role in the evolution of modern architecture and created a heritage which has added to our tourism potential. --- **2\. The Vijayanagara Empire used its riches to erect magnificent temples and introduce distinct features. Discuss and also enumerate these features.** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - The reign of the Vijayanagara kings was a period of temple-building activity where granite was used as the primary material and soapstone was used for sculptures and other reliefs. It took inspiration from the Hoysala, Chalukya and Chola empires for architectural magnificence. ![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXc-ah9RBp19ACa8BN5OlrgsQrQ_i45kI8aOA65hDQA-aN-oTHdhOfw39fYn9f5XIdVc1Lc-xYUHgKXbAe_4PxZktyhSpguKQ6LehTpsBfOknUj0nDmsEcurqF-IvShzzcS1mnqtdHb4NJkd8aZOPgJFcPs?key=D991SXctDFa_D4-xe7Atmw) **Main Body** - The base of the temple building was **Dravidian style**, which was integrated with some distinctive elements to make it **Vijayanagara style**. - Granite was sourced locally because it was as durable as seen in the temples of the Badami Chalukyas. - Vijayanagara temples were strongly fenced by pillared Kalyana mandapa and a Rayagopura i.e carved towers at the temple entrance. - Mortar was introduced by Islamic architecture, which is used extensively in Vijayanagara architecture. - The temples have secular designs like Islamic-inspired arches, vaults and domes. - But it also developed a few **distinctive features** which were later used by other architectural styles. Some of them are- - Temples were specifically built to honour their monarchs, with entrances having gigantic gates with intricate carvings called Raya Gopurams. - In carved pillars, horse sculptures were used extensively, with platforms having monolithic statues of gods like Ganesh. - Marriage halls or Kalyana mantapa were a typical feature, which were made to conduct community marriages in temple premises. - Amman shrines were also built, which were dedicated to the god’s bride or wives and thus showed a feminist touch to temple building activity. - Large monolithic engravings are a chief feature that can be seen in the sculpture of Narasimha, built by Krishnadevaya. **Conclusion** - **Vijayanagara** encompassed the three primary cultural and linguistic regions of Kannada, Telugu, and Tamil and became the most powerful empire in South Indian history. It depicts the influence of Islamic architecture, which was also a result of trade routes. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/1.-UPSC-Essential--1--.png) #### UPSC Essential + Mentorship (New Batch) One course for all your needs - Comprehensive Lectures, Test Series, 1:1 Mentorship, Notes, Current Affairs etc. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2026-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Art and Culture) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-1-art-and-culture/ Last updated: 2025-06-17T15:45:35.000Z **Subject:** GS 1 **Syllabus:** Art and Culture: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. ### **Questions** 1. Sanskrit Literature contributed not only to the genre of romantic tales but also to the fields of science and state governance. Examine. (250 Words, 15 Marks) 2. The temple architecture of both North and South reflects the religious practices and social life prevalent at that time. Discuss. (150 Words, 10 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. Sanskrit Literature contributed not only to the genre of romantic tales but also to the fields of science and state governance. Examine.** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Introduction** - Sanskrit Literature contributed immensely to various fields, including Kavya (epic poetry), nataka (classical drama), as well as to medicine, statecraft, grammar, astronomy, mathematics, etc. **Main Body** **Contribution of Sanskrit Literature to the genre of romantic tales** - Lyrical Poetry: Sanskrit literature is renowned for its lyrical poetry, which beautifully expresses the nuances of love, longing, and desire. Eg. The Gita Govinda by Jayadeva is a famous example, exploring the divine love between Lord Krishna and Radha through poignant verses. - Dramatic Plays: Sanskrit drama, represented by works like the plays of Kalidasa, also incorporated romantic tales as central themes. - **Kalidasa** was a great contributor to this genre, having written Malavikagnimitra (love story of Malavika, a maiden of the Queen and Agnimitra, the son of Pushyamitra Shunga), Vikramorvasiya (Love Story of Vikram and Urvasi) and Abhigyana Shakuntalam (The Recognition of Sakuntala). - Another great work was Sudraka’s Mricchakatika (The Little Clay Cart), which was about the love affair of young brahmin Charudatta with a wealthy courtesan. **Contribution of Sanskrit Literature to the field of sciences:** - **Astronomy and Mathematics:** Sanskrit texts such as the Siddhāntas (astronomical treatises) provided comprehensive knowledge of celestial bodies, planetary motion, and mathematical calculations. The renowned work "Aryabhatiya" by Aryabhata is a significant example of Sanskrit literature in this domain. - **Medicine:** Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, was extensively documented in Sanskrit texts. Prominent treatises such as the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita covered various aspects of medical science, including anatomy, physiology, and herbal medicine. These texts had a lasting impact on the development of medical knowledge. - **Linguistics:** Sanskrit itself became the foundation for linguistic studies in ancient India. The discipline of Vyakarana (grammar) was highly developed and explored in texts like the Ashtadhyayi by Panini. Panini's work on grammar not only provided a detailed analysis of the Sanskrit language but also laid the foundation for linguistic typology and phonetics. **Contribution of Sanskrit Literature to the field of state governance:** - Several books on law were written and compiled, which are called the Dharmasutras. These were compiled alongside the Smritis that are known as Dharmashastras. - Another major text is Manusmriti (laws of Manu), which defines the role of man and woman in a society and the code of conduct that they were supposed to follow. - Kautilya’s Arthashastra treatise on statecraft, political science, economic policy and military strategy. **Conclusion:** - Therefore, Sanskrit literature has imparted unique richness and diversity to Indian Literature. The various texts that form part of Sanskrit Literature continue to enrich their respective fields. --- **2\. The temple architecture of both North and South reflects the religious practices and social life prevalent at that time. Discuss.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - **Nagara**, **Dravida** and **Vesara** are three types of temples in India according to the features and type of architecture followed. - The Mundeshwari temple in Bihar and Bhitargaon of Uttar Pradesh are two oldest temples in India from which the study of temple architecture begins. **Main Body** - The three aforementioned styles are structural types of temples. **Vesara** was developed by the **Chalukyas** and **Rashtrakutas** after the other two were developed on a large scale. They were built keeping in mind the practices of the people because religion was very close to the people, and temples were a means to practice it. - They reflect the religious practices and social life by - - Large gatherings of people in sabha and samiti were a recurring feature, which also took place in the mandapa of a temple, especially during festivals. - Just like the most important person in society lived at the centre of habitation, garbhagriha was in the centre of mandap and was a place to keep the deity. - For ceremonial baths during auspicious occasions, like Makar Sankranti, there were large water tanks, especially in Dravidian temples. - Dance was and is an important part of culture, and it was performed in the Mandapa area. - Also, they were great centres of Vedic learning and were also used to deliver justice. - Presiding deities with family members were arranged in Panchayatan style. - Few areas, especially tribal areas, saw the presiding deity to be female due to a matrilineal society. Eg- the Kamakhya temple of Assam. **Conclusion** - Thus, it can be said that temple architecture of ancient times by dynasties like Pallavas, Cholas, Guptas, Rashtrakuta, etc, was in line with the social realities of those times. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/1.-UPSC-Essential--1--.png) #### UPSC Essential + Mentorship (New Batch) One course for all your needs - Comprehensive Lectures, Test Series, 1:1 Mentorship, Notes, Current Affairs etc. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2026-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (The Freedom Struggle) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-1-the-freedom-struggle/ Last updated: 2025-06-17T15:30:54.000Z **Subject:** GS 1 **Syllabus:** The Freedom Struggle - its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country. ### **Questions** 1. In the aftermath of the Khilafat non-cooperation struggle, a series of riots occurred that significantly undermined the concept of Hindu-Muslim unity. In this context, critically evaluate the level of success attained by the Non-Cooperation movement. (250 Words, 15 Marks) 2. The 19th Century is called a period of Indian Renaissance. But this renaissance was an equal product of the efforts of natives and colonial legislations. Discuss. (150 Words, 10 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. In the aftermath of the Khilafat non-cooperation struggle, a series of riots occurred that significantly undermined the concept of Hindu-Muslim unity. In this context, critically evaluate the level of success attained by the Non-Cooperation movement.** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** - **Introduction(1):** The Non-cooperation Movement was launched on 5th September 1920 by the Indian National Congress (INC) under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi in the wake of a series of events, including the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and the Khilafat issue. - **Introduction(2):** From 1920 to 1922, Mahatma Gandhi orchestrated the **Non-Cooperation Movement(NCM)**, a strategic campaign aimed at urging the British government in India to grant self-rule, known as Swaraj, to India. This movement marked one of Gandhi's initial and well-planned endeavours to promote widespread civil disobedience, using the principle of Satyagraha. **Main Body:** - **Negative consequences of NCM:** - **Communalisation of politics:** The movement engaged Muslims in the national movement, resulting in communalism rather than nationalist unity. Hindus and Muslims united on religious matters rather than for purely nationalist purposes. - **Violence at Chauri Chaura:** Misunderstanding the principles of non-violence, the movement abruptly ended with the Chauri Chaura incident on February 5, 1922. - **Communal organisations:** the Muslim League, the Hindu Mahasabha and a section of the Swarajists( led by N.C. Kelkar) all started making political alliances on ‘communal’ grounds. - **Shuddi and tabling movement:** The Arya Samaj’s siddhi and Sanga then found parallel in the tabling (propaganda) and Tanzim (organisation) of the Muslim League. - **Mappila Revolt:** was between Muslim tenants and Hindu landlords. Earlier, it was part of NCM, but later it acquired communal tones and caused large-scale riots. - **Success of the Non-cooperation movement:** - **National schools:** Students left government schools and colleges, and national schools came up like Kashi Vidyapeeth, Jamia Millia etc. - **Foreign clothes:** Stores selling foreign clothes were picketed, and foreign clothes were burned. It drastically brought down the import of foreign clothes. - **Peasant movements:** It saw the massive participation of peasants in the nationalist struggle. Many peasant movements like the Kisan Sabha movement, the Eka movement, Mappila revolt took place. - **Women’s participation:** saw the massive participation of women in picketing shops, taking part in processions, and even facing a lathi charge, thus a liberating experience for them. - **Unity of Hindu and Muslim:** This movement saw the remarkable unity of Hindu - Muslims, a kind of unity which was never seen and will never be seen. - **Enhanced reach:** The movement reached every nook and corner of the country and politicised every population stratum. **Conclusion:** - The Non-cooperation movement was an important watershed moment in the national struggle, and it was successful in bringing Muslims into the nationalist struggle, but it failed in converting the religious consciousness into secular consciousness. --- **2\. The 19th Century is called a period of Indian Renaissance. But this renaissance was an equal product of the efforts of natives and colonial legislations. Discuss.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - The advent of English was the ignition for the Renaissance in India. Indians were exposed to scientific thoughts, new discoveries and freethinking, which in turn led to socio-intellectual revolution that took place in the nineteenth century in the fields of philosophy, literature, science, politics and social reforms, often known as the Indian Renaissance. ***or*** - The 19th century is a critical period in the history of India; it is often referred to as the Period of Renaissance because of, Rise in modern values like Rationalism, Religious Universalism, Humanism and Secularism Revival of Indian classics- The reawakening of the Indian spirit not only led to a new life in literature but also to a revival of interest in ancient literature and native religion. **Main Body:** **Renaissance as an effort of the natives:** - **Changes in the social dogmas:** like the emancipation of women, in which sati, infanticide, child marriage and widow re-marriage were taken up. - Reform movements: Movements like Brahma Samaj and Prarthana Samaj, and leaders like Swami Vivekananda and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar called to set aside the authority of religion and evaluate truth in any religion by the criteria of logic, reason or science. - Revivalist movements: They were influenced by the rich cultural heritage of India brought to light by Western scholars and found that it was even superior to Western culture. - Role of the Indian press, for ex: Newspapers like SambadKaumudi, Darpan, etc., editorialised against Sati, Polytheism, and the Promotion of women's education. - Education as a means of liberation- this can be seen in the rise of colleges like Hindu College, Aligarh Muslim University, Deoband schools etc. - Changing the orthodoxy, many leaders like Jyotiba Phule, Gopal Hari Deshmukh, K.T. Telang, B.M. Malabari, etc., had a two-point agenda—fight for the betterment of the status of women in society and fight to remove disabilities arising out of untouchability. **Renaissance as an Effort of Colonial Legislation:** - **Abolition of Sati:** Regulation XVII of the Government, 1829, the custom of sati was declared illegal and punishable by the Criminal Courts. - The Widow Marriage Act of 1856 was passed, legalising widow marriage and giving status legitimacy to the children of married widows. - Abolition of Slavery: The slave trade and keeping slaves or trafficking in them became an offence under the Indian Penal Code, enacted in 1860 - Progressive women’s rights: The Age of Consent Bill of 1891 aimed to increase the minimum age of consent for intercourse to 12 years for all girls in the context of rampant child marriages and marital rapes of young girls. - Also, Women's education was given high prominence; this can be seen in steps like the Deccan Education Society, Bethune School, Seva Sadan in Pune, etc. **Conclusion:** - These movements, both by the natives and the colonial masters, emphasised the human intellect’s capacity to think and reason, which in turn helped in building a new society in India. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/1.-UPSC-Essential--1--.png) #### UPSC Essential + Mentorship (New Batch) One course for all your needs - Comprehensive Lectures, Test Series, 1:1 Mentorship, Notes, Current Affairs etc. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2026-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (The Freedom Struggle) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-1-modern-indian-history-2/ Last updated: 2025-06-17T15:23:13.000Z **Subject:** GS 1 **Syllabus:** The Freedom Struggle - its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country. ### **Questions** 1. Discuss the pivotal factors that contributed to the inception of the Home Rule League Movement in colonial India. Analyse the underpinnings of its ascendance and subsequently, its decline, within the larger framework of India's freedom struggle. (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. The Indian freedom struggle was started by the middle-class intelligentsia, but later it took the form of a mass movement. Discuss the factors behind such a transition. (150 Words, 10 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. Discuss the pivotal factors that contributed to the inception of the Home Rule League Movement in colonial India. Analyse the underpinnings of its ascendance and subsequently, its decline, within the larger framework of India's freedom struggle.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - The Surat split and the First World War led to the emergence of the Ghadar party and Home Rule as two strands of short-lived nationalism. - The main objective of the home rule movement was to achieve self-government in India or attain dominion status or home rule under the colonial empire, similar to Australia and Canada. - Leaders like Annie Besant, Tilak, Subramania Iyer etc, got together with the idea of a national alliance which would work around the year, unlike Congress, which had only annual sessions. - It was based on the Irish Home Rule League, with the main demand of self-government for pan-India. **Main Body** **Factors behind this movement:** - The leaders were dissatisfied with the Morley-Minto reforms and wanted concrete reforms and seriousness from the British. - Methods like prayers and petitions were deemed ineffective and the leaders felt that popular support and pressure were vital to get concessions from the government. - The defeat of European powers in the early 20th century and their fight amongst themselves broke the myth of white superiority and emboldened colonies to rise further. - Wartime expenditure, inflation and taxation put an enormous burden on the public, which compelled them to take these measures. - Leaders in Annie Besant and Tilak were filled with a new zeal to work on the ground and compel the British to concede the demands. The movement was pan-India. Propaganda was carried out to oust the British, and ideas of the Russian Revolution were added as a catalyst. But the **movement faded out by 1919 due to reasons such as:** - The Lucknow session of 1917 saw unity in Congress, but moderates were pacified by talks of self-government as a greater goal and the Montford reforms, which were on the anvil. - Poor organisation and lack of synchronisation between Tilak’s and Besant’s leagues led to weak efforts. - Extremists had passive resistance as their mode of action, which maintained a divide between them and moderates in their modus operandi. - Communal riots in many parts, like Malabar, Bihar etc, created a divide in society. - Movement was left leaderless when Tilak went abroad for a court case, and the entry of Gandhiji also brought a fresh approach to resistance. **Conclusion** - The movement was important in more than one way for future actions as it shifted emphasis on the masses, created organisational links between rural and urban areas and gave a sense of urgency to the freedom struggle. --- **2\. The Indian freedom struggle was started by the middle-class intelligentsia, but later it took the form of a mass movement. Discuss the factors behind such a transition.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Indian freedom struggle went through phases of struggle and truce and varied in nature, starting from the revolt of 1857 to tribal and peasant revolts. It later saw a moderate and extremist phase, which was later absorbed by the mass movement on a pan-India scale. **Main Body** - With the formation of the Indian National Congress and the rise of middle-class intellectuals, there was a passive phase of the freedom struggle. But with the entry of Mahatma Gandhi and other important leaders, the nature of the struggle became a mass movement due to factors like- - The failure of earlier leaders to connect with the masses. Though their end was freedom, the means were ineffective; thus, without the masses, they could not achieve anything substantial. - Early intelligentsia who were also called as moderates did not accept the masses in the national movements as they thought their educational and political awareness was inadequate. - Famines, economic exploitation, drain of wealth, etc, led to nationalist agitation with leaders like B.G. Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi, Lajpat Rai, and others. - The towering figure of Gandhi ji and his ideas of Satyagraha and non-violence were followed by all Indians, bringing in more coordination in the freedom struggle. - Events like the Bengal partition, communal electorates and swadeshi mobilised hitherto secluded sections like women and youth. Innovative groups like ‘samitis’ and parallel governments were formed to reach the interiors and involve all Indians in the struggle. - Use of popular festivals like Ganapati and Shivaji gave an emotional tone to the movement, which brought in more masses. - Big issues like World Wars, Khilafat agitation, Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience gave a real mass base to the movement by ensuring participation of peasants, worker class, students, teachers, etc. - Use of constructive work by leaders within the Indian National Congress to overcome challenges of illiteracy, diverse linguistic and religious traditions. **Conclusion** - For any issue that ecompasses the whole country and has a common cause, mass movements have shown the way forward. They have the tendency to bring together all the people cutting across various divides and unite the society into one single unit. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/1.-UPSC-Essential--1--.png) #### UPSC Essential + Mentorship (New Batch) One course for all your needs - Comprehensive Lectures, Test Series, 1:1 Mentorship, Notes, Current Affairs etc. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2026-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Modern Indian History) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-1-modern-indian-history/ Last updated: 2025-06-17T14:46:26.000Z **Subject:** GS 1 **Syllabus:** Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues. ### **Questions** 1. Though various factors were responsible for the partition of the country, prominent ones include the short-sightedness of Congress, Jinnah’s ambitions and British amorality. Discuss. (250 Words, 15 Marks) 2. How did the movement for the liberation of women receive a stimulus from the rise and growth of the nationalist movement in India?(250 Words, 15 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. Though various factors were responsible for the partition of the country, prominent ones include the short-sightedness of Congress, Jinnah’s ambitions and British amorality. Discuss.** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - The partition of British India, which took place in 1947,has been the worst episode in the Indian subcontinent’s history. This was not an abrupt incident but had many underlying causes. **Main Body:** **Factors responsible for partition:** 1. **Short-sightedness of Congress** - **Acceptance of a separate electorate** for Muslims in the Lucknow Pact, 1916. - Failure of the **‘Muslim mass contact’ programme of Jawaharlal Nehru**. - It helped the League to emerge as the representative of Muslims in India. - The rejection of Congress to form a joint government in the United Provinces in 1937. - Convinced the League that Muslims, being a minority, would find it difficult to gain political power in united India. - Several Congressmen were active in the Hindu Mahasabha till 1938\. - This helped the League's propaganda that **Congress was a party of Hindus.** - Following the Quit India movement, the imprisonment of Congress leaders (1942-45) left a political vacuum which was filled by the League. 1. **Jinnah’s ambitions:** - In 1940, the League under Jinnah demanded autonomy for the Muslim majority areas of the subcontinent. - During the Cabinet Mission, Jinnah was adamant that Congress could not nominate a Muslim representative. - In the 1946 provincial assembly elections, Jinnah sought a referendum on Pakistan. - **‘Direct Action Day’** by Jinnah in 1946 led to riots in several parts of India lasting several days. 1. **British amorality:** - British policies of **divide and rule** deepened animosities between Hindus and Muslims. - Introduction of the **communal electorate** in 1909. - The British **during WWII** offered future political safeguards to the League in exchange for its cooperation. - **August Offer (1940)** gave the League veto assurance. - **Cripps Mission (1942)** provided the right to opt out of future Union. - The British postponed the Punjab boundary award until the days of partition. - When riots broke out during partition, the deployment of troops was delayed. 1. **Other factors responsible for partition -** - Partition of Bengal. - Formation of the Muslim League. - Communal electorate introduced in the Government of India Act, 1909 etc. **Conclusion:** - Thus, various factors played a role in the partition of the country. Prominent among them include the shortsightedness of Congress and the ambitions of Jinnah, along with the amorality of the British. --- **2\. How did the movement for the liberation of women receive a stimulus from the rise and growth of the nationalist movement in India?** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - The movement for the liberation of women received a great stimulus from the rise of the nationalist movement in the 20th century. Women played an active role in the struggle for freedom. They participated in large numbers in the freedom struggle against the British. **Main body:** - **Several factors during the freedom movement led to the liberation of women:** - An impetus was provided by the **call of Gandhiji** to women of the Nation to come out of seclusion and participate in the freedom struggle. This helped the women to step out of their homes, leaving their traditional notes and acting as a catalyst for reform and revolt. - Example: Sarojini Naidu - The Nationalist Movement led to the birth of the women’s upliftment movement. Many organisations were started, and the **All India Women's Conference (1927)** was one of them. It worked for the empowerment and upliftment of women through participation in the different activities of the national struggle. - **Women’s consciousness** around social and national questions grew simultaneously. Both men and women were leading the social reform movements since the 1880s, and among various debates, ‘Personal is Political’ was the recurring theme. - The 19th and 20th-century social and religious reforms liberated women from the social evils of sati, Child marriage, deprivation of education etc. - Educational and political awareness through newspapers influenced the educated. They discussed radical ideas for women's empowerment. Example: In 1908, Rokeya Sekhawat wrote ‘Sultana’s Dream’ in which the idea of a women’s governance system was introduced. - 19th-century **women’s organisations** mushroomed all over India. Sarala Debi Chaudhurani organised ‘Bharat Stree Mahamandal’ in 1910\. She combined Hindu revivalism with political protest. - The revolutionary women of the 20th century were mobilised to take up arms for the nation, inspired by the tradition of Razia Sultana and the Jhansi Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) saw contributions by Durgavati Devi, who helped Bhagat Singh in his escape after the Saunders killing. Kalpana Dutta of the Indian Republican Army led the armed resistance along with Surya Sen. She joined with Pritilata Waddedar in 1931 in attacking the European club in Chittagong. - Evoking symbols contributing to the mobilisation of women is associated with politicising the domestic sphere. For instance, Gandhi politicised ordinary items like salt, which are associated with the daily lives of women. This contributed to the larger participation of ordinary middle-class women. - **Role played by women in the freedom struggle:** - During the Swadeshi campaign, their activities were limited to the boycott of foreign cloth and the picketing of liquor shops. - A nationalistic cult around Bharat Mata (mother India) started to emerge, which further necessitated the role of women. - In the second phase of women’s participation, the idea of Home Rule and constitutionalism became dominant. Some Western women played a significant role in this. Annie Besant, who became the first woman president of the Indian National Congress, launched the Home Rule movement. - Margret Cousins drafted the Indian women’s voting rights bill and launched the Women’s India Association. - In the third phase, the women’s participation in the Non-Cooperation movement helped in incorporating women from all over India. - Be it Sarojini Naidu, in Salt March, Vijaya Laxmi in CDM, Kasturba in QIM, Madam Bhikaiji Cama among others. - Indians in the UK, Rehana Tyabjee as President of Youth Congress, Captain Laxmi Sahgal in INA or Rani Gaidinliu during the Manipur rebellion. **Conclusion:** - The image and magnitude of participation of the Indian women within the national movement were drawn from the multilayered nations of Mother India and Victorian morality. - The history of women and the independence movement is not an end in itself but has roots that extend to this day. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/1.-UPSC-Essential--1--.png) #### UPSC Essential + Mentorship (New Batch) One course for all your needs - Comprehensive Lectures, Test Series, 1:1 Mentorship, Notes, Current Affairs etc. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2026-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Modern Indian History) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-1-post-independence-india-3/ Last updated: 2025-06-17T14:35:00.000Z **Subject:** GS 1 **Syllabus:** Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues. ### **Questions** 1. What were the conditions and circumstances that led to the emergence of the Socialist Movement in India? Analyse the impact of socialist ideas on the Indian National Movement. (250 Words, 15 Marks) 2. As India grapples increasingly with changing social and religious circumstances, Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s work in socio-religious reforms finds new relevance in contemporary times. Elaborate. (250 Words, 15 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. What were the conditions and circumstances that led to the emergence of the Socialist Movement in India? Analyse the impact of socialist ideas on the Indian National Movement.** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - Socialism is an economic and political system based on collective or public ownership of the means of production. - The growth of socialist thought in India took place mainly in the twentieth century, unlike in the west where it had flourished in the nineteenth century. **Main Body:** - **Emergence of the Socialist Movement in India:** - **Russian Revolution:** Became the living example of the power of the working class. - **Effect of Marxism:** Led to the formation of groups based on the socialist ideology like the Communist Party of India (CPI) etc. - **Impact of World War I:** Led to inflation, rising unemployment and increased exploitation of the colonies. - **Failure of the Civil Disobedience movement:** Led to the formation of the Congress Socialist Party (CSP) within the Congress. - **Great Economic Depression:** The global depression in the 1930s brought the capitalist system into disrepute. - **Impact of socialist ideas on the Indian National Movement:** - Important **leaders** like Jawaharlal Nehru, Subash Chandra Bose, Jayaprakash Narayan, Rammanohar Lohia etc. were thinkers of the socialist stream in India. - The **Communist Party of India (CPI)** which was formed in 1925 believed in the theory of class struggle and the establishment of a socialist society through revolution - **Congress Socialist Party (CSP), 1934** aimed at achieving complete independence of India from imperialism and the establishment of a socialist society. - Sessions of Congress like- - **Karachi session 1931** (socialist pattern of development was set as the goal for India). - **Faizpur session 1936** etc. reflected Socialist ideology. - First **all-India conference of the socialists** held in 1934 at Patna under the presidentship of Acharya Narendra Dev. They played an important role in the Quit India Movement. - Inspired radical socialists like **Bhagat Singh** to form organisations such as Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA). - Peasant uprisings (like **Tebhaga Movement** etc.) against the oppression by zamindars and the Britishers. - Formation of trade unions **(All India Trade Union Congress, 1920)**, Kisan Mazdoor Sabha etc. **Conclusion:** - Socialist principles helped in making the Indian freedom movement more inclusive. These ideas were retained as guiding principles in the Constitution of independent India. --- **2\. As India grapples increasingly with changing social and religious circumstances, Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s work in socio-religious reforms finds new relevance in contemporary times. Elaborate.** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - On the 250th anniversary of Raja Ram Mohan Roy, his principles are still relevant in current times. **Main Body:** - **Social evil practices in the 18th century** ![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeQjdPS0QDl0xNJlbxmBf0bSPSrN0dfQBt-zw55MkgHDsJ8CG4Bi3BPQc2_O7TPpMDB5norZhk2gTIti5vZ8i5I-bTbx4dqdrOk058xpjFmNX3tAXKL9_2o2xXqiEvK8FTp4VB3EIz3bvaTpTfKrT2Ax8nS?key=D991SXctDFa_D4-xe7Atmw) - **Ram Mohan Roy’s works to bring socio-religious reforms:** - He brought principles of human dignity and rationality to the forefront. - Established **Brahmo Samaj** 1828 evolved as a reaction against the upper-caste stranglehold on social customs and rituals. - (During the Bengal Renaissance, birthed the Brahmo religion, a reformed spiritual Hinduism that believes in monotheism and the uniformity of all men, irrespective of caste, class or creed.) - In 1814, he started the **Atmiya Sabh**a (Society of Friends), to nurture philosophical discussions on the idea of monotheism in Vedanta and to campaign against idolatry, casteism, child marriage so on. - Fought vigorously against SATI and helped bring **abolition of sati in 1829** under the governor general ship of William Bentinck in 1829. - Preached to integrate best from several religions and monotheism. - Example: precepts of Jesus. - He campaigned for the **modernisation of education**, in particular the introduction of a Western curriculum, and started several educational institutions. eg. Supported David Hare's efforts to found **The Hindu College** and established **English school** and **Vedanta college**. - **Relevance in contemporary India:** - **Female infanticide and skewed sex ratio:** though sex ratio has been improving. The cases of missing and unwanted girl children continue unabated. - **Continuing practice of untouchability:** Forms such as manual scavenging. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on the Prevention of Atrocities against Scheduled Castes, a crime is committed against a Dalit every 18 minutes. - **Dowry:** India reports the highest number of dowry deaths. According to NCRB reports, on average, every hour, a woman succumbs to dowry death in India. - Prevalence of **polygamy** and **triple talaq** practices in India and passing of the ban on triple talaq bill. - **Child marriage is still deeply rooted** in Indian villages. 40% of the world's 60 million child marriages take place in India, according to the National Family Health Survey. - **Ritualistic practices** and superstitious beliefs such as human sacrifice, purity and pollution aspects. **Conclusion:** - All the above show that the teachings of Raja Ram Mohan Roy are still very relevant for Indian society; he had sown the seeds for reforms in Indian society. - Rabindranath Tagore called Roy a ‘Bharatpathik’ by which he meant to say that Ram Mohan Roy combined in his person the underlying spirit of Indic civilisation, its spirit of pluralism, tolerance and a cosmic respect for all forms of life. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/1.-UPSC-Essential--1--.png) #### UPSC Essential + Mentorship (New Batch) One course for all your needs - Comprehensive Lectures, Test Series, 1:1 Mentorship, Notes, Current Affairs etc. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2026-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (World History) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-1-post-independence-india-2/ Last updated: 2025-06-17T14:11:47.000Z **Subject:** GS 1 **Syllabus:** - Events from the 18th century such as the Industrial Revolution, World Wars, and Redrawal of National Boundaries - Colonisation, Decolonisation, Political philosophies like Communism, Capitalism, Socialism, etc.— their forms and effects on society. ### **Questions** 1. The American Revolution was more economic than ideological. Elucidate. (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. To what extent was the French Revolution a landmark moment in European and world history? (150 Words, 10 marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. The American Revolution was more economic than ideological. Elucidate.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - The American Revolution began in **1775** as an open conflict between the United[ Thirteen Colonies](https://www.thoughtco.com/chart-of-thirteen-original-colonies-4059705?ref=upscprep.com) and Great Britain. Many factors played a role in the colonists' desire to fight for their independence. **Main Body:** The American Revolutionwas more of an **economic than an ideological revolution** because**:** - The British Government followed the **policy of mercantilism**. As per it the colonies existed for the benefit of the mother country. The colonies were expected to furnish raw materials and a market for finished goods. - A series of **Navigation Acts** were passed by the British Parliament to control the trade of the American colonies. These Acts insisted that all the goods of both exports and imports should be carried in ships owned by England. - The **Molasses Act** levied heavy duties on sugar and molasses imported into the American colonies. In addition, a series of Trade Acts were also passed to control the trade in the colonies. **ex**: The Iron Act 1750 stopped the large-scale production of iron in the colonies. - **Seven Years' War** further ruined the American economy. The end of the Seven Years War in 1763 and the transfer of Canada from France to England removed the French fear from the minds of the Americans. - **Granville Measures:** When Granville was the Prime Minister of England, a series of Acts were passed affecting the interests of the American colonies. - It prohibited the colonists from purchasing lands beyond the Appalachian Mountains. - The Sugar Act of 1764 increased the duties on sugar. - The Stamp Act of 1765 insisted on the use of British stamps in commercial and legal documents of the colonies. - The Quartering Act made it compulsory that colonists should provide food and shelter to English troops. - Thus, the slogan **“No Taxation without Representation**” insists on American representation in the English Parliament. - **Townshend Laws Charles Townshend**, the Finance Minister of England, imposed fresh taxes on glass, paper, tea, paints, etc in 1767\. It was known as the Townshend Laws. The Americans protested it and boycotted the British goods (Boston Massacre) - **Boston Tea Party -** In 1773, a new Tea Act was passed imposing a tax on the import of tea. It was a symbol to show that the British Parliament had the right to tax the colonies. **Conclusion:** - All of these grievances that colonists had with the British government led to the events of the American Revolution. And many of these grievances directly affected what the founding fathers[ wrote into the U.S. Constitution. Though](https://www.thoughtco.com/the-us-constitution-articles-amendments-and-preamble-3322389?ref=upscprep.com) economical but it had some ideological features too -like Liberalism, Constitutionalism, Bill of Rights. --- **2\. To what extent was the French Revolution a landmark moment in European and world history?** (150 Words, 10 marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - The French Revolution was a series of events and not a single episode that occurred in the decade of 1789-1799\. It resulted in many socio-political changes like the toppling of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic with a voice to the people. **Main Body** - There were many factors behind the French Revolution, and some of them involved feudalism, inept leadership of Louis XVI, the burden on the lower and middle classes and a worsening economy. - The French Revolution was a watershed moment in European and world history because- - It gave a thrust to the third estate, which included common people. - Religion was made subordinate to the state, and the Pope was no longer the real head of the French government → **Secularisation of Society** - Ideologies of **nationalism** based on human and civil rights were fostered. - **Spread of Nationalism:** The French Revolution ignited feelings of nationalism among the French people, leading to a stronger sense of unity and identity. - The famous ideas of **fraternity, equality and liberty** found voice and were later adopted by many countries across the globe. - These ideas are adopted by India too, as mentioned in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. - **Abolition of Feudalism:** The Revolution abolished feudal privileges and serfdom, redistributing land and wealth. These social changes marked a significant shift towards a more egalitarian society. - The French Revolution's ideals and principles **inspired subsequent revolutions and reforms across the globe**, including the Haitian Revolution, Latin American independence movements, and anti-colonial struggles in Asia and Africa. - It led to the **emergence of various political ideologies**, including liberalism, conservatism, and socialism. - **Art, Literature, and Culture:** The French Revolution inspired artists, writers, and thinkers, producing a vast array of works reflecting its impact on society and human aspirations. - A new economic structure with a new currency, nationalisation of land and a mixed economy was adopted. **Conclusion** - There was a great upthrust to nationalism under the rule of Napoleon and further improved the socio-economic conditions of people belonging to the third estate. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/1.-UPSC-Basics-Course.png) #### GS Basics + Target CSAT Combo with Mentorship Complementary Mains strategy sessions - GS1, GS2, GS3, Ethics and Essay [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/gs-basics-target-csat-combo-with-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Post-Independence India) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-1-post-independence-india/ Last updated: 2025-06-17T13:53:44.000Z **Subject:** GS 1 **Syllabus:** Post-Independence consolidation and reorganisation within the country. ### **Questions** 1. Nehru called the Government of India Act, 1935 as "a machine with strong brakes but no engine". Still, the Government of India Act, 1935, lays the foundation for the Indian Constitution. Discuss. (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. In the background of ever increasing caste based reservation. Critically evaluate the need for caste based census. (150 Words, 10 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. Nehru called the Government of India Act, 1935 as "a machine with strong brakes but no engine". Still, the Government of India Act, 1935, lays the foundation for the Indian Constitution. Discuss.** **(150 Words, 10 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction :** - The Government of India Act 1935 was an important act in the history of India. As a result of the **Simon Commission** and the result of various previous acts, the 1935 Act was laid. **Main Body:** **It laid the foundation for the Indian Constitution in the following ways:** - It provided for the establishment of an **All India federation** consisting of provinces and princely states as units. Thus, resulting in today’s Union of India. - It **divided the powers** between the centre and units in terms of **three lists- Federal list, Provincial list** and the **Concurrent list**. Residuary powers were given to the Viceroy. Today, the residuary powers lay with the centre. But the 3 lists continue. - It abolished dyarchy in the provinces and introduced ‘**provincial autonomy’** in its place. The states today are autonomous under the federal structure. - The act introduced **responsible government** in provinces, that is, the governor was required to act with the advice of ministers responsible to the provincial legislature. The responsible government continued with a parliamentary form of government and a no-confidence motion. - **Bicameralism** was introduced in six provinces- Bengal, Bombay, Madras, Bihar, Assam and the United Provinces. Which continues at the centre and a few states. - **Council of India** which was established as per the 1858 Act, was abolished. The secretary of state was instead provided with a team of advisors. - The act provided for setting up the **Federal Public Service Commission**, **Provincial Public Service Commission**, **Joint Public Service Commission**, **Reserve Bank of India**. Which are constitutional and statutory bodies today? - **Setting up a Federal court:** - A Federal court was also envisaged to be set up under this act so the provisions of the act could be interpreted in case of any disputes. - The Supreme Court of India today functions as the federal court. However, some of its provisions did not continue in the new constitution of independent India: - It provided for the adoption of a **dyarchy** at the centre. But this provision did not come into effect at all. - **Separate electorates** were further extended to depressed classes, women and labour. - **Preamble**, **Fundamental rights** etc. were introduced later **Conclusion:** - The powers of the Legislature were confined and restricted. The Act protected British vested interests, discouraging the emergence of national unity, rather encouraging separation and communalism. All nationalists, including Nehru and Jinnah, condemned the Act. --- **2\. In the background of ever increasing caste based reservation. Critically evaluate the need for caste based census.** **(150 Words, 10 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - There have been growing demands for a caste census with the general census in 2022 since the **Justice G Rohini**\-led commission submitted a draft proposal recommending a sub-categorisation of the reservation for the OBC. **Main body:** **Rationale behind conducting a caste census:** - **Rationalise reservation**: Many have argued that an SECC would be the best way to rationalise reservation based on data. Around 2,633 castes are covered under the OBC reservation. (The states have the flexibility to add castes to the central list depending on local deprivation levels determined by local OBC commissions.) - Since job and education quotas are based on caste, this will help in **evidence-based policymaking.** - **Rohini commission**: 2018, the commission analysed the data of 13,00,00 central jobs and admissions to central higher education institutions under the OBC quota over the preceding five years. - It found that 97% of all jobs and educational seats have gone to just 25% of all sub-castes classified. And 24.95% of these jobs and seats went to just 10 OBC communities. - Further, this census can help the government in identifying the most benefited section and provide fair representation. - Many studies show the **OBC population to be above 40%**. This is much greater than the current reservation, which stands at 27%. The caste census will provide the exact proportion of the OBC population. - **Better framing** of Government welfare schemes and **democratic policy making**. - **Break the myths associated with castes:** The caste census will reveal the actual data on castes and remove ambiguities associated with the caste. For instance, - In Karnataka, there were claims that among the castes, the Lingayats are the most numerous. So the census can reveal the true information on that. **Challenges linked to conducting a caste census:** - **Reservation tussles:** - Reservation is going to cater only to a small proportion of those who are entitled to it. Leading to the growth of elites among castes and communities. So, the caste census, along with reservation, might favour elites among castes. - It could lead to **demands** for larger or separate quotas. For instance, Patels, Gujjars, Jats and other castes are demanding reservations. The caste census might induce more such demands in future. - The caste census will give rise to **caste division**. As India seeks to eliminate and weaken the notion of caste, a caste census would only strengthen it. - Collection of caste data is not easy: Some people believe that Caste is a very important source of privilege and advantage in our country. On the other hand, some feel disadvantaged by revealing caste-based information. For instance, the same caste is spelt in different ways in different states. **Conclusion:** If inclusive development is the constitutional priority of our country, then we must demand the socio-economic caste enumeration and make it publicly available so that our development policies and programmes can be accordingly shaped in a transparent manner. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/1.-UPSC-Essential--1--.png) #### UPSC Essential + Mentorship (New Batch) One course for all your needs - Comprehensive Lectures, Test Series, 1:1 Mentorship, Notes, Current Affairs etc. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential-2026-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### [2 days] Comprehensive UPSC Preparation with us URL: https://www.upscprep.com/2-days-comprehensive-upsc-preparation-with-us-2/ Last updated: 2025-06-17T12:35:36.000Z Every time aspirants look at the syllabus, there's a feeling of “**Yaar, kitna kuch hai karne ke liye and kitna kam time!**” You have to study every topic from a Prelims perspective while also being analytical for Mains. 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Unsubscribe anytime. ### Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism & Secularism) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-1-effects-of-globalisation-on-indian-society-2/ Last updated: 2025-06-08T17:44:09.000Z **Subject:** GS 1 **Syllabus:** Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism & Secularism. ### **Questions** 1. What do you mean by regionalism and federalism in the context of the Indian polity? Discuss the causes of regionalism and what are its positive and negative impacts. (250 Words, 15 Marks) 2. Though India is largely a peace-loving nation. Cases of communalisation of Indian society surface now and then. What are the factors behind it? Elaborate on the steps needed to ensure harmony and tolerance.(250 Words, 15 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. What do you mean by regionalism and federalism in the context of the Indian polity? Discuss the causes of regionalism and what are its positive and negative impacts.** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - **Regionalism** indicates common feature, idea and purpose among people living in a specific geographical region with language, culture, customs etc playing a unifying role. It helps foster brotherhood which protects interests of a particular region. - **Federalism** denotes vertical division of power in a polity which gives voice to all units no matter how small they are and cools down any untoward event which might have resulted due to regionalism. **Main Body** **Reasons behind growing regionalism** - Unabated neglect of a region and imbalanced development, even if it is rich in natural resources, result in a sense of injustice and divisive tendencies. Like areas of Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh are mineral-rich but lag in development. - In many regions, there is a sense of geographical isolation and historical deprivation that fosters son-of-the-soil ideology. - Trickle-down or top-down approach for development is not a proper strategy, which has more than often resulted in prosperity of one region at cost of other regions. - Homogenization of an idea or development strategy that might conflict with the way of living of some people like tribes, has the potential to cause regionalism. - Language is a strong glue that holds people together but creates sharp divides between people of different languages. This was seen in world wars and at the regional level also, it can be disastrous. Thus, regionalism can be allowed to foster but its negative impacts need to be checked. **Some of the positive impacts include**\- - Many regional issues are likely to be neglected if there is the same party at the centre and the states. But regionalism attracts the focus of lawmakers on local issues and results in holistic development. - It is important for good governance and ‘Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas’ as it results in better planning, efficient infrastructure and timely delivery of goods. - The rise of regional parties is a result of positive regionalism, which is good for cooperative and collaborative democracy. People in a region will more likely vote for a native person and this prevents dominance of one political party. - It fosters a sense of pride and responsibility and helps in conserving and promoting soft power. But there are some **negative impacts of regionalism** also which include- - At times there is clash of passions between two regions which result in deterioration of law and order, violent agitations and anarchy. - It can result in extreme situations like militancy, insurgency and extremism and can be a threat to internal security. - An extreme form is parochial regionalism which can threaten sovereignty and lead to secession which was seen in Punjab in the 1980s due to growth of the Khalistan movement. - Regionalism may also cut across borders like in the North East across the border with Myanmar which can be a hindrance in international diplomacy. - It also promotes divisive and vote- bank politics which further weakens national integration. It threatens the notion of 'Unity in Diversity'. **Conclusion** - A system of national education can help overcome feelings of regionalism and help foster brotherhood as a solution to sub-nationalism. Regionalism is not an anti-national phenomenon per se but it should not be militant or secessionist. --- **2\. Though India is largely a peace-loving nation. Cases of communalisation of Indian society surface now and then. What are the factors behind it? Elaborate on the steps needed to ensure harmony and tolerance.** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - **Communalism** is a feeling of strong allegiance to one’s ethnic group rather than to society as a whole. The basis of allegiance may be: such as language, ethnicity, region, religion etc. In India, communalism as a social phenomenon is based on mutual religious hatred. **Main Body:** - **Recent incidents** - Hubballi city in north Karnataka **saw a communal flare-up recently**, the trigger being an inflammatory social media post. - Communal clashes broke out in northwest Delhi’s Jahangirpuri recently during a Hanuman Jayanti procession. - **Factors responsible for the growth of Communalism in India:** - **Economic: Poverty:** - Mass poverty and unemployment create a sense of frustration among the people. It generates backwardness, illiteracy, ignorance, etc. - The unemployed youth of both communities can be easily trapped by religious fundamentalists and fanatics. They are used by them to cause communal riots. The weak economic status often breeds communalism. - **Historic:** - **British rule:** On the basis of the “**Two-Nation**” theory of Jinnah, India was partitioned. The “Divide and Rule” policy of the British Government served their colonial interest. The partition of India was the outcome of their politics. - **Presence of Communal Parties:** Religion in India has become an important agency of political socialisation. A number of communal and sectarian political parties and organisations are present in India. Muslim League, Jamaat—e—Islami, Hindu Mahasabha, Akali Dal, and Vishwa Hindu Parishad are directly or indirectly responsible for the emergence of communalism. - **Isolation of Muslims:** Indian Muslims have developed a tendency of isolationism even long after the creation of Pakistan. They remain aloof from the mainstream of national politics. - **Hindu Chauvinism:** The growth of Hindu chauvinistic attitudes have further strengthened the communal tensions in India. The Hindu religious groups like Shiv Sena, Hindu Mahasabha, and Vishwa Hindu Parisad often pressurise the government to take steps suitable to the interest of Hindus. - **Social Cause:** - The two major communities of India have been suspicious of each other. The Muslims complain about the threat of the Hindu majority. - **Cross-Border factors:** Communal tensions in India are sometimes highly intensified due to the rule of two neighbouring theocratic countries. These countries try to create communal problems in the border states. The communal problems of Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir are caused due to the provocation of Pakistan. - **Political:** Both the Union and the State Governments often fail to prevent communalism in the country. Due to a lack of prior information, they fail to take any preventive measures. Also cases of vote bank politics. - **Steps to check the growth of Communalism:** - **Economic:** - Poverty is one of the major factors for communal violence. Poverty alleviation measures are thus important for promoting communal harmony. - **Eradicating the problem of unemployment** among the youths, illiteracy and poverty and that too with honesty and without any discrimination. - Reducing the educational and economic backwardness of minorities like Muslims. - This can uplift their socio-economic status and reduce their deprivation compared to Hindus (**Sachar Committee**). - **Social:** - The religious leaders and preachers should promote rational and practical things through religion promoting peace and security. - Children in schools must be taught through textbooks and pamphlets to maintain brotherhood and respect for all religions - Creating awareness in the society about the ill effects of communism through mass media - **Political:** - Political communism should be avoided recent Supreme court’s directives - Identification and mapping of riot prone areas. For Example, Delhi police used drones to monitor to maintain vigil during communal festivals - **Media, movies and other cultural platforms** can be influential in promoting peace and harmony. - **Social Media** should be monitored for **violent and repulsive content** and taken off immediately. - **Recommendations of the Committee on National Integration** - Joint celebration of community festivals - Observing restraint by Hindus while taking processions before the mosques - Formation of peace and brotherhood communities at the local level to prevent anti-social elements from engaging in communal riots - Respect for religious customs, rituals and practices **Conclusion:** - Jawaharlal Nehru had pointed out the issue and termed it as the greatest danger. And so he said that anyone who loves India would hate communalism and anyone who hates India would love communalism. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/1.-MG-Unlimited.png) #### Mains Focus Group + Write Unlimited (for Mains 2025) One Stop Solution for UPSC Mains 2025 [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-write-unlimited/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Effects of Globalisation on Indian Society) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-1-effects-of-globalisation-on-indian-society/ Last updated: 2025-06-08T17:34:30.000Z **Subject:** GS 1 **Syllabus:** Effects of Globalisation on Indian Society ### **Questions** 1. The post-1990s era of hyper-globalisation is now commonly acknowledged to have come to an end. Has the new era of de-globalisation started? Comment. (250 Words, 15 Marks) 2. Cultural globalisation is a process where practices of each other’s culture are adopted in daily life. Discuss whether this has the potential to homogenise and amalgamate cultures. (250 Words, 15 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. The post-1990s era of hyper-globalisation is now commonly acknowledged to have come to an end. Has the new era of de-globalisation started? Comment.** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - The post-1990s era of hyper-globalisation is now commonly acknowledged to have come to an end. The COVID pandemic and Russia’s war against Ukraine have relegated global markets to a secondary and at best supporting role behind national objectives, in particular, public health and national security. **Main body:** - **End of the hyper-globalisation era of the 1990s:** - Hyper-globalisation has been in retreat **since the global financial crisis of 2007-08**. The share of trade in world GDP began to decline after 2007, as China’s export-to-GDP ratio plummeted by a remarkable 16 percentage points. Global value chains stopped spreading. International capital flows never recovered to their pre-2007 heights. And populist politicians openly hostile to globalisation became much more influential in many advanced economies. - The zero-sum logic of national security and geopolitical competition was antithetical to the positive-sum logic of international economic cooperation. With China’s rise as a rival to the US and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, strategic competition has reasserted itself over economics. - Donald Trump openly proposed tilting the terms of trade in favour of American industry. “Americanism, not globalism, shall be our creed. - **De-Globalisation:** According to Walden Bello and Focus on the Global South, who coined the term "deglobalisation", the objective is not to withdraw from the global economy, but rather to trigger a process of restructuring the world economic and political system to strengthen local and national economies instead of weakening them. - It is the process of diminishing interdependence and integration between the nations. It is characterised by the decline in economic trade and investment between countries. - It highlights the trend of several countries wanting to go back to economic and trade policies that put their **national interests first**. - These policies often take the form of tariffs or quantitative barriers that impede the free movement of people, products and services among countries. - The idea behind de-globalisation is **to shield local manufacturing** by making imports costlier. - **Indicators of De-globalisation:** There is some evidence of deglobalization in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. The economic data are mixed and indicate a stall, but not a collapse of globalisation. - **Trade Protectionism:** The recent trade war between the US and China indicates a change in the attitude of AEs in protecting their interests at the cost of developing countries. Trade is not growing as quickly as before the Great Financial Crisis of 2008, which may be the consequence of a decreased investment in technological innovation. - **Immigration Control:** Instances of immigration control by the US, UK and other European countries have been dominant in the past decade. The recent decision of the Trump administration to build a wall across the Mexican border highlights the emerging trend of protectionism in the free movement of people across borders. - **Brexit Movement:** Brexit and ‘Make America Great Again’ are symptoms of underlying processes of de-globalisation that have already generated significant trade and investment uncertainty. This has had a concrete impact on trade & investment flows as firms and consumers are adjusting their behaviour in anticipation of further trade shocks. - **Flow of Capital:** Cross-border financial flows have been reduced due to uncertainty in global policy-making and increased protectionism by AEs. - **What are the reasons for this new trend?** There are several reasons behind this trend today. Some of them are: - Unequal distribution of benefits of globalisation, rising inequalities, job loss, especially in developed countries. - MNCs across countries and workers from developing countries benefited the most, leading to the perception that workers from developing countries have stolen jobs from developed countries. This led to demands for a stricter visa regime and relocation of industries. - Global slowdown exacerbated the above-mentioned situation and led to an increase in demand for protectionist measures across the globe. **Conclusion:** - Thus, the era of deglobalization has begun and is fastening due to the present circumstances of COVID, Chinese hegemony, and the Russia-Ukraine war. --- **2\. Cultural globalisation is a process where practices of each other’s culture are adopted in daily life. Discuss whether this has potential to homogenise and amalgamate cultures.** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Cultural globalisation is a process of bridging cultural diversities and anomalies by adoption and diffusion of cultural practices, ideas, customs and values. **Main Body** - Globalisation of consumption patterns and adoption of different lifestyles depends on the impact of soft power of any country. This can happen because- - Globalisation sometimes tends to convert into homogenization which can be a threat to local customs, practices, identities and knowledge. - Many economies are driven by foreign investments which results in the establishment of companies and institutions carrying foreign values and cultures. Industries like food, clothing, music etc can have a big impact on consumption patterns. - Cultural homogenization marginalises indigenous cultures and replaces them by the universal character of advanced capitalist countries. This is evident because English is the language of global communication and the Christian calendar is used as a global standard. - Many foreign aids are driven by conditionalities, which impact the independent decision-making of the recipient country. - But globalisation can have a limited impact on homogenization in cases where- - A society which is segmented into many communities has more potential to resist homogenization because of ‘cultural autonomy’. - An example is India where core values have not changed despite being diverse in many aspects. Rather than getting absorbed into foreign influences, India has accommodated various cultures within it thus producing a hybrid culture. - Glocalisation is a resistive dimension of globalisation which is marked by fusion of global cultures. This can be seen at the level of music, clothing, dance, cinema etc. **Conclusion** - This approach of homogenization is making deep inroads into local and regional culture, which is seen as a threat to their survival. The result is the increasing assertion of identities to defend their indigenous cultures and regional identities against the onslaught of cultural homogenization. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/1.-MG-Unlimited.png) #### Mains Focus Group + Write Unlimited (for Mains 2025) One Stop Solution for UPSC Mains 2025 [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-write-unlimited/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Women, Population, Poverty and Development, Urbanisation) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-1-women-population-poverty-and-development-urbanisation/ Last updated: 2025-06-08T17:18:04.000Z **Subject:** GS 1 **Syllabus:** Role of Women and Women’s Organisation, Population and Associated Issues, Poverty and Developmental Issues, Urbanisation, its problems and their remedies. ### **Questions** 1. Analyse the factors contributing to the disproportionate impact of poverty on women in India. Further, suggest strategies to empower women, enhance their economic participation, and ensure inclusive and sustainable development.(250 Words, 15 Marks) 2. Globalisation has taken women out of traditional bonds but put them in the face of newer means of exploitation. Examine. (250 Words, 15 marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. Analyse the factors contributing to the disproportionate impact of poverty on women in India. Further, suggest strategies to empower women, enhance their economic participation, and ensure inclusive and sustainable development.** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Introduction** - **Context-based:** The disproportionate impact of poverty on women in India is influenced by a combination of social, economic, and cultural factors. These factors contribute to gender inequality, limited access to resources, and barriers to economic participation. **Main Body** **Factors contributing to the disproportionate impact of poverty on women in India** 1. Gender Discrimination: Deep-rooted gender biases and discriminatory practices perpetuate inequalities in education, employment, and decision-making. (E.g. The stereotype that women ‘belong’ to the ‘kitchen’ only) 2. Lack of Education: Limited access to quality education and lower literacy rates among women impede their economic prospects. (E.g. many girls are not sent to school after the primary stage) 3. Limited Access to Resources: Women in India often face barriers to accessing land, credit, and financial services. (E.g. Many women, despite being financially independent, are not given loans without the signature of their husband or father) 4. Unpaid Care Work: Women in India shoulder a disproportionate burden of unpaid care work, including household chores, childcare, and eldercare. 5. Social Norms and Cultural Constraints: Traditional gender roles, social norms, and cultural practices shape women's roles and opportunities. **Strategies to empower women and enhance their economic participation** 1. Education and Skill Development: Promote vocational training, entrepreneurship development, and STEM education to enable women to participate in a wide range of economic sectors. (Example - Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)) 2. Economic Empowerment Programs: Implement targeted programs that provide financial literacy, access to credit, and entrepreneurship support for women. 3. Address Unpaid Care Work: Recognize and redistribute the burden of unpaid care work through policies such as affordable and quality childcare facilities, parental leave, and promoting shared household responsibilities. 4. Land and Property Rights: Ensure equal land and property rights for women through legal reforms and awareness campaigns. 5. Gender-Responsive Employment Practices: Encourage private and public sectors to adopt gender-responsive policies such as flexible working hours, safe working environments, and maternity benefits. 6. Social Awareness and Behavior Change: Launch awareness campaigns to challenge gender stereotypes, promote gender equality, and shift societal attitudes towards women's empowerment. 7. Strengthening Social Safety Nets: Expand social protection programs targeting vulnerable women, including widows, single mothers, and marginalized communities. **Conclusion** - By addressing these factors and implementing comprehensive strategies, India can create an enabling environment for women's empowerment, enhance their economic participation, and work towards inclusive and sustainable development. - Empowered women contribute to stronger economies, improved living standards, and a more equitable society. --- **2\. Globalisation has taken women out of traditional bonds but put them in the face of newer means of exploitation. Examine.** (250 Words, 15 marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - As per OECD, the term globalisation is generally used to describe an increasing internationalisation of markets for goods and services, the means of production, financial systems, competition, corporations, technology and industries. **Main Body:** **Globalisation has taken women out of traditional bonds:** - **New assignment of roles:** Women were previously restricted to kitchens due to patriarchy and subordination. But now, with the flow of new ideas due to globalisation, women have become independent, and they have acquired a major role in decision-making in families and society. - **Reduction of social evils:** The women-centric social evils such as Sati, child marriage, female foeticide, etc, have been reduced through the evolution of thinking practices aided by globalisation. - **Status in society:** With exposure to other successful women in the world, Indian society too has seen the upliftment of the Status of women. - **Employment opportunities:** Globalisation led to the outsourcing of work around the world. It generated new employment opportunities, particularly beneficial to women. - For eg, BPO services. - **Increased authority:** Economic dependency of women on men is reducing as more and more women will work in globalised businesses. This gives more authority to women within the family, too. - **Joint conjugal roles:** With women taking up roles of breadwinner, the toxic masculinity is weakening, which is seen in joint conjugal roles in the household. **Globalisation is opening newer means of exploitation:** - **Commodification of women:** Under the garb of globalisation, the Western lifestyle has been dominating the world. - This has led to the commodification of women in movies, songs, etc. - **Double Shift burden:** Despite working full time, women are still expected to fulfil the household duties. - **Increasing divorces and single-mother families:** Due to the loss of traditional values, relationships are breaking apart frequently. - This has given rise to a high prevalence of single-mother families where women face even more burden. - **Issues regarding physical health:** Full-time indulgence in jobs and household activities has taken a toll on women’s health. Lifestyle diseases have become prevalent. - This has created health issues. As per NFHS, more than 50% of women between the ages of 15-49 are anaemic. - **Mental health issues:** Increased burden of work and responsibilities, coupled with a lack of a family support system, give rise to mental health issues in women. Actions such as suicide have become more regular. - According to WHO data, the age-standardised suicide rate in India is 16.4 per 100,000 for women (6th highest in the world) - **Unequal status at work:** Though globalisation helped women reach the office. But they are still facing the glass ceiling. Moreover, the gender pay gap also exists. - According to the Gender Gap Index in 2020, India has slipped to the 112th position. - **Harassment at the workplace:** The harassment that used to take place inside the house has now been shifted to the workplace, with several women leaving their jobs due to workplace harassment. - **Women related crimes:** Since mobilisation among women has increased, it has also exposed them to more crimes like rapes, stalking, online bullying etc. - A total of 4,05,861 cases of crime against women were registered during 2019, showing an increase of 7.3% over 2018 (NCRB report) **Conclusion:** - Globalisation has proved to be a double-edged sword for Indian women. It is time that the government takes more steps to eliminate the dark side of globalisation faced by women to achieve gender equality, which is also a sustainable development goal (SDG 5). --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/1.-Abhijeet-Essay-Course.png) #### Ace the Essay (With Abhijeet Yadav Sir) A comprehensive course to MASTER the ART AND CRAFT OF ESSAY WRITING [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/ace-the-essay-with-abhijeet-yadav-sir/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-1-salient-features-of-indian-society-diversity-of-india/ Last updated: 2025-06-08T17:06:44.000Z **Subject:** GS 1 **Syllabus:** Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India. ### **Questions** 1. Temple architecture of both North and South reflect the religious practices and social life prevalent at that time. Discuss. (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. The revolutionary activities after the start of the Swadeshi movement had their own modus operandi. List the reasons for these activities and also discuss their contributions in different regions of India.(150 Words, 10 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. Temple architecture of both North and South reflect the religious practices and social life prevalent at that time. Discuss.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Nagara, Dravida and Vesara are three types of temples in India according to the features and type of architecture followed. Mundeshwari temple in Bihar and Bhitargaon of Uttar Pradesh are two oldest temples in India from which study of temple architecture begins. **Main Body** - The three aforementioned styles are structural types of temples. Vesara was developed by Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas, after the other two were developed on a large scale. They were built keeping in mind practices of the people because religion was very close to the people and temples were a means to practice it. They reflect the religious practices and social life by - - Large gatherings of people in sabha and samiti was a recurring feature, which also took place in mandapa of a temple especially during festivals. - Just like the most important person in society lived at the centre of habitation, garbhagriha was in the centre of mandap and was a place to keep the deity. - For ceremonial baths during auspicious occasions, like Makar Sakranti, there were large water tanks especially in Dravidian temples. - Dance was and is an important part of culture and it was performed in the Mandapa area. - Also, they were great centers of vedic learning and were also used to deliver justice. - Presiding deities with family members were arranged in Panchayatan style. - Few areas, especially tribal areas saw presiding deity to be female due to matrilineal society. Eg- Kamakhya temple of Assam. **Conclusion** - Thus it can be said that temple architecture of ancient times by dynasties like Pallavas, Cholas, Guptas, Rashtrakuta, etc were in line with the social realities of those times. --- **2\. The revolutionary activities after the start of the Swadeshi movement had their own modus operandi. List the reasons for these activities and also discuss their contributions in different regions of India.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - The leaders of revolutionary activities involved those who had less confidence in constitutional methods of struggle and had only a vision of violent overthrow of colonial power. Majorly composed of youth, they were discontent when any movement was withdrawn and took to individual action to accomplish their goals. **Main Body** - These revolutionaries included Bhagat Singh, Ramprasad Bismil, Surya Sen, Jatin Das etc and were spread in major areas like Bengal, Punjab, Bombay and Assam. They were motivated to work in their own way due to reasons like- - Withdrawal of the Swadeshi movement due to a split in the Congress made them impatient and frustrated. - Russian Nihilists and Irish nationalists gave them the confidence to carry out the same actions like individual heroism, popular assassinations and swadeshi dacoities. - They conspired against the British by getting funding from enemies of the British and also imbibed their methods. - Post-World War repression and shortage of food and essential commodities made them vengeful, and they lost trust in the colonial government. - Frequent famines and lavish expenditure of the British in durbars along with brutal killings like the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the killing of their leader in Lala Lajpat Rai, made them take this path. - Though the revolutionary activities of different regions were not secluded and impacted each other, it was centred around regions like- - Punjab- Revolutionary tendency was fuelled by exploitative land revenue, famines, beggars and irrigation tax. Leaders like Lajpat Rai and Ajit Singh released journals and newspapers to reach the masses. They also organised the Ghadar revolution abroad to get more support and funding. - Bengal- secret societies were an important feature here and Anushilan Samiti and Yugantar are two notable examples. They gave physical and moral training to their cadres, which later resulted in the infamous Alipore conspiracy case, Barrah dacoity and the Delhi conspiracy trial. - Maharashtra was not behind and saw armed revolt by the Ramao peasant force, popular killing by the Chapekar brothers, Mitra Mela and Abhinav Bharat as a secret society. **Conclusion** - The end of these revolutionary activities was common to other mass movements but the methods employed by them gave a reason to the British to come down heavily on these groups. Many were given death sentences and deported, and many went abroad to escape the wrath of the colonial government. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/1.-MG-Unlimited.png) #### Mains Focus Group + Write Unlimited (for Mains 2025) One Stop Solution for UPSC Mains 2025 [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-write-unlimited/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-4-emotional-intelligence-contributions-of-moral-thinkers-and-philosophers-2/ Last updated: 2025-06-08T17:02:50.000Z **Subject:** GS 1 **Syllabus:** Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India. ### **Questions** 1. India is the most diverse country in the world, which has held on even after 75 years since its independence. Bring out the cohesive and divisive factors with regard to diversity in India. (250 Words, 15 Marks) 2. There are many fairs and festivals celebrated in different parts of India according to the harvest season and changing weather patterns. Discuss. (150 Words, 10 Marks) ### **Model Structure** **1\. India is the most diverse country in the world, which has held on even after 75 years since its independence. Bring out the cohesive and divisive factors with regard to diversity in India.** (250 Words, 15 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - India is a land of diversity with bonds of unity underlying diversity in languages, customs, dresses, music, dance, architecture, etc. Our composite culture is an amalgamation of these diverse subcultures which differ from place to place. **Main Body** - Various elements of diversity in India which unify the country as a whole include- - Religion and caste - India is a secular country allowing people to practice all religions of the world. Societies are also divided based on caste system, which also affects their food habits, attire, festivals, etc. - Linguistic - India is home to the highest number of languages and dialects in the world. There are provisions like the 8th schedule of the constitution, state languages and other cultural schemes which help preserve these languages. - Architecture - Northern region has Nagara, central has Vesara whereas Southern region has Dravida style of temple architecture but worshiping of all gods pan India act as unifying factor. - Geographical - Climatic factors and terrain is diverse across the length and breadth of the country. But factors like monsoons, MSP for crops, etc act as unifying factors. - Biodiversity like richness of flora and fauna, soil and vegetation helps overall development of agriculture, tourism, mining and pharmaceutical industry. - Diverse India is the source of India’s biggest soft power in the form of Yoga which is practiced not just in India but globally. - But at times, this diversity has proved to be a hindrance in progress because- - Co-existence of multiple religions has given rise to communal tendencies which is at times exploited by political parties for vote bank politics. - Political instability due to alienation of minorities and diverse interests of different groups makes policy making difficult. - Ethnic and caste based violence destroy sensitive social fabric and at times become violent to damage public property. - Diversity can at times lead to centrifugal tendencies which result in regionalism. Inter state river water disputes, secessionist tendencies, insurgency etc are some fallouts of such regionalism. **Conclusion** - Diversity of India in itself is a big asset for the country. However the handling of this diversity should be effective so that it continues to be a boon for the country. Inclusive and equitable development should be focused upon. --- **2\. There are many fairs and festivals celebrated in different parts of India according to the harvest season and changing weather patterns. Discuss.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - India has a diversity of cultures cutting across religion, language and region because of which many different festivals are celebrated across the country even during the same time. This reflects specific beliefs and practices which make people engage in these fairs and celebrate these festivals with devotion. **Main Body** - Every fair and festival has got its historical significance and their celebration is a method of paying gratitude to the deity related to these festivals. Some of these festivals include- - Baisakhi is a new year festival in Punjab also celebrated for the harvest of wheat in April month. - Makar Sankranti of North India is a festival celebrated for the transition of planets from bad phase into good phase which is marked by Kumbh Mela. - Onam is a harvest festival celebrated in Kerala which marks the return of King Mahabali. - Bihu is celebrated in Assam, West Bengal and Odisha by different names, but all signify changing of seasons. - Gudi Padwa is celebrated as a new year and harvest festival in the month of April in states like Maharashtra, Goa etc. - Pongal is a thanksgiving season for good harvest celebrated in Tamil Nadu. - Other festivals include Lohri, Basant Panchmi, Wangla, Nuakhai etc. - Similarly, there are fairs also celebrated for the same reason. Some of them are- - Pushkar fair for trade of livestock in Rajasthan is held on Kartik Purnima and attracts a lot of tourists. - Ambubachi mela in Kamakhya temple, Assam. - Rann Utsav in Rann of Kutch, Gujarat is held to celebrate ethnic diversity of this area. - Baneshwar fair of tribals in Rajasthan is also called Kumbh mela of Bhil tribe. **Conclusion** - India has a rich heritage with civilizational values going back to thousands of years. These fairs and festivals are a product of our tradition and add to our soft power and tourism potential. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/1.-MG-Unlimited.png) #### Mains Focus Group + Write Unlimited (for Mains 2025) One Stop Solution for UPSC Mains 2025 [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-write-unlimited/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Case Study) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-4-case-study-2/ Last updated: 2025-06-08T16:10:24.000Z **Subject:** GS 4 **Syllabus:** Case Study ### **Questions and Model Structure** **Q1\. As a newly assigned District Magistrate in a region frequently grappling with power shortages, a proposal has been tabled for establishing a thermal power plant within your district's boundaries. This prospective power plant holds the potential not only to cater to your district's energy requirements but also to extend its benefits to neighbouring regions, bolstering their power needs. Additionally, the project is expected to create job opportunities, which could significantly impact the local economy. However, amid this development, a section of the district's population has expressed vehement opposition to the proposed thermal power plant. Their concerns primarily revolve around the potential displacement of communities residing in the project's vicinity and apprehensions about the environmental repercussions it might trigger. As the situation unfolds, it has come to your attention that influential local leaders have united these dissenting voices, organising a large-scale protest march towards the Collectorate to voice their objections vehemently. Alarming reports have also surfaced indicating the potential for the protest to turn violent, with miscreants possibly infiltrating the peaceful gathering. Given the complex nature of this issue and the stakes involved, finding a balanced approach to address the concerns of both parties and ensuring the overall well-being of the district becomes paramount. As the District Magistrate, you are tasked with navigating this challenging situation while upholding the principles of transparency, inclusivity, and public welfare. In the context of this situation, address the following:** 1. **Identify the stakeholders and highlight the issues involved in the above case.** 2. **State the measures you would take as the District Magistrate.** (20 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - The case reflects the development vs. displacement debate, exposing the challenges in balancing stakeholder interests for effective policy implementation and project execution in government functioning. **Main Body:** **(a) The stakeholders involved in the above case and the issues involved are as follows:** - **Citizens:** The people of the district are facing the issue of power cuts, and the proposed thermal power plant could resolve the issue of power cuts. - Regular power cuts must have been impacting the living standards and economic growth of the district. - Establishing a power plant may eliminate the unemployment issue in the area. - A development project of this magnitude will benefit not only the district but other areas of the state as well. - **People against the move:** People in the district protest against the thermal power project due to displacement and environmental pollution concerns. - **Leaders of the local community:** Local community leaders prioritise the welfare of their community, aiming to prevent any negative impact on their lives. - **State:** The State will gain from the project through power supply to other districts and local employment opportunities. - **District Magistrate:** The District Magistrate (DM) must ensure successful project implementation and maintain peace, stability, and law and order in the district. The development vs. displacement debate involves stakeholders' intentions and competing interests. The project offers benefits like power supply and employment, but concerns about pollution and displacement persist among the public. **(b) As the District Magistrate, measures I would take in the above-presented case would include:** - **Use my social persuasion skills to engage with members and leaders of the community:** I will address the concerns of the local community and leaders in a meeting, ensuring transparency and assuring them that their interests will be considered during the project's implementation. Measures will be taken to alleviate their fears and uphold their rights. - **Social and Environmental Impact Assessment:** I will address concerns with EIA findings and involve locals in decision-making to ensure their interests. - **Rehabilitation of people affected by displacement:** I'll address housing, social, and livelihood concerns during relocation and rehabilitation decisions. - **Undertake capacity building of the members of the local community:** I'll provide capacity building to ensure the community benefits from employment opportunities at the thermal power plant. - **Maintaining law and order:** To maintain law and order, I'll collaborate with the police, identify potential miscreants, and issue warnings of possible action. **Conclusion:** - Enforcement of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 is crucial to safeguarding the rights of the local community during such situations. --- **Q2\. You are a district magistrate of a district infamous for girl child marriages. A contributory scheme was introduced by the government for girl children aged 0-8 years. The total sum can be withdrawn only when the girl, who is also unmarried, turns 18\. It is evident that all girls are married upon turning 18, and dowry incidents have increased substantially because late marriage means more dowry.** **Also, parents now save more because of the scheme rather than investing in girls education. As the administration tries to tackle this problem, it looks up to you for ideas and leadership.** 1. **Identify the factors leading to such outcomes.** 2. **Devise a strategy keeping in mind multiple aspects of the situation. (250 words)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - This case study shows **how a well-intentioned scheme can lead to unintended consequences**. Stakeholders include young girls, their parents, the government, soon-to-be husbands and their families, and society at large. **Main body** - The letter of the scheme was upheld, but the spirit was not. This can be due to factors like- - **The scheme was short on components** needed to bring change in the thought process of the given community. - There was **no section for educational, financial and social empowerment** of girls. - **Dowry discouragement was not part** of the scheme i.e the means to achieve an end were not holistic. - **The focus was simply on increasing the age of marriage**. - The sensitivity of the given community towards the marriage age of girls was overlooked. - All the above-mentioned issues **can be overcome by** few tweaks in the scheme, like: - Only a specific amount, say 75%, will be released on the girl turning 18 if the purpose is anything but higher education. - The incentive is 25% if the amount is withdrawn after 21 years of age, and graduation is completed. - **Strategy to bring change in the community’s mindset**\- - Invitation to **women civil servants and leaders** to speak at various forums and at various levels. - **Yearly rewards** for women achievers at the state level. - **Public campaigns** about women empowerment are going beyond traditional roles to that of decision makers. - **Scholarship** for higher education. - **Vocational skill development** of girls. - **Strict implementation of anti-dowry laws** and incentivise those who report dowry cases, **Conclusion** - The larger picture involves embedding gender equality and increasing the enrollment ratio at all levels. Short-term steps will help address symptoms, and long-term steps will make the progress sustainable. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/1.-MG-Unlimited.png) #### Mains Focus Group + Write Unlimited (for Mains 2025) One Stop Solution for UPSC Mains 2025 [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-write-unlimited/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Case Study) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-4-case-study/ Last updated: 2025-06-08T15:50:56.000Z **Subject:** GS 4 **Syllabus:** Case Study ### **Questions and Model Structure** 1. **When Sheena reaches one counter of the RTO office for her driving license renewal, the lady in-charge at the counter pass-on one form to fill for the same purpose. She asked Sheena to turn the page and go through it. Back side of the paper there was organ donation consent form which stated:** ***"Organ Donation: Upon my death I am willing to donate the following - there were then a set of boxes labeled - eyes, liver, kidney, any organ and none, together with a place for her signature."*** **Sheena asks the lady -"why such things are being pushed at this counter". Lady at the counter explains that this form of camping has been promoted by NGOs for the larger interest of humanity, however it is voluntary and she can escape it if she is not finding it of any worth. Sheena was not sure about giving consent. She was in a dilemma whether to do it or not. After a brief thought she denied and moved from that counter.** **On the way back home, her friend Indrani, who was also at the counter, suddenly said, "I did not want to say anything inside, but no way would I ever sign that card. If you get into an accident and they see that you have agreed for organ donation, they will not even try to save you. There is organ shortage, and the doctors want to grab what they can get. My mom says those organ donation cards are like signing your death warrant."** **Later that evening Sheena decided to talk to one of her teachers. When she explained about her anxiety, the teacher replied that she should follow her heart in the matter of organ donation.** **Answer the following questions based on the above case study:** 1. **What are the options available to her?** 2. **Do you think that people ought to donate their organs? Why or why not? (Make sure that the reasons you provide are ethical reasons, not merely prudent or legal). What advice would you give to Sheena in case you are in place of her teacher?** **Model Structure** **Options available** **(a) From a utilitarian perspective, should Sheena agree to donate her organs? Provide an analysis.** - Utilitarianism, as a form of consequentialism, is concerned with the consequences of actions, the end results, and not necessarily the grounding conditions from which the action has been formed. If we directly consider the significance of organ donation, the greatest utility is that it leads to the satisfaction of the greatest number of patients awaiting transplantation. - A utilitarian would argue that organ donations save lives because when citizens continue to donate their organs, more lives are spared. - Organ donations not only save lives but also money and time. For example, if organ donations became prevalent, the organ recipient would no longer need dialysis. Since there is no need for dialysis, the cost to use the machine would lessen; this means that the cost of equipment would decrease, saving money and reducing pain. The process of organ transplantation is life-changing, and time is crucial. - However, the right action would be in the form of an action that creates the conditions whereby the greatest number of donations can be achieved. - Thus the managerial efficacy of utilitarianism seems suited to organ donation and to the other ethical questions in modern medical practice with limited resources and increasing demands. **(b) From a Kantian perspective, would refusing to donate one's organs violate a moral duty?** - Kant's principles of ethics are typically invoked in order to put forward strict restrictions on what should be allowed. In the case of organ transplantation, Kant often cites in favour of a prohibition of all organ sales. Kant expressly forbids not only the sale but also the voluntary donation of one's own, even if this donation is obtained without any coercion or even friendly pressure applied upon the seller or the donor. - Also, Kant considers that one does own one's body, which means that there is a duty of self-conservation. Of course, this duty is not absolute, but needs to be qualified. More precisely, it does not extend to a right to throw other people from a lifeboat in order to save one's own life. Kant limits the duties and rights resulting from the duty of self-conservation to the duty to protect oneself against illegitimate threats and the duty not to harm one's own body. - But in the given case study, the demand is for organ donation consent upon death. So, according to Kant's principle, she should sign the consent form. - If we develop an ethical approach following thoughts of Kant, we can establish a three-principle approach in hierarchical order in this case: - Principle of human dignity - Difference principle (maximising the life conditions of the worst-off) - Balancing benefits and harms. - If we follow this line of thought, there are good reasons for establishing an opt-out regulation together with incentives for all parties involved in the donation. Human dignity is very much linked to the protection of life. The life of everyone whose human dignity is attributed should be protected as far as possible. **(c) Do you think that people ought to donate their organs? Why or why not? (Make sure that the reasons you provide are ethical reasons, not merely prudent or legal). What advice would you give to Sheena in case you are in place of her teacher?** - Transplantation ethics is a philosophy that incorporates systematising, defending and advocating concepts of right and wrong conduct related to organ donation. As the demand for organs increases, it is essential to ensure that new and innovative laws, policies and strategies for increasing organ supply are bio-ethical and are founded on the principles of altruism and utilitarianism. In the field of organ transplantation, the role of altruism and medical ethical values are significant for the welfare of society. - Organ donation is founded on the pillars of altruism. When the moral values of an individual's actions are focused mainly on the beneficial impact to other individuals, without regard to the consequences on the individual herself, the individual's actions are regarded as "Altruistic". - However, there is a flip side also. This is about the commercialisation (organ trade) of organ transplantation. Developments on the ground and in theoretical debate underscore the importance of thinking more about the morality of buying and selling organs. For example, "Transplant tourism" has become a popular means by which patients in need of organs procure them, thus increasing number of bio-ethicists and philosophers are advocating for regulated markets in organs. - In a typical case of transplant tourism, a patient from a developed nation such as the United States, Saudi Arabia, or Israel pays a fee to have a kidney transplant abroad. A "donor," procured for the patient by a broker, awaits him. The donor or, more accurately, seller is very poor, for example, someone living below the poverty line in some underdeveloped country, and the broker has promised to pay him in cash for his kidney. This is not altruistic in nature; rather, it is unethical as one person is taking advantage of one's situation. **Conclusion** - However, if I were a teacher, I would have suggested signing of the consent form after reading the complete government policy related to it and consulting with an expert so that the practice of organ donation does not get wasted by converting to commercialisation rather than an act of altruism. --- 1. **Suppose you are called as the Chief Guest in an educational institution to address a gathering of youth on the issue of ‘cultural transition in India’. You confine your lecture mainly around one of the most apparent pointers of cultural transition taking place in the country, i.e. changing man-woman relationship with the latter being more open, forthcoming and assimilating. But the transition is marred by many sour and ugly events leading to sexual exploitation, honour killings and subjugation and defiance by male dominated office environment. After the lecture there is a question answer session. Answer the following questions that students and teachers posed in front of you:** ***(a) Are women outrageous in their liberty with regard to dressing up, breaking silence and asking their share in decision making?*** **(b) What should be the "limits of openness" for women in a culturally transitioning India in an era of globalisation?** **(c) Is the institution of family responsible for the aberrant behavior of their male children regarding man-woman relationship?** **(d) What will you do as a Civil Servant to change the attitude of society with respect to women?** **Model Structure** **(a) Are women outrageous in their liberty with regard to dressing up, breaking silence and asking their share in decision making?** - No. It is their natural and human right to choose, question and examine and also to decide. - Nevertheless, the problem is in the attitude of both. Men do not want to lose their position of primacy in social hierarchy, while sometimes some (feminist) women who are proactive in exercising their liberty lose the sense of proportion and go up to the extent of teasing or provoking the male society. - Women's liberation is one thing, but the permeation of anti-male sentiment in post-modern popular culture stands testament to the ignorance of society. Things can improve by creating a sync in progressive realisation of women's liberty and social attitude and expectations, which take time to change and adjust. Making haste to expedite social processes is usually counter-productive. **(b) What should be the "limits of openness" for women in a culturally transitioning India in an era of globalisation?** - In the era of globalisation, a cultural transition is taking place in which women not only want to have more control over their bodies, but also over their feminine charm and use them as they wish. Also they want to have a say in a man and woman relationship according to their own understanding and discretion. - There is nothing wrong with it. But there is always a limit to openness depending upon the "space" in which it is being exercised. - Here, women shall resort to pragmatism or pragmatic ethics rather than absolute ethics. For example in "private space" women can choose to be more open, proximate and free with their choices and male partners; in the "social space" they need to be conscious about social values and customs because even if women are well within their "right" to be what they like, there is chance of explicit or hidden conflict with the surrounding which is not ready for "new ways." **(c)** **Is the institution of family responsible for the aberrant behavior of their male children regarding man-woman relationship?** - Yes, the family is responsible to a great extent, because it is a very powerful "first institution" in the lives of the children that creates their world view. - Seasoning, grooming and nurturing of male children has a lot of bearing on their attitude and outlook towards women when they grow up. - The way their mothers and sisters are treated, the way women are considered as a living being or objects of pleasure or the way their roles are defined in front of a growing male child- all these bring changes in their outlook and attitude towards women. **(d)** **What will you do as a Civil Servant to change the attitude of society with respect to women?** - As a civil servant first of all I would try to give dignity to women in day-to-day transactions, irrespective of their socio-economic status. This is so because civil servants, due to their power and authority, are often considered as "role models" which others emulate. - Secondly, I would have a "collaborative education and awareness programme" with educational institutions, civil societies and grassroots level democratic institutions. - Thirdly, I would try to be very strict in implementing "law and order" so that women can live freely and fearlessly. - Fourth, I would create a hotline for women in SOS situations and a dedicated and fast grievance redress system. - Last, but not least, I would try to incentivise progressive and educated youth who respect and understand women better-both in office and outside. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/1.-Abhijeet-Essay-Course.png) #### Ace the Essay (With Abhijeet Yadav Sir) A comprehensive course to MASTER the ART AND CRAFT OF ESSAY WRITING [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/ace-the-essay-with-abhijeet-yadav-sir/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Probity in Governance) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-4-ethics-and-human-interface-4/ Last updated: 2025-06-08T15:30:30.000Z **Subject:** GS 4 **Syllabus:** Probity in Governance ### Questions 1. What do you mean by ‘probity in governance’? Discuss whether the dearth of ‘probity in governance’ is a hindrance on the road to development. (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. “The administration must be passionate about service and be dispassionate about the profile of the people it is serving.”- Sardar Vallabhai Patel. Discuss how this quote promotes the value of non-partisanship. (150 words, 10 Marks) ### **Model Structure** 1. **What do you mean by ‘probity in governance’? Discuss whether the dearth of ‘probity in governance’ is a hindrance on the road to development.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Probity connotes adhering to moral values like honesty, uprightness and integrity. It is a basic prerequisite for governance and socioeconomic development as it ensures ethical behaviour of the highest standards. **Main Body** - Probity as a value focuses more on means rather than outcomes. The processes, procedures and systems involved in completing any public welfare work find a central position. - This can be exhibited by examples like the Delhi Metro, which has many times established new standards of excellence under the guidance of E Sreedharan, who is also known as Metro Man. With efficient systems, people of Delhi NCR find it affordable to travel in the Delhi Metro on a daily basis. - But lack of ‘probity in governance’ can certainly hinder the development process as it can lead to: - Increased corruption and misuse of public funds because there will be no integrity to put a check on various misdemeanours. - Lack of behavioural change means that even if there is an institutional mechanism to check corruption, people will find loopholes and a way out to exploit the system. - Delays in taking actions, which make instruments like RTI, social audits, citizen charters, etc., meaningless. - Corruption in policy making by catering to vested interests by lobbying and criminalisation of politics is a result of decreasing probity in governance. **Conclusion** - To ensure there is probity in governance, a code of ethics needs to be made enforceable and the Public Service Bill must be enacted as soon as possible. For righteous officers following the path of probity, there has to be a reward system so that a culture of integrity and uprightness is cultivated. --- 1. **“The administration must be passionate about service and be dispassionate about the profile of the people it is serving.”- Sardar Vallabhai Patel. Discuss how this quote promotes the value of non-partisanship.** (150 words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Independent India's first Home Minister, Sardar Patel, contemplated the civil services as a steel frame of India's administrative setup. This is because of the values it is bound to imbibe, and non-partisanship is one such example, which makes civil servants an important part of the administrative setup. **Main Body** - Non-partisanship is a quality to keep oneself away from any ideology, political party, interest group, etc. It ensures administrators are uninterested about any ideology while taking administrative decisions. It promotes the value of non-partisanship by - It is different from impartiality because the latter involves neutral decision making, while non-partisanship means not belonging to any group or ideology. The idea of the social contract means upholding the rights of all sections of society. - The above quote sheds light on the idea that duty or service is the only thing that matters, rather than who is being served. Because when this idea comes to the minds of administrators as to who they are serving, there is scope for impartiality to creep in. - The ideals of the constitution and fundamental rights also promote equality and justice, which leave no space for partisanship. - This was evident in land revenue policy during British times, which catered to only a few vested interests, because of which inclusivity was absent. - This ensures values like equity, tolerance, impartiality, fraternity and due process in the administration. **Conclusion** - Thus, it can be said that the value of non-partisanship is a sine qua non for ethical decision making as it puts all the citizens on the same pedestal without any favor towards a particular group. It also shuns VIP culture and ensures resources are used efficiently to benefit all equally. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/1.-Abhijeet-Essay-Course.png) #### Ace the Essay (With Abhijeet Yadav Sir) A comprehensive course to MASTER the ART AND CRAFT OF ESSAY WRITING [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/ace-the-essay-with-abhijeet-yadav-sir/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-4-civil-service-values-and-ethics-in-public-administration/ Last updated: 2025-06-02T17:54:28.000Z **Subject:** GS 4 **Syllabus:** Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration ### Questions 1. Objectivity and empathy are two very desirable traits from a civil servant. Explain the meaning of the term objectivity and discuss its relationship with empathy. (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. To what extent can it be argued that a genuine commitment to public service is unlikely to be expected from individuals who lack the necessary financial resources to meet their basic needs? (150 words, 10 Marks) ### **Model Structure** 1. **Objectivity and empathy are two very desirable traits from a civil servant. Explain the meaning of the term objectivity and discuss its relationship with empathy.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - As per the **Nolan Committee**, objectivity refers to carrying out public business like public appointments, awarding contracts and making recommendations purely on the **basis of merit**. It leads to impartial decisions devoid of any biases. **Main body** - As per **globally accepted civil services standards**, **objectivity means**\- - Giving **evidence-based information and advice** to the government without meddling with facts. - Giving utmost **importance to professional and expert advice**. - All public officials should **not overlook uneasy facts** and considerations. - **Empathy means** competence in social awareness and a person’s ability to **connect with others**. It ranges from understanding the situation to creation and promoting an **environment of mutual respect**. - Hence, empathy **fosters human connection** and trust and allows us to see others as comrades rather than competitors. - Empathetic civil servants understand **people’s perspectives**. - Objectivity and empathy **complement each other,** making civil servants act in a compassionate manner while taking a balanced view. - It means that they are passionate about their service and **dispassionate about the profile of the people** they are serving. - For instance, like in the public distribution system, authorities provide services for the sake of provisioning without keeping in mind the **ultimate objective of public welfare**. Civil servants need to imbibe a better understanding of whom to serve- their aspirations, needs and living conditions. **Conclusion** - Hence, objectivity and empathy is the need of the hour which involves being mindful of one's own emotional response while practicing compassion. It is the main crux of the **antyodaya approach**, which means leaving no one behind and results in **national integration and inclusive development**. --- 1. **To what extent can it be argued that a genuine commitment to public service is unlikely to be expected from individuals who lack the necessary financial resources to meet their basic needs?** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - Public service is a public trust. Hence, dedication holds utmost importance in providing public service. - Dedication is the quality of being able to contribute one’s time, attention entirely to a particular activity or goal. It is a commitment with passion and the personal urge to do something. **Main Body:** - In 2015, IIM-Ahmedabad conducted a study which compared the salary and emoluments of employees of the government and private sectors. It was found that the government pays much more than the private sector does in the low-skilled segments. - However, the government salary is lower in the officers’ segment than in the private sector, particularly in later years of the job. So clearly, the remuneration in the civil services when compared to the private sector is not par. - Since public service demands utmost commitment and sacrifices, Dedication can not be expected with empty pockets and hence, financial fulfilment of a public servant is required. **Dedication and financial fulfilment:** - **Lesser distractions and increased productivity:** When public servants are paid handsomely, they will attract fewer distractions towards other sources of earnings. This will also boost their productivity and dedication towards their work. - **Higher Retention:** A genuine salary will facilitate better job satisfaction, resulting in more dedication and responsibility. It will help in retaining the best talent in public service. - **Probity in using resources:** Public servants are guardians of the public purse. The public reposes their faith in them to utilise their taxes for the larger welfare of the public. An increased salary will prevent misutilisation of public resources and reduce corruption. - **To resolve ethical dilemmas:** Sometimes, dilemmas arise in the lives of public servants regarding the use of public office for private, personal, or partisan gains. - This is mostly due to relative economic deprivation when a public servant compares himself to higher echelons of the private sector. A respectable pay will resolve these dilemmas. - **To stay responsive and responsible**: Getting paid a considerable amount for public service will induce a sense of responsibility and responsiveness in the public servant. - It will improve the sensitivity of the administration. It will eventually increase/enhance the dedication. - **Culture of lethargy (‘chalta hai attitude’):** Lower salaries lead to a slow pace of work. Employees with empty pockets do not consider themselves important agents of change but rather become ritualists in their conduct. - **Respect to merit:** A higher pay to honest and hardworking public servants improves the trust of others via social influence. - It makes an impression that dedication is rewarded in a work culture. It hence creates a virtuous cycle in public service. **Conclusion:** - Hence, though dedication is not related to materialistic needs, a sound financial security aids the dedicated behaviour of public servants. The 7th Pay Commission has also recommended the introduction of Performance Related Pay for all categories of Central Government employees, based on their efficiency of work. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/1.-Abhijeet-Essay-Course.png) #### Ace the Essay (With Abhijeet Yadav Sir) A comprehensive course to MASTER the ART AND CRAFT OF ESSAY WRITING [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/ace-the-essay-with-abhijeet-yadav-sir/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-4-contributions-of-moral-thinkers-and-philosophers/ Last updated: 2025-06-02T17:34:21.000Z **Subject:** GS 4 **Syllabus:** Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers ### **Questions** 1. What do you understand about the capability approach of Amartya Sen? How does it differ from John Rawls' theory of social justice? Examine. (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. "To find yourself, think for yourself." - Socrates. Comment. (150 Words, 10 Marks) ### **Model Structure** 1. **What do you understand about the capability approach of Amartya Sen? How does it differ from John Rawls' theory of social justice? Examine.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - The Capability Approach was first articulated by the Indian economist and philosopher Amartya Sen in the 1980s. It is defined by its choice of focus upon the moral significance of individuals’ capability of achieving the kind of lives they have reason to value. - A person’s capability to live a good life is defined in terms of the set of valuable ‘beings and doings’ like being in good health or having loving relationships with others, to which they have real access. **Differences with John Rawls’** \- 1. According to Sen, there is excessive emphasis on liberty in Rawls’ theory of justice. Sen argues that hunger, starvation, medical neglect and other such issues should be given more importance than personal liberty as an important aspect of justice. 2. In the difference principle, Rawls judges the opportunities that people have through the means they possess. It means those who have access to primary goods can easily access the opportunities, while Sen argues that an access to only primary goods will not enhance the capabilities of people so that they can get access to the available opportunities. For example, a differently abled person can do far less with the same level of primary goods and income than an able-bodied human being. 3. Contractualist approach of Rawls' theory of justice - Rawls develops his approach as a contrast to the utilitarian understanding of justice but for Sen, the “Theory of Justice” provides transcendental solutions and is more conscious of the demands of institutions and rules. It completely ignores the fact that what kind of role these theories play a role in the social realisation and formulation of these principles, or whether these theories are concerned with the voices of those who are not part of the contract. 4. Rawls' theories of justice lack global perspectives. According to Sen in the era of globalisation, things are related. For example, the US-led attack on Iraq has impacted the whole world. It has also impacted the world’s point of view on terrorism. **Conclusion** - The well-being of people depends upon many things other than increased income or resources. All such things are sidelined when an economic measure like the GDP is taken to indicate development. The basic objective of development should be to create an enabling environment for people to live long, healthy, and creative lives. The capability approach of Amartya Sen provides this perspective. --- 1. **"To find yourself, think for yourself." - Socrates. Comment.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Introduction** - This is a profound quote by the ancient Greek philosopher **Socrates**. It emphasises the importance of individual thought and self-reflection in understanding one's true nature and identity. **Main Body** - Socrates champions the notion that one should not merely absorb the opinions, beliefs, and values of others or society at large. - **Instead, one should question, analyse, and form personal viewpoints.** For example, **Martin Luther King Jr.**, who led the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, did not simply accept the racial segregation prevalent in his time. Instead, he questioned this injustice, thought critically about equality and human rights, and envisioned a society free of racial discrimination. - By contemplating our actions, reactions, and thoughts, we learn more about our character, strengths, weaknesses, and passions, enabling us to lead more authentic lives. For instance, **Galileo**, by choosing to think for himself, revolutionised our understanding of the solar system, despite the considerable opposition he faced. - On a **personal level,** consider a student choosing a career path. Suppose they simply follow their parents' wishes without self-reflection. In that case, they might end up in a career that brings them no joy. **Conclusion** - In essence, Socrates' quote **encourages introspection, autonomy, and critical thinking as pathways to self-discovery**. By harnessing the power of thought, we can define who we are, what we stand for, and how we want to navigate our lives. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/1.-Abhijeet-Essay-Course.png) #### Ace the Essay (With Abhijeet Yadav Sir) A comprehensive course to MASTER the ART AND CRAFT OF ESSAY WRITING [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/ace-the-essay-with-abhijeet-yadav-sir/?ref=upscprep.com) Rawls’ ### Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Emotional Intelligence + Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-4-emotional-intelligence-contributions-of-moral-thinkers-and-philosophers/ Last updated: 2025-06-02T17:11:01.000Z **Subject:** GS 4 **Syllabus:** Emotional Intelligence + Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers ### **Questions** 1. In higher levels of organisation, it is emotional intelligence which is required more than intellectual intelligence. Substantiate the statement. Highlight how to develop emotional intelligence? (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. Write short notes on the following in 30 words each : (150 Words, 2 x 5 = 10 Marks) 1. Conscience as a source of ethical guidance - M. K. Gandhi 2. J. S. Mill and his contribution in Ethics. ### **Model Structure** **In higher levels of organisation, it is emotional intelligence which is required more than intellectual intelligence. Substantiate the statement. Highlight how to develop emotional intelligence?** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model structure** **Introduction** - Emotional intelligence is the ability of a person to control and regulate their own emotions by being aware of them, which helps them to understand the emotions of others. **Main body** - Emotional intelligence has the following characteristics- - **Self-regulation** \- knowing your own weakness and strength helps control and manage them for positive output. - **Self-awareness** \- a state of awareness of one's own mindset and ability to handle them positively. - **Motivation** \- even in face of adversity when everything is going against you, self-motivation is key to handle self and others. - **Empathy** \- means the ability to keep oneself in others' shoes and understand what they are going through. It helps bring a situation driven approach and take action accordingly. - **Social skills** \- point of views can be expressed cordially and antagonistically. While the former helps build relationships, the other causes deterioration of ties. - To achieve success, one has to be predictive or consistent in actions. This can be achieved by developing emotional intelligence by- - Non verbal understanding- It helps recognise and understand others feelings and emotions without formal communication. - Meditation - helps build focus, determination and self realization. - Developing empathy and compassion - by knowing what another person is going through, one can take action to alleviate the suffering. - Introspection- It means flushing out negative thoughts and ideas, and building upon positive ones. **Conclusion** - The answer lies within and one should take responsibility for any mishappening or negative thoughts/outcomes, rather than blaming others. This is the starting point of developing emotional intelligence. --- 1. **Write short notes on the following:** (150 Words, 2 x 5 = 10 Marks) **(i) Conscience as a source of ethical guidance - M. K. Gandhi.** Gandhi Ji famously said, “There is a higher court than courts of justice and that is the court of conscience. It supersedes all other courts.” Conscience is the voice in our head and the feeling in our heart that tells us if something is right or wrong. Conscience acts within human beings and checks the morality of human actions. - For example, a person who was charged less than the actual amount by a shopkeeper might return the spare amount due to their conscience. - For example, Sachin Tendulkar, knowing that he is out, walked out even though the umpire had not given him out. **(ii) J. S. Mill and his contribution in Ethics.** John Stuart Mill was a political thinker and an activist of the 19th century in Britain. He was one of the foremost believers in and practitioners of **Utilitarianism**, a system of thought that essentially declared an action to be proper if it was beneficial to the largest portion of society. In his essay, *On Liberty*, he is adamant that preserving individual liberty rests largely on protecting freedom of thought no matter how egregious or immoral and, by extension, the freedom to express oneself based on that thought. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/1.-MG-Unlimited.png) #### Mains Focus Group + Write Unlimited (for Mains 2025) One Stop Solution for UPSC Mains 2025 [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-write-unlimited/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-4-ethics-and-human-interface-3/ Last updated: 2025-06-02T16:45:09.000Z **Subject:** GS 4 **Syllabus:** Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service ### **Questions** 1. Responsibility and discipline are important traits for civil servants to discharge their duties without fear or favour. Discuss the attitudes which help develop these traits. (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. Enumerate the foundational values for civil services and explain why they are called foundational. (150 Words, 10 Marks) ### **Model Structure** 1. **Responsibility and discipline are important traits for civil servants to discharge their duties without fear or favour. Discuss the attitudes which help develop these traits.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Civil services is a **service of vocation and a duty with the highest level of dedication.** It requires attitudes like **sincerity and ownership to public interest** which brings in a sense of responsibility and discipline. **Main Body** - To ensure traits like responsibility, dedication to public life and discipline are nurtured in civil servants, below mentioned attitudes are very important. - **Selflessness** helps an officer become compassionate and full of **empathy** which helps in working off the track to serve society and ensure public interest. Armstrong Pame built a road with crowdfunding to ensure ease of commuters in his native village of Manipur state. Prasanth Nair led his own operation Sulaimani in Kozhikode district to fight hunger. - **Courageous attitude** helps face adversities and challenges like corrupt systems, political pressure and an unruly mob. Bureaucrats like Ashok Khemka and Durga Shakti Nagpal have exhibited this character. - **Truthful attitude** guarantees honest work and commitment to duty. This further translates into responsibility and discipline which prevents misuse of public funds. - **Compassion and empathy** helps develop an objective attitude which is important to discharge duties impartially and ensure welfare of marginalized sections of society. **Conclusion** - There has to be a wholesome atmosphere which must include role models like superiors and periodic training cum assessment to ensure highest ethical standards are maintained in civil services. --- 1. **Enumerate the foundational values for civil services and explain why they are called foundational.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model structure** **Introduction** - Civil services were called a steel frame of governance by India’s first Home Minister Mr. Sardar Patel. For societal development, civil services are pivotal as they have responsibilities of decision making as well as policy implementation. **Main body** - Foundational values for civil services - - **Integrity**: It empowers any person to make a judgment about right or wrong because it is value-driven. - **Impartiality**: Actions of a bureaucrat towards the public have to be merit-based which result in fair, equitable and efficient decisions. - **Non-partisanship**: It means that a non-partisan civil servant is responsible to the constitution and law of the land. The officer executes his task without fear or favour. - **Dedication**: It means devotion to duty for work full of purpose and action. It results in continuous actions even when motivation is missing. - **Compassion and tolerance** towards the weaker and marginalised: Service before self requires a humanistic attitude and smartness to interpret the rules objectively to advance the public interest. - **Objectivity**: It means that truth remains true universally irrespective of mindset and ideology. - These values are important because - - Upholding these values means that gaps of trust deficit between citizens and government are bridged. - They ensure honest and efficient civil servants which is essential for a developing country. - They ensure that rule of law is maintained and law of land is held supreme. - They serve as guiding light for civil servants who have got discretionary powers in certain matters. **Conclusion** - These foundational values are like the foundation of a bedrock which helps achieve social, political and economic justice. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/1.-Mains-Focus-Group-.png) #### Mains Focus Group (For Mains 2025) One Stop Solution for UPSC Mains 2025 [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-2025/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Attitude) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-4-attitude/ Last updated: 2025-06-02T16:34:56.000Z **Subject:** GS 4 **Syllabus:** Attitude ### Questions 1. Attitude has a huge role to play in the personal as well as professional lives of individuals. Explain. (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. Attitude is often described as a key determinant of an individual's behaviour. In light of this statement, analyse the relationship between attitude and behaviour. (150 Words, 10 Marks) ### **Model Structure** 1. **Attitude has a huge role to play in the personal as well as professional lives of individuals. Explain.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model structure** **Introduction** - Attitude is a learned predisposition to think, feel, perceive and act in a particular way towards any external or internal object. That object may be tangible or intangible and include any individual, organisation or a social issue. **Main body** - Functions of attitude in personal life- - Promotes positive thinking and forward looking mindset. Failures come and go but rather than feeling defeated, one must learn from it and avoid repeating mistakes. - Helps maintain acceptance, good behaviour and understanding. It further helps in maintaining balance between personal and professional life. - Brings empathy and self-belief. Even with continuous rejections, one can make a comeback with a positive attitude. - Functions in professional life- - Important for courage and honesty in public life as it helps uphold rule of law and take on violators of law and order. - Helps prevent corruption as an attitude of accountability and impartiality helps to further organisational interests. - Brings compassion and objectivity which helps discharge duties properly. - Emotional intelligence is developed which helps balance personal and professional life and manage stress. **Conclusion** - Right attitude is indispensable for the excellent growth of personality in professional life. To quote Thomas Jefferson, “Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal, nothing on Earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.” --- 1. **Attitude is often described as a key determinant of an individual's behaviour. In light of this statement, analyse the relationship between attitude and behaviour.** (150 Words, 10 Marks) **Model Solution:** **Introduction** - Attitude is an evaluation people make towards persons, objects, ideas or events. On the other hand, behaviour is the conduct of an individual in response to their environment or stimuli. (**Definition-based)** - John C. Maxwell once said - **“People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude." (Quote-based)** **Main Body** **Relationship between attitude and behaviour** - Our attitudes, **often shaped by our values and beliefs, play a crucial role in dictating our behaviours and, thereby, our lives.** - For example, an individual with a negative attitude towards women could manifest discrimination and inequality in their interactions and dealings with women. - On the other hand, **attitude does not always drive behaviour.** - For example, all of us have positive attitudes toward good health, but most of us do not exercise and frequently eat junk food. Similarly, one may have a healthy attitude towards the environment, but if he gets an opportunity to buy an AC or a car, he will definitely buy them. - **Behaviour also affects attitude because one’s behaviour forms habits.** - For **example**, children are taught to be punctual in school, and later, punctuality becomes their attitude. **Attitude and behaviour may go hand in hand or not, depending on the following factors:** - People aware of their feelings display greater attitude and behaviour consistency than those who rely on situational questions to decide how to behave. - For example, a person who is aware of their passion for animal rights will consistently demonstrate their beliefs by attending protests, volunteering at shelters, and promoting veganism. - People with a high level of integrity show a high correlation between Attitude and Behaviour. - People in individual societies have more correlation compared to people in collective societies. - For example, in individualistic societies like the USA, personal achievements and independence are often emphasised, leading to behaviours that align with personal beliefs. In collective societies like Japan, group harmony is prioritised, so an individual might suppress their personal beliefs to conform to group norms. - Individuals who depend on their feelings and principles to judge act much more consistently with their attitudes towards moral issues than the people who rely on external standards to determine what is moral. - Qualities of attitude – Strong and weak attitudes show a high and low correlation between attitude and behaviour. - For example, a strong attitude towards healthy living might lead a person to consistently exercise and eat well. A weak attitude, however, such as a mild preference for a political party, might not translate into consistent voting behaviour or political activism. - Attitude accessibility – Attitudes which are acted upon regularly are more accessible from memory. Such attitudes show a higher correlation with behaviour. - For example, if someone has a well-established attitude towards supporting local businesses, they will likely remember this preference easily and consistently choose local stores over big chains. This attitude is accessible and frequently guides their behaviour. - Situation: Norms or beliefs about how one should or is expected to behave in a given situation can exert a powerful influence on behaviour. - Time pressure results in behaviour as per attitude. **Conclusion** - Understanding this relationship is crucial as it allows us to predict behaviours and initiate change, whether on an individual level or a societal one. Effective strategies for change need to consider not just attitudes but also the social, cultural, and situational factors that influence behaviour. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/1.-Mains-Focus-Group-.png) #### Mains Focus Group (For Mains 2025) One Stop Solution for UPSC Mains 2025 [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-2025/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Ethics and Human Interface) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-4-ethics-and-human-interface-2/ Last updated: 2025-06-02T16:42:11.000Z **Subject:** GS 4 **Syllabus:** Ethics and Human Interface ### Questions 1. Can ethics be taught in educational institutions? Does the awareness of ethical reasoning make a person more ethical? (150 words, 10 Marks) 2. Do private ethics have a bearing on public life? Can private ethical behaviour be separated from public ethics without consequences? (150 words, 10 Marks) ### **Model Structure** 1. **Can ethics be taught in educational institutions? Does the awareness of ethical reasoning make a person more ethical?** (150 words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - As Theodore Roosevelt noted, to educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society. **Main Body** It is highly desirable to have ethics as a discipline in educational institutions, and it can impact students in the following ways: - Studying ethics can make students less dogmatic and more tolerant. - It will expose students to various alternative lines of reasoning about day-to-day scenarios. - It will give an opportunity to think and become clearer about their own value commitments. - Classes give students a safe place to talk about moral disagreements. They provide students with the language and social license to discuss topics they would not have otherwise felt comfortable bringing up, such as their moral concerns with shady practices they have observed. - Teaching morality is not about inculcating substantive positions. The purpose isn’t necessarily to answer questions, but to raise them, and at the same time to provide students with a method (rules, or boundaries) in accordance with which the questions must be discussed. - While there may never be consensus on the ‘right answer’ in ethics, ethics courses will help in improving the reasoning and reflecting on our intuitions, principles and values by challenging students to provide reasons for their views, and to counter the reasons of others without invoking flawed arguments or fallacies. **Conclusion** - Many scholars have raised questions on the efficacy of ethics courses being taught. They contend that it merely makes them aware of various kinds of ethical reasoning, but does not make a person more ethical. However, by equipping the people with ethical reasoning, it reduces unethical actions caused due to ignorance. When more and more individuals are ethically aware, it increases the propensity for ethical behaviour. --- 1. **Do private ethics have a bearing on public life? Can private ethical behaviour be separated from public ethics without consequences?** (150 words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Human beings are complex creatures, and hence, we can find people who are good in their personal lives but are unethical in their professional lives, and vice versa. However, integrity requires consistency in the sense that our moral standards, actions, and values should not be contradictory, irrespective of situation or time or place. **Main Body** Private ethics has an effect on public life, and a few examples discussed below show the impact: - A moral transgression on the part of Bill Clinton by having an affair with Monica Lewinsky led to the loss of reputation and impeachment proceedings initiated against him. - A government employee is liable to be placed under suspension if he remains in custody for more than 48 hours. - The suspension will come into effect, even if the government employee is arrested because of wrongdoing in their personal life. Public servants are supposed to be on duty 24X7, and hence any ethical violation, even in personal life, is taken seriously. - People are an integral whole, and hence, it is very difficult to maintain a clear and precise distinction between public ethics and private ethics. - No individual behaviour is without social implications. No social situation or problem is without individual repercussions. - For instance, it is difficult to imagine that a person who genuinely respects women's rights, but indulges in sexual harassment at the office. - However, we can find many hypocritical men who espouse equality for women, even when they don’t believe in it. They might deceive the outside world, but deep inside, it is difficult to be an ethical person in one theatre, but not in the other. **Conclusion** - Thus, private and public cannot be separated, and being ethical implies consistency in all spheres of life. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/1.-Abhijeet-Essay-Course.png) #### Ace the Essay (With Abhijeet Yadav Sir) A comprehensive course to MASTER the ART AND CRAFT OF ESSAY WRITING [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/ace-the-essay-with-abhijeet-yadav-sir/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Ethics and Human Interface) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-4-ethics-and-human-interface/ Last updated: 2025-06-02T16:42:28.000Z **Subject:** GS 4 **Syllabus:** Ethics and Human Interface ### Questions 1. Why do ethics matter for autonomous cars? Discuss the relationship between public health, ethics and autonomous vehicles. (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. Briefly discuss a few of the biggest moral dilemmas that science faces today. (150 words, 10 Marks) ### **Model Structure** 1. **Why do ethics matter for autonomous cars? Discuss the relationship between public health, ethics and autonomous vehicles.** (150 words, 10 Marks) **Introduction** - Autonomous cars (AC) are likely to be much safer than those operated by humans, but they won’t be perfect, as driving involves taking calculated risks, and more so because they will be sharing roads with humans. The manner in which these risks ought to be handled by AC raises many ethical questions. **Main Body** - Which risks should the car take? - **Eg 1**. When a crash becomes inevitable, how should the car decide between the lives of its passengers and the lives of pedestrians? - **Eg 2**. Who should the car harm if it finds itself in one of the unavoidable situations? a child riding a cycle or an SUV carrying five people. Hitting the cycle might result in the death of the child. But hitting an SUV might endanger five lives. - The decision to take a particular risk has been made by the designer long before the accident takes place. Hence, unlike a normal accident, which involves an instinctual panic move with no malice, accidents done by ACs will be seen as a premeditated murder. - There is no unanimity on the nature of the moral code the AC should follow. - In future, if a death happens because of AC, who do we hold liable for compensation - the owner, the car company, or no one? - Introduction of ACs will result in large-scale job losses, which need to be addressed. All the low-skilled jobs will disappear, and will worsen the inequality even further. **Conclusion** - The introduction of autonomous vehicles would result in a significant reduction of traffic congestion, pollution, accidents and fatalities, and is seen as one of the most important public health advances this century, but is fraught with ethical issues which must be addressed comprehensively. --- 1. **Briefly discuss a few of the biggest moral dilemmas that science faces today.** (150 words, 10 Marks) **Model Structure** **Genetic engineering:** - Are we playing God by altering the genetic codes? - Designer babies - Should the rich parents be given this control over their baby? This would perpetuate existing genetic divides based on class, it could also start weeding out many of the traits that truly make an individual and community successful in favour of more superficial ones. It also creates a social dichotomy that would reinstate lines of prejudice in society. - There is a high risk of bio-contamination, which can threaten the existence of mankind. For instance, accidentally a mutated strain of harmful bacteria can escape the lab, wreaking havoc on mankind. This can be viewed as a new category of weapons of mass destruction. - GMOs reduce long-term biodiversity, threatening the existence of and polluting the rest of the existing varieties. - But given the numerous benefits of genetic engineering, it becomes a challenge to determine where to draw the line. **Artificial Intelligence:** - Might create large scale unemployment and inequality - How do we distribute the wealth created by machines? - Smartest species rules the planet. If machines become smarter than humans, they might take over the world, threatening our dominance and wellbeing. **Data collection and privacy:** - The principles of privacy and data protection must be balanced against additional societal values such as public health, national security and law enforcement, environmental protection, and economic efficiency. **Geo-engineering:** - No national or international governance body for regulating the geoengineering experiments. - The scale of intervention is huge and might result in permanently changing the nature of the planet. - It can affect the lives of all humans, and many of them might not have given consent to take part in the experiment. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/1.-Abhijeet-Essay-Course.png) #### Ace the Essay (With Abhijeet Yadav Sir) A comprehensive course to MASTER the ART AND CRAFT OF ESSAY WRITING [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/ace-the-essay-with-abhijeet-yadav-sir/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Most common silly mistakes in prelims URL: https://www.upscprep.com/most-common-silly-mistakes-in-upsc-prelims-2025-how-to-avoid-them/ Last updated: 2025-05-20T15:23:53.000Z Hi, It’s going to be a slightly longer post, apologies in advance. (Relevant for candidates appearing in Prelims 2025) Prelims is barely a week away. At this moment, We want to talk about something that may not be at the top of your mind right now, but, trust me on this, will haunt you for weeks after the exam: silly mistakes. While we don’t think it’s possible to completely eliminate silly mistakes, being aware of where and how they happen can make you more alert. That awareness alone might help you make fewer mistakes and as you know, clearing Prelims often comes down to the smallest margins. Just one less mistake could get you over the line. With this in mind, We'll try to list the most common reasons for silly mistakes, based on our own experiences, and offer some suggestions on how to minimize them. This is advice we’ve gathered over years, and we hope you find something useful here. Most Common Reasons for Silly Mistakes (Download the PDF or watch the video) [Most\_common\_silly\_mistakes\_in\_prelims\_&\_how\_to\_avoid\_them\_Ketan (1)Most\_common\_silly\_mistakes\_in\_prelims\_&\_how\_to\_avoid\_them\_Ketan (1).pdf362 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2025/05/Most%5Fcommon%5Fsilly%5Fmistakes%5Fin%5Fprelims%5F-%5Fhow%5Fto%5Favoid%5Fthem%5FKetan--1-.pdf "Download") ## Sign up for UPSCprep.com Simplify your UPSC journey Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### UPSC CSE Results 2025 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-cse-results-2025/ Last updated: 2025-04-22T08:58:26.000Z Congratulations to everyone who cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Your hard work and dedication have brought you here, and we wish you all the best for the journey ahead. May you serve with sincerity, responsibility, and a sense of purpose. This is just the beginning of a meaningful path. Good luck for what’s next! **Download PDF** [UPSC CSE 2024 ResultUPSC CSE 2024 Result.pdf656 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2025/04/UPSC-CSE-2024-Result.pdf "Download") ### Simplify Geography using Micro-Themes for Prelims 2025 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/simplify-geography-using-micro-themes-for-prelims-2025/ Last updated: 2025-02-18T09:36:16.000Z Dear Aspirants, UPSC Prelims questions **follow a pattern, not randomness**. Every year, around **8-9 questions** originate from **Geography** **micro-themes**, making it crucial to analyze these trends. The good news? **We've done it for you!** --- ### 📚 **Micro-themes that work—read these first!** - **NCERTs (Class XI-XII Geography)** – 80% of your preparation is done if you master these. - **Atlas (Oxford / Orient Blackswan / Any Good Atlas)** – Geography is **map-heavy**, and direct questions come from world and India maps. - **G.C. Leong’s Geography Book** – Skip **Physical Geography**, but master **Climate, Vegetation, and Weather Patterns**. - **Current Affairs & Conflict Zones** – Many map-based questions emerge from global events (e.g., **Nagorno-Karabakh, Red Sea disputes**). --- ### 🎯 **Micro-themes: What UPSC Always Asks** We’ve analyzed **12+ years of UPSC Prelims papers** and identified **highly recurring themes**: - **Physical Geography** – Jet streams, Coriolis force, atmospheric layers, winds, and ocean currents. - **Mapping & Geopolitics** – Conflicted regions, bordering nations, seas, and refugee movements. - **India’s Geography** – River systems, agriculture (Rabi vs. Kharif), soils, natural vegetation. - **Climatic Patterns** – Hot/cold deserts, monsoon variations, Mediterranean vs. Equatorial climates. - **Transport & Infrastructure** – National Highways, Ports, Airports, Economic Corridors. 👉 **Download Our Geography Priority List**: [Geography PYQ Micro ThemesGeography PYQ Micro Themes.pdf128 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2025/02/Geography-PYQ-Micro-Themes.pdf "Download") --- ### 💡 **Think Like UPSC Topper through PYQs** We have mapped **400+ past questions** to these **high-yield micro-themes**. Utilize them to: - **Identify question patterns** (e.g., *"Which rivers join the Ganga downstream of Prayagraj?"*). - **Practice interlinking concepts** (e.g., *"How do atmospheric conditions impact agricultural productivity?"*). - **Master tricky eliminations** in "All of the Above" or "None of the Above" statements. 👉 **PYQ Bank with Topic-Wise Breakdown:** [Geography PYQsGeography PYQs.pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2025/02/Geography-PYQs.pdf "Download") --- ▶️ **Watch our video on decoding Geography Micro Themes for UPSC Prelims 2025**. Geography is a **high-scoring and predictable subject**—when prepared the right way. **Stay sharp, stay strategic!** Best Regards, Team UPSCPrep.com ### 3 hours to go | Don't miss it URL: https://www.upscprep.com/3-hours-to-go-dont-miss-it/ Last updated: 2025-01-27T15:23:13.000Z To celebrate the Republic Day, UPSCprep.com is offering a flat 10% off on [all it's course](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?utm%5Fsource=gmail&utm%5Fmedium=gmail&utm%5Fcampaign=3hourstodayruplicday&utm%5Fid=Republic+Day+3+Hours). Use coupon code **REPUBLIC** to avail the discount. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-27-at-8.45.00-PM.png) [Click here to avil the discount](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?utm%5Fsource=gmail&utm%5Fmedium=gmail&utm%5Fcampaign=3hourstodayruplicday&utm%5Fid=Republic+Day+3+Hours) ### Don't open this mail.. URL: https://www.upscprep.com/dont-open-this-mail/ Last updated: 2025-01-21T06:12:06.000Z Pyschology plays an important role in decisions you take. For example, you opened this email despite the title prohibiting it. In UPSC Prelims exams too, it's important to understand the pyschology of exam to master it. To help you with Prelims Preparation, we are launching Batch 2 of our [Prelims 360 Course](https://d18qz45wk4tdlr.cloudfront.net/institute/upscprep/ckeditor/9f1947a4e55c47ed9db2d1884c7167e5.pdf?ref=upscprep.com)! This course will take care of all your needs for UPSC Prelims 2025\. The Course will start on **22nd Jan 2025 at 6 PM**. Admissions will be given on a first come basis as we've ***limited seats*** in this batch. ### **This course include** - Comprehensive revision of GS and CSAT - Live sessions with recording access for 3 years - Prelims Test Series - 45 Tests included in it - Current affairs coverage of last 2 year - Personalised Mentorship from Past UPSC Rankers and Experts - Daily Practice Questions - Focus on Building Temperament And [much more](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-360-gs-csat-with-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) [Click here for details of the course](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?utm%5Fsource=gmail&utm%5Fmedium=gmail&utm%5Fcampaign=1DAYstogo&utm%5Fid=1DAYstogo) For any queries, mail us on [contact@upscprep.com](mailto:contact@upscprep.com) ### 3 Days to go | Limited Seats URL: https://www.upscprep.com/3-days-to-go-limited-seats/ Last updated: 2025-01-19T15:19:01.000Z ​Hi, We had launched Prelims 360 course resently, and within weeks of it's launch all the seats in the batch are full. We have limited seats in all our courses to ensure personalised attention and one-to-one mentorship. On popular demand, we are launching Batch 2 of our Prelims 360 Course! This course will take care of all your needs for UPSC Prelims 2025\. Our **UPSC Prelims 360 + Mentorship Course** is meticulously designed to provide a holistic preparation strategy for the UPSC Prelims examination. The program encompasses comprehensive modules covering all essential subjects, extensive practice sessions, and personalized mentorship to ensure your success. **Structure** **GS 360** - **Coverage of all GS Prelims subjects** \- Modern Indian History, Ancient and Medieval History (including Art and Culture), Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science and Technology etc. - **Interactive LIVE classes** \- with **Recording access** for 3 years - PYQ Analysis Sessions → Cover last 10 years Prelims Previous Year questions through specially designed Prelims PYQ analysis Sessions. - Strategy on how to prepare each subject for prelims, sources to follow etc. - Comprehensive Mentorship for UPSC Prelims → Mentorship will be extended for mains without any additional payment for those clearing UPSC Preliminary exam. - Strategy on how to prepare each subject for prelims, sources to follow etc. - **Prelims strategy sessions** \- Time management, how to analyze prelims tests, note making and revision strategy for prelims, utility of prelims test series, etc. - 45 Prelims Tests (8 NCERT Based Tests + 12 Sectional Tests + 25 Full Length Tests) - **Daily Practice MCQs** after each lecture - Complimentary access to recorded **mains strategy sessions** \- GS1, GS2, GS3, Ethics and Essay. **CSAT 360** - **Complete coverage of all CSAT Topics** \- Maths, Logical Reasoning, Language comprehension, etc. - Comprehensive **CSAT Workbook** \- one stop source for CSAT - theory + formulae + practice question sets. - **Live classes** on Friday, Saturday and Sunday - with **Recording access** for lifetime - 10 CSAT Full length Tests - **Practice MCQs** after each lecture - Special Live Practice Sessions - Practice CSAT in live session with faculty **Current Affairs** - **Access to 2 year current affairs lectures** \- Covering the most important current affairs from prelims perspective **Test Series (45 Tests)** \- Each test of 200 Marks - **GS Prelims Test Series - 33 Tests** - NCERT Based Tests - 6 - Subject wise Tests - 12 - Full Length Tests - 15 - **CSAT Test Series** \- 12 Tests (2 Basic Tests + 10 UPSC Level Full Length Tests) - Detailed solutions of all tests will be shared **Mentorship-** What is mentorship ? - Mentor Zoom Sessions to discuss all your personal queries (overview/planning/personal strategy etc.) - **UNLIMITED** meteor sessions. - Personal Mentorship Sessions where you can ask your doubts individually to the mentor - Mentorship Access will be extended for UPSC Mains if you clear the UPSC Prelims Exam. **Other features** - Daily Practice Questions (DPQs) - based on topics taught in class. - Individual one to one mentorship → Zoom sessions → mentor will discuss your doubts as well as give you guidance based on your progress status. - Practice More than 6100 MCQs in the course itself - Free Economy ebook by Ketan sir - Important value addition material will be provided - 10% discount on all future UPSCprep.com courses till 1 year. **Fees structure** - **Prelims 360** including Mentorship + Test Series **(GS+CSAT)** \- 9999/- - **GS 360** including Mentorship + Test Series - 6999/- - **CSAT 360** including Mentorship + Test Series - 5499/- **Note:** Fees indicated are the **final price** with **no hidden charges** or additional GST. Download Brochure - [Click here](https://d18qz45wk4tdlr.cloudfront.net/institute/upscprep/ckeditor/9f1947a4e55c47ed9db2d1884c7167e5.pdf?ref=upscprep.com) Download Course Schedule - [Click here](https://d18qz45wk4tdlr.cloudfront.net/institute/upscprep/ckeditor/d0d134aeb86143adbe55e72398f8d30a.pdf?ref=upscprep.com) Download Test Series Schedule - [Click here](https://d18qz45wk4tdlr.cloudfront.net/institute/upscprep/ckeditor/6e4d33847a994701b417da9c0d65a33f.pdf?ref=upscprep.com) [Click here to enroll](http://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Last 1 day to go | Don't miss your chance to clear Prelims with ease! URL: https://www.upscprep.com/last-1-day-to-go-dont-miss-your-chance-to-clear-prelims-with-ease/ Last updated: 2024-12-31T07:51:49.000Z If you know 100 UPSC aspirants, only 3 will clear the Prelims. Shocking, right? With the success rate hovering below 3%, it’s clear that clearing Prelims requires razor-sharp strategy, comprehensive coverage, and consistent practice. **But the roadblocks are many:** - Lack of effective revision strategies - Not enough focused practice (mock tests, daily MCQs) - Lack of command over Previous Year Questions (PYQs) - Getting sidetracked by irrelevant topics and trends - No mentor to guide you when you feel stuck - Lack of discipline, consistency and structure in your preparation **Introducing “**[**Prelims 360**](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-360-gs-csat-with-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com)**” by UPSCprep** – a proven course crafted to knock down these hurdles and push your preparation into top gear. It has already helped hundreds of students clear the Prelims. Here’s what sets it apart: 1. **Complete Coverage of GS Prelims Syllabus**: Master all the General Studies subjects under one roof. 2. **CSAT – Math and Comprehension Made Easy**: Attend live expert-led sessions, practice with faculty. 3. All Sessions will be conducted ***LIVE*** \- with recording access for 3 years 4. **Intensive PYQ Analysis**: Understand the last 10 years of Prelims questions through special PYQ analysis sessions—crucial for knowing trends and question patterns. 5. **Structured Strategies for Each Subject**: Know exactly which sources to follow and how to approach each subject for maximum efficiency. 6. **Comprehensive Mentorship**: Get personalized guidance throughout Prelims—and for Mains too, at no extra cost, if you clear the Prelims. 7. **Prelims Strategy Sessions**: Learn time management, test analysis, note-making, revision strategies, and more. 8. **45 Prelims Tests**: (8 NCERT-based tests + 12 sectional tests + 25 full-length tests) to strengthen your grasp on each subject and build exam-ready confidence. 9. **Daily Practice MCQs (DPQs)**: Reinforce newly learned concepts right after each lecture. 10. **CSAT Workbook**: A single, meticulously designed resource for CSAT theory, formulas, and practice question sets. 11. **2 Years of Current Affairs Coverage**: Stay updated with the most important current affairs from a Prelims perspective. ### **Why Choose UPSCprep?** - Proven track record of students clearing Prelims - Accessible and thorough content (live lectures + 3 years’ recording access) - Personalized mentorship for clarity and consistency - Structured approach so you never feel lost or overwhelmed Secure your UPSC Prelims success—[enroll now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com)! --- [Click here to check the details](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) **Download Brochure -** [Click here](https://d18qz45wk4tdlr.cloudfront.net/institute/upscprep/ckeditor/ef005927a135429e8018dc97c20d33a5.pdf?ref=upscprep.com) **Download Course Schedule -** [Click here](https://d18qz45wk4tdlr.cloudfront.net/institute/upscprep/ckeditor/1c47dfd1a2234764a27829586b6ce452.pdf?ref=upscprep.com) **Download Test Series Schedule -** [Click here](https://d18qz45wk4tdlr.cloudfront.net/institute/upscprep/ckeditor/6e4d33847a994701b417da9c0d65a33f.pdf?ref=upscprep.com) ### Last Few Hours Remaining URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-prelims-2025-last-few-hours-remaining/ Last updated: 2024-12-25T12:44:34.000Z Are you ready to give your UPSC Prelims preparation the competitive edge it deserves? Look no further! Our [**UPSC Prelims 360 + Mentorship Course**](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) is meticulously designed to help you master every aspect of the UPSC Prelims, from core subjects to strategy sessions and beyond. *The Early Bird offer Ends tonight at 11:59:59 PM.* --- ### Why Choose UPSC Prelims 360 + Mentorship? **1\. Comprehensive GS 360 Coverage** - **All GS Prelims Subjects:** Modern History, Ancient & Medieval History (Art & Culture), Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science & Tech, and more - **Interactive LIVE Classes** with 3-year recording access - **PYQ Analysis Sessions:** Master the last 10 years’ Prelims questions - **Prelims Strategies & Resources:** Time management, note-making, test analysis, revision plans, subject-specific approaches - **45 Prelims Tests** (8 NCERT-based + 12 Sectional + 25 Full-Length) - **Daily Practice MCQs** after each lecture - **Complimentary Mains Strategy Sessions:** GS1, GS2, GS3, Ethics, and Essay **2\. In-Depth CSAT 360** - **Complete CSAT Syllabus:** Maths, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension - **Comprehensive CSAT Workbook** (theory + formulae + practice sets) - **LIVE Weekend Classes** with unlimited recording access - **10 CSAT Full-Length Tests** - **Special Live Practice Sessions** with faculty **3\. Current Affairs Made Easy** - **2-Year Current Affairs Coverage** from the Prelims perspective **4\. Personalized Mentorship** - **Unlimited Mentor Zoom Sessions** to discuss personal queries, strategies, and planning - **One-on-One Mentorship** for doubt resolution and progress tracking - **Extended Mentorship till Mains** if you clear Prelims **5\. Additional Highlights** - **Daily Practice Questions (DPQs)** - **Free Economy eBook** by Ketan sir - **Value-Addition Material** for quick revision - **Over 6,100 MCQs** included in the course - **10% Discount** on all future UPSCprep.com courses for 1 year --- ### Choose the Right Package 1. **Prelims 360 + Mentorship + Test Series (GS + CSAT):** ₹9,999 2. **GS 360 + Mentorship + Test Series:** ₹6,999 3. **CSAT 360 + Mentorship + Test Series:** ₹5,499 *(No hidden charges or additional GST.)* --- ### Save More with Our Discounts - Early Bird Discount - use coupon code **PRELIMSEB** to avail early bird discount - **10% Discount for Old Students** (UPSCprep.com alumni) - **Referral Bonus**: - **Group of upto 3:** 10% off for all - **Group of 4+:** 15% off for all ***Email us your payment receipts on contact@upscprep.com to avail your referral discount.*** --- **Ready to Secure Your Seat?** Don’t miss out on this all-encompassing, mentor-led program. **Enroll now** and set yourself on the path to UPSC success! For any queries or to claim your discounts, just reply to this email or drop us a line at contact@upscprep.com. Wishing you the very best in your UPSC journey! **Team UPSCprep.com** *Powering Aspirations, Shaping Futures* ### 1 Day to Go | UPSC Prelims 2025 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/1-day-to-go-upsc-prelims-2025/ Last updated: 2024-12-24T05:32:45.000Z If you know 100 UPSC aspirants, only 3 will clear the Prelims. Shocking, right? With the success rate hovering below 3%, it’s clear that clearing Prelims requires razor-sharp strategy, comprehensive coverage, and consistent practice. **But the roadblocks are many:** - Lack of effective revision strategies - Not enough focused practice (mock tests, daily MCQs) - Lack of command over Previous Year Questions (PYQs) - Getting sidetracked by irrelevant topics and trends - No mentor to guide you when you feel stuck - Lack of discipline, consistency and structure in your preparation **Introducing “**[**Prelims 360**](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-360-gs-csat-with-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com)**” by UPSCprep** – a proven course crafted to knock down these hurdles and push your preparation into top gear. It has already helped hundreds of students clear the Prelims. Here’s what sets it apart: 1. **Complete Coverage of GS Prelims Syllabus**: Master all the General Studies subjects under one roof. 2. **CSAT – Math and Comprehension Made Easy**: Attend live expert-led sessions, practice with faculty. 3. All Sessions will be conducted ***LIVE*** \- with recording access for 3 years 4. **Intensive PYQ Analysis**: Understand the last 10 years of Prelims questions through special PYQ analysis sessions—crucial for knowing trends and question patterns. 5. **Structured Strategies for Each Subject**: Know exactly which sources to follow and how to approach each subject for maximum efficiency. 6. **Comprehensive Mentorship**: Get personalized guidance throughout Prelims—and for Mains too, at no extra cost, if you clear the Prelims. 7. **Prelims Strategy Sessions**: Learn time management, test analysis, note-making, revision strategies, and more. 8. **45 Prelims Tests**: (8 NCERT-based tests + 12 sectional tests + 25 full-length tests) to strengthen your grasp on each subject and build exam-ready confidence. 9. **Daily Practice MCQs (DPQs)**: Reinforce newly learned concepts right after each lecture. 10. **CSAT Workbook**: A single, meticulously designed resource for CSAT theory, formulas, and practice question sets. 11. **2 Years of Current Affairs Coverage**: Stay updated with the most important current affairs from a Prelims perspective. ### **Limited-Time Early Bird Offer** Use coupon code **PRELIMSEB** at checkout to get an exclusive discount. *(Valid until 11:59:59 PM, December 25, 2024.)* Let us guide you step-by-step. We’ll be there at every turn with expert faculty, dedicated mentors, top-notch study material, and a genuine commitment to seeing you succeed. ### **Why Choose UPSCprep?** - Proven track record of students clearing Prelims - Accessible and thorough content (live lectures + 3 years’ recording access) - Personalized mentorship for clarity and consistency - Structured approach so you never feel lost or overwhelmed Secure your UPSC Prelims success—[enroll now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com)! --- Visit our website, apply the coupon code **PRELIMSEB**, and kickstart your journey with Prelims 360! *Offer ends on December 25, 2024, at 11:59:59 PM.* [Click here to check the details](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Prelims | Roadblocks and Solutions URL: https://www.upscprep.com/prelims-roadblocks-and-solutions/ Last updated: 2024-12-23T08:51:04.000Z If you know 100 UPSC aspirants, only 3 will clear the Prelims. Shocking, right? With the success rate hovering below 3%, it’s clear that clearing Prelims requires razor-sharp strategy, comprehensive coverage, and consistent practice. **But the roadblocks are many:** - Lack of effective revision strategies - Not enough focused practice (mock tests, daily MCQs) - Lack of command over Previous Year Questions (PYQs) - Getting sidetracked by irrelevant topics and trends - No mentor to guide you when you feel stuck - Lack of discipline, consistency and structure in your preparation **Introducing “**[**Prelims 360**](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-360-gs-csat-with-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com)**” by UPSCprep** – a proven course crafted to knock down these hurdles and push your preparation into top gear. It has already helped hundreds of students clear the Prelims. Here’s what sets it apart: 1. **Complete Coverage of GS Prelims Syllabus**: Master all the General Studies subjects under one roof. 2. **CSAT – Math and Comprehension Made Easy**: Attend live expert-led sessions, practice with faculty. 3. All Sessions will be conducted ***LIVE*** \- with recording access for 3 years 4. **Intensive PYQ Analysis**: Understand the last 10 years of Prelims questions through special PYQ analysis sessions—crucial for knowing trends and question patterns. 5. **Structured Strategies for Each Subject**: Know exactly which sources to follow and how to approach each subject for maximum efficiency. 6. **Comprehensive Mentorship**: Get personalized guidance throughout Prelims—and for Mains too, at no extra cost, if you clear the Prelims. 7. **Prelims Strategy Sessions**: Learn time management, test analysis, note-making, revision strategies, and more. 8. **45 Prelims Tests**: (8 NCERT-based tests + 12 sectional tests + 25 full-length tests) to strengthen your grasp on each subject and build exam-ready confidence. 9. **Daily Practice MCQs (DPQs)**: Reinforce newly learned concepts right after each lecture. 10. **CSAT Workbook**: A single, meticulously designed resource for CSAT theory, formulas, and practice question sets. 11. **2 Years of Current Affairs Coverage**: Stay updated with the most important current affairs from a Prelims perspective. ### **Limited-Time Early Bird Offer** Use coupon code **PRELIMSEB** at checkout to get an exclusive discount. *(Valid until 11:59:59 PM, December 25, 2024.)* Let us guide you step-by-step. We’ll be there at every turn with expert faculty, dedicated mentors, top-notch study material, and a genuine commitment to seeing you succeed. ### **Why Choose UPSCprep?** - Proven track record of students clearing Prelims - Accessible and thorough content (live lectures + 3 years’ recording access) - Personalized mentorship for clarity and consistency - Structured approach so you never feel lost or overwhelmed Secure your UPSC Prelims success—[enroll now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com)! --- Visit our website, apply the coupon code **PRELIMSEB**, and kickstart your journey with Prelims 360! *Offer ends on December 25, 2024, at 11:59:59 PM.* [Click here to check the details](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Women Who Helped Draft the Indian Constitution URL: https://www.upscprep.com/women-who-helped-draft-the-indian-constitution/ Last updated: 2024-12-23T15:58:41.000Z ## **Relevance to UPSC** - **GS 1: Modern Indian History** and Role of Women in Freedom Struggle and Constitution-making Process. - **GS 2: Indian Constitution and Governance:** Foundational debates on **social justice**, **gender equality**, and **Uniform Civil Code** during constitution-making. - **GS Paper 4: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude**: Reflects on **ethical challenges** faced by women in leadership and their contributions to inclusive governance. - **Essay Paper**: Offers insights for topics on **gender equality**, **social justice**, and **democratic ideals**. ## **Introduction** On **Constitution Day (November 26)**, President Droupadi Murmu paid homage to the contributions of women members in the **Constituent Assembly**. The Indian Constitution, one of the most progressive and inclusive documents of its time, had inputs from 15 visionary women who represented diverse backgrounds and ideologies. These women, while fewer in number, made significant contributions to debates on **gender, caste, and social justice**, leaving an indelible mark on the framework of modern India. ## **News Article** ![Source: The Indian Express](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-85-1.png) Below is a profile of these remarkable women whose contributions continue to inspire generations: --- ### **1\. Sucheta Kriplani** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-86-1.png) - **Key Contributions:** - Born in Haryana, Sucheta Kriplani was a prominent figure in the **Quit India Movement**. - She later became the **first woman Chief Minister of India**, serving Uttar Pradesh from 1963 to 1967. - In the Constituent Assembly, she actively participated in debates on women's rights and social justice. ### **2\. Ammu Swaminathan (1894–1978)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-80-1.png) - **Background:** - Hailing from Palakkad, Kerala, Ammu Swaminathan married the much older Subbarama Swaminathan at a young age. - Despite the restrictive societal norms imposed on women, she emerged as a vocal advocate for gender equality and education. - **Contributions:** - Contested in the 1945 Legislative Assembly elections from Madras and became a member of the **Constituent Assembly**. - Advocated for **women's rights and reservations** and spoke about the importance of gender equality in governance. - Post-independence, she was elected to the **Lok Sabha** from Dindigul, Tamil Nadu. --- ### **3\. Annie Mascarene (1902–1963)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-81-1.png) - **Background:** - Born in Trivandrum (now Thiruvananthapuram), Annie Mascarene hailed from a Latin Christian family. - Overcame the caste and gender barriers of her time, becoming one of the early women leaders in Indian politics. - **Contributions:** - Staunchly advocated for local governance and autonomy in the **Constituent Assembly**. - Emphasized the need for strong grassroots structures to strengthen India’s democracy. - Continued her political career by contesting as an independent candidate in 1952. --- ### **4\. Begum Qudsia Aizaz Rasul (1909–2001)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-82-1.png) - **Background:** - Belonged to a prominent political family with deep roots in Punjab. - Despite opposition from conservative groups, she pursued education and actively participated in politics. - **Contributions:** - Represented the **Muslim League** in the Constituent Assembly and was the only woman from the party. - Opposed the creation of separate electorates for Muslims, advocating for **national unity over communal divisions**. - Her nuanced understanding of Muslim representation helped shape India’s policies on minority rights. --- ### **5\. Dakshayani Velayudhan (1912–1978)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-83-1.png) - **Background:** - The first Dalit woman graduate in India and the only Dalit woman in the Constituent Assembly. - Belonged to the Pulaya community in Kerala, which was then considered a “slave caste.” - **Contributions:** - Actively worked to address caste inequalities, criticizing the **separate electorate provision for Dalits**, as proposed by some leaders. - Her vision emphasized **unity within the Dalit community** and the need for inclusive policies that uplift marginalized sections. - Remained involved in the Dalit movement post-independence and served as a Rajya Sabha member in 1952. --- ### **6\. Renuka Ray (1904–1997)** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-84-1-1.png) - **Background:** - Born in Pabna, present-day Bangladesh, into a bureaucratic family. Her mother was among the first women students at Calcutta’s Presidency College. - Educated in London, she returned to India to join the freedom struggle. - **Contributions:** - Advocated for **women’s rights in inheritance laws** and reforms in divorce and marriage laws. - Opposed women’s reservation in legislatures, viewing it as a “constraint on gender equality and capacity.” - Became a **Lok Sabha MP in 1957**, continuing her work on social justice and gender equity. --- ### **7\. Sarojini Naidu** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-87-1.png) - **Key Contributions:** - Known as the **"Nightingale of India"**, Sarojini Naidu was the **first Indian woman to become the President of the Indian National Congress** and later the **Governor of Uttar Pradesh**. - She was a powerful orator and poet who represented India at various international platforms. - Her contributions to the Assembly focused on promoting equality, education, and women's rights. --- ### **8\. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-88-1.png) - **Key Contributions:** - The sister of Jawaharlal Nehru, Pandit was a **pioneer in women's political representation**. - She was the **first Indian woman cabinet minister** during British rule and later the **first woman President of the UN General Assembly (1953)**. - Her focus in the Assembly was on **global diplomacy** and the **responsibilities of a free India**. --- ### **9\. Durgabai Deshmukh** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-89-1.png) - **Background:** Known as the "Mother of Social Work," she championed education and welfare. - **Key Contributions:** - Advocated for lowering the **age of eligibility** for holding a ministerial position from 35 to 30. - Established the **Andhra Mahila Sabha** to promote women's education and welfare. - Later chaired the **Central Social Welfare Board** and contributed to the Planning Commission. --- ### **10\. Rajkumari Amrit Kaur** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-90-1.png) - **Background:** A princess-turned-activist who played a significant role in the freedom struggle. - **Key Contributions:** - Advocated for **universal adult franchise** and opposed reservations for women. - Promoted the **Uniform Civil Code** and pushed for replacing "free practice of religion" with "freedom of religious worship" in the Constitution. - India’s first Health Minister, founded **AIIMS**, and prioritized women’s health and education. --- ### **11\. Hansa Jivraj Mehta** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-91-1.png) - **Background:** Freedom fighter, women’s rights activist, and Vice Chancellor of MS University, Baroda. - **Key Contributions:** - Presented **India’s first national flag** on behalf of Indian women during Independence. - Opposed reservations for women, demanding **social, economic, and political justice** instead of quotas. - Championed **gender-neutral terminology** in the **Universal Declaration of Human Rights** while serving on UNESCO's board. --- ### **12\. Malati Choudhury** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-92-1.png) - **Key Contributions:** - Born in East Bengal (now Bangladesh), Choudhury was an advocate for **socialist ideals** and grassroots movements. - She and her husband founded the **Utkal Congress Samajvadi Karmi Sangh**, which later became part of the Congress Socialist Party. - In the Assembly, she focused on **education reform** and **upliftment of marginalized communities**. --- ### **13\. Kamla Chaudhry** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-93-1.png) - **Key Contributions:** - A noted writer and freedom fighter from Lucknow, she was actively involved in the **Civil Disobedience Movement**. - Her literary works often highlighted **social issues and women’s struggles**. - As a Constituent Assembly member, she pushed for **gender equality and social reforms**. --- ### **14\. Purnima Banerjee** ![Purnima Banerjee | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-96-1.png) - **Key Contributions:** - A secretary of the Indian National Congress committee in Allahabad, Banerjee was at the forefront of the **freedom struggle**. - She worked on issues related to **labor rights**, **education reform**, and **women's empowerment**. - Banerjee played a key role in advocating for **universal suffrage** and **inclusive governance**. --- ### **15\. Leela Roy** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-94-1.png) - **Key Contributions:** - Born in Assam, Leela Roy was a feminist and social reformer who actively worked for **women’s suffrage**. - A close associate of Subhas Chandra Bose, she was a fierce critic of **gender inequality** in political representation. - Roy’s efforts in the Assembly revolved around **education for women** and **grassroots empowerment**. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/09/1.-UPSCprep-Banner.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ## **The Hindu Code Bill: A Landmark Fight** The **Hindu Code Bill**, aimed at reforming marriage, inheritance, and personal laws, was fiercely debated: - **Advocacy:** Women leaders like **Renuka Ray** and **Durgabai Deshmukh** demanded its passage, viewing it as essential for gender justice. - **Challenges:** Patriarchal opposition delayed its enactment until 1955, when it was divided into separate bills. - **Legacy:** The Bill remains a milestone in the fight for **women’s rights**. --- ## **The Struggles in a Patriarchal Assembly** Sexism was pervasive in the Constituent Assembly: - **Instances of Bias:** Members like **Rohini Kumar Chaudhuri** mocked women’s demands, calling for “protection against women.” - **Unity Among Women:** Leaders like **Rajkumari Amrit Kaur** and **Renuka Ray** provided solidarity, often meeting through platforms like the **All India Women’s Conference (AIWC)** to strategize on women’s issues. --- ## **Contemporary Relevance of Their Contributions** #### **1\. Representation of Women in Politics** - **First Lok Sabha (1952):** Women constituted just 5% of Parliament. - **Current Scenario:** The figure stands at 14%, reflecting continued barriers. - **Gender Quotas:** While the **Women’s Reservation Act** has been debated, leaders like Renuka Ray opposed it, fearing it would restrict merit-based opportunities. #### **2\. Uniform Civil Code (UCC)** - **Debates in the Assembly:** Leaders like **Hansa Mehta** and **Amrit Kaur** argued for its inclusion as a fundamental right, though it was relegated to the **Directive Principles of State Policy**. - **Present Relevance:** The UCC remains a contentious issue, underscoring the foresight of these leaders. --- ## **Challenges Faced** - **Marginalization:** Women’s voices were often overshadowed in debates. - **Conflicting Allegiances:** Balancing roles in organizations like the **AIWC**, political parties, and the Assembly required immense resolve. - **Patriarchy:** Persistent sexism within and outside the Assembly limited their influence. --- ## **Impact on India’s Constitution** Without the contributions of these women: - The Constitution might have overlooked key issues such as **gender equality**, **women’s rights**, and **caste justice**. - Advocacy for reforms like the **Hindu Code Bill** and **UCC** may have been delayed further. The foresight of leaders like **Hansa Mehta** and **Rajkumari Amrit Kaur** ensured the Constitution addressed critical social inequities. Their impact is a testament to the power of representation and advocacy. --- ## **Significance of Their Contributions** The 15 women of the **Constituent Assembly** collectively addressed critical issues of **equality, secularism, and social justice**. Despite their diverse ideologies, they shared a common vision of building a **progressive and inclusive India**. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-79.png) - **Gender Rights:** These women were instrumental in framing laws that would ensure gender equality, access to education, and property rights for women. - **Social Justice:** They raised their voices against caste and class discrimination, laying the foundation for policies aimed at uplifting marginalized communities. - **Caste and Gender Equality:** Leaders like Dakshayani Velayudhan highlighted the intersection of caste and gender, paving the way for **intersectional reforms**. - **Women’s Movements:** The collective efforts of these leaders laid the foundation for **feminist advocacy** in India. - **Visionary Leadership:** By participating in the drafting of one of the most comprehensive Constitutions in the world, these women set a precedent for future generations of women in governance and policymaking. --- ## **Practice Questions** The stories of these trailblazing women are a reminder of the transformative role of inclusive participation in nation-building. For UPSC aspirants, understanding their contributions provides insights into **India’s constitutional values** and its evolution toward a more egalitarian society. **Potential UPSC Mains Questions:** 1. "Discuss the role of women in the drafting of the Indian Constitution. How did their contributions influence India's governance framework?" 2. "Examine the challenges faced by women members of the Constituent Assembly and their impact on shaping India’s policies on gender and social justice." 3. "Critically analyze the debates on reservations and minority rights in the Constituent Assembly, with special reference to the views of women leaders." These narratives highlight the unyielding spirit of women who helped shape the foundation of modern India, reminding us of the power of representation in policymaking. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Developments in India’s Space Sector URL: https://www.upscprep.com/developments-in-indias-space-sector/ Last updated: 2024-11-27T13:00:30.000Z ## Relevance to UPSC - **GS III: Science and Technology**: Developments and applications, awareness in Space Technology, indigenization and technology transfer, role of technology in economic development. - **GS II: International Relations:** Global Partnerships and International Cooperation, Policy and Governance, Indian Space Policy, 2023, IN-SPACe. - **Essay Topic:** "India’s Space Revolution: Public and Private Collaboration for Development" or "Space Exploration as a Catalyst for Human Development." ## **News Article** ![Six Decades Since Thumba Launch: India’s Space Sector Developments | Source: The Hindu | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-63.png) --- ### **Background** - **Thumba Launch**: 1963 marked the launch of a Nike-Apache sounding rocket from Thumba, Kerala, initiating India’s space program. - **Milestone**: Helped ISRO master solid propellant technology for India’s launch vehicles. ### **Key Developments** **Private Sector Involvement** - **NewSpace India Ltd.** launched GSAT-24, a 4,700-kg satellite, onboard SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. - **Pixel (Indian-American startup):** Launched hyperspectral satellites for high-resolution imaging; more launches planned. - **Piersight Space:** Launching payload to demonstrate deployable antenna on a PSLV mission. - **HEZXO**: Nanosatellite onboard SpaceX mission scheduled for February 2025. **Satellite Launches** - **GSAT-24:** Communication satellite providing broadband to underserved areas, including the Northeast and Andaman & Nicobar. - **EOS-07:** Experimental satellite for technology demonstration. - **India’s first satellite aboard SpaceX:** Signifies greater private sector participation. **Scientific Research & Collaboration** - **Square Kilometer Array Observatory (SKAO):** India contributed engineering expertise. - **ISRO-AstroSat collaboration:** Led to significant research in high-energy astrophysics. **Biological Experiments** - Department of Space & Biotechnology collaboration: Experiments aboard the forthcoming Bharatiya Antariksh Station. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-72.png) ### **Focus Areas for Space Sector Growth** - Enhancing private sector partnerships in satellite launches and innovation. - Expansion in satellite applications like disaster monitoring, climate studies, and broadband. - International collaborations for advanced astronomical observatories. ### **Significance** - Reinforces India’s position as a global player in space technology and innovation. - Supports strategic goals in communication, defence, and scientific research. ### **Miscellaneous** - **Policy Implications**: Boost for India’s ‘Make in India’ and space privatization efforts. - **Strategic Use**: Space-based technologies to address agriculture, climate change, and disaster management. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/09/1.-UPSCprep-Banner.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ## **INDIAN SPACE SECTOR** ### **Historical Evolution** - **1960s**: Birth of India's space program under Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. - **1963**: First rocket launch (Nike-Apache) from Thumba, Kerala. - **1969**: Formation of the **Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)**. - **1975**: Launch of **Aryabhata**, India’s first satellite, with Soviet assistance. - **1980**: **Rohini satellite** launched using India’s first SLV-3. - **2008**: India’s first lunar mission, **Chandrayaan-1**, discovered water molecules on the Moon. - **2014**: **Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission)** made India the first Asian country to reach Mars orbit. - **2023**: **Chandrayaan-3** successfully landed on the lunar south pole, a global first. --- ### **Achievements in Space Technology** - **Launch Vehicle Technology** - **SLV (Satellite Launch Vehicle)** and **ASLV (Augmented SLV)**: Early experiments. - **PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle)**: Reliable workhorse with over 50 successful launches. - **GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle)**: Capable of launching heavier payloads into geostationary orbit. - **GSLV Mk III**: Used for Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and upcoming Gaganyaan missions. - Development of **Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)** and **Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)**. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-66.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-67.png) - **Satellite Programs** - **INSAT/GSAT series**: Communication and meteorological satellites. - **IRS series**: Earth observation and remote sensing satellites. - **Navigation Satellites (NavIC)**: Regional navigation system for India. - **AstroSat**: India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory. - **Space Exploration** - **Chandrayaan Missions**: Exploration of the Moon. - **Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission)**: Cost-effective Mars exploration. - Upcoming missions: **Aditya-L1** (solar exploration), **Gaganyaan** (human spaceflight). --- ### **Role of the Private Sector in Space** - **Privatization Efforts** - **NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)**: Public sector undertaking for commercializing ISRO’s launches. - **IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center)**: Facilitates private sector participation. - **Private Companies** - **Skyroot Aerospace**: Successfully launched Vikram-S, India’s first private rocket. - **Agnikul Cosmos**: Developing customizable launch vehicles. - **Pixxel**: Specializing in hyperspectral imaging satellites. - **Dhruva Space**: Focused on satellite manufacturing. - **Space Startups**: Growing ecosystem aligned with the government’s vision for Atmanirbhar Bharat. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-64.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-65.png) --- ### **Constitutional Basis for Space Sector** - **Union List (List I) under the Seventh Schedule**: - **Entry 31:** "Posts and telegraphs; telephones, wireless, broadcasting, and other like forms of communication." - This entry provides the Union Government with authority over satellite-based communication, as satellites play a crucial role in telecommunications and broadcasting. - **Entry 97:** "Any other matter not enumerated in the State List or the Concurrent List, including any tax not mentioned in either of those Lists." - Space exploration and activities, being a modern and evolving field not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, fall under the residuary powers of the Union Government. - **Article 51 (Directive Principles of State Policy)**: - Encourages fostering respect for international law and treaty obligations in the dealings of organized people with one another. - This article provides the basis for India’s adherence to international treaties related to outer space, such as: - The Outer Space Treaty, 1967. - The Moon Agreement, 1979. - The Rescue Agreement, 1968. - **Article 253**: - Empowers Parliament to make laws for implementing international agreements and treaties. - Provides a framework for India’s international commitments in space-related treaties and collaborations. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-68.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-69.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-70.png) --- ### **Key Policies and Initiatives** 1. **Indian Space Policy, 2023**: Focus on private participation, research, and commercialization. - Aims to encourage private sector participation in satellite development, launch services, and space-based applications. - Emphasizes the shift from a government-driven space program to a collaborative ecosystem involving private players and startups. 1. **IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center)** - Established in 2020 as a regulatory body to: - Facilitate private sector participation in the space industry. - Provide a single-window clearance for non-governmental entities. - Works as a bridge between ISRO and private companies/startups to share infrastructure and technical expertise. 1. **NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)**: A commercial arm of ISRO established in 2019. - Responsibilities: - Marketing space products and services. - Transferring ISRO-developed technologies to private companies. - Promoting satellite launches and building a self-reliant ecosystem for space-based services. 1. **Make in India**: Atmanirbhar Bharat in Space: Promotes indigenous manufacturing of satellites and components. - Focuses on developing indigenous technologies and reducing dependence on imports. - Encourages domestic manufacturing of satellite components, launch vehicles, and ground systems. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-73.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-75.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-74.png) 1. **Draft Space Activities Bill, 2017**: Aims to provide a legal framework for: - Private sector participation in satellite launches and operations. - Regulation and authorization of space activities by non-governmental entities. - Promotes transparency and accountability in the commercialization of space. 1. **Space Technology Incubation Centers (S-TICs)** - Established in collaboration with premier academic institutions. - Objective: - Support startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs in developing indigenous space technologies. - Provide funding and technical mentorship. - Located across India, fostering regional innovation. 1. **Bharatiya Antariksh Station (Indian Space Station)** - Long-term vision to build and operate a fully indigenous space station by 2030. - Provides opportunities for private investments in research and development of critical technologies. 1. **Geospatial Data Policy, 2021** - Liberalizes the collection, storage, and sharing of geospatial data. - Encourages private players to develop applications and services using satellite imagery and remote sensing data. 1. **SpaceCom Policy**: Guidelines for satellite-based communication services. 2. **National Remote Sensing Policy**: Regulates access to satellite imagery and data. 3. **NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) Expansion** - Promotes indigenous navigation technology as an alternative to GPS. - Encourages private sector collaboration for NavIC-enabled devices and applications. 1. **FDI in Space Sector** - The government allows **up to 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)** under the automatic route in satellite establishment and operation. - Simplifies investment procedures for global companies to collaborate in India's space industry. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-71.png) --- ### **Contributions to Socio-Economic Development** - **Communication**: Satellites enable digital connectivity and telecommunications. - **Disaster Management**: Remote sensing aids in disaster prediction, monitoring, and mitigation. - **Agriculture**: Space data supports precision farming and crop monitoring. - **Climate Studies**: Helps monitor environmental changes and study climate patterns. - **Navigation**: NavIC supports strategic and civilian needs (transport, logistics, etc.). - **Education and Healthcare**: Telemedicine and tele-education services for remote areas. --- ### **International Collaboration** 1. **NASA-ISRO Collaboration**: **NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar)**: Joint Earth observation satellite for disaster management and climate studies. Mars and lunar exploration knowledge sharing. 2. **European Space Agency (ESA)**: Collaborates in satellite launches and deep-space exploration missions. Supported Chandrayaan-1 and -2 missions through ground stations. 3. **Russia (Roscosmos)**: Assisted with early space missions (e.g., Aryabhata, Gaganyaan training for astronauts). Collaboration on propulsion and launch technologies. 4. **Japan (JAXA)**: Planned **Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX)** for moon exploration. Data-sharing agreements for space science. 5. **Square Kilometer Array Observatory (SKAO)**: India contributes to building the world's largest radio telescope for studying the universe's origins. 6. **France (CNES)**: Collaborates on climate monitoring satellites (e.g., Megha-Tropiques, SARAL). Joint efforts in human spaceflight and navigation systems. 7. **United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)**: Partners on capacity-building initiatives and satellite technology for sustainable development. 8. **International Commercial Launches**: PSLV has launched over 400 foreign satellites from 40+ countries (e.g., USA, Canada, UK, Germany, etc.). 9. **South Africa and Australia**: Collaborative roles in global projects like **Square Kilometer Array (SKA)** and space tracking support. 10. **Israel**: Cooperation in satellite technology and development. --- ### **Challenges** - **Technological Gaps**: Need for advancements in heavy-lift launch vehicles and reusable rockets. - **Competition**: Global competition from private players like SpaceX, Blue Origin. - **Funding Constraints**: Need for higher budget allocations for ambitious projects. - **Policy Implementation**: Delays in enacting the Space Activities Bill. --- ### **Future Prospects** - **Gaganyaan**: India’s first human spaceflight program. - **Aditya-L1**: Solar observation satellite. - **Lunar Missions**: Collaboration with Japan for future moon exploration. - **Space Stations**: Plans to establish an Indian space station by 2030. - **Commercial Market**: Expansion in satellite launches and space-based services. --- ### **Significance of the Space Sector** - **Strategic Advantage**: Enhances India’s defense and surveillance capabilities. - **Economic Growth**: Contributes to the $600 billion global space economy. - **Scientific Leadership**: Positions India as a leader in affordable and innovative space technology. - **Global Standing**: Strengthens India’s diplomatic ties and technological image. --- ### **Way Forward** 1. **Strengthen Public-Private Collaboration**: Foster innovation and cost-efficiency. 2. **Policy and Regulation**: Expedite the Space Activities Bill and simplify licensing. 3. **Boost R&D**: Invest in advanced technologies like AI, quantum computing, and space robotics. 4. **International Cooperation**: Expand global partnerships for shared research and exploration. 5. **Focus on Sustainability**: Address space debris and ensure ethical use of space resources. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Write1y.png) #### Write UnLimited Course (1 Year) Write answers from any source, we will evaluate them for you. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/write-unlimited-course-1-year/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Weekly World News Digest for UPSC URL: https://www.upscprep.com/weekly-world-news-digest-for-upsc/ Last updated: 2024-11-26T20:39:55.000Z ### **G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro** - ***Event***: The G20 Summit took place in Rio de Janeiro on November 18-19, 2024, focusing on global trade, climate change, and international security. Discussions were influenced by recent policy shifts, including the return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency. - ***Implications for India***: India's active participation in the G20 discussions underscores its commitment to addressing global challenges and shaping international policies, particularly in trade and climate change. ![G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-43.png) --- ### **COP29 Climate Summit in Baku** - ***Event***: The COP29 summit in Baku concluded, after two weeks of intense negotiations, delegates at COP29 agreed to **provide this funding annually, with an overall climate financing target to reach “at least $1.3 trillion by 2035”**. Formally called the 29th Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). - Countries **failed** to reach an agreement on how the outcomes of last year’s **“global stocktake”**, including a key pledge to transition away from fossil fuels, should be taken forward – instead shunting the decision to COP30 next year in Brazil. - They did manage to find agreement on the remaining sections of Article 6 on carbon markets, meaning all elements of the Paris Agreement have been finalised nearly 10 years after it was signed. - ***Implications for India***: Countries, including India and Nigeria, accused the COP29 presidency of pushing the deal through without their proper consent following chaotic last-minute negotiations. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-44-1.png) --- ### **Prime Minister Modi's Three-Nation Visit** - ***Event***: Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a three-nation tour from November 16 to 21, 2024, visiting Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana. In **Nigeria**, he held bilateral talks with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, focusing on strengthening partnerships in defence, technology, health, and education. In **Brazil**, he attended the G20 Summit. In **Guyana**, Modi pledged aid and support in technology, health, energy, and agriculture to the Caribbean region. ***Implications for India***: These visits aim to bolster India's diplomatic ties, enhance economic cooperation, and reinforce India's role in global and regional affairs. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-45.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-46.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-47.png) --- ### **Ongoing Gaza Crisis and Global Reactions** - ***Event***: The conflict in Gaza continues to escalate, drawing international attention and sparking debates at the United Nations over humanitarian aid and ceasefire negotiations. - ***Implications for India***: As a member of the UN Security Council, India's stance on the crisis impacts its diplomatic relations with both the Middle East and Western nations, affecting its strategic and economic ties. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-48.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-49.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-50.png) --- ### **Putin's Hypersonic Missile Threats** - ***Event***: Russian President Vladimir Putin announced plans to continue deploying and mass-producing hypersonic missiles, posing a significant threat to Western nations. Russia launched "**Oreshnik**" ballistic missile at Ukraine. - ***Implications for India***: Escalating military tensions may impact global security dynamics, influencing India's defence strategies and its diplomatic relations with Russia and Western countries. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-51.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-52.png) --- ### **India's Manufacturing Sector Challenges** - ***Event***: India faces significant challenges in boosting its manufacturing sector, particularly in labor-intensive industries, due to high labor costs, compliance rules, and bureaucratic obstacles. - ***Implications for India***: Addressing these challenges is crucial for India's economic growth and competitiveness, highlighting the need for regulatory reforms to support the manufacturing sector. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-53.png) --- ### **Trump's Pro-Fossil Fuel Agenda** - ***Event***: President-elect Donald Trump's administration plans to reverse U.S. environmental policies in favor of aggressive fossil fuel exploitation, aiming to boost energy production and address economic concerns. - ***Implications for India***: This shift may influence global energy markets and climate policies, affecting India's energy strategy and its commitments to renewable energy and climate change mitigation. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-54.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-55.png) --- ### **Global Oil Prices Surge** - ***Event***: Global oil prices have surged due to geopolitical tensions, supply-chain disruptions, longer transportation routes, and production cuts by major oil-producing nations, leading to increased energy costs worldwide. - ***Implications for India***: As a major oil importer, India may face economic pressures from rising energy costs, impacting inflation and trade balances. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-56.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-58.png) --- ### **Canada–India Diplomatic Row** - ***Event***: Tensions between Canada and India escalated over allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of a Sikh activist in Canada, leading to diplomatic expulsions and strained relations. - ***Implications for India***: The diplomatic row may affect bilateral relations, trade, and the Indian diaspora in Canada, necessitating diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-59.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-60.png) --- ### **India's Role in Global South Advocacy** - ***Event***: At the Rio G20 Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the hardships faced by less developed economies, emphasizing India's commitment to voicing the concerns of the Global South. - ***Implications for India***: This advocacy enhances India's leadership role among developing nations and strengthens its position in international forums addressing global inequalities. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-61.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-62.png) --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Country Profile: Israel and Palestine URL: https://www.upscprep.com/country-profile-israel-and-palestine/ Last updated: 2024-11-26T19:35:08.000Z ### **Relevance for UPSC** - **Geopolitics**: Implications for India's West Asia policy and energy security. - **Ethics**: Humanitarian concerns, rights of refugees, and conflict resolution. - **IR Syllabus**: Bilateral relations, India's position on global conflicts, and UN peacekeeping. ### **Introduction** The Israel-Palestine conflict is one of the most enduring and contentious disputes in modern history. Rooted in historical, religious, and political contexts, it remains a focal point in international relations. Understanding the geopolitical dynamics, historical background, and the socio-economic implications of the conflict is crucial for UPSC aspirants. ### **Map of Israel and Palestine** ![Map of Israel and Palestine](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-41.png) ### **Major Locations in Israel-Palestine Region** #### **1\. Locations Frequently in News** **Jerusalem** - **Significance**: Central to the Israel-Palestine conflict; claimed as the capital by both nations. - **Geographical Features**: Located on a plateau in the Judean Mountains, between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea. **Gaza Strip** - **Significance**: A densely populated Palestinian territory under Hamas control; frequently involved in armed conflicts with Israel. - **Geographical Features**: Narrow coastal plain along the Mediterranean Sea, bordering Egypt and Israel. **West Bank** - **Significance**: Palestinian territory with Israeli settlements and contested boundaries; includes key cities like Ramallah, Hebron, and Bethlehem. - **Geographical Features**: Hilly terrain west of the Jordan River. **Tel Aviv** - **Significance**: Economic and technological hub of Israel; frequent location for diplomatic and tech-related summits. - **Geographical Features**: Situated on Israel’s Mediterranean coastline. **Hebron** - **Significance**: Religious site housing the Tomb of the Patriarchs; a flashpoint for Israeli-Palestinian tensions. - **Geographical Features**: Rugged terrain in the southern West Bank. **Nablus** - **Significance**: Economic hub of the West Bank and a key center of Palestinian resistance. - **Geographical Features**: Nestled between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. **Ramallah** - **Significance**: Administrative center of the Palestinian Authority. - **Geographical Features**: Elevated city in the central West Bank, at 880 meters above sea level. **Ashkelon** - **Significance**: Frequently in the news due to its proximity to Gaza and vulnerability to cross-border attacks. - **Geographical Features**: Coastal city along the Mediterranean. --- #### **2\. Geographical Features** **Rivers** - **Jordan River**: Key water source; forms the boundary between Israel, the West Bank, and Jordan. Vital for agriculture and a significant geographical boundary. **Seas** - **Mediterranean Sea**: Western border of Israel and the Gaza Strip; important for trade and defense. - **Dead Sea**: Shared by Israel, the West Bank, and Jordan; lowest point on Earth, renowned for its high salinity. **Deserts** - **Negev Desert**: Covers southern Israel, including Beersheba; known for arid climate and strategic importance. **Mountains and Plateaus** - **Judean Mountains**: Range running through Jerusalem and the West Bank; significant for its historical and religious sites. - **Mount Carmel**: Near Haifa, important for its cultural and ecological significance. - **Golan Heights**: A disputed plateau providing strategic military advantage; known for its freshwater sources. --- #### **3\. Other Important Locations in News** **Bethlehem** - **Significance**: Christian pilgrimage site; believed to be the birthplace of Jesus. - **Geographical Features**: Located in the Judean Hills, West Bank. **Haifa** - **Significance**: Major port city and industrial hub. - **Geographical Features**: Situated on the northern slopes of Mount Carmel along the Mediterranean. **Eilat** - **Significance**: Key port and tourist destination for Israel on the Red Sea. - **Geographical Features**: Southernmost city of Israel, bordering the Red Sea. **Beersheba** - **Significance**: Gateway to the Negev Desert; known for its historical significance. - **Geographical Features**: Located in the northern Negev Desert. **Jaffa** - **Significance**: Historic port city now part of Tel Aviv; significant for cultural heritage. - **Geographical Features**: Coastal city along the Mediterranean. **Jericho** - **Significance**: Among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. - **Geographical Features**: Situated near the Jordan River in the West Bank, below sea level in an oasis. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/09/1.-UPSCprep-Banner.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ### **Israel: Country Profile** **Geography** - **Location:** Middle East, bordered by Lebanon (north), Syria (northeast), Jordan (east), Egypt (southwest), and the Mediterranean Sea (west). - **Area:** Approximately 22,072 sq km (including East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights). - **Climate:** Mediterranean in the coastal regions, arid in the southern Negev desert. **Demographics** - **Population:** \~9.7 million (2024 estimate). - **Ethnic Composition:** Predominantly Jewish (\~74%), with Arab minorities (\~21%) and others (\~5%). - **Languages:** Hebrew (official), Arabic. - **Religion:** Judaism (primary), Islam, Christianity, Druze. **Political System** - **Type:** Parliamentary democracy. - **Capital:** Jerusalem (contested internationally; Tel Aviv recognized by most nations). - **Key Figures:** Prime Minister (Head of Government), President (Ceremonial Head of State). **Economy** - **GDP:** $500 billion (2024 estimate). - **Major Industries:** High-tech, defense, pharmaceuticals, agriculture. - **Strategic Importance:** Advanced technology hub; critical ally of the U.S. in the Middle East. **Foreign Relations** - **Allies:** United States, European Union. - **Challenges:** Tensions with neighboring Arab states, Iran's nuclear program, and the Palestine issue. **Conflict Overview** - Israel controls areas contested by Palestinians, including the West Bank, Gaza Strip (blockaded), and East Jerusalem. - Key disputes: Territorial boundaries, status of Jerusalem, right of return for Palestinian refugees. --- ### **Palestine: Country Profile** **Geography** - **Territories:** West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. - **Borders:** Israel surrounds the West Bank; Gaza shares a border with Egypt and Israel. - **Area:** \~6,220 sq km. - **Climate:** Mediterranean in the west, arid in the east. **Demographics** - **Population:** \~5.2 million (2024 estimate). - **Ethnic Composition:** Predominantly Arab. - **Languages:** Arabic (official), Hebrew (spoken by some). - **Religion:** Islam (\~98%), Christianity (\~1%), others. **Political System** - **Governance:** Divided between two political factions: - **Fatah**: Controls the West Bank (recognized internationally as the Palestinian Authority). - **Hamas**: Governs the Gaza Strip (considered a terrorist organization by several countries). - **Capital:** Claims East Jerusalem; de facto governance split between Ramallah (Fatah) and Gaza City (Hamas). **Economy** - **GDP:** \~$15 billion (2024 estimate). - **Challenges:** High unemployment, dependency on foreign aid, restrictions imposed by Israel. - **Key Industries:** Agriculture, small-scale manufacturing. **Foreign Relations** - **Allies:** Support from Arab League nations, Turkey, Iran, and some non-aligned countries. - **International Status:** Recognized as a non-member observer state by the United Nations. **Conflict Overview** - **Key Issues:** Territorial sovereignty, Israeli settlements in the West Bank, access to resources, blockade of Gaza, and the refugee crisis. - Notable Agreements: **Oslo Accords (1993-95)**, which established limited Palestinian self-rule in parts of the West Bank and Gaza. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-42.png) ### **Historical Context** **Pre-1948** - **Ottoman Empire** ruled the region until World War I. - **British Mandate (1920–1948):** Period of increasing Jewish immigration amidst Arab resistance. - **1947:** UN Partition Plan proposed separate Jewish and Arab states, rejected by Arabs. **Post-1948** - **1948:** Establishment of Israel; neighbouring Arab states attacked but were defeated. - **Result:** Massive displacement of Palestinians **(Nakba)** and the establishment of Israeli control over large areas. **Post-1967** - **Six-Day War**: Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem, Golan Heights, and Sinai Peninsula (later returned to Egypt). - Continued settlement activity in occupied territories and military control over Gaza and the West Bank. **Contemporary Issues** - **Hamas vs. Israel conflicts**: Frequent escalations, including the 2021 and 2023 wars. - **International interventions**: U.S., UN, and Qatar and other regional players attempt mediation, but no permanent resolution has been achieved. --- ### **Key International Stakeholders** **United States** - Strong ally of Israel; broker of several peace efforts. - Military and economic aid to Israel. **United Nations** - Recognizes Palestine as a non-member observer state. - Calls for a **two-state solution**. **Arab States** - Initially adversarial towards Israel; now divided: - Egypt and Jordan signed peace treaties with Israel. - UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco normalized relations under the **Abraham Accords (2020)**. **India's Position** - **Historical Support:** Backed Palestine's statehood post-independence. - **Current Strategy:** Balances relations with Israel (defence, tech) and Palestine (development aid, moral support). - **Recent Actions:** India has advocated for a two-state solution and expressed concerns over violence in Gaza. --- ### **Key Terms for UPSC** - **Two-State Solution**: Proposal for Israel and Palestine to exist as separate, sovereign nations. - **Oslo Accords**: Framework agreements aiming for peace and Palestinian self-governance. - **Nakba (Catastrophe)**: Term used by Palestinians to describe their displacement in 1948. - **Abraham Accords**: Agreements normalizing ties between Israel and several Arab nations. - **UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency)**: Provides aid to Palestinian refugees. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Write1y.png) #### Write UnLimited Course (1 Year) Write answers from any source, we will evaluate them for you. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/write-unlimited-course-1-year/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Pakistan-Bangladesh: Historic Cargo Ship Arrival URL: https://www.upscprep.com/pakistan-bangladesh-historic-cargo-ship-arrival/ Last updated: 2024-11-26T18:59:39.000Z The arrival of a Pakistani cargo ship in Bangladesh's Chattogram port on November 13, 2024, is laden with **symbolism** and **political significance**, marking a potential shift in the historically strained relationship between the two countries. ### **Historical Context** For decades, the bilateral ties have been overshadowed by the violent events of the 1971 Liberation War, which led to Bangladesh's independence and left an indelible scar on its national psyche. - **1971 Liberation War**: - A nine-month conflict where Pakistan's military committed widespread atrocities in Bangladesh. - Atrocities: \~3 million killed, thousands tortured/raped, millions displaced. - Pakistan has never apologized for the genocide, hindering reconciliation. - Pakistan frames the war as an "Indian conspiracy" rather than an internal oppression issue. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-39.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-40.png) The geopolitical undercurrents surrounding this event, including Sheikh Hasina's departure from power, domestic shifts in Bangladeshi sentiments, and strategic calculations by Islamabad, all contribute to this moment's importance. ### **Lingering Grievances** The shadow of the 1971 Liberation War, during which the Pakistani military committed atrocities against Bangladeshis, has long defined the relationship. Pakistan's refusal to apologize for these events has made reconciliation challenging. - **Sheikh Hasina's Policies**: - Advocated for justice for 1971 war crimes. - Prosecution of collaborators via the International Crimes Tribunal (est. 2010). - Banned Jamaat-e-Islami, a pro-Pakistan Islamist party. - Strengthened Bangladesh-India ties during her tenure. Sheikh Hasina's tenure, characterized by her relentless pursuit of justice for 1971 war crimes and a pro-India stance, further entrenched these divisions. Her government’s actions, including prosecuting and executing pro-Pakistan collaborators, maintained a hardened stance against Islamabad. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/09/1.-UPSCprep-Banner.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ### Changing Dynamics After Hasina’s Ouster The departure of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 signalled a turning point in Bangladesh's domestic and foreign policy orientation. Three key factors illustrate this shift: 1. **Generational Disconnect with 1971**: Younger Bangladeshis, who did not experience the war firsthand, prioritize present-day economic and social concerns over historical grievances. This generational shift reduces the emotive weight of 1971 in shaping national policy. 2. **Resentment Toward India**: Hasina's perceived closeness to India sparked criticism among those who viewed it as compromising Bangladesh's sovereignty. Recent anti-India sentiment, as demonstrated by attacks on Indian cultural centers, reflects growing dissatisfaction with New Delhi's influence. 3. **Islamist Narrative and Jamaat-e-Islami’s Role**: The resurgence of the Islamist narrative, which frames 1971 as a tragedy of the Muslim nation rather than a nationalist triumph, aligns with the interests of groups like Jamaat-e-Islami. Their strengthened position in post-Hasina Bangladesh creates space for reevaluating ties with Pakistan. ### Strategic Calculations by Pakistan For Pakistan, the current environment presents an opportunity to rebuild relations with Bangladesh. Islamabad is **leveraging** the departure of a staunchly anti-Pakistan leader and **growing anti-India sentiments in Dhaka** to extend a conciliatory hand. This outreach aligns with broader regional dynamics, where Pakistan seeks to recalibrate its relationships amid economic and political challenges. **Symbolic Cargo Ship**: - Direct maritime contact between Karachi and Chattogram signals the potential for renewed ties. - Highlighted as a step forward in bilateral trade and diplomacy. **Changing Dynamics**: - Pakistan sees Hasina's departure as an opportunity to rebuild relations. - Advocacy for a "reset" by Pakistani op-eds and diplomats. **Diplomatic Initiatives**: - Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Bangladeshi Interim Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus met in New York to discuss enhanced cooperation. - Positive reception from Bangladesh's interim government. ![Karachi-Chattogram cargo ship | Pakistan-Bangladesh | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-38-1.png) The docking of the **Karachi-Chattogram cargo ship** is a tangible expression of this strategy, representing a direct economic link that bypasses decades of diplomatic frostiness. Such gestures could pave the way for broader economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, and even political dialogue. ### Implications for the Subcontinent This warming of ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh could have profound implications for South Asia's geopolitical landscape: - **Potential Realignments**: India’s Influence at Risk - Closer Pakistan-Bangladesh ties could **challenge India’s influence in Dhaka**. - Economic and cultural exchanges may grow between them, altering regional trade dynamics. - **Islamist Influence**: - The resurgence of Islamist narratives in Bangladesh and their potential alignment with Pakistan's policies could alter regional security dynamics. - The strengthening of Jamaat-e-Islami and similar groups might shift Bangladesh's ideological landscape. - **Diplomatic and Economic Opportunities**: - The maritime connection could pave the way for stronger economic ties and strategic alliances between them. - This may also challenge India's role as the primary economic partner for Bangladesh. ### A Tentative Reset While the symbolism of a cargo ship is significant, it remains to be seen whether this moment will translate into sustained change. **Deep-seated mistrust**, **unresolved historical grievances**, and the **volatile nature of interim governments** may yet hinder long-term progress. However, the event undeniably marks a critical juncture in subcontinental history, offering both countries a chance to redefine their relationship in a rapidly changing world. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Write1y.png) #### Write UnLimited Course (1 Year) Write answers from any source, we will evaluate them for you. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/write-unlimited-course-1-year/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Proba-3: European Solar Mission URL: https://www.upscprep.com/proba-3-european-solar-mission/ Last updated: 2024-11-26T16:38:15.000Z ## **UPSC Relevance** - **GS Paper 3 (Science & Technology):** - Space technology advancements, international collaborations, and their applications for scientific research. - **GS Paper 2 (International Relations):** - India’s growing role in global space partnerships and soft power diplomacy through ISRO’s achievements. - **GS Paper 1 (Geography):** - Understanding space weather phenomena and their impacts on Earth. ## News Article ![Proba-3: European Solar Mission | ISRO | UPSC | Source: The Indian Express](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-23-1.png) ### **Proba-3 Mission** - **Launch Details:** - Proba-3, a European Space Agency (ESA) solar mission, will be launched by ISRO's PSLV rocket on December 4 from Sriharikota. - The mission is part of ESA's Proba (Project for Onboard Autonomy) series. Previous missions include Proba-1 (2001) and Proba-2 (2009), also launched by ISRO. ![Proba-3, a European Space Agency (ESA) solar mission, will be launched by ISRO's PSLV rocket on December 4 from Sriharikota.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-24.png) - **Unique Aspect:** - Proba-3 will pioneer "precision formation flying," where two satellites will fly in tandem, maintaining a fixed configuration in space. - Estimated cost: €200 million. - Mission life: Two years. - Orbit: Highly elliptical (600 x 60,530 km) with a period of 19.7 hours. --- ### **Mission Objectives** **Core Study:** - Study the **solar corona**, the Sun’s outermost and hottest layer, crucial for understanding space weather. - Solar phenomena like solar storms and solar winds originate from the corona and can affect satellite communications, navigation, and power grids on Earth. **Scientific Instruments:** 1. **ASPIICS (Coronagraph):** - Observes the Sun’s inner and outer corona, typically visible during solar eclipses. - Equipped with a 1.4-meter occulting disk to block direct sunlight and reveal corona details. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-27.png) 1. **DARA (Digital Absolute Radiometer):** - Measures the Sun’s total energy output (total solar irradiance). 1. **3DEES (3D Energetic Electron Spectrometer):** - Measures electron fluxes in Earth's radiation belts, aiding space weather studies. --- ### **Uniqueness of Proba-3** - **Artificial Solar Eclipse:** - Two satellites — Occulter Spacecraft (200 kg) and Coronagraph Spacecraft (340 kg) — mimic a natural solar eclipse. - The Occulter creates a shadow for the Coronagraph, enabling extended corona observations. - Observations equivalent to 50 solar eclipses annually, with six hours of continuous corona visibility. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-26.png) - **Precision Formation:** - Satellites maintain a precise separation of 150 meters in Earth’s orbit. - Autonomous formation flight ensures stability, allowing the Occulter to block the Sun’s bright light and facilitate corona imaging. --- ### **Significance for India** - **Showcasing ISRO’s Capabilities:** - Demonstrates India's reliability in cost-effective and precise satellite launches. - Highlights ISRO’s growing reputation as a global space partner. ![Proba-3, a European Space Agency (ESA) solar mission, will be launched by ISRO's PSLV rocket on December 4 from Sriharikota.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-25.png) - **Scientific Collaboration:** - Indian solar physicists have contributed to conceptualizing the mission's scientific goals alongside Belgian researchers. - Potential exclusive access to Proba-3 data for Indian researchers. - **Synergy with Aditya-L1:** - India’s Aditya-L1 mission (2023) aims to study the Sun’s corona and other solar phenomena. - Collaborative research using Proba-3 and Aditya-L1 data could advance scientific understanding of the Sun and space weather. --- ### **Expected Benefits** 1. **Scientific Advancements:** - Detailed study of the Sun’s corona will enhance understanding of space weather phenomena and their impact on Earth. - New insights into solar storms and winds will contribute to the protection of satellite and communication infrastructure. 2. **Technological Innovations:** - First-ever precision formation flying will showcase advancements in satellite coordination and control. 3. **International Collaboration:** - Strengthens India’s partnership with ESA and provides an opportunity for Indian scientists to collaborate on cutting-edge solar research. 4. **Boost to Domestic Space Science:** - Access to advanced data will help Indian researchers develop expertise in solar physics and space weather modeling. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/1.-UPSCprep-Banner-24.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ## List of Solar Probes and Missions launched by space agencies worldwide ### **1\. NASA (United States)** 1. **Pioneer Missions (1958–1978)** - Early missions (Pioneer 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) to study solar winds and the interplanetary magnetic field. 1. **Helios Missions (1974 & 1976)** - Joint NASA-German Aerospace Center (DLR) missions. - **Focus**: Studied the solar wind and magnetic field near the Sun. 1. **Ulysses (1990)** - Joint NASA-ESA mission. - **Objective**: Study the Sun’s polar regions and solar wind. 1. **SOHO (Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, 1995)** - Joint NASA-ESA mission. - **Goal**: Study the Sun’s interior, corona, and solar winds. 1. **STEREO (Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory, 2006)** - Two spacecraft providing a 3D view of the Sun. - **Focus**: Solar eruptions and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). 1. **Parker Solar Probe (2018)** - Closest spacecraft to the Sun (approx. 6.9 million km from the surface). - **Goal**: Study the corona, solar wind, and solar magnetic fields. - **Launch Date:** August 12, 2018 - **Key Features:** - The closest spacecraft to the Sun, with perihelion distances of about **6.9 million km** from the Sun’s surface. - Studying the Sun’s corona, solar wind, and magnetic fields. - First spacecraft to directly touch the solar corona. - **Significance:** Provides unprecedented insights into solar activity, helping to predict space weather more effectively. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-30.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-31.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-32.png) 1. **IMAP (Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe, 2025 - Planned)** - Designed to study the boundary of the heliosphere and the Sun’s influence on interstellar space. --- ### **2\. European Space Agency (ESA)** 1. **SOHO (1995)**: Collaboration with NASA (detailed above). 2. **Solar Orbiter (2020)** - **Goal**: Study the Sun’s poles and inner heliosphere. - **Features**: Provides high-resolution imaging of the Sun. - **Launch Date:** February 10, 2020 - **Key Features:**Studying the Sun’s **poles and inner heliosphere**.Carries high-resolution imaging instruments to observe solar wind, magnetic fields, and solar flares.Orbit allows close encounters with the Sun (as close as 42 million km). - **Significance:** Offers detailed data on the Sun’s magnetic field and solar wind dynamics. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-33.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-34.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-35.png) 1. **Proba-3 (2024 - Planned) - Discussed in the news above** - First mission to achieve "precision formation flying." - **Focus**: Study the solar corona and space weather. --- ### **3\. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO, India)** **Aditya-L1 (2023)** - First Indian mission to study the Sun. - **Objective**: Observe the solar corona, chromosphere, and photosphere. - **Payload**: Includes coronagraph and instruments to measure solar wind. - **Launch Date:** September 2, 2023 - **Key Features:**India’s first solar mission designed to study the **Sun’s corona, photosphere, chromosphere**, and solar wind.Positioned at the **Lagrange Point 1 (L1)**, about 1.5 million km from Earth.Equipped with instruments like the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) and Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT). - **Significance:** Aims to improve our understanding of solar activity and its effects on the Earth’s magnetosphere. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-29.png) ![Aditya-L1 (2023) | ISRO | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-28.png) --- ### **4\. Russian Space Agency (Roscosmos)** **Interhelioprobe (Planned for late 2020s)** - **Goal**: Study solar magnetic activity, solar wind, and the heliosphere. --- ### **5\. Japanese Space Agency (JAXA)** **Hinode (Solar-B, 2006)** - Collaboration with NASA. - **Focus**: Study the Sun’s magnetic fields, corona, and solar wind. --- ### **6\. Chinese Space Agency (CNSA)** 1. **ASO-S (Advanced Space-based Solar Observatory, 2022)** - China's first dedicated solar observatory. - **Focus**: Study solar magnetic fields, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections. - **Launch Date:** October 9, 2022 - **Key Features:** - First dedicated Chinese solar observatory. - Studies **solar flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs)**, and magnetic fields. - Equipped with three key instruments: Lyman-alpha Solar Telescope, Full-disk Vector Magnetograph, and the Hard X-ray Imager. - **Significance:** Helps monitor space weather and its impact on Earth. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-36.png) 1. **CLASP Missions (Planned)** - Collaborating with international agencies for advanced solar studies. --- ### **7\. Korean Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI)** **KASISAT 1 (Planned for 2020s)** - **Goal**: Dedicated to studying the Sun and its influence on the Earth's magnetosphere. --- ### **8\. Heliospheric Missions (Collaborations)** 1. **BepiColombo (ESA-JAXA, 2018)** - Primarily for Mercury exploration but carries instruments to study the solar wind. 1. **Voyager Missions (NASA, 1977)** - Although interstellar probes, they study the boundary of the Sun's heliosphere. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Treaty to Tackle Plastic Pollution URL: https://www.upscprep.com/treaty-to-tackle-plastic-pollution-current-affairs-upsc/ Last updated: 2024-11-25T17:37:04.000Z ## **Relevance to UPSC Syllabus** - **GS 3: Environment and Climate Change** - Pollution and its effects on the environment. - Waste management and sustainable development. - Role of international agreements in environmental conservation. - **GS 2: International Relations** - India's position in global negotiations. - International cooperation and multilateral treaties. ## **News Article** ![Treaty to Tackle Plastic Pollution | Source: The Indian Express | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-22-1.png) --- ### **Background** - Over 170 countries are negotiating a global treaty to tackle plastic pollution under the UN Environmental Assembly (UNEA). - This is the 5th round of talks, held in Busan, South Korea, aimed at finalizing the treaty by 2024. - The treaty addresses plastic production, usage, and its environmental impacts. --- ### **Why is a global plastic treaty needed?** **Exponential Rise in Plastic Production:** - Annual plastic production doubled from **234 million metric tons (2000)** to **460 million metric tons (2019)**. - Predicted to reach **700 million metric tons by 2040**. **Plastic Pollution Issues:** - Plastic takes **200-500 years** to decompose. - Around **400 metric tons of plastic waste generated annually**, with **62% growth** expected by 2050. - A significant portion leaks into rivers and oceans, breaking down into microplastics and nanoplastics. **Environmental & Climate Impact:** - Plastic lifecycle contributes **3.9% of global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG)**, equivalent to emissions from the **aviation industry**. - Poor waste management worsens soil, air, and water quality. --- ### **Challenges to Framing the Treaty** **Global Disagreement on Production Caps:** - **Oil & gas-rich nations (e.g., Saudi Arabia, Russia, India):** Oppose production caps, suggesting alternatives like innovative waste management and sustainable plastic use. - **Progressive countries (e.g., EU, Rwanda, Peru):** Advocate for ambitious targets to curb plastic pollution (e.g., Rwanda's 40% reduction target by 2040). **Finance & Implementation:** - UNEP's draft suggests mobilizing **public and private finance** to support developing nations. - Some nations have raised concerns over access to finance and the equitable distribution of resources. --- ### **India's Position** - India does **not support production caps** on plastic and instead focuses on: - **Waste management measures**. - Promoting **technological solutions** and reducing plastic usage. - **Advocacy for Support:** - Seeks **financial and technical assistance** for developing countries to implement the treaty. - **Concerns with UNEA Resolution:** - Objected to the Nairobi 2022 resolution due to its lack of emphasis on financial support mechanisms for developing nations. --- ### **Key Proposals in the Treaty** - Establishing systems to **address**: - **Plastic waste leakage** into the environment. - **Recycling inefficiencies** and **disposal practices**. - **Developing alternatives** to fossil-fuel-based plastics, such as biodegradable plastics. - Ensuring the availability of funding mechanisms for implementing the treaty. --- ### **Key Takeaways** - **Urgency:** Plastic pollution is a growing threat to ecosystems and climate change mitigation. - **Conflict of Interests:** Oil-producing nations and developing countries prioritize economic interests, while progressive nations push for stricter limits. - **Next Steps:** Reaching a consensus on production caps, waste management, and financial support is crucial for the treaty's success. --- ### **Way Forward:** **Comprehensive Treaty Design:** - Address the **entire plastic lifecycle** from production to disposal. - Include robust measures for financing and implementation in developing nations. **Balancing Development with Sustainability:** - Developed nations to take responsibility for historical emissions and consumption patterns. - Developing nations to align with global goals without compromising growth. **India's Role:** - Promote **innovative waste management systems** (e.g., recycling technologies). - Leverage the treaty as an opportunity to showcase leadership in global environmental governance. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/1.-UPSCprep-Banner-24.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ## Existing Laws in India to Tackle Plastic Pollution India has implemented several policies and regulations to address the challenge of plastic pollution. These laws aim to regulate plastic production, usage, disposal, and recycling to mitigate its environmental impact. ## **Key Legislations and Rules:** ### **1\. Environment Protection Act, 1986** - **Umbrella law** for the protection and improvement of the environment. - Empowers the Central Government to take measures to prevent and control pollution, including plastic pollution. - Forms the basis for implementing plastic waste management rules. ### **2\. Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 (Amended in 2018 & 2021)** - Governs the generation, collection, segregation, storage, transportation, processing, and disposal of plastic waste. - **Key Provisions:** - Ban on **single-use plastics** by 2022. - Promotes **Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR):** - Mandates producers, importers, and brand owners to collect and recycle plastic waste generated by them. - Compulsory recycling of certain types of plastics. - Stipulates phased implementation of restrictions on multi-layered packaging. - **2021 Amendments:** - Prohibition on the manufacture, sale, and use of specific single-use plastics like straws, cutlery, and plastic sticks. ### **3\. Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016** - Regulates the segregation, collection, and disposal of municipal solid waste, including plastic waste. - Encourages **compostable plastics** and bio-degradable alternatives to conventional plastics. - Mandates **plastic segregation at the source.** ### **4\. Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016** - Regulates the safe handling, treatment, and disposal of plastic waste classified as hazardous. - Prohibits the import of plastic waste into India for disposal. ### **5\. Consumer Protection Act, 2019** - Regulates misleading advertising related to plastic products. - Promotes awareness about the environmental impact of excessive plastic use. ### **6\. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS):** - Sets standards for biodegradable plastics and compostable plastics to ensure quality and environmental sustainability. ### **7\. Ban on Single-Use Plastics** - Single-use plastics like carry bags, straws, and cutlery have been prohibited in several states. - Central government implemented a national-level ban from **July 1, 2022.** ### **8\. Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2011** - Prohibits the dumping of plastic waste and other non-biodegradable materials in coastal areas. --- ## **Policy Initiatives:** ### **Swachh Bharat Abhiyan** - Encourages cities to improve waste segregation and recycling mechanisms. - Drives campaigns to reduce plastic waste in urban and rural areas. ### **National Framework for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)** - Encourages producers to create take-back systems for managing plastic waste. --- ### **Judicial Interventions:** - **National Green Tribunal (NGT):** - Proactively monitors and penalizes non-compliance with plastic waste rules. - Ban on plastic bags below a certain thickness (50 microns) to reduce non-recyclable waste. - **Supreme Court:** - Recognized plastic pollution as a threat to the environment and directed strict enforcement of waste management laws. --- ### **Challenges in Implementation** 1. **Poor Enforcement:** Lack of monitoring at the municipal and industrial levels. 2. **Lack of Awareness:** Limited public understanding of segregation and recycling. 3. **Inadequate Infrastructure:** Insufficient facilities for plastic waste management and recycling. 4. **Dependence on Single-Use Plastics:** High usage in rural and urban areas due to affordability. --- ### **Way Forward** 1. Strengthening **EPR mechanisms** with stringent penalties for non-compliance. 2. Encouraging **biodegradable alternatives** and compostable materials. 3. Promoting **awareness campaigns** about sustainable consumption and waste segregation. 4. Improving **recycling infrastructure** and technology. --- ## **UPSC Practice Questions** **Mains Question:** 1. "Discuss the significance of a global treaty on plastic pollution in combating environmental degradation and climate change. Critically analyze India’s position in such negotiations." **Prelims Objective Areas to focus:** - UNEA and its role in environmental governance. - Key statistics on plastic pollution and waste management challenges. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Foreign Policy: India-China Relations URL: https://www.upscprep.com/foreign-policy-india-china-relations/ Last updated: 2024-11-24T16:26:41.000Z ### **Relevance for UPSC** - **GS II: International Relations** – India-China bilateral relations, border issues, and diplomatic engagements. - **GS III: Security Challenges** – Border conflicts, de-escalation, and defence cooperation. - **Essay Topics**: India-China: Cooperation or Competition in Asia. ## **News Article** ![ India-China State of Play | Source: The Indian Express](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-1.png) ### **Background** **Relations Post-Standoff**: - The relationship between India and China deteriorated post-Galwan clash (2020). - Efforts to normalize relations were disrupted by the border standoff and the COVID-19 pandemic. **Recent Developments**: - Last month's Modi-Xi Jinping meeting at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, indicated a "restart" of relations. - India-China focus is on de-escalation and confidence-building measures along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). --- ### **Key Diplomatic Points** **Open for Business**: - China has expressed a willingness to revive economic and bilateral relations. - Economic and business delegations are visiting China to rebuild ties. - Trade resumption post-COVID is being emphasized by both sides. **LAC De-escalation**: - Agreements reached on patrolling arrangements and reducing troop deployment along the border. - Importance of gradual normalization to achieve mutual trust. **Visits and Exchanges**: - Resumption of direct flights between the two countries. - Potential visits to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and China. --- ### **Indian Perspective** **Cautious Approach**: - India emphasizes de-escalation as a precondition for normalization. - Focus on strengthening domestic public opinion against China's unilateral actions on the border. **Strategic Alignment**: - India seeks balanced relations while maintaining a strong stance on national sovereignty. - Continued participation in multilateral platforms like BRICS and G20 to address larger regional issues. --- ### **Chinese Perspective** **Proactive Diplomacy**: - Focus on mutual trust to promote bilateral engagement. - Highlighted the importance of rebuilding public and economic ties. **Statements by China**: - Xi Jinping expressed interest in restarting relations, aligning them with fundamental bilateral goals. --- ### **Future Outlook** **Steps Ahead**: - Continued negotiations on border issues. - Incremental steps to resolve differences and reduce tensions. **Long-term Focus**: - Sustained efforts to rebuild confidence and ensure peaceful co-existence along the border. - Enhanced people-to-people engagement and increased trade ties to stabilize relations. *Source: The Indian Express | Explained* --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/1.-UPSCprep-Banner-24.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ## **India-China Relations: Notes** ### **Historical Background** **Ancient Relations**: - Cultural and civilizational linkages through Buddhism and trade along the Silk Route. - Historical trade relations flourished through the ancient Silk Road. **Post-Independence**: - **1950**: India recognized the People’s Republic of China. - **Panchsheel Agreement (1954)**: Five principles of peaceful coexistence signed between Nehru and Zhou Enlai. - **1959 Tibetan Uprising**: Dalai Lama’s asylum in India created diplomatic strains. **Sino-Indian War (1962)**: - Triggered by border disputes in Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh. - India suffered significant military setbacks, leading to deep mistrust. **Subsequent Engagements**: - **1976**: Diplomatic relations restored. - **1988**: Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s visit initiated normalisation of ties. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-18-1.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-20.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-21.png) --- ### **Key Areas of Cooperation** **Economic Ties**: - China is one of India’s largest trading partners. - Bilateral trade exceeded **$135 billion in 2022**, with a significant trade deficit favoring China. - Indian exports: Raw materials (iron ore, cotton, and agricultural products). - Indian imports: Electronics, machinery, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. **Multilateral Platforms**: - **BRICS**: Joint collaboration on financial mechanisms (New Development Bank). - **Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)**: Regional security and counter-terrorism. - **United Nations**: Cooperation on global governance, climate change, and counter-terrorism. **Cultural and Academic Exchanges**: - Revival of Buddhist heritage ties. - Educational exchanges through scholarships for Indian students in Chinese universities. **Shared Global Concerns**: - Climate Change: Active participation in COP negotiations. - G20 and WTO: Advocating for the interests of developing countries. - Public Health: Joint efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. --- ### **Areas of Conflict** **Border Disputes**: - **Western Sector**: Aksai Chin (claimed by India, controlled by China). - **Middle Sector**: Disputes in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. - **Eastern Sector**: Arunachal Pradesh (claimed by China as “South Tibet”). - Key confrontations: Doklam standoff (2017) and Galwan Valley clashes (2020). ![Border Disputes: Western Sector, Middle Sector, Eastern Sector](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-2.png) **China’s String of Pearls Strategy**: - Encircling India through infrastructure projects in neighboring countries (e.g., Gwadar Port in Pakistan, Hambantota in Sri Lanka). ![China’s String of Pearls Strategy | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-3.png) ![String of Pearls : China | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-5.png) **China-Pakistan Nexus**: - **China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)**: Passing through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), violating India’s sovereignty. - Military cooperation and arms supply. ![China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-4.png) **Trade Imbalance**: - India faces a trade deficit of over **$100 billion** with China. - Heavy dependence on Chinese imports, especially electronics and pharmaceuticals. ![India-China Trade | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-6.png) ![India-China Trade | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-7.png) **Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)**: - India opposes the BRI due to sovereignty concerns (CPEC) and its impact on regional connectivity. ![Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-8.png) **Water Issues**: - China’s control over the Brahmaputra River (Yarlung Tsangpo) and construction of dams raise concerns about water security. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-9.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-10.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-11.png) --- ### **Recent Developments** **Post-Galwan Relations**: - The 2020 Galwan Valley clash led to a freeze in bilateral relations. - Regular Corps Commander-level talks for de-escalation and disengagement. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-14.png) **2022-2023 Diplomatic Engagements**: - Talks during BRICS and G20 summits to manage border tensions. - **Modi-Xi meeting (2023)**: Emphasis on de-escalation and restoring normalcy. ![Post-Galwan Relations](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-13.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/11/image-12.png) **Military Modernization**: - India enhancing border infrastructure and deploying advanced weaponry. - China’s military build-up near the LAC and construction of dual-use villages. **Economic Restrictions**: - India imposed bans on over 300 Chinese apps (e.g., TikTok, WeChat) citing security concerns. - Strict FDI norms for Chinese investments. --- ### **India’s Strategic Approach** **Military Preparedness**: - Modernizing armed forces and strengthening border infrastructure. - Collaboration with the **Quad** (India, US, Japan, Australia) for Indo-Pacific security. **Economic Strategy**: - Reducing dependency on Chinese imports through **Atmanirbhar Bharat**. - Diversifying trade partnerships with Southeast Asia, the EU, and the US. **Diplomatic Engagement**: - Balancing competition and cooperation in multilateral forums. - Maintaining strategic autonomy in global geopolitics. **Regional Partnerships**: - Strengthening ties with neighboring countries to counter China’s influence (e.g., infrastructure projects in Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal). --- ### **Challenges Ahead** **Trust Deficit**: - Border incidents and China’s lack of transparency on troop movements. - Perceived Chinese aggression in the Indian Ocean and the Himalayas. **Economic Decoupling**: - Difficulties in reducing dependency on Chinese goods. - Lack of comparable domestic manufacturing capacity. **Geopolitical Rivalry**: - Competition for regional dominance in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific. **Cybersecurity Concerns**: - Increased cyber-attacks on Indian institutions allegedly linked to Chinese actors. --- ### **Way Forward** 1. **Resolving Border Disputes**: - Finalizing agreements on the LAC with clearly demarcated boundaries. - Strengthening confidence-building measures and hotline mechanisms. 1. **Enhancing Multilateral Cooperation**: - Leveraging platforms like BRICS, SCO, and G20 to engage with China constructively. 1. **Economic Reforms**: - Encouraging domestic manufacturing to reduce trade dependence on China. - Promoting regional value chains with ASEAN and QUAD countries. 1. **Strengthening Alliances**: - Deepening partnerships with the US, Japan, Australia, and ASEAN to counterbalance China. 1. **Public Diplomacy**: - Promoting cultural and educational exchanges to foster goodwill. 1. **Strategic Autonomy**: - Maintaining an independent foreign policy that balances relations with China and other global powers. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing: Sociology (Day 35) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-sociology-day-35/ Last updated: 2025-06-16T18:27:39.000Z ### Questions 1. The objectives of the environmental movements in India are different from such movements of other developed countries. Elucidate. (20 Marks) 2. India has overtaken China as the most populous nation in the world. Discuss the challenges faced by India in the population control measures. (20 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 35)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 35).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/11/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-35-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Do you think that communalism is another face of patriarchy? Justify with examples. (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - Communalism and patriarchy are distinct social phenomena, but they can intersect and reinforce each other in certain contexts. While they are not the same, there are instances where communalism can manifest as another face of patriarchy, perpetuating gender-based discrimination and oppression. **Main Body** - **Communalism and Gendered Violence:** - In some instances of communal violence, women become specific targets due to their gender. During communal riots, women from a particular community may be subjected to sexual violence and abuse as a means to humiliate and dominate the entire community. - This form of violence is not only based on religious or ethnic identity but also fueled by patriarchal attitudes and the desire to exert power over women. - **Communal Politics and Gender Roles:** - Communalism may reinforce traditional gender roles within communities. Certain communal ideologies may promote the idea of women as the preservers of culture and religious identity. - This can result in women's restricted mobility, limited access to education, and reinforcement of traditional gender norms that promote women's subordination to men. - **Communalism and Interfaith Marriages:** - In societies with deep-rooted communal tensions, interfaith marriages may be frowned upon or discouraged. - This can be particularly restrictive for women, as they often face resistance, ostracization, or violence for choosing a partner from a different religious community. - Such resistance is rooted in patriarchal notions of controlling women's choices and their roles as carriers of cultural and religious identity. - **Women as Symbols of Communal Identity:** - Women are sometimes symbolically used in communal politics to represent the honor and purity of a community. - The targeting of women from a different community during communal conflicts is often aimed at defiling the honor and dignity of the entire community. This reflects the intersection of gender-based power dynamics with communal identities. - **Communalism and Access to Resources:** - Communal divisions can exacerbate existing gender inequalities, especially in terms of access to resources and opportunities. - In some cases, communal conflicts and displacement disproportionately affect women, leading to their marginalization and further limiting their agency and economic independence. - **Resistance to Women's Rights:** - Attempts to advance gender-equitable laws, such as personal laws and family rights, may be resisted if they are perceived to challenge traditional communal norms and patriarchal structures. **Conclusion** - It is essential to promote both gender equality and social harmony, challenging the roots of both communalism and patriarchy in society. --- **Q2\. Discuss the socio-cultural factors for the declining sex-ratio in some states of India. (20 Marks)** **Introduction** - Socio-cultural factors are more important than even biological and demographic factors in fertility. - Religious background, education level, age of marriage, status of women, desire to have son or son preference, attitude of people fertility towards contraception, government policies, etc. are among the major social factors that control the fertility level of population in any area. **Main Body** - **Sex-ratio** is one of the most important indicators used for study of population characteristics. Sex ratio of overall India has increased but there are states who are fcing decline in the sex ratios. - There are many reasons for this consistently declining sex-ratio, like **son preference**, neglect of girl child resulting in high mortality at younger age, **female infanticide**, **female foeticide**, **high maternal mortality** and **male bias** in enumeration of population. - Easy availability of the **sex determination tests** and **abortion services** is also proving to be a catalyst in the process. - Girls are considered a burden in Indian society due to age **old patriarchal values**, whereas boys are an asset for additional income. - **Early marriage of girls** is another reason that increases the chances of their untimely death. It not only curtails their individual will, aspiration but also plunges them into early pregnancy, poor health, frequent child bearing and somewhere in between a possibility of untimely death. - **Low levels of female literacy** is another important reason which contributes to these low numbers. Education enables people to inculcate rational and scientific values rising above narrow and discriminatory religious beliefs and sentiments. Most of the personal laws are discriminatory in nature. **Conclusion** - However, both the centre and states are taking measures to fight these issues. Schemes like Apni Beti Apna Dhan, Ladli(Haryana), Beti Bachao Beti padhao are steps towards the same. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-16-at-11.57.15---PM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course With 1:1 Mentorship [Check details](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing: Sociology (Day 34) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-sociology-day-34/ Last updated: 2024-11-17T15:50:23.000Z ### Questions 1. What is Geriatrics? What are the problems associated with Geriatric population? (10 Marks) 2. How do sociocultural norms and gender roles perpetuate and normalize violence against women, and what strategies can be employed to challenge these norms? (20 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 34)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 34).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/11/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-34-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. What is Geriatrics? What are the problems associated with the Geriatric population? (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - Geriatrics is a medical term and it is related to the healthcare for elderly people above the age of 60\. The advances in the medical facilities have increased the life expectancy of people and there has been a phenomenal growth of elderly population in the world. - By 2050 it is expected that the elderly population would be around 22%. The world needs to gear up to understand the issue of geriatrics and how to meaningfully engage them. **Main Body** The problem associated with the Geriatrics population: - Personal issues of the Geriatrics population - Economic hardship and dependency. - Mental changes, including impairment of memory - Chronic health issues like BP, Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes etc. - Need for constant care - Neglect in society and family. - Violence - Issue for a country - Increased healthcare costs for the country. - More dependent population leading to stagnation of economy as witnessed in developed countries. - Increasing pension costs for the governments. **Way Forward** 1. Creating a social structure to engage the elderly population in meaningful ways such as in teaching, consultancy etc where they can use their experience and also contribute to society. 2. Age for retirement can also be increased so as to decrease the cost for an economy. 3. A robust healthcare network to provide quality healthcare. 4. Increased insurance cover to mitigate any economic hardship. --- **Q2\. How do sociocultural norms and gender roles perpetuate and normalize violence against women, and what strategies can be employed to challenge these norms? (20 Marks)** **Introduction** - Violence against women is a manifestation of historically unequal power relations between men and women both arising from and reinforcing gender inequality and discrimination. Violence against women is more easily accepted in societies where men and women are not equal. **Main Body** - The following are some reasons which led to the increase in violence against women: - **Low status of women:** Perhaps the biggest issue, though, is women's overall lower status in Indian society. For poor families, the need to pay a marriage dowry can make daughters a burden. India has one of the lowest female-to-male population ratios in the world because of sex-selective abortion and female infanticide. - **Stigmatizing the victim:** When verbal harassment or groping do occur in public areas, bystanders frequently look the other way rather than intervene, both to avoid a conflict and because they – on some level – blame the victim, observers say. Male politicians contribute to the problem, making statements that make light of rape or vilify rape victims' supporters. - **A lack of public safety:** Women generally aren't protected outside their homes. **Strategies** - **Blaming provocative clothing**: There's a tendency to assume the victims of sexual violence somehow brought it on themselves. - **A sluggish court system**: India's court system is painfully slow, in part because of a shortage of judges. The country has about 15 judges for every 1 million people, while China has 159. - **Few convictions**: For rapes that do get reported, India’s conviction rate is no more than 26 percent. - **Few female ministers and police**: India has historically had a much lower percentage of female police officers than other Asian countries. The representation of women in Parliament is also low despite the trend of women empowerment. - **Gender sensitization**: Awareness and education can be done by parents at home, teachers in school and colleges,employers at work place and non governmental organisations (NGOs) in the community. - **Treatment of mental illness**: Good mental health care facilities are needed for early identification, treatment and rehabilitation of those with severe mental illness. - Restriction on the use of addictive substances - **Media**: Media campaigns can help to reverse social attitudes that tolerate VAW. Collaboration with the media needs to focus on creating new messages and new responses to prevent domestic violence. - **Law enforcement machinery**: 24 × 7 helplines for women like Maitri (a New Delhi-based NGO), and Vandrewala in Mumbai are needed. - Fast track courts are strongly recommended. Special cells in police stations with the help of women police officers should be empowered with manpower, latest gadgets like CCTV footage and phone help lines, etc. - **Amendments legislations**: Hindu Marriage Act, 1955: Mental illness should be removed from conditions of Hindu Marriage. **Code of conduct** - Improving the socio economic status of women: Empowerment of women through improving their education, job opportunities, representation in different sectors, and awareness about their rights and legal provisions would be a step in the right direction. - Break the silence:Never condone VAW. Always raise your voice and report it. **Conclusion** - In contemporary times due to increase in public awareness in general and among women in particular, reporting of such crimes have also increased. However, still many go unreported which clearly reflects the deep rooted gender discrimination in Indian society. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing: Sociology (Day 33) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-sociology-day-33/ Last updated: 2024-11-10T19:13:54.000Z ### Questions 1. The objectives of the environmental movements in India are different from such movements of other developed countries. Elucidate. (20 Marks) 2. India has overtaken China as the most populous nation in the world. Discuss the challenges faced by India in the population control measures. (20 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 33)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 33).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/11/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-33-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. The objectives of the environmental movements in India are different from such movements of other developed countries. Elucidate. (20 Marks)** **Introduction** - Environmental movement is a type of social movement that involves an array of individuals, groups and coalitions that perceive a common interest in environmental protection and act to bring about changes in environmental policies and practices͟. **Main Body** - Environmental movements of various countries have emerged due to different reasons. - The environmental movements in the northern countries are basically on the issue of quality of life. Whereas the environmental movements in the south arise due to other reasons, such as due to conflicts for controlling of natural resources and many more. - The participants of these movements in the developed countries are the middle class and upper class people, who have concern for nature. But in India the protesters are generally the marginal population – hill peasants, tribal communities, fishermen and other underprivileged people. For example: Chipko, Narmada Bachao Andolan, Mitti Bachao Andolan, Koel-Karo Andolan etc. - That is why the environmentalism of the North is referred to as full stomach environmentalism and the environmentalism of the south is called empty environmentalism. - The genesis of the environmental movement in India can be traced to the Chipko movement (1973) in Garhwal region in the new state of Uttaranchal. In fact, between the 1970s and 1980s there were several struggles in India around issues of rights to forest and water which raised larger ecological concerns like rights of communities in forest resources, sustainability of large scale environmental projects like dams, issues of displacement and rehabilitation etc. - Environmental movements in India, therefore, are not necessarily for the 'green' or 'clean' earth or for saving mankind's heritage but for survival of the local poor. - Gadgil and Guha identify four broad strands within the environmental movements in India. - The first types are those which emphasise on the moral necessity to restrain overuse and ensure justice to the poor and marginalised. Mainly Gandhians belong to this strand. - The second strand stresses on the need to dismantle the unjust social order through struggle. - The Third and fourth strands advocate reconstruction, i.e. employing technologies appropriate to the given context and time. They reflect the concerns of the scientists or the spontaneous efforts of the communities at the village level who aim at protecting local community forests or the right to pursue environment-friendly agricultural practices - Control over natural resources is an important reason for the emergence of the environmental movement in India. - Socio economic dimensions. - Almost most of the environmental movements in India are related to this aspect, also, if we see the location where these movements have started then we would find that most of these areas are tribal dominated. - These people have strong beliefs regarding their forests and resources for their survival. Therefore, when these forests or other sources of livelihood get disturbed by the outsiders, their socio-economic conditions get hampered and the ultimate recourse is the movement against those people who were harnessing those resources. - Women had played an important role in these movements in India. - Environmental degradation leads to environmental movement. For example the silent valley case. - The spread of environmental awareness and media has also played a pivotal role in the emergence of the environmental movement in urban areas. - Forced displacement: Due to large scale displacement of local people have resulted in many environmental movements in different parts of the country. **Conclusion** - On the basis of above arguments the conclusion could be drawn that the nature based conflicts, the false developmental policies of the government, the marginalisation of the tribal and other underprivileged groups and the environmental degradation are the root causes of emergence of environmental movements in India. --- **Q2\. India has overtaken China as the most populous nation in the world. Discuss the challenges faced by India in the population control measures. (20 Marks)** **Introduction** - While the world population has increased three fold the Indian population has increased five times in the same given amount of time. **Main Body** - Keeping this in mind, India, to tackle this problem, has taken many measures. But the population in India is increasing at a very fast pace. The reason for these are: - Patriarchy (preference of male child): Preference of a male child leads to couples giving birth to children till they get a male child, thus leading to higher number of kids. - Marriage: Marriage is a social compulsion in India. Therefore, most people are married by the time they reach their reproductive age. Along with marriage being universal, child marriage is very common in India. Early marriage prolongs the child bearing age, thus leading to a high number of kids. Apart from this, there are many instances of people getting married before the legal age of 18 and 21 years. - Poverty: Impoverished families, who find it difficult to make ends meet believe that more number of family members would lead to more income, thus they prefer having large families. Also, there is prevalence of child labour in India, which makes children an economic asset for poverty ridden families. Also, poverty leads to lack of access to health facilities, leading to higher infant mortality rate. Thus, a higher number of children are seen as safe, so that a few would eventually survive. - Illiteracy: Lack of proper education and low literacy levels in India leads to couples not being aware of contraceptives. High infant mortality: The fear of death of children forces people to reproduce more number of children, so that a few would survive. - Agrarian economy: With around 50% of the population still involved in agriculture, India is largely an agrarian economy. In agriculture, children are easily employed. Thus families prefer having more children, so that external wage workers are not needed. Therefore, rural areas generally have large families. - Religiously orthodox and conservative people generally tend to oppose family planning measures. Illegal migration from other countries: Though this might be a minor factor, illegal migration from India's neighbouring countries (especially Bangladesh, Nepal) is leading to an increase in population. **Conclusion** - All these factors are restricting India from controlling its population rise. Though the population presently is on a rise, the measures taken are showing their impact and this can be shown by the reduction in population growth in India in the last few years. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing: Sociology (Day 32) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-sociology-day-32/ Last updated: 2024-11-10T19:12:31.000Z ### Questions 1. Secularization of caste is essentially a modern phenomenon. Discuss. (10 Marks) 2. Discuss the main features of the farmer's movement in Independent India. (10 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 32)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 32).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/11/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-32-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Secularization of caste is essentially a modern phenomenon. Discuss. (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - The caste system has been termed as the DNA of Indian civilization, and it has been one of the most important schemes for the classification of Indian society. The caste system has undergone several changes, and the pace of these changes has increased in the last few decades. **Main Body** - Dhirubhai Sheth has argued that the caste system is undergoing a process of secularization. Changes in the caste system that are leading to secularization can be observed along **two dimensions**: - *De-ritualization,* and - *Politicization* - These changes are essentially a modern phenomenon, and this can be seen by the fact that the process of secularization has fastened with increasing modernization of India. These changes have had the following impact on the caste system: - They have pushed caste system out of the traditional stratification system - They have linked it to the new structure of representational power - In their cumulative impact, they have made it possible for individual members of different castes to acquire new economic interest and social-political identification and own class-like as well as ethnic type identities. - Thus, secularization of caste has led to **Classisation of the caste system**. - Modernisation of India's economy and democratization of its political institutions, have released new economic and political power in the society. - The hierarchically ordered strata of castes now function as horizontal groups, competing for power and control over resources in society. Alongside this change in the organisational structure, i.e., it’s **horizontalisation**, the form consciousness takes has also changed - **Caste consciousness is now articulated as political consciousness** of groups staking claims to power and to new places in the changed opportunity structure. The rise of such consciousness of castes has led to disruption of hierarchical relations and to increase in competition and conflict among them. Far from strengthening the caste system, the emergent competitive character of 'caste consciousness' has contributed to its systemic disintegration. - Fundamental changes have occurred in the occupational structure of the society. A vast number of non-traditional, unbound-to-caste occupations and a new type of social relations among occupational groups have emerged. This has resulted in **breaking down the nexus between hereditary ritual status and occupation** —one of the caste system's defining features. - Significant structural differentiations have taken place within every caste. The **caste rules of commensality have become almost totally inoperative**. - The role of **caste panchayats** has also reduced significantly. The ideology and organisation of the traditional caste system have thus become vastly eroded. Its description as a system of ritual status hierarchy has lost theoretical meaning. - Examples- De-ritualization, Politicisation (Rajani Kothari), opening of temples, inter-caste marriages - Secularisation in public sphere as rituals are getting restricted to the private sphere (Harold Gould- Study of Rikshawalah of Lucknow) - MN Srinivas – ritual hierarchy is getting replaced by secular hierarchy **Conclusion** - In sum, while castes survive as micro-communities based on kinship sentiments and relationships, they no longer relate to each other as 'units' of a ritual hierarchy. The caste system, long conceived as a ritual status system, has imploded. Having failed to cope with the changes that have occurred in the larger society, particularly after India's decolonisation, the caste 'system' is unable to maintain itself, on the basis of its own principle of ritual hierarchy. --- **Q2\. Discuss the main features of the farmer's movement in Independent India. (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - Farmers include those social groups which are independent owner-cultivators and produce a considerable marketed surplus. **Main Body** - Dipankar Gupta advocated that there are three prototypes of farmer s movement in independent India : 1. Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) of West UP, Punjab and Haryana. 2. Shetkari Sangathan (SS) of Maharashtra. 3. Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) of Karnataka. - Issues around which these farmer’s movement are centred: - Increase in Minimum support price. - Proper marketing facility and Cooperative facility. - Timely payment to farmers for their production. - Waiver of utility charges and loan waivers - Increase in subsidy on agricultural input (Raw materials and machines) - Opposition to GM crops & green farming. - Favorable negotiation at WTO for an agricultural product. - Capitalised on Bharat vs. India rural India vs. urban India dichotomy. - The primary contradiction is characterized as that between the rural and the urban. Therefore, the enemy is the government at the centre and at the state. - The strategy for movement included demonstration, dharna, Jamming of the national highway, Kisan jail, Gherao of government officials (BKU), pamphlet writing, literature (SS), opposition to MNCs and advocacy for green farming by wearing the green scarf - The social constituency of these movements broadly included the various sections of masses like Big/small farmers, peasants, students, women etc. **Conclusion** - Thus, the Farmers movement was a clear departure from earlier peasants movements in terms of issues, strategy and social constituency of movements. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing: Sociology (Day 31) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-sociology-day-31/ Last updated: 2024-11-10T19:10:56.000Z ### Questions 1. Write a Sociological perspective on Child labour. (10 Marks) 2. Has the constitutional commitment to ensure equal citizenship been effectively realized for all members of Indian society today? (10 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 31)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 31).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/11/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-31-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Write a Sociological perspective on Child labour. (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - Child labour refers to the use of children as a source of labour while depriving them of their fundamental rights in the process. Such rights include the opportunity to enjoy their childhood, attend school regularly, have peace of mind, and live a dignified life. **Main Body** Child labour is caused by several factors. Some of them include: - Poverty: Children who come from poor families may be forced to work to support household income and support kinship groups. Such a practice is a common phenomenon in poverty-stricken regions. - Illiteracy: Illiterate people view education as a preserve of the privileged in society. They will therefore not provide support to children so that they can go to school and build solid foundations for future success. - The high cost of education: Quality education is expensive. Parents let their children stay at home because there is a lack of money to send them to school, parents opt to have them working as unskilled labourers to help support the family. - Pull factors: Huge demand for unskilled labourers and cheap wages to a child making an attractive option for many greedy employers. - Bonded labour: many a time child labour is the payback for debt taken by the bonded family from their moneylenders. Child labour has several negative impacts. Some of them include: - Loss of Quality childhood: It leads to loss of quality childhood and hampers their growth and development. A child forced to work will miss many of the good things associated with childhood. - Health issues: Child labour can also lead to health complications due to undernourishment and poor working conditions. - Sexual exploitation: Child labour makes them vulnerable to sexual exploitation due to unorganized nature of employment. - Mental trauma: Issues such as bullying, sexual exploitation, and unfavourable working hours may result in mental trauma in these children. Child labour may also result in the lack of emotional growth and thus insensitivity. - Illiteracy: Children that are employed do not have the time to go to school. The lack of education and illiteracy makes them individuals with limited opportunities as far as employment is concerned. **Conclusion** - Child labour is not just an affront to the rights of a child but also a symbol of a society that has lost its way. We should, therefore, all strive to ensure that the fundamental rights of children are protected and that they are accorded the opportunity to go after their dreams and aspirations. --- **Q2\. Has the constitutional commitment to ensure equal citizenship been effectively realized for all members of Indian society today? (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - Talcott Parsons says that citizenship is a measure of modernization of society because it is based on values of universalism and achievement. **Main Body** Delivery of constitutional promise of equal citizenship: - By adopting the adult franchise, every citizen gets equal political right to exercise his/her voting right - Civic citizenship is realized in by giving fundamental rights like freedom of speech in Article 19 of the constitution - Reservation of seats for the weaker sections to give them equal opportunity to hold any office in the country. Foe eg: Draupadi Murmu, tribal woman becoming head of state of India. Non-Delivery of the constitutional promise of equal citizenship: - Gail Omvedt says that citizenship in India is paradoxical as theoretically it grants equal rights but caste dynamics make Dalit lesser citizens. - Feminists argue that women are treated as second-class citizens and do not have enough rights. - Marxist argue that there are only two citizenships- Haves and have nots and both are treated unequally and stand as two poles. **Conclusion** - TH Marshall defined citizenship as political, civic, and social. India has performed well in the first two but we have a long way to go to get parity in social citizenship. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing: Sociology (Day 30) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-sociology-day-30/ Last updated: 2024-11-10T19:09:35.000Z ### Questions 1. Examine the correlation between migration and labour woes. (20 Marks) 2. Write a Sociological Narrative on Smart Cities. (10 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 30)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 30).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/11/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-30-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Examine the correlation between migration and labour woes. (20 Marks)** **Introduction** - Migration for employment (provide data for better impact) **Main Body** (**Note**: The question is not India-specific. So talk about both domestic and International aspects) Problems of domestic migrant labour (give examples wherever possible): - Vulnerability - Exploitation - Possibilities of ending up as bonded labourers - Language barriers - Sons of soil concept threatening the existence of migrants - Lack of state machinery to support these workers - They are sort of state-less - Kalpana Kannabiran opines that policies do not take into account the cultures and lives of the Adivasi people - Leading to forced migration, such policies have only aggravated the marginalization of Adivasi women and abetted their exploitation by labour contractors, especially in urban environments. - Around 1.84 crore bonded labourers are estimated to be trapped in deplorable work conditions across India. - Of these, a majority belongs to Scheduled Tribes (STs) from rural and distressed regions, having migrated in search of sustenance and usually employed in brick kilns, carpet industries, mines, and plantation and construction work. - Due to caste hierarchies, such people are trapped in bonded labour and are unable to find secure work Problems of international migrant labour (give examples wherever possible): - Contract outsourcing by trans-national companies leading to lack of long-term stability for international workers - Ethnicization of work space - No long-term stability - Social security issues - Workers in developed countries facing racism - **E.g** Workers in West Asia facing human rights violations and inhumane working conditions. --- **Q2\. Write a Sociological Narrative on Smart Cities. (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - **Definition:** Use of IoT, Data driven tech in Urban Planning **Main Body** - **Functions of Smart Cities:** 1. Connected Citizens - organic solidarity (Durkheim) 2. Smart Education, Smart Health facilities, Smart Grievance redressal etc - Role of Legal Rationality authority is enhanced - 3A (accessibility, affordability, availability) 3. Women as consumer of data - digital divide reduces - cultural Restriction of patriarchy Reduces (Sylvia Walby) 4. Technology as an agent of change - CCTVs causing less cases of Deviance among the community members. 5. Faster justice delivery mechanism - instill faith in legal social actions (Bureaucracy) 6. Social mobility of Slum dwellers - improved access to Life chances in a much efficient manner. - **Dysfunctions:** 1. The dominant class in the power structure benefits. 2. Continuity of traditional social action leads to breakdown of Modernity - Patriarchy and Caste. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing: Sociology (Day 29) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-sociology-day-29/ Last updated: 2024-11-10T19:08:07.000Z ### Questions 1. Online Education, though functional for the education revolution, has many social dysfunctionalities. (10 Marks) 2. Discuss the social consequences of the green revolution, and the social changes brought around by it in the rural social structure. (20 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 29)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 29).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/11/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-29-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Online Education, though functional for the education revolution, has many social dysfunctionalities. (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - Define Online Education - Also mention how the concept emerged amidst Covid19 **Main Body** Functions: - Women empowerment (through digitized instrumentation, they can get the opportunity) - Breakdown of gender stereotypes ( bcz technology is gender neutral) - Balance inequalities between age groups. - Socialization is intact even amidst COVID-19 dysfunctions: 1. Digital divide *(with the existing digital divide expanding online education will push the digital have-nots to the periphery of the education system + development of divided society)* Conflict perspective: this type of inequality leads to learning disparities that reinforce social inequality 2. Mechanization of digital dependence( increasing digital adoption) 3. Widening the gender gap *(Internet and Mobile Association of India Report 2019 finds 67% of men had access to the Internet while women's Internet access rate is 33%)* 4. New class of information elite *(expansion of technology will create new class of elite which will be unreachable to the information poor)* 5. It is more likely to produce social isolation than connectivity *(unable to produce legitimate social bonding)* 6. The emergence of a new society *(virtual community: who are " together through isolation + new kind of social habitation)* 7. Changes in family functions *(in nuclear families, parents might have to miss work to take care of their children)* 8. Financial backwardness of the students *(large marginalized section of the society still can't afford digital equipments)* 9. Internet exposure puts children at the risk of "online sexual exploitation and grooming 10. Lack of social interactions and focus deficit *(among the peer groups and teacher)* --- **Q2\. Discuss the social consequences of the green revolution, and the social changes brought around by it in the rural social structure. (20 Marks)** **Introduction** - The 1960s witnessed the inception of a revolution with the help of technological innovation in the agriculture sector to make India self-dependent in food grains. It is now known as the Green Revolution. **Main Body** High yielding crops were produced with the help of hybrid seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and ad- vanced means of irrigation. - This revolution resulted in both positive and negative consequences for Indian farmers. **The positive consequences are as follows:** - Change to class stratification from caste stratification - Change in traditional power structure in rural areas - Enhancement of democratic process. - Increase in per capita income. - Change in mentality of farmers. - Initiation of Modernism and innovation in farmers. - Improvement in housing, health and education. - Reduction in poverty - Political awareness among the farmers **But the revolution has also created some negative consequences which are as follows:** - Poorer economic condition of small and medium farmers - Increase in income inequality in the society - Rise in tension among farmers due to steep rise in input costs. - Rise in suicidal tendency among farmers especially those who had switched over to cash crops and incurred debts. - Increase in regional disparities. - Rise in rural unemployment due to large scale mechanisation of agriculture. - Only change in conditions of rich farmers - Impact in health due to excessive use of pesticides and pollution of water. - Economic crisis among the farmers - Decline in social relations in the society **Changes brought around in the rural social structure:** - Rural society has been a traditional society with dominance of traditions and religious beliefs. Superstitions and regressive customs are entre-nched in society due to low levels of education. But the green revolution led to changes in attitude of the society which helped spread education. - The Green revolution has reduced to some extent the feudalistic tendency in the society. But the bene- fit of the revolution did not percolate to all sections of the farmer community. Small and medium far-mers lagged behind the rich farmers. They got entra- pped by the moneylenders due to higher prices for high-yielding seeds, pesticides and fertilisers. This led to increased suicides among these sections. - Power structure saw a change and farmers started making efforts in influencing policy making with increased awareness about their rights. But the spread of the revolution was limited to Punjab, Haryana, western UP and affected the social structure of these regions only. This led to increased regional disparities. **Conclusion** - In this way, the green revolution has had both positive and negative consequences. It tried to change the traditional agrarian society through development of scientific, modern and rational views. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing: Sociology (Day 28) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-sociology-day-28/ Last updated: 2024-11-10T19:05:54.000Z ### Questions 1. Sexual division of labor is a means to achieve the goals of the family. Critically examine the statement. (20 Marks) 2. Critically examine the issues faced by the women from minority communities in India. What steps have been taken by the state for their upliftment? (20 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 28)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 28).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/11/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-28-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Sexual division of labor is a means to achieve the goals of the family. Critically examine the statement. (20 Marks)** **Introduction** - Sexual division of labour refers to the process of dividing work between different people on the basis of their sex and gender. **Main Body** - It is seen that even in modern families work related to cooking, cleaning are divided on the basis of biological differences. - The biological differences like the greater physical strength of men and the fact that women bear children led to gender roles, according to **Murdock** in his book social structure. - Moreover, feminists also provide a similar view on families’ unequal power relationships and with respect to the sexual division of labour they try to highlight the economic worth of unpaid labour done by women in household chores, in caring activities, etc. - However, **Morgan** in his *social theory and the family*, states that family is depicted as a remarkably harmonious social institution. One of the factors that ensures harmony in the family is the sexual division of labor. **Sexual division of labour in modern families -** - In Indian families, patriarchy also plays a major role in unequal relations and unequal status. - According to **Ann Oakley,** differential rewards are attached to social roles which create gender inequality and gender stratification. Family is the strongest agent of patriarchy and more respect and status is conferred on the male members vis a vis female members. - **Ann Oakley** observes that in pre Industrial societies, there was equal space for men and women in all kinds of work. - After industrialisation; women were burdened as housewives as the men went to the factories for work. They also had to depend on men for financial needs as only work outside the home was considered productive and the work done by women at home was categorized as non-work. - According to **W Young**, as women move to unpaid employment in increasingly larger numbers in modern culture, men's contribution to domestic tasks and child care does not seem to be increasing at the same pace. - For example, during the pandemic lockdown, women are bearing more work burden than men. The International Labour Organization, in 2018 reported that the 16 million hours spent on unpaid work every day would represent nearly 10% of the world's entire economic output if it was paid at a fair rate. - However, today, with the spread of education, the rise of feminist movements, gender sensitization through media and equitable employment opportunities for women outside their homes, perspectives on gender and gender differentiation in the matters of power, status, work and social esteem are being changed. - Innovations like washing machines, vacuum cleaners that are gender-neutral are reducing the burden of housework. Families, especially in urban areas, where both spouses go for work outside and employing domestic labor is expensive, household chores are shared by both spouses ***(Symmetrical division of labor).*** **Conclusion** - Despite the progress, there does exist a ‘cultural lag’ when it comes to equal social status to men and women. --- **Q2\. Critically examine the issues faced by the women from minority communities in India. What steps have been taken by the state for their upliftment? (20 Marks)** **Introduction** - Women from minority communities in India face multiple challenges that stem from the intersection of gender, religion, and other social identities. **Main Body** These issues are often rooted in traditional patriarchal norms, religious practices, and systemic inequalities. Here are some of the critical issues faced by women from minority communities in India: - Gender Inequality: Women from minority communities often face gender discrimination within their religious and cultural contexts. Patriarchal norms and customs may limit their access to education, healthcare, and opportunities for economic empowerment. - Limited Access to Education: Access to education can be constrained by socio-economic factors and cultural norms that prioritize male education over female education, leading to lower literacy rates among women from minority communities. - Early Marriage and Child Marriage: Child marriage is still prevalent in some minority communities, resulting in limited opportunities for women's development and higher risk of health complications. - Violence and Discrimination: Women from minority communities may face violence and discrimination, including domestic violence and communal violence, with limited recourse to justice due to various social and legal barriers. - Lack of Representation: Minority women often lack adequate representation in political and decision-making processes, resulting in their marginalization and limited participation in public life. - Lack of Economic Opportunities: Economic opportunities for women from minority communities may be restricted due to social and cultural norms, leading to their economic dependency and limited financial independence. - Religious Personal Laws: Personal laws within religious communities can sometimes perpetuate discriminatory practices, affecting issues such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and property rights. **State Efforts**: - Special Schemes: The government has implemented various schemes targeting women's empowerment in minority communities, such as the Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship Scheme and the Maulana Azad National Fellowship for Minority Students. - Educational Initiatives: Initiatives like the Maulana Azad Education Foundation provide scholarships to encourage minority women's education, promoting their socio-economic upliftment. - Legal Reforms: The government has taken steps to address gender discrimination in personal laws and has implemented legal reforms to protect women's rights. - Skill Development Programs: Skill development and vocational training programs have been introduced to enhance employability and economic opportunities for women from minority communities. - Awareness Campaigns: The government runs awareness campaigns to promote gender equality, discourage child marriage, and address issues of violence and discrimination. - Reservation for Women: The government has reserved seats for women in local governance bodies like Panchayats and Municipalities to enhance their political representation. **Conclusion** - While these efforts are essential, challenges persist due to the complexity of the issues and the need for continued awareness, advocacy, and community engagement. - A comprehensive approach that addresses both gender-specific and community-specific concerns is vital to uplift women from minority communities and promote their social, economic, and political empowerment. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing: Sociology (Day 27) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-sociology-day-27/ Last updated: 2024-11-10T19:04:44.000Z ### Questions 1. Regional variations in kinship reflect on the socio-cultural diversity in Indian society. Discuss. (20 Marks) 2. Where do you situate a 'live-in relationship' within the institution of marriage? (10 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 27)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 27).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/11/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-27-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Regional variations in kinship reflect on the socio-cultural diversity in Indian society. Discuss. (20 Marks)** **Introduction** - Kinship is a relationship among people driven by relationship based on consanguinity (blood relationship) and affinity (relationship based on marriage). Kinship is an institution that transforms individualism to collectivism. **Main Body** In Indian society, there are variations of the kinship system across various regions. - Irawati Karwe has studied the regional variations in the kinship system - North Indian Kinship-Aryan Kinship System. - South Indian Kinship-Dravidian Kinship System. - Central India Kinship-Mixed Kinship System - Eastern India Kinship-Exclusive Kinship System. - The variations are based on kinship terms, rules of marriage, territorial affiliation, and kin relationships. **Kinship System in North-India** - According to Louis Dumont, in North India, the kinship system is fixed. North Indian kinship is very ritualistic and integrative in character. In the North Indian kinship system, the rules of marriage are highly exhaustive because a large body of people are excluded from alliance relationships. - In North Indian kinship, the father-son relationship precedes the husband-wife relationship. Elaborating on this Veena Das in an analysis of Punjabi kinship system indicates that natural sexual relationship between husband and wife are subdued to social established relationship between father and son thereby glorifying the values of patriarchy. **Kinship System in South-India** - In southern India kinship systems, no distinction is made between patrilineal or matrilineal. Cross cousins' marriages take place and so exogamy is not exhaustive like in North India. The relationship between husband and wife is not subdued in the father-son relationship as in the case of North India. Hostility of the relationship between the in-laws driven by suspicion is also weak in South India. Dumond considers that South Indian kinship promotes social solidarity and the exchange of wealth between two families. **Kinship System in Eastern India** - In Eastern India, kinship organisation is different. There are more tribes than caste Hindus in eastern India. The more important tribes are: Khasi, Birhor, Hos, Mundas and Uraon. The kinship organisation here has no one pattern. Santhals, Juangs, etc. practise the dormitory system where young boys and girls practise free sexuality before marriage. In Khasi and Garo society, the husband is treated as an outsider; he is not supposed to participate in any important decision. In the case of Nagas, bride capturing takes place, which leads to inter-tribal warfare. **Conclusion** - Regional variations in Kinship largely reflect on the socio-cultural diversity of Indian society and hence are very significant to carry out the unique concept of unity in diversity in India. --- **Q2\. Where do you situate a 'live-in relationship' within the institution of marriage? (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - A live-in relationship, also known as cohabitation, is a consensual arrangement in which a couple lives together without entering a formal marriage. It need not necessarily involve sexual relations. It may be equivalent to Social Monogamy. **Main Body** - Reasons for live-in (Please give reference otherwise it looks a generalist view.) - to test compatibility before marriage - do not want the hassles of a formal marriage - see no benefit in the institution of marriage - not in a position to legally marry - Elderly persons who have lost a partner or got divorced are increasingly preferring a live-in relationship. - In some countries like the UK & US, there is a provision for live-in partners to get themselves registered as domestic partners, but this does not make formal divorce necessary. **Indian Scenario** - Live-in relationships are not illegal but are considered socially and morally improper. - Legally, it is permissible only for unmarried major persons of the opposite sex. (Now no longer valid after removal of section 377) - If a live-in relationship is continued for a long time there is a presumption of marriage, and all the laws regarding domestic violence, the legitimacy of children, maintenance rights, inheritance rights are applicable. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing: Sociology (Day 26) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-sociology-day-26/ Last updated: 2024-11-07T18:28:36.000Z ### Questions 1. Analyze the key principle of the 'Tribal Panchsheel,' which is centred around promoting inclusion and reducing intrusion. (20 Marks) 2. Discuss. Classes in agrarian society in India. (10 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 26)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 26).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/11/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-26-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Analyze the key principle of the 'Tribal Panchsheel,' which is centred around promoting inclusion and reducing intrusion. (20 Marks)** **Introduction** - The term "Tribal Panchsheel" refers to the five guiding principles for tribal development, emphasizing more inclusion and less intrusion in the governance and development processes for tribal communities. **Main Body** - The concept of Tribal Panchsheel emerged as a response to the historical marginalization and exploitation of tribal communities in India. - It seeks to uphold the rights, culture, and autonomy of tribal populations while promoting their socio-economic development. Core Principles of Tribal Panchsheel: - **Inclusion:** - Participation and Representation: The principle of inclusion advocates for the active participation and representation of tribal communities in decision-making processes that affect their lives. It calls for involving tribal members in planning, implementing, and evaluating development projects and policies. - Empowerment: Inclusion involves empowering tribal communities with the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to take ownership of their development initiatives and exercise agency over their affairs. - Rights-Based Approach: The Tribal Panchsheel emphasizes the protection of tribal rights, including land rights, forest rights, and cultural rights. It upholds the notion that development should not infringe upon the rights and interests of tribal communities. - **Less Intrusion:** - Non-Interference: The principle of less intrusion advocates for limiting external interference in tribal communities' social, cultural, and economic systems. It emphasizes the need to respect and preserve tribal customs, traditions, and self- governance mechanisms. - **Sustainable Development:** Less intrusion promotes sustainable development approaches that do not disrupt the delicate balance between tribal communities and their environment. It discourages exploitative practices and the imposition of external development models. - **Cultural Preservation:** Less intrusion seeks to protect and preserve tribal cultures, languages, and knowledge systems from external influences that may erode their unique identity and way of life. - The Tribal Panchsheel aligns with the principles of social justice, inclusivity, and human rights, aiming to uplift tribal communities without compromising their autonomy and dignity. - It acknowledges the historical injustices and discrimination faced by tribes and seeks to rectify them through more inclusive and respectful development strategies. **Conclusion** - By respecting their rights, culture, and autonomy, the Tribal Panchsheel seeks to address historical injustices and create a more equitable and sustainable path for tribal development in contemporary India. **Q2\. Discuss. Classes in agrarian society in India. (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - In British-India, little surplus was available thus stratification in terms of class was non- existent. - Post- Independence, we can say that rural India has structured itself into four classes and that is what becomes a part of the system. **Main Body** - If we look at the agricultural field then it has three classes within itself- landowners, tenants and the laborers; while the fourth class being of the non- agriculturalists. The data of the distribution of these classes is as follows: landowners- 22%, tenants- 27%, agricultural laborers- 31% and non-agriculturalists only 20%. - Because of the most population depending and sustaining their lives on agriculture, India is known as an agrarian country. - The marketing process is all in the hands of the intermediaries who are a link between the producers, cultivators, and sellers and regulate the trade. The village people live a miserable economic life which includes the agrarian proletarians, uneconomic holders of land in large numbers, few artisans and self- employed people. The agrarian structure establishes certain relations which can be classified as: - Defined and enforced by law - - Which are customary - Which can fluctuate - Daniel Thorner gives a three fold classification in his ‘The Agrarian Prospects of India, 1956’ as – Malik, Kisan and Mazdoor on the basis of right over land. He also maintains that these three classes also reflect social structure too as most of Maliks belong to upper castes and Mazdoors from lower castes and Kisan belong to Artisan class. Maliks are those whose income is derived primarily from property rights in the soil and whose common interest is to keep the level of rents up while keeping the wage-level down. They collect rent from tenants, sub-tenants and sharecroppers. Kisans are working peasants, who own small plots of land and work mostly with their own labor and that of their family members. They own much lesser lands than the Maliks. Mazdoors don’t own any land. Development of capitalist relations in the agrarian sector of the economy has also changed the older class structure. For example, in most regions of India, the Maliks have turned into enterprising farmers. Similarly, most of the tenants and sharecroppers among the landless mazdoors have begun to work as wage laborers. - **D.N. Dhanagre Classification:** He says there are five classes: landlords, tenants, subtenants, sharecroppers; rich peasants or small landowners who have sufficient land to support their family, rich tenants have substantial holdings and give rent to landlords; middle peasants with medium size holdings; and poor peasants which include landowners whose holdings are insufficient to support their family and are thus forced to rent someone else’s land. The poor peasants and labourers are always exploited by rich landowners which makes their relationship unhealthy. The rich are the ones who have all the social, economic and political power which keeps them in a safe zone even if someone speaks to them. - However certain societies set up in villages for public welfare try to curb the situation yet the Maliks emerge strong. These cooperative public societies have been unsuccessful whereas the private traders are benefitting. **Conclusion** - It is important to somehow control the power of the landowners to reduce exploitation, otherwise there won’t be collective progress amongst the classes in our country and class relations will continue to get disintegrated. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing: Sociology (Day 25) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-sociology-day-25/ Last updated: 2024-11-07T18:14:02.000Z ### Questions 1. Analyse the contemporary forms of untouchability practised in India and posit the factors that have the potential to change the dimensions of such practices. (20 Marks) 2. Write short notes on tribes as ideal types. (10 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 25)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 25).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/11/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-25-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Analyse the contemporary forms of untouchability practised in India and posit the factors that have the potential to change the dimensions of such practices. (20 Marks)** **Introduction** - Define untouchability - Untouchability is a set of social sanctions and social disabilities that are ascriptive in nature within the ritual framework of the caste system - Dimensions: Exclusion, humiliation-subordination and exploitation **Main Body** - Untouchability - IHDS 2012, NCAER - Who is practising untouchability - 27% of the sample HH continue - Rural - 30% Urban - 20% - Among Religious groups: Jains & Hindus - highest; Followed by Sikhs & Muslims - Ghansham Shah, Harsh Mander and Sukhdev Thorat have concluded that untouchability is still practised in 80% of the villages in various forms - Though at Manifest levels it reduced, at latent level, it's been observed in various forms - The more prevalent latent form - Secular institutions - Protest Dalit cooks - Employment - recent incident against CISCO - - CISCO incident - allegation of Dalit discrimination. - Payal Tadvi suicide case - alleged case of suicide due to casteist slurs. - Even at PDS - separate days - 2018 -- Shravanabelagola -- cleaning jobs workers from Uttar Pradesh - Rohit Vemula case - Anger in the minds of upper castes towards lower caste due to reservations - Mostly due to lack of awareness about the concept of positive discrimination - Manifest forms - Prevalence of endogamous marriage and sanctioning of caste exogamy (khap panchayats, honour killings, etc.) - Dalits still form the majority of the workforce in cleaning and other such jobs. (Occupational segregation) Eg. In 2016, 98% of manual scavengers were from lower castes. - Separate ghettoes.. Especially in rural areas (eg. Maharwada for SCs) - Ritual segregation - e.g. certain rites like upnayana are reserved only for twice-born castes - Political segregation - upper caste people often create troubles for Dalit sarpancha. - Violence as an extreme manifestation of untouchability. According to NCRB data, 45000+ crimes were registered against Dalits in 2015. - Untouchability based on gender - Menstruation, a biological act given regressive social connotations - Women are not allowed to perform sacred acts during menstruation - Factors that have the potential to change the dimensions of such practices - Ensuring strict implementation of laws - 1989 Prevention of Atrocities Act full implementation - Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 - Value education - Emancipation from dirty occupations - Rationalisation of reservation system - so that all sections of Dalit community gets an opportunity to be uplifted. - Economic independence **Conclusion** - Thus, despite various social and legal efforts, untouchability persists in some form or other. --- **Q2\. Write short notes on tribes as ideal types. (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - Max Weber used the Ideal type as a methodological tool to understand and analyze social reality. They are mental constructs and pure types that rarely occur in reality. **Main Body** Tribes as ideal Types- - Kinship is an important instrument of social bonds among the tribals - There is a lack of a clearly defined hierarchy - There is absence of strong, formal and complex organization - Communitarian basis of land holding, therefore lack of private property - Little value to the accumulation of capital and market trading - They live in geographically secluded areas - Endogamous - United in language and recognizing social distance from other tribes or castes. - They practice an animistic religion. However, the above-mentioned ideal typical features do not conform to reality because- - Tribals in India are highly heterogeneous. - Some tribes, like Jarawas of Andaman, are highly underdeveloped, whereas Meena of Rajasthan and Negi of Himachal are assimilated in the mainstream. - Some tribes speak Dravidian and Hindi languages. - Against the belief of animism, tribes also practice Christianity, idol worship, etc. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing: Sociology (Day 24) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-sociology-day-24/ Last updated: 2024-10-31T19:13:31.000Z ### Questions 1. “Village in India is not merely a spatial unit, but it is a miniature Indian society in miniature”. In light of this statement, discuss the idea of the ‘Indian Village’. (10 Marks) 2. “Caste is not a form of stratification, but a special form of inequality and hierarchy is the central tenet of this system.” Examine Louis Dumont’s notion of caste in light of this statement. (20 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 24)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 24).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/10/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-24-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. “Village in India is not merely a spatial unit, but it is a miniature Indian society in miniature”. In light of this statement, discuss the idea of the ‘Indian Village’. (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - Reference to Indian villages is found in many Indian texts since Vedic times, but during British rule, a systematic attempt was made to create the unique image of an Indian village. **Main Body** - Charles Metcalf treated the Indian Village community as an autonomous sociological isolate. He treated the village community as a little republic, a self-sufficient community. - The idea of colonial administrators about Indian villages was of an inner world with communal ownership of land, social harmony, patriarchal governance and being surrounded by hostile other villages. - Indian villages were described as closed, isolated systems and unchanging entities. - The orientalists (Book view) described the Indian village as an Idyllic social reality with a Varna system of caste hierarchy and complete functional integration between different occupational groups (castes). - The stereotypical image of the Indian village as a self-sufficient community was contested by Anthropological studies in the 1950s and 1960s. The findings of these village studies based on extensive fieldwork concluded that the Indian village was never self-sufficient; rather it always maintained links with the larger society and centres of Indian civilization. Migration and movement for work and trade, village exogamy, administrative linkages, inter-regional markets, inter-village economic ties, caste networks, fairs, festivals and other activities always served as the bridge with neighbouring villages and the larger society. - Scholars like M N Srinivas (Indian Villages), Mckim Marriott (Village India), D N Majumdar (Rural profiles), S C Dube (shamirpet) etc carried out field study. M N Srinivas advocated that Indian Villages were always a part of a wider entity and maintained social, political, economic ties at the regional level. - S C Dube argued that social differentiation was observed in village structure and hence they do not have a monolithic structure . **Conclusion** - Though some feminist like Uma Chakravarty criticized village study for not including gender angle, field view of village study reflected empirical reality in contrast to ideological category propounded by colonial administrators and orientalists. --- **Q2\. “Caste is not a form of stratification, but a special form of inequality and hierarchy is the central tenet of this system.” Examine Louis Dumont’s notion of caste in light of this statement. (20 Marks)** **Introduction** - Louis Dumont in 'Homo Hierarchicus' Caste system and its implications formulated theory on caste system. **Main Body** - In his seminal work he argues that ideology/values are basic principles of social organization. Also, he stated that traditional values are fundamentally different from modern values. - Traditional values like collectivism and hierarchy are different from modern values like individualism and equality. - According to him hierarchy present in society leads to religious ranking - And theses hierarchies are ritual hierarchy and are considered as purest type of hierarchy - Further hierarchy is based on division of society based on purity and pollution. This division further results in separateness, and division of labour. - Some occupations were considered as pure and were reserved for upper castes on the other hand polluted occupations are restricted to lower castes. - **Criticism:** - **Biased Views**: His concept was largely derived from the classical Hindu texts which were produced by the upper caste Brahmins. His views are proponents of the views of the upper caste. - **Faulty Rank System**: He established a definite rank of individual caste groups on an all-India basis. But practically these ranks were the result of Stereotype. The actual status of a particular caste differs according to local rules of pollution. The notion of ‘who pollutes and when it pollutes’ are highly variable from region to region. - His view has been criticised as a deterministic view of caste as per Andre Beteille. According to Beteille, the caste system is dynamic and continually changing. - Further his theory has been criticized as a Brahamanical view of the caste system. Few scholars considered his work an ideal theory. - According to Mckim Marriott ritual hierarchy is indirectly influenced by political and economic hierarchy. Hence his theory is away from empirical reality. **Conclusion** - But in spite of all these criticisms his theory has enriched the village study and caste system in India. Later researchers have used his theory in studying the Indian caste system. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing: Sociology (Day 23) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-sociology-day-23/ Last updated: 2024-10-31T19:02:37.000Z ### Questions 1. Discuss Yogendra Singh's thesis on the Modernization of Indian Tradition. And evaluate its applicability in the present-day context. (20 Marks) 2. How did the Anti-Brahmanical movements during the colonial period challenge and reshape existing social structures in India? (20 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 23)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 23).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/10/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-23-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Discuss Yogendra Singh's thesis on the Modernization of Indian Tradition. And evaluate its applicability in the present-day context. (20 Marks)** **Introduction** - Modernization is a value-laden concept that refers to a model of a progressive transition from a 'pre-modern' or 'traditional' to a 'modern' society. **Main Body** ![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXducR6dYD2roqxkbraaXpbf2Q1aexzS_nx0__daYz1LaMOCqic7vvSsS5bVjl71QJWuUhgM__oPPmaeA7mqUIp-OzkmcmL6leJR7anQSJShwAcrEtA6EFZZjlMhyQ7j3vQU0V9b-EpoRIjXLlvb-nn4eTM?key=7Wh9xg0ifJe_Oz3gIC52kA) - According to Yogendra Singh, the sources of modernization are either internal or endogenous or from outside society. - These two sources of modernization need to be analysed both at the levels of social structures and traditions. - Yogendra Singh makes his point very clear when he says that it is not necessary that the processes that bring social change in the society also bring change in the traditions. - He discussed two sources of social change and analysed their impact on the modernization of Indian tradition. - Social Change: 1. Orthogenetic (Internal) a) Buddhism, Jainism b) Bhakti, Sufi 2. heterogenetic (External) a) Islamic b) British - Yogendra Singh advocated that Orthogenetic sources of change was reformist in nature and did not bring modernization. - Islamisation does not have much impact on the modernization of Indian society as both are tradition directed society. He argued that Modernization in India started mainly with the western contact, especially through the establishment of British rule. It brought our far- reaching changes in culture and social structure of Indian society. - Present society Examples: - Legal system, urbanization, industrialization etc. Along with these modernization norms, structural modernization also took place like the rational bureaucratic system, judiciary, and army which have uniform character throughout the country. - Dipankar Gupta claimed that India has been undergoing modernization which can be termed as mistaken modernity. The growth of this process was selective and segmental. - In the present-day context, along with modernization, India has also been undergoing the process of rationalization. Primordial identity has transformed itself to suit the present needs of modernization. - Eg- use of caste in politics for mobilization, Khap panchayats, the practice of untouchability, sex-selective abortion etc are. **Conclusion** - Thus modernization in India has led to both continuities as well as change. It has also led to the reinforcement of tradition. --- **Q2\. How did the Anti-Brahmanical movements during the colonial period challenge and reshape existing social structures in India? (20 Marks)** **Introduction** - Anti-Brahminism or Anti-Manuvaad is the ideology of being opposed or expressing hostility towards the Brahminism, who are the priestly caste in Hinduism and traditionally the highest ranked social caste. Anti-Brahminism can manifest itself as the hatred, prejudice, or discrimination directed against Brahmins. **Main Body** Anti-Brahmanical movements during the colonial period were: - **Dalit movement:** In the traditional caste system, the lowest castes were at the bottom of the social ladder. They were subjected to various caste disabilities. The downtrodden Dalits raised various struggles to fight their social exploitation in all forms. Mahar movement, Ambedkar's advocacy etc were directed against Brahminism. - **SATYA Shodak samaj**: Mahatma **Jyotiba Phule** formed the Sayta Shodak Mandal in 1873 with the aim of liberating non-Brahmins from the clutches of Brahmanism. They totally rejected the Vedic tradition and the Aryan heritage. He regarded the Aryans as conquerors and destroyers of the indigenous non-Aryan culture. He launched a vigorous attack on the Vedas. He made fun of the puranas and ridiculed those who believed in the absurd stories narrated by their Brahmin authors. - **DRAVIDA KAZHAGAM MOVEMENT:** It was based on the rejection of the Brahmanical Aryan religion and culture. The DK movement in Tamil Nadu idealized the Dravidian culture and religion and attacked the Aryan culture and religion. The self-respect movement started by Ramaswamy Naickar advocated that his followers should have their own priests. The movement drew its support from low castes. Its leaders worked hard to escape the tyranny of the Brahmins and to extol the virtues of the Dravidian culture. - SNDP movement: It pertains to the Ezhavas of Kerala who were untouchables. The ideology of the movement was formulated by Sri Narayana Guru Swami. He gave them a new religion of one God and one caste which transformed their life>set of religious institutions parallel to that of the variety of Brahmanical Hinduism. **Conclusion** - Thus, Anti-Brahmanical movements during the colonial period attacked Brahmanic supremacy and all privileges granted to them. It intended to reform the society and generate self respect to those who were oppressed by caste hierarchy. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing: Sociology (Day 22) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-sociology-day-22/ Last updated: 2024-10-31T18:45:54.000Z ### Questions 1. “Srinivas initiated the tradition of basing macro-sociological generalizations on micro-anthropological insights.” Elucidate with reference to the thinker’s works. (20 Marks) 2. Present the Marxist analysis of Indian nationalism. (20 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 22)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 22).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/10/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-22-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. “Srinivas initiated the tradition of basing macro-sociological generalizations on micro-anthropological insights.” Elucidate with reference to the thinker’s works. (20 Marks)** **Introduction** - M.N. Srinivas, a renowned Indian sociologist and anthropologist, made significant contributions to both fields by bridging the gap between macro-sociological generalisations and micro-anthropological insights. - He was instrumental in introducing ethnographic methods into sociological research, allowing for a deeper understanding of Indian society at both the macro and micro levels. **Main Body** **M.N. Srinivas’s work:** - "Social Change in Modern India" (1956): - In this seminal work, Srinivas conducted extensive fieldwork in the Rampura village of Karnataka, using ethnographic methods to study the impact of modernization and social change on Indian rural society. - He highlighted the concept of "Sanskritization," wherein lower-caste groups emulate the customs, rituals, and practices of higher castes to improve their social status. - This micro-level analysis provided insights into the mechanisms of social mobility and cultural diffusion in Indian villages. - "Caste in Modern India and Other Essays" (1962): - One of the notable essays, "The Dominant Caste in Rampura," explored the dynamics of power and dominance in the village's social structure. - He studied the interplay between dominant and non-dominant caste groups, emphasizing how the dominance of a particular caste influences local politics and resource distribution. This micro-anthropological insight shed light on broader questions of caste and power relations in Indian society. - "The Remembered Village" (1976): - In this classic ethnographic work, Srinivas revisited Rampura after three decades to examine the continuity and change in the village. - He traced the transformation of traditional institutions and practices under the impact of modernization. By focusing on the lives of individual villagers and their experiences, Srinivas presented a nuanced understanding of how macro-level social changes affect the micro-level experiences of individuals and communities. - "Village, Caste, Gender, and Method: - Essays in Indian Social Anthropology" (1996): This collection of essays delves into various aspects of Indian society, including village life, caste dynamics, and gender relations. - Srinivas's use of micro-anthropological insights enriched the study of these subjects, enabling him to make broader sociological generalizations about the functioning of Indian society. **Conclusion** - Srinivas's approach has influenced subsequent generations of sociologists and anthropologists in India, encouraging them to adopt a holistic and interdisciplinary perspective in studying society. - His work remains relevant and valuable for scholars interested in the intersection of sociology and anthropology, providing a comprehensive understanding of social change and continuity in India. --- **Q2\. Present the Marxist analysis of Indian nationalism. (20 Marks)** **Introduction** - Marxist analysis of Indian nationalism seeks to understand the historical development of the nationalist movement in India and its connection to the broader socioeconomic and political context. **Main Body** Some key elements of the Marxist analysis of Indian nationalism are as follows: - Colonial Exploitation and Capitalism: - exploitative nature of colonial rule, marked by economic exploitation and cultural suppression, created the conditions for resistance and collective identity formation among Indians. - Bourgeoisie and Nationalism: - The bourgeoisie sought to assert its economic interests against British colonial rule and gain political power to further its economic objectives. - Anti-Imperialist Struggle: - The Marxist analysis recognizes the anti-imperialist nature of the nationalist movement, with leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, and others mobilizing the masses against colonial exploitation. - Class Struggles within Nationalism: - While the bourgeoisie sought political independence to advance its capitalist interests, the working class and rural peasants had different aspirations and demands. These class contradictions shaped the trajectory of the nationalist struggle. - Peasant and Worker Movements: - The exploitation of rural and urban labor by both British colonialists and Indian landlords and industrialists led to collective resistance movements. - Nationalism and Social Transformation: - Independence and Capitalist Development: - Marxists contend that India's independence in 1947 did not lead to a fundamental transformation of the socioeconomic system. Instead, it resulted in the consolidation of capitalist development, with the bourgeoisie assuming power and continuing the exploitation of the working class and rural masses. - Critique of Post-Independence Policies: - Marxist analysis also critiques the post-independence policies of the Indian state, particularly those that favored capitalist development at the expense of marginalized and oppressed sections of society. **Conclusion** - The Marxist perspective emphasizes the need for a broader social transformation to address structural inequalities and create a more just and equitable society. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing: Sociology (Day 21) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-sociology-day-21/ Last updated: 2024-10-31T18:35:12.000Z ### Questions 1. “Technology is the key to understanding social change today.” Critically analyse. (10 Marks) 2. Ghurye argued that the whole Indian society is caste based and even tribals are part of it. Elaborate. (20 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 21)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 21).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/10/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-21-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. “Technology is the key to understanding social change today.” Critically analyse. (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - Define Social Change - Technology is a product of civilization. According to Karl Marx even the formation of social relations and mental conceptions and attitudes are dependent upon technology. - Veblen has regarded technology as the sole explanation of social change. - W.F Ogburn says technology changes society by changing our environments to which we in turn adapt. This change is usually in the material environment and the adjustment that we make with these changes often modifies customs and social institutions. - Technology and Social Institutions: - Many functions of the family have been taken away by other agencies. - Marriage is losing its sanctity. It is treated as a civil contract rather than a sacred bond. Marriages are becoming more and more unstable. Instances of divorce, desertion and separation are increasing. - Technology has elevated the status of women but it has also contributed to the stresses and strains in the relations between men and women at home. - Religion is losing hold over the members. People are becoming more secular, rational and scientific but less religious in their outlook. Inventions and discoveries in science have shaken the foundations of religion. - The function of the state or the field of state activity has been widened. Modern technology has made the states perform such functions as the protection of the aged, the weaker section and the minorities making provision for education, health care etc. Transportation and communication inventions are leading to a shift of functions from local government to the central government of the whole state. - The modern inventions have also strengthened nationalism. The modern governments that rule through the bureaucracy have further impersonalized human relations. - The most striking change in modern times is the change in economic organisation. Industry has been taken away from the household and new type of economic organisations have been set up such as factories, stores, banks, corporations etc. **Conclusions** - Conclude on the lines of the answer. --- **Q2\. Ghurye argued that the whole Indian society is caste-based, and even tribals are part of it. Elaborate. (20 Marks)** **Introduction** - Ghurye believed in the diffusionist approach, according to which caste originated in Gangetic plains and then spread to other parts of the country. He examined caste from Indological, comparative and integrative perspectives. **Main body** - According to Ghurye caste, though it originated in plains, it was a pan Indian phenomenon. Even tribes are also part of the system. - His views were in contrast to the colonial view, which saw both tribes and caste as two different concepts. - To him tribals are ‘backward Hindus’ who gradually lost cultural contact leading to backwardness. - Integration of tribals with mainstream Hindu society - He opposed the colonial view of isolating tribals and argued that they should be assimilated in mainstream Hindu society. - Various tribes are at various levels of assimilation in Hindu society. Few of them took education and are making shifts in their ritual dimensions to embrace Hindu culture, thus there is no need for a separate tribal identity for them. - He presented examples of Bhils and Gonds of central India who over generations have accepted and assimilated into Hindu culture. - Some others remained loosely integrated and the rest living in deep forests and hills were barely touched by Hinduism. He called them ‘imperfectly integrated classes of Hindu Society’. - He argued that Hinduization of tribes is to be done for the process of development and for that ‘grand process of merger’ is to be followed. - Andre Beteille was also of the view that tribe and caste are similar as there are little racial and language differences. - Ghurye is criticised: - For his over-Hinduised view of Indian society. - He took a favourable view of caste and failed to see its dehumanising aspect. **Conclusion** - Ghurye visualised tribals as part of the larger Indian society and opposed the British view of isolation. This, in turn, was a pioneering step towards the integration and assimilation of tribes into mainstream society. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing: Sociology (Day 20) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-sociology-day-20/ Last updated: 2024-10-31T18:26:37.000Z ### Questions 1. Critically examine the cultural theories of social change with suitable examples. (20 Marks) 2. Discuss some of the striking issues of development-induced imbalances that need urgent attention. (20 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 20)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 20).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/10/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-20-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Critically examine the cultural theories of social change with suitable examples. (20 Marks)** **Introduction** - Social change is essentially a process of alteration with no reference to the quality of change. - Changes in society are related/linked to changes in culture, so that it would be sometimes useful to talk about ‘socio-cultural change. **Main Body** - Sociologists, however, differentiate between social change and cultural change. Social change is defined as alterations in the social structure, (including the changes in the size of society) or in particular social institutions, or in the relationship between institutions. They feel that social change refers mainly to actual human behaviour. Cultural change, on the other hand, refers to variation in cultural phenomena such as knowledge and ideas, art, religion, moral doctrines, values, beliefs, symbol systems and so on. - Changes can take a cyclical pattern, e.g. when there is the recurrence of centralisation and decentralisation in administrative organisations. It can also be revolutionary. Revolutionary change can be seen when there is an overthrow of the government in a particular nation. **Cyclical Theories** - The basic premise of the cyclical theories is: cultures and civilisations pass through stages of change, starting and often ending with the same stage. This passing through stages is called a cycle. The cycle, when completed, repeats itself over and over again. The ancient civilisations in Greece, China and India for instance, can be explained by the principle of cycles. - Some cyclical theorists are pessimistic in that they think that decay is inevitable. Oswald Spengler (1945) believed that every society is born, matures, decays and eventually dies. The Roman Empire rose to power and then gradually collapsed. The British empire grew strong, and then deteriorated. Spengler believed that social change may take the form of progress or of decay, but that no society lives forever. --- **Q2\. Discuss some of the striking issues of development-induced imbalances that need urgent attention. (20 Marks)** **Introduction** - Development is a change on account of best use of technological and economic capabilities. **Main Body** - Various socio-cultural changes are accompanied with it and it provides various options to man to fulfill his needs. However, if the fruits of development are enjoyed by few regions or few sections of society then this results in several imbalances in society. Some of such issues are discussed below: - In order to achieve rapid economic growth, India has invested in industrial projects, dams, roads, mines, power plants etc which have been made possible only through massive acquisition of land and subsequent displacement of people. Many times adequate compensation is not paid. Lack of proper rehabilitation also adds to the misery. - Green revolution has been a big success in Punjab and Haryana. Socio-economic status of people in these areas had improved significantly. However, this success story was not replicated in other parts of India. This has created regional imbalance. - Economic overheads like transport and communication facilities, power, technology, banking and insurance etc. are considered very important for the development of a particular region. - Due to adequacy of such economic overheads, some regions are getting a special favour in respect of settlement of some developmental projects whereas due to inadequacy of such economic overheads, some regions of the country, viz., North- Eastern Region, Himachal Pradesh etc. remained much backward as compared to other developed regions of the country. - Moreover, new investment in the private sector has a general tendency to concentrate much on those regions having basic infrastructural facilities. - Adverse climate and proneness to flood are also responsible factors for poor rate of economic development of different regions of the country as reflected by low agricultural productivity and lack of industrialization. Thus these natural factors have resulted in uneven growth of different regions of India. - Such a scenario has provided space for various issues. For example- - Regionalism - Son of soil doctrine - Demand for new states - Caste conflicts - Issue of Naxalism, secessionist tendencies, etc - Demand for OBC status and reservation - Rise of regional parties - Communal violence **Conclusion** - The root cause of these issues is inequitable access to the fruits of development. Such issues need to be addressed so as to maintain peace and harmony in society. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Write UnLimited | Closing on 30th October URL: https://www.upscprep.com/write-unlimited-closing-on-30th-october/ Last updated: 2024-10-29T06:24:34.000Z Hi, > We launched our [Write UnLimited Course](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/write-unlimited-course-1-year/?ref=upscprep.com) in July this year and it was a instant hit. On popular demand we had re-launched it JUST for a week. And the admissions to this course will be closed tomorrow i.e. 30th Oct 2024\. 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Though lineage and descent are often used interchangeably, are they interrelated? (10 Marks) 2. Patriarchy is not a social fact but a product of socialisation. Comment. (10 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 19)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 19).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/10/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-19-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Though lineage and descent are often used interchangeably, are they interrelated? (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - Define lineage and descent - Lineage is understood as a 'principle' on the basis of which alignment or inheritance is chosen in a linear fashion. Most common forms of which are — patrilineage and matrilineage. - Descent (called Vansha in traditional Indian system) is the principle whereby a person is socially affiliated with the group of his or her parents, grandparents and so on. **Main Body** - Descent is the relationship between an individual and their ancestors through blood (consanguinity), marriage (affinity), or adoption. - That is, descent is a way of tracing one‘s ancestors - Lineage is group of people who share a common descent - Descent and lineage are inter-related in that, In the case of lineage, one can trace one's ancestors whereas in case of descent one often fails to trace one's ancestors and the ancestor could be substituted by a mythical one symbolising the origin of one's descent. - Types of descent: - Ambilineal Descent: Tracing an individual‘s descent either through the father or mother as chosen by the individual. - Bilateral Descent: Tracing an individual‘s descent simultaneously through the father‘s and mother‘s line, where all ancestors by blood (consanguinity) are considered related. - Bilineal Descent: Tracing an individual‘s descent through the father‘s male line and the mother‘s female line. - Unilineal Descent: Tracing an individual‘s descent either through the father (patrilineal) or mother (matrilineal), but never both. - Matrilineal Descent: Tracing descent through the mother‘s side of the family - Patrilineal Descent: Tracing descent through the father‘s side of the family. - Importance of tracing one’s lineage: - Property rights - For religious purposes. **Conclusion** - Tracing one‘s lineage has come under the influence of modernity. There are DNA testing companies who can trace a person‘s lineage and ethnicity. This shows the relevance of concepts of lineage and descent. --- **Q2\. Patriarchy is not a social fact but a product of socialisation. Comment. (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - **Sylvia Walby** defined patriarchy as “a system of social structure and practices in which men dominate, oppress and exploit women”. At the level of family, the sexuality of women is under the control of her brothers and father and it is considered their responsibility. **Main Body** - Patriarchy is a social structure in which men exercise authority and dominance. There is control over women’s production, reproduction, and inheritance. - As a result, gender binaries are created, and gender roles and relations are based on power and inequality. - Traditional gender roles cast men as strong, decisive, rational and protective while women are seen as emotional, irrational, weak, nurturing and submissive. This is perpetuated through the process of socialization in which social norms, customs and ideologies are inherited and disseminated. - Leela Dubey (2009) explained the same from observational studies of brothers in South Asian countries. The patriarchal norms are reinforced through practice which in turn perpetuates the values of patriarchy. So the socialization process reinforces the inequality of gender in a patriarchal society. **Role of Adults** - Jefri Rubin and his co-workers in a research in 1974 found that parents behave with their children based on their gender role traits. - According to parents' stereotype expectations from sons and daughters often are shown that gender roles socialization of children are simplified using toys and clichés clothes choice. - In another way, parents enhance the gender roles of their children by choosing methods of children's overall participation in doing house work. For example girls are used for works such as cleaning up, setting the table and washing and boys are used in objects transporting, gardening etc - So the adults as a socialisation factor, transfer gender inequality to their children and the patriarchy established in society. **Role of Media** - In another way, mass media such as books, magazines, radio, TV, internet, cinema etc. have an essential role in socialisation. In most media, women should act in a separate way in comparison to men. - Usually in children's stories, men perform amazing activities and active roles while girls are generally limited and act passive. - Usually in children's stories, men perform amazing activities and active roles while girls are generally limited and act passive. **Role of friends** School and friends as socialisation agents also directly and indirectly produce and reproduce gender roles in children and enhance patriarchy. **Patriarchy is a social fact** - According to Durkheim, a social fact consists of collective thoughts and shared expectations that influence individual actions. Patriarchy is a social fact: - It is external to the individual. - It exercises constraints on the individual. - It has a generalized perception that is understood by all individuals in the same manner. - It is independent of the will of the individual. **Conclusion** - **Leela Dubey** observed that in matrilineal societies, there is greater tolerance and less control over female sexuality. It is important to note that there is no absence of control but less control. Thus, patriarchy can be considered both a social fact and a product of socialization. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing: Sociology (Day 18) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-sociology-day-18/ Last updated: 2024-10-26T05:41:29.000Z ### Questions 1. Fundamentalism and communalism are tributaries and the distributaries of the same river. Comment. (20 Marks) 2. Industrialisation has had an effect on the family structure and consequently impacted kinship relations. Discuss. (10 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 18)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 18).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/10/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-18-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Fundamentalism and communalism are tributaries and the distributaries of the same river. Comment. (20 Marks)** **Introduction** - Fundamentalism refers to the form of a religion that upholds belief in the strict, literal interpretation of scripture whereas Communalism attempts to construct religious or ethnic identity, incite strife between people identified as different communities and to stimulate communal violence between these groups. **Main Body** - Fundamentalism and communalism have certain ideological elements in common. - They both attack separation of religion from state and politics. - They believe in supremacy of their religion and do not feel any religion is equal to theirs. - Both oppose the concept of equal truth in all religions or the unity of different religions. - Both advocate control over education by the followers of the dominant religion. - Difference between the two: | Fundamentalism | Communalism | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Fundamentalism aims to establish a normative order through various means, from wars to speeches to peaceful mentions.Fundamentalism stresses the infallibility of scriptures.T N Madan argues that fundamentalist movements are led by charismatic leaders.Fundamentalists’ movements are reactive and respond to what the persons involved, like the leaders and participants consider a crisis.The pursuit of political power is very important to fundamentalists. | Communalism aims to establish its supremacy through violence that often involves hatred.Communalism is a strong allegiance to one’s own ethnic group rather than to a society.Communalists have a mass psyche. Communalism becomes apparent only on certain occasions. It may not be sustained like fundamentalism as a movement.Communalism emerges when conflicts of interest and a sense of insecurity and suspicion exist in one or both groups.Communalism is more protective of its own rights and beliefs. | --- **Q2\. Industrialisation has had an effect on the family structure and consequently impacted kinship relations. Discuss. (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - Industrialisation refers to the shift from an agricultural economy to one that is based on factory production. - Industrialisation led to the growth of urban centres and had a significant impact on traditional families. **Main Body** - Before industrialisation, families were units of production and considered to be multifunctional. - After industrialisation and urbanisation, families could not perform all the functions they had to before and some of them were taken over by other institutions. - Families continued to reproduce only main functions and became isolated nuclear as Parsons suggested in his research. - Family became a unit of consumption. - Further, the industrialization demanded higher geographical mobility which led to a reduction of kinship network and the appearance of a nuclear family which was better fitted to that time. - Families didn't need such support that they needed before from their relatives. Also the appearance of social mobility gave people opportunities to get higher qualifications and created division of labour. - Both these processes changed not only the structure of the family but also relationships within families. Women and children were stepped aside from work in order to perform family’s functions and men were seen as breadwinners. - And if Functionalists see these changes in family structure necessary in order to cope with all the changes around and be the best fit for the society, Marxists see them differently. They see the main function of the family is reproducing the social conditions and the appearance of new forms of families with these processes will help to better reproduce labour power, give emotional support for workers and help children to socialise in the world of inequality. - For feminists, Oakley, industrialisation gave the beginning of women's primary role as caretakers and domestic laborers. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing: Sociology (Day 17) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-sociology-day-17/ Last updated: 2024-10-26T05:41:49.000Z ### Questions 1. Are social movements always influenced by ideologies? Discuss. (10 Marks) 2. Critically analyze the functionalist view of religion. (20 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 17)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 17).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/10/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-17-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Are social movements always influenced by ideologies? Discuss.** (**10 Marks)** **Introduction** - Definition of Social movements - Collective actions, guided by values and norms, mobilisation of resources, leadership and ideology. **Main Body** - Social movements guided by Ideology: - Social movements are a reaction to maintenance of status quo and initiation of social change. It can be in the form of protest, collective mobilization. Marx considers that social movement is revolution driven by true class consciousness of workers for establishment of communism. This substantiated the ideological premise of social change. (EXAMPLES - Labour union movement, Naxalite Movements, Regionalism promoting movements, Dalit movements, Socio religious reform movement etc) - Sociology as not ideology specific: - Max Weber considers that SM are not ideological specific but also based on type of leadership, change in value system, education etc. - Various scholars consider that social movements are the product of political isolation or economic disparity. - Rajni Kothari considers that the green revolution, CDPs have contributed to the rise of multi party system which contributed for social movement against single party system at the centre and thus gave rise to coalition system. - Guha and Gadgil consider that social movements are environmental movements which are issue specific and parochial in nature. - While Smelser considers that social movements are influenced by structural conduciveness, appropriate resources, participation, media campaigns, technology etc. **Conclusion** - Therefore it can be advocated that social movements are dynamic and participative and transformed from ideological based to issue based and this can be gauged from Anti Corruption movement, Anti Posco movement, Narmada Bachao Andolan, RTI movement for the growth of inclusive society. --- **Q2\. Critically analyze the functionalist view of religion. (20 Marks)** **Introduction** - According to Functionalism, religion acts as a conservative force by reinforcing social norms and promoting social solidarity. Functionalists contend that religion serves several functions in society. **Main Body** **Emile Durkheim** - Studied Totemism among Australian Aboriginal clans in which the sacred totem represented different clans. - Religious symbols are simultaneously symbols of God and Society, and thus when people worship religion they are also ‘worshiping society’, religious symbols serve as a simplified representation of a more complex whole, reminding individuals that they are merely small and part of a much ‘bigger picture’. - Religion acts as a constraining (conservative) force: through religious worship (ceremonies) the ‘collective conscience’ is imprinted on the individual: they literally ‘feel’ the weight of the community on them. - Religion reinforces a sense of belonging and shared identity to society. **Bronisław Malinowski-** - Religion helps individuals to deal with the psychological stresses which occur in times of social change – such as births, marriage and deaths. Beliefs can help people ‘make sense of death for example and can act as a source of catharsis for the bereaved. - Religious rituals also help society through the disruption to social order caused by life- changing events such as death. - Religion helps people deal with situations that they cannot predict or control – e.g. the Trobriand Islanders used religious rituals when fishing in the dangerous, unpredictable ocean, but not the calm lagoons. - Unlike Durkheim does not see religion as reflecting society as a whole, nor does he see religious ritual as ‘worshiping society’. **Talcott Parsons** - Saw the main function of religion as being the maintenance of social order. - Religion promotes value consensus: many legal systems are based on religious morals for example. - Like Malinowski, Parsons saw religious beliefs and rituals as helping maintain social order in times of social change (such as death) and to help individuals make sense of unpredictable events. - Religion can also help people make sense of contradictory events. **Criticisms of the Functionalist Perspective on Religion** - Religion does not always promote harmony: it can promote conflict: there may be conflicts within religion, or between religions for example. - Ignores the role religion can play in promoting social change. - Secularisation means that religion performs fewer functions today: thus functionalism may be less relevant. - Evidence on Totemism is unsound/unreliable. Even if Durkheim is right about Totemism for the clans, this does not prove that this works for all other religions. - Applies better to smaller-scale societies with a single religion. It is harder to apply to larger- scale societies where 2 or more religious communities (religious pluralism) may be in conflict. His theory does not explain the conflict between communities, only integration. - Theories cannot be applied to modern society due to diversity. - Ignore religion as a source of conflict. - Neglects dysfunctional aspects of religion e.g. the oppression of women or the poor. - Marxism – religion is an oppressive force that creates a false collective conscience stopping the working class from seeing inequality e.g. in Animal Farm, Moses is religion. - Feminism – religion is patriarchal and oppresses women. - Postmodernism – symbols have lost their meaning. Therefore, religion no longer matters. It is outdated as society is now much more secular. **Conclusion** - The functionalist views of religion are relevant in contemporary times in its function of maintaining collective solidarity and cohesion. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing: Sociology (Day 16) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-sociology-day-16/ Last updated: 2024-10-26T05:42:02.000Z ### Questions 1. How does the concept of the "circulation of elites" explain the dynamic shifts in leadership and power within societies? (10 Marks) 2. Civil society and democracy mutually reinforce one another. Evaluate. (10 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 16)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 16).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/10/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-16-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. How does the concept of the "circulation of elites" explain the dynamic shifts in leadership and power within societies?** (**10 Marks)** - The concept of *‘Circulation of elite*’. It can be explained in at least two ways. One of them is that the ‘circulation of the elite’ is the process in which one elite replaces the other. - The second reference is the movement of people from non-elite groups to elite groups and vice-versa. - This theory is the major contribution by **Vilfredo Pareto** who described elites as the strongest, most energetic and capable of both good and evil. - He mentioned them in occupying a higher stratum, for example, in the economic approach they are wealthy enough than any other class of people, in the political approach they are the rulers of all, in the religious approach they are most holy in nature, in the ethical approach they are more virtuous among everyone around them. This clears the idea of the circulation of the elite in all the phrases of societal divisions. - The elite class people are minorities who are observed to have the talent, intelligence, ability, and leadership to occupy positions of power. These minorities sometimes influence government decisions and gain dominant positions in society. - When looking at all these “*elite drama*” in society with all classes of people, the immoral side of other people can never be ignored. When these upper-class people are acting for the benefit of improving themselves, there is a set of people suffering from such competition. This usually is the result of the circulation of the elite as this not only predicts the circumstance of the elite class but also the context of people out of these minority groups. - According to scholars, every society has class division leading to differentiating them as elite and non-elite. Further the elite group has been categorised into governing elite and the non-governing elite. - With such classification and following the Machiavellian rule, the sociologist **Pareto** illustrated this with the example of Lion and Foxes. - The characteristics of elite members, treating them as a gifted group of people, keep them in a higher position by giving them all the power and authority to make differences in society that eventually affect the non-elite members also. This concept gives a strong analysis of the theory of the circulation of the elite. **Conclusion** - According to the scholars, the effect on the non-elite has not been given much importance as the theory concentrates more on explaining the significant role played by the elite class in society. --- **Q2\. Civil society and democracy mutually reinforce one another. Evaluate. (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - According to the World Bank: “Civil society refers to a wide array of organisations: community groups, non-governmental organisations \[NGOs\], labour unions, indigenous groups, charitable organisations, faith-based organisations, professional associations, and foundations.” - Democracy refers to the form of government ruled by its own people. The country’s citizens are solely responsible for the formation of a governing body by exercising their power to directly elect their representative by majority rule. Civil society diversified into many roles and today it is seen as representing, in true sense, the 'people's power'. - According to Tocqueville, civil society plays a key role in the decentralisation of governance and democratic governance. This activity not only affects society but the country also is based on the institutions of democracy and the process of the country. - According to Cox, civil society is seen as an arena to fight for and construct an alternative mode of democracy, in accordance with the needs of particular social classes in exclusion. - According to Robert Putnam, the role of civil society is closely related to social capital, that is through norms and networks to enhance the quality of life, which both can build trust and reciprocity in achieving goals with collective actions. Both civil society and democracy work in tandem to make each other more effective and efficient. The various areas where civil society acts as a promoter and advances democratic ideals and principles are - Public Education: Awareness is key to any democratic system. An informed citizenry can sustain effective democracy. Civic associations can contribute a lot by raising public awareness and understanding of worldwide existing laws and regulatory institutions. - Voice to Stakeholders: Civil society is an advocate of the weaker sections point of view. Civic associations approach the concerned parties in the neglected social circles like poor, women, or SC's and ST's to relay information, testimonials and analysis to government agencies about their needs and demands. - Policy Inputs: Government policy formulation is considerably influenced from the inputs given by the civil society not only at home but also in the international area. For e.g. civic groups have been pioneers in sparking debates about ecological imbalances, poverty and its related ill effects, etc. - Transparency of Governance: Vigilant civic mobilisation ensures transparency in governance. Constant pressure from civil society has led to bringing in regulatory frameworks and operations into the open, where they could be accessed for public scrutiny. - Public Accountability: Civic groups keep eye on the implementation and effect of policies regarding people, and press for corrective measures when the consequences are adverse. Civil society working at the global level in the World Bank or IMF have often pushed authorities in global governance to take greater responsibility for their actions and policies. - Legitimacy: The sum total of the preceding action of civil society could lead to a legitimate democratic rule. Legitimate rule prevails when people concede that an authority has a right to govern and that they have a duty to obey its directives. **Conclusion** - Thus Civil society and democracy share a symbiotic relation between each other. Civil society can maintain or establish a democracy in a country that is based on its function. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing: Sociology (Day 15) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-sociology-day-15/ Last updated: 2024-10-26T05:42:14.000Z ### Questions 1. Explain the research of the Human Relations School on the social organisation of the work. (10 Marks) 2. Write a short note on the Formalisation and Informalisation of the labour force. (10 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 15)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 15).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/10/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-15-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Explain the research of the Human Relations School on the social organisation of the work. (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - Research by Elton Mayo at the General Electric Company in Chicago which was named by him as a Hawthorne experiment concluded that group relationship and management worker communication is far more important in determining behaviour than physical condition. **Main body** - Employee behaviour depends primarily on the social and organisational circumstances of work. Leadership style, group cohesion and job satisfaction are major determinants. - Employees work better if they are given tasks - Standards set internally by working groups influence more than management - Individual workers cannot be treated in isolation but to be seen as members of a group. - Monetary incentives and good working conditions are less important than belonging to a group. - Managers must be aware of the social needs of the employees and thus employees will collaborate with the official organisation rather than work against it. - Criticism - The study lacks a scientific base. - The sample size was very small. - Employees were under observation might impact their behaviour. **Conclusion** - Human relations school approach and four sizes more on social conditions inside as well as outside the organisation - Thus to establish emotional bonds with employees, today organisations arrange cultural festivals on lines of human relation schools suggestions. --- **Q2\. Write a short note on the Formalisation and Informalisation of the labour force. (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - Define the characteristics of the Informal Labour force - low skills, low paid employment, easy entry, immigrant labour etc. - However evidence of such progress is not seen, moreover the informal labour force itself is getting characterised into formal one. **Main Body** - Informal sector works in closed-circuit with formal - dependence of the latter one on the former. - Organised sector itself is getting informalised through contractualization, actualization and outsourcing of labour. There are workers who are equally or more educated and skilled, work better and even longer in so many of the organised sectors, for example electricians, AC servicemen, cleaners, though they work in the formal sector they do not get any social benefits as formal employees. - Role of globalisation and reorganization of production change led to a situation where production systems are becoming increasingly non-standard and flexible, which is engaged in temporary and part time employment. For example - recent labour reports show that there is increasing working from home at higher levels of professional suffering from and seasonality of work and lack of social security benefits as the work on short term contracts. - These flexible workers in new informal economy are vulnerable in terms of job security and social protections. - They fail to derive any of the social protection measures calculated in the existing labour legislation. - Formalisation of informal sector. - New Labour Codes giving basic rights and social security to labourers in the informal sector. - Companies like Zomato extending the formal benefits to gig workers. **Conclusion** - Therefore the informal labour force is not only working in the informal sector but under the very ages of the formal sector also. - Gig economy. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing: Sociology (Day 14) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-sociology-day-14/ Last updated: 2024-10-26T05:42:31.000Z ### Questions 1. Examine gender, ethnicity and race as major dimensions of social stratification. (20 Marks) 2. Education is often viewed as an agency of social change. However, in reality, it could also reinforce inequalities and Conservatism. Discuss. (20 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 14)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 14).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/10/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-14-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Examine gender, ethnicity and race as major dimensions of social stratification. (20 Marks)** **Introduction** - Social stratification is a kind of social differentiation whereby a society groups people into socio-economic strata, based upon their occupation and income, wealth and social status, or derived power. **Main Body** - Gender, Ethnicity and Race are the three major dimensions of Social Stratification. It is explained one by one in the following section: **Social Stratification of Gender** - Gender is one of the most elementary forms of stratification. - Functionalists like Mudrock and Parsons considered this as natural. They believed that men are the breadwinners and women are expected to take the household chores. - This natural role thesis has come under attack as the traditional patriarchal division of labour is being slowly turned on its head. - Women are attached to two fold stratification i.e. relation to men and relation to other women. - The unequal access to resources, opportunities and rewards are legitimised by patriarchy and reinforced through its institutions. - Marxist school of thought sees female subordination as a result of private property and consequent adoption of monogamy. - Blackburn and Stewart explain that women going to work itself doesn’t ensure gender equality because women are often employed in part-time and low paid jobs. Occupational segregation reinforces stratification in society. - Feminist scholars, such as Joan Acker, have criticized “traditional” stratification research, which has mostly ignored gender altogether **Social Stratification of Race** - Race as a biological concept refers to a large category of people who share certain inherited physical characteristics like colour of skin, type of hair, facial features and size of head. - Sociologists view race as merely an ideological construct based on physical differences. - It was also used as a tool of domination, discrimination and spreading inequality in the form of racial stratification. - Joseph Arthur De Gobineau in the middle of 19th century gave the first major racial classification in terms of three distinct groups which were White (Caucasian), Black (Negroid) and Yellow (Mongolian).He also attached notions of superiority and inferiority with these races. - Use of exclusionary methods like ghettos, intermarriage restrictions and social distance maintenance gives a practical shape to ethnocentrism. - From conflict perspective, racial stratification is seen as a product of the capitalist system in which ruling class used slavery, colonization and racism as tools for exploiting labor. - Rudyard Kipling's White Man’s Burden theory. **Social stratification of Ethnicity** - While race is perceived as biological, ethnicity is purely cultural or social in its meaning. - An ethnic group may have a common language, history, national origin or lifestyle. - Balkanization of Europe, conflicts in Africa, tribal rivalries of the Indian sub continent are attributed to ethnic problems. - Paul Brass (1991) discusses three ways of classifying ethnic groups: a) in terms of objective attributes, b) by reference to subjective feelings and c) in relation to behaviour. - Writers like Glazer (1975) have contended that not only does ethnic feelings cease to exist in a modern society, but is actually ‘revived’ and what is more is that increasing - The importance of ethnic identities or ethnicization can be attributed to the rising conditions of modernization. - Ethnicity is a search for an identity by a group and a demand that this identity be publicly acknowledged. - However, it also has a practical aim for that group, namely, the demand for progress, for a rising standard of living, for a more effective political order and greater social justice. **Conclusion** - Some theorists have argued that with time the intensity of stratification will weaken and on the other side few have shed light on the functionality of stratification. A balance has to be reached so that stratification does not endanger individual selfhood and national integrity and, in turn, individualism and nationalism do not pose a threat to individual identities. --- **Q2\. Education is often viewed as an agency of social change. However, in reality, it could also reinforce inequalities and Conservatism. Discuss.** (**20 Marks)** **Introduction** - Social change is defined as a change in values, ideology, institution, structure, human interactions and interrelations in a society. **Main Body** - Education is the most powerful instrument of social change. It is through education that society can bring desirable changes and modernize itself. - Education can transform society by providing opportunities and experiences through which the individual can cultivate him/herself for adjustment with the emerging needs and philosophy of the changing society. - Education as a factor of social change is discussed by the various schools of thoughts. - **Functionalists** like Durkheim and Talcott Parsons established a positive relationship between education and social change. - While Durkheim argued that education prepared students for taking up a future role in capitalist society, Parsons advocated that schools in capitalist America offer adequate training to the children to get into the job market. - Davis and Moore in their theory of stratification advocated that highly specialized persons get high degrees of specialization and are endowed with exclusive qualities to fit into the highly challenging and most productive occupations. They are instrumental in the economic progress and social development of the nation. As a result, the values like self-orientation, individualism, achievement, competition, universalism, innovation, conformity to legal provisions of society and equality has predominated the thought of every generation. - **However**, Education also reinforces inequalities and conservatism. - Pierre Bourdieu, in his theory of social & cultural reproduction says that education preaches equality but practises reinforcement of hierarchy & inequality. - The children belonging to an upper class having control over economic, cultural and social capital enter into high profitable occupations and this success is legitimized by the school. - Education offers no scope for mobility and mass education is given to masses but exclusive education important for the job market is monopolized by the upper class. - The argument of Bourdieu is supported by Bowels and Gintis who advocated that schools in capitalist America are class-based rather than egalitarian. It provides the least opportunity for mobility. The children belonging to lower class get into low privilege schools and subsequently get into low paid jobs. - Andre Beteille in his article advocates that it is not the principle of equality or economic interest or search for mobility that put people into schools rather entry into school and success into school is greatly defined by family, kinship, religion or other cultural variables. The role of education in encompassing mobility cannot be universally similar. In every society, various forms of compulsions, institutional conditions, and value systems will determine to what extent, in what forms education has successfully contributed to mobility. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing: Sociology (Day 13) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-sociology-day-13/ Last updated: 2024-10-26T05:45:43.000Z ### **Questions** 1. Establish a cause-effect relationship between poverty and social deprivation with suitable illustrations. (10 Marks) 2. "The Stratification system in our society denotes the existence of inequality." Explain the statement by giving theoretical perspectives on it. (20 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 13)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 13).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/10/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-13-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Establish a cause-effect relationship between poverty and social deprivation with suitable illustrations.** (**10 Marks)** **Introduction** - Define poverty **Main Body** - Poverty - lack of access to basic material needs. - Deprivation - Inequality in access to Social goods - Low income → could not afford quality of goods in terms of housing, education, housing etc. - Thus, poverty led to deprivation. - E.g Dalits in India - majority poor - also poor in social indicators (education level, low in formal employment) - you can give some data - Blacks in the USA - relatively poorer than whites - have very low representation in politics, universities. - Rural poors are deprived of the economic and political opportunities. - Also, deprivation could result in poverty as well - Lack of social capital led to low awareness of opportunities, employment → **Poverty** - Poor upbringings in Afro-American homes - Blacks often have low-cost labour, facing discriminative pay etc. - Identity-less migrant labourers often been poor - low bargaining power. - Global level - Countries categorized as rich/poor lead to the type of treatment their citizens get. - Africans often face discrimination, socially deprived in India. **Conclusion** - Thus, poverty and social deprivation drives each other, a vicious cycle in work. --- **Q2\. "The Stratification system in our society denotes the existence of inequality." Explain the statement by giving theoretical perspectives on it.** (**20 Marks)** **Introduction** - Definition of social stratification - categorisation of community into socio-economic strata. - Categorisation on the basis of income, status and derived political power - Weber **Main Body** - Marxist: - Class inequality on the basis of control of forces of production - Bourgeoisie and Proletariat - The ruling class derives its power from ownership and control over the process of production thus exploits the have-nots and thus promotes hostility between them. - Functionalist Approach: - Talcott Parsons - - Order and stability depend upon the value consensus in society - Individuals who conduct themselves in accordance with these values are ranked above others. - Certain positions are functionally more important in society than others. - This inequality in the position leads to inequality in the distribution of power and prestige. - EXAMPLES from current affairs for novelty. - Kinsley Davis and Wilbert Moore - - Unequal distribution rights and prerequisites making for social inequality provide the motivation to people to perform duties associated with a given position and to achieve that supports more prestige and esteem. - The most important positions are filled by the most qualified persons. - They undergo particular training and sacrifice to achieve those positions and in reward, may seek differential prestige and respect to others. - Thus stratification is both positively functional and inevitable in the society. - Examples from current affairs. **Conclusion** - Anthony giddens suggests that if the rate of social mobility is low class solidarity and cohesion will be high most individuals will remain in their class of origin and this will provide the reproduction of common life experience for generation. - Hence equality of opportunity should take the place of permanent inequalities for the well functioning of society. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing: Sociology (Day 12) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-sociology-day-12-2/ Last updated: 2024-10-26T05:42:51.000Z **Questions** 1. "Self and Society are twin born". Explain. (10 Marks) 2. Symbolic Interactionism is all about studying the “man in society” and the “society in man.” Discuss this statement from Mead’s view. (20 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 12)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 12).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/10/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-12-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. "Self and Society are twin born". Explain.** (**10 Marks)** **Introduction** - The sense of self is defined as a collection of beliefs that we hold, while self-socialisation is defined as a developmental process that allows you to reflect upon yourself. - This process begins in early childhood and has many influencing factors. Some of the influences on the self socialisation process include the family, peers, teachers, and the media. Cooley's concept of the 'looking glass self', states that a person's self grows out of a person's social interactions with others. **Main Body** - The view of ourselves comes from the contemplation of personal qualities and impressions of how others perceive us. - For Mead, the self emerges out of "special set of social relations with all the other individuals" involved in a given set of social projects. - The self is always a reflection of specific social relations that are themselves founded on the specific mode of activity of the group in question. - Mead identified three sequential stages that lead the child to develop a sense of self. - These stages are play stage and game stage. - Play Stage, in which pre-kindergarten children think and act like the people they frequently see. For example, a young girl is actively assuming the role of the mother and viewing her world as her mother does. - In Game Stage, children between the ages of five and eight begin to take account of their own actions and the actions of others. - As per GH mead self and society co create each other. There is an Organic link and indissoluble connection between self and society. - Self develops as an individual (I= significant others) and then as social (me= Generalised others). - Self is considered as a social product- self reflects the content of society- roles that are internalised as roles-identities (behavioural expectations associated with status). - Meanings, motives and symbols are product of society. - Socialisation is not a passive process of learning and conforming to others expectation- highly active and selective. - Self is developed as individual grows in society and is developed through communication and interaction both by significant others and generalised others. - According to Mead society is developed when actors adapt and adjust according to social Environment and actors interpret significant symbols and meaning. Without symbols there is no interaction and no society. So both self and society are twin born. **Conclusion** - As Mead and Cooley believe and argue "Self and Society are twin born". There is no separate and independent ego; this is simply an illusion that can't exist. --- **Q2\. Symbolic Interactionism is all about studying the “man in society” and the “society in man.” Discuss this statement from Mead’s view.** (**20 Marks)** **Introduction** - George Herbert Mead has made important contributions to ‘Symbolic Interactionism’ through his theory of ‘Self and Identity’. According to Mead, human thought, experience and conduct are essentially social. **Main Body** - In his famous work entitled Mind, Self and Society, Mead analyzed the formation of individual self and the historical complexity of the development of ideas from the perspective known as symbolic interaction. - Mead was concerned with the small units of individual interaction and used the theory of the human mind, the social self, and the structures of society to explain the same. - The Human Mind - Human mind according to Mead is an emergent phenomenon of personal awareness on the part of the infant individual of meaningful gesture selected out of a whole range of indiscriminate physical motions. - The human mind develops with the development of the capacity of distinguishing between nonsense motions and significant gestures of one and the others. - The human being gradually develops his capacity to interact meaningfully to symbolic interaction by means of conventional gestures. This capacity becomes more sophisticated with the development of mind. It facilitates the development of mind, the self and society. - The Social Self - According to Mead, mind and society are coincidental phenomena. Mind arises within communication which is meaningful interaction. - Communication begins in verbal and non-verbal gestures. These gestures are selected through a process of experimentation which involves significant gestures and spoken sounds. This is what he tries to co-relate to man and society. - Self-Consciousness - Explaining the nature of a man’s ability to take the role of the other, Mead points out “the symbol arouses in one’s self what it arouses in the other individual”. - The mature self, he continues, arises when ‘a generalized other’ is internalized or that “the community exercises control over the conduct of its individual members”. The self’s essence is its reflective self-awareness. - With this essential capacity, an individual can be both an object ‘me’ and a subject ‘I’ to himself. This dual capacity is the essence of being social. According to Mead the evolution of self consciousness occurs through the following two stages. - **Play stage**: It involves the child playing roles which are not his own. In this stage, a child learns by imitation – that is, by imitatively acting out the role of others – for example, the child may play at being a mother or father, a doctor or a nurse. In doing so he becomes aware that there is a difference between himself and the role that he is playing. - **Game stage**: In playing a game, the child comes to see himself from the perspective of the various participants. In other words, rather than simply imitating the role of the other, the child can imaginatively place themselves in another's position and look back at themselves from the point of view of others. Thus, an individual acts and then evaluates his act from the point of view of the ‘generalized other’ or society, and accordingly makes adjustments in his behaviour. With an awareness of self, the individual is able to see himself as others see him. When he takes the role of others, he observes himself from that standpoint and becomes aware of the views of himself that others hold. **Conclusion** - This provides the basis for cooperative action in society. The individual will become aware of what is expected of him and will tend to modify his actions accordingly. - He will be conscious of the general attitudes of the community and judge and evaluate himself in turns of this generalized others. Thus, symbolic interactionism is all about Man in Society and Society and Man. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Urgent | Last few hours remaining URL: https://www.upscprep.com/urgent-last-few-hours-remaining/ Last updated: 2024-10-21T04:29:44.000Z We are starting with the fresh batches of our flagship courses from today. Here's a last chance to enroll before the course starts. 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(10 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 11)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 11).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/10/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-11-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Examine the roles of Artificial Intelligence technology through the lens of Mertonian perspective. (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - Merton's functionalism emphasises the positive functions that social institutions and phenomena serve in maintaining social stability and cohesion. **Main Body** Applying this perspective to AI technology, we can identify various functions it serves in contemporary society: - Problem-Solving and Efficiency: AI technology has the capacity to process vast amounts of data quickly and accurately. It excels in problem-solving tasks, such as data analysis, pattern recognition, and optimization. This efficiency enhances productivity and streamlines processes across various sectors, leading to increased economic output and improved quality of products and services. - Advancements in Science and Knowledge: AI contributes to scientific research by aiding in data analysis, simulations, and modeling complex phenomena. It accelerates the pace of discovery and facilitates the advancement of knowledge in fields like medicine, astronomy, climate science, and more. - Automation and Labor Market: AI-driven automation can replace repetitive and mundane tasks, freeing up human labor for more creative and higher-value activities. However, this aspect of AI also brings concerns about job displacement and the need for retraining and reskilling the workforce. - Personalization and User Experience: AI-powered algorithms enable personalized recommendations in various domains, such as e-commerce, entertainment, and social media. This enhances the user experience and encourages engagement with digital platforms. - Healthcare and Medicine: AI technologies have the potential to revolutionize healthcare through diagnosis, treatment planning, drug discovery, and patient care. It can improve medical accuracy, accessibility, and efficiency. - Security and Defense: AI is increasingly utilized in security and defense applications, including surveillance, threat detection, and cyber defense. It enhances national security and public safety measures. - Social Interaction and Communication: AI-enabled chatbots and virtual assistants facilitate human-computer interaction and communication. They offer support and information, making digital interfaces more user-friendly. - Accessibility and Inclusivity: AI technology can assist individuals with disabilities by providing solutions for accessibility and inclusivity in various domains, such as education, employment, and daily living. AI technology also presents some potential dysfunctions and challenges: - Ethical Concerns: AI raises ethical dilemmas related to privacy, data protection, bias in algorithms, and the impact on human decision-making processes. - Inequality and Digital Divide: The unequal distribution of AI technology and access to its benefits can exacerbate existing social and economic disparities, creating a digital divide. - Unemployment and Job Displacement: The automation potential of AI may lead to job displacement in certain sectors, affecting employment opportunities for specific groups of workers. - Loss of Human Control: The increasing reliance on AI raises concerns about the loss of human autonomy and decision-making power, particularly in critical domains like autonomous vehicles and military applications. **Conclusion** - Artificial Intelligence technology serves numerous positive functions that contribute to societal advancement and progress. However, it also poses challenges and potential dysfunctions that need to be addressed through thoughtful regulation, ethical considerations, and social policy to ensure its responsible and beneficial integration into society. --- **Q2\. Merton's concept of relative deprivation is closely connected to his study of reference group behavior. Explain how these concepts are interlinked. (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - Merton inspired from Samuel Stouffer’s “The American Soldier” which highlights the feeling of relative deprivation of a soldier despite no deprivation in terms of actual hardship. - Reference Group is defined as a group, with which one always makes a comparison, in order to evaluate one's achievement, aspirations, role performance and ambition. They act as normative standards for the individual. **Main Body** - Reference groups are used in order to evaluate and determine the nature of a given individual or other group’s characteristics and sociological attributes. - Happiness or deprivation are not absolutes, they depend on the scale of measure as well as on the frame of reference. - Merton: Social Theory and Social Structure (1949) - Explained concept of relative deprivation; CLOSELY linked with Ref Group - Examined the findings of the Samuel Stouffer - American Soldier - a work published in 1949 - Married soldiers when considering unmarried soldiers as a reference group feel they are deprived of the kind of freedom that their unmarried associates are enjoying. - The overseas soldier, relative to soldiers still at home, suffered a greater break with home ties and with many of the amenities of life in the United States to which he was accustomed - By choosing the Ref Group - relative deprivation of an individual differs. - An Indian student in a prestigious university in the United States may have sufficient reasons to feel happy. He has access to a better academic atmosphere - more books, more research materials, more seminars, and so on. - But if he refuses to remain contented with this academic world and thinks of an alternative scale of evaluation which values above all else a home life with his parents, brothers and sisters then his ‘happiness’ would begin to disappear. - Frequency of interaction with one’s reference group, proximity, degree of openness or closeness of the system and rewards determine the way in which one deals with relative deprivation. **Conclusion** - Sociologists now argue that relative differences in economic wealth are more important than absolute deprivation, and that it is more significant in determining human quality of life. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### We have something for everyone URL: https://www.upscprep.com/we-have-something-for-everyone/ Last updated: 2024-10-20T09:29:57.000Z From tomorrow i.e. 21st Oct 2024, we are starting with the fresh batches of our flagship courses. 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(20 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 10)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 10).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/10/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-10-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. What is the Parsonian view on social equilibrium?** (**10 Marks)** **Introduction** - Define Social Equilibrium or Give a brief info about Parson. **Main Body** - Social system - No social system in a perfect equilibrium, although certain degree of equilibrium is essential for survival of societies - This process is called as "moving equilibrium" - AGIL schema - Socialisation and social control -- key to maintaining social equilibrium. - Social control -Via formal (Law, police) and informal agencies - Socialisation - Both by primary (Family) and secondary agencies (School, friends, society) - Economic system - globalisation when it's introduced. - Latency - change in the education system needed - Integration - Rising individual values and family attitude changes - Goal attainment - Income distribution must occur else protectionism will be on rise. - Like this, if any changes in other systems, all these systems must cope up, thus dynamic equilibrium occurs. --- **Q2\. Critically analyze Parsons’ "Pattern variables". Also, discuss how they can be used to analyze social change.** (**20 Marks)** **Introduction** - Pattern variables are a standard set of variables by which a huge amount of diversity across social systems can be analysed. - Pattern variables act as a response to the dilemma in social actions. **Main Body** - There are in all five pattern variables, each side of it represents one polar extreme. These pattern variables are (Explain in brief with Examples) - affectivity versus affective neutrality - universalism versus particularism - ascription versus achievement - specificity versus diffuseness - self-orientation versus collective orientation - According to parson variable should be valid for all types of social actions. - Pattern variable provide dilemmatic representation of possible social actions in the social system. - Culture is patterned and institutionalized but culture is not a pattern monolithic way rather it is dualistically pattern. This duality of cultural pattern offers the range of choice of either this or that. This duality confronts the actors as a dilemma which the actor has to do with our culture. He identifies five levels of duality - 5 pattern variables. **Criticism** - Person is criticized for not taking in account conflict across section that is role conflict in a society, conflict between norms and values. - C.W. Mills criticizes parson to not take into account the role of power in determining social action. - Devereaux criticises Parsons list of pattern variable as inadequate as there maybe many multiple types of actions. - Marxist criticise Parsonian pattern variable for not taking into consideration the role of the economic base structure. **Theory of social change (Pattern variable used to analyse social change)** - Traditional → Intermediate → Modern - Simply speaking, society evolves from a traditional to a modern society via an intermediate stage. - In a traditional society, pattern variables with more collective orientation will be predominant. - For example, values like affectivity and ascription are given importance in a traditional society. - Conversely, in a modern society, pattern variables that have more self-orientation will be predominant. - For example, more importance will be given to achieved status rather than an ascribed status. - In an intermediate society, however, one can find the presence of both kinds of pattern variables **Conclusion:** - Parsons pattern variable provided an idea on the lines of Ideal types of Weber so as to segregate the possible social actions. These segregated action systems can further be utilised to study social phenomena in depth. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Supreme Court suggests banning Child Betrothals URL: https://www.upscprep.com/supreme-court-suggests-banning-child-betrothals/ Last updated: 2024-10-18T19:36:49.000Z ## **Context** The Supreme Court issued several guidelines to ensure that the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act of 2006 (PCMA) achieves its objective. *\[Society for Enlightenment and Voluntary Action and anr v Union of India and Ors\].* A Bench led of Chief Justice of India (CJI) **DY Chandrachud** with Justices **JB Pardiwala** and **Manoj Misra** held that the law prohibiting child marriages should be tailored to suit different communities and there should be a community-driven approach while implementing the law to ensure its success. ## **SC's observations and directives** - **Child Betrothals Evade Law:** The Court recognizes child betrothals as a tactic to circumvent the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), highlighting the Act's ambiguity on this issue. - **Violation of Rights:** Child betrothals infringe upon fundamental rights, including free choice, autonomy, and the right to a childhood. - **Parliamentary Action Urged:** The Court recommends that Parliament outlaw child betrothals and classify children with fixed marriages as "minors in need of care and protection" under the Juvenile Justice Act. - **Global Concern:** The Court acknowledges that child betrothals are a global issue, referencing the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), which raised concerns in 1977. - **Conflict with Personal Laws:** The Court notes the government's "note" suggesting that PCMA should supersede personal laws but refrains from a deeper examination due to a pending Parliamentary bill on the matter. - **Impact on Boys:** The Court emphasizes that boys are also victims of child marriage, often pressured by societal expectations and misinformation. - **Threat to POCSO Act:** The Court links child marriage to the sexual abuse of minors, stating that it undermines the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO). - **Objectification of Children:** Child marriage objectifies children, imposing adult responsibilities and expectations, including compulsory heterosexuality and early childbirth. ## **Data and Statistics** - The article mentions declining rates of child marriage in India, from 47.4% in 2005-06 to 23.3% in 2020-21 according to NFHS-5. Global estimates from UNICEF indicate 12 million girls are married each year*.* --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/1.-UPSCprep-Banner.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/?%5Fgl=1%2Af3hh0o%2A%5Fga%2AMTcwMzgyODEzNi4xNjk0MzU2MjM1%2A%5Fga%5FYBPES8JNLE%2AMTcyOTI3ODgxMi4yOTcuMC4xNzI5Mjc4ODEyLjYwLjAuMA..&ref=upscprep.com) --- ## **Guidelines and Recommendations** The Supreme Court's guidelines to prevent child marriages offer a multi-pronged approach involving legal, community, educational, and technological interventions: ### **I. Legal Enforcement** - **Focused CMPOs:** Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) should have dedicated roles without distractions. - **District-Level Accountability:** District authorities, especially Collectors and Magistrates, are responsible for prevention and enforcement, holding CMPOs accountable. - **Specialized Police Unit:** A dedicated police unit should handle child marriage cases, collaborating with CMPOs. - **Special Child Marriage Prohibition Unit:** In high-prevalence areas, specialized units should monitor, report, and intervene in real-time, working with NGOs and community leaders. - **Code of Conduct:** A code of conduct should guide local officers, including CMPOs and police, on proactive intervention. - **Empowered Magistrates:** Magistrates should proactively issue injunctions against child marriages. - **Special Courts:** Dedicated courts should fast-track child marriage cases. - **Action Against Negligence:** Strict action against negligent public servants is mandated. ### **II. Community Involvement** - **Annual Action Plans:** States/UTs should create annual plans with KPIs, considering local cultural factors and measurable goals. - **Capacity Building:** Regular training for stakeholders (CMPOs, government representatives, NGOs, educators) is essential. - **Child Marriage Free Village Initiative:** A community-driven initiative inspired by the "Open Defecation Free Village" model. ### **III. Awareness Campaigns** - **Public Awareness:** Increased public awareness campaigns, especially in rural and economically backward areas, are crucial. ### **IV. Training/Capacity Building** - **Targeted Training:** Specialized training for community health workers (AWWs, ANMs, ASHAs), law enforcement, judicial officers, teachers, school administrators, local leaders, NGOs, and healthcare providers. ### **V. Educational and Social Support** - **Incentives and Scholarships:** Educational incentives and scholarships for girls are suggested. - **Social Welfare Programs:** Support programs for families are recommended. - **Convergence of Services:** Chief Secretaries should ensure inter-agency cooperation. ### **VI. Monitoring and Accountability** - **Standard Operating Procedures:** NALSA should develop SOPs for legal support and rehabilitation. - **Role of Panchayats:** Training for panchayats and local leaders on reporting within 48 hours. - **Individual Care Plans:** States should implement Individual Care Plans (ICPs) for at-risk girls. ### **VII. Technology-Driven Initiatives** - **Centralized Reporting Portal:** An online portal for reporting child marriages should be created. - **Technology for Support:** Utilizing technology for information dissemination. - **Attendance Monitoring:** Exploring technology for monitoring school attendance, respecting privacy. ### **VIII. Funding and Resources** - **Dedicated Budget:** A dedicated annual budget for each state is recommended. - **Juvenile Justice Fund:** Utilizing the Juvenile Justice Fund for scholarships and stipends. - **Compensation for Opting Out:** Considering compensation for girls leaving child marriages. - **Identification and Support:** Identifying and supporting at-risk children. This comprehensive roadmap aims to address child marriage through a combination of legal measures, community engagement, awareness campaigns, capacity building, and technological advancements. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing: Sociology (Day 9) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-sociology-day-9/ Last updated: 2024-10-26T05:43:21.000Z **Questions** 1. In what ways did Max Weber's analysis of the connection between religion and capitalism emphasize the role of cultural and social factors? How did he differentiate his approach from purely economic determinism? (20 Marks) 2. Discuss what according to Parsons are functional prerequisites of the social system. Examine these in the context of a university as a social system. (20 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 9)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 9).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/10/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-9-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. In what ways did Max Weber's analysis of the connection between religion and capitalism emphasize the role of cultural and social factors? How did he differentiate his approach from purely economic determinism? (20 Marks)** **Introduction** - Max Weber, a prominent sociologist and a key figure in the development of modern sociology, explored the relationship between religious ethics and the economy in his work, especially in his famous book "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism." - Weber's ideas revolve around the impact of religious beliefs and values on the development of modern capitalism. Let's delve into some of the key aspects of Weber's views on this relationship. **Main Body** - Protestant Ethic and Capitalism: - In "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism," Weber argued that certain religious beliefs, particularly those of Protestantism, played a significant role in the emergence and growth of modern capitalism. - He focused on the idea of the "Protestant work ethic," which emphasized hard work, thrift, and rational economic behavior as virtues. - According to Weber, the Protestant Reformation, particularly the teachings of John Calvin and the Calvinist movement, had a profound impact on economic attitudes. - Calvinism promoted the notion of a "calling" or a divine duty to diligently work and succeed in one's profession as a sign of God's favor. - This ethic encouraged individuals to accumulate wealth through hard work and frugality and to reinvest profits into their businesses for further growth. Such a mindset, according to Weber, created a conducive environment for the development of capitalism. - The "Iron Cage" of Rationalization: - Weber argued that the Protestant work ethic, combined with other factors, led to the rationalization of economic activities. - Rationalization refers to the systematic and calculated organization of economic affairs for efficiency and productivity. - As capitalism developed, it became increasingly rationalized, with economic decisions based on calculable and predictable outcomes. This "iron cage" of rationalization constrained individuals within a bureaucratic and impersonal economic system. - Religious Ideals and Capitalist Spirit: - Weber did not see religious ethics as a direct cause of capitalism but rather as an influential factor in shaping the cultural and psychological conditions for its development. - He highlighted how religious ideals interacted with other historical, cultural, and economic factors to create the "capitalist spirit." - Other Religious Traditions: - While Weber primarily focused on Protestantism, he also acknowledged the influence of other religious traditions on economic behavior. - For instance, he discussed how the Confucian ethics of thrift and diligence played a role in the rise of capitalism in China. - It is essential to note that Weber's thesis has been subject to criticism and debate among scholars. Some argue that he may have overemphasized the role of religion in the development of capitalism, overlooking other crucial factors such as the role of technology, trade, and state institutions. - Additionally, not all Protestant denominations embraced the same work ethic, and capitalist development occurred in societies with diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. **Conclusion** - While Weber’s ideas have been debated and modified over time, his work remains significant in understanding the interplay of religious beliefs, cultural values, and economic development in the evolution of capitalist societies. --- **Q2\. Discuss what according to Parsons are functional prerequisites of the social system. Examine these in the context of a university as a social system. (20 Marks)** **Introduction** - Society has certain basic necessary conditions, which must be satisfied for its survival. Such basic needs and requirements which are required for functioning of society are known as functional prerequisites. **Main Body** - Parsons' social system consists of various institutions such as family, economy, polity, etc., that have a boundary within which they maintain order. - This self-maintenance of systems is possible because human actors as social beings are socialised in society and their motivational and value orientations accordingly are patterned. - In order to maintain themselves, social systems have to perform adjustments in their internal organisation and external environment. - According to Parsons, Social systems have self-adjustive and self-maintaining quality. These adjustment processes which maintain the social system internally and through its boundary conditions are called functions. There are certain functions without which a social system cannot subsist. These are called functional prerequisites by Parsons. They are: - Adaptation - Goal attainment - Integration - Latency Functional and their contextual application to University as a social system - Adaptation - Adaptation as a functional prerequisite implies generation and acquisition of resources from outside the system, its external environment and to effect its distribution in the system. - Adaptation is oriented to factors external to the system and it has an instrumental character. - In the context of University as a social system, this functional prerequisite involves generating resources in the form of patentable intellectual property. etc., and acquiring resources in the form of physical infrastructure, equipment to the labs, student facilities, etc. - Goal-Attainment - Goal-Attainment is that functional prerequisite which involves, firstly, the determination of goals, - Then, the motivating of members of the system to attain these goals, and - Further, the mobilising of the members and of their energies for the achievement of these goals. Its processes are consummatory in character although it does involve external interaction. - In a University, these functions are primarily taken up by the administration board where clear goals in the form of academic results, number of research papers to be published, curriculum setting, etc. are taken up. Also, they will take note of the external happenings (outside the university) in shaping up their goals so that they are up to date with the needs of the world and preparing the students for the world. - Integration - Integration is that functional prerequisite which helps to maintain coherence, solidarity and coordination in the system. In the social system this function is mainly performed by culture and values. This functional prerequisite is internal to the system and is consummatory in character. - Each University has its own unique culture and values that shape up the interactions among the members of the University leading to better integration into the University system. For example, the values and ideas of JNU are different from that of Banaras Hindu University. - Latency - Finally, latency is that functional prerequisite of the social system which stores, organises and maintains the motivational energy of elements in the social system. Its main functions are pattern maintenance and tension management within the system. This function is performed by the socialisation process of the members of the social system. - The process of socialisation helps in internalisation of the symbols, values, tastes and habits specific to the social system in the personality of the actors who are members of the system. It needs also to be added that in Parsons' view, the function of tension management must take place internally in all institutions. - This latency function is done in a University with the help of formation of student's union in a democratic setup, interactions between the administration and students, solving the problems through discussions and debates, and ensuring that opinions of all students are heard. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing: Sociology (Day 8) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-sociology-day-7-2/ Last updated: 2024-10-26T05:43:31.000Z ### Questions 1. Examine the statement, “Bureaucracy is a rational action in an institutional form”. (10 Marks) 2. Explain Durkheim's basic arguments on suicide. Analyse the high suicide rates of contemporary Indian society with Durkheim's theory. (20 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 8)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 8).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/10/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-8-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Examine the statement, “Bureaucracy is a rational action in an institutional form”. (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - Define bureaucracy and legal rational action **Main Body** - Bureaucracy is the medium through which rational-legal authority is carried out - Weber studied it and made an IDEAL TYPE for Bureaucracy based on legal-rational authority. - Inevitable in modern society -- as it’s the only mechanism to cope up with large-scale admin requirements - Explain rational action - Critical Analysis - Specialist without spirits - Iron cage of rationality - Rule ritualism and loss of individual creativity. It leads to red-tapism (Merton) - Official dictatorship kind (Master and Mistress of their own will) - Nexus and influence of others over bureaucracy - Roberto Michels - Calls bureaucratic sys in democracy as iron law of oligarchy - as they usurp all power - Merton - over emphasis on rules led to goal displacement **Conclusion** - Yet, Bureaucracy is transforming itself according to change in the social system. It could adapt to social and admin changes. Examples- - Digitalization - less hierarchical - In India, lateral entry adoption in top-level bureaucracy --- **Q2\. Explain Durkheim's basic arguments on suicide. Analyse the high suicide rates of contemporary Indian society with Durkheim's theory.** (**20 Marks)** **Introduction** - Definition of Suicide as given by Durkheim- - All cases of death resulting directly or indirectly from a positive or negative act of the victim himself he knows will produce the result. OR - Suicide: A Study in Sociology is an 1897 book written by French sociologist Émile Durkheim. It was the first methodological study of SUICIDE, a social fact in the context of society. **Main Body** - Refutation of earlier existing Psychological and Biological aspects of suicide. - Earlier studies - value loaded, lacks objectivity - Durkheim applied Comparative analysis method and dwelled on Objective analysis of the social fact - SUICIDE - Durkheim concluded that suicide rates are higher: - in men than women - for those who are single - for people without children than people with children. - among Protestants than Catholics and Jews. - among soldiers than civilians. - in times of peace than in times of war. - the higher the education level, the more likely it was that an individual would choose suicide. - Four types of suicide - which are based on the degrees of imbalance of two social forces: social integration and moral regulation. ![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfI6akZNX0i3_wvsm63XRqXHfJgFXsLLFxE4bVkhDu_QSp8uwPXUHCPgpJiQSv4zxG50RStX19TfIgu5RZtCRBhLxJk8PDSatr_5mLt8ql8JJrfmVkZYZyF7eOulNf8LNqfT-WeVt3Fd7xVA7WzLl8AZpcR?key=VuIC_Zb26cLDX-Q1FWA6CQ) - **High suicide rates as per Durkhiem's conception in contemporary Indian society** (can write in COHERENCE WITH ABOVE DIAGRAM ) - - Egoistic suicide - Upsc students, Kota Coaching students - Altruistic suicide - Armed forces, Chipko Movement, Protestors - Anomic suicide - Farm waiver loans, Rape Victims - Fatalistic suicide - Constables in CRPFs, IPS officers suicide - What can be done to reduce suicide rates in India - Student counselling, HR dept to increase integration → thus reducing Optimal regulation and integration-suicides. **Conclusion** - Durkheim's theory caused a revolution in the field of understanding the basic causes of Suicide in contemporary Indian society. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing: Sociology (Day 7) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-sociology-day-7/ Last updated: 2024-10-26T05:43:41.000Z ### Questions 1. According to Durkheim, the essence of religion in modern society is the same as religion in primitive society." Comment. (10 Marks) 2. Write a short note on ideal types. Write an ideal type of family. (10 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 7)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 7).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/10/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-7-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. "According to Durkheim, the essence of religion in modern society is the same as religion in primitive society." Comment.** (**10 Marks)** **Introduction** - Durkheim in his study defined religion as “a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things, that is to say, things set apart and forbidden beliefs and practices which unite in one single moral community called a Church, all those who adhere to them". **Main Body** - In his study of religion in primitive society of totemic ritualistic practice in Australian tribes, he observed religion as mutual co-presence, common emotional mood, common understanding and identification of sacred promotes social solidarity among the faithful. - To him, religion is the collective conscience of people that brings social solidarity in society. - In modern times religion is not about going to church or religious institutions on the contrary the essential collective conscience of people is brought by technology in modern times. - For him religion is ordinarily meaning a supreme form of consciousness which is eternal and binding in character. He argues that technology is religion in modern times where people are connected through various communication technologies like mobile phones, laptop, internet people from all sections of the world are connected and share common views through their network or groups. So, social solidarity is obtained in modern times via technology. Hence religion exists in modern times in different forms. **Conclusion** - Durkheim's understanding of religion can be summarised as that his study of religion, asserts that religion is a social necessity, it provides man identity, source of integration and harmony between individual societies without which social life stands to be impossible. --- **Q2\. Write a short note on ideal types. Write an ideal type of family.** (**10 Marks)** **Introduction** - Ideal types are concepts formulated on the basis of facts collected carefully and analytically for empirical research. These are constructs or concepts which are used as methodological devices or tools in our understanding and analysis of any social problem. **Main Body** - Weber states that ideal types are abstractions or pure pure types not most desirable or perfect ones. - They are to be derived from the real world and not the mirror image of that world. - Characteristics of Ideal Types; - Ideal types are not general or average types. - Ideal types are neither a description of any definite concept of reality, nor a hypothesis, but they can aid both in description and explanation. - In this sense we can say that ideal types are also related to the analytic conception of causality, though not, in deterministic terms. - They also help in reaching general propositions and in comparative analysis. - Ideal types serve to guide empirical research, and are used in systematisation of data on historical and social reality. - Ideal types are not a presentation of total reality or they do not explain everything. They exhibit partial conception of the whole. - Criticism of Ideal Types - No specific method suggested by Weber to identify ideal types. - It is highly susceptible to subjectivity of investigators. - Ideal Types of Family - It contains certain members performing socially sanctioned sexually regulated functions. - Presence of consanguineal as well as affinal relations. - Procreation and socialisation. - Emotional function for personality stabilisation. - Division of labour among members. **Conclusion** - The ‘ideal type’ is one of Weber’s best known contributions to contemporary sociology. It occupies a very important place in his methodology. Weber believed it was the responsibility of sociologists to develop conceptual tools. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing: Sociology (Day 6) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-sociology-day-6/ Last updated: 2024-10-26T05:43:50.000Z ### Questions 1. The dictatorship of the proletariat will strive to rectify the defective mode of production. In this context, discuss Marx's theory of class struggle. (20 Marks) 2. Compare and contrast the theories of ‘alienation’ and ‘anomie’ given by Marx and Durkheim, respectively. (20 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 6)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 6).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/10/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-6-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. The dictatorship of the proletariat will strive to rectify the defective mode of production. In this context discuss Marx's theory of class struggle. (20 Marks)** **Introduction** - According to Marx “history of hitherto existing society is history of class struggle”, he also states that class struggle acts as an engine of history, i.e., conflict between two classes in every mode of production is the force behind historical developments. - “Freeman and slave, patrician and plebeian, lord and serf, guild-master and journeyman, in a word, oppressor and oppressed, stood in constant opposition to one another, carried on an uninterrupted, now hidden, now open fight, a fight that each time ended, either in a revolutionary re-constitution of society at large, or in the common ruin of the contending classes.” ― Karl Marx, The Communist Manifesto. **Main Body** - Class: - Class is a group of people who share common relations to FoP → As a result, there are two classes: 1. Ownership class: Those who own and control the FoP. (Haves) 2. Non-ownership class: Those who do not own the FoP. (Have nots) - Class Struggle - According to Marx, conflict arises from the inherent contradictions within these social formations. In capitalist societies, for example, the means of production (factories, machinery, etc.) are owned by the capitalist class, while the majority of the population, the working class or proletariat, owns only their labor power. This unequal distribution of resources and power leads to antagonistic class relations. - The primary source of conflict in Marx's view is the class struggle, where the ruling class seeks to maintain its dominance and exploit the labor of the working class to accumulate wealth, while the working class strives to improve their living conditions and gain control over the means of production. - This struggle between classes is a natural consequence of the capitalist mode of production and its inherent drive for profit. - These conflicts are often intertwined with class struggle, as dominant social classes may use other forms of oppression to maintain their power and divide the working class. - Marx believed that these conflicts were not incidental or accidental but rather deeply ingrained in the very fabric of social formation. He saw social change as a result of these conflicts, with each stage of history giving rise to new modes of production and new forms of class struggle. - **Marx**: In advanced capitalist society everything is seen as a commodity (for eg: land of farmers) and bourgeoisie fix the price for everything (for eg: farmers produce) to maximize their profits - As predicted by Marx, capitalist forces with profit motive leads to pauperization of the proletariat i,e,. they are forced to sell their produce and feel alienated - Hitherto unaware (CLASS IN ITSELF) will become aware of their rights. Collective consciousness develops among the proletariat about their rights and they are now aware of methods to express their demands such as peaceful protests, meeting with gov delegation etc (CLASS FOR ITSELF) . - This transformation leads to conflict in society in various forms - Social organisation based on private property → Haves and have nots → Pauperisation of have nots → objective opposition of interests (CLASS IN ITSELF) → Subjective awareness (CLASS FOR ITSELF) → Conflict → Class Struggle - Various crises such as labour crisis, environmental crisis, etc can also be explained by class struggle theory. Ex: Anti sterlite protest against factories in Tamilnadu (against capitalistic tendency of environmental pollution), trade unions protest against privatization of railways etc. However, Marx’s theory was **criticised** on the following grounds: 1. Max Weber criticises Karl Marx for monocausal pluralism. 2. Pierre Bourdieu: Marx highlights only economic capital –social +cultural capital not emphasized. 3. Raymond Aron Argues that there is no distinction between socialism & capitalism. Both are speaking about mass production. Ralph Daharendarf - rejects the homogenization theory of Marx and argues that conflict situations are not the same across the industry –working class homogenization cutting across industry – a rare phenomena. **Conclusion** - However, as predicted by Marx, class conflict does not lead to overthrow of the existing system, because other forces such as the government acts as an agent to stabilize the system by catering the needs of farmers in current protests. - Thus, as predicted by Weber, capitalism alters itself according to the situation and it is also limited by government interventions. --- **Q2\. Compare and contrast the theories of ‘alienation’ and ‘anomie’ given by Marx and Durkheim respectively.** (**20 Marks)** **Introduction** - Define both alienation and anomie **Main Body** - Similarities - Origin in modern industrial society and is the result of industrial society. - Both talk about individual relationships with society. - Both are concerned with getting distanced with society. - Subjective nature of quantity. One cannot measure the amount of alienation or anomie in any individual. - Both can be termed as pathological social facts. - Both Marx and Durkheim saw alienation and anomie as a radical attack on the dominant institutions and values of industrial societies. - Differences | Alienation | Anomie | | -------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | It is feeling of disenchantment or estrangement | State of normlessness | | It occurs when labour is distanced from his work. | It occurs due to social change. | | Alienation is not good for society. | It may sometimes lead to positive outcomes. | | Marx talks about revolution as a solution to alienation. | Durkheim argues that the mere alteration of the social order would be sufficient. | --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing: Sociology (Day 5) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-sociology-day-5/ Last updated: 2024-10-26T05:44:01.000Z ### Questions 1. The history of all hitherto existing societies is the history of class struggles. Explain. (20 Marks) 2. According to Marx, how are human beings alienated from their human potential and what does he suggest to change this? (20 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 5)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 5).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/10/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-5-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. The history of all hitherto existing societies is the history of class struggles. Explain. (20 Marks)** **Introduction** Marx and Engels at the beginning of The Communist Manifesto quotes: - “The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggle. Freeman and slave, patrician and plebeian, lord and serf, guild-master and journeyman, in a word, oppressor and oppressed, stood in constant opposition to one another, carried on an uninterrupted, now hidden, now open fight, a fight that each time ended, either in a revolutionary reconstitution of society at large, or in the common ruin of the contending classes” (Marx and Engels 1848, 482). **Main Body** - In this quote, Marx and Engels famously argue that the conflict between classes is the engine of history. They add however, that at times it is hidden and at times it is open. - Here they are touching upon the fluid relationship between the classes driven by the process of recognising class interest, a point that has become increasingly mystified as the ruling class aims to govern through consent. - Marx used historical materialism to trace the changes in society. He believed that Western societies had developed through four main stages and he envisaged 2 stages that would emancipate labourers from suffering: - Primitive communism - Ancient society Master Slave - Feudal society Lord Serf - Capitalist society Capitalist worker - Socialist society- All workers - Communist society- Renounced power, enlightened and free - As per Marx, the development of society is through the process of class conflict. - During each historical epoch, the labour-power required for production was supplied by the subject class, that is slaves, serfs and wage labourers respectively. And Fruit was enjoyed by the ruling class. The domination of one class over the other leads to class conflict. - He gave the following two types of class consciousness- - Class in itself- People share similar relations with means of production. This is objective and Marx called it false consciousness - Class for itself- It is the collective class consciousness of people acting for their common interest. This will cause conflict and revolution. - The production process also develops due to changes in technology, resulting in its improvement. This leads to changes in the class structure as classes become obsolete with an increase in production techniques. New classes are then formed. Replacing the old classes. This leads to further class conflict. However, this theory was criticized as mentioned below- - Max Weber criticizes Karl Marx for monocausal pluralism. - Ralph Daharendarf rejects the homogenization theory of Marx and argues that conflict situations are not the same across the industry –working class homogenization cutting across industry is a rare phenomenon. - Pierre Bourdieu: Marx highlights only economic capital –social & cultural capital not emphasized. - Raymond Aron Argues that there is no distinction between socialism & capitalism. Both are speaking about mass production. **Conclusion** - Give some examples of recent conflicts and conclude that it is critical to utilise class analysis to understand contemporary social movements. --- **Q2\. According to Marx, how are human beings alienated from their human potential and what does he suggest to change this? (20 Marks)** **Introduction** - Define Alienation - A Sense of disconnect from aspects - 4 factors (process, product, self and society), brought about by the conditions of labor present in a capitalist society. **Main Body** - Four Stages of Alienation - 1. From Produce - theyselltheir labourto producenot for themselvesbut for the capitalist. 2. From Process - they relinquish control over the means of production, which they clearly do not own. 3. From Self - they are estranged from his ability to create what he desires of his own volition and is thus kept from his human potential. 4. From Society and other labors - conditions of labor present in a capitalist society, meagre interactions with fellow beings. - Through the above stages humans get alienated from their potential. - In alienation dead labour i.e. capital dominates the living labour - Reasons for alienation - Repetitive kind of work - Economic infrastructure constraints creative potential of human beings - Workers are subjected to impersonal mechanisms such as law of supply and demand - Examples - IT professionals working for a longer time without any creative efforts get alienated, Workers in the assembly lines of Car mfg expected to follow daily routine procedures, thus making them cogs in a machine, Working at lower wages, Refusal of rights to entitlement to women cashing alienation, etc. - Marx's Solution to Alienation (de-alienation) - Haves and have-nots → Alienation of have-nots → objective opposition of interests (CLASS IN ITSELF) → Subjective awareness (CLASS FOR ITSELF) - Class polarisation → Revolutionary forces unleashed → Dictatorship of Proletariat → Advanced Communism (egalitarian society with equal control over forces of production) → Alienation Disappears. **Conclusion:** - Relevance of theory of Alienation. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing: Sociology (Day 4) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-sociology-day-4/ Last updated: 2024-10-26T05:44:12.000Z ### Questions 1. What is reliability and validity? Critically examine its importance in sociological research. (20 Marks) 2. Analyse Marxian Conception of historical materialism as a critique of Hegelian dialectics. (20 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 4)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 4).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/10/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-4-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. What is reliability and validity? Critically examine its importance in sociological research. (20 Marks)** **Introduction** - The two key factors that define the accuracy and efficacy of an observation and, consequently, the value of a result are reliability and validity. Validity is the extent to which the desired aim is met; reliability is the nothing but repetition of the same result. As outcomes of sociological study are not the product of a carefully controlled experiment and a situation never stays the same, these are two significant obstacles in sociology. **Main Body** **Reliability** - Can the same result be achieved again, is an issue raised when a researcher discusses the trustworthiness of data. Consistency is the key of reliability, which comes in two forms: - The reproducibility of the same outcomes through time is referred to as temporal reliability. - Comparative reliability is concerned with the alteration of the testing procedure, targets, observers, etc. Inter-item dependability, inter-observer reliability, and inter-test reliability are additional categories for comparative reliability. - Since participants' opinions might alter over time, reliability presents sociologists with a number of technical challenges in qualitative research. By incorporating objectivity into methodologies and processes, reliability in research can be increased. The reliability of processes and methodologies is also increased through standardisation. - In comparison to other approaches like participant observation, open-ended interviews, and so on, some methods, such as statistical techniques, sampling, etc., are more dependable. The subjectivity brought on by the individual investigators' methods and influence from values makes sociological research less reliable. **Validity** - Validity is concerned with how well the desired outcome is being achieved. If the outcome measures what it was intended to measure, it is valid. A study's or research's success is determined by its validity. Since there are no predetermined objectives for the results of qualitative research, it is challenging to determine. Validity is evaluated in relation to a desired result or objective. Finding the validity of a result is difficult when such a goal is not defined in the first place. - Internal validity, which confirms the causal relationship, and external validity, which addresses generalisation and the extent to which the results apply to a larger population, are two ways that validity is widely categorised. - A valid result is always reliable, whereas a reliable result may not be valid. - The following are some variables that may affect validity: - The past or passage of time - Instrumentation: This refers to the impact of modifications made to the measurement tool or procedure during the investigation. - Selection Bias - This happens when test units are chosen so that they are not representative of the population. - Most social studies don't yield quantifiable results. Changes in social conditions occur occasionally, and various sociologists have different ideological inclinations. Additionally, it is difficult to conduct controlled experiments to determine the veracity. - As a result, validity in most sociological studies is low. Interpretivism disputes the validity claim made by positivists that sociology may utilise scientific procedures to establish validity because no method can fully capture human consciousness. The majority of sociologists, according to interpretivists, tend to ignore the issue of validity in favour of gathering more and more data and developing more complex hypotheses. **Conclusion** - While quantitative techniques like questionnaires and surveys increase the dependability of data, qualitative techniques like participant observation, interviews, etc. improve data validity. The greatest strategy to increase the validity and reliability of social research is to use a variety of methodology, data collection methods, and viewpoints. Triangulation is another name for this. --- **Q2\. Analyse Marxian Conception of historical materialism as a critique of Hegelian dialectics. (20 Marks)** **Introduction** - Karl Marx borrowed the approach of Dialectics from the Hegelian Notion of Dialectic idealism. However, he found Hegel’s idealism led to a very conservative political orientation. - He derived the idea of materialism from Feuerbach’s Medical materialism **Main Body** - Hegel - Ideas were the cause of change. He was an idealist and believed reason is the essence of reality. Hegel views history as a progress of the consciousness of freedom. - Marx claimed to “put back on its feet” the Hegelian dialectic, which he accused of being “upside down”, by substituting matter for mind as the motive power of history. - Marx believed that material sources & conditions and not ideas per se are important in the working of any mode of production. Material work is characterised by its own independent existence and is not a result of human thinking. - History is a process of development through conflict, not a conflict of ideas, but the real conflict between economic classes. - Two aspects of historical materialism - Materialistic conception of society is in terms of economic infrastructure and social superstructure – this was created by Marx to understand the modes of production of society. - He understands the historical evolution process in terms of a dialectic process where two opposing forces interact with each other and new structures are produced and the dialectic process continues. - In order to survive man must produce and for this man must enter into relation with others. These relations are dynamic and conflicting. It leads to change in the mode of production. Using Historical materialism approach Marx gave 5 epochs of Human history 1. Primitive Communism 2. Slave society 3. Feudal Society 4. Capitalism Society 5. Communist society - Criticism - - Weber - The theory should be replaced by the ideal type. Marx was suffering from monoclonal economic determinism as per Weber. - Neo Marxist Ralf Dahrendorf - Capitalism is different from post-capitalism. - Herbert Mercuscue says pitfalls of marxism is that Marxian understanding is one-dimensional man i.e only materialism not humanism. **Conclusion** - Though the Dialectic materialism has some inherent shortcomings but in present times where geopolitics is moving toward geoeconomics this theory still holds valid. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### [Last Call] Prepare Sociology Optional in 4 months URL: https://www.upscprep.com/last-call-prepare-sociology-optional-in-4-months/ Last updated: 2024-10-13T13:45:43.000Z ### **Features** - **Detailed lectures** covering entire Sociology optional from foundation to advance - **Personalised mentorship support** \- access to mentors anytime you want. - **Answer Writing Practice** in class itself - Daily Practice Questions - **Test series** \- with model solutions and detailed evaluation - **Crisp notes** and value addition material - **Current affairs** coverage from Sociological Perspective ### **Structure** - **Duration -** 4 months (250+ hours of lectures covering Sociology from Basics to Advance level) - Weekly 5 sessions of core content + 1 Answer writing practice session. - **Complete coverage of both Sociology Papers** \- Live cum recorded lectures - **Access to recordings for 3 years** - **Personalized Mentorship** by past Sociology toppers - **Access to Mentorship for 3 years.** - **Daily Practice Questions** after every lecture (with Evaluation) - based on the topics taught in class. - Weekly live session on these questions. - Special sessions on **Sociology Current Affairs →** connecting current affairs with sociology - **Test Series included** in the course - with Evaluation - 8 Tests - 4 Sectional + 4 FLTs. - Model solutions will be provided. - Tests can be written till next mains i.e. Sept 2025. - Special **telegram group** for quick resolution of your doubts and peer learning - Specially designed **to the point notes** for effective revision of Sociology - **Bi-weekly Doubts Day Access -** where you can ask all technical/subject specific doubts related to UPSC Basics, Prelims, Mains, Sociology and CSAT. - Doubt day will be conducted on every Saturday - 10% discount on all future UPSCprep.com courses till 1 year. ### **Fee Structure** - Sociology complete course with Mentorship - 14999 - Sociology complete course with Mentorship and Test Series (8 Tests with Evaluation) - 17999 ### **Discount** - 7.5% Early Bird Discount - (Use coupone code **SOCEB**) - 10% old student discount to all existing students of UPSCprep.com (discount is applicable automatically) > **Download Course Schedule -** [Click here](https://d18qz45wk4tdlr.cloudfront.net/institute/upscprep/ckeditor/8db9b6732294493f8587bc081a42e9b9.pdf?ref=upscprep.com) > **Download Course Brochure -** [Click here](https://d18qz45wk4tdlr.cloudfront.net/institute/upscprep/ckeditor/56d0a1c38e5f4f0aa018b5febf0b9ffb.pdf?ref=upscprep.com) **Watch Sociology Orientation Lecture:** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Fy1C5XkrpE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Fy1C5XkrpE&ref=upscprep.com) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/soc.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with 3 year Mentorship Test Series Included [Enroll Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing: Sociology (Day 3) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-sociology-day-3/ Last updated: 2024-10-26T05:44:33.000Z ### Questions 1. Phenomenological perspectives are nothing but a dissent from the assumptions of positivism. Comment. (20 Marks) 2. Examine the significance of ‘triangulation’ in sociology. (10 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 3)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 3).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/10/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-3-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q 1\. Phenomenological perspectives are nothing but a dissent from the assumptions of positivism. Comment. (20 Marks)** **Introduction** - Positivism is an approach of studying sociology as a discipline which aims at employing principles similar to those in natural sciences. - According to Saint Simon, 'positivism was rooted in a science of society which is analogous to natural sciences'. **Main Body** - Positivism emphasised upon understanding 'external realities' and rejected the study of internal aspects like meanings, motives etc. - Durkheim called for - studying 'social facts' as these are seen objectively in a similar manner by everyone. - Discovery of 'cause and effect' relationship while studying phenomenon. - It stressed upon use of 'scientific methods' similar to those used in natural sciences. For example Durkheim used statistical technique similar to natural sciences in his famous study of suicide. - It focused upon 'empiricism' and rejected commonsensical speculations. Positivism also focused on formulation of 'theories' and 'universality' of laws and principles. However, soon it was realised that sociology cannot be developed as a purely positivistic discipline. - Phenomenologists like Peter Berger contend that facts never fall from the sky, but develop in a particular context. - Phenomenology refers to a group of perspectives, and it is a distinctive European branch of sociology that emerged as an alternative to positivism. - The basis of this approach is that 'an individual has a voluntary will and his thoughts cannot be understood simply in terms of external influence'. Human beings have a consciousness which cannot be predicted. - It is argued that the subject matter of natural sciences and social sciences are fundamentally different - man has consciousness, material things don't, and hence, methods of natural sciences cannot be applied to social sciences. - Meanings don't have their own independent existence. Instead, they are constructed and reconstructed by the actors in the course of their social interaction. - From a phenomenological perspective, the social world is a world of meanings, and there is no objective reality that lies beyond the meanings of individuals. - Max Weber was a big influence on the development of this stream of sociology. - However, the non-positivist methodologies cannot resolve the dilemma of objectivity and subjectivity. - They could also not develop a single methodological principle leading to wide variations in non-positivist research and some even stressed on using quantitative methods. - Non-positivist methods also depend heavily on the ability of the interrogator and as a result, different explanations were given for the same phenomenon. **Conclusion** - Positivism laid particular emphasis on behavior that can be 'directly observed' and ignored factors like feelings, meanings which cannot be directly observed. And to fill those gaps one could say Phenomenology developed. --- **Q 2\. Examine the significance of ‘triangulation’ in sociology. (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - In social research, triangulation is defined as the mixing of several methods, data and tools instead of adopting a single approach. **Main Body** - Norman K. Denizen identifies four types of triangulation in social research: - Data triangulation involves using a variety of information or data sources to increase the validity of the results. - Investigator triangulation involving multiple researchers in an investigation, - Theory triangulation involves more than one theoretical scheme, - Methodology triangulation involves clubbing various methods. - Significance - Researchers can use the strengths of one method to compensate for the shortcomings of another. - Research data could be more reliable and valid. - Accuracy increases with the use of multiple data collection methods. - By gathering and aggregating different types of data (quantitative and qualitative) and sources, researchers are more likely to get a complete, fully-rounded picture of the behaviour they're studying. - Disadvantages - Can be time and resource intensive. - Sometimes various methods lead to ambiguity in data collection. **Conclusion** - Despite certain disadvantages, various methods of triangulation have been used in a wide range of sociological research. It opens a wide range of spectrum of methodologies in sociological research. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing: Sociology (Day 2) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-sociology-day-2/ Last updated: 2024-10-26T05:44:51.000Z ### Questions 1. How far the basic postulates of scientific method are applied in sociology? Also, discuss whether application of scientific methods in sociology is justified. (20 Marks) 2. Differentiate between objectivity and value neutrality in sociological research. (10 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 2)Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology (Day 2).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/10/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology--Day-2-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. How far the basic postulates of scientific method are applied in sociology? Also, discuss whether application of scientific methods in sociology is justified. (20 Marks)** **Introduction** - Background about the Emergence of Scientificism in Social Studies - Mention of positivism - Scientific method- Building a body of knowledge through observation, experimentation, generalisation and verification. **Main Body** Basic Postulates of the scientific method: - Empiricism and identification of surface reality - Cause and Effect Analysis - Use of research methodologies - Direct and calculated Observations - Rationality Application in Sociology - - Positivistic Approach - Spencer - Organismic Analogy, Social Darwinism - Comte - finding laws that governs human behaviour - Durkheim’s methods for Direct Observation of social facts - Debate (Positivism vs Non-Positivism)- Non positivist challenging use of scientific methods in sociology - Interpretivism, Symbolic interactionism and Phenomenology - Oppose the use of scientific methods - Emphasis on identifying the underlying meaning - The problem of objectivity in sociology – - Objectivity is an illusion, and all research is guided by viewpoints that involve subjectivity (Gunnar Myrdal) **Conclusion** - Despite the above criticism, the scientific methods paved the way for concrete rationalization in Social investigation. - According to Goffman and Mead: ‘Sociology is science’ in itself and has its own methodology, spirit, purpose and results. --- **Q2\. Differentiate between objectivity and value neutrality in sociological research. (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - Define objectivity and value neutrality **Main Body** - Objectivity means striving as far as possible to reduce or eliminate bias in the conduct of research. - Value neutrality, as described by Max Weber, is the duty of sociologists to identify and acknowledge their own values and overcome their personal biases when conducting sociological research. - Objectivity is an imperative of value-free sociology or positivism - A positivist research has goals such as quantification, containment of social reality as facts, data analysis etc. - Invariably there must be objectivity in such research. - Moreover, quantification in itself is a way to achieve objectivity - Value neutrality is an imperative of non-positivists - When using techniques such as observation or interview, there are some preconditions like the ideology of the researcher, the topic of the research, the distance between researcher and researched exist **Conclusion** - Hence, objectivity is not possible. Value contamination is bound to happen - In order to be value-neutral, sociologists must be aware of their own moral judgments and values, and avoid incorporating them into their research, their conclusions, and their teaching. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing: Sociology (Day 1) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-sociology/ Last updated: 2024-10-26T05:45:21.000Z ### Questions 1. How did the Enlightenment contribute to the foundation of sociology? Elaborate. (10 Marks) 2. Sociology and common sense are often treated as railway tracks, apart yet together. Discuss. (10 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology Daily Answer Writing\_ Sociology .pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/10/Daily-Answer-Writing%5F-Sociology-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. How did the Enlightenment contribute to the foundation of sociology? Elaborate. (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - The Enlightenment period, also known as the Age of Reason, was an intellectual and cultural movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, science, and individualism. **Main Body** Several aspects of the Enlightenment contributed to the development of sociology: - **Rationalism**: The Enlightenment thinkers believed in the power of human reason to understand and improve the world. This emphasis on rationalism and critical thinking laid the groundwork for the scientific study of society, which is the basis of sociology. The belief in the power of reason led to the development of systematic observation, comparison, and experimentation, which are essential components of sociological research. - **Empiricism**: Empiricism is the belief that knowledge comes from experience and observation. During the Enlightenment, thinkers emphasized the importance of using empirical evidence to understand the world. This focus on empirical research and the scientific method contributed to the development of sociology as a discipline that relies on systematic observation and analysis of social phenomena. - **Secularism**: The Enlightenment period saw a shift away from religious explanations of social phenomena and towards secular, scientific explanations. This shift allowed for the development of sociology as a discipline that focuses on the study of society and social relationships without relying on religious dogma. - **Individualism**: The Enlightenment period emphasized the importance of the individual and the belief in individual rights and freedoms. This focus on individualism led to the development of social contract theories, which explore the relationship between individuals and society. These theories, such as those proposed by Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, laid the foundation for the sociological study of social order and social change. - **Social progress**: The Enlightenment thinkers believed in the possibility of social progress and the perfectibility of human society. This belief in progress led to the development of theories about how societies change and evolve over time, which is a central concern of sociology. Auguste Comte, often considered the founder of sociology, was influenced by this belief in progress and developed his theory of social evolution, which posits that societies progress through stages of development. - **The emergence of modernity**: The Enlightenment period marked the beginning of modernity, characterized by rapid social, economic, and political changes. These changes, such as urbanization, industrialization, and the rise of nation-states, created new social problems and challenges that required systematic study and analysis. This need for understanding the complexities of modern society contributed to the development of sociology as a discipline. **Conclusion** The Enlightenment period played a crucial role in the emergence of sociology by fostering an intellectual environment that emphasized reason, empiricism, secularism, individualism, social progress, and the challenges of modernity. --- **Q2\. Sociology and common sense are often treated as railway tracks, apart yet together. Discuss. (10 Marks)** **Introduction** Common sense is defined as the "routine knowledge that people have of their everyday world and activities." Sociology, on the other hand, is the scientific study of society and social relationships, including patterns of social communication and cultural differences. **Main Body** - Common sense generally takes cues from what appears on the surface; sociology, on the other hand, looks for interconnections and root causes that may not be apparent. - Sociology uses reason and logic, and common sense uses conjectures and stereotypical beliefs. - Common sense is based upon assumptions, sociology is based on evidence. - Empirical testing has no place in common sense knowledge, while sociological research may have an empirical orientation. - Sociological knowledge is objective, whereas common sense is intuitive. - Sociological knowledge results in generalisation and even theory building. Common sense knowledge, on the other hand, maybe very personal, and two persons may draw different conclusions from the same event based on their own common sense. - Sociological knowledge is change-oriented, while common sense promotes status quoism. Convergence (Yet together) - The concepts in sociology are framed by taking into consideration commonsensical knowledge. Common sense helps sociologists in hypothesis building. - Common Sense provides the raw material for sociological investigations. Sociology tends to answer questions generated from common sense knowledge. - Common sense also helps sociology by challenging its conclusions and thereby enriching the discipline. - According to Anthony Giddens, sociological knowledge also itself becomes part of common sense knowledge sometimes. **Conclusion** - Thus, when sociology moved closer to positivism, common sense was almost discarded. Anti-positivists, on the other hand, again tried to give importance to common sense. Sociologists' perception towards common sense has thus changed over time as the discipline evolved. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-10-at-7.03.14-AM.png) #### Sociology Comprehensive Course with Mentorship Test Series included [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/sociology-comprehensive-course-with-mentorship-test-series-included-ytjynuhdcnmg/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Mains 2024 GS 4 Paper URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-2024-gs-4-paper-download/ Last updated: 2024-09-27T19:11:13.000Z 1. **(a)** The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a dependable source of input for administrative rational decision-making is a debatable issue. Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view. (Answer in 150 words) **(b)** "Ethics encompasses several key dimensions that are crucial in guiding individuals and organizations towards morally responsible behavior." Explain the key dimensions of ethics that influence human actions. Discuss how these dimensions shape ethical decision-making in the professional context. (Answer in 150 words) 2. **(a)** "It is not enough to talk about peace, one must believe in it; and it is not enough to believe in it, one must act upon it." In the present context, the major weapon industries of the developed nations are adversely influencing continuation of wars for their own self-interest around the world. What are the ethical considerations of the powerful nations in today’s international arena to stop the continuation of ongoing conflicts? (Answer in 150 words) **(b)** Global warming and climate change are the outcomes of human greed in the name of development, indicating the direction in which extinction of organisms including human beings is heading towards loss of life on Earth. How do you put an end to this to protect life and bring equilibrium between society and the environment? (Answer in 150 words) 3. Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? **(a)** "Learn everything that is good from others, but bring it in, and in your own way absorb it, do not become others." — Swami Vivekananda (Answer in 150 words) **(b)** "Faith is of no avail in the absence of strength. Faith and strength, both are essential to accomplish any great work." — Sardar Patel (Answer in 150 words) **(c)** "In law, a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics, he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so." — Immanuel Kant (Answer in 150 words) 4. **(a)** "The concept of Just and Unjust is contextual. What was just a year back, may turn out to be unjust in today’s context. Changing context should be constantly under scrutiny to prevent miscarriage of justice." Examine the above statement with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words) **(b)** "Mindless addiction to Form, ignoring the Substance of the matter, results in rendering of injustice. A perceptive civil servant is one who ignores such literalness and carries out true intent." Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 150 words) 5. **(a)** 'The Code of Conduct' and 'Code of Ethics' are the sources of guidance in public administration. There is code of conduct already in operation, whereas code of ethics is not yet put in place. Suggest a suitable model for code of ethics to maintain integrity, probity, and transparency in governance. (Answer in 150 words) **(b)** The soul of the new law, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), is justice, equality, and impartiality based on Indian culture and ethos. Discuss this in the light of the major shift from a doctrine of punishment to justice in the present judicial system.(Answer in 150 words) 6. **(a)** "In Indian culture and value system, an equal opportunity has been provided irrespective of gender identity. The number of women in public service has been steadily increasing over the years." Examine the gender-specific challenges faced by female public servants and suggest suitable measures to increase their efficiency in discharging their duties and maintaining high standards of probity. (Answer in 150 words) **(b)** Mission Karmayogi is aiming for maintaining a very high standard of conduct and behavior to ensure efficiency for serving citizens and in turn developing oneself. How will this scheme empower the civil servants in enhancing productive efficiency and delivering services at the grassroots level? (Answer in 150 words) 7. There is a technological company named ABC Incorporated which is the second largest worldwide, situated in the Third World. You are the Chief Executive Officer and the majority shareholder of this company. The fast technological improvements have raised worries among environmental activists, regulatory authorities, and the general public over the sustainability of this scenario. You confront substantial issues about the business’s environmental footprint. In 2023, your organization had a significant increase of 48% in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the levels recorded in 2019\. The significant rise in energy consumption is mainly due to the surging energy requirements of your data centres, fuelled by the exponential expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI-powered services need much more computational resources and electrical energy compared to conventional online activities, notwithstanding their notable gains. The technology’s proliferation has led to a growing concern over the environmental repercussions, resulting in an increase in warnings. AI models, especially those used in extensive machine learning and data processing, exhibit much greater energy consumption than conventional computer tasks, with an exponential increase. Although there is already a commitment and goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2030, the challenge of lowering emissions seems overwhelming as the integration of AI continues to increase. To achieve this goal, substantial investments in renewable energy use would be necessary. The difficulty is exacerbated by the competitive environment of the technology sector, where rapid innovation is essential for preserving market standing and shareholders’ worth. To achieve a balance between innovation, profitability and sustainability, a strategic move is necessary that is in line with both business objectives and ethical obligations. **(a)** What is your immediate response to the challenges posed in the above case **(b)** Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case. **(c)** Your company has been identified to be penalized by technological giants. What logical and ethical arguments will you put forth to convince about its necessity? **(d)** Being a conscience being, what measures would you adopt to maintain balance between AI innovation and environmental footprint? (Answer in 250 words) 8. Raman is a senior IPS officer and has recently been posted as D.G. of a state. Among the various issues and problems/challenges which needed his immediate attention, the issue relating to recruitment of unemployed youth by an unknown terrorist group, was a matter of grave concern. It was noted that unemployment was relatively high in the state. The problem of unemployment amongst graduates and those with higher education was much more grave. Thus they were vulnerable and soft targets. In the review meeting taken by him with senior officers of DIG Range and above, it came to light that a new terrorist group has emerged at the global level. It has launched a massive drive to recruit young unemployed people. Special focus was to pick young people from a particular community. The said organisation seemed to have the clear objective of utilising/using them for carrying out militant activities. It was also gathered that the said (new) group is desperately trying to spread its tentacles in his state. A definite/reliable intelligence tip was received by the State CID and Cyber Cell that a large number of such unemployed youth have already been contacted by the terrorist outfit/group through social media and local communal organisations and other contacts. The need of the hour was to act swiftly and to check these elements/designs before they assume serious proportions. Discrete inquiries made by the police, through the Cyber Cell, revealed that good numbers of unemployed youth are very active on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. On an average, many of them were spending 6-8 hours each day, using electronic devices/internet, etc. It also came to light that such unemployed youth were showing sympathy and endorsing the messages received from certain persons, allegedly the contact persons of that global terrorist group. Their social media accounts revealed their strong affinity to such groups inasmuch as many of them started forwarding anti-national tweets on their WhatsApp and Facebook, etc. It seemed that they succumbed to their ploy and started propagating secessionist ideology. Their posts were hyper-critical of the government’s initiatives, policies and subscribing to extreme beliefs and promoting extremism. **(a)** What are the options available to Raman to tackle the above situation? **(b)** What measures would you suggest for strengthening the existing set-up to ensure that such groups do not succeed in penetrating and vitiating the atmosphere in the state? **(c)** In the above scenario, what action plan would you advise for enhancing the intelligence gathering mechanism of the police force? (Answer in 250 words) 9. With multipronged strategy of the Central and State Governments specially in the last few years, the naxalite problem has been resolved to a large extent in the affected states of the country. However, there are a few pockets in certain states where naxalite problem still persists, mainly due to involvement of foreign countries. Rohit is posted as SP (Special Operations) for the last one year, in one of the districts which is still affected by the naxalite problem. The district administration has taken a lot of developmental works in the recent past in the naxalite affected areas to win the hearts and minds of the people. Over a period of time, Rohit has established an excellent intelligence network to get the real time information regarding the movement of naxalite cadre. To instill confidence in the public and have moral ascendancy over the naxalites, a number of cordons and search operations are being conducted by the police. Rohit who himself was leading one of the contingents got a message through his intelligence source that about ten hard core naxalites were hiding in a particular village with sophisticated weapons. Without wasting any time, Rohit reached the target village with his team and laid out a foolproof cordon and started carrying out a systematic search. During the search, his team managed to overpower all the naxalites along with their automatic weapons. However, in the meantime, more than five hundred tribal women surrounded the village and started marching towards the target house. They were shouting and demanding the immediate release of insurgents since they are their protectors and saviours. The situation on the ground was becoming very critical as the tribal women were extremely agitated and aggressive. Rohit tried to contact his superior officer, IG (Special Operations) of the state on the radio set and on mobile phone, but failed to do so due to poor connectivity. Rohit was in great dilemma since out of the naxalites apprehended, two were not only hard core top insurgents with prize money of ₹ ten lakhs on their heads, but were also involved in a recent ambush on the security forces. However, if he did not release the naxalites, the situation could get out of control since the tribal women were aggressively charging towards them. In that case, to control the situation Rohit might have to resort to firing which may lead to valuable loss of lives of civilians and would further complicate the situation. **(a)** What are the options available with Rohit to cope with the situation? **(b)** What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Rohit? **(c)** Which of the options, do you think, would be more appropriate for Rohit to adopt and why? **(d)** In the present situation, what are the extra precautionary measures to be taken by the police in dealing with women protesters? (Answer in 250 words) 10. Sneha is a Senior Manager working for a big reputed hospital chain in a mid-sized city. She has been made in-charge of the new super speciality center that the hospital is building with state-of-the art equipment and world class medical facilities. The building has been reconstructed and she is starting the process of procurement for various equipment and machines. As the head of the committee responsible for procurement, she has invited bids from all the interested reputed vendors dealing in medical equipment. She notices that her brother, who is a well-known supplier in this domain, has also sent his expression of interest. Since the hospital is privately owned, it is not mandatory for her to select only the lower bidder. Also, she is aware that her brother’s company has been facing some financial difficulties and a big supply order will help him recover. At the same time, allocating the contract to her brother might bring charges of favouritism against her and tarnish her image. The hospital management trusts her fully and would support any decision of hers. **(a)** What should be Sneha’s course of action? **(b)** How would she justify what she chooses to do? **(c)** In this case, how is medical ethics compromised with vested personal interest? (Answer in 250 words) 11. With the summer heat being exceptionally severe this year, the district has been facing severe water shortage. The District Collector has been mobilizing his subordinate officials to conserve the remaining water reserves for preventing the district from plunging into acute drinking water crisis. Along with an awareness campaign for conserving water, strict measures have been taken for stopping the over-exploitation of ground-water. Vigilance teams have been deployed to tour the villages and find the farmers who are drawing water from deep borewells or from the river reservoir for irrigation. The farmers are agitated by such action. A delegation of farmers meets the District Collector with their issues and complains that while they are not being allowed to irrigate their crops, big industries located near the river are drawing huge amounts of water through deep borewells for their industrial processes. The farmers allege that their administration is anti-farmer and corrupt, being bribed by the industry. The district needs to placate the farmers as they are threatening to go on a prolonged protest. At the same time, the District Collector has to deal with the water crisis. The industry cannot be closed as this would result in a large number of workers being unemployed. **(a)** Discuss all options available to the District Collector as a District Magistrate. **(b)** What suitable actions can be taken in view of mutually compatible interests of the stakeholders? **(c)** What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas for the District Collector? (Answer in 250 words) 12. Dr. Srinivasan is a senior scientist working for a reputed biotechnology company known for its cutting-edge research in pharmaceuticals. Dr. Srinivasan is heading a research team working on a new drug aimed at treating a rapidly spreading variant of a new viral infectious disease. The disease has been rapidly spreading across the world and the cases reported in the country are increasing. There is huge pressure on Dr. Srinivasan’s team to expedite the trials for the drug as there is significant market for it, and the company wants to get the first-mover advantage in the market. During a team meeting, some senior team members suggest some shortcut for expediting the clinical trials for the drug and for getting the requisite approvals. These include manipulating data to exclude some negative outcomes and selectively reporting positive results, foregoing the process of informed consent and using compounds already patented by a rival company, rather than developing one’s own component. Dr. Srinivasan is not comfortable taking such shortcuts, at the same time he realises meeting the targets is impossible without using these means. **(a)** What would you do in such a situation? **(b)** Examine your options and consequences in the light of the ethical questions involved. **(c)** How can data ethics and drug ethics save humanity at large in such a scenario? (Answer in 250 words) **To download the PDF of GS 4 Mains 2024 Paper**: [Click here](https://telegram.me/UPSCprepIAS/5187?ref=upscprep.com) > **Complete your Mains preparation by Jan 2025*:* [*Click here*](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/gs-advance-mentorship-for-mains-2025/?ref=upscprep.com) ## Sign up for UPSCprep.com Simplify your UPSC journey Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### UPSC Mains 2024 GS 3 Paper URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-2024-gs-3-paper-download/ Last updated: 2025-06-29T12:18:14.000Z 1. Examine the pattern and trend of public expenditure on social services in the post-reforms period in India. To what extent has this been in consonance with achieving the objective of inclusive growth? (Answer in 150 words) 2. What are the causes of persistent high food inflation in India? Comment on the effectiveness of the monetary policy of the RBI to control this type of inflation. (Answer in 150 words) 3. What were the factors responsible for the successful implementation of land reforms in some parts of the country? Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words) 4. Explain the role of millets for ensuring health and nutritional security in India. (Answer in 150 words) 5. What is the present world scenario of intellectual property rights with respect to life materials? Although India is second in the world to file patents, still only a few have been commercialized. Explain the reasons behind this less commercialization. (Answer in 150 words) 6. What is the technology being employed for electronic toll collection on highways? What are its advantages and limitations? What are the proposed changes that will make this process seamless? Would this transition carry any potential hazards? (Answer in 150 words) 7. Industrial pollution of river water is a significant environmental issue in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to deal with this problem and also the government's initiatives in this regard. (Answer in 150 words) 8. What role do environmental NGOs and activists play in influencing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) outcomes for major projects in India? Cite four examples with all important details. (Answer in 150 words) 9. Explain how narco-terrorism has emerged as a serious threat across the country. Suggest suitable measures to counter narco-terrorism. (Answer in 150 words) 10. Describe the context and salient features of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023\. (Answer in 150 words) 11. Discuss the merits and demerits of the four Labour Codes in the context of labour market reforms in India. What has been the progress so far in this regard? (Answer in 250 words) 12. What is the need for expanding regional air connectivity in India? In this context, discuss the government's UDAN Scheme and its achievements. (Answer in 250 words) 13. What are the major challenges faced by the Indian irrigation system in recent times? State the measures taken by the government for efficient irrigation management. (Answer in 250 words) 14. Elucidate the importance of buffer stocks for stabilizing agricultural prices in India. What are the challenges associated with the storage of buffer stock? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words) 15. The world is facing an acute shortage of clean and safe freshwater. What are the alternative technologies which can solve this crisis? Briefly discuss any three such technologies citing their key merits and demerits. (Answer in 250 words) 16. What are asteroids? How real is the threat of them causing the extinction of life? What strategies have been developed to prevent such a catastrophe? (Answer in 250 words) 17. What is disaster resilience? How is it determined? Describe various elements of a resilience framework. Also mention the global targets of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030). (Answer in 250 words) 18. Flooding in urban areas is an emerging climate-induced disaster. Discuss the causes of this disaster. Mention the features of two such major floods in the last two decades in India. Describe the policies and frameworks in India that aim at tackling such floods. (Answer in 250 words) 19. India has a long and troubled border with China and Pakistan fraught with contentious issues. Examine the conflicting issues and security challenges along the border. Also give out the development being undertaken in these areas under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) and Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme. (Answer in 250 words) 20. Social media and encrypted messaging services pose a serious security challenge. What measures have been adopted at various levels to address the security implications of social media? Also suggest any other remedies to address the problem. (Answer in 250 words) **To download the PDF of GS 3 Mains 2024 Paper**: [Click here](https://telegram.me/UPSCprepIAS/5186?ref=upscprep.com) ## Sign up for UPSCprep.com Simplify your UPSC journey Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### UPSC Mains 2024 GS 2 Paper URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-2024-gs-2-paper-downlaod/ Last updated: 2024-09-21T12:35:23.000Z 1. Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to "one nation – one election" principle. (Answer in 150 words) 2. Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they entertain civil as well as criminal cases? (Answer in 150 words) 3. "The growth of cabinet system has practically resulted in the marginalisation of the parliamentary supremacy." Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words) 4. "The duty of the Comptroller and Auditor General is not merely to ensure the legality of expenditure but also its propriety." Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 5. Analyse the role of local bodies in providing good governance at local level and bring out the pros and cons comparing the rural local bodies with the urban local bodies. (Answer in 150 words) 6. Public charitable trusts have the potential to make India’s development more inclusive as they relate to certain vital public issues. Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 7. Poverty and malnutrition create a vicious cycle, adversely affecting human capital formation. What steps can be taken to break the cycle? (Answer in 150 words) 8. The Doctrine of Democratic Governance makes it necessary that the public perception of the integrity and commitment of civil servants becomes absolutely positive. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words) 9. "The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China’s political and economic dominance." Explain this statement with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10. Critically analyse India’s evolving diplomatic, economic, and strategic relations with the Central Asian Republics (C.A.R.s) highlighting their increasing significance in regional and global geopolitics. (Answer in 150 words) 11. What are the aims and objects of recently passed and enforced, The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024? Whether University/State Education Board examinations, too, are covered under the Act? (Answer in 250 words) 12. Right to privacy is intrinsic to life and personal liberty and is inherently protected under Article 21 of the constitution. Explain. In this reference, discuss the law relating to DNA testing of child in the womb to establish its paternity. (Answer in 250 words) 13. What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-State relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build the trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism. (Answer in 250 words) 14. Explain the reasons for the growth of public interest litigation in India. As a result of it, has the Indian Supreme Court emerged as the world's most powerful judiciary? (Answer in 250 words) 15. Discuss India as a secular state and compare with the secular principles of the US constitution. (Answer in 250 words) 16. The Citizens’ charter has been a landmark initiative in ensuring citizen-centric administration. But it is yet to reach its full potential. Identify the factors hindering the realisation of its promise and suggest measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words) 17. In a crucial domain like the public healthcare system, the Indian State should play a vital role to contain the adverse impact of marketisation of the system. Suggest some measures through which the State can enhance the reach of public healthcare at the grassroots level. (Answer in 250 words) 18. E-governance is not just about the routine application of digital technology in service delivery process. It is as much about multifarious interactions for ensuring transparency and accountability. In this context, evaluate the role of the 'Interactive Service Model' of e-governance. (Answer in 250 words) 19. "Terrorism has become a significant threat to global peace and security." Evaluate the effectiveness of the United Nations Security Council’s Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) and its associated bodies in addressing and mitigating this threat at the international level. (Answer in 250 words) 20. Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of Maldives for India with a focus on bilateral trade and security. Further also discuss how this relationship affects India's Marit time security and regional stability amidst international Competition (Answer in 250 words) **To download the PDF of GS 2 Mains 2024 Paper**: [Click here](https://telegram.me/UPSCprepIAS/5182?ref=upscprep.com) > **Complete your Mains preparation by Jan 2025**: [Click here](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/gs-advance-mentorship-for-mains-2025/?ref=upscprep.com) ## Sign up for UPSCprep.com Simplify your UPSC journey Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### UPSC Mains 2024 GS 1 Paper URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-gs-1-paper-2024-download/ Last updated: 2024-09-21T07:02:26.000Z 1. Underline the changes in the field of society and economy from the Rig Vedic to the later Vedic period. (Answer in 150 words) 2. Estimate the contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi for the development of art and literature of South India. (Answer in 150 words) 3. What were the events that led to the Quit India Movement? Point out its results. (Answer in 150 words) 4. What is sea surface temperature rise? How does it affect the formation of tropical cyclones? (Answer in 150 words) 5. Why do large cities tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries. (Answer in 150 words) 6. What is the phenomenon of 'cloudbursts'? Explain. (Answer in 150 words) 7. What is the concept of a 'demographic winter'? Is the world moving towards such a situation? Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words) 8. Distinguish between gender equality, gender equity, and women's empowerment. Why is it important to take gender concerns into account in programme design and implementation? (Answer in 150 words) 9. Intercaste marriages between castes which have socio-economic parity have increased, to some extent, but this is less true of interreligious marriages. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words) 10. In dealing with socio-economic issues of development, what kind of collaboration between government, NGOs, and private sector would be most productive? (Answer in 150 words) 11. "Though the great Cholas are no more yet their name is still remembered with great pride because of their highest achievements in the domain of art and architecture." Comment. (Answer in 250 words) 12. How far is it correct to say that the First World War was fought essentially for the preservation of balance of power? (Answer in 250 words) 13. How far was the Industrial Revolution in England responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India? (Answer in 250 words) 14. The groundwater potential of the Gangetic Valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India? (Answer in 250 words) 15. What are aurora australis and aurora borealis? How are these triggered? (Answer in 250 words) 16. What is a twister? Why are the majority of twisters observed in areas around the Gulf of Mexico? (Answer in 250 words) 17. What is regional disparity? How does it differ from diversity? How serious is the issue of regional disparity in India? (Answer in 250 words) 18. Despite comprehensive policies for equity and social justice, underprivileged sections are not yet getting the full benefits of affirmative action envisaged by the Constitution. Comment. (Answer in 250 words) 19. Globalization has increased urban migration by skilled, young, unmarried women from various classes. How has this trend impacted upon their personal freedom and relationship with family? (Answer in 250 words) 20. Critically analyze the proposition that there is a high correlation between India's cultural diversities and socio-economic marginalities. (Answer in 250 words) **To download the PDF of GS 1 Mains 2024 Paper**: [Click here](https://telegram.me/UPSCprepIAS/5182?ref=upscprep.com) ## Sign up for UPSCprep.com Simplify your UPSC journey Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### UPSC Mains 2024 : Essay Paper URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-mains-2024-essay-paper-download/ Last updated: 2024-09-20T13:51:28.000Z **SECTION A** 1\. Forests precede civilizations and deserts follow them. 2\. The empires of the future will be the empires of the mind. 3\. There is no path to happiness; Happiness is the path. 4\. The doubter is a true man of science. **SECTION B** 5\. Social media is triggering 'Fear of Missing Out' amongst the youth, precipitating depression and loneliness. 6\. Nearly all men can stand adversity, but to test the character, give him power. 7\. All ideas having large consequences are always simple. 8\. The cost of being wrong is less than the cost of doing nothing. --- To download the question paper visit our [Telegram channel](https://telegram.me/UPSCprepIAS/5178?ref=upscprep.com) ## Sign up for UPSCprep.com Simplify your UPSC journey Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Case Study 06) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-4-case-study-06/ Last updated: 2024-09-05T16:18:42.000Z **Subject:** GS 4 **Syllabus:** Case Study ### Questions 1. A minister’s son was driving a car rashly which was stopped by a traffic constable at an intersection. Suspecting the case is of drink and drive, he subjects the boy to a breathalyzer. The test came out positive but in the meantime the boy made some phone calls and also slapped the constable. Constable stayed calm, took him to the police station and the moment SHO started registering FIR, he received a call from his superior to release the boy without any arrest or fine. Analyze the situation from different perspectives and explain what action SHO should take ? (250 Words, 20 Marks) 2. Mrs Priya is posted as High commissioner of the Indian embassy in Australia. Implementing government programs and acknowledging achievements related to the Indian diaspora is part of her job profile. A media house has invited her to an event to launch a book, which is within protocol. She accepts the invitation and reaches the venue only to find out that there’s a person named Mr Maheshwar in the event who is a friend of the author. Mr Maheshwar is a proclaimed financial fraud declared by various agencies in India. He has a non-bailable warrant against him, and the government is taking steps to extradite him. Presence of Mr Maheshwar has put Mrs Priya in a fix and indecision. Analyze the situation and explain the course of action to be taken by her. Below are some suggested options. Evaluate the merits and demerits of them- - Talk to higher authorities in India and take action accordingly. - Ignore Mr Maheshwar and attend the function. - Leave function immediately and issue notice against publishing house. - Talk with Mr Maheshwar and persuade him to return to India. (250 Words, 20 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Case Study 06)Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Case Study 06).pdf824 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/09/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-4--Case-Study-06--1.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. A minister’s son was driving a car rashly which was stopped by a traffic constable at an intersection. Suspecting the case is of drink and drive, he subjects the boy to a breathalyzer. The test came out positive but in the meantime the boy made some phone calls and also slapped the constable. Constable stayed calm, took him to the police station and the moment SHO started registering FIR, he received a call from his superior to release the boy without any arrest or fine.** **Analyze the situation from different perspectives and explain what action SHO should take ?** **(250 words)** **Introduction** - The case presents difficulty faced by officers in performing their duty where powerful people try to circumvent and violate rule of law. - Values and issues involved- - Upholding rules and laws. - Safety of the general public due to rash driving. - Integrity vs personal well being of constable and SHO. - Courage and dedication to duty. - De-motivation of officers involved. - Equality before law and rule of law. - Setting precedent to follow or violate rules. - Inner conscience vs external authority. - In this situation, SHO will be in a dilemma whether to uphold the rule of law or listen to the oral orders of superior. Both choices have merits and demerits. SHO will be under pressure from his conscience to act objectively, impartially and with integrity. Handling such pressure is part of his duty and he should not succumb to external pressure. - Not filing the case is against law and the image of the traffic department will also be tarnished. Also, the order is not in writing and any future exposure will put the SHO and his job in jeopardy. - But departmental structure and integrity stays intact if juniors obey the commands of superiors. Also, not following the orders may impact his future promotions and transfers. - The accused’s perspective is that he should go scot free and the matter should not be blown out of proportion. He has connections and he might be thinking that he should be able to get away easily. - From the constable's perspective, a case must be registered as he was caught with proof and also the boy tried to hinder a public servant from doing his duty. Letting off the boy will be a de-motivation for the constable and his department. - From the minister's perspective, the boy must be let off even if it means misuse of authority and tarnishing his own integrity. **Conclusion** - Considering all these perspectives, SHO must register a case as letting him go would mean dereliction of duty. It would set a wrong precedent and go against service rules. There cannot be selective imposition of law. If he is forced to release the minister's son, he should take the order in writing. --- **Q2\. Mrs Priya is posted as High commissioner of the Indian embassy in Australia. Implementing government programs and acknowledging achievements related to the Indian diaspora is part of her job profile. A media house has invited her to an event to launch a book, which is within protocol.** **She accepts the invitation and reaches the venue only to find out that there’s a person named Mr Maheshwar in the event who is a friend of the author. Mr Maheshwar is a proclaimed financial fraud declared by various agencies in India. He has a non-bailable warrant against him, and the government is taking steps to extradite him.** **Presence of Mr Maheshwar has put Mrs Priya in a fix and indecision. Analyze the situation and explain the course of action to be taken by her. Below are some suggested options. Evaluate the merits and demerits of them-** - **Talk to higher authorities in India and take action accordingly.** - **Ignore Mr Maheshwar and attend the function.** - **Leave function immediately and issue notice against publishing house.** - **Talk with Mr Maheshwar and persuade him to return to India.** **(250 words)** **Introduction** - The case presents a situational dilemma for Mrs Priya as she has to maintain probity of her office and also fulfill commitment to attend the book launch. She is an ambassador of Indian aspirations and sentiments but also has to maintain professional ethics. **Main body** - Issues and values involved- - Avoiding public perception of crony capitalism. - Integrity to fulfill acceptance of invitation. - Ignorance of organisers for inviting Mr Maheshwar. - Respecting sentiments of people in India as fraud is against the whole nation. - Courage of conscience. - Probity of office. - Merits and demerits of given options are- - Talk to higher authorities in India and take action accordingly- - Merits include actions taken as per protocol. No actions will be taken against Mrs Priya in future. - Demerits include delay in decision making process, delegation of responsibility and lack of prudence on part of Mrs Priya. - Ignore Mr Maheshwar and attend the function- - Merits include making organisers of event not feeling embarrassed and upholding values of tolerance and temperance. - Demerits include questions on the probity and courage of Mrs Priya and injustice to victims of Mr Maheshwar. - Leave function immediately and issue notice against publishing house. - Merits include Mrs Priya being saved from personal embarrassment and precedent set for such organisers. - Demerits include embarrassment to organisers and the objective of connecting to the Indian diaspora will be defeated. - Talk with Mr Maheshwar and persuade him to return to India. - Merits include less embarrassment to organizers and if Mr Maheshwar is persuaded, the process of extradition will be quickened. - Demerits include very less chance of the offender getting persuaded and it also makes the government look weaker. **Conclusion** - Considering all the above options, Mrs Priya should leave the function immediately and take up the matter with higher authorities. Leaving the function will save her from embarrassment and send strong warning to the offender. If persuasion is a viable option, it can be done later informally. But taking up the matter with higher authorities will also help coordinate with Australian authorities thus ensuring extradition as per law. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Write1y.png) #### Write UnLimited Course (1 Year) Write answers from any source, we will evaluate them for you. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/write-unlimited-course-1-year/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Case Study 05) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-4-case-study-05/ Last updated: 2024-09-05T15:52:34.000Z **Subject:** GS 4 **Syllabus:** Case Study ### Questions 1. The issues confronting humanity are multifaceted - from political conflicts and human rights abuses to pandemics and climate change. They are not contained within national borders, nor do they fit into the silos of separate government agencies or academic specialties. What is required is greater international cooperation, mutual respect, abiding by international laws and participative global decision-making. However, over the last decade, it has been observed that international relations have overshadowed these basic tenets of global governance and now we are at the verge of serious global catastrophic risks. When it comes to the structures of global governance, business as usual, is no longer an option. Not only an improvement in our understanding of risks is required but also taking responsibility to lead collective action for a coordinated global response. **a.** What do you think are the factors hindering collective actions? **b.** Provide a case for the moral obligation of the international community to come together and find solutions to the problems we face. **c.** What should be the principles guiding such international cooperation? 2. Mohit Kumar has been appointed as Superintendent of Police in a communally sensitive district of Rajasthan. A terrorist has been given capital punishment and local organisation has asked police to carry out procession on day of execution of death penalty. Situation is sensitive as locals belonging to community of terrorist believe that injustice has been done. Mohit has been asked to decide on a permit, as allowing it may lead to uncontrollable situations and clashes. And not allowing may further alienate the community. Analyse the situation from different perspectives and explain what decision must Mohit take under such a scenario. --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Case Study 05)Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Case Study 05).pdf917 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/09/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-4--Case-Study-05-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. The issues confronting humanity are multifaceted - from political conflicts and human rights abuses to pandemics and climate change. They are not contained within national borders, nor do they fit into the silos of separate government agencies or academic specialties. What is required is greater international cooperation, mutual respect, abiding by international laws and participative global decision-making. However, over the last decade, it has been observed that international relations have overshadowed these basic tenets of global governance and now we are at the verge of serious global catastrophic risks. When it comes to the structures of global governance, business as usual, is no longer an option. Not only an improvement in our understanding of risks is required but also taking responsibility to lead collective action for a coordinated global response.** **a. What do you think are the factors hindering collective actions?** **b. Provide a case for the moral obligation of the international community to come together and find solutions to the problems we face.** **c. What should be the principles guiding such international cooperation?** **(250 marks)** **Introduction** - Global catastrophic risks such as international conflicts, terrorism, economic instability, climate change, environmental degradation, pandemics, food and water shortage, nuclear threats etc. are all interconnected risks and cannot be managed in isolation within a single country's border. - To avert the mentioned risks, international cooperation and global decision-making are required. **Main Body** - Factors that hinder collective international action - Increasing international disputes: - Disputes such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, skirmish between Chinese and Indian troops at the Galwan valley, have not just generated inter-state conflicts but have also threatened global peace. - It has also led to the emergence of various power blocs. - Rise of authoritarianism: - Autocratic regimes across the world are increasingly turning hostile to any kind of criticism, showing disregard to dissent, mutual respect and cooperation, violation of international laws, etc. - This has been witnessed in Syria wherein chemical weapons were allegedly used on citizens. - In North Korea, alleged killing of people to contain COVID spread. - Institutional inertia: - Inter-governmental institutions formed to facilitate cooperation, ensure peace, security, development and environmental integrity, are increasingly gridlocked and inadequate for the scale of challenges at hand. - Lack of UNSC reforms reflects such institutional inertia. - Increasing protectionism: - Globalization has created a new kind of vulnerability, due to inward domestic policies and rising economic nationalism of developed nations such as the US. - This has been exacerbated by the US-China trade war. - Asymmetrical relationships: - International relations are characterized by severe asymmetries in terms of access to resources, power and outcomes. - While poor and developing countries must abide by and/or shoulder the effects of global governance rules and regulations, they have limited influence in shaping them. - This has also resulted in conflicting demands of developed and developing countries on forums such as the World Trade Organization. - Moral obligation for international cooperation to find solutions: - Global responsibility: - In the face of climate change crises global action is required for preserving the environment, as the cause and effects of these problems lie across different parts of the world. - It has been found that the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island States are the most vulnerable to climate change, while they do not have resources to tackle it. - Transparency in handling issues: - In the absence of timely action and following international guidelines, a disease outbreak can become a global pandemic. - This was witnessed during the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic by the global community. - Intergenerational equity: - International cooperation is pertinent for ensuring the very survival of the human race, which is threatened by weapons of mass destruction, nuclearisation, biological warfare, etc. - Responsibility of the present generation to ensure sustainable development for a better world for the future generations. - Humane solutions to human-induced issues: - Problems such as North-South divide, trade wars, unsustainable use of resources etc. are human-induced problems driven by our greed. - It is our duty to work together and solve these. - As Gandhiji has rightly said, ‘the world has enough for everyone's need, but not enough for everyone's greed.' - The principles guiding such international cooperation include: - Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR): - This should be the core principle among countries in terms of their contribution and historical responsibilities in a collective effort to combat climate change. - Mutual Respect: The countries need to have mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. - Global collective action: International institutions need to be representative and accountable. - Decision-making procedures need to be democratic, inclusive and transparent. - Effective global governance and partnership can be achieved when parties agree to a minimum set of global commons, which is required for collective action. - Peaceful resolution of disputes: Countries should settle their international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security, and justice, are not endangered. **Conclusion** - With the enormity of problems facing humanity, there is a need for ethical conduct in international relations for maintaining peace, harmony, trust, respecting plurality and diversity and addressing gaps in economic and social justice. --- **Q2\. Mohit Kumar has been appointed as Superintendent of Police in a communally sensitive district of Rajasthan. A terrorist has been given capital punishment and local organisation has asked police to carry out procession on day of execution of death penalty. Situation is sensitive as locals belonging to community of terrorist believe that injustice has been done.** **Mohit has been asked to decide on a permit, as allowing it may lead to uncontrollable situations and clashes. And not allowing may further alienate the community. Analyse the situation from different perspectives and explain what decision must Mohit take under such a scenario.** **(250 words)** **Introduction** - This case study is a classic example of injustice that may creep into either side whichever course of action is taken. It has the potential to break independence and social unity which makes it an administrative challenge to prevent a sense of deprivation while respecting sentiments of all communities. **Main body** - Values and issues involved- - Internal security and rule of law. - Sense of injustice. - Respecting the decision of the judiciary. - Freedom to express the community. - Officer’s dedication to duty. - Courage of conviction and objectivity. - The organisation feels that by accepting their demands, alienation of the community can be prevented and positive sentiments can be generated. But procession can increase chances of communal clashes. Also, no right is absolute and can be restricted on grounds of national security and law and order. - Police have to balance law and order and religious sentiments. Allowing procession will mean dishonoring lost lives in terrorist attack and will cause inconvenience to the public. Instead, prayers at burial ground can be allowed by taking religious leaders into confidence, because death is a matter of sorrow and grief. - Accepting demands of organisation may also result in glorifying death and making the person a martyr. It might lead to indoctrination and challenge the legitimacy of the state. - In my view, the officer can allow prayer at burial site rather than procession as- - It is easy to administer. - Administration cant appear to be apathetic to sentiments of the community. - Inconvenience can't be done to other members of society. - Allowing procession will set a bad precedent. **Conclusion** - In long term for holistic course of action, root cause of sympathy for terrorist needs to be identified and to prevent feeling of injuistice and alienation. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Write1y.png) #### Write UnLimited Course (1 Year) Write answers from any source, we will evaluate them for you. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/write-unlimited-course-1-year/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Case Study 04) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-4-case-study-04/ Last updated: 2024-09-05T15:34:41.000Z **Subject:** GS 4 **Syllabus:** Case Study ### Questions 1. Literacy levels have been increasing in India over the past few decades, and the literacy rate was found to be 74.04 per cent after the 2011 census. Though this increase in literacy rate seems like a very great accomplishment, it is a matter of concern that still so many people in India cannot even read and write. Children are going to school but not learning much beyond “floor level tasks". Moreover, the higher literacy level has not resulted in better human values and this is manifested in the troubled atmosphere in the society at large. This failure of the education system to reform human behavior is troubling for a young democracy, like India. Given this situation, answer the following: **a.** What role is education expected to play in reforming human behaviour and inculcating human values? **b.** Do you think only the government is responsible for this state of the education system? If not, identify the stakeholders who should press for a change in the education system in this regard. (250 Words, 20 Marks) 2. You are working as a District Magistrate in an aspirational district where women literacy and sex ratio is one of the lowest in the country. It is brought to your notice that a woman who has been elected as ‘Sarpanch’ on a seat reserved for women candidates in a panchayat in your district is headed ‘only on the paper’. All the work related to the panchayat is actually carried out by her husband. Even the flag hoisting ceremony on Independence Day is carried out by her husband. However, her husband happens to be a good administrator as indicated by that panchayat’s performance on various developmental parameters as compared to other panchayats in the district. Also, her husband enjoys the support of the local people. Given the situation, answer the following: **a.** Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in this case? **b.** What options are available to you as the District Magistrate in such a scenario? Also, evaluate each option and indicate what option you will choose. (250 Words, 20 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Case Study 04)Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Case Study 04).pdf1013 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/09/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-4--Case-Study-04-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1.** **Literacy levels have been increasing in India over the past few decades, and the literacy rate was found to be 74.04 per cent after the 2011 census. Though this increase in literacy rate seems like a very great accomplishment, it is a matter of concern that still so many people in India cannot even read and write. Children are going to school but not learning much beyond “floor level tasks". Moreover, the higher literacy level has not resulted in better human values and this is manifested in the troubled atmosphere in the society at large. This failure of the education system to reform human behavior is troubling for a young democracy, like India. Given this situation, answer the following:** **a. What role is education expected to play in reforming human behaviour and inculcating human values?** **b. Do you think only the government is responsible for this state of the education system? If not, identify the stakeholders who should press for a change in the education system in this regard.** **(20 marks)** **Introduction:** - The current education system in India has contributed to substantial rise in literacy levels and enabled the younger generation to earn livelihoods by performing floor level tasks. - However, going beyond these achievements, the Annual Status of Education Report has regularly highlighted poor learning outcomes at school level. - Further, increasing instances of hate crimes, mob lynching, caste wars, and rape incidents indicates social degradation. - **Role education is expected to play in reforming human behavior and inculcating human values** - Through education, the **aspects of behaviour can be fine-tuned with the societal realities.** - Education imparts general knowledge, which exposes young minds to the world beyond the family and surroundings. - **Expands the horizon of understanding**, which is reflected in their responses. - Though observation is inherent in human nature, the education process develops the **powers of reasoning and judgment** therefore enhances it further. - An individual learns about the accepted and unaccepted set of behaviors. Accordingly, he/she tries to align himself. - A **proactive feedback system** from teachers and peers on actions gives ideas about the behavioral aspects. - **Human values are the virtues** like compassion, tolerance, kindness etc., which guide individuals to take into account the human element when they interact with other human beings. - It is the prime concern of education to evolve the good, the true and the honest so as to establish a moral life in the world. - It is expected that education through a value-based system **creates morally strong characters** driven by greater instincts. - It enables not only to identify and differentiate between right and wrong but also gives courage to speak against injustice and inequality. - It introduces the **element of rationality in the human mind.** - Help to see through existing prejudices and ills and encourage the informed people to fight them. - It develops a **deeper understanding of culture of their own as well as others** so that they can learn to respect the diversity and tolerate others' social and cultural practices. - **The government alone can’t be held responsible for the present state of education** - **Limited resources:** The government has to rationalize the utilization of resources according to various priorities. - It hinders the capacity of the state to provide free quality education to all and create a large number of institutions of excellence. - **Inadequate demand for quality education:** Despite the government introducing and popularizing the right to education as a legal right, peoples’ exercise of their rights and the demand for quality education is still not adequate. - **Lack of public support:** The policy formulation and its execution are the responsibilities of the state. - Without active public support, the novel desired objectives remain unachieved. - **Stakeholders needed to press for a change in the education system** - **Parents:** They should raise their voices and demand better education. - They should actively engage with administration to ensure that institutions deliver real capabilities rather than certificates for namesake. - **Media:** It should engage in sustained scrutiny of public offices to hold them accountable. - Build strong public pressure on the political class and the executive for it. - **Corporates:** They should come forward and support the government educational initiatives, which are in the right direction. - They may also supplement the exchequer by creating additional support systems for existing educational institutions. - **Not-for-profit organizations:** These can engage more deeply with political processes to demand effectiveness from the institutions of the state. - Further, they can use their network to deliver the educational services as well. **Conclusion:** - The need of the hour is to focus on holistic development of children and not just providing them skills to earn livelihoods. We must provide the children an education, which builds their character and develops the nation, as envisioned by Gandhiji. --- **Q2\. You are working as a District Magistrate in an aspirational district where women literacy and sex ratio is one of the lowest in the country. It is brought to your notice that a woman who has been elected as ‘Sarpanch’ on a seat reserved for women candidates in a panchayat in your district is headed ‘only on the paper’. All the work related to the panchayat is actually carried out by her husband. Even the flag hoisting ceremony on Independence Day is carried out by her husband. However, her husband happens to be a good administrator as indicated by that panchayat’s performance on various developmental parameters as compared to other panchayats in the district. Also, her husband enjoys the support of the local people. Given the situation, answer the following:** **a. Identify the stakeholders and issues involved in this case?** **b. What options are available to you as the District Magistrate in such a scenario? Also, evaluate each option and indicate what option you will choose.** **(20 marks)** **Introduction** - This case depicts the phenomenon of “Sarpanch Pati” in which a male relative of an elected woman Panchayat Sarpanch/member discharges all the official responsibilities of the woman. - This phenomenon arose as a result of the provision of reservation of seats in Panchayat elections for women in the backdrop of the patriarchal mindset of society. **Main Body** - Various stakeholders and issues involved in this case are the following- - Sarpanch: She has been deprived of her rights to discharge her official duty, participate in the political process and take decisions. - Husband of sarpanch: Though a good administrator, he is indulging in impropriety by discharging official duties of the Sarpanch, which is a case of unauthorized appropriation of an elected office. - Villagers: Though their Panchayat is ahead of other panchayats in the district, this incident clearly points to their regressive attitude towards women. - This may also be a factor behind the district’s low performance on women’s literacy and sex ratio. - District and state administration: The district administration must ensure that there is no violation of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, which seeks to involve women in decision-making and leadership roles. - Women and society at large: Such incidents strike at the very root of the process of women empowerment. - Perpetuate traditional patriarchal society & ensure that women are kept subjugated. - This acts as a hindrance to the overall development of society. As a District Magistrate, I have the following options available: - Take legal action against the Sarpanch under relevant provisions of the state Panchayati Raj Act: - Pros: This will act as a deterrent for others and will create the space for women empowerment as envisaged by the PRI Act. - Cons: Without a proper enquiry into the matter, this step may prove hasty. - Also, there is a chance that the local aids of the ‘Sarpanch Pati’ start creating law and order issues. - Conduct an enquiry into the allegation: - Pros: This will establish the facts of the case, which will help in taking informed decisions based on evidence and will also uphold the rule of law. - Cons: This may initially give a message that the administration is going lenient over the issue, as the enquiry may take time to conclude. - Inform counsel and if needed, warn the Sarpanch - Pros: It will also ensure that the legal repercussions of their actions are well understood by the Sarpanch. - It will also provide an opportunity to the woman Sarpanch to put across her point as well. - Also, based on this conversation, a future course of action can be decided. - Cons: Though this step takes into account the sensitivity of the situation, this might give an impression that the administration lacks the desired will power to take strong action against such perpetrators. - Going lenient on an unlawful act might prove detrimental - Course of action: - I will order a time-bound inquiry into the allegations. If the allegations are true, a show cause notice will be served to the Sarpanch first. - Based on the nature of the reply of Sarpanch I will take following action, as suitable: - If cited any personal problem or lack of administrative skills, I will ensure that she gets the required training/help etc. as per the law of the land to enable her to discharge her official duties. - If she remains adamant that her husband should carry out the official functions of the Panchayat, I will move forward to initiate further legal proceedings. - I will also order legal action against her husband as he is impersonating as a Sarpanch. **Conclusion** - It is important to recognize that this situation is more than a law and order issue; capacity issue and social mindset are some of the other issues involved. - In addition to the above steps, at the district level, I will conduct social awareness drives to raise awareness about women empowerment and importance of women in the political process. - I will also recommend the Government to conduct a training exercise for all women heads so that they can fulfill their obligations as per the legislation. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Write1y.png) #### Write UnLimited Course (1 Year) Write answers from any source, we will evaluate them for you. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/write-unlimited-course-1-year/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Case Study 03) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-4-case-study-03/ Last updated: 2024-09-05T15:08:37.000Z **Subject:** GS 4 **Syllabus:** Case Study ### Questions 1. In recent times, the country witnessed protests based on opposition to some steps taken by the government. Whereas, mostly these were peaceful protests, at a few places these activities turned violent leading to destruction of public property. In some places the government arrested a few of the protesters and imposed heavy fines on them for the destruction of the property. In case they could not pay, their private property was confiscated by the government to pay for the damage done to the public property. In addition to this, some governments published the photographs, names and addresses of those accused of vandalism during protests at various locations. **a.** What are the issues of public importance at stake in this case? **b.** Are there any ethical or legal principles at play here which may be conflicting? **c.** What should be the principles guiding a democratic state in such circumstances? (250 words, 20 Marks) 2. As the head of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), you are tasked to complete the construction of a power plant. The project needs to be completed expeditiously to fulfil the promise made by the government to ensure access to power for all. The selected site is in a remote area and is ideal for plant construction. However, the project would require relocation of the people living in the vicinity. Initially, the local community objected to disruption in their lives but were convinced later about the economic benefits that would accrue to the region through this plant. The project had started gathering pace, but recently a local NGO working for environment protection got involved with the local community regarding the issue. And now the local community has started protesting against any developmental activity in the region. As the officer-in-charge for the speedy execution of the project, answer the following **a.** What are the issues involved in this case? **b.** What course of action will you take and why? (250 words, 20 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Case Study 03)Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Case Study 03).pdf1012 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/09/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-4--Case-Study-03-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. In recent times, the country witnessed protests based on opposition to some steps taken by the government. Whereas, mostly these were peaceful protests, at a few places these activities turned violent leading to destruction of public property. In some places the government arrested a few of the protesters and imposed heavy fines on them for the destruction of the property. In case they could not pay, their private property was confiscated by the government to pay for the damage done to the public property. In addition to this, some governments published the photographs, names and addresses of those accused of vandalism during protests at various locations.** **a. What are the issues of public importance at stake in this case?** **b. Are there any ethical or legal principles at play here which may be conflicting?** **c. What should be the principles guiding a democratic state in such circumstances?** **(20 marks)** **Introduction:** - The case refers to the various protests organized across the country in the recent past. It establishes well that public property has been damaged. Even peaceful protests caused inconvenience to the general public. In some cases, the personal details of miscreants were publicly displayed at various locations. - Various reports have estimated the loss to public property during various protests across the country. **Assocham estimated damage to public and private property worth Rs 2,000 crores during the Jat stir in Haryana in 2016.** The Patidar agitation in Gujarat in 2015 took its toll as vandals torched 660 government vehicles and 1,822 public buildings. **Main Body:** - **The present case raises several issues of public importance.** - **Ascertaining responsibility for the public property losses:** The property damage imposes a significant burden on the state finances. - It also impedes the use of infrastructure by the general public. - A lot of private property is also damaged in violent protests thereby destroying livelihoods and imposing costs on various sections of the society. - **Balancing the right of peaceful protest with continuing normal life for other people:** Problem faced by local commuters and businessses. - **Managing protests by the police and administrator:** Controlling the violence and also effective crowd management techniques. - Fine balance between curbing dissent and allowing peaceful protest. - **Following Due process of law:** The process for assessing claims and imposing fines for the damages done needs to be just. - **Preventing disproportionate measures against citizens:** The public naming and shaming of alleged perpetrators is having impact not only on the life of people involved but serves as an important message for the general public. - **The various ethical/legal issues involved in the case are** - The imposition of fines and confiscation of property can only be done (normally after a criminal trial) after the individuals are proven guilty. - The presupposition of guilt by the administration and acting as tribunals is problematic as it violates the principle of rule of law. - Since the administration assumes the final decision-making authority it would **lead to criminalizing the right to protest.** - It results in pre-judging people by the police themselves without even the benefit of a fair trial. - This has a chilling effect on the right to protest and free speech. - Since the **administration itself is the final judge in the case**, there is a high probability that it may absolve any of the police personnel involved in violence proceedings. - The management of the protests by the Police would not be questioned. - **Ascertaining the identity of the ones responsible** for damage to the public property. - The authenticity of the video footage needs to be ascertained to make sure it is not doctored or tampered with. - Initiating punitive actions against the accused can lead to permanent damages to reputation and financial losses. - The **public naming and shaming of the accused perpetrators** go directly against the individual’s right to privacy. - It not only puts their life, property and freedom in jeopardy but also permanent damage to their reputation. - The **display of personal information also raised an ethical question.** - The government agencies are supposed to treat all members of the public with respect and courtesy. - At all times should behave in a manner that upholds constitutional and democratic values. - This particular case reflects the colourable exercise of powers by the executive. - **The various principles guiding the state in such cases should be** - **Providing space for dissent:** Allowing the **right to peaceful protest.** - Designating a few places in the city/state as to not cause inconvenience due to the general public. - **Following due process of the law:** The Supreme Court in various cases has highlighted the guidelines for ascertaining claims. - **Objective procedure:** Rational procedures should be established and followed to eliminate any bias against any section of the society participating in protests. - **Empathy and Compassion:** Sensitivity training of the police and administration to maintain trust with the people. **Conclusion:** - This also places an onus on the citizens to not cause violence and exercise their fundamental right to protest peacefully. Article 19 should be balanced with Article 51A that makes it a fundamental duty of every citizen "to safeguard public property and to abjure violence". - The Supreme Court in the Shaheen Bagh case stated that Right to protest cannot be anytime and everywhere. --- **Q2\. As the head of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), you are tasked to complete the construction of a power plant. The project needs to be completed expeditiously to fulfil the promise made by the government to ensure access to power for all. The selected site is in a remote area and is ideal for plant construction. However, the project would require relocation of the people living in the vicinity. Initially, the local community objected to disruption in their lives but were convinced later about the economic benefits that would accrue to the region through this plant. The project had started gathering pace, but recently a local NGO working for environment protection got involved with the local community regarding the issue. And now the local community has started protesting against any developmental activity in the region. As the officer-in-charge for the speedy execution of the project, answer the following** **a. What are the issues involved in this case?** **b. What course of action will you take and why?** **(20 marks)** **Introduction** - As the head of the SPV, my duty is to ensure timely execution of the project with due regard to environmental sustainability and rights of the community in the process. - The aim is to ensure inclusive development, which minimizes the damage to the environment. - The stakeholders involved in the case include the government; local community; local NGO; Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and the society at large. **Model Structure** - Various issues involved in the case are: - Developmental needs vs rights of the underprivileged: - There is a need to deliver on the government promise of access to electricity for all. - The manner should be such that it is fair and just to the local community. - Maintaining social harmony and law and order: - Relocation of the community could impact the lifestyle and social harmony of the community. - Not all members of the community would come on-board with the idea of relocating to a new location. - It is important to peacefully resolve their concerns. - Nature of the protest: - It is important to understand whether it was a protest manufactured with the intention to create a bottleneck in the execution of the project or organically evolved out of genuine concerns with the project. - Course of action - It will aim at ensuring the sustainability of the project and balancing it with rights and needs of the community and environment. - Take the help of the local police so that the protests do not turn violent at any stage. - Engage with peaceful protesters and ask them to file their objections. - Hold a meeting with the representatives of the community and the local NGO, providing them the platform to voice their grievances. - This is to ensure that there is a clear channel of communication between the various stakeholders involved. - Set up an independent committee involving representatives from the community, local NGO, environmentalists, SPV to consider the issues raised and recommend possible changes in project design in a time-bound manner. - The project can also set aside a fraction of revenues from the project to offset the environmental damage and fuel efforts for its restoration, if the concerns raised are genuine. - A comprehensive plan for relocation and rehabilitation of the community should be put into action in the meantime the committee re-considers the issues. - The plan should address the following aspects: - Livelihood concerns. - Peaceful relocation while maintaining law and order and least inconvenience to the members of the community. - Adequate compensation. - Relocation at one place for all members, if possible, to ensure that lifestyle and social dynamics are restored at the earliest. - Ensure strict action against the members who create trouble and try to impede the process of conflict resolution. - Reasons for this course of action: - It is a consensus driven process, which ensures that all the initiative is a win-win for all the stakeholders involved. - It ensures the greatest good to the greatest number (Utilitarian) and the sacrifices of the community and environment are minimized. - It attempts relocation to a single location and respects the social harmony, lifestyle and communal spirit of the group. - It promotes the interests of all stakeholders and acts through social capital, without compromising the goodwill and acceptance of the community. - Civil Society can demand realization of fundamental rights for the community from the government. - It treats civil society organizations as part of the collaborative process of the developmental agenda. **Conclusion** - Institutionalizing participation of various stakeholders from the initial stages of the project is key to ensure its sustainability. - This is crucial for building trust between the government and civil society. - While developmental needs and promises should be delivered, the costs and sacrifices of the local community should be carefully considered and justly rewarded. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Write1y.png) #### Write UnLimited Course (1 Year) Write answers from any source, we will evaluate them for you. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/write-unlimited-course-1-year/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Case Study 02) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-4-case-study-02/ Last updated: 2024-09-05T14:45:24.000Z **Subject:** GS 4 **Syllabus:** Case Study ### Questions 1. You are a district magistrate of a district infamous for girl child marriages. A contributory scheme was introduced by the government, for girl children aged 0-8 years. Total sum can be withdrawn only when the girl who is also unmarried turns 18\. It is evident that all girls are married upon turning 18 and dowry incidents have increased substantially because late marriage means more dowry. Also, parents now save more because of the scheme rather than investing on girl education. As the administration tries to tackle this problem, it looks up to you for ideas and leadership. **a.** Identify the factors leading to such outcomes. **b.** Devise a strategy keeping in mind multiple aspects of the situation. (250 Words, 20 Marks) 2. In recent times, social media has emerged as an important platform for all to share their information and opinions. Many civil servants are also quite active on social media. Given this situation, there have been calls to revise or update the Civil Services Conduct Rules. Suppose you are a senior IAS officer who is heading a panel set up by the government to bring suitable changes in the conduct rules. Elaborate on how you will respond to the following questions: **a.** What are the issues with a civil servant expressing his/her views on social media on various matters? **b.** Should criticism of government policies on social media by civil servants be allowed? **c.** How should civil servants conduct themselves on social media? (250 Words, 20 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Case Study 02)Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Case Study 02).pdf920 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/09/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-4--Case-Study-02-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. You are a district magistrate of a district infamous for girl child marriages. A contributory scheme was introduced by the government, for girl children aged 0-8 years. Total sum can be withdrawn only when the girl who is also unmarried turns 18\. It is evident that all girls are married upon turning 18 and dowry incidents have increased substantially because late marriage means more dowry.** **Also, parents now save more because of the scheme rather than investing on girl education. As the administration tries to tackle this problem, it looks up to you for ideas and leadership.** **a. Identify the factors leading to such outcomes.** **b. Devise a strategy keeping in mind multiple aspects of the situation.** **(250 words)** **Introduction** - This case study shows **how a well intentioned scheme can lead to unintended consequences**. Stakeholders include young girls, their parents, government, soon-to-be husbands and their families, and society at large. **Main body** - The letter of the scheme was upheld but spirit was not. This can be due to factors like- - **Scheme was short on components** needed to bring change in the thought process of the given community. - There was **no section for educational, financial and social empowerment** of girls. - **Dowry discouragement was not part** of the scheme i.e the means to achieve an end were not holistic. - **Focus was simply on increasing the age of marriage**. - Sensitivity of the given community towards the marriage age of girls was overlooked. - All the above mentioned issues **can be overcome by** few tweaks in scheme like- - Only a specific amount, say 75%, will be released on the girl turning 18 if the purpose is anything but higher education. - Incentive of say 25% if amount withdrawn after 21 years of age, and graduation is completed. - **Strategy to bring change in community’s mindset**\- - Invitation to **women civil servants and leaders** to speak at various forums and at various levels. - **Yearly rewards** for women achievers at state level. - **Public campaigns** about women empowerment going beyond traditional roles to that of decision makers. - **Scholarship** for higher education. - **Vocational skill development** of girls. - **Strict implementation of anti dowry laws** and incentivize those who report dowry cases, **Conclusion** - The larger picture involves embedding gender equality and increasing enrollment ratio at all levels. Short term steps will help address symptoms and long term will make the progress sustainable. --- **Q2\. In recent times, social media has emerged as an important platform for all to share their information and opinions. Many civil servants are also quite active on social media. Given this situation, there have been calls to revise or update the Civil Services Conduct Rules. Suppose you are a senior IAS officer who is heading a panel set up by the government to bring suitable changes in the conduct rules. Elaborate on how you will respond to the following questions:** **a. What are the issues with a civil servant expressing his/her views on social media on various matters?** **b. Should criticism of government policies on social media by civil servants be allowed?** **c. How should civil servants conduct themselves on social media?** **(250 Words)** **Introduction:** - The above case-study is related to conflict between the fundamental right that guarantees Freedom of Speech to every citizen and Rules 8 and 9 of Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 which limit the right of speech of a civil servant. With the rising popularity and use of social media, such debates are more highlighted. **Main Body:** - **Issues with a civil servant expressing his/her views on social media on various matters** - According to the Civil Services Conduct Rules, civil servants are expected to maintain a high level of probity in public life. - They cannot share their views and opinions on the public platforms. - **Divulging professional confidential information:** Social media opens up a ‘pandora’s box’ where anyone can ask, troll and instigate the officer about a situation. - In the absence of limitation over freedom of speech, the officer can divulge confidential information in the heat of the moment. - **Undermining the government:** criticizing a public policy or government’s initiatives at a public platform may embarrass the government of the day. - It can affect the trust it has among people. - It also brings political neutrality of the civil servant into question. - **Increasing conflict between center and state and among nations:** Being a part of policy making, the bureaucrats have prior as well as inside information about policies to come. - A free expression about their views on key policies and issues in public takes away the option of diplomatically handling issues. - This may also increase conflict among center and states and even jeopardize international relations. - **Criticism of government policies on social media by civil servants** - Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules ensure that officers do not criticize recent government policy or action, and remain politically neutral. - **Arguments in favor of free speech of civil servants:** - According to the conduct rules, action can be taken against any conduct, which is seen as ‘unbecoming’. - This becomes highly subjective as the law does not define what exactly constitutes ‘unbecoming’ conduct. - The rules are very tough and the threat of disciplinary action is not limited to the expression through written word. - It includes caricature that are uncharitable to the government too. - **Arguments against criticism of government policies by civil servants** - Damage the credibility of the government and its public image. - Freedom of Speech guaranteed under Article 19 is not an absolute right and can be curtailed in the larger national interest. - These restrictions are not unique to India and can also be seen in countries like the UK, USA, Australia etc. - The **Kerala HC said in a 2018 judgment** that, “Discipline and servitude are to be distinguished. If an employee speaks out in social media in a general perspective, which is not inconsistent with the collective interest of the Institution, that is part of his right of free speech. No authority should expect one to be silent. However, when the rights of an individual become repugnant to the collective interests of the institution, the individual must fall within the lines of collective interests.” - **Civil servants conduct themselves on social media** - Civil servants must recognize the difference between- - Being a citizen expressing his/her personal opinions. - Being a public intellectual dispensing policy information and the job description of a civil servant. - Civil servants should **try to avoid negative criticism of the government initiatives** in the first place itself and should act responsibly while being in the public sphere. - They should follow self-regulation while using social media platforms. - A civil servant **should keep out of partisan politics** and should remain away from the limelight by **following the principle of anonymity**. - A serving civil servant wants to express an opinion that runs contrary to this, then the proper thing to do is resign from office first. **Conclusion:** - The survival of public institutions depends upon how it accounts for democratic values and freedom of speech is a cornerstone of democratic value. Therefore, the conduct rules should be flexible enough to accommodate certain kinds of expression and should not be misused to restrict the constructive criticism by the civil servants which may not necessarily be political in nature. - Appropriate internal and institutional mechanisms must be utilized to channel any critical views. However, the criticism should also be in consonance with the principles enshrined in the Civil Services (Conduct) Rules and the Constitution of India and must not be influenced with personal bias. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Write1y.png) #### Write UnLimited Course (1 Year) Write answers from any source, we will evaluate them for you. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/write-unlimited-course-1-year/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Case Study 01) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-4-case-study-01/ Last updated: 2024-09-05T14:44:36.000Z **Subject:** GS 4 **Syllabus:** Case Study ### Questions 1. You are recently posted as a District Magistrate in a district where the practice of manual scavenging is rampant. You notice that despite laws and court orders, manual scavenging continues where humans clean sewers manually with minimal safety gear. While it is the administration’s duty to ensure cleanliness and safety of urban localities, the death of a few workers while cleaning a septic tank has caused much fear in the district. Within hours of posting, you got involved by writing to the higher authorities. In this context, answer the following- **a.** Identify the stakeholders involved and their conflicting interests. **b.** What challenges does the administration face in curbing this social evil? **c.** Enumerate the steps to deal with this problem. (250 Words, 20 Marks) 2. While on one hand, some state governments have implemented prohibition laws, and on the other alcohol consumption is permitted in some states. Debates around this issue involve aspects such as individual rights and preferences, westernization, cultural attitudes and social welfare. As a professor, you need to explain the key issues involved, to a young audience in a seminar. **a.** What are these issues? **b.** How would you conclude the lecture bringing out a holistic perspective? (250 words, 20 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Case Study 01)Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Case Study 01).pdf673 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/09/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-4--Case-Study-01-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. You are recently posted as a District Magistrate in a district where the practice of manual scavenging is rampant. You notice that despite laws and court orders, manual scavenging continues where humans clean sewers manually with minimal safety gear. While it is the administration’s duty to ensure cleanliness and safety of urban localities, the death of a few workers while cleaning a septic tank has caused much fear in the district. Within hours of posting, you got involved by writing to the higher authorities. In this context, answer the following-** **a. Identify the stakeholders involved and their conflicting interests.** **b. What challenges does the administration face in curbing this social evil?** **c. Enumerate the steps to deal with this problem.** **(250 words)** **Introduction** - The age-old practice of manual scavenging is a blot on India’s development story despite promulgation of prohibitive legislations and court rulings. As per census 2011, more than 7 lakh families still practice **manual scavenging.** **Main body** - **Key stakeholders and interests-** - **Manual scavengers**\- livelihood, safety and health along with freedom from exploitation. - **Contractors of manual scavengers**\- continuing practice in the name of tradition, cheap labour and exploiting economic needs of labour. - **Municipal authority**\- financial burden of cleaning septic tanks and potential tensions from changing social structure. - **Civil society**\- justice to fellow citizens. - **Media**\- duty of pressurizing the government for redressing issues and information dissemination. - **Challenges faced** by administration in curbing the evil- - **Acceptability of the practice** in the name of tradition and resistance to change. - **Lack of awareness** about its ramifications on health. - **Building self esteem** of suppressed manual scavengers who have faced generations of social exclusion and stigma. - **Absence of any rehabilitation model**. - **Lack of funds** for mechanisation of cleaning sewers. - **Steps required** to deal with the problem- addressing the issue of manual scavenging is complex as it involves addressing issues of caste, gender, health, human dignity and freedom. It can be **addressed by**\- - **Sensitizing district administration and organising training of workers at all levels** to carry out actual abolition of manual scavenging. - A holistic approach to **encourage homeowners to convert dry toilets into flush toilets**. - **Education and communication** campaigns through health camps, rallies, cleaning drives etc to encourage manual scavengers give up this practice along with provision of **alternative employment**. - **Punitive actions** against violators of Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act 2013. - Ensuring **education of their children** to sustainably assimilate the community into the mainstream. **Conclusion** - Liberation and rehabilitation should not only provide livelihood but must also rehabilitate them socially. This can be done by prioritising them in government schemes. --- **Q2\. While on one hand, some state governments have implemented prohibition laws, and on the other alcohol consumption is permitted in some states. Debates around this issue involve aspects such as individual rights and preferences, westernization, cultural attitudes and social welfare. As a professor, you need to explain the key issues involved, to a young audience in a seminar.** **a. What are these issues?** **b. How would you conclude the lecture bringing out a holistic perspective?** **(250 words)** **Introduction** - The ill effects of alcohol are not just limited to the body of the consumer but it has **far reaching impacts like domestic violence, road rage**, **gambling and theft**. This has led to various states implementing alcohol bans, with no pan India ban due to federal nature of polity and vast socio-economic differences. **Main body** - With teachers being a strong influence, they should present various dimensions of prohibition in a structured way which will help young audiences form well informed opinions. **Key issues include**\- - **Individual rights**\- prohibition restricts what citizens want to consume and their **right to choose**. In times of decentralisation, it is natural to question the logic behind ban which impacts the ability of citizens to make well informed decisions. - **Cultural attitudes**\- Alcohol is **a way to socialize and celebrate in** some cultures. There are many locally made drinks popular in different parts of India. Blanket ban overlooks this social aspect. - **Social welfare**\- Developing countries like India need **interventionist policies** for socio economic well being of citizens. **Article 47** of the constitution directs states to prohibit consumption of liquor and intoxicating substances except for medicinal uses. Restrictions/bans become easy tools to implement such directives though their **effectiveness is debatable**. - To conclude, arguments can be put forth like- - **Sustainability of ban** \- It depends on administrative capacity to implement effective ban (prevent inter-state smuggling and black marketing), providing alternative revenue sources and alternate employment. - **Role of various stakeholders**\- like family, educational institutions, media and role models have a role in shaping perception of youth by acting responsibly. Political parties must not politicize such issues just for electoral benefit and must frame policies in line with constitutional and global imperatives. **Conclusion** - From a **utilitarian perspective**, overall welfare of society is hampered with alcohol consumption and violation of the right of consumption of a few can not be used as a pretext to overlook violation of rights of many. **Deontologically**, it is unclear whether use of alcohol treats humanity as an end or just means. Thus it can not be treated as a right but **a luxury or desire to achieve self satisfaction**. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Write1y.png) #### Write UnLimited Course (1 Year) Write answers from any source, we will evaluate them for you. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/write-unlimited-course-1-year/?ref=upscprep.com) ### What is the West Asia-North Africa (WANA) Region? URL: https://www.upscprep.com/what-is-west-asia-north-africa-wana-region/ Last updated: 2024-11-26T19:33:23.000Z ### **What is WANA?** The **West Asia-North Africa (WANA) region** is a geopolitical and cultural area that encompasses countries in the western part of Asia and the northern part of Africa. This region is often referred to in discussions of international relations, economics, and cultural studies due to its strategic importance, rich history, and diverse cultures. ![West Asia-North Africa (WANA) region | South West Asia - North Africa (SWANA) | UPSC ](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/09/image-1.png) ### **Geographical Scope:** - **West Asia:** - **Countries:** Includes countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Yemen, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait. - **Features:** This sub-region is characterized by its arid climate, vast deserts, and significant oil reserves. It is also home to several ancient civilizations and religious sites. - **North Africa:** - **Countries:** Includes countries like Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and Sudan. - **Features:** This sub-region is known for its Mediterranean coastline, the Sahara Desert, and the Nile River. It has a rich history with ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Carthaginians. ### **Historical Significance** - **Cradle of Civilizations:** The WANA region is home to some of the world’s oldest civilizations, including Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, and the Persian Empire. - **Religious Importance:** It is the birthplace of major world religions such as Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. ### **Cultural Diversity** - **Languages:** Arabic is the predominant language, but Persian, Turkish, Hebrew, and various Berber languages are also spoken. - **Ethnic Groups:** The region is ethnically diverse, with Arabs, Persians, Turks, Kurds, Berbers, and others. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/09/1.-UPSCprep-Banner.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- > ***What are the major geopolitical challenges facing the WANA region?*** The West Asia-North Africa (WANA) region faces a multitude of geopolitical challenges that have significant implications for regional and global stability. Here are the major geopolitical challenges: ### **Ongoing Conflicts and Civil Wars** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/09/image-2.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/09/image-3.png) - **Syrian Civil War:** Since 2011, Syria has been embroiled in a devastating civil war involving multiple factions, including the Syrian government, opposition groups, ISIS, and Kurdish forces. The conflict has resulted in massive loss of life, displacement, and regional instability. - **Yemen Conflict:** The war in Yemen, primarily between the Houthi rebels and the Saudi-led coalition, has led to one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with widespread famine, disease, and displacement. - **Libyan Civil War:** Libya remains divided between rival factions in the east and west, leading to ongoing violence and instability since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. ### **Israeli-Palestinian Conflict** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/09/image-4.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/09/image-5.png) - **Territorial Disputes:** The long-standing conflict between Israel and Palestine over land, sovereignty, and the status of Jerusalem remains unresolved, leading to periodic violence and international diplomatic challenges. - **Peace Process Stalemate:** Efforts to achieve a two-state solution have repeatedly stalled, contributing to ongoing tensions and instability in the region. ### **Sectarian Tensions** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/09/image-6.png) - **Sunni-Shia Divide:** The rivalry between Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia and Shia-majority Iran exacerbates sectarian tensions across the region, influencing conflicts in Syria, Yemen, Iraq, and Lebanon. - **Proxy Wars:** Both Saudi Arabia and Iran support various proxy groups in regional conflicts, further destabilizing the area. ### **Terrorism and Extremism** - **ISIS and Al-Qaeda:** Despite territorial losses, extremist groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda continue to pose significant security threats through insurgency, terrorism, and radicalization. - **Local Affiliates:** These groups have local affiliates in countries like Yemen, Libya, and Egypt, contributing to regional instability. ### **Political Instability and Governance Issues** - **Authoritarian Regimes:** Many countries in the region are governed by authoritarian regimes with limited political freedoms, leading to public discontent and periodic uprisings. - **Failed States:** Countries like Syria, Yemen, and Libya are considered failed states with weak central governments, making them breeding grounds for conflict and extremism. ### **Economic Challenges** ![Oil Export | Visual Capitalst | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/09/image-7-1.png) - **Oil Dependency:** Many WANA economies are heavily dependent on oil exports, making them vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices. Economic diversification remains a significant challenge. - **Youth Unemployment:** High rates of youth unemployment and underemployment contribute to social unrest and migration pressures. ### **Foreign Interventions and Influence** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/09/image-8.png) - **U.S. and Russia:** Both the United States and Russia have significant military and political interests in the region, often supporting opposing sides in conflicts, such as in Syria. - **Turkey and Gulf States:** Regional powers like Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE also exert influence through military interventions and support for various factions. - The growing influence of **China**. ### **Refugee and Migration Crisis** - **Displacement:** Conflicts in Syria, Yemen, and other countries have led to large-scale displacement, creating refugee crises that strain neighboring countries and Europe. - **Humanitarian Impact:** The influx of refugees has significant humanitarian, economic, and social impacts on host countries. ### **Water Scarcity and Environmental Issues** - **Water Resources:** The region faces severe water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change, population growth, and mismanagement of resources. - **Environmental Degradation:** Desertification, pollution, and over-extraction of resources contribute to environmental challenges that can fuel conflicts over scarce resources. ### **Regional Rivalries and Alliances** - **Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Rift:** The diplomatic rift within the GCC, particularly the blockade of Qatar by Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt, has strained regional alliances. - **Normalization with Israel:** Recent normalization agreements between Israel and some Arab states (e.g., UAE, Bahrain) have shifted regional dynamics, creating new alliances and tensions. ### **Conclusion:** The WANA region's geopolitical landscape is highly complex, with interwoven challenges that require multifaceted and coordinated approaches for resolution. Addressing these issues is crucial for regional stability and global security. Try to answer: ***How do the geopolitical challenges in the WANA region impact India's interests?*** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Write1y.png) #### Write UnLimited Course (1 Year) Write answers from any source, we will evaluate them for you. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/write-unlimited-course-1-year/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Probity in Governance) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-3-probity-in-governance/ Last updated: 2024-08-28T19:35:02.000Z **Subject:** GS 4 **Syllabus:** Probity in Governance ### Questions 1. Probity in governance is an essential and vital requirement for an efficient and effective system of governance and for socio-economic development. Discuss. Also, state ways to enhance probity in governance. (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. What is red-tapism? Why is it considered a hurdle in the process of transitioning towards citizen centric governance? (150 words, 10 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Probity in Governance)Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Probity in Governance).pdf733 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/08/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-4--Probity-in-Governance-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Probity in governance is an essential and vital requirement for an efficient and effective system of governance and for socio-economic development. Discuss. Also, state ways to enhance probity in governance. (150 words)** **Introduction:** - Probity is the quality of having strong moral principles and strictly following them. It includes principles such as - **honesty, integrity, uprightness, transparency and incorruptibility.** Probity is confirmed integrity. It is usually regarded as being incorruptible. **Main body:** - **Probity: Essential requirement for an effective and efficient governance** - **Build up the legitimacy of the system,** i.e., the state. - It builds trust in the institutions of the state and a belief that the actions of the state will be for the welfare of the beneficiaries. - **Avoidance of sub-optimal outcomes, corruption and poor perception** as it ensures an objective and independent view on the fairness of the process - **Checking the abuse and misuse of power** by various organs of government such as magistracy, police and all other providers of public service e.g. PWD, health, education, etc. - **Probity: Essential requirement for socio-economic development** - A large number of people are either unaware about their rights and entitlements or do not have means to fight for them. - In the absence of probity, this section would remain deprived. - Because of scarcity of resources, it is essential that their best allocation and optimal utilization takes place. - It **prevents corruption** that leads to diversion of funds towards unauthorized sources affecting socio-economic development. - **Ways to enhance probity in governance** - **Controlling Misfeasance in public office:** A comprehensive law to make the public servants liable for the losses made to the State by their mala fide actions or omissions of a palpable character. - **Forfeiture of properties:** strictly implement legislation for confiscation of illegally acquired assets of public servants. - **Ethics Act:** Civil Services Conduct Rules should be given statutory status in the form of Ethics Act to ensure its better implementation. - Strengthening criminal judicial system: needs to be strengthened so that quality judgment takes place without unnecessary delays. **Conclusion** - Probity helps in ushering good governance which not only leads to effective use of public resources but will also lead to higher socio-economic growth and human development. - It is necessary to take initiatives, enact strong legislations and ensure their effective implementation to inculcate a culture of probity in governance. --- **Q2\. What is red-tapism? Why is it considered a hurdle in the process of transitioning towards citizen centric governance? (150 words)** **Introduction:** - General Naravane has said that red-tapism has made the defence acquisition process a vicious cycle. **Main Body:** - Red Tapism - It is defined as “rules, regulations and procedures that entail a compliance burden without advancing the legitimate purposes they were intended to serve.” - It is basically **excessive norms and regulations that end up creating redundancy** and thwarting progress in the day-to-day functioning of administration thus impeding overall governance. - Bureaucracies around the world are expected to **adhere to rules and procedures,** which are important for good governance. - But, citizens today expect more transparent, accessible, and responsive services from the public sector - The rules and procedures are cumbersome at times and do not serve their purpose. - **Red Tapism: Hurdle in** **the process of transitioning towards citizen centric governance** - **Tedious service delivery:** The employees also become exhausted of the procedures making them indifferent to the outputs and outcomes. - This decreases their commitment to work, thereby lowering the service delivery quality. - This also repels talent to enter in the organization resulting in inadequate human resource capacity. - **Low citizen satisfaction:** A recent survey conducted by McKinsey found that citizens feel frustrated by cumbersome or confusing websites. - This results in increased costs and citizen’s dissatisfaction. - Vulnerable citizens like the elderly, differently abled, single women have to undergo unnecessary procedures to get things done. - **Encourages fraudulent and corrupt practices:** It leads people to indulge in bribe giving to get their issues resolved at higher priority. - This feeds into a cycle of greed and lethargic attitude on the part of employees to get their official duty/duties done. - **Discourages innovation and initiative:** It involves mechanical adherence to rigid rules and paperwork, thereby discouraging creativity. - Breeding resistance to change in employees in the longer term. All these have a **negative impact on the overall governance performance** and goes **against the principles of citizen centric governance**, that is, responsive, transparent and accountable institutions; efficient service delivery; effective work procedures etc. **Conclusion:** - There is a need to undertake measures, which make the interface of a common citizen with government an easy and speedy affair; which puts citizen’s interests above institutional interests and transforms the processes in a way to empower citizens and not subdue them. - Online passport sewa kendra, online grievance redressal mechanisms, Delhi government’s door step service delivery, online banking and services for senior citizens etc. show how unnecessary paperwork can be minimised while also trusting the citizenry. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Write1y.png) #### Write UnLimited Course (1 Year) Write answers from any source, we will evaluate them for you. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/write-unlimited-course-1-year/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-3-public-civil-service-values-and-ethics-in-public-administration/ Last updated: 2024-08-28T19:33:24.000Z **Subject:** GS 4 **Syllabus:** Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration ### Questions 1. What is good governance and how is transparency in government organisations important to attain it? (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. Covid-19 wreaked havoc all over India. Explain how social influence and persuasion played a role in containing the pandemic. (150 words, 10 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Public\_Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration)Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Public\_Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration).pdf553 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/08/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-4--Public%5FCivil-Service-Values-and-Ethics-in-Public-Administration-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. What is good governance and how is transparency in government organisations important to attain it? (150 words)** **Introduction** - The World Bank defines governance as “**the method through which power is exercised in the management of a country's political, economic and social resources for development**.” Whereas good governance is **more qualified with parameters like participatory, consensus oriented, responsive, transparent, accountable, equitable and inclusive**. **Main Body** - Of all the parameters, transparency is most important because it ensures fairness in decision making and availability of information in the public domain. **Importance of transparency includes-** - Allows **stakeholders access to information** which is critical to their interests. - Ensures **enforcement of rules and regulations** upholding core values of public service. - Opens **channels of communication** with flawless decision making. - It enhances **public scrutiny** thus building public trust. - Its philosophy is that people are not subjects to be governed but **citizens to be empowered**. - Few **initiatives to enhance transparency** include- **Right to Information Act, citizens charter, social audits,** e-governance initiatives like **MyGov.in, e-choupal** etc. **Conclusion** - Thus transparency is a virtue of a healthy government-citizen relationship which makes the government honest and truthful to its communities. As aptly stated by Mahatma Gandhi, **“Truth never damages a cause that is just.”** --- **Q2\. Covid-19 wreaked havoc all over India. Explain how social influence and persuasion played a role in containing the pandemic. (150 words)** **Introduction** - Social influence and persuasion was used as a tool by government, administration and civil society organizations at macro level, and citizens at micro level to contain the spread of Covid-19 pandemic. It started with nationwide lockdown and is continuing in the form of a pan India vaccination drive. **Main body** - Social influence and persuasion helped in following ways- - They both are pivotal to bring behavioural changes to solve any problem which has a domino effect. - Initially, the biggest weapon was social distancing to break the chain. Here also persuasion by political leaders, sportsmen and celebrities came handy. - In India, social influencing was done by disseminating information on COVID-19 symptoms and remedies by radio, caller tunes and social media. - Political leaders disseminated do’s and don'ts through their speeches. This aspect requires mass appeal for persuasion. - Later, the effects of social influence and persuasion were visible as COVID-19 curve started to flatten. - Covid appropriate behaviour was followed when citizens were persuaded and socially influenced as others were doing the same. - Social influence and persuasion is a double edged sword as was visible with a lot of fake news- - News of corona virus spreading through eggs affected the poultry industry. - Lot of chaos was spread on railway stations when migrants were trying to return to their native place. - Though the end was right i.e to divert attention of people from pandemic and prevent chaos and panic, the means used by certain sections of the media was not appropriate. **Conclusion** - Thus social influence and persuasion are effective to deal with the social issues as these are democratic and in line with preferring assertion over enforcement. It helps bring behavioral change gradually and sustainably. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Write1y.png) #### Write UnLimited Course (1 Year) Write answers from any source, we will evaluate them for you. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/write-unlimited-course-1-year/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-3-contributions-of-moral-thinkers-and-philosophers/ Last updated: 2024-08-28T19:32:09.000Z **Subject:** GS 4 **Syllabus:** Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers ### Questions 1. Gandhiji was not a philosopher as far as politics is concerned, because his sayings poured from his deep felt truth and its sincere realization. Comment. (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. Explain the following quote: “The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence.” (150 words, 10 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers)Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers).pdf641 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/08/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-4--Contributions-of-Moral-Thinkers-and-Philosophers-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Gandhiji was not a philosopher as far as politics is concerned, because his sayings poured from his deep felt truth and its sincere realization. Comment. (150 words)** **Introduction** - Gandhian thoughts were followed in the early 20th century and are still relevant as he inspired nobel souls like Einstein, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King JR, Barack Obama etc. This is because his message is not political alone but is meant for the wholesome development of humankind. **Main body** - Going by nature of his ideas and their overview, it can be said that he was not committed to any particular school of thought. His ideas and speech came from writings in particular situations resulting in revision of ideas from time to time. But it has to be stressed that his basic and root ideas remained the same. - His thoughts were not like a thinker but there was a conceptual framework, common to a philosopher. His thoughts are based on both Eastern and Western ideology and traditions. This is due to the time spent in South Africa and other overseas territories and also in India. - He was not a political philosopher, but when he stepped into freedom struggle and got into the political current, he developed an ideology of his own. - For him, without involvement in politics, it is impossible to remove socio-economic exploitation and political subjugation and thereby moral degradation of the people. - By getting into the freedom struggle and the ideas behind it, Gandhiji focused on Dharmic politics which meant removal of corrupt men and sectarianism. He didn’t accept any fixed dogma or mechanical way of politics. **Conclusion** - Gandhian politics had utmost concern for the disunion between state and civil society. His philosophy integrated moral, ethical and spiritual well being into a political way of helping India transition into an independent nation. --- **Q2\. Explain the following quote: “The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence.”** **(150 words)** **Introduction** - Education is the basic foundation of human character, giving information and helping us build opinions and viewpoints. But that is not the ultimate goal because according to Rabindranath Tagore, education may make one powerful but **self fulfillment is attained through compassion and empathy**. **Main body** - Role of education according to him includes- - Creating **healthy and wholesome personalities** capable of rising above differences with a broader look towards life and diversity. It should **inculcate a spirit of empathy, service and self sacrifice** which helps improve conditions of marginalised people. - Generating a **sense of importance** attached to things around us resulting in sustainable utilization of things around us. - Ultimate goal is to promote **unity among people rather than uniformity**. It prevents blind imitation of dominant patterns in society and creates peaceful and harmonious society. - **Global challenges** like climate change, terrorism, refugee crisis etc **need collective action**. It requires understanding issues from different perspectives. - Appreciating diversity leads to **evolution of society** rather than stagnation. - Knowledge about the significance of things around us leads to resource conservation, adoption and mitigation. Indian society is **divided along numerous fault lines and such a mindset can result in holistic development**. **Conclusion** - Such an education system needs **contribution from all stakeholders of society**. Focus must be on producing **global citizens rather than profit makers**, which requires happy synthesis between individual and society to realize unity to individual with rest of humankind. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Write1y.png) #### Write UnLimited Course (1 Year) Write answers from any source, we will evaluate them for you. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/write-unlimited-course-1-year/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-3-aptitude-and-foundational-values-for-civil-service/ Last updated: 2024-08-28T19:30:46.000Z **Subject:** GS 4 **Syllabus:** Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service ### Questions 1. Enumerate the foundational values for civil services and explain why they are called foundational? (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. What do you understand about the capability approach of Amartya Sen? How does it differ from John Rawls's theory of social justice? Examine. (250 words, 15 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service)Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service).pdf642 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/08/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-4--Aptitude-and-Foundational-Values-for-Civil-Service-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Enumerate the foundational values for civil services and explain why they are called foundational? (150 words)** **Introduction** - Civil services were called a steel frame of governance by India’s first Home minister Mr Sardar Patel. For societal development, civil services they are pivotal as they have responsibilities of decision making as well as policy implementation. **Main body** - Foundational values for civil services - - **Integrity**: It empowers any person to make a judgment about right or wrong because it is value-driven. - **Impartiality**: Actions of a bureaucrat towards the public has to be merit based which result in fair, equitable and efficient decisions. - **Non-partisanship**: It means that a non-partisan civil servant is responsible to the constitution and law of the land. The officer executes his task without fear or favour. - **Dedication**: It means devotion to duty for work full of purpose and action. It results in continuous actions even when motivation is missing. - **Compassion and tolerance** towards the weaker and marginalized: Service before self requires humanistic attitude and smartness to interpret the rules objectively to advance the public interest. - **Objectivity**: It means that truth remains true universally irrespective of mindset and ideology. - These values are important because - - Upholding these values means gaps of trust deficit between citizens and government are bridged. - They ensure honest and efficient civil servants which is essential for a developing country. - They ensure that rule of law is maintained and law of land is held supreme. - They serve as guiding light for civil servants who have got discretionary powers in certain matters. **Conclusion** - These foundational values are like the foundation of a bedrock which helps achieve social, political and economic justice. --- **Q2\. What do you understand about the capability approach of Amartya Sen? How does it differ from John Rawls's theory of social justice? Examine. (250 words)** **Introduction** - The Capability Approach was first articulated by the Indian economist and philosopher Amartya Sen in the 1980s. It is defined by its choice of focus upon the moral significance of individuals’ capability of achieving the kind of lives they have reason to value. - A person’s capability to live a good life is defined in terms of the set of valuable ‘beings and doings’ like being in good health or having loving relationships with others to which they have real access. **Differences with John Rawl’s** \- 1. According to Sen, there is excessive emphasis on liberty in Rawl’s theory of justice. Sen argues that hunger, starvation, medical neglect and other such issues should be given more importance than personal liberty as an important aspect of justice. 2. In the difference principle, Rawls judges the opportunities that people have through the means they possess. It means those who have access to primary goods can easily access the opportunities while Sen argues that an access to only primary goods will not enhance the capabilities of people so that they can get access to the available opportunities. For example - a differently abled person can do far less with the same level of primary goods and income than the able-bodied human being. 3. Contractualist approach of Rawls theory of justice - Rawls develops his approach as a contrast to utilitarian understanding of justice but for Sen, the “Theory of justice” provides transcendental solutions and is more conscious of the demands of institutions and rules. It completely ignores the fact that what kind of role these theories are playing in the social realization and formulations of these principles, or whether these theories are concerned with the voices of those who are not part of the contract. 4. Rawls theories of justice lack global perspectives. According to Sen in the era of globalization, things are related. For example, the US led attack on Iraq has impacted the whole world. It has also impacted the world’s point of view on terrorism. **Conclusion** - The well-being of people depends upon many things other than increased income or resources. All such things are sidelined when an economic measure like the GDP is taken to indicate development. The basic objective of development should be to create an enabling environment for people to live long, healthy, and creative lives. Capability approach of Amartya Sen provides this perspective. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Write1y.png) #### Write UnLimited Course (1 Year) Write answers from any source, we will evaluate them for you. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/write-unlimited-course-1-year/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Attitude) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-3-attitude/ Last updated: 2024-08-28T19:29:26.000Z **Subject:** GS 4 **Syllabus:** Attitude ### Questions 1. Attitude has a huge role to play in personal as well as professional lives of individuals. Explain. (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. Self doubt is a double edged sword which can either help or thwart leadership. Discuss. (150 words, 10 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Attitude)Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Attitude).pdf547 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/08/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-4--Attitude-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Attitude has a huge role to play in personal as well as professional lives of individuals. Explain. (150 words)** **Introduction** - Attitude is a learned predisposition to think, feel, perceive and act in a particular way towards any external or internal object. That object may be tangible or intangible and include any individual, organization or a social issue. **Main body** - Functions of attitude in personal life- - Promotes positive thinking and forward looking mindset. Failures come and go but rather than feeling defeated, one must learn from it and avoid repeating mistakes. - Helps maintain acceptance, good behavior and understanding. It further helps in maintaining balance between personal and professional life. - Brings empathy and self belief. Even with continuous rejections, one can make a comeback with a positive attitude. - Functions in professional life- - Important for courage and honesty in public life as it helps uphold rule of law and take on violators of law and order. - Helps prevent corruption as an attitude of accountability and impartiality helps to further organizational interests. - Brings compassion and objectivity which helps discharge duties properly. - Emotional intelligence is developed which helps balance personal and professional life and manage stress. **Conclusion** - Right attitude is indispensable for excellent growth of personality in professional life. To quote Thomas Jefferson, “Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal, nothing on Earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.” --- **Q2\. Self doubt is a double edged sword which can either help or thwart leadership. Discuss.** **(150 words)** **Introduction** - Self doubt can be defined as a sense of **indecision, insecurity and self loathing** due to **lack of confidence** in one’s capabilities and skills. On the contrary, leadership involves motivating people to act towards achieving a common goal. **Main body** - It is **difficult to reconcile self doubt and leadership** but many great leaders have felt moments of self doubt like Abraham Lincoln, J L Nehru etc. But they turned their self doubt into strength and it helped in leadership by- - Ensuring that before implementation, every **decision is given enough thought.** - **Avoiding hasty decisions** and putting in a backup plan in case the original plan fails. - It makes one **humble and adaptive** to situations. - Helping **develop belief in other team members** and considering their views seriously. - But being a negative trait, self doubt can cause **hindrance in leadership by**\- - **Over vigilant approach** with little scope for creativity. - **Indecisiveness** and delays due to self doubt. - **Subordinates may lack confidence** in their leader. - Person with self doubt has an inclination **to doubt others as well**. **Conclusion** - Self doubt in a leader can be harmful. It must be put in the reality of surroundings and not in either false humility or failure to move forward. There is a need to strike a **balance between being conscious and overly cautious**. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Write1y.png) #### Write UnLimited Course (1 Year) Write answers from any source, we will evaluate them for you. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/write-unlimited-course-1-year/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Ethics and Human Interface) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-3-ethics-and-human-interface/ Last updated: 2024-08-28T19:24:38.000Z **Subject:** GS 4 **Syllabus:** Ethics and Human Interface ### Questions 1. Objectivity and empathy are two very desirable traits from a civil servant. Explain the meaning of the term objectivity and discuss its relationship with empathy? (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. A poorly managed ‘perceived’ conflict of interest can be just as damaging as an ‘actual’ conflict of interest. Public servants must not only behave ethically but also be seen to behave ethically. Discuss with the help of examples. (150 words, 10 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Ethics and Human Interface)Daily Answer Writing GS 4 (Ethics and Human Interface).pdf565 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/08/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-4--Ethics-and-Human-Interface-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Objectivity and empathy are two very desirable traits from a civil servant. Explain the meaning of the term objectivity and discuss its relationship with empathy? (150 words)** **Introduction** - As per **Nolan committee**, objectivity refers to carrying public businesses like public appointments, awarding contracts and making recommendations purely on **basis of merits**. It leads to impartial decisions devoid of any biases. **Main body** - As per **globally accepted civil services standards**, **objectivity means**\- - Giving **evidence based information and advice** to the government without meddling with facts. - Giving utmost **importance to professional and expert advice**. - All public officials should **not overlook uneasy facts** and considerations. - **Empathy means** competence in social awareness and a person’s ability to **connect with others**. It ranges from understanding the situation to creation and promoting the **environment of mutual respect**. - Hence empathy **fosters human connection** and trust and allows us to see others as comrades rather than competitors. - Empathetic civil servants understand **people’s perspective**. - Objectivity and empathy **complement each other** making civil servants act in a compassionate manner while taking a balanced view. - It means that they are passionate about their service and **dispassionate about the profile of people** they are serving. - For instance, like in the public distribution system, authorities provide services for the sake of provisioning without keeping in mind the **ultimate objective of public welfare**. Civil servants need to imbibe better understanding of whom to serve- their aspirations, needs and living conditions. **Conclusion** - Hence objectivity and empathy is the need of the hour which involves being mindful of one's own emotional response while practicing compassion. It is the main crux of the **antyodaya approach**, which means leaving no one behind and results in **national integration and inclusive development**. --- **Q2\. A poorly managed ‘perceived’ conflict of interest can be just as damaging as an ‘actual’ conflict of interest. Public servants must not only behave ethically but also be seen to behave ethically. Discuss with the help of examples. (150 words)** **Introduction** - A conflict of interest involves a conflict between a public official’s duty to serve the public interest, and their private interest. **Main body** - There are **three main types** of conflict of interest to be aware of- - **Actual conflict**\- when an officer is in a position to be influenced by their private interests. - **Perceived conflict**\- when an officer is in a position to appear to be influenced. - **Potential conflict**\- when an officer may be influenced in the future by private interests. - Both **means and ends are important** for a civil servant and they must not only behave ethically but also be seen to behave ethically. - A **judge must recuse from a case** which involves any of his relatives as one of the party. Even if the verdict is given with utmost objectivity, the other party will still feel a sense of injustice. - This is the reason why civil servants are not posted in home districts and states. Because more familiar people in the home district means more chances of actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest. - These conflicting situations can be **better handled by**\- - More **transparent and objective decision making** and timely declaration of any conflict to reduce discretion. - High standards of **ethical conduct like impartiality, efficiency**, **professionalism and integrity** can help address conflict of interest situations. **Conclusion** - Civil service is a **service of vocation** and civil servants have a moral obligation to exercise authority in public interest. This helps foster trust between authority and citizens thus enhancing social contract for effective governance. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Write1y.png) #### Write UnLimited Course (1 Year) Write answers from any source, we will evaluate them for you. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/write-unlimited-course-1-year/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing Courses URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-courses/ Last updated: 2024-08-26T07:09:11.000Z These courses have moved and evolved. We now offer a new course - **Write Unlimited** \- where you can write any answer, be it a PYQ or from ANY test series or even a previous topper copy and we will evaluate it for you. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Internal Security 02) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-3-internal-security-02/ Last updated: 2024-08-19T16:49:06.000Z **Subject:** GS 3 **Syllabus:** Internal Security ### Questions 1. The use of the internet and social media for subversive purposes by non-state actors is a huge security problem. Discuss. (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. Given the diverse security challenges as well as external and internal linkages, developing a National Security Strategy (NSS) for India requires a comprehensive approach. Explain. (250 words, 15 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Internal Security 02)Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Internal Security 02).pdf828 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/08/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-3--Internal-Security-02-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. The use of the internet and social media for subversive purposes by non-state actors is a huge security problem. Discuss. (10 Marks)** **Introduction:** - Social media was introduced to us as a blessing to revolutionise the way we connect with others and a platform to put forth our point of view to a larger audience. - While the advantages of social media are so many, the threats to internal security by various external state and non-state actors using various social media platforms to spread propaganda have increased . **Main Body** **Use of the internet and social media for subversive purposes:** - **Radicalisation of youth:** Propaganda information to ideologically radicalise , recruit , communicate and train by terror groups like AQIS, LeT on telegram have been intercepted by NIA. - **Use of Internet by Daesh:** Daesh has been using the Internet to spread its propaganda using platforms such as twitter, YouTube etc. - **In Recruitment from other countries:** India has also suffered from it however less severely. Increasing number of cases of youth being influenced by social media to carry out propaganda of hate and violence has been reported in many areas. - **Rise of sentiments over sensitive issues:** By spreading false propaganda and fraudulent ideologies over sensitive and triggering issues of India using morphed videos, or false claims of proof of injustice etc. - Eg mob lynching due to false propoganda of cow vigilatism. - **Spreading of Disinformation and Misinformation:** Any wrong information that gets viral over social media affects the knowledge of the people and erodes people’s trust over the institute or government body. - **Inducement of panic in the public:** Due to the viral nature of any rumour spreads like wildfire. If not quashed in time can cause panic among the people which can lead to rampage etc. - Child kidnapping rumours lead to lynching by a mob in Jharkhand. - **Criminality:** The internet has become a communication and coordination tool for illicit activities like drug smuggling, human trafficking, money laundering. **Security threats due to social media and internet:** - **Instigating Riots:** The sharing of hate speech or rumours on social media platforms have potential to cause a full fledged Riot in the country. For eg. In 2013, a morphed video on YouTube was used to fan communal riots in Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh - **Cyber attacks:** increased penetration of the internet in everyday lives have increased vulnerability to cyber attacks causing breach of privacy , financial frauds , stealing of confidential information. - **Attack on critical infrastructure:** instances of attack on critical infrastructure have been seen in recent times like the attack on kudankulam nuclear plant , power grid failure in mumbai etc. - **Protest Movements and Revolution:** Some countries in the world feel threatened by the fact that social media can bring the people together and thus, create a revolution. This in turn can cause political instability e.g. Yellow movement, Jasmine revolution, Umbrella movement among others. - **Terrorism:** Social media helps terrorist organisations to spread their ideology and they use social media as a tool to brainwash the youth of a country which ultimately ends up as an anti-social element. Terrorists also use social media to disturb the social harmony of the country. - **Separatist movement:** Militant organisations use social media to spread fake rumours radicalising the youth through fake videos , social media groups thus fuelling the separatist movements. - Eg recently government has banned Punjab politics TV which was using internet and social media to ignite khalistan movement and disturb public order. **Way forward** - **Intelligence:** it is State intelligence, and police which must be employed to counter such threats which continuously scan cyberspace for such threats . - **Police- public coordination:** The police force must remain constantly in the state of self-training, emphasise connecting with people, to tackle the "fourth generation" warfare with an invisible enemy. - **Comprehensive action:** Internal security problems should not be treated as merely law and order problems. They have to be dealt with comprehensively in all their dimensions and at all levels — political, economic and social. - **Cyber security policy:** Need to have a comprehensive cyber security policy to protect against cyber-attacks which may steal confidential information or may endanger critical infrastructure of the country - **National social media policy:** A comprehensive National social media policy to acknowledge social media challenges . - **Aware Citizenry:** awareness particularly of the young and vulnerable must be the utmost priority to make them more sensitised and cautious in consuming content on cyberspace. - **Strengthening the existing infrastructure:** e-Surveillance Projects: National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID), CERT-In, Central Monitoring System (CMS), Internet Spy System Network and Traffic Analysis System (NETRA) of India, National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIPC) of India etc. - **Code of practice on misinformation:** with elements like disrupt ad revenue of websites that spread such info, address the fake accounts, more visibility to authoritative content. **Conclusion:** - With penetration of the internet and social media , these challenges are bound to rise so we need to continuously analyse , prevent and effectively respond to such threats . Modern technologies like AI and machine learning can be deployed for this purpose. --- **Q18.** **Given the diverse security challenges as well as external and internal linkages, developing a National Security Strategy (NSS) for India requires a comprehensive approach. Explain. (15 marks)** **Introduction:** - Various committees like **Kargil Review Committee (2000), Naresh Chandra Task Force on Security (2012), and National Security Advisory Board (2015)** have asked for developing a comprehensive National Security Strategy for India. **Main Body:** India faces **diverse security challenges** to its national security: - **Externally** - conflict with Pakistan is driven by competing geopolitical interests and bitter historical legacies. - Faces Chinese aggression on the borders. - **Internally** - India faces a number of secessionist and insurrectionist movements, the most prominent of which are the Maoist Naxalites. - **Diversity** across religion, caste, class etc. often takes violent undertones and leads to internal security challenges. - The **challenges in the maritime domain,** transnational and organised crimes etc. further exacerbate the challenges. Need of a **comprehensive approach for National Security Strategy (NSS):** - **No clear-cut distinction between domestic and external threats:** threats like terrorism, are linked to both domestic and external actors. - Require coordination and action on the part of various actors. - **Understanding the cause of instability:** Threats to domestic peace and stability may arise from economic and social grievances. - A unidimensional approach of the state will leave these grievances unaddressed and also exacerbate the situation. - **Cross-domain linkages:** Threat to national security may be rooted across different domains. - Eg. Vulnerability of our borders --> linked to a large-scale smuggling and contraband trade --> permits easy access to terrorists and criminals. - **Technology complexity:** New technologies such as the Internet and digitization have created new and serious vulnerabilities and security risks. - **Conflict with rights of the citizens:** use of advanced digital technologies for surveillance and intelligence gathering against the right to privacy guaranteed by the Constitution. - **Changing geo-political environment:** Changes in geo-political scenario influences the nuclear security environment and thus affects India’s security. - **Climate change:** Ecological degradation and climate change have a significant impact on national security. - Melting of glaciers may have direct consequences on the deployment of troops at India’s high-altitude border locations. - Sea-level rise due to global warming may inundate naval bases along the coasts. **Way Forward (Steps needed):** - Drawing up an NSS may be tasked to a group of eminent persons from different disciplines who could consider India’s national security in its multiple dimensions. - In a democracy, an NSS should be citizen-centric and must reflect the values and beliefs of the people, it must seek to raise public awareness of and shape public perceptions about national security issues. - A well-informed, vigilant and educated public opinion is the best assurance of national security. **Conclusion:** - NSS for India needs to take a comprehensive approach highlighting the inter-linkages and feedback loops and formulating a coherent template for multi-disciplinary and multisectoral interventions. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Write1y.png) #### Write UnLimited Course (1 Year) Write answers from any source, we will evaluate them for you. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/write-unlimited-course-1-year/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Internal Security 01) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-3-internal-security-01/ Last updated: 2024-08-19T16:47:57.000Z **Subject:** GS 3 **Syllabus:** Internal Security ### Questions 1. The “dark net” though has certain advantages, has turned into a hotbed of illegal activities posing multi-dimensional threats. In light of this statement, define ‘darknet’ and how does it pose a security challenge for India? (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. Identify the opportunities and challenges that social media presents to the law enforcement agencies in India to counter national security threats. Also mention the steps taken to address the challenges? (250 words, 15 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Internal Security 01)Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Internal Security 01).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/08/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-3--Internal-Security-01-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. The “dark net” though has certain advantages, has turned into a hotbed of illegal activities posing multi-dimensional threats. In light of this statement, define ‘darknet’ and how does it pose a security challenge for India? (10 marks)** **Introduction:** - The **dark net or dark web is part of the deep web** and refers to encrypted networks on the Internet that are not indexed by search engines such as Google, Yahoo or Bing. **Main Body:** **Importance of dark net** - It is used for various purposes such as free access to various resources (academic research papers), maintaining secrecy in communication and guarding against leaking and transferring information. **Feature of Darknet:** - To avoid Censorship: Individuals within closed societies and facing extreme censorship can utilize the dark net to communicate with others outside of their society. - Anonymity and Secrecy: as concerns about government snooping and data collection continue to grow worldwide. - Useful for whistleblowers and journalists to maintain secrecy in communication and leaking and transferring information. However, despite its advantages, the dark net also poses challenges to India’s internal security. These are: - **Illegal activities:** Activities such as- - Sale of drugs and firearms. - Fake currencies. - Child pornography. - Human trafficking etc. - Ex- ‘darknet’ narcotics operatives - uses darknet to ship psychotropic drugs. - **Cyber fraud:** - Details of bank account holders, registered phone numbers etc. have been reported to be on sale over the darknet, which can lead to identity theft. - Ex- A database containing more than 4,50,000 payment card details of Indian banks has been uploaded on the darknet (Group-IB, a cyber security company). - **Culpability of offence:** As identities remain anonymous, enforcement agencies are unable to trace those who use the darknet to engage in illegal activities. - **Use of crypto currencies:** Deals done on the darknet are mostly through crypto currencies like Bitcoin. - **Terrorism:** terrorist organizations like the Al Qaeda have turned to the dark net to spread propaganda, recruit supporters and protect the identities of supporters, raise funds etc. **Recent Developments:** - In light of these challenges, the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing **(CDAC) is working with CSIR on developing a darknet/network telescope**\-based cyber security monitoring and interference framework. - Similarly, **Kerala police has established a specialised darknet lab in Cyberdome** and some officers have been trained as dark net analysts to monitor these activities. **Suggestion to counter these challenges:**(These points can be added in any such type of questions) - Need to **strengthen Cybersecurity Framework eg-** removing loopholes of IT Act 2000. - **Cooperate with like minded countries** regarding securing the Cyberspaces worldwide through intelligence, information, technology and expertise sharing. - **Investing in research and development** and training and capacity building of personnel in the field of Cybersecurity. **Conclusion:** - Dark net had proved a menace for the growing world and safe haven for rogue elements. Need of the hour is to have a strict vigil so that citizens can enjoy their right to privacy. **Additional information:** - The content on the Internet can be divided into surface web and deep web. While surface web can be accessed using search engines, deep web cannot be indexed by search engines. ![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcH3PB1B7NIxfOK9LN-lt-F4aptaXV3WjLz3pv5hRYtFEBppH9SBTMi4t3fg9zSe-lzBGj9YYuNj0HKsn07OOHQExA61d6bhAUfdAKGTxtvUnQKIw6MNWIX_I9CiMA9F-Ckxt-WvTcyhh-PD57LVd9kkcM?key=HtfkfYfV_S4pVERPzAey6w) --- **Q2\. Identify the opportunities and challenges that social media presents to the law enforcement agencies in India to counter national security threats. Also mention the steps taken to address the challenges? (15 marks)** **Introduction:** - With over 500 million active Internet users, social media usage in India is also on the rise. In this context, **Main Body:** **Factors for rise in social media:** - Increasing internet penetration. - Young demography. - Digital initiatives. - Local language. **Opportunities provided by Social Media:** - **Increased engagement with citizens:** enables increased engagement with citizens to build secure communities. - Information provided by Police using facebook, twitter etc. - **Improved intelligence capabilities:** It offers real-time, first-hand information, which can be used for developing “actionable intelligence”. - Identifying possible flash points of disturbances by using tools such as big data analysis etc. and sharing across agencies. - **Enhanced preparedness:** by preparing standard operating procedures for times of emergency. **Challenges posed by Social Media:** - **Increased number of cyber-crimes:** - Sale of contraband items. - Selection of targets and victims. - Spreading malware, committing cyber frauds, impersonation, hacking etc. - Ex- incidents have been found of ‘honey trapping’ Indian soldiers, scientists etc. - **Unregulated space for propaganda:** Terrorists and extremists are using social media to propagate their ideology and recruit members. - Ex- radicalisation done by ISIS and use of tremendous online following by Burhan Wani to strengthen Hizbul Mujahideen in Kashmir Valley. - **Fast paced spread of misinformation:** Foreign entities are using social media as a weapon in their psychological operations to cause unimaginable disruptions. - Ex- Pakistan’s ISI uploaded fake inflammatory videos, which triggered an exodus of people from North-eastern India staying in Bangalore and Pune. - **Ineffective laws:** The Indian legal framework that includes IT Act, 2000 and National Cyber Security Policy, 2013 is both inadequate and faces limitations. - Ex- denial by WhatsApp to help trace the origin of posts which led to lynching of 5 men in Maharashtra. - **Democratic rights:** It is also difficult for India to strictly regulate social media because freedom of speech and privacy are fundamental rights. **Steps taken by India:** - **NETRA (NETwork TRaffic Analysis):** for real-time detection of suspicious “keywords” and “keyphrases” in internet content. - **Social Media Labs:** to detect suspicious activity, and track mobilisation using social media for protests, and support domestic law enforcement. - **Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS):** predictive policing i.e. real time tracking of internet data including social media data, for domestic law enforcement. **Way forward(Steps needed):** - **Institutionalise the blueprint** for a National Social Media Policy. - Implement and institutionalise the Framework of Guidelines on social media engagement. - Create awareness on the challenges posed by social media. - Create organisational ecosystems, circumvent hierarchies, encourage outreach. - Empower agencies, build talent, and use specialists. - The National Cyber security Policy, 2014 must be regularly upgraded to tackle the upcoming challenges. - A National Media Analytics Centre (NMAC) as proposed by the National Security Council. **Conclusion:** - The need of the hour is to strengthen the regulatory framework to utilise the maximum advantage of social media and render it ineffective for anti-social elements. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Pre-Test-Series.png) #### Prelims Test Series 2025 (45 Tests) + Mentorship A Comprehensive Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-test-series-2025-45-tests-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Environment and Disaster Management 02) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-3-environment-and-disaster-management-02/ Last updated: 2024-08-19T16:46:21.000Z **Subject:** GS 3 **Syllabus:** Environment and Disaster Management ### Questions 1. The increased frequency and intensity of climate extremes in the Indian subcontinent can have grave implications. Comment. Also, suggest some measures that can be taken towards building climate-resilience in India. (250 Words, 15 Marks) 2. With the increasing incidences of desertification, define desertification. Explain how climate change affects the process of desertification and in turn get affected by it? (250 words, 15 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Environment and Disaster Management 02))Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Environment and Disaster Management 02)).pdf929 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/08/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-3--Environment-and-Disaster-Management-02--.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. The increased frequency and intensity of climate extremes in the Indian subcontinent can have grave implications. Comment. Also, suggest some measures that can be taken towards building climate-resilience in India. (15 Marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - As per **“Assessment of Climate Change over the Indian Region” report,** the Indian subcontinent has witnessed climate extremes-(any one data can be taken) - Average temperature has risen by around 0.7° C during 1901-2018. - Rainfall in summer monsoon declined by 6% during 1951 to 2015. - Drought affected area increased by 1.3% per decade during 1951-2016. - Sea surface rise in the North Indian Ocean has accelerated to 3.3 mm per year between 1993 and 2007. **Main Body:** Increased frequency and intensity of climate extremes can have grave **implications:** - **Food Security:** These changes can disrupt rainfed agricultural food production which accounts for 60% of agricultural GDP of India. - **Water Security:** - Frequent droughts and floods hinders surface and groundwater recharge. - Rising sea level leads to intrusion of saltwater in the coastal aquifers contaminating the groundwater. E.g. in Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Lakshadweep etc. - Retreat of glaciers in the Hindukush Himalayan region may impact the water supply in the major rivers and streams. - **Energy demand:** Rising temperatures are likely to increase energy demand for cooling. - **Human Health:** Risk of heat strokes, cardiovascular and neurological diseases, stress related disorders. - Spread of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever etc. - **Biodiversity:** Many species may face increasing threats, particularly those species which are adapted to narrow environmental conditions. Ex- coral reefs. - **Economy:** - The loss in productivity by 2030 because of heat stress could be the equivalent of India losing 34 million full-time jobs **(ILO)**. - According to the Union Government, Desertification, land degradation and drought cost India about 2.5% of gross domestic product in 2014-15\. - Sea-level rise increases the vulnerability of some large cities located on the coastline. - **Social issues:** - Climatic disasters such as droughts, cyclones and floods induce large scale migration. - Repeated crop failures add to the burden of already distressed farmers who then commit suicides. **Major initiatives of the Government towards combating climate change:** - **National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC):** The Action plan covers eight major missions. - **State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC):** to align climate strategies with the eight National Missions under the NAPCC. - **International Solar Alliance (ISA):** To provide a dedicated platform for cooperation among solar resource rich countries. - **FAME Scheme for E-mobility:** Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric vehicles (FAME) – India Scheme to boost sales of eco-friendly vehicles in the country. - Atal Mission for Rejuvenation & Urban Transformation **(AMRUT)** for Smart Cities. - **Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana:** The scheme provides LPG connections to poor people. - **UJALA scheme:** target of replacing incandescent lamps with LED bulbs. - **Swachh Bharat Mission:** The campaign seeks to clean the streets, roads and infrastructure of the country. - International agreements like the Kigali **agreement and Paris Climate deal (India’s Panchamitra).** **Following steps can be taken** towards building climate-resilience in India: - Make **vulnerability assessment central to long-term planning** for developing region and sector-specific adaptation and mitigation strategies - Greater emphasis on widening observational networks, sustained monitoring, expanding research on regional changes in climate and their impacts. - Ex- networks of tide gauges with GPS along the Indian coastline would help monitor local changes in sea level. - **Afforestation efforts:** Helps to mitigate climate change through carbon sequestration - To improve resilience against droughts, protecting coastal areas and supporting native wildlife and biodiversity. - **Building community awareness:** Strategies should be formulated to effectively engage citizens by disseminating public messages through media outlets - **Utilising traditional knowledge:** The in-depth traditional knowledge of land and nature can be used as a reference while formulating the climate-resilient strategy. - For example – Kuttanad Below Sea Level Farming System in Kerala. **Conclusion:** - Equity and social justice should be ensured for building climate resilience since the most vulnerable people such as the poor, the disabled, outdoor labourers and farmers will bear the brunt of climate change impacts. ***or*** - India needs to take a leading role in bringing developed as well as developing and underdeveloped nations on common platforms to build climate resilience. --- **Q2\. With the increasing incidences of desertification, define desertification. Explain how climate change affects the process of desertification and in turn get affected by it?** **(15 Marks)** **Introduction:** - As per the United Nations, desertification is defined as land degradation in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas, collectively known as drylands, resulting from many factors, including human activities and climatic variations.***or*** - As per the MOEFCC, nearly 30 per cent of India is degraded or facing desertification. 26 Indian states have reported an increase in the area undergoing desertification in the past 10 years. **Main Body:** - The **main factors responsible for desertification in India** are: - Extension of cultivation in marginal lands, inadequate soil and water conservation measures. - Intensive cropping systems and poor irrigation management and overexploitation of groundwater. - **Climate change exacerbating the process of desertification** - **Climate change is intensifying water scarcity** in some dryland areas and **increasing the frequency of droughts.** - E.g. Water table in **Barkitand village of Giridih district** has fallen from 8 metre below the ground level in 2013 to about 10 m in 2017. - Climate change is projected to **increase the potential for water driven soil erosion** in many dryland areas. - This leads to soil organic carbon decline and leaching in some dryland areas. - E.g. **Dhule district of Maharashtra**, where land has become shallow, unfit for plantation. - Due to climate change, **total rainfall in the Himalayas has decreased in the past century** while winter rain has almost disappeared. - 50 percent of the Himalayan springs have dried up or turned seasonal. - Rapidly disappearing springs will eventually impact rivers and cause desertification in the plains. - **The area at risk of salinization is projected to increase due to climate change** or hydrological change. - E.g. dwindling rainfall, dependence on borewell for water-guzzling horticulture **increase soil aridity in Ananthapuram district of Andhra Pradesh**. - **Rising CO2 levels due to global warming favour more rapid expansion of some invasive plant** species in some regions. - Invasive plants, especially exotic annual grasses, contribute to desertification and loss of ecosystem services in many dryland areas. - Increasing human pressures on land, combined with climate change, will **reduce the resilience of dryland populations and constrain their adaptive capacities**. While climate change can drive desertification, the process of desertification can also alter the local climate. - **Desertification affecting climate change** - Desertification exacerbates climate change through several mechanisms such as **changes in vegetation cover, sand and dust aerosols and greenhouse gas fluxes.** - **When land is degraded, it becomes less productive**, restricting what can be grown and reducing the soil’s ability to absorb carbon. - **Government Steps** - **Integrated Watershed Management Programme:** to restore ecological balance by harnessing, conserving and developing degraded natural resources with the creation of Rural Employment. - **Desert Development Programme:**to minimise the adverse effect of drought and to rejuvenate the natural resource base of the identified desert areas. - **United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD):** India is working to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030. - National commitment on Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) (Sustainable Development Goal target 15.3). - **National Afforestation Programme:** for the afforestation of degraded forest lands. - **National Action Programme to Combat Desertification:** to address issues of increasing desertification and to take appropriate actions. - **National Mission on Green India:** objective of protecting, restoring and enhancing India’s diminishing forest cover with a deadline of 10 years. **Conclusion** - The government needs to focus on multifunctional landscape approach, farming for multiple benefits, managing the rural-urban interface, creation of wind breaks, conservation of land in rangeland, wetland and mining areas etc. in order to find the dual challenge of climate change and desertification. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Write1y.png) #### Write UnLimited Course (1 Year) Write answers from any source, we will evaluate them for you. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/write-unlimited-course-1-year/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Environment and Disaster Management 01) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-3-environment-and-disaster-management-01/ Last updated: 2024-08-19T16:44:38.000Z **Subject:** GS 3 **Syllabus:** Environment and Disaster Management ### Questions 1. There will be a moment when the NDRF and SDRF can’t respond to a crisis promptly, no matter how well-prepared they are. In this context examine the relevance of community-level disaster volunteers as first responders for disaster management in India. (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. Arsenic pollution is becoming a severe environmental issue in India. Enumerating its various sources, discuss the measures to tackle Arsenic pollution. (150 words, 10 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Environment and Disaster Management 01)Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Environment and Disaster Management 01).pdf999 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/08/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-3--Environment-and-Disaster-Management-01-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. There will be a moment when the NDRF and SDRF can’t respond to a crisis promptly, no matter how well-prepared they are. In this context examine the relevance of community-level disaster volunteers as first responders for disaster management in India. (10 Marks)** **Introduction:** - Disaster Management Act, 2005 has made the statutory provisions for constitution of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for the purpose of specialised response to natural and man-made disasters. - Two national calamities in quick succession in the form of Orissa Super Cyclone (1999) and Gujarat Earthquake (2001) brought about the realisation of the need of having a specialist response mechanism at National Level to effectively respond to disasters. This realization led to the enactment of the Disaster Management Act on 26 Dec 2005. **Main Body:** **Role and mandate of NDRF:** - Specialised response during disasters. - Proactive deployment during impending disaster situations. - Acquire and continually upgrade its own training and skills. - Liaison, Reconnaissance, Rehearsals and Mock Drills. - Impart basic and operational level training to State Response Forces (Police, Civil Defense and Home Guards). - Community Capacity Building Programme. - Organise Public Awareness Campaigns. **Limitations of NDRF and SDRF:** - **Remote areas:** It is difficult for these forces to reach remote and difficult areas like higher himalayan states like J & k and Ladakh on time. - **Connectivity infrastructure:** During disasters like cyclones, affected areas got cut off from the mainstream connectivity due to absence of all-weather road connectivity, felling of trees and blockages of road thus delaying the NDRF response. - **Human resources:** the effectiveness of the NDRF has been hampered due to lack of trained manpower and an absence of systematic training facilities and equipment. - **Financial resources:** It is deprived of necessary funds and infrastructure from the Centre. The proposal to add two more battalions from SSB has been pending for more than two years. - **Lacunas of state disaster response forces:** Most of the states are largely lethargic in creating a disaster response mechanism as mandated by the Disaster Management Act of December 2005. - Jharkhand and some northeastern states do not have State Disaster Response Forces (SDRFs) while others like Kerala have shared manpower. - “In some states the SDRFs exist only on paper and in others they are operating on borrowed manpower from state armed forces, police and civil defence. Thus, “Community based disaster preparedness is the key to effective disaster management.” This is because during any disaster, communities are always the worst affected and the first to respond. **Relevance of community-level disaster volunteers** - **Local concerns:** It ensures local ownership, addresses local needs and promotes a culture of mutual help to prevent and minimise damage. - Local geo-climatic and socio-cultural characteristics get the attention of the people in development and disaster management. - **Vulnerable groups:** reduce vulnerabilities and increase capacities of vulnerable groups and communities to cope with, prevent or minimise loss and damage to life, property, and the environment, - **Self-ownership:** Feelings of coordination and self-belonging to the society are developed. - **Exchange of local knowledge with experts:** There is exchange of knowledge, information, skills and techniques between the community and the experts involved from outside. - **Capacity building:** It will lead to capacity building of the community on issues of disaster-safe developmental activities - **Bottom up approach:** bottom-up, participatory approach can make community members more receptive to new knowledge and information presented to them. - **Speedy evacuation And response:** Disaster preparedness at the community level is conducive for speedy dissemination of alerts and mobilisation of the people necessary for effective implementation of evacuation operations **Case Study:** - Two coastal villages in Odisha, **Venkatraipur in Ganjam district and Noliasahi in Jagatsinghpur district** which earned the recognition of being ‘Tsunami Ready’ from the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, making India the first country in the Indian Ocean Region to establish such high levels of disaster preparedness at the community level. - It presents a great example of community based disaster management with its laudable evacuation programme earning it this tag. **Conclusion:** - Long term plans are necessary with an eye on potential dangers such as climate change which threatens to increase the intensity and frequency of natural disasters in the future. - The objective is to inculcate disaster risk resilience within the communities so that they are not only prepared but can also resist, absorb, accommodate and recover. --- **Q2\. Arsenic pollution is becoming a severe environmental issue in India. Enumerating its various sources, discuss the measures to tackle Arsenic pollution. (10 Marks)** **Introduction:** - The Central Ground Water Board highlighted that 21 states have pockets with arsenic levels higher than the Bureau of Indian Standards’ (BIS) stipulated permissible limit of 0.01 milligram per litre (mg/l).(Fact based introduction) **Main Body:** **Arsenic pollution a severe environmental issue in India:** - Drinking arsenic water results in **cancer of skin, bladder, kidney and lung**, diseases of the blood vessels and reproductive disorders. - Intense groundwater irrigation leads to uptake of Arsenic by the crops causing **phyto-accumulation** of arsenic in them. - Ex- paddy farms are exposed to Arsenic pollution due to groundwater irrigation. - The entry of arsenic into the food chain, in addition to drinking water increases possibilities of **biomagnification.** - Rice husk used as fodder for livestock exposes them to impacts of arsenic contamination. This leads to potential risk for humans when they consume cattle-based food products. **Sources of Arsenic:** - **Natural**\- - Weathering of rocks and minerals followed by subsequent leaching and runoff. - Widely distributed throughout the air, water and land and is highly toxic in its inorganic form. - **Anthropogenic-** - **Intense exploitation of groundwater.** - Application of fertilisers. - Burning of coal and leaching of metals from coal-ash tailings. - **Industrial effluent-** used as an alloying agent and in the processing of glass, pigments, textiles, paper etc. **Measures to tackle Arsenic pollution:** - **Treatment technologies** based on lime softening and iron co-precipitation. - Use of **Innovative technologies-** - Permeable reactive barriers. - Phytoremediation. - Biological treatment and electro kinetic treatment. - **Rainwater harvesting and recharging of groundwater table** to avoid fall in groundwater level and check leaching of metals into groundwater. - **Substitution of high-arsenic sources,** such as groundwater, with low-arsenic safe sources such as rainwater and treated surface water. **Steps taken:** - The **2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development**, calls for access to drinking water which is free of faecal contamination and priority chemical contaminants, including arsenic. - **Jal Jeevan Mission** is envisioned to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections by 2024 to all households in rural India. **Steps needed:** - The extent and severity of arsenic contamination should be recognised and necessary steps should be taken to combat it. - The government should **develop a national plan of action** and ensure that mitigation measures are implemented in a coordinated manner. - Need to **work with academic and research institutions** to improve the understanding of the causes, extent and impact of arsenic contamination. **Conclusion:** - All mitigation measures need a bottoms up approach along with public participation to make it a success. **Additional Information:** States along the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) river basin such as UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Assam are the worst affected. Further, despite arsenic contaminating the food chain, mitigation measures are targeted towards groundwater or surface water. Also, arsenic contamination testing has been restricted to drinking water sources excluding water sources used for irrigation. ![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcfepeYbpLGmbA61RExFmfYFj5cVvaHjGGpmzEEkuDXlyydYQLIpVQigIfMC6TdcPZ0RhiQ_6a-d1kkb00B_2JD68Rhg4q8GlrxiiOETOYJEmgyucJ8vuiHgin85WmhmVEfXVEGuW0vvvee_LSPH4oCB_U?key=HtfkfYfV_S4pVERPzAey6w) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Basics.png) #### UPSC Essential + 3 year mentorship Comprehensive course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Science & Technology 02) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-3-science-technology-02/ Last updated: 2024-08-19T16:43:21.000Z **Subject:** GS 3 **Syllabus:** Science & Technology ### Questions 1. The Indian space sector is fast growing due to its cost effective launches and better technology when compared to countries in the same stage of development. Discuss the salient features of draft Spacecom Policy 2020\. (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. Examine the challenges presented by the emergence of the Metaverse and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and propose strategies to address them. (150 words, 10 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Science & Technology 02)Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Science & Technology 02).pdf729 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/08/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-3--Science---Technology-02-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. The Indian space sector is fast growing due to its cost effective launches and better technology when compared to countries in the same stage of development. Discuss the salient features of draft Spacecom Policy 2020\. (10 marks)** **Introduction** - The Indian Space Research Organisation released the draft Spacecom Policy 2020 which seeks commercial utilization of satellites, orbital slots and ground stations for communication and transmission needs. It will replace the Satcom Policy 1997 which is in line with the changing needs of changing times. **Main Body** - It has created Indian National Space Promotion & Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) as a single window autonomous agency which will sanction satellite communications to be used by only an Indian entity. Space communications is an important area of expertise which can be used to fulfill needs like connectivity in remote areas and improve technological developments. - The **draft Spacecom Policy 2020 includes provisions** like- - Use of space communications must be allowed through authorization to enhance integration of diverse ideas and practices. This is because space isn’t subjected to boundaries and is subjected to regulations from the International Telecommunication Union. - Better security of space assets by acquiring spectrum and replacing satellites in a definite time period. - Better use of unused orbital resources which are available but left unused due to technical and resource crunch. Authorized entities must let other entities use the idle orbital resources by following specific procedures. - There is provision for security projects and military satellites which involve communications and data transmission. For this, the Department of Space will be solely responsible along with connectivity projects in remote areas. - Indian National Space Promotion & Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) as an autonomous body will be formed to clear spacecom projects. It will address issues like India’s liability for potential damages due to space objects. - Only Indian companies can buy government controlled orbital resources and spectrum on a commercial basis. **Conclusion** - Space security and development is a critical area considering the birds eye view of all strategic assets it gives to the controller. Thus there is a need to bring more space assets under government control and ensure a timely and responsive regulatory environment. --- **Q2\. Examine the challenges presented by the emergence of the Metaverse and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and propose strategies to address them. (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - Metaverse is a virtual universe where users interact with each other and digital entities in real-time. Artificial intelligence means development of intelligent machines that can perform tasks requiring human intelligence. **Main Body** **Challenges Presented by Emergence of Artificial Intelligence and Metaverse:** - Ethical Concerns: The Metaverse and AI raise profound ethical questions. Some of them are: - Privacy breaches, data security, and potential misuse of personal information are some of the primary concerns. - There is also a risk that these technologies could be used to perpetuate or amplify societal problems such as discrimination and inequality. - Economic Inequality: The advent of the Metaverse and AI has the potential to exacerbate economic disparities. Access to these technologies might be limited to those who can afford them, leading to a digital divide. - Job Displacement: AI advancements have the potential to automate various tasks, resulting in job displacement. - Goldman Sachs predicts that the fast-growing mass adoption of AI will impact 300 million jobs. - Security Risks: The Metaverse and AI introduce new security risks, including cyber threats and the potential for AI-powered attacks. - Eg. Use of deep fakes and voice by scammers - Dependence on technology: - As people increasingly rely on AI and the Metaverse for daily activities, there is a risk of people becoming too dependent on technology, which could lead to a loss of important life skills. - Impact on physical health and well-being: - As the Metaverse becomes more immersive, there is a risk that users will spend increasing amounts of time in virtual worlds, potentially at the expense of their physical health and well-being. **Strategies to address above challenges:** - Robust legislation and regulations must be enacted to safeguard user privacy and ensure responsible data handling practices. - Governments and stakeholders should prioritize inclusive policies, ensuring affordable access to these technologies for all segments of society (reduce digital divide). AI should be developed as a public good rather than a commercial product. - Focus should be on retraining and upskilling initiatives to equip the workforce with skills required for the evolving job market. - Additionally, creating new avenues for employment in emerging fields related to the Metaverse can help mitigate job losses. - Strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure, investing in AI-driven security systems, and promoting public awareness about online safety are essential measures to address these risks effectively. - Ethical AI Development: Implementing transparency, accountability, and bias mitigation mechanisms in AI algorithms can help avoid discriminatory practices and enhance user trust. - Global Cooperation: As the metaverse and AI continues to develop, we are seeing a glimpse of a more digitally advanced borderless world that is full of promise. **Conclusion** - Proactive measures addressing ethical concerns, job displacement, security risks, and inclusivity can unlock the potential of AI and the Metaverse. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Mains-Focus-Group-0T.png) #### Mains Focus Group 2024 (Without Answer Writing) A beacon you need for UPSC Mains [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-2024-without-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Science & Technology 01) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-3-science-technology-01/ Last updated: 2024-08-19T16:41:35.000Z **Subject:** GS 3 **Syllabus:** Science & Technology ### Questions 1. In the light of increased private sector participation in the space sector. Discuss the need for a comprehensive space strategy that India shall adopt to become one of the major space powers. (250 Words, 15 Marks) 2. In the context of the increasing importance of technology for disaster management, throw some light on the application of GIS and Remote Sensing in disaster management with special reference to India. (150 words, 10 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Science & Technology 01)Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Science & Technology 01).pdf977 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/08/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-3--Science---Technology-01-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. In the light of increased private sector participation in the space sector. Discuss the need for a comprehensive space strategy that India shall adopt to become one of the major space powers.** **(250 words, 15marks)** **Introduction:** - India’s ability to secure its use of outer space has played a major role in its growth and prosperity in the present era, as outer space has become an important organ for maintaining security of the nation.***or*** - It is prudent for countries to formulate strategic publications detailing the broad direction of their space programmes to bolster inter-organizational coordination and help build investor confidence.***or*** - The growing strategic salience of outer space demands substantive national policy action in India. **Main Body:** **Increased private sector participation in the space sector:** - In India, more than 100 start ups are working in the space sector. - Worldwide large companies like SpaceX, LeoLabs etc. have taken a huge leap in Space activities. **Need for comprehensive policy for outer space:** - **Shaping the Global Order:** India’s new strategic interest in outer space is based on a recognition of : - Centrality of emerging technologies in shaping the 21st-century global order. - The urgency of writing new rules for the road to peace and stability in outer space. - Space has overarching applications and dependencies across almost all aspects of **civilian life and military operations.** - Space is emerging as a potential **fourth arm of India’s defence setup.** - With the US, Russia and China already in pursuit of becoming a Space power, India will need to equip itself appropriately to meet emerging security challenges. - There is **increasing competition in the space sector.** - Ex-New Zealand is positioning itself as a location for private rocket launches. - Singapore is offering itself as a hub for space entrepreneurship. - To **provide a vision to the private sector** to enhance their participation in the space sector. **Other Country’s via-a-vis India:** - The United Kingdom (UK), China and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) countries have published their strategic publications on the use of space. - China already has its “Tiangong” space station’s first module in orbit and is also planning to build a near-earth object defence system in the next five years. - India does not have any plans for planetary defence on the horizon. **Way forward(Steps needed):** - **Balanced Approach for Space Projects:** to address in-orbit, Earth-to-space, and space-to-Earth applications. - The NATO strategy’s reference to space being of relevance **‘across the spectrum of conflict’** is a correct articulation of the idea. - **Engagement in International Fora:** The international community and the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) are figuring out norms for responsible behaviour in outer space. - Strategy should indicate that India will **not only be a participant but also a key stakeholder.** - It is imperative to put forward India’s concerns around ensuring unrestricted access to use of space by all nations. - **Greater Space Situational Awareness (SSA):** as it is the awareness of the location and activities of any space object and the impact it can have. - **Establishing a Permanent Presence in Space:** ISRO has undertaken manned space flight as a key focus area, beginning with the upcoming Gaganyan mission. - India should **accelerate research on its defence from near-earth objects.** - India should take the **initiative to cooperate with international bodies** in the short term and plan for a planetary defence program in the long term. - Without international cooperation, India is unlikely to catch up to China. **Conclusion:** - Space sector provides immense opportunities for inclusive development in India. Need is to have a balanced policy which takes into account all stakeholders. --- **Q2\. In the context of increasing importance of technology for disaster management, throw some light on the application of GIS and Remote Sensing in disaster management with special reference to India.** **(150 words, 10 marks)** **Introduction:** - Geographic Information System (GIS) technology and Remote Sensing technologies have effectively improved the workflow in all phases of disaster management and provided effective remedial solutions. ***or*** - Data from **Cartosat-1 was used for inundation vulnerability assessment** of the Indian coastline in the event of a Tsunami; similarly, RISAT series of satellites have previously been used towards disaster management and planning.(Direct example of use of technology) **Main body:** - **These technologies can be leveraged across all stages of disaster management:** - **Mitigation:** - To map and analyse hazards and visualise their potential impacts. - When hazards are fused with critical infrastructure, population densities, and other community values, vulnerabilities can be observed, modelled, and better understood - **Preparedness:** - Site selection for adequate evacuation shelters. - Selecting and modelling evacuation routes. - Identification and mapping of key tactical and strategic facilities like Hospitals, Public safety facilities etc. - Capability for the command and control information system that enables situational awareness and incident management support. - **Response:** - Provide warnings and notifications to the public and others. - Maintain continuity of operations supply inventories, external power requirements, shelter population capacities, etc. at shelter locations. - Identify the locations and capabilities of existing and mutual aid public safety resources. - To share information and status with regional, state, and federal agencies. - Maintain incident status and progress reports; facilitate damage assessment collection and analysis. - **Recovery:** - Overall damage costs and priorities for reconstruction efforts based on appropriate local criteria. - Locations of business and supplies necessary to support reconstruction. - Determination of short term action for assessing overall critical infrastructure damage - Ex- First aid and health; Additional shelter needs; Optimum locations for public assistance;etc. **Conclusion:** - These technologies must be leveraged to generate an effective strategy to address all phases of disaster management in India and prevent economic and social losses. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Pre-Test-Series.png) #### Prelims Test Series 2025 (45 Tests) + Mentorship A Comprehensive Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-test-series-2025-45-tests-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Krishi-Decision Support System (Krishi-DSS) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/krishi-decision-support-system-krishi-dss-upsc/ Last updated: 2024-08-19T15:08:25.000Z The **Krishi-Decision Support System (Krishi-DSS)** is a state-of-the-art geospatial platform developed specifically to support and enhance agricultural practices in India. It represents a significant technological advancement in the way data is collected, analyzed, and utilized for agricultural management. ![Evolution in Agricultural Technology in India | UPSC ](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/08/image.png) ### What is Krishi-DSS? - Krishi-DSS is a **first-of-its-kind geospatial platform** designed to provide real-time, data-driven insights to stakeholders in the agriculture sector, including farmers, policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders. - The platform leverages satellite-based geospatial technology and integrates a wide array of data sources to offer comprehensive and actionable information on various aspects of agriculture. ### Key Features - **Comprehensive Data Integration**: - **Satellite Images**: Access to detailed satellite imagery for monitoring crop health, acreage, and overall agricultural conditions. - **Weather Information**: Real-time weather data to help farmers and decision-makers anticipate and respond to climatic changes that affect crop production. - **Reservoir Storage and Groundwater Levels**: Data on water availability, crucial for effective irrigation planning and drought management. - **Soil Health Information**: Includes details like soil type, pH, and fertility, which are essential for determining crop suitability and land management practices. - **Advanced Modules**: - **Crop Mapping and Monitoring**: Allows for the analysis of cropping patterns over time, helping in the understanding of crop rotation practices and promoting sustainable agriculture. - **Drought Monitoring**: Provides near real-time updates on soil moisture, water storage levels, and dry spells, enabling proactive measures to mitigate drought impacts. - **Crop Weather Watch**: Monitors the impact of weather on crops, assesses crop harvest status, and tracks crop residue burning. - **Field Parcel Segmentation**: - **Targeted Interventions**: Accurate segmentation of field parcels helps in understanding the unique needs of each parcel, allowing for precise and targeted agricultural interventions. - **One Nation-One Soil Information System**: - **Unified Soil Data**: A centralized system that provides comprehensive soil information, aiding in crop suitability assessments and soil conservation efforts. - **Ground Truth Data Library**: - **Innovation and Research Support**: A repository of ground truth data and spectral libraries for various crops, which supports research and development in the agri-tech sector. - **Disaster Management and Crop Insurance**: - **Holistic Solutions**: The platform includes tools for flood impact assessment and crop insurance solutions, offering a complete approach to managing agricultural risks. ![types of DSS | Agriculture | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/08/image-1.png) ### Strategic Importance - **Empowerment of Farmers**: By providing personalized advisories and early warnings (e.g., pest attacks, heavy rains), Krishi-DSS empowers farmers to make informed decisions that enhance productivity and sustainability. - **Support for Policy-Making**: The platform’s data-driven insights are crucial for shaping agricultural policies and ensuring food security. - **Collaboration and Innovation**: Krishi-DSS fosters collaboration between government, private sector, and academia, accelerating the adoption of space technology in agriculture and driving innovation. ### Launch Krishi-DSS was launched during the **National Conference on Space Driven Solutions for Agriculture Transformation in India**, which showcased the potential of space technology to address challenges in Indian agriculture. The event highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships, the role of space technology in precision agriculture, and the need for farmer-centric solutions. ### Conclusion Krishi-DSS is a transformative tool that integrates advanced geospatial technology with agricultural data to support the entire agricultural ecosystem. It is a catalyst for innovation, resilience, and sustainability in Indian agriculture, offering a comprehensive platform that addresses the needs of farmers, enhances policy-making, and contributes to the nation’s food security. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Basics.png) #### UPSC Essential + 3 year mentorship Comprehensive course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Indian Economy and Agriculture 06) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-3-indian-economy-and-agriculture-06/ Last updated: 2024-08-14T20:57:34.000Z **Subject:** GS 3 **Syllabus:** Indian Economy and Agriculture ### Questions 1. Land reforms is a long standing demand which is still not addressed. Discuss why there is a demand for new reforms and enumerate some innovative methods to address it. (250 words, 15 Marks) 2. Organic farming is gathering pace and has a lot of potential in many ways. Discuss the factors which are favorable for organic farming in India and the challenges which need to be addressed. (250 words, 15 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Indian Economy and Agriculture 06)Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Indian Economy and Agriculture 06).pdf642 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/08/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-1--Indian-Economy-and-Agriculture-06-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Land reforms is a long standing demand which is still not addressed. Discuss why there is a demand for new reforms and enumerate some innovative methods to address it. (15 marks)** **Introduction** - Land reforms include steps taken legally to enhance quality of land holdings and their distribution for socio-economic development. **Main Body** - Post-independence period saw land reforms in the shape of land redistribution and zamindari abolition as part of the first five year plan. During the 5th plan period, the green revolution was made the main thrust. - But these reforms have worked partially and only in a few regions. **Therefore there is a demand for new reforms because:** - Lack of private investment in capital and machinery due to insecurity of tenure and absentee landlordism. This prevents the tenants from taking loans and securing capital for investing in farms. - Land fragmentation is increasing which is evident in agriculture census 2020\. The average land holding size is 1.17 hectare which prevents large scale investments and economy of scale. - Documentation is still not digitized which has left many farmers without proper land records. This affects their ability to sell land, uptake credit and introduce investments. - A lot of land is left fallow either due to non conducive environment or distress migration of farmers. - To address these issues, land reforms can take shape of many ways like - Recent farm laws have provisions for contract farming where there is no lease or selling but only a contract between corporates and farmers with the former getting right to grow any crop they want and the latter remunerative prices and increased profits. - Small land parcels of small and marginal farmers can be taken on lease collectively by big corporate farmers for large investments which can help achieve economies of scale. - Land leasing is a feasible method where absentee landowners lease the land to tenants with legally backed rights as provided for in the Model Land Leasing Act. - Computerization of land records is essential to ensure availability and accessibility of data at all times to bring in transparency and accountability. - Many farmers have scattered land parcels which add to costs of transportation and inputs. Land consolidation is a way out as it consolidates scattered land pieces into one equivalent land piece. **Conclusion** - Land reforms are part of socialism and find echo in our constitution. A measured approach is needed so that the rights of farmers are not violated and value addition in the farm sector is ensured. --- **Q2\. Organic farming is gathering pace and has a lot of potential in many ways. Discuss the factors which are favorable for organic farming in India and the challenges which need to be addressed.** **(15 marks)** **Introduction** - **Organic farming** is a farming system that uses environmentally friendly methods of weed, pest, and disease control - India ranks first when it comes to the number of organic farmers but 9th in area under organic farming. **Main Body** **Favorable factors for organic farming in India:** - Organic farming is linked with our tradition and it is still continually practiced in North East India with Sikkim becoming the world's first fully organic state. - Organic farming requires a workforce which is present in India with 55% of manpower depending on farming and allied activities. - India has six major types of soils and few minor soils based on terrain and geography. This gives opportunity to exploit naturally available organic nutrients for organic farming. - There is thrust on achieving sustainable development goals and organic farming being less harmful to the environment can help promote sustainable agriculture. - India has a lot of tribal population living in remote interiors of pristine environment. They do not depend on chemicals and fertilizers and only practice organic farming. **Challenges that need to be addressed:** - Yield per hectare in case of organic farming is very small which naturally makes costs at which organic products are sold higher. - Conversion of conventional farm to organic is time consuming because there are some minimal standards and labeling guidelines which need to be adhered to. - For the same quantity produced by conventional farming, organic farming needs more land which is not conducive for a growing population. This can also raise issues around food security. - Non adherence to policy in states like Kerala and Karnataka which have organic farming policies since pre 2012 period. Whereas states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh etc do not have such a policy but have around half the area under organic cultivation. - Awareness among farmers and lack of marketing facilities is another challenge. **Conclusion** - Organic farming needs a push due to advantages like increased jobs and economic sustainability with more social impact. Government schemes like Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOCVD-NER) etc have been supportive but needs to improve at implementation level. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Pre-Test-Series.png) #### Prelims Test Series 2025 (45 Tests) + Mentorship A Comprehensive Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-test-series-2025-45-tests-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Indian Economy and Agriculture 05) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-3-indian-economy-and-agriculture-05/ Last updated: 2024-08-14T20:56:35.000Z **Subject:** GS 3 **Syllabus:** Indian Economy and Agriculture ### Questions 1. At the time of introduction, Goods and Services Tax (GST) was hailed as the biggest indirect tax reform since independence. Has the GST lived up to this expectation? Examine. (250 words, 15 Marks) 2. Poverty alleviation is a big challenge but the service sector can help make this challenge easy to tackle. Discuss. (250 words, 15 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Indian Economy and Agriculture 05)Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Indian Economy and Agriculture 05).pdf589 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/08/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-1--Indian-Economy-and-Agriculture-05-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. At the time of introduction, Goods and Services Tax (GST) was hailed as the biggest indirect tax reform since independence. Has the GST lived up to this expectation? Examine. (15 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - GST is an umbrella, multistage, destination based indirect tax, which subsumes taxes like central excise, service tax, additional duties of excise & customs, VAT etc.(definition) ***or*** - It was hailed as the biggest indirect tax reform of independent India due to its composition and envisaged impact. **Main Body:** **Achievements of GST:** - **Increase in Taxpayers-** Number of taxpayers registered under GST rose to 1.3 crore by 2021. - **Increased Compliance**\-High tax rates of the pre-GST era acted as a disincentive to paying tax, the lower rates under GST helped to increase tax compliance. - More than 66 crore GST returns have been filed in the past four years. - **Ease of doing business-** GST brought in a conducive environment for businesses by easing tax norms and giving tax concessions to corporates. - **One nation One tax-** The multiple markets across India, with each state charging a different rate of tax, led to great inefficiencies and costs of compliance. - **Fiscal Federalism-** The GST Council, that brings together the Central and State governments to improve the working of the mega tax reform. **Problems that persist in the current GST regime:** - **Federal issues:** Centre has failed to fulfil its promise on compensating the states in case of revenue shortfall. This was seen during COVID times. - **Inverted tax structure:** ex- Paper, Leather etc. - **Taxing medical equipment:** Items like vaccines, drugs, PPE kits, masks, ventilators, concentrators etc. remained under the taxed category. - **GST Collections-** The expected growth in revenue has not happened and there seems to be stagnation in revenue growth. - **Problem of tax slabs-** Despite best efforts the GST could not be imposed in 1-2 tax slabs. - The concept of sin tax and exclusion of several products like alcohol, petroleum products have created problems. - **Gaps in GSTN-** CAG had highlighted poor backend management by GSTN in its audit report on GST. **Way Forward for reforms in GST:** - **Revenue Guarantee-** The income of states has seen a decline in the past 5 years, compounded by the expenditure due to Covid-19\. - Assurance to states regarding Revenue Guarantee till 2026 is a welcome step. - **Reforms in GST Council-** Reforms such as more weightage to the states, clarity on suggestions of council for borrowing etc.is required. - **FRBM ACT 2003-** suitable relaxations in FRBM Act 2003 be made to account for larger fiscal deficit years in case of contingencies like Covid-19. **Conclusion:** - Therefore, the GST has been a mixed bag, it requires modifications before it produces the kind of benefits that were talked about prior to its roll out. --- **Q2\. Poverty alleviation is a big challenge but the service sector can help make this challenge easy to tackle. Discuss. (15 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - The services Sector is the highest contributing sector in India in terms of GDP and the growth of this sector occurred without following traditional models of economic growth. Normally, primary sector growth is followed by the secondary/manufacturing sector, but in the case of India, the services sector grew and took the lion's share of GDP contribution at around 60%. **Main Body** - Poverty alleviation is a big challenge because of factors like- - Poverty has become multidimensional and tackling it requires a multi pronged strategy which is difficult to implement. - Extreme poverty is much higher in rural areas than urban and less effectiveness of schemes in rural areas make poverty alleviation a challenge. - Inclusion and exclusion errors of targeted beneficiaries and functioning of poverty alleviation programmes in silos is a big issue. - High fiscal deficit makes budgetary allocation less than the required amount which makes the schemes ineffective. Like in Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme does not provide guaranteed 100 days work. - Service sector includes areas like trade, transport, construction, communication, hotels, restaurants, public administration, defense, real estate and professional services. Growth in these areas can help in poverty alleviation by- - Gig economy has seen huge growth in recent times and this semi-skilled area has capability to absorb a lot of workforce. Some of them are cab services, food delivery etc. - Tourism potential of India is very high due to still untapped areas. It can provide better income and employment which can result in poverty alleviation. - Liberalized telecom sector caused more competition and lesser tariffs which meant it became more viable for the businesses to set up call centers which also provide huge employment avenues for semi-skilled workforce. - The MSME sector is spread along the length and breadth of the country and its labor intensive feature makes it important in providing employment. - Startups in the education sector and health sector have improved accessibility which has further improved tackling of poverty alleviation. **Conclusion** - Services sector is significant in eradicating poverty but there are issues like less skilled workforce, vocational education and periodic training, and infrastructure issues which need to be addressed at the earliest. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Write1y.png) #### Write UnLimited Course (1 Year) Write answers from any source, we will evaluate them for you. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/write-unlimited-course-1-year/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Indian Economy and Agriculture 04) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-3-indian-economy-and-agriculture-04/ Last updated: 2024-08-14T20:55:24.000Z **Subject:** GS 3 **Syllabus:** Indian Economy and Agriculture ### Questions 1. What were the key goals and initiatives of the New Economic Policy of 1991? Examine the reforms' significant accomplishments and drawbacks during the previous 32 years. (250 words, 15 Marks) 2. What is Capital Account Convertibility (CAC)? Discuss the benefit it will entail if India goes for full CAC? Also enumerate the issues involved in CAC. (150 words, 10 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Indian Economy and Agriculture 04)Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Indian Economy and Agriculture 04).pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/08/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-1--Indian-Economy-and-Agriculture-04-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. What were the key goals and initiatives of the New Economic Policy of 1991? Examine the reforms' significant accomplishments and drawbacks during the previous 32 years. (15 marks)** **Introduction:** - The New Economic Policy of 1991 refers to economic liberalisation or relaxation in the import tariffs, deregulation of markets or opening the markets for private and foreign players, and reduction of taxes to expand the economic wings of the country. **Main Body:** **Key goals of NEP, 1991:** - Enter into the field of ‘globalisation’ and make the economy more market-oriented. - Reduce the inflation rate and rectify imbalances in payment. - Increase the growth rate of the economy and create enough foreign exchange reserves. - Stabilise the economy and convert the economy into a market economy by the removal of unwanted restrictions. - Allow the international flow of goods, capital, services, technology, human resources, etc. without too many restrictions. - Enhance the participation of private players in all sectors of the economy. For this, the reserved sectors for the government were reduced to just 3. **Major initiatives of NEP, 1991** - **Initiatives for Liberalisation** - **Deregulation of the industrial sector**: removal of licences, deregulation of sectors for private entry, removal of price controls, De - reservation commodities meant for small scale industries. - **Financial sector reforms**: reduced role of RBI from regulator to facilitator, removal on foreign borrowing limits, foreign investment was allowed, private banks were allowed. - **Tax reforms**: rates were lowered for direct and indirect taxes to improve voluntary disclosure and compliance and procedures were simplified. - **Foreign exchange reforms:** devaluation of rupee, market determined exchange rates. - **Initiatives for Privatisation** - **Government ownership of private companies was removed** by outright sale of P.S.U or removal of the government from management of these companies. - **Disinvestment** which meant selling a part of the equity to the private sector was started as private capital and managerial capabilities could be effectively utilised to improve the working of P.S.Us. - P.S.Us were granted status of Navratnas and Maharatnas to grant operational autonomy to them. - **Initiatives for Globalisation** - **Outsourcing became an outcome of Indian policies.** The foreign companies hired cheap Indian talent. - The growth of the IT industry further fueled this. The low wage rates and availability of degree of skill and accuracy also influenced this phenomenon. - The World Trade Organization \[W.T.O\] was founded as a successor to the General Agreement on Trade and Tariff \[G.A.T.T\] in the Uruguay convention. India was a founder member and has been instrumental in deciding policies. - W.T.O aims to reduce tariff and non tariff barriers amongst nations and ensure all countries take advantage of world’s trade. **Accomplishments of NEP, 1991:** - **Short Term** - Inflation reduced from a peak of 17% in August 1991 to about 8.5% within 2.5 years - Forex reserves increased from $1.2 billion in June 1991 to over $15 billion in 1994 - GDP growth increased from 1.1% in 1991-92 to 4% in 1992-93 - Fiscal deficit reduced from 8.4% in 1990-91 to 5.7% in 1992-93 - Exports more than doubled from 1990-91 to 1993-94 - **Long term** - **GDP:** Once admonished for its “Hindu rate of growth– post-reforms, India remained the second fastest growing economy in the world, behind China until 2015. - **FDI:** except for occasional blips between 1997 and 2000 and 2008 and 2012 – owing to the global economic slowdown. As of 31 March 2016, the country has received a total FDI of $371 billion. - **Free flow of capital:** Liberalisation has improved flow of capital into the country which makes it inexpensive for the companies to access capital from investors. - **Foreign Reserves:** It was India’s dismal state of forex reserves that forced the government to bring in economic reforms. - Now, forex reserves are at a record high. In 1991, it stood at just $5.8 billion. As of 2021, the country’s forex reserves are at $608 billion. - **Stock Market Performance:** Generally, when a country relaxes its laws, taxes, the stock market values also rise. - **Political Risks Reduced:** Liberalisation policies in the country lessens political risks to investors. The government can attract more foreign investment through liberalisation of economic policies. - **Diversification for Investors:** In a liberalised economy, Investors get benefit by being able to invest a portion of their portfolio into a diversifying asset class. - **Impact on Agriculture:** In the area of agriculture, the cropping patterns have undergone a huge modification, but the impact of liberalisation cannot be properly measured. - It is observed that there are still all-pervasive government controls and interventions starting from production to distribution for the produce. - **Impact on exports:** Exports climbed to USD 26.38 billion by the end of that year itself. Recently, India achieved the feat of exporting agri products worth $400bn. - **Impact on environment:** Due to more connected world environmental laws got strengthened like Kyoto Protocol, Biodiversity act etc. - **Impact on human development:** India’s gross national income per capita has more than doubled since 2005, and the number of “multidimensionally poor” people fell by more than 271 million in the decade since 2005-06 due to economic growth, creation of employment opportunities etc. **Drawbacks of NEP, 1991:** - **Destabilisation of the economy:** tremendous redistribution of economic power and political power leads to destabilising effects on the entire Indian economy. - **Impact of FDI in Banking sector:** Foreign direct investment allowed in the banking and insurance sectors resulted in decline of government’s stake in banks and insurance firms. - **Threat from Multinationals:** Prior to 1991 MNC’s did not play much role in the Indian economy. - Multinationals are quite big and operate in several countries which has turned out to be a threat to local Indian Firms. - **Technological Impact:** Rapid increase in technology forces many enterprises and small-scale industries in India to either adapt to changes or close their businesses. - **Rising inequality:** Since 1991, the year of liberalisation, wealth inequality has steadily increased and reached 42.5% in 2020\. - Oxfam International claimed that in 2021 India's top 1 per cent owned about 77 per cent of the country's wealth. - **Growth of service sector and Jobless growth:** With just about 25% to more than 50% of GDP, the service sector garnered the most benefit of NEP, 1991\. - The main contributor in India’s GDP is the service sector which is not labour intensive and thus adds to jobless growth. **Way forward:** - **Sustaining Public Expenditure:** In the short term, sustaining public expenditure is a key to reviving growth. - **Mutually Supportive Reforms:** The 1991 reforms succeeded because they were structured around a core package of mutually supportive reforms. - Thus, the need is to move away from a long list of reforms towards a more strategic approach, focussing on the most critical reforms needed immediately. - **Improving Investment Climate:** Investment is a key source of aggregate demand and economic growth. - The policy framework must be supportive of fresh investments so that entrepreneurs are encouraged to take risks. - **Maruti Model of Disinvestment:** The government should reduce its ownership to 26% in each undertaking, including banks, to strategic partners, like it did under the Maruti disinvestment following 1991 reforms. - **Multi-stakeholders Approach:** Today’s reforms also require much more discussion and consensus-building. - The central government needs to work in tandem with state governments and consult different stakeholders impacted by reform decisions. **Conclusion:** - The 1991 reforms helped the economy stave off a crisis and then bloom. It is time to outline a credible new reform agenda that will not just bring GDP back to pre-crisis levels, but also ensure growth rates higher than it had when it entered the pandemic. --- **Q2\. What is Capital Account Convertibility (CAC)? Discuss the benefit it will entail if India goes for full CAC? Also enumerate the issues involved in CAC. (10 marks)** **Introduction** - Capital account convertibility (CAC) involves **freedom to convert national currency and financial assets into any foreign currency and foreign assets** for transactions in a capital account. This is done on the basis of the market-determined exchange rate. - Capital account convertibility as a measure was recommended by **S.S. Tarapore committee** and India has taken few steps in this regard. **Main Body** **Benefits provided by full Capital Account Convertibility:** - Better lending and borrowing scenario for Indian banks to and from foreign banks in foreign currencies. - Any debt denominated in foreign currency is easy to manage and this will help Indian businesses when it comes to issuing debt to local Indian investors. - Easier trade in buying and selling of gold, and offering of gold-based loans with higher or no limit. - Liquidity in financial markets bodes well for participation of businesses and investors and further infusion of capital for investment. - Full convertibility will smoothen real time redressal of trade imbalances and current account deficit. - For improving the flow of foreign capital to ensure a better investment scenario, free flow of capital can be ensured by full convertibility rather than relying on expensive borrowing. But there are issues involved in full convertibility which has led to events like the 2008 crisis and South Asian crisis. These **issues** include: - Indian exports are competitive due to current regulations on exchange rates and once these regulations are taken away, there can be a negative impact on balance of trade and exports. - Full convertibility results in a highly volatile scenario because issues in global situations might result in outflow of foreign funds. Sudden exit of capital results in cascading impact on various sectors of the economy. - There is a risk of an increase in foreign debt burden because raising foreign debt is easy for businesses which makes them prone to the risk of repayments. - Full convertibility is effective when robust regulations and infrastructure is in place. But there are some challenges in India like bureaucratic complexities, rising population, import dependency etc. **Conclusion** - To ensure the negative impacts of full convertibility are minimized, it must be done in a phased manner, fiscal deficit be minimal, issue of NPAs must be addressed and inflation must be moderate. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Write1y.png) #### Write UnLimited Course (1 Year) Write answers from any source, we will evaluate them for you. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/write-unlimited-course-1-year/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Indian Economy and Agriculture 03) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-3-indian-economy-and-agriculture-03/ Last updated: 2024-08-14T20:54:12.000Z **Subject:** GS 3 **Syllabus:** Indian Economy and Agriculture ### Questions 1. Explain the concept of Minimum Support Price (MSP) and its role in Indian agriculture. Do you think MSP should be abolished? (150 words, 10 Marks) 2. Food processing is an important sunrise industry which can help address the issue of food wastage. Discuss the significance of food processing and the schemes launched by the government to promote it. (150 words, 10 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Indian Economy and Agriculture 03)Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Indian Economy and Agriculture 03).pdf739 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/08/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-1--Indian-Economy-and-Agriculture-03-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Explain the concept of Minimum Support Price (MSP) and its role in Indian agriculture. Do you think MSP should be abolished?** **(10 Marks)** **Introduction** - Introduced in the 1960s to overcome India’s food deficit, MSP is the minimum price that the government considers remunerative for agricultural production and hence deserves support. In the event of a fall in prices of notified agricultural commodities, the government provides price support by procuring the farm produce at MSP. **(Historical Context) OR** - MSP is a form of market intervention by the Government of India to insure agricultural producers against any sharp fall in farm prices. **(General)** - The minimum support prices are announced by the Government of India at the beginning of the sowing season for certain crops based on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). **Main Body** **Role of MSP in Indian Agriculture** 1. Safety net or insurance and higher investments in agriculture and adoption of technology. 2. Protection from fluctuation in global markets and food security is achieved. 3. Alleviation of Rural poverty prevents rural-to-urban migration for jobs. 4. Ensures remunerative income and helps to make informed decisions. 5. Acts as a benchmark for private buyers and counters price volatility of agricultural commodities. 6. Improve economic access to food to people (through procurement and distribution). 7. **Crop Diversification:** There are slightly higher increases in the MSP for pulses, oilseeds and coarse cereals, which helps in achieving the motive of diversifying crops. 8. **Forward Chain:** The MSP leads to higher farm profits which encourages farmers to spend more on inputs, technology etc. **Should MSP be abolished?** 1. Given its relevance for farmer welfare and food security, **MSP cannot be abolished without implementing an alternative and robust market-oriented system.** 2. The government should aim for an inclusive agricultural marketing system, where MSP continues to exist as a safety net for farmers, but alongside, more robust and transparent market linkages are created. 3. The NITI Aayog in its Three-Year Action Agenda, suggested a **Price Deficiency Payment System.** Under PDPS, Farmers are compensated for the difference between MSPs (for select crops) and prevailing market prices via subsidy. **Conclusion** - Policymakers must strive to find a balanced and inclusive approach to agricultural pricing and marketing that ensures farmer welfare, consumer interests, and fiscal sustainability. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/08/Heading--1--3.png) --- **Q2\. Food processing is an important sunrise industry which can help address the issue of food wastage. Discuss the significance of food processing and the schemes launched by the government to promote it. (10 marks)** **Introduction** - Food processing industry is a labor intensive sector involving value addition, preservation, fermenting and manufacturing of raw ingredients into finished products which enhance shelf life and quality of the final product. **Main Body** - Food processing involves two processes, viz. manufacturing of raw materials into food and value addition like preservatives which increase durability of product. - **This industry is significant because** - More than 50% of the population is engaged in agriculture and development of this sector can go a long way in **doubling farmers income**. - It is a labor intensive industry which means that for a certain investment, it can provide large **employment** opportunities which is ideal for a growing population. - Processed food has better shelf life which means **food availability** improves and there is also **enhancement in food quality and nutrition**. - There are better returns for processed food and it can also be **exported** as per market demand. This can help improve foreign exchange and also reduce import dependency of processed food. - India is the largest producer of many food items but ranks poorly in the global hunger index. Food processing can help address this by **reducing wastage and ensuring that food is made available** to the target population in better quality. - To ensure these benefits are reaped, the government has launched many **schemes** in the past few years. Some of them are - National Mission on Food Processing to decentralize implementation of food processing related schemes. - Scheme for cold chains and preservation infrastructure aims to improve shelf life of products before reaching the final consumer. - 100% FDI allowed in the Food Processing sector. - Mega Food Park scheme which aims to link production areas to processing facilities and markets thus ensuring better value addition and minimizing wastage. - Agri Export zones are set up for a better export scenario. **Conclusion** - India is a growing economy with record production of food grains, fruits and vegetables. This presents an opportunity to not only process food for domestic consumption and address issues of hidden hunger but also to export high quality and valued added products to earn foreign exchange and supplement farmers income. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Basics.png) #### UPSC Essential + 3 year mentorship Comprehensive course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Indian Economy and Agriculture 02) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-3-indian-economy-and-agriculture-02/ Last updated: 2024-08-14T20:53:02.000Z **Subject:** GS 3 **Syllabus:** Indian Economy and Agriculture ### Questions 1. More than 30 years have passed since the reforms of 1991\. Discuss the objectives of those reforms and what are the positive outcomes of them? (250 words, 15 Marks) 2. Public–private partnership (PPP) model of investment is a much talked about model in other sectors except agriculture. Discuss its role in various aspects of agriculture. (150 words, 10 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Indian Economy and Agriculture 02)Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Indian Economy and Agriculture 02).pdf740 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/08/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-1--Indian-Economy-and-Agriculture-02-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. More than 30 years have passed since the reforms of 1991\. Discuss the objectives of those reforms and what are the positive outcomes of them?** (**15 Marks)** **Introduction** - Reforms are an ongoing process which were seen in the 1970s and 1980s, but the massive reforms of 1991 were a watershed moment in the history of the Indian economy. These reforms were a change from earlier highly regulated, bureaucratically controlled and strictly licensed systems. **Main Body** - The reforms of 1991 were labeled as liberalization, privatization and globalization. It’s **objectives** were - - De-licensing of items which were an exclusive domain of MSMEs by following a forward looking policy. - Liberal norms for foreign investments which were selective in earlier times due to fear of pulling out of investments due to fed increasing rates and also impact on local businesses. - For economic reforms to succeed, fiscal stabilization is a pre-condition. Fiscal deficit reached 8.4-8.6% and it was necessary to reduce it by restructuring expenditure and subsidies along with abolition of export subsidies. - Tax reforms like reduction in income tax and corporate tax. - Financial sector reforms like opening the banking sector to private players, statutory powers to SEBI etc. - With changing global scenario and domestic needs, the reforms were significant and have given **positive impacts** - Better investment scenario and steadily increasing foreign investments which has eased burden on fiscal deficit and government spending to some extent. - Capital availability is a major factor driving industrial growth and reforms have ease flow of capital which makes it easy for industrialists to access it. - Better GDP growth and shedding the tag of ‘Hindu rate of growth’ which used to hover around 3.5%. The GDP rate was high in the late 2000s and even touched the mark of 9%. - Establishment of SEBI helped a lot in stock market growth which further eased investments and growth of capital market. - Forex reserves are at a record high and are still on the rise. This is important because the fall in forex reserves forced reforms from the government side. **Conclusion** - Reforms are a constant which must be pursued with changing time and economic scenario. It helps bring positive changes in all sectors of economy whether agriculture, services or manufacturing. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/08/Heading--1--2.png) --- **Q2\. Public–private partnership (PPP) model of investment is a much talked about model in other sectors except agriculture. Discuss its role in various aspects of agriculture. (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - Public–private partnership (PPP) is a collaborative arrangement involving government agencies and the private sector to **finance, build and operate big infrastructure projects**. Financing a project viz PPP not only makes it viable but also allows it to be completed before the deadline. **Main Body** - PPP as a model of investment in agriculture has huge potential as it can help improve infrastructure, ensure capital formation, foster research etc. - **Some aspects of agriculture where PPP can bring immense changes include-** - PPP in extension services to improve transportation for sustainable agriculture. The Agricultural Technology Management Agency helped commodity producing groups to partner with private companies in marketing of basmati rice in Bihar and mango in Maharashtra. - In research and development, it has potential because better links with private research institutes can help improve the quality of innovations. For eg- Agriculture Biotechnology Support Programme which involves Mahyco, Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and University of Agricultural Sciences in development of transgenic brinjal varieties resistant to fruit and shoot borer. - Transfer of technology involving Bt Cotton was initiated by ICAR and the Department of Biotechnology with Monsanto. The result was increased area under cultivation and better productivity. - PPP in marketing also has some success stories and can be further promoted for better results. Model APMC Act encourages direct marketing and creation of partnerships with banks, logistics companies etc for cost effective financing and marketing. - Another success of PPP in agriculture is development of super sorghum by use of rice genome sequencing technology. **Conclusion** - Agriculture employs around half the population of India and will do so for the next few years. To ensure farmers are benefited and issues like agrarian distress are addressed, PPP models in agriculture are an option to be further explored. (If you don’t have enough content about application of PPP in agriculture, you can also add challenges to PPP model in agri sector) --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Mains-Focus-Group-0T.png) #### Mains Focus Group 2024 (Without Answer Writing) A beacon you need for UPSC Mains [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-2024-without-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 3 (Indian Economy and Agriculture 01) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-3-indian-economy-and-agriculture-01/ Last updated: 2024-08-14T20:51:30.000Z **Subject:** GS 3 **Syllabus:** Indian Economy and Agriculture ### Questions 1. Discuss the role of e-technology in empowering the farmers in India. (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. What is the proposed Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)? According to you, what are the potential benefits and drawbacks that CBDC can offer in India? (150 words, 10 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Indian Economy and Agriculture 01)Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Indian Economy and Agriculture 01).pdf966 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/08/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-1--Indian-Economy-and-Agriculture-01-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Discuss the role of e-technology in empowering the farmers in India. (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - E-technology or electronic technology has the potential to revolutionize India's agricultural sector by empowering farmers, improving agricultural productivity, and ensuring food security. - The **National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGP-A)** initiated by the Government of India is one such effort to use ICT in improving agriculture. **Main BodyRole of E-technology in Empowering Farmers** - **Access to Market Information**: E-technology platforms like **eNAM** (National Agriculture Market) give farmers real-time access to prices in different Mandis. - **Improving Agricultural Practices:** Platforms provide crop-specific information, and weather forecasts and recommend appropriate crop management practices to farmers, improving crop productivity. - **Promoting Direct Interaction:** E-technology can help farmers interact directly with agricultural experts and scientists. (E.g., the '**M-Kisan' portal** facilitates free dissemination of advisories to farmers via SMS.) - **Financial Services:** E-technology facilitates easier access to credit, crop insurance, and compensation in natural calamities. - **Skill Development:** Online training programs and digital literacy campaigns can help farmers learn new farming techniques and technologies. - Providing quality seed Information **(e.g Seednet Portal)** - **Providing Logistic support:** **Kisan Sabha App** intends to implement the most efficient and convenient logistics assistance to the farmers. - **Supply Chain Efficiency:** Blockchain technology can improve transparency, reduce fraud, and ensure better prices for farmers by streamlining agricultural supply chains. - **Remedial Measures** for water crisis, desertification, crop pests, diseases and a persistent lack of infrastructure can be taken with the use of Information Technology. - Development of Efficient Methods with use of **Survey Drones, Fleet of Agribots, Sensor with animals, Smart tractor etc.** - Effective planning and execution such as keeping track of crops, predicting yields, sowing season, need of the crop and others. For Example - Water use efficiency of Israel for drip irrigation. - **Kisan Suvidha and Pusa Krishi Mobile App** for information related to market prices, seeds, pesticides, fertilisers, weather and agricultural machinery, etc. **Conclusion** - E-technology holds the key to the second green revolution in India. However, challenges like digital illiteracy, language barriers, poor internet connectivity in rural areas, and lack of awareness about these technologies among farmers need to be addressed. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/08/Heading--1--2.png) --- **Q2\. What is the proposed Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)? According to you, what are the potential benefits and drawbacks that CBDC can offer in India?** **(10 Marks)** **Introduction** - RBI has initiated pilot launches of the **Digital Rupee (e₹)** for specific purposes. Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) is the digital form of fiat money, a currency established as money by government regulation or law. **(Current-based)** - Unlike decentralized cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, a CBDC is centralized; it is issued and regulated by the competent monetary authority of a country. **Main Body** **Potential Benefits of CBDC in India** - **Cost Reduction:** CBDC issuance is expected to save significant costs associated with managing physical cash, including security printing expenses - **Enhanced Monetary Policy Control:** CBDCs could enhance central bank control over the money supply, allowing for more nuanced and responsive policy implementation. - **Promotion of a Cashless Economy:** CBDCs could foster a transition towards a more digital economy, reducing this dependency. - **Competition and Innovation:** CBDC supports competition, efficiency, and innovation in the payments sector. - **Boost to Financial Inclusion:** With CBDCs, the potential for enhanced financial inclusion is vast, provided digital literacy and infrastructure are improved. - **Trust and Currency Stability:** CBDC helps maintain trust in the national currency in the face of increasing crypto asset proliferation. - **Efficient Cross-Border Transactions:** CBDCs could streamline cross-border transactions, reducing time and cost. - **Transparent and Private Payments:** CBDC offers transparency, privacy, and finality in payment transactions. **Potential Drawbacks of CBDC in India:** - **Bank Disintermediation:** Poorly designed CBDC implementation may lead to adverse consequences for financial stability by displacing banks and impacting their core business. - **Cybersecurity Threats:** The risk of hacking, cyber-attacks, and digital theft is inherent in a CBDC system, necessitating robust security mechanisms. - **Privacy Concerns:** Although CBDC transactions would be traceable, there might be concerns over the state's access to personal financial data, posing privacy challenges. - **Technological Challenges:** Infrastructure and connectivity issues, especially in rural areas, might pose significant challenges to CBDC implementation. - **Potential Exclusion of Unbanked Populations:** Without necessary digital literacy and access, CBDCs might inadvertently exclude a significant unbanked population. - **Dependence on Technology:** The entire system's functioning depends on the uninterrupted functioning of technology, making it vulnerable to technical glitches and power outages. **Conclusion** A CBDC policy must be accompanied by an extensive **digital literacy campaign**, akin to the **Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana**, to ensure widespread adoption. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Pre-Test-Series.png) #### Prelims Test Series 2025 (45 Tests) + Mentorship A Comprehensive Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-test-series-2025-45-tests-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (International Relations 03) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-2-international-relations-03/ Last updated: 2024-08-12T17:46:56.000Z **Subject:** GS 2 **Syllabus:** International Relations ### Questions 1. Analyse the reasons behind the growing preference for mini-laterals in global politics and discuss the advantages of mini-laterals compared to global bodies. (150 words, 10 marks) 2. Examine the growing importance of financing infrastructure projects in international relations and analyse the opportunities available for India in global infrastructure financing. Additionally, discuss the challenges and obstacles that hinder India from fully realising its potential in this area. (250 words, 15 marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (International Relations 03)Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (International Relations 03).pdf826 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/08/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-2--International-Relations-03-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Analyse the reasons behind the growing preference for mini-laterals in global politics and discuss the advantages of mini-laterals compared to global bodies.** **(150 words)** **10** **Introduction:** - Minilaterals are **informal initiatives involving a small number of states** that aim to **address specific threats or security issues** within a defined timeframe. They are ad hoc in nature and rely on voluntary commitments from participating countries. - Minilaterals have existed alongside bilateral and multilateral approaches in global governance since the post-war era. The creation of multilateral institutions involved disguised minilateral negotiations among Atlantic powers led by the United States. **Main Body:** In recent years there has been a **steady proliferation of minilateral initiatives** in the areas of trade, security, finance, and climate change. Certain reasons for this are: - **Inertia and stagnation in Multilaterals:** Multilateral organisations face hurdles in decision-making due to their formal structures and diverse membership. - The changing global order raises questions about their continued relevance. - **The growing importance of Strategic Alliances** over global cooperation. - These initiatives can facilitate issue-specific partnerships between like-minded countries. - Example: Quad has been created to advance the interests of like-minded countries. - **Rising Geopolitical Rivalry:** Geopolitical rivalry and a multipolar world have strained multilateral organisations, leading to stalled decision-making and institutional reforms. - **Growth of ICT:** Technological advancements have facilitated global and regional cooperation by expanding networks and enabling less formal means of communication, such as telephony and the Internet. - **Capacity constraints of countries:** China's territorial disputes with neighbours challenge minilateralism due to its aggressive behaviour and the power disparity with smaller countries. - **Cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR),** Freedom of navigation, the rule of law, and the rules-based order are key drivers of minilateralism in the Indo-Pacific region. **The advantages of mini laterals are:** - **Bring in Balance of Power:** Disputes with China have compelled India and other Indo-Pacific countries to adopt a power-centric approach in shaping the regional order, contrary to their historical stance. - **Coming together of Like-minded Partners:** India's multilateral engagement strengthens military preparedness and interoperability through agreements with key Indo-Pacific powers. - **The slower pace of Multilateral bodies:** Plurilateral initiatives have shown greater success in international trade regulation than multilateral agreements. - For ex-, Because of the slow pace of the Doha trade negotiations, countries have increasingly explored minilateral and plurilateral mechanisms to renegotiate tariffs and remove trade barriers. - **Absence of Formal Institutions:** Minilaterals operate without formal institutions or physical offices, allowing member states to determine objectives and priorities based on pressing issues. **However, the rise of these mini laterals is also associated with certain disadvantages and limitations. Some of them are:** - **Impact on Multilaterals:** Minilaterals can undermine the role of regional multilateral institutions like ASEAN, ARF, and East Asia Summit, weakening their neutrality and centrality. - **Impact on Global Organisations:** Minilaterals undermine international organisations, impacting their relevance and work programs. - **Impact on Global governance:** Minilaterals can fragment global governance mechanisms and escalate great power competition, hindering cooperation. - Example: SCO and AIIB, led by China, compete with G20 and G7, led by the West, forming parallel power structures. **Conclusion:** - Minilaterals foster political dialogue and confidence-building among key partners, paving the way for streamlined negotiations in multilateral platforms and advancing international cooperation. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/08/Heading--1--1.png)](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **Q2\. Examine the growing importance of financing infrastructure projects in international relations and analyse the opportunities available for India in global infrastructure financing. Additionally, discuss the challenges and obstacles that hinder India from fully realising its potential in this area. (250 marks)** **15** **Introduction:** - According to the Global Infrastructure Hub, globally, it is estimated that by 2040 there will be a fifteen trillion-dollar gap between infrastructure needs and actual investment. Closing this gap is critical to accelerating global growth and mitigating the effects of climate change. **OR** - India has been at the forefront while financing infrastructure projects globally. There are various infrastructure projects ongoing around the globe. For example, the Asia-Africa growth corridor, INSTC, along with various bilateral projects in the neighbourhood and around the world. **Main Body** **Significance of global infra financing in international relations:** - **Strengthening relationships:** Strengthening the mutual relation between the countries through infra development. - E.g. In Afghanistan, India built a symbol of democracy, i.e. Parliament. - **Building trust:** To gain an important voice in case of crucial votes. - E.g. votes for UNSC membership. - **Proving the credential:** To take the lead at the global forum. - E.g. International solar alliance by India. - **Countering China:** China's investment in the neighbourhood creates a security threat. **Opportunities for India in global infra financing:** - **Evolution in geopolitics:** Future economic diplomacy agencies must be located in a new geopolitical dimension that goes far beyond the impulse of the Bandung Conference of 1955 (NAM principles). - **Post-pandemic opportunity:** Post-pandemic countries focus on revitalizing development cooperation to leverage economic growth, trade, and investment in emerging markets and developing economies. - **Enhancing Bilateral relations:** India's development cooperation focuses on meeting partner countries' needs and strengthening bilateral relationships through private sector investments. - **Effective Accountability and evaluation framework:** As India’s development cooperation grows, the spending will come under public scrutiny; this requires an effective accountability and evaluation framework. - **International branding:** Motive of Make in India and the software sector will be promoted with infra financing. - **Check the growth of China:** Chinese expansion in the neighbourhood and other areas will be checked by the Indian investment growth. - **Connectivity to the neighbourhood:** Major challenge is connectivity. - Projects like Kaladan multimodal project, BBIN etc., will get a boost. **Major Roadblocks to global infra financing** - **Punctuality of projects:** Lack of timely completion creates a trust deficit. - E.g. Project in Kenya was impacted due to delays. - **Cost:** Due to delays in the projects, the cost of the projects gets increased multiple times. - E.g. Iran removed India from the Farzad-B oilfield project and inked a 25-year deal with China. - **Competition:** from developed countries and China. In Africa, China is the major party in most African countries. - **Bilateral issues:** Most neighbouring countries have issues like borders with Pakistan, China, Nepal etc. and river water sharing. - **China factor:** China's model of financing though unpopular but is dominant due to huge quantitative investment. - **Certification issue:** Most recent case of approval of fruits and vegetables by European countries is a major roadblock. - Eg Phytosanitary certification. **Way forward:** - Timely completion of projects will lead to building trust and opening up future investment prospects. - Resolving bilateral issues: esp with neighbouring countries. - E.g. Land border agreement with Bangladesh. - Make financing competitive: By adopting the PPP model of investment. - Exposing the exploitative nature of the Chinese model of financing and their debt trap diplomacy. **Conclusion:** Thus, to project India as a world leader and responsible for the world platform, it is necessary to project India as a reliable partner. India needs to implement initiatives like the Indian Development and Economic Assistance Scheme (IDEAS) as per its intended objectives. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Pre-Test-Series.png) #### Prelims Test Series 2025 (45 Tests) + Mentorship A Comprehensive Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-test-series-2025-45-tests-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (International Relations 02) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-2-international-relations-02/ Last updated: 2024-08-12T03:13:28.000Z **Subject:** GS 2 **Syllabus:** International Relations ### Questions 1. Strategic autonomy is a powerful tool to design foreign policy in a more autonomous manner. What is strategic autonomy and why is it needed? Also, discuss the challenges to strategic autonomy. (250 words, 15 marks) 2. India and Sri Lanka share close relations since ancient times but there have been issues in recent times. Discuss. (150 words, 10 marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (International Relations 02)Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (International Relations 02).pdf732 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/08/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-2--International-Relations-02-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Strategic autonomy is a powerful tool to design foreign policy in a more autonomous manner. What is strategic autonomy and why is it needed? Also**, **discuss the challenges to strategic autonomy.** **(250 words) 15** **Introduction** - Strategic autonomy in diplomacy and international relations mean the potential of a country to go for independent decision making in foreign policy matters when it comes to national interests. **Main Body** - Strategic autonomy is a relative concept in the current multi polar and globalized world. In core matters like nuclear weapons and the Jammu Kashmir issue, India has always resisted external pressure no matter what costs are involved. But in non-core matters, India has at times altered the policy under external pressure depending upon the trade-offs. An example is India’s vote against Iran and abstaining to vote on the Palestine issue under pressure from the west. - This makes it clear that strategic autonomy is very much needed because it helps in - - Friends are temporary, interests are permanent. Thus multi alignment is must to fulfill own needs which is done by strategic hedging. This is seen in India’s strategic defense relation with the United States which didn’t come in the way of the S-400 deal and oil imports from Russia. - For beneficial ambiguity and geostrategic balancing, India maintains close ties with countries with different polity and beliefs. Like India’s strong relationships with the US, Israel, Saudi Arabia do not come in the way of its diplomatic ties with Iran. - Realization of the role of realism and pragmatism in foreign policy as soft power alone cannot increase a country’s clout. - But due to varying interests, interconnected world and diverse needs, there are many challenges to strategic autonomy like- - India’s manufacturing sector has remained stagnant and there is a dearth of skilled workforce. This has increased our dependence on the west for investments, defense equipment, technology and market. At times there is compromising of strategic autonomy to get these things in return. - The USA directs the geopolitical traffic and its unilateral actions like sanctions on countries like Iran, where India has a stake, compromise our strategic autonomy. - South Asia is a geo politically unstable area and India has 2 hostile neighbors in China and Pakistan with boundary disputes with both. This increases our reliance on regional and global groupings which affects our strategic autonomy. - Recent deepening of ties between Russia and Pakistan due to western sanctions had toughened the balancing act due to historical ties between India and Russia. - Rise of China in the last 4 decades, especially its clout in South-Asia has led to the notion that India promises but China delivers. **Conclusion** - All countries have varying interests and there is a degree of autonomy required for taking decisions in national interest. Thus strategic autonomy is indispensable in geopolitics and foreign policy which further depends on local capability in areas like manufacturing, defense strength, technology, human capital etc. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/08/Heading--1-.png)](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- **Q2\. India and Sri Lanka share close relations since ancient times but there have been issues in recent times. Discuss. (150 words) 10** **Introduction** - India and Sri Lanka are close neighbors in South Asia and are part of many multilateral groupings like SAARC, BIMSTEC, IORA, SASEC etc. They share economic, cultural, religious and linguistic ties and have many shared interests. **Main Body** - There is constant growth in trade and commerce along with cultural ties. Some important aspects of the relationship include- - Sri Lanka is important because it is India’s second largest trading partner in SAARC. An FTA between the two goes back to 1998 with focus on increased trade relations and better commerce activities. - Security cooperation is another area with bilateral exercises like SLINEX and Mitra Shakti. India also provides military training to the Sri Lankan army and ensures better security in the Indian Ocean region. - India building Trincomalee port and Colombo airport is an important aspect of relations considering that these are strategic assets. - India’s Education and health sector is important for Sri Lanka as a lot of scholarships and affordable health facilities are provided to them by India. - Cultural cooperation agreement was signed between India and Sri Lanka as Tamil, Yoga, Sangam literature and Buddhism are an important connecting link. - Tourism is also an important connecting link between India and Sri Lanka with Tamil and Buddhist places serving as host destinations. - But this traditional relationship and geographical closeness has been affected in recent times due to issues like- - Involvement of China has drifted Sri Lanka away from India. Granting lease of Hambantota port and inclusion in Maritime Silk Route has affected India’s interests in Sri Lanka. - Fishermen issue very often brings both sides at loggerheads which is due to less clearly demarcated maritime boundary and impact of high and low tides. - Issue of Katchatheevu island, which is an uninhabited island, was ceded by India to Sri Lanka as part of peace efforts in 1974 but the Tamil fishermen still consider it as their own and this causes a lot of disputes. - Sri Lanka’s growing indebtedness due to China’s briefcase diplomacy has put it in a spot of arm twisting for favoring China over India. **Conclusion** - In international relations, it is said that you can change friends and enemies but not neighbors. Also, India-Sri Lanka ties go way back since times immemorial. Thus there is a need to ensure an amicable solution to resolve any conflict and ensure no external power can influence bilateral relations. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Pre-Test-Series.png) #### Prelims Test Series 2025 (45 Tests) + Mentorship A Comprehensive Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-test-series-2025-45-tests-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (International Relations 01) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-2-international-relations-01/ Last updated: 2024-08-09T19:12:07.000Z **Subject:** GS 2 **Syllabus:** International Relations ### Questions 1. Post covid-19 pandemic, India upscaled vaccine production and began vaccine diplomacy. Explain how it has supplemented India’s foreign policy and highlight the challenges associated. (150 words, 10 marks) 2. Analyse, with illustrations, the significance of the Indian diaspora in extending the soft power of the country. (150 words, 10 marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (International Relations 01)Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (International Relations 01).pdf745 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/08/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-2--International-Relations-01-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Post covid-19 pandemic, India upscaled vaccine production and began vaccine diplomacy. Explain how it has supplemented India’s foreign policy and highlight the challenges associated.** **(150 Words) 10** **Introduction:** - After achieving sufficiency in vaccine production, India (**pharmacy of the world**) started sending vaccines to its neighbours and less capable countries to contain the pandemic under **Vaccine Maitri**. **Main body:** - When the **World Health Organisation** (WHO)declared covid-19 as a **Public Health Emergency of International Concern**, the vaccine was touted as the single and only antidote to the pandemic. India took the initiative and developed vaccines like Covishield, Covaxin, and Zydus Cadila vaccine. - Vaccine diplomacy is a subset of **global health diplomacy**. Earlier, India's efforts in providing RT-PCR assistance in the African AIDS outbreak can be said as part of vaccine diplomacy. It can **supplement India’s foreign policy by**\- - Strengthening India’s **soft power** and **reducing vaccine inequality** in developing and underdeveloped countries. - Negating the emergence of **vaccine nationalism** by developed countries. - India started with its immediate neighbourhood to further its global relations. - Such gestures will help **negate big brother perception** and bridge gaps and trust deficits. - India has an advantage in vaccine production due to **large manufacturing**, fewer side effects and a **huge supply of generic medicines**. - **Challenges** in vaccine diplomacy- - **Developed nations** have 16% of the population but **reserve 60% of the global vaccine supply** thus fostering inequality. - Issues in supply chain integration and **cold chain technology issues**. - **China** is a **major supplier of active pharmaceutical ingredients** to India. - **Religious and cultural barriers** in vaccine acceptance. - India needs above **one billion doses** to protect its own population. Balancing this with vaccine diplomacy is a roadblock. **Conclusion:** - Present situation provides an apt **opportunity to serve humanity** and strengthen its strategic interests. This can materialize through supply chain integration (**GAVI and eVIN network**) and creating awareness of the importance of vaccines, especially in African countries. --- **Q2\. Analyse, with illustrations, the significance of the Indian diaspora in extending the soft power of the country. (150 words)** **10** **Introduction:** - Indian diaspora – the biggest in the world at 18 million - is an important part of the societies in host countries around the world, from the UK to Mauritius and the USA to Japan. ***OR*** - Diaspora refers to a large group of people who share a cultural and regional origin but are living away from their traditional homeland. **Main Body:** **Significance of Indian Diaspora** - Diaspora has helped in the export of India’s cultural products like Indian cuisines, Indian movies, Yoga etc. - For example, the Popularity of chicken tikka masala in the UK, Bollywood in the USA and Tamil movies in Malaysia. - Indian diaspora helps to influence host countries’ foreign policy vis-a-vis India. - E.g., the Indian diaspora successfully lobbied for the India-USA Civil Nuclear Agreement in the USA. - Indian diaspora has deepened the connection between host countries and India through the creation of economic interdependencies. - For example, the migration of less-skilled labour to West Asia has helped build infrastructure in host countries while bringing down disguised unemployment in India. - The old Indian diaspora is a source of cultural connections between India and small island countries across the Indo-Pacific and beyond. - E.g., in countries like Fiji, Mauritius, Seychelles, Guyana etc. - The diversity of the Indian diaspora reflects the plurality at home, projecting India as a peaceful and plural society. - E.g., Indian-origin Sikh, Hindu and Christian as defence minister in Canada (Harjit Sajjan), Prime minister in the UK (Rishi Sunak) and Prime minister in Ireland (Leo Varadkar), respectively. - Indians, as CEOs, doctors, and law-abiding citizens in other countries, promote positive stereotypes about Indians as they act as India’s cultural ambassadors. **However, there are certain limitations of diaspora as a source of soft power, such as:** - The vulnerability of diaspora in Gulf countries due to poor and unregulated service conditions and lack of citizenship requires a protective role from the Indian state. - The internal politics of the host countries can undermine the potential of the Indian diaspora as a source of soft power. - E.g., the reversal of globalisation and the rise of anti-migrant politics in Western countries, such as the issue of H1-B visas in the USA. - Indian diaspora has been used as an instrument to undercut India’s soft power as well. - For example, the politics in Canada around farmers’ protests in India or Punjab Referendum 2020 in the UK. **Conclusion:** - Diaspora’s contributions to India’s soft power can help the country build robust international relations and project its influence worldwide. - India’s soft power can also help the diaspora, as seen in the rescue of Indian students during the Ukraine crisis. Given their prominent role, interests and well-being of the diaspora should be of special concern to India. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Pre-Test-Series.png) #### Prelims Test Series 2025 (45 Tests) + Mentorship A Comprehensive Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-test-series-2025-45-tests-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Social Justice 03) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-2-social-justice-03/ Last updated: 2024-08-09T19:09:57.000Z **Subject:** GS 2 **Syllabus:** Social Justice ### Questions 1. E-governance can improve socio-economic inclusivity by facilitating health, education, and skill development. Discuss. (150 words, 10 marks) 2. E-governance is not only time saving but also citizen friendly which ushers in participatory democracy. Discuss the importance of e-governance and the challenges involved. (150 words, 10 marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Social Justice 03)Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Social Justice 03).pdf689 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/08/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-2--Social-Justice-03-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. E-governance can improve socio-economic inclusivity by facilitating health, education, and skill development. Discuss.** **(150 words)** **10** **Introduction** - E-governance involves the application of information and communication technology (ICT) tools to usher in **Simple, Moral, Accountable, Responsive and Transparent** (SMART) governance. This results in inclusive growth and sustainable opportunity. **Main body** - E-governance has huge **potential and applications** in fields like agriculture, financial literacy, employment, affordable education, quality healthcare and grievance redressal. It can **improve socio-economic inclusivity by**\- - Affordable **education** by- - Massive online open courses. Eg. **SWAYAM** portal. - Digital education which improves accessibility. Eg- the **DIKSHA** platform. - Easy access to documents and certificates. Eg- **Digilocker.** - Connect higher education institutes for collaborative research. Eg- **National Knowledge Network.** - Better **health** services by- - Prompt patient feedback by **Mera Aspataal** application. - Universal health coverage under the **National Digital health Mission by** National Health Authority. - Telemedicine and teleconsultationunder **e-Sanjeevani and e-Sanjeevani OPD system.** - **Skill** development by- - Polytechnic education by **online proctored exams**. - Skill enhancement programs and learning management system by **NeGD**. - E-governance **challenges include**\- - Lack of basic **infrastructures** like electricity and internet, especially in remote interiors. - Cost of a project is an impediment and **affordability** of the end user is a disincentive to investment. - **Language barrier** as a huge chunk of the population knows only their mother tongue. - **Awareness and interoperability**. Many services work in silos and become time-consuming. - **Privacy and security issues** due to the rise in cases of data theft and website hacking. Thus, issues like language can be addressed by providing **services in vernacular and the use of cloud computing** which reduces the cost of data storage. Eg. **Meghdoot** is an e-service delivery tool which uses cloud computing. **Conclusion** - E-governance is a promising concept with the potential to reach remote areas of the country. But it needs a robust base which can be provided by **high-speed internet and the removal of digital divide**. The rollout of 5G services in the near future is pivotal in that regard. (**Additional info** \- E-governance can also help in financial inclusion and literacy through digital payment tools like BHIM UPI, QR code etc. In digitization of land records for better agricultural development. Eg- Bhoomi portal of Karnataka and Bhulekh of Uttar Pradesh. ) --- **Q2\. E-governance is not only time saving but also citizen friendly which ushers in participatory democracy. Discuss the importance of e-governance and the challenges involved. (150 words) 10** **Introduction** - E-governance is the **application of information and communication technology to bring in more efficiency, transparency, accountability and accessibility in governance**. - The World Bank defines e-governance as **the use of information technology which can transform government relations** with businesses and citizens, and also at an intra-governmental level. **Main Body** - **Importance of e-governance** - It has enabled swift transfer of information with better data storage and retrieval systems for all the stakeholders involved like citizens, businesses, governments etc. Eg. Bhoomi Project (Karnataka), MCA21 Portal. - More digital penetration means **more awareness** among citizens and more use of their rights for vibrant and functioning democracy. Eg. Awareness about PDS after mandatory biometric verification. - It enables **bypassing of red tapism**, delays and complex approvals which affect smooth functioning of the governance process. Eg. Setu Suvidha Kendra - There is a **feedback system** like in case of citizen charter by which organizations and authorities know what improvements need to be done in line with changing times and demands. Eg. myGov portal - A lot of government procurement for office work goes in stationery which e-governance eliminates. This not only prevents extra recurring expenditure but also makes the process hassle free. - **Challenges** - **Digital divide** and **lack of awareness** is the biggest hurdle as people either don’t have access to means required for e-governance or lack the required skills to access it. - **Affordability**\- cost of setting up digital infrastructure to provide as well as access e-governance services is huge. - Lack of **skilled workforce** and human resources. - Data security and privacy issues- If the servers are not located in India, there is a risk of data compromise. - Just like the linguistic barrier in case of citizen charter, there is this barrier also in case of e-governance which excludes a lot of people who are comfortable only in their mother tongue. **Conclusion** - E-governance is a very important tool to usher in smart and effective governance but it is not possible without focusing on ease of governance. This can be done by making digital services more affordable and accessible so that even the weakest section can avail them. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Mains-Focus-Group-0T.png) #### Mains Focus Group 2024 (Without Answer Writing) A beacon you need for UPSC Mains [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-2024-without-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Social Justice 02) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-2-social-justice-02/ Last updated: 2024-08-07T21:56:53.000Z **Subject:** GS 2 **Syllabus:** Indian Polity and Constitution ### Questions 1. The socio-economic benefits of Universal Health Coverage are plenty, but for it to be a reality the government must learn core lessons from pandemics and rebuild trust in public health. Comment. (250 words, 15 marks) 2. Examine the significance of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in India's developmental journey. In your opinion, are the current legal and regulatory systems sufficient to ensure the efficient functioning of NGOs? (250 words, 15 marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Social Justice 02)Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Social Justice 02).pdf783 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/08/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-2--Social-Justice-02-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. The socio-economic benefits of Universal Health Coverage are plenty, but for it to be a reality the government must learn core lessons from pandemics and rebuild trust in public health. Comment.** **(250 words)** **15 marks** **Introduction:** - India with mass poverty, geographically distant communities, absence of healthcare infrastructure and shortage of healthcare professionals, needs a robust universal health coverage programme. **Main Body:** **Socio-Economic benefits of Universal Healthcare Coverage** - **Social:** - **Enhance accessibility:** every individual should have access to services that address the causes of disease and death. - **Improve health:** UHC ensures that quality of health services are good enough leading to improved health of people - **Formation of human capital:** affordable and good quality health services to women, children, adolescents and people suffering from mental health issues, would **enhance human capital.** - **Economic:** - **Reduction of financial distress:** it protects people from spending on healthcare services out of their own pockets. - **Reduction of poverty:** it will cut down the risk of people being pushed into poverty due to huge amounts of spending on unexpected diseases. - **Economic development:** In the long run, good health will allow children to learn and adults to earn. - Building a foundation of economic development in the country. **To provide UHC-core lessons of the pandemic** - **Human Resources:** - **Shortage of healthcare professionals:** especially in rural and small cities. - Only 45 doctors per lakh population are available, against WHO recommendation of 100. - **Compulsory Rural Stint:** To enhance availability and accessibility. - Maharashtra’s step to stop doctors avoiding rural stint after paying 10 lakhs fine. - **Affordability:** - **Price Regulation:** Need to regulate rates and quality in the private sector. - **Insurance coverage:** Increase insurance penetration and also the spectrum of treatments covered and PMJAY’s hospital coverage. - **Decrease out of pocket expenditure:** Report by Pew Research Center states that the pandemic pushed 32 million out of the middle class. - **Structural changes:** - **Increase vaccination infrastructure:** to tackle mass vaccination on lines of Polio eradication programme. - **Network of laboratories:** Robust testing infrastructure, with hub and spoke model. - **WHO’s framework of six healthcare system building blocks:** Study the lessons learnt post pandemic and create actionable points. - **Innovative Approach:** - **Behavioral change campaigns:** On lines of Swachh Bharat Mission to instill hygiene habits like hand washing. - **Focus on NCDs:** NCD burden was highlighted by comorbid complications of COVID-19\. They account for 2/3rd deaths in India. - **Technology leverage:** Tele-medicine, mobile-health, and digital platforms should be used for healthcare delivery at remote locations. **Steps to rebuild trust in healthcare:** - **Increase public spending on health:** By at least 3% by 2024. - **Expand healthcare workforce:** multilayered, multi skilled teams that can deliver the needed services must be made available. - **Address regional disparities:** incentivising rural areas for healthcare infrastructure. - **Reduce out-of-pocket expenditure:** essential drugs and diagnostics at public health care facilities should be made free, especially in rural areas. **Conclusion** - In the pandemic era, it is the public system, with all its problems, that has risen to the occasion. - There is a need to transform the fractured healthcare to a single healthcare system for everyone involving both public and private sectors. --- **Q2\. Examine the significance of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in India's developmental journey. In your opinion, are the current legal and regulatory systems sufficient to ensure the efficient functioning of NGOs? (250 Words)** **15 Marks** **Introduction** - A non-governmental organization (NGO) is a group that functions independently of any government. It is usually non-profit. - Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play an integral role in India's development trajectory. Acting as critical drivers of civil society, NGOs not only facilitate service delivery but also foster innovation, voice underrepresented groups, and shape policy discourse. **Main Body** Their role becomes critical, especially in areas where government mechanisms may not reach efficiently. **Significance of NGOs in India’s developmental journey** - **Service Delivery:** NGOs often fill gaps in public service delivery, especially in inaccessible and underserved regions. For example, organizations like **Goonj** have made noteworthy contributions to disaster relief efforts, filling in gaps left by official relief measures - **Representation and Advocacy:** NGOs serve as a voice for marginalized and vulnerable sections of society, advocating for their rights and welfare. For instance, PRADAN has been instrumental in empowering rural women through self-help groups. - **Policy Influence:** Many NGOs actively contribute to policy discourse and reforms. - **Innovation:** NGOs have pioneered innovative development models. The **Akshaya Patra** Foundation’s mid-day meal program exemplifies an NGO initiative scaling up to national importance. **Current Legal and Regulatory Systems for NGOs**The present legal and regulatory mechanisms present a **mixed picture.** While they do provide a structured framework for NGO operations, they also pose some stringent constraints. - **Regulatory Acts:** The functioning of NGOs in India is governed by various acts like the Societies Registration Act, 1860; the Indian Trusts Act, 1882; and the Companies Act, 2013 (Section 8). - **FCRA Regulations:** The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, regulates the acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions. The 2020 amendment to FCRA has been viewed by some as restrictive, potentially constraining the NGO sector. - **Accountability Mechanisms:** Mechanisms like the Darpan portal of NITI Aayog, and the NGO Darpan portal managed by the Ministry of Electronics and IT aim to ensure transparency and accountability. **Conclusion** - To enhance the efficiency of NGOs, it is paramount to ensure a balance between accountability and autonomy. - A conducive regulatory environment characterized by ease of compliance, transparency, and proportionate controls on malpractices, can truly leverage the potential of NGOs in India's socio-economic development. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Mains-Focus-Group-0T.png) #### Mains Focus Group 2024 (Without Answer Writing) A beacon you need for UPSC Mains [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-2024-without-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Social Justice 01) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-2-daily-answer-writing-gs-2-social-justice-01/ Last updated: 2024-08-07T21:40:15.000Z **Subject:** GS 2 **Syllabus:** Social Justice ### Questions 1. With more than 60% of India still residing in the villages, panchayats hold the key in delivering goods and services. Discuss the benefits and challenges involved in panchayats as a public service delivery vehicle. (250 words, 15 marks) 2. Institutes created for the betterment of vulnerable sections are themselves in need of betterment. Discuss? (250 words, 15 marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Social Justice 01)Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Social Justice 01).pdf775 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/08/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-2--Social-Justice-01-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. With more than 60% of India still residing in the villages, panchayats hold the key in delivering goods and services. Discuss the benefits and challenges involved in panchayats as a public service delivery vehicle. (250 Words) 15** **Introduction** - Panchayats as a medium to deliver goods and services signed Mysuru Declaration on service delivery. A resolution was passed to design a common minimum service delivery programme by panchayats pan India. OR - Panchayati Raj Institutions were granted constitutional status as the third tier of India’s federal democracy through the 73rd Amendment Act. **Main Body** Panchayati raj institutions are designed in such a way that many positive features help in effective service delivery. Some of them are- - It fosters social inclusion which finds resonance in the constitution's mandatory reservation for women and other marginalized communities - Inclusion of these sections mean policy design and implementation from their perspective. Like in the case of health and education, women panchayat members take an active role in accessible education and better steps for vaccine delivery. - Gram Sabhas ensure participatory democracy by direct participation of people. This guarantees that the voice of all sections of the society is heard and policy making is inclusive. - The strategy of top down approach has largely neglected the third tier of government. Its place was taken by bottom-up approach when Gram Panchayats were given constitutional status. It ensures effective implementation of schemes. - Social audits, timely elections, regular meetings etc ensure accountability and responsibility of elected representatives. But even after 30 years of panchayati raj, there are many challenges which affect timely delivery of services. Some of them are- - Financial crunch is a major obstacle due to lack of fiscal decentralization which impedes many developmental works. - Due to inequity in power and awareness, elite capture of resources devolved to local bodies is frequent. - Lack of data analysis and domain expertise in lower level planning results in structural issues which further restricts impact of planning. - Ineffective reservation provisions due to proxy representation by other empowered people. Panch-Pati syndrome is quite widespread in reserved seats for women. - Poor devolution of functions and lack of skilled functionaries results in power concentration with states which further makes panchayats ineffective. **Way Forward** - Activity Mapping: The 2nd ARC had recommended that there should be a clear-cut demarcation of functions of each tier of the government. - Ensuring Principle of Subsidiarity: According to the 2nd ARC, the principle of subsidiarity should be followed while deciding on the implementation machinery for any programme, i.e. central authority should have a subsidiary function, performing only those tasks which cannot be performed effectively at a more immediate or local level - Ensuring Fiscal Federalism: As functionality also depends on finances, fiscal autonomy accompanied by fiscal accountability can provide a long term solution to the problems faced by local bodies. - Effective Auditing: Audit committees may be constituted by the State Governments at the district level to exercise oversight of the integrity of financial information, adequacy of internal controls, compliance with the applicable laws and ethical conduct of all persons involved in local bodies. - In this pursuit, the initiative of the Meghalaya government to make social auditing mandatory is worth emulating by other states. - Convergence of Various Government Programmes: There is a need for convergence of various development programs of the Centre and state governments. In this context, Mission Antyodaya is a step in the right direction. **Conclusion** - The rising voice of people for bottom-up approaches needs to be addressed by novel methods like activity mapping which helps find areas which need to be worked upon. This is practiced in few states like Kerala and the impact in local governance is visible. --- **Q2\. Institutes created for the betterment of vulnerable sections are themselves in need of betterment. Discuss? (250 Words)** **15** **Introduction:** - Vulnerable groups are those groups of people who are not resilient and lack stability in leading a comfortable life, even by the slightest disturbance their stability can be disturbed. - In the Indian context old age people, physically disabled, sexual minorities, women, lower caste, and class groups for vulnerable sections of society. **Main Body:** **Institutes working for the betterment of vulnerable sections:** - National Commission for Scheduled Castes. - National Commission for Backward Classes. - National Commission for Safai Karamcharis. - National Commission for Scheduled Tribes – NCST. - The Rehabilitation Council of India. - The Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities - The National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities. - National Commission for Women - National Commission for Protection of Child Rights. - National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. - National Human Rights Commission **Reasons for failure:** - **Failure in execution:** The mandate is inclusive to a large extent but the bodies fail to implement the provisions using the existing mechanisms. - The recent incidents of Kathua and reports of NCRB (National Crime Record Bureau) highlighting increased violence by 300% depict the failure of the National Commission for Women. - **Dilution of principles:** Successive legislation and judgments have weakened provisions of the institutions. - The amendment to Forest Act 2006 has impacted the working of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes and affected their livelihood and community rights. - **Non-comprehensive mandates:** The mandate of institutions and citizen charter designed for it is non-inclusive. - For example, the failure to include intersex provisions in National Commission for Transgender Persons has side lined a large chunk of its benefits. - **Toothless tigers:** Many courts have commented on these bodies as “toothless tigers” as they lack the investigation and power to punish the deviants. They are dependent on courts for writs. - **Lack of funding avenues:** Poor finances of the institutions lead to poor performance. They are dependent on the central government for their operations. **Measure to improve the functioning:** - **Adoption of zero-tolerance policy:** This has to be adopted against deviants by the bodies to ensure deterrence. - **Making institutions responsive and accountable:** The institutions can be subjected to social audits annually and adopt ICT tools in line with the PRAGATI portal. - **Decentralization:** Active involvement of local bodies and citizens makes the commissions more citizen-centric and transparent. - **Process reforms:** The redesigning of citizen charters, gaining penal provisions, and integration with related ministries and commissions can shift institutions' focus towards result orientation. **Conclusion:** - Attitudinal problems, red-tapism, and lack of accountability have pulled down the functioning of the institutions meant for vulnerable sections. - As they are directed towards weaker sections it is important for their success in ensuring egalitarian society and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Ensure inclusivity and equality). --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Write1y.png) #### Write UnLimited Course (1 Year) Write answers from any source, we will evaluate them for you. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/write-unlimited-course-1-year/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Governance 02) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-2-governance-02/ Last updated: 2024-07-31T19:44:31.000Z **Subject:** GS 2 **Syllabus:** Governance ### Questions 1. How can we ensure that the bureaucracy functions as a strong support system and makes decisions that prioritise the best interests of the people, aligning with the motto of "minimum government and maximum governance"? (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. E-governance is an important tool to ensure citizen friendly services in a time bound manner. What are the challenges in e-governance and enumerate a few initiatives taken by the government? (150 words, 10 marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Governance 02)Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Governance 02).pdf739 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/07/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-2--Governance-02-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q10\. Citizens charter is an instrument of organizational transparency and accountability that ensures the power of people stays above the people in power. Discuss and enumerate the challenges involved in implementing a citizen charter. (150 words)** **10** **Model StructureIntroduction:** - **Citizen’s Charter** is a systematic document underlining the **commitment of an organization** towards its beneficiaries and stakeholders as far as quality of services, choice, accessibility, information availability, cost-effectiveness and grievance redressal are concerned. **Main body:** - It is a tool of organizational **transparency and accountability because**\- - With clear aims of the organisation, it **increases participation**. - It **reduces corruption** by improving transparency. - It reduces cost and red-tape, thus bringing in **good governance**. - It provides better access and choice which means **democratization of services**. - There is constant **improvement in services**. - By this, it ensures that the power **of people stays above** because- - Involvement of all stakeholders in its formulation ensures that the charter meets **desirable standards**. - It is a **deterrent to misadministration** and promotes good governance. - It makes the government **credible**, thus improving social contract. - It is a feedback loop to revamp people’s faith in administration by **grievance redressal**. - It hasn't been effective till now due to **challenges** like- - **Lack of trained staff** and financial resources. - Not formulated by the consultation process and **unavailable in the vernacular** language. - Inertia and **rule-based** stance of officers. - **Inadequate awareness** among people thus low utility even if the charter is present. - **No legal backing** for charter formulation and implementation, thus making it non-enforceable. - **Design issues**, thus critical information missing. - **Rarely updated** with changing times. - It can be further improved by incorporating good aspects of the **Sevottam model** which is based on- - **Empowerment of citizens** by which they can avail information and - **Grievance redressal** with a prompt feedback mechanism. - **Timely service delivery.** ![](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcRwtnkR2yWYz_AZCv5iM60VSH5P0sGve7rwpS3mJL5KgKSn81JbHghgs4id4Uip6454Iy3MbI-Lz6bufpiDeD-IXyL90lo7TH1r3qCxv-N3t6u3m8eqmOYoPBywPJ1vxaX8N908FLMsLZz0qu2Lrj4gKz3?key=qzT5O-vX3kdA658x75WPxQ) **Conclusion**: - Aims and vision of each section within a department are different and thus need to be **formulated at the smallest level** and then integrated at the highest level, like at the ministerial level. This will **make it holistic**, followed by **periodic evaluation** and grievance redressal. Can include best practices from the Sevottam model to make it more effective. --- **Q6\. Many committees have stressed the importance of the ‘cooling-off’ period for civil servants who quit services for contesting elections or retire normally and then enter politics. In light of this, do you think Civil Service Conduct Rules need a relook? (150 words)** **10** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Civil servants are **permanent executives** and hold pivotal positions in governance and administration. They are **policymakers at the top level** and implementers at the ground level. **Main body** - To ensure the highest standards of integrity, objectivity, neutrality, professionalism etc and to work without fear or fervour, the concept of **‘cooling off’ period** is there according to which there is a **prohibition on employment** after retirement for a certain period. - The Civil Service Conduct Rules **need a relook** because- - The purpose of ‘cooling off’ was defeated when the period was reduced to **one year in 2015** from the earlier period of 2 years. It applies to group A and All India Services. - There is **central discretion** if someone wants to take up a job within one year of leaving the job. - Eg- when ex-foreign secretary Mr S Jaishankar joined Tata group without serving cooling off period. - Other instances include an **amendment in TRAI Act** to appoint its chairman as principal secretary and current railway minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw quitting as IAS to join politics. - These violations lead to a possible **conflict of interest** and **crony capitalism**. - Civil service conduct **rules can be improved** by- - **Restoring the** mandatory 2-year cooling-off period. - **Removal of exceptions** as it violates the right to equality. - Need to create **distance between policy making and corporate interest**. This must be ensured with a **balance to a former officer's right to contest elections.** - Rules can be made to **bar bureaucrats from contesting elections for one year**, as advised by the Election Commission in 2012. In this context, recommendations of the **Hota committee** called for a cooling-off period of **2 years post-retirement or resignation** if an officer wants to join a political party. Retired civil servants shall not be appointed to constitutional posts like governor before 2 years cooling-off period. **Conclusion** - Cooling off period is a sine qua non for ensuring the **faith of the public in bureaucracy** and ultimately democracy. Certain reforms for cooling off as provided by the **Indian Parliamentary Committee, Hota committee and ARC II** must be looked into and adopted. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Write1y.png) #### Write UnLimited Course (1 Year) Write answers from any source, we will evaluate them for you. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/write-unlimited-course-1-year/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Governance 01) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-2-governance-01/ Last updated: 2024-07-31T19:33:44.000Z **Subject:** GS 2 **Syllabus:** Governance ### Questions 1. How can we ensure that the bureaucracy functions as a strong support system and makes decisions that prioritise the best interests of the people, aligning with the motto of "minimum government and maximum governance"? (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. E-governance is an important tool to ensure citizen friendly services in a time bound manner. What are the challenges in e-governance and enumerate a few initiatives taken by the government? (150 words, 10 marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Governance 01)Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Governance 01).pdf965 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/07/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-2--Governance-01-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. How can we ensure that the bureaucracy functions as a strong support system and makes decisions that prioritise the best interests of the people, aligning with the motto of "minimum government and maximum governance"?** **(10 marks)** **Introduction:** - Civil servants are the 'steel frame of India,' connecting the government with the public. They formulate and implement policies, always prioritising the public interest. With the aim of 'minimum government and maximum governance,' they make decisions that ensure effective and welfare-oriented governance. ***or*** - The mantra of "minimum government and maximum governance" implies that the purpose of government is to serve the public interest through governance. In this, the Public is at the system's core rather than the government. The said purpose can be achieved by solving the following issues in governance. **Main Body** **Bureaucracy supporting the System but lagging in Public Interest:** - **Rule-based civil services** with a negligible connection between civil servants and citizens often become complex and cumbersome for the average citizen. - **Red Tapism and apathy of civil servants** towards the receiver (public) and blind loyalty towards political masters often lead to the ineffective formulation and implementation of public policies. - For example, A tribal woman in Jharkhand died due to hunger, she was denied ration due to the absence of required documents. It's not all dark and gloomy. There are many examples of various programmes and schemes which were designed in the larger public interest, such as MGNREGA, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and JAM Trinity etc. But more needs to be done for minimum government and maximum governance. **Prerequisites for minimum government and maximum governance:** - **Accessibility:** Bureaucratic red-tapism, the complexity of the paperwork, a multiplicity of authorities, etc., often make it difficult for an average citizen to access public services. - **Affordability:** Public service fees, paperwork, the complexity of the procedure (leads to agent involvement) etc., make it unaffordable for an average citizen to access public services. - For example, to get a loan of Rs. 1 Lakh, a poor man has to go through an expenditure of 10,000 for bribes, agents, travel and wage loss, etc. - **Accountability:** For a citizen-centric governance system, there is a need for accountability at the individual as well as organisational levels. **Steps that can be taken:** - **Digitisation:** Digitisation of governance also brings transparency, further pushing for the priority of the public interest. - The UMANG app is a good example of this direction from which citizens can avail of various services. - **Citizen Charter:** It will bring transparency and reduce the time for service delivery. - **Objectivity and simplification of the system:** Simplification of the documentation requirement will ease up the task for both civil servants as well as citizens. - Inculcating **Nolan's Principles** can make Indian Bureaucracy more in the public interest. - These principles are selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. - Also, **Mission Karmyogi** aims to radically improve the steel frame of India and bring public interest to the centre stage through maximum governance. **Conclusion:** - The trusteeship relationship between the public and the officials requires that the authority entrusted to the officials be exercised in the best interest of the people or the ‘public interest’. - The Nolan Committee, in its seven principles of public life, has emphasised serving "the public interest". Therefore the motto of "minimum government and maximum governance" is to serve the public interest by supporting the system. --- **Q2\. E-governance is an important tool to ensure citizen friendly services in a time bound manner. What are the challenges in e-governance and enumerate a few initiatives taken by the government?** **(10 marks)** **Introduction** - E-governance involves the use of internet connection and communications devices which can be portable like smartphones and tablets or non-portable like computers. It is used to deliver goods and services to citizens in an efficient and time bound manner. **Main Body** - It is an evolving area which offers new and innovative opportunities for delivering services with a feedback mechanism. It ensures a participatory approach where services can be customized based on the target audience. - But due to some challenges, e-governance has not achieved its potential. **Some of these challenges are**: - There is less human interaction in the e-governance process due to more mechanization which leads to less value integration and more rule following. - Lack of digital infrastructure, connectivity and speed issues in rural hinterland and inhospitable terrain is a big glitch. - Lack of computer literacy is a big issue as the majority doesn’t know how to operate devices to access e-governance benefits. Even if they know, many are not aware of how to use applications and processes to get benefits. - Efficient e-governance can at times become inefficient due to technical glitches, server issues or poor internet speed. - Due to rising risks of cyber crimes and data theft, huge amounts of data are at the risk of being sabotaged. - **Government initiatives:** - Common Services Centres - MyGov Initiative - National Scholarships Portal (NSP) - Darpan Portal - DigiLocker - National Center of Geo-informatics - National e-Governance Plan - Unified Payment Interface (UPI) **Conclusion** - E-governance is the way forward to deliver goods and services to a growing population which is going to surpass China and become the most populated country in the world. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Mains-Test-Series.png) #### Mains Test Series 2025 (31 Tests) + Mentorship Not just a test series but complete guide to answer writing [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-test-series-2025-31-tests-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Indian Polity and Constitution 04) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-2-indian-polity-and-constitution-04/ Last updated: 2024-07-31T19:17:50.000Z **Subject:** GS 2 **Syllabus:** Indian Polity and Constitution ### Questions 1. “It is said that constitutionalism pervades the Indian Constitution”. Examine the statement.(150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. Critically analyse the significance of the Speaker's role in the functioning of the Indian Parliamentary Democracy. (150 words, 10 marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Indian Polity and Constitution 04)Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Indian Polity and Constitution 04).pdf737 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/07/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-2--Indian-Polity-and-Constitution-04-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. “It is said that constitutionalism pervades the Indian Constitution”. Examine the statement.** **(10 marks)** (This question is simply asking to explain: "How the concept of constitutionalism is present throughout the Indian Constitution.") **Introduction:** - Constitutionalism is a set of political values and aspirations that reflect the desire to protect liberty through checks on government power. **It means government according to the rule of law as opposed to arbitrary government**. - Constitutionalism is a philosophy which is essential for a democratic setup. It ensures that the freedoms of the individual are given primacy and the State does not encroach upon the liberty of the citizen. **Main Body:** **Principles and norms which promote constitutionalism in India are:** - **A written constitution** containing the fundamental principles of governance and detailed administrative provisions. - **Constitutional Supremacy** means that no laws or actions can violate a nation's Constitution. - The Constitution provides a set of **fundamental rights** to every citizen, protecting individual freedoms and promoting equality. - It also sets forth Directive Principles of State Policy, guiding the government **to ensure social and economic justice**. - The Constitution's ability to adapt through **amendments** (Article 368) while maintaining its core principles demonstrates its strong foundation in constitutionalism. - **The preamble holds the spirit of constitutionalism**, as it contains all the objectives of the constitution and conditions for a dignified life of citizens. - **An independent judiciary** with the power of **Judicial Review** under Article 13 for upholding the rule of law and for safeguarding constitutional principles. - The doctrine of **separation of Power** ensures all organs enjoy **limited power** within their framework. It creates a system of checks and balances among the actions of governmental organs. - **Free and fair elections** to legislature and a democratic government accountable to the electorate. Independent Election Commission. - **Federalism**, i.e. division of power between the centre and states, ensures diffusion of powers, necessitating different independent centres of decision-making. - **Decentralisation of power**, i.e. power conferred on the institution within the state, is sufficiently dispersed so as to avoid abuse of power. **Conclusion:** - In I.R. Coelho vs the State of Tamil Nadu, the Supreme Court held that the principle of constitutionalism is now a legal principle. - The constitution seeks to decentralise power in India instead of concentrating it at one point. Thus, India does have not only a constitution but also constitutionalism. --- **Q2\. Critically analyse the significance of the Speaker's role in the functioning of the Indian Parliamentary Democracy. (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - “The Speaker represents the House. She represents the dignity of the House, the freedom of the House and because the House represents the nation, in a particular way, the Speaker becomes a symbol of the nation’s freedom and liberty.” (Pt. Nehru) (**Quote-based)** - The Speaker of the Lok Sabha holds a position of pivotal importance in a parliamentary democracy like India. **(General)** **Main Body** **Role of the Speaker** 1. **To Ensure smooth proceedings of the house:** The Speaker presides over the meetings of the Lok Sabha and conducts its proceedings. 1. also presides over the joint sittings of the two Houses of the Parliament.. 2. **Guardian of Rights and Privileges of the House:** The Speaker protects the rights and privileges of the House and its members. They ensure that the dignity and the rights of the House are upheld at all times. 3. **Interpretation of Rules of Procedure:** The business of the House is conducted according to definite and settled rules of procedure. In case of any dispute regarding the rules of the House, the Speaker interprets and applies these rules. 4. **To maintain discipline in the Lok Sabha:** If any member disrupts or tries to disrupt the proceedings of the House, the Speaker can warn or ask him/her to leave the House. The Speaker can suspend a member from the House guilty of violating discipline and decorum. 5. **Representing the House:** The Speaker represents the House to the President, the authorities, and the public. They certify bills that are passed by the House before they are sent to the President for assent. 6. **Fix the Agenda of the House:** The Speaker, in consultation with other members of the business committee of the House and the Prime Minister, fixes the agenda of the meetings of the House. 1. This ensures timely debates and discussions on important issues of the country. 7. **Regulating Debates:** The Speaker decides who will speak, when, and for how long. They ensure that all points of view are heard and that debates are conducted in a fair and balanced manner. 8. **Conduct the business of the House:** The Speaker conducts the business of the House. (E.g. allows the members to introduce the bills or to move motions, recognises the members on the floor of the House, and gives them time to speak in the House). 9. **Power to adjourn the House:** The Speaker can adjourn the meetings of the House if the quorum of the House is not complete or if conducting the business of the House is not possible due to the disorderly behaviour of its members. 10. **Casting Vote:** In case of a tie on any matter being voted upon in the House, the Speaker exercises a casting vote. This ensures that decisions can be made even when the members are evenly divided. 11. **Role in Joint Sitting:** In case of a joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha presides over the session. **Criticism faced by the office of the Speaker:** 1. **Allegations of Partisanship:** The Speaker often belongs to the ruling party, and there have been instances when impartiality has been compromised. 2. **Discretionary Powers:** Certain discretionary powers of the Speaker, like deciding on defection matters under the Tenth Schedule, have been sources of controversy. The delay in deciding such matters has sometimes been attributed to political considerations, as seen in the Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh assembly crises. 3. **Lack of Clarity in Rules:** There is often a lack of clarity in the rules of procedure, which gives the Speaker substantial leeway, leading to accusations of arbitrariness. 4. **Anti-defection law:** In recent times, there have been several instances where the role of the speaker has been criticised for disqualifying MLAs under the anti-defection law, and their ruling has been challenged in courts. 5. **Review of the Speaker’s Decisions:** Under the Rules, the Speaker is not answerable to any person in performing the assigned roles. Decisions of presiding officers are final and are not open to appeal or subject to review. 6. **Increased disruptions:** Frequent disruptions reduce the time required for important discussions and compel speakers to allocate less time for discussion. This often questions the speaker's impartiality as he allegedly provides more time to the ruling party. 7. **Transparency and Accountability:** Some critics believe that the Speaker's decisions should be subject to judicial review to ensure transparency and accountability. The current immunity from judicial intervention in procedural matters has been seen by some as a lack of checks and balances. **Conclusion** - The Speaker is considered as the true guardian of the Indian Parliamentary democracy, holding the complete authority of the Lok Sabha. Thus, the office's impartiality is very important to make parliamentary democracy work in the true sense. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Mains-Focus-Group-21T.png) #### Mains Focus Group 2024 (21 Tests) A beacon for your UPSC Mains Preparation [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-2024-21-tests/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Indian Polity and Constitution 03) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-2-indian-polity-and-constitution-03/ Last updated: 2024-07-31T19:07:09.000Z **Subject:** GS 2 **Syllabus:** Indian Polity and Constitution ### Questions 1. Philosophical undertone of the Indian constitution resonates with the French constitution but there are many differences between the two. Discuss. (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. Basic structure of the constitution is an important premise on which many ideals of the constitution rest. Discuss the historical development of basic structure in India. (150 words, 10 marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Indian Polity and Constitution 03)Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Indian Polity and Constitution 03).pdf640 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/07/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-2--Indian-Polity-and-Constitution-03-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Philosophical undertone of the Indian constitution resonates with the French constitution but there are many differences between the two. Discuss. (10 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - Indian constitution is partly borrowed and partly original with many features and ideals developing during the freedom struggle. Ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity were taken from the French revolution and the ensuing constitution. **Main Body** Similarities between Indian and French Constitution: - Written constitutions, - Elected heads, - Emergency and amendment process. But there are many differences also. These differences include - - There is a semi–presidential system in France with the President being de facto head and having more power than the Prime Minister. India went for a parliamentary form of government with the Prime Minister being the de facto head and having more powers. - Head of the government in India is the prime minister with tenure of 5 years but the French President has tenure of 7 years. - Indian constitution has a provision for procedure established by law and has due process of law introduced by judiciary. There is no such provision in the French Constitution. - Both countries have secularism but the French adopted complete separation of state from religion while India has provided for distance between state and religion but not complete separation. - India follows federal polity whereas France has more of a unitary structure. - Elections in India are conducted by the election commission with no role of the judiciary whereas in France the judiciary plays a role in elections. - India is a written constitution whereas the French constitution is based on the principle of Executive supremacy and is the only Democratic constitution that way. - The constitution of India is flexible and changes can be easily done at the time of need. On the contrary, the constitution of France has a rigid constitution that requires a resolution to be passed by a 60% majority in two houses of Parliament. - The Indian constitution does not allow the President to have an upper hand in the country’s management whereas the President of France has complete power here and the Prime Minister works as his assistant. - France allows dual citizenship in comparison to India which provides for single citizenship. **Conclusion** - India borrowed many features from mature democracies of that time but in comparison, there are more differences than similarities which shows the indigenous nature of our constitution. --- **Q2\. Basic structure of the constitution is an important premise on which many ideals of the constitution rest. Discuss the historical development of basic structure in India. (10 marks)** **Introduction** - Basic structure is an ever evolving concept with features getting added in subsequent court judgments even today. But it first found its shape in Kesavananda Bharati vs State of Kerala case of 1973. **Main Body** - Amendment powers of the parliament was the main thing which led to its origin because these powers were absolute initially as evident in Shankari Prasad case 1951 and Sajjan Singh case 1965. - Here, Parliament had power to amend any part of the constitution including Fundamental rights. - Later in the Golaknath case of 1967, the Supreme Court reversed its earlier verdict to take away the power of Parliament to amend Fundamental Rights. This was done by reinterpreting articles 368 and 13 of the Constitution. - To bypass these judgments, 24th , 25th, 26th and 29th amendments to the Constitution were passed. These amendments were challenged in the Kesavananda Bharati case. - In this case, relief against restrictions on supervision of religious property was sought under Article 26\. The bench ruled by a 7-6 majority that Parliament could amend any part of the Constitution without altering basic structure. - The term ‘basic structure’ was not defined in this judgment and has evolved since to include federalism, separation of powers, secularism, democracy, independence of the judiciary, rule of law, welfare state, etc. - But there are some arguments against the basic structure like undemocratic, unelected judges having authority to cancel a constitutional amendment. **Conclusion** - Indian democracy works on the premise of checks and balances between parliament, executive and judiciary. Thus the basic structure is seen as a safety valve against authoritarian and majoritarian tendencies of the parliament. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/GS-Basics.png) #### GS Basics + Mentorship A comprehensive Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/gs-basics-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Indian Polity and Constitution 02) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-2-indian-polity-and-constitution-02/ Last updated: 2024-07-31T18:48:02.000Z **Subject:** GS 2 **Syllabus:** Indian Polity and Constitution ### Questions 1. Though the anti-defection law was brought in to prevent overnight defections and instability in governments, it has in effect become against the spirit of democracy. Comment. (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. The Election Commission of India is the sole institution responsible for the conduct of free and fair elections. Discuss the challenges faced by this body. (150 words, 10 marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Indian Polity and Constitution 02)Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Indian Polity and Constitution 02).pdf644 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/07/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-2--Indian-Polity-and-Constitution-02-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Explain the grounds for disqualification of a Member of Parliament in India. Also, evaluate the possibilities and conditions for reversing the disqualification of a Member of Parliament. (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - **T**he disqualification of a Member of Parliament (MP) in India is governed by Article 102 of the Indian Constitution, the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the rules and procedures of the respective houses of Parliament. **Main Body** **Grounds for disqualification of a Member of Parliament** 1. **Holding Office of Profit:** Under Article 102 (1)(a), a person shall be disqualified from being an MP if they hold any office of profit under the Government of India or the government of any state other than an office declared by Parliament by law not to disqualify its holder. 2. **Unsound Mind:** Article 102 (1)(b) states that a person will be disqualified if they are of unsound mind and stand so declared by a competent court. 3. **Undischarged Insolvent:** According to Article 102 (1)(c), a person is disqualified if they are an undischarged insolvent. 4. **Not a Citizen of India:** If a person ceases to be a citizen of India, voluntarily acquires the citizenship of a foreign state, or is under any acknowledgement of allegiance or adherence to a foreign state, as per Article 102 (1)(d), they are disqualified. 5. **Disqualification under the Representation of People Act, 1951:** The Act specifies other grounds for disqualification, including a conviction for certain offenses, promoting enmity between different groups, a conviction for offenses related to hoarding or black marketing, etc. 6. **Disqualification for Defection:** The Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection Law) provides for disqualification of an MP if they voluntarily give up the membership of their party or if they vote or abstain from voting in their house contrary to the directions of their party. **Reversal of Disqualification:** Reversal or rescission of disqualification of an MP, though not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, can occur in certain circumstances. - **Change in Circumstances:** If the grounds for disqualification no longer exist, the disqualification can be reversed. - **Court Intervention:** Disqualification can be **reversed** if a higher court grants a stay on the conviction or decides the appeal in favour of the convicted lawmaker. In 2018, in ‘**Lok Prahari v Union of India** case, the SC clarified that the disqualification would not operate from the date of the **stay of conviction by the appellate court.** - **Removal of Disqualification by Law:** Parliament can make laws to declare certain offices not leading to disqualification, which can result in the reversal of disqualification. However, the constitutionality of such a law will depend on the provisions of the law. **Conclusion** - Therefore, the disqualification of MPs is a significant constitutional provision aimed at preserving the sanctity of parliamentary democracy, and its reversal can happen under specific circumstances and conditions. --- **Q2\. Did the Indian Constitution inherently embody principles and provisions promoting secularism prior to the inclusion of the term 'secular' through the 42nd Amendment? Justify. (10 Marks)** **Introduction** - The term 'secular' was explicitly included in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution through the 42nd Amendment in 1976\. However, the principles and provisions promoting secularism have been embedded in the Constitution since its inception. **Main Body** **Indian Constitution and Secular Principles and Provisions** 1. **Religious Freedom:** Articles 25-28 provide the right to freedom of religion to all citizens. These articles ensure that everyone can follow, practice, and propagate a religion of their choice. 2. **Equality before Law:** The Constitution ensures that there is no discrimination on the grounds of religion. Article 14 guarantees equality before the law, and Article 15 prohibits discrimination on religious grounds, promoting the principle of equal citizenship, irrespective of religion. 3. **Abolition of Untouchability:** Article 17 abolishes untouchability. This signifies the Constitution's attempt to reform regressive religious practices. 4. **No Religious Instructions in State-funded Institutions:** Article 28 prohibits the imparting of religious instructions in any educational institution wholly maintained out of State funds. This ensures that the State does not promote any particular religion. 5. **Cultural and Educational Rights:** Articles 29 and 30 provide minorities with the right to conserve their language, script, and culture and establish and administer educational institutions, which effectively ensures the protection of cultural and religious diversity. 6. **Directive Principles of State Policy:** The Constitution, through various Directive Principles of State Policy, like Article 44 advocating for a Uniform Civil Code, envisages a society where religious scripts do not determine laws but are the same for every citizen, irrespective of religion. **Conclusion** - While the explicit mention of 'secular' was introduced through the 42nd Amendment, the essence of secularism was always a part of the Indian Constitution. **The inclusion of 'secular' in the Preamble merely made explicit what was already implicit.** --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Basics.png) #### UPSC Essential + 3 year mentorship Comprehensive course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Indian Polity and Constitution 01) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-2-indian-polity-and-constitution-01/ Last updated: 2024-07-31T18:26:16.000Z **Subject:** GS 2 **Syllabus:** Indian Polity and Constitution ### Questions 1. Though the anti-defection law was brought in to prevent overnight defections and instability in governments, it has in effect become against the spirit of democracy. Comment. (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. The Election Commission of India is the sole institution responsible for the conduct of free and fair elections. Discuss the challenges faced by this body. (150 words, 10 marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Indian Polity and Constitution 01)Daily Answer Writing GS 2 (Indian Polity and Constitution 01).pdf568 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/07/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-2--Indian-Polity-and-Constitution-01-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Though the anti-defection law was brought in to prevent overnight defections and instability in governments, it has in effect become against the spirit of democracy. Comment. (150 words) 10 Marks** **Introduction** - Anti-defection law under the **tenth schedule** was introduced through the **52**nd **constitutional amendment act** providing for disqualification of members on the grounds of defection. **Main body** - **Anti-defection law was brought to:** - Bring **stability in government** formation and continuation for its tenure of 5 years. - Ensure the party carrying **public mandate** stays in power and not bought down just due to money or muscle power. - Ensure a party member doesn’t violatedirections of the party like voting on important issues. - Anti-defection law **against the** spirit of democracy: - Though created to prevent all defections, it has **prevented retail defections only** and allowed wholesale defections. It means that 2/3rd members can decide to merge with another party. - **No time frame** provided within which the presiding officer must decide on disqualification. The Supreme Court in Jagjit Singh versus the State of Haryana highlighted allegations about confidence in the role of the Speaker regarding impartiality. - Even **expressing opinion** inside the house, **contrary to party** stand can be construed as defection. - Also, voting has to be based on **party whip**. This means that the will of the party prevails over the will of the constituency that the lawmaker represents. **Way forward** - To further induce corrections in the 10th schedule, several committees and their recommendations can be looked into. - Eg. The **Dinesh Goswami Committee** called for disqualification only for cases when a member gives up the membership of his political party voluntarily and votes against the party line. - **Law Commission** called for deleting exemption in case of splits and mergers and considering **pre-poll alliances** as one party under the 10th Schedule. - The Election Commission called for President/Governor as the decision-maker in disqualification cases based on binding advice from the Election Commission. **Conclusion** - Even after decades of anti-defection law, the issue is rampant. This needs to be addressed by electoral reforms to prevent money and muscle power in politics and promote internal party democracy. --- **Q2\. The Election Commission of India is the sole institution responsible for the conduct of free and fair elections. Discuss the challenges faced by this body. (150 words)** **10 Marks** **Introduction** - Use of money, violence and electoral malpractices has increased with time which has resulted in criminalization of politics. Free and fair elections are a part of the basic structure of the constitution and the Election commission is responsible for it. OR - Election commission of India is a constitutional body formed under Article 324 of Indian Constitution. **Main Body** - There is a rampant use of money and muscle power and the Election commission of India has been unable to prevent this challenge due to reasons like- - There are cases of unattended voting machines which spring up after every election and create trust deficit between voters as a whole and the election commission as an institution. - Appointment of Chief Election Commissioner and other two commissioners is not robust and transparent which affects independence of the institution. - Inner-party democracy and financial regulation of parties is a big issue which the ECI has not been able to address due to lack of powers. - There is no bar on post retirement appointments of election commissioners and they can also join any political party after retirement. This affects independence and decision making of the body. - Before elections, there is abuse of power by the state government which makes many transfers to post corrigible officials in key positions for getting advantage. **Conclusion** - To ensure elections are conducted in free and fair manners, Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail System or VVPATS must be there in all constituencies and their model code of conduct must have a legal backing for proper punishment in case of violations. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Mains-Focus-Group-0T.png) #### Mains Focus Group 2024 (Without Answer Writing) A beacon you need for UPSC Mains [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-2024-without-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Indian Economy by Ketan Sir (Buy Now) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/indian-economy-by-ketan-sir-buy-now/ Last updated: 2024-08-02T11:57:15.000Z The book covers the complete Indian Economy syllabus for the civil services examination, both prelims and mains. With clarity of concepts and simple laguage, it's perfect for studetns, even those without any background in economics. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Untitled-design-1.png) Front page and Cover Page ### Table of Contents ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Indian-Economy-Handbook--title-pages-2.jpg) [Buy Now](https://amzn.in/d/g47VBnB?ref=upscprep.com) ### Kargil War: What Key Military Strategies Were Employed by India? URL: https://www.upscprep.com/kargil-war-what-key-military-strategies-were-employed-by-india-2/ Last updated: 2024-07-26T14:50:13.000Z The Kargil War of 1999 was a significant military conflict between India and Pakistan, characterized by high-altitude warfare in the challenging terrain of the Kargil district in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Armed Forces employed several key military strategies to reclaim the infiltrated territories and secure victory. ![Sacked Kargil officer Surinder Singh rubbishes claims of Musharraf crossing LoC, calls it cheap publicity stunt - India Today](https://akm-img-a-in.tosshub.com/indiatoday/images/story/201302/kargil_660_020413101456.jpg?VersionId=ypJr_yVfhcnack3CMbhPXFUrAq0.9dfD) ![Kargil Vijay Diwas | UPSC](https://drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1721994396_Battlefields%20During%20Kargil%20War%201999.png) Here are the primary strategies: ### 1\. **Operation Vijay** - Operation Vijay was the codename for the Indian military operation aimed at evicting the Pakistani intruders from the Kargil sector. - The operation involved coordinated efforts by the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy. - The primary objective was to reclaim the high-altitude positions that had been occupied by Pakistani soldiers and militants. The operation was meticulously planned and executed, involving multiple phases of reconnaissance, artillery bombardment, and infantry assaults. ### 2\. **High-Altitude Warfare** - The conflict took place at altitudes ranging from 10,000 to 18,000 feet. - Indian forces had to adapt to the harsh and rugged terrain, which posed significant logistical and operational challenges. - Specialized high-altitude training and acclimatization were crucial for the troops. ![Kargil War | India-Pakistan War 1999 | Operation Vijay And Safed Sagar](https://www.indiadefencenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Kargil-War-1999-IAF-Safed-Sagar.jpg) The soldiers had to deal with extreme weather conditions, including freezing temperatures and thin air, which made physical exertion more difficult. High-altitude warfare also required specialized equipment and clothing to protect the soldiers from the elements. ### 3\. **Artillery and Firepower** - The Indian Army made extensive use of artillery to target enemy positions. **Bofors FH-77B howitzers** played a pivotal role in neutralizing well-entrenched Pakistani positions. - The effective use of artillery fire helped in softening enemy defenses and providing cover for advancing infantry units. ![155mm Bofors FH77 ](https://photo.weaponsystems.net/image/s-carousel/n-ar_th_fh77_v1.jpg/--/img/ws/ar_th_fh77_v1.jpg) ![Kargil War: What happened on 26th July 1999? Just get back into 1999 again](https://appindianews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/20-years-of-Kargil-war-1024x577.png) Artillery units were strategically positioned to maximize their range and impact, and they conducted continuous bombardments to weaken enemy fortifications and disrupt supply lines. ### 4\. **Air Power** - The Indian Air Force launched **Operation Safed Sagar** to provide air support to ground troops. - **Mirage 2000 aircraft** were used to carry out precision strikes on enemy bunkers and supply lines. The use of laser-guided bombs and other advanced munitions was instrumental in targeting enemy positions with high accuracy. - The air force also conducted reconnaissance missions to gather intelligence and assess the effectiveness of the strikes. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/image-15.png) The combination of air and ground operations created a synergistic effect, overwhelming the enemy forces. ### 5\. **Infantry Assaults** - Indian infantry units conducted several daring assaults to recapture strategic peaks and ridgelines. - These operations often involved **climbing steep and icy slopes** under enemy fire. - Key peaks such as **Tiger Hill**, **Tololing**, and **Point 4875** were recaptured through determined infantry assaults. ![Indian soldiers moving to assault Pakistani positions in the 1999 Kargil War [600 x 434] : r/MilitaryPorn](https://i.redd.it/v5fj7ky0a6n71.jpg) ![Photos: Kargil Vijay Diwas, a look at India's victory 20 years on | Hindustan Times](https://images.hindustantimes.com/rf/image_size_630x354/HT/p2/2019/07/26/Pictures/war-kargil_86648088-af85-11e9-aba3-019dfe82335b.jpg) ![Kargil Vijay Diwas: A look at India's victory over Pakistan at one of the toughest battle terrain | News - Times of India Videos](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/photo/msid-65138623/65138623.jpg?resizemode=4) The infantry units displayed exceptional bravery and resilience, often engaging in close-quarters combat to dislodge the enemy from their fortified positions. The success of these assaults was crucial in turning the tide of the war in India's favor. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/1.-UPSCprep-Banner-5.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ### 6\. **Logistical Support** - Ensuring a steady supply of ammunition, food, and medical supplies was critical. - The Indian Army established efficient supply lines and used helicopters to airlift essential supplies to forward positions. - The **BRO (Border Roads Organisation)** played a crucial role in maintaining and constructing roads in the region. ![Combat Cargo: The Challenges of Military Logistics](https://www.inboundlogistics.com/wp-content/uploads/MilitaryLogistics_main_0618.jpg) The logistical efforts ensured that the troops remained well-equipped and sustained throughout the conflict, despite the challenging terrain and weather conditions. ### 7\. **Intelligence and Surveillance** - Accurate intelligence and surveillance were vital for planning and executing operations. - The Indian Army relied on various sources, including satellite imagery, UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), and human intelligence, to gather information about enemy positions and movements. ![Kargil: Intelligence failure - India Today](https://akm-img-a-in.tosshub.com/sites/media2/indiatoday/images/stories/1999June/kargilwar2_073112111202.jpg) Despite setbacks, the intelligence units worked tirelessly to provide real-time updates and assessments, enabling the commanders to make informed decisions and adjust their strategies as needed. ### 8\. **Psychological Warfare** - The Indian military also engaged in psychological warfare to demoralize the enemy. - This included broadcasting messages to Pakistani soldiers, highlighting the futility of their mission and the strength of the Indian response. ![Kargil Vijay Diwas 2023: The Complete Timeline of the Kargil War Between India and Pakistan](https://img.jagranjosh.com/images/2023/July/2472023/atal-vajpayee-kargil.jpg) ![Indian soldiers with captured Pakistani guns and munitions including mg3 1999 Kargil war , Far left Vikram Batra . (678x452) : r/MilitaryPorn](https://preview.redd.it/4wj0usbqa6p91.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=b3ff57fd0069754c48f7ccb808896835743489db) ![CSR: Saluting War Heroes On Kargil Vijay Diwas - The CSR Journal](https://thecsrjournal.in/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/kargil.jpg) Psychological operations aimed to weaken the enemy's morale and create confusion and dissent within their ranks. The use of **loudspeakers**, **leaflets**, and **radio broadcasts** were some of the methods employed to convey these messages. ### 9\. **Diplomatic and Political Efforts** - While military operations were ongoing, India also engaged in diplomatic efforts to garner international support and pressure Pakistan to withdraw its forces. - The Indian government effectively communicated the nature of the conflict to the global community, emphasizing that Pakistani forces had violated the Line of Control (LoC). ![25 Years of Kargil War Victory: Honoring Heroism & Sacrifice](https://esmcorner.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/esm-corner-kargil-war-diplomatic-interaction.webp) ![Kargil Vijay Diwas: Nawaz Sharif And Pervez Musharraf Would Have Been Killed In Kargil War - Amar Ujala Hindi News Live - कारगिल युद्ध में एक निशाने की चूक और जिंदा बच](https://staticimg.amarujala.com/assets/images/2019/07/26/nawaz-sharif-pervez-musharraf-kargil-war_1564090503.jpeg?w=414) U.S. tuned an Indian Ally during Kargil. ### 10\. **Coordination and Joint Operations** The success of the Kargil War was largely due to the seamless coordination between different branches of the Indian Armed Forces. Joint operations and effective communication ensured that all units worked towards a common objective. ![Operation Talwar | Kargil](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi42_ZWqGGqcojafvn_qmuJD60iQv9mr1i2BTlbphINqlW633VhUYQ72NMRGaunzFlBeoiJeJ0kjYu0npy_bA8g4OKfrTnHIVutK-mmUJRA_P-Daym5oDFkY57EtrilULjlSMkBGDvcRFJn7QHMhdgPTIZvkq1e3xaqArdndB40w2G07nhyTNJ8tvN/s16000/INS_Vikrant_1.jpg) **Naval Operations and Maritime Support**: The approach taken by the Navy was twofold. - First, they ensured to provide safety to the assets of the Indian Navy in the maritime space in case of any surprise attack by Pakistan. - The Indian Navy led the surveillance, and it was continuously done to ensure security. The codename of the operation carried out by the Indian Navy was "**Operation Talwar**". The Navy showed its full strength, signalling to Pakistan that India will respond and show no restraint if the situation turns into a full-fledged war. - This was a clear message to the Pakistani Military that in case of their intentions to go beyond Kargil, the Navy would respond, and the South and the Eastern Fleet came together with Western Fleet for this purpose. ### Conclusion ![No photo description available.](https://scontent-maa2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/67156222_1087404691457825_1136186568264908800_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=f798df&_nc_ohc=q5imBqrENiIQ7kNvgHXN5I4&_nc_ht=scontent-maa2-1.xx&oh=00_AYC-ccHnja-SA4LZS_Z5yyrnImIY_xH509n3H4ouU5MTRw&oe=66CB2223) The Kargil War showcased the resilience, bravery, and strategic acumen of the Indian Armed Forces. The combination of high-altitude warfare tactics, effective use of artillery and air power, and coordinated infantry assaults were key to India's victory. The war also highlighted the importance of logistical support, intelligence, and diplomatic efforts in modern military conflicts. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Mains-Focus-Group-10-Tests.png) #### Mains Focus Group 2024 (10 Tests) A beacon for your UPSC Mains Preparation [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-2024-10-tests/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Geography 03) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-1-geography-03/ Last updated: 2024-07-26T13:56:56.000Z **Subject:** GS 1 **Syllabus:** Geography ### Questions 1. A mineral resource poor country like India cannot sustain the current cost of fertilizer imports. Discuss. Suggest measures to reduce the burden of fertilizers on the Indian economy. (250 Words, 15 Marks) 2. Enumerate the factors contributing to the industry's location in an area. Also, analyse the changing dynamics of industrial sites influenced by footloose industries, which are no longer constrained by traditional factors. (150 words, 10 marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Geography 03)Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Geography 03).pdf683 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/07/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-1--Geography-03--1.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. A mineral resource poor country like India cannot sustain the current cost of fertilizer imports. Discuss. Suggest measures to reduce the burden of fertilizers on the Indian economy.** **(250 Words, 15 Marks)** **Introduction:** - No country has as much area under farming as India. At 169.3 million hectares (mh) in 2019, its land used for crop cultivation was higher than that of the US (160.4 mh), China (135.7 mh), Russia (123.4 mh) or Brazil (63.5 mh). With its perennial Himalayan rivers and average annual rainfall of nearly 1,200 mm India has no dearth of land, water and sunshine to sustain vibrant agriculture. Which it has for 3,000 years and more. - But there’s one resource in which the country is short and heavily import-dependent — mineral fertilizers. In 2021-22, India imported 10.16 million tonnes (mt) of urea, 5.86 mt of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) and 2.91 mt of muriate of potash (MOP). In value terms, imports of all fertilizers touched an all-time high of $12.77 billion last fiscal. - The intermediates or raw materials for the manufacture of these fertilizers were substantially imported - **Reasons for high costs of fertilizers:** - Subsidy burden: Fertilizers are not only imported, but Indian farmers also pay below what it costs to import or manufacture using imported inputs. The difference is paid as a subsidy by the government. - **Costlier raw material:** Rock phosphate is the key raw material for DAP (diammonium phosphate) and NPK fertilisers and India is 90 percent dependent on imports for them. - **Lack of natural resources:** In the case of urea, the primary feedstock is natural gas which is not enough available in the country. - **Increase in the price of oil in the international market also** adversely impacts the fertilizer costs. Also fluctuations. - Russia-Ukraine war: rising prices due to trade disruptions. - Misuse and overuse of fertilizers - **The following ways can reduce the burden of fertilizers on the Indian economy:** - **To cap or reduce consumption of high-analysis fertilizers**: particularly urea, DAP and MOP (Muriate of potash). For this, incorporate urease and nitrification inhibition compounds in urea. By this, more nitrogen is made available to the crop, enabling farmers to harvest the crop with a lesser number of urea bags. - **Promote use of liquid “nano urea”**: Their ultra-small particle size is favourable to easier absorption by the plants than with bulk fertilizers, translating into higher nitrogen use efficiency. Ex: neem coated urea. - Soil health card: used to restrict overuse of fertilizers. - Popularize **high nutrient use-efficient water-soluble fertilizers** (potassium nitrate, potassium sulphate, calcium nitrate, etc) and encourage alternative indigenous sources like potash derived from seaweed extract etc. - Promote sales of Single Super Phosphate (SSP) (containing 16 per cent P and 11 per cent S) and complex fertilizers such as “20:20:0:13” and “10:26:26”. - Promote zero-based farming and organic farming practices. **Conclusion**: - India should pay attention to improving fertilizer efficiency through need-based use and increase investment in new fertilizer plants. --- **Q2\. Enumerate the factors contributing to the industry's location in an area. Also, analyse the changing dynamics of industrial sites influenced by footloose industries, which are no longer constrained by traditional factors.** **(150 words, 10 marks)** - **Introduction (1):** A footloose industry is not tied to any particular location or country and can relocate to another place without effect from factors of production such as resources, land, labour, and capital. For e.g Diamonds, the computer chips manufacturing industry. They don't need a large place for manufacturing and have a low-weight output. ***or*** - **Introduction(2):** These are called footloose as these types of industries are prone to relocation. Some prominent examples of the footloose industry are watch-making, diamond cutting, precision electronics etc. These industries often have spatially fixed costs, i.e., the costs of the products do not change despite where the product is assembled. **Main Body:** - **Factors affecting the location of industries:** (Question asks to enumerate - so just mention the factors - no need to explain them) ![](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXe088kBRmMDQ11iFstvgHi2x_Z9B_J4OWe2xK2kcdTCtRg9gjpLVczKY7ROMDOI5LB2lq8lgLmi0C5yZT5modtptoxjk3-0j0EZM9Jx2Dk0Zx-SP1WMHuJeDoS0OpW9cniG3AD0dKDmLCAvioqp-ZqaDfdf?key=Lat7axZwbAkpqxSqi8TXKg) **Advantages of Footloose industries over traditional industries:** - **Raw material:** These are less dependent on specific raw materials, most of the raw materials are small and light and can be transported easily. - **Market:** the output is lightweight and can be easily transported to the markets. Most of the footloose industries produce low-volume and high-value outputs. - **Government regulations:** These are environment-friendly industries as the process involved in these industries has a negligible carbon footprint, so are least affected by government regulations. - **Energy:** these are not very energy-intensive industries. They are powered by electricity which can be found anywhere. - **Port facilities:** They are not very heavy industries which require port facilities for their transportation. Thus, they have advantages for those areas which lack port facilities. **Conclusion:** - These industries are crucial for the development of areas which lack locational advantages concerning heavy and small industries like port facilities, availability of raw materials, etc. **OR** - Good development of the footloose industry can provide high-value employment opportunities and a competitive advantage in world trade. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Mains-Focus-Group-0T.png) #### Mains Focus Group 2024 (Without Answer Writing) A beacon you need for UPSC Mains [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-2024-without-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Geography 02) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-1-geography-02/ Last updated: 2024-07-26T13:55:20.000Z **Subject:** GS 1 **Syllabus:** Geography ### Questions 1. What is ENSO? Is Global warming influencing La-Nina? Substantiate the same and also what is its impact? (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. Eastern Indian states are the most mineral-rich areas in India but lag in socio-economic development. Delineate geographically the minerals present in the eastern belt and the formation of minerals in this area with time. (250 Words, 15 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Geography 02)Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Geography 02).pdf842 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/07/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-1--Geography-02--1.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. What is ENSO? Is Global warming influencing La-Nina? Substantiate the same and also what is its impact?** **(150 Words, 10 Marks)** **Introduction:** - The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has warned that the La Nina that has caught the Earth since September 2020 is set to last 2023. **Main body:** - **El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)** is a recurring climate pattern involving changes in the temperature of waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. - In periods ranging from about three to seven years, the surface waters across the tropical Pacific Ocean warm or cool by anywhere from 1°C to 3°C, compared to normal. - This oscillating warming and cooling pattern, referred to as the ENSO cycle. ![](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXduH1gtdvaqC0SgkL8BcUS6PVflss3hk6gueDedNP3-ZgCUIUsFlGkShB3AeZ9kFeR-fkPwbQCzEXZbULTMLclMbxQ17SpE4ao1EJ-QnTukCkgwThf6M-78abmbIQXIfI6qW3c7l4y1wJTgp1Sl1oHMHiZj?key=Lat7axZwbAkpqxSqi8TXKg) ![](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXduH1gtdvaqC0SgkL8BcUS6PVflss3hk6gueDedNP3-ZgCUIUsFlGkShB3AeZ9kFeR-fkPwbQCzEXZbULTMLclMbxQ17SpE4ao1EJ-QnTukCkgwThf6M-78abmbIQXIfI6qW3c7l4y1wJTgp1Sl1oHMHiZj?key=Lat7axZwbAkpqxSqi8TXKg) - **La-Nina:** - During a La Nina event, **cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures** prevail over the east and central Pacific Ocean, due to which the trade winds above the sea surface change in character because of a difference in the wind pressures. - This change in character of the trade winds is then carried all around the world affecting different regions in different ways. - Many regions become colder and wetter, while many others become hotter and drier. - Climate change scientists have also predicted an impact of global warming on the El Niño-Southern Oscillation : - “**Extreme El Niño and La Niña events** may increase in frequency from about one every 20 years to one every 10 years by the end of the 21st century under aggressive greenhouse gas emission scenarios. - The **continuation and changing character** of the La Nina in an era of climate change has been highlighted by the WMO. - Human impact on climate and La Nina. - Human-induced climate change **amplifies the impacts** of naturally-occurring events like La Nina and is increasingly influencing our weather patterns. - If the interaction between the **La Nina and the warm Arctic** is in fact happening then it is an impact of global warming induced by human greenhouse gas emissions. **Impact:** - The ongoing drought situation in the **Horn of Africa** and the southern part of South America are testimony to the ongoing La Nina effect. - **East Africa** is forecast to see drier-than-usual conditions, which together with the existing impacts of the desert locust invasion, may add to regional food insecurity. - Off the west coast of **the Americas,** upwelling increases, bringing cold, nutrient-rich water to the surface. - Causes the **jet stream** to move northward and to weaken over the eastern Pacific. - Causes drought in the South American countries of Peru and Ecuador. - The **“cold event”** causes winter temperatures to soar in the south but cool in the north. - **Climate-sensitive** sectors like agriculture, health, water resources and disaster management are likely to be affected. - The India Meteorological Department (IMD) declared, the reason behind **early heat waves, early depressions** and the dust storms is the continued persistence of a north-south low pressure pattern that forms over India during winters when a La Niña phenomenon is occurring in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. **Conclusion:** - Hence controlling global warming caused due to human induced climate change is the key to sustainable development in the 21st century. --- **Q2\. Eastern Indian states are the most mineral rich areas in India but lag in socioeconomic development. Delineate geographically the minerals present in eastern belt and formation of minerals in this area with time. (250 Words, 15 Marks)** **Introduction** - According to data from the Ministry of Mines, **Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh** contribute to more than **24.8% of the value of mineral production** in India. **Main body** - **Geographically,** minerals present in Eastern belt can be understood state wise- - **Jharkhand**\- - Iron ore of **Noamundi**. - Uranium in **Turandeh and Narwapahar**. - Coal in **Jharia, Bokaro and Giridih** in Damodar valley. - **Chhattisgarh** - Iron ore locations in **Dalli Rajhara, Bila Dila and Jagdalpur**. - Manganese in **Durg and Bhilai**. - Limestone and Dolomite in **Bilaspur and Raipur** respectively. - Coal in **Korba and Chirmiri** in Hasdo valley. - **West Bengal** - Coal in Raniganj fields. - Iron ore in Purulia. - **Odisha** - Manganese and Limestone in **Kendujhar and Sundargarh** respectively**.** - Iron ore in **Badampahar and Mayurbhanj** - Uranium in **Jharsuguda** of Garhjat hills in Odisha, - Coal in **Talcher**, - These states **lag in socioeconomic development because**\- - **Opposition by locals** who are mostly tribals. - Growth of **naxalism** which involves violent resistance to any development efforts. - Issues in policy making which has mostly **neglected environmental issues** and traditional rights of tribals. - **Low outreach and implementation** of government schemes due to difficult terrain. - **Mining and its issues** like cancer due to contamination of soil and groundwater. Eg- uranium mining in Jharsuguda and Narwapahar. **Conclusion** Eastern states have lagged behind in many indicators like Ease of doing business, **SDG India index, NITI Aayog health index** etc. Their development is critical in achieving SDG 1 (no poverty), 2 (zero hunger), 4 (quality education) and 10 (reduced inequalities). --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Mains-Focus-Group-10-Tests.png) #### Mains Focus Group 2024 (10 Tests) A beacon for your UPSC Mains Preparation [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-2024-10-tests/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Geography 01) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-1-geography-01/ Last updated: 2024-07-26T13:53:57.000Z **Subject:** GS 1 **Syllabus:** Geography ### Questions 1. Write a note on the distribution of volcanoes across the world. Why does the distribution of volcanoes coincide with that of earthquakes? (150 words, 10 marks) 2. Discuss the importance of the cryosphere in global climate regulation. (150 Words, 10 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Geography 01)Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Geography 01).pdf2 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/07/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-1--Geography-01--1.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Write a note on the distribution of volcanoes across the world. Why does the distribution of volcanoes coincide with that of earthquakes? (150 words, 10 marks)** **Introduction:** - Volcanism is the process of eruption of molten material or magma into the crust, which is poured out on its surface. Volcanic activity is closely associated with plate boundaries, crustal disturbances etc. - Volcanoes around the world are located in a clearly-defined pattern. It is closely related to regions that have been intensely associated with plate tectonic activities. **Main Body:** **Distribution of volcanoes across the world:** - **Volcanoes at Convergent Plate boundary** – In such regions, one plate subducts under another plate. - Circum-Pacific region (“Pacific Ring of Fire”). On the Western side of the Pacific Ocean, this chain extends from the Aleutian Islands, Japan, the Philippines, the southern Pacific Islands of Solomon and New Zealand and on the Eastern side of the Pacific Ocean, it extends from Alaska, Mexico to Central America, and the Andes. - The Atlantic coast has few active volcanoes, but many are dormant or extinct, e.g. St. Helena, Canary Islands etc., but volcanoes in Iceland and Azores are active. - In the Mediterranean region, volcanoes are mainly associated with the Alpine folds, e.g. Mt. Etna, Mt. Stromboli etc. - **Volcanoes at Divergent Plate boundary** – When two plates are moving away from each other, along these boundaries, magma rises from deep within the Earth and erupts to form a new crust on the lithosphere. - Most of the active divergent plate boundary is present at mid-oceanic ridges, where constant sea-floor spreading and formation of new plate boundaries can be seen. - Some volcanoes are also located in Rift valley in Africa, such as Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Kenya, and Mt. Cameroon. - Volcanoes due to hot spot activities – This occurs at the interior parts of the lithospheric plates rather than plate boundaries, e.g. Reunion hotspot in the Indian Ocean, Hawaiian hotspot in the Pacific Ocean and Yellowstone hotspot in North America. **Coincidence of distribution of volcanoes and earthquakes:** - Both phenomena are associated with tectonic activities, and energy released from one phenomenon gives rise to another. - Earthquakes are found along all types of plate margins (constructive, destructive and transform). However, Volcanoes occur at constructive and destructive plate margins only. ![](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcqrWLj-rYmmoeZZW8AwGDdDGZbOHlbYsD532CX7CRrJD99K76WBgJ2m4Fbqy7Ag5PmEDhoc1M2hdxAFS6qTF-Pj0WMGr885eKGnLGJh43yBX-FkYlVxc87pQ_QGPP_1lXXp_OPDwFY30ddld40H81Nop5x?key=Lat7axZwbAkpqxSqi8TXKg) **Reason for coincidence:** - **Subduction zone:** In these subduction zones, overlapping plates cause slip between them and rupture within plates, leading to earthquakes. - Also, the consumption of oceanic plates in the mantle gives rise to volcanoes. - **Movement of magma**: Compression of plates forces the magma beneath them to move, but this movement is difficult for a newly compressed crust. - This causes the magma to pool in magma chambers beneath the surface and between the converging plates. - With the movement of plates, this magma is forced to move in or out of these chambers and thus causing Volcano-tectonic earthquakes. - **Injection of magma and cracking of rocks**: Injection of magma into surrounding rocks causes them to break, and every time the rock cracks, it causes small earthquakes. - **Diverging plates**: At diverging plate boundaries, along with the volcanic activity due to the rise of magma, the creation of new crust pushes other crust. - Cracking of the crust and formation of faults causes earthquakes in these regions. **Conclusion:** - Thus, plate tectonic activities are important in volcanic activities and earthquake events. The concentration of volcanic activities and earthquakes in a particular belt affects the life of people in these regions significantly. --- **Q2\. Discuss the importance of the cryosphere in global climate regulation. (150 Words, 10 Marks)** **Introduction:** - The cryosphere is an umbrella term used to depict the portion of earth where water exists in solid form. It includes regions like Antarctica, and Greenland, icebergs in the sea, and also higher mountain ranges like the Himalayas. OR - According to the recently released IPCCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report, the global temperature will increase by more than 2 degrees by the end of the millennium. This has the highest level of impact on fragile regions like the cryosphere. **Main Body:** **Importance of cryosphere in climate regulation:** - **Albedo effect:** Albedo denotes reflecting capabilities; the cryosphere has higher albedo, which in turn cools the earth. - **Carbon sink:** Cryosphere is also a major carbon sink and has trapped carbon and methane within itself and the soil beneath. - Reduction in the area of the cryosphere would release more greenhouse gases. - **Regulation of ocean currents:** Any changes in the cryosphere tend to alter the rate of the thermohaline circulation, thus affecting the microclimates. - The incidents of El Nino and La Nina are examples of this. - **Natural disaster:** Excessive melting of the cryosphere could trigger global catastrophic events like rising sea levels, tsunamis, and avalanches. ![](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdykrIzeCV0eSEw1BjtNkT88JCGfH7adTl-34WX_KO3VI7FlxgHobLEqUSRNbHUVQagRT2DhRTEnM_eVBmJQ952jpgYhlsqXrZWmFwUcqLtgpBa2Dsl0nCD6Gmcpk-J4jBcLsClMiSP2YNU8w0eRUPslcpT?key=Lat7axZwbAkpqxSqi8TXKg) **Conclusion:** - India has 7500km of coastline; any changes in the sea level would impact the social and economic aspects of the coastal community. - India needs to raise its voice against the climate change that is affecting the cryosphere region. The Himalayas also hosts the largest ice apart from the poles; this also depicts concern related to North East and Himalayan states. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Pre-Test-Series.png) #### Prelims Test Series 2025 (45 Tests) + Mentorship A Comprehensive Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/prelims-test-series-2025-45-tests-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Three Key Schemes for Forest Restoration and Tree Planting in India` URL: https://www.upscprep.com/write-unlimited-course-2-months-write-any-gs-question-essay-from-any-source-and-we-will-evaluate-it-for-you/ Last updated: 2024-07-26T13:53:39.000Z India has implemented several schemes to address forest degradation and promote tree planting. Here are three significant schemes: ### 1\. **National Afforestation Programme (NAP)** - **Objective:** To promote afforestation and eco-restoration of degraded forests and adjoining areas. - **Implementation:** The scheme is implemented through Forest Development Agencies (FDAs) at the state level. - **Components:** - **Afforestation:** Planting trees in degraded forest areas. - **Eco-Restoration:** Restoring the ecological balance in degraded areas. - **Capacity Building:** Training and capacity building of local communities and forest officials. - **Achievements:** Since its inception, the NAP has contributed significantly to increasing forest cover and improving the quality of degraded forests. ### 2\. **Green India Mission (GIM)** - **Objective:** To enhance ecosystem services like carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and provision of goods and services such as fuel, fodder, and timber. - **Implementation:** Part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), GIM is implemented through state forest departments and other agencies. - **Components:** - **Afforestation and Reforestation:** Planting trees in degraded forest lands and other landscapes. - **Restoration of Ecosystems:** Restoring wetlands, grasslands, and other ecosystems. - **Community Participation:** Involving local communities in planning and implementation. - **Achievements:** GIM aims to increase forest and tree cover by 5 million hectares and improve the quality of forest cover on another 5 million hectares. ![National Afforestation Programme (NAP) |  Green India Mission (GIM) | CAMPA](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DTzGbs7VwAAFrPO?format=jpg&name=medium) --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/1.-UPSCprep-Banner-4.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ### 3\. **Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA)** - **Objective:** To ensure that compensatory afforestation is carried out as per the conditions stipulated by the government when forest land is diverted for non-forest purposes. - **Implementation:** Managed by the National CAMPA Advisory Council and implemented by state CAMPA bodies. - **Components:** - **Compensatory Afforestation:** Planting trees to compensate for the loss of forest land. - **Forest Conservation:** Funding for forest conservation and management activities. - **Wildlife Protection:** Supporting wildlife protection and habitat improvement projects. - **Achievements:** CAMPA funds have been utilized for various afforestation and conservation projects, contributing to the increase in forest cover and biodiversity conservation. ### **Green Cover in India (since 2019)** ![India State of Forest Report-2021](https://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1642147939_India%E2%80%99s_%20forest_and_tree_cover_drishti_ias_english.png) ### Challenges and Recommendations #### Challenges: 1. **Encroachment:** Nearly 10 million hectares of forests are under encroachment. 2. **Dependence on Forests:** Approximately 27.5 crore people depend on forests for subsistence. 3. **Loss of Forest Land:** Around 5.7 million hectares of forest land have been lost for non-forestry purposes since Independence. 4. **Post-Planting Measures:** Lack of adequate post-planting measures and monitoring. 5. **Community Participation:** Limited involvement of local communities in tree planting drives. #### Recommendations: 1. **Adequate Financing:** Ensure sufficient funding for afforestation and restoration projects. 2. **Community Involvement:** Actively involve local communities in planning and implementation. 3. **Technical Considerations:** Use scientific methods and technical expertise for effective restoration. 4. **Post-Planting Care:** Implement robust post-planting measures and monitoring to ensure the survival and growth of planted trees. 5. **Public Awareness:** Conduct awareness campaigns to educate the public about the importance of forest conservation and restoration. ### Conclusion India's efforts to restore degraded forests and increase forest cover through schemes like NAP, GIM, and CAMPA are commendable. However, addressing the inherent challenges and ensuring active community participation, adequate financing, and technical considerations are crucial for the success of these initiatives. By adopting a holistic approach, India can achieve its targets for forest restoration and contribute significantly to global climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Write2m.png) #### Write UnLimited Course (2 Months) Write any GS question/essay from any source, and we will evaluate it for you. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/write-unlimited-course/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Neurorights: An Emerging Ethical and Legal Frontier URL: https://www.upscprep.com/as-thoughts-become-digitised-who-will-protect-our-neurorights-upsc/ Last updated: 2024-07-17T17:23:28.000Z ### **Article: The Hindu** ![As thoughts become digitised, who will protect our neurorights? | The Hindu](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/G0BD2LGFH.1.png) ### **What are Neurorights?** **Neurorights** refer to the proposed set of rights aimed at protecting individuals' mental privacy, personal identity, and free will in the context of advancing neurotechnology. As brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and other neurotechnologies evolve, they raise significant ethical, legal, and social concerns. Here’s a detailed explanation: ### **Definition and Importance** - **Neurorights** are a set of human rights specifically designed to protect individuals from potential abuses and ethical dilemmas arising from neurotechnologies. - These rights are crucial as they address the unique challenges posed by technologies that can access, interpret, and potentially manipulate brain activity. ### **Key Neurorights** ![What are Neurorights? | Five Neurorights | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/image-14.png) - **Mental Privacy**: Protects individuals from unauthorized access to their thoughts and neural data. - **Personal Identity**: Ensures that neurotechnologies do not alter an individual's sense of self or personal identity. - **Free Will**: Safeguards the autonomy of individuals, ensuring that their decisions and actions are not unduly influenced by external neurotechnological interventions. - **Equal Access**: Advocates for equitable access to neurotechnologies, preventing socio-economic disparities in their availability and use. - **Protection from Algorithmic Bias**: Ensures that AI and algorithms used in neurotechnologies do not perpetuate biases or discrimination. ### **Technological Context** - **Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs)**: Devices that enable direct communication between the brain and external devices. Companies like Neuralink, Synchron, and Precision Neuroscience are at the forefront of developing BCIs. - **Electroencephalography (EEG)**: A technology that records electrical activity of the brain, used in both medical and research settings. - **Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)**: A medical procedure involving the implantation of electrodes in the brain to treat neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease. ### **Ethical Concerns** - **Privacy**: Unauthorized access to neural data could lead to breaches of mental privacy, exposing individuals' thoughts and intentions. - **Manipulation**: There is a risk that neurotechnologies could be used to manipulate thoughts, emotions, or behaviors, infringing on personal autonomy. - **Identity**: Alterations to brain function could impact an individual's sense of self, raising concerns about identity and authenticity. - **Equity**: Disparities in access to neurotechnologies could exacerbate existing social inequalities. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/1.-UPSCprep-Banner-4.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- Neurotechnology, encompassing devices and methods that interact with the nervous system, holds immense potential for both medical and non-medical applications. However, it also presents significant risks that need to be carefully managed. Here’s a detailed overview: ### **Potential Benefits** 1. **Medical Advancements** - **Treatment of Neurological Disorders**: Neurotechnologies like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) can treat conditions such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and depression. - **Rehabilitation**: BCIs can aid in the rehabilitation of stroke patients by helping them regain motor functions. - **Prosthetics Control**: BCIs enable individuals with amputations to control prosthetic limbs using their thoughts, significantly improving their quality of life. 2. **Enhanced Cognitive Abilities** - **Memory Enhancement**: Research is ongoing into technologies that could enhance memory and cognitive functions, potentially benefiting individuals with memory impairments. - **Learning and Skill Acquisition**: Neurotechnologies could accelerate learning processes and skill acquisition, offering new educational tools. 3. **Communication** - **Assistive Communication Devices**: For individuals with severe disabilities, BCIs can facilitate communication by translating neural signals into speech or text. - **Restoration of Speech**: Technologies are being developed to help individuals who have lost the ability to speak due to conditions like ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). 4. **Mental Health** - **Mood Regulation**: Neurostimulation techniques can help regulate mood and treat mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. - **Addiction Treatment**: Neurotechnologies can be used to modulate brain circuits involved in addiction, offering new treatment avenues. 5. **Research and Understanding** - **Brain Mapping**: Advanced neurotechnologies enable detailed mapping of brain functions, contributing to our understanding of the brain and its disorders. - **Neuroscience Research**: These technologies provide powerful tools for studying brain activity and developing new treatments for neurological conditions. ### **Potential Risks** - **Privacy Concerns** - **Mental Privacy**: Unauthorized access to neural data could lead to breaches of mental privacy, exposing individuals' thoughts and intentions. - **Data Security**: The sensitive nature of neural data necessitates robust security measures to prevent hacking and misuse. - **Ethical and Social Implications** - **Manipulation**: There is a risk that neurotechnologies could be used to manipulate thoughts, emotions, or behaviors, infringing on personal autonomy. - **Identity and Authenticity**: Alterations to brain function could impact an individual's sense of self, raising concerns about identity and authenticity. - **Consent**: Ensuring informed consent for neurotechnology interventions, especially in vulnerable populations, is a significant ethical challenge. - **Health Risks** - **Surgical Risks**: Implantable neurotechnologies involve surgical procedures that carry risks such as infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions. - **Long-term Effects**: The long-term effects of neurotechnologies on brain health are not fully understood, necessitating ongoing research and monitoring. - **Equity and Access** - **Disparities in Access**: Socio-economic disparities could limit access to beneficial neurotechnologies, exacerbating existing inequalities. - **Cost**: High costs associated with advanced neurotechnologies could restrict their availability to affluent individuals or regions. - **Regulatory and Legal Challenges** - **Lack of Regulation**: Rapid advancements in neurotechnology may outpace regulatory frameworks, leading to gaps in oversight and protection. - **Legal Accountability**: Determining legal accountability for actions influenced by neurotechnologies presents complex legal challenges. - **Psychological Impact** - **Dependence**: Over-reliance on neurotechnologies could lead to psychological dependence and reduced natural cognitive abilities. - **Mental Health**: The use of neurotechnologies could have unintended psychological effects, such as anxiety or altered self-perception. ### **Legal and Policy Frameworks** - **International Initiatives**: Countries like Chile have proposed constitutional amendments to include neurorights, making it the first country to take such a step. - **Regulatory Bodies**: Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) are beginning to address the implications of neurotechnologies. - **National Policies**: Different countries are at various stages of developing policies to regulate neurotechnologies and protect neurorights. ### **Future Directions** ![Neurotechnology Future | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/image-13.png) - **Research and Development**: Ongoing research is crucial to understand the full implications of neurotechnologies and develop safeguards. - **Public Awareness**: Educating the public about neurorights and the ethical implications of neurotechnologies is essential. - **Interdisciplinary Collaboration**: Collaboration between neuroscientists, ethicists, policymakers, and technologists is necessary to create comprehensive frameworks for neurorights. ### **Conclusion** Neurorights represent a critical area of focus as neurotechnologies continue to advance. Protecting mental privacy, personal identity, and free will is essential to ensure that these technologies benefit society without compromising fundamental human rights. As this field evolves, continuous dialogue and proactive policy-making will be key to addressing the ethical and legal challenges posed by neurotechnologies. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Mains-Focus-Group-0T.png) #### Mains Focus Group 2024 (Without Answer Writing) A beacon you need for UPSC Mains [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-2024-without-test-series/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Indian Society 03) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-1-indian-society-03/ Last updated: 2024-07-16T20:34:16.000Z **Subject:** GS 1 **Syllabus:** Indian Society ### Questions 1. Urbanization and development redistribution must go hand in hand if the next phase of urbanization is to achieve equity and inclusiveness in India. (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. Though India is largely a peace-loving nation. Cases of communalisation of Indian society surface now and then. What are the factors behind it? Elaborate on the steps needed to ensure harmony and tolerance. (250 words, 15 marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Indian Society 03)Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Indian Society 03).pdf784 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/07/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-1--Indian-Society-03--1.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Urbanization and development redistribution must go hand in hand if the next phase of urbanization is to achieve equity and inclusiveness in India. (150 Words, 10 Marks)** **Introduction:** - As India is moving towards NEW INDIA, it is witnessing changes from modernisation and industrialisation. All the changes led to the urbanization of the country, and it is the reflection of the overall development process. ***or*** - Urbanization is the induced process of moving towards cities, changing the modes of production from agriculture to industry and service-based. It is often observed that urban development leads to a skewed distribution of wealth. Some people reap the benefits of urbanization, while some are left out in the process. **Man Body:** **Development and its distribution must go hand in hand because:** - **Intra-city divide promotes class divide:** The stratification of cities in the form of North Delhi- South Delhi, North Bombay- South Bombay. - This leads to the division of geography in class, thus leading to the development of anti-social elements to change the status quo. - **Urban-Rural divides:** to avoid migration and overcrowding of the cities. - **Quality of life:** India’s GDP and per capita income are on the rise, yet the quality of services like healthcare, education, and public services lag in our society. - This is due to improper channelising of fruits of urban development into developmental sectors. - **Internal security concerns:** The primary cause of Naxalism lies in the fact of underdevelopment of tribal areas and hinterlands. **Challenges in achieving equity and inclusiveness in India:** - **Financing:** The total investment in smart cities has gone around Rs 1 Lakh Crore. - Thus, banks and other financial institutions are hesitant about such a large scale of investment. - **Lack of center-state coordination:** The parallel bodies in the form of third-tier (generally municipal bodies) and specialized institutions (state bodies like city transport) are not in tandem with each other. - This was highlighted recently in the Bangalore protest. - **Absence of a forward-looking plan:** Centers and states have a plan of urbanization with select projects and not a coherent national framework with a vision. - For example, International Financial City is to be established in Gujarat, but its relation with current financial capital is unclear. **Some Steps taken by the government:** - **Smart City Mission:** Smart cities are being developed in core infrastructure so as to provide a decent quality of health, education, and other services to all its citizenry despite their income. - **PM AWAS Yojana:** Slums are the major concerns of urbanization; this affects both the physical and mental aspects of the people. PM AWAS Yojana intends to provide housing for all by 2022. - **RURBAN Mission:** The mission aims to reduce the rural-urban divide with an emphasis on employment and infrastructure creation in rural areas to prevent migration. **Conclusion:** - It is quite clear that urbanization, whenever it happens, is bound to create socio economic problems. It is the role of governments and administrations to counter such challenges in a planned and scientific manner so that the fruits of development are shared equitably. --- **Q2\. Though India is largely a peace-loving nation. Cases of communalisation of Indian society surface now and then. What are the factors behind it? Elaborate on the steps needed to ensure harmony and tolerance. (250 words, 15 marks)** **Introduction:** - **Communalism** is a feeling of strong allegiance to one’s ethnic group rather than to society as a whole. The basis of allegiance may be: such as language, ethnicity, region, religion etc. In India, communalism as a social phenomenon is based on mutual religious hatred. **Main Body:** - **Recent incidents** - Hubballi city in north Karnataka **saw a communal flare-up recently**, the trigger being an inflammatory social media post. - Communal clashes broke out in northwest Delhi’s Jahangirpuri recently during a Hanuman Jayanti procession. - **Factors responsible for the growth of Communalism in India:** - **Economic: Poverty:** - Mass poverty and unemployment create a sense of frustration among the people. It generates backwardness, illiteracy, ignorance, etc. - The unemployed youth of both communities can be easily trapped by religious fundamentalists and fanatics. They are used by them to cause communal riots. The weak economic status often breeds communalism. - **Historic:** - **British rule:** On the basis of the “**Two Nation**” theory of Jinnah, India was partitioned. The “Divide and Rule” policy of the British Government served their colonial interest. The partition of India was the outcome of their politics. - **Presence of Communal Parties:** Religion in India has become an important agency of political socialization. A number of communal and sectarian political parties and organizations are present in India. Muslim League, Jamaat—Islami, Hindu Mahasabha, Akali Dal, and Vishwa Hindu Parishad are directly or indirectly responsible for the emergence of communalism. - **Isolation of Muslims:** Indian Muslims have developed a tendency of isolationism even long after the creation of Pakistan. They remain aloof from the mainstream of national politics. - **Hindu Chauvinism:** The growth of Hindu chauvinistic attitudes have further strengthened the communal tensions in India. The Hindu religious groups like Shiv Sena, Hindu Mahasabha, and Vishwa Hindu Parisad often pressurise the government to take steps suitable to the interest of Hindus. - **Social Cause:** - The two major communities of India have been suspicious of each other. The Muslims complain about the threat of the Hindu majority. - **Cross-Border factors:** Communal tensions in India sometimes are highly intensified due to the rule of two neighbouring theocratic countries. These countries try to create communal problems in the border states. The communal problems of Punjab and Jammu Kashmir are caused due to provocation of Pakistan. - **Political:** Both the Union and the State Governments often fail to prevent communalism in the country. Due to a lack of prior information, they fail to take any preventive measures. Also cases of vote bank politics. - **Steps to check the growth of Communalism:** - **Economic:** - Poverty is one of the major factors for communal violence. Poverty alleviation measures are thus important for promoting communal harmony. - **Eradicating the problem of unemployment** among the youths, illiteracy and poverty and that too with honesty and without any discrimination. - Reducing educational and economic backwardness of minorities like Muslims. - This can uplift their socio-economic status and reduce their deprivation compared to Hindus (Sachar committee). - **Social:** - The religious leaders and preachers should promote rational and practical things through religion promoting peace and security. - Children in schools must be taught through textbooks and pamphlets to maintain brotherhood and respect for all religions. - Creating awareness in the society about the ill effects of communism through mass media. - **Political:** - Political communism should be avoided recent Supreme court’s directives. - Identification and mapping of riot prone areas. For Example, Delhi police used drones to monitor to maintain vigil during communal festivals. - **Media, movies and other cultural platforms** can be influential in promoting peace and harmony. - **Social Media** should be monitored for **violent and repulsive content** and taken off immediately. - **Recommendations of Committee on National Integration** - Joint celebration of community festivals. - Observing restraint by Hindus while taking processions before the mosques. - Formation of peace and brotherhood communities at the local level to prevent anti-social elements from engaging in communal riots. - Respect for religious customs, rituals and practices. **Conclusion:** - Jawaharlal Nehru had pointed out the issue and termed it as the greatest danger. And so he said that anyone who loves India would hate communalism and anyone who hates India would love communalism. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/CSAT.png) #### Target CSAT A Comprehensive course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/target-csat-uxpbrq4hsrcs/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Indian Society 02) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-1-indian-society-02/ Last updated: 2024-07-16T20:29:37.000Z **Subject:** GS 1 **Syllabus:** Indian Society ### Questions 1. The RAISE (Responsible AI for Social Empowerment) 2020 summit has brought issues around Artificial Intelligence (AI) to the centre of policy discussions. In this background, elucidate the multidimensional effects AI would create on society. (250 words, 15 marks) 2. Improved availability of assistive aids and accessibility to social infrastructure is necessary to ensure improvements in the lives of the specially-abled (divyang) persons. Discuss. (250 words, 15 marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Indian Society 02)Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Indian Society 02).pdf1017 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/07/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-1--Indian-Society-02--1.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. The RAISE (Responsible AI for Social Empowerment) 2020 summit has brought issues around Artificial Intelligence (AI) to the centre of policy discussions. In this background, elucidate the multidimensional effects AI would create on society. (250 words, 15 marks)** **Introduction** - It’s estimated artificial intelligence (AI) will add as much as $15.7 trillion (more than Rs 1214 lakh crore) to the global economy by 2030\. RAISE 2020 will be a global meeting of minds to exchange ideas and chart a course for using AI for social transformation, inclusion and empowerment in areas like Healthcare, Agriculture, Education and Smart Mobility, among other sectors. **Main Body:** - **Impact of Artificial Intelligence on society:** - India is well-positioned to become a global leader in the development of artificial intelligence. Industry analysts predict that **AI could add up to $957 billion to India’s economy by 2035.** - From agriculture to fin-tech and healthcare to infrastructure, artificial intelligence can be a truly transformative force. India is uniquely positioned to become the **AI laboratory of** the world and contribute to inclusive development and growth through empowerment. - The Summit aims to help create a **data-rich environment,** which is a stepping stone to eventually transforming lives globally. - RAISE 2020 is a first-of-its-kind, global meeting of minds on Artificial Intelligence to drive India's vision and roadmap for social transformation, inclusion and empowerment through responsible AI. - **Challenges:** - **Advanced nations vs developing nations:** If current trends continue, much of this **new wealth will be owned and controlled by corporations and individuals based in China and the United States,** as well as by the national governments that represent them. - But technological superiority by great powers **undermines** the **positive potential of AI for** the majority of the world’s population, **particularly in developing economies.** - **The US and China account for more than 94 per cent** of funding for AI startups over the past five years and **half of the world’s hyper-scale data centres.** - The **two countries** possess roughly **90 per cent of the market capitalisation** of the world’s 70 largest digital platforms, controlling a large proportion of cross-border data flows. - The nations **that own and control AI platforms and the data that powers** them stand to **dominate the global economy for decades to come.** - **Experts in the field** are also mostly from **developed economies.** They enjoy a **disproportionate representatio**n in the industry bodies that develop the **standards and technical protocol**s that shape the **international regulations for AI,** often at the **expense** of the d**iffering needs of developing economies.** - **Lacks coordination:** Over 160 sets of AI ethics and governance frameworks have so far been developed by policymakers, think tanks, and activists. Still, there are **no platforms to coordinate these initiatives**, or measures to ensure national governments align AI regulations and norms across international boundaries. - The growing divide has implications for **developing economies marginalized** by the emerging AI sector. - **Measures to prevent domination of few in AI field:** - A recently released report from a working group convened by the Paris Peace Forum says an open, **international dialogue on equitable AI governance** could help set up global regulations. - Governments of developing economies can remedy the widening imbalance between data providers and data collectors **by creating incentives for foreign tech companies to invest in domestic research and development facilities** to amplify local AI capabilities. - It is also important **to deter ‘brain drain’, where top experts leave their homes to pursue international opportunities**, by promoting incentives such as funds for innovation and R&D to retain and further develop domestic talent. **Conclusion:** - In the spirit of **‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’**, honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi plans to leverage AI for inclusive development, representing the country's 'AI for All' strategy. Directed by the Prime Minister’s vision, India will soon stand out in the international community not just as a leader in the Artificial Intelligence field, but also as a model to show the world how to responsibly direct AI for social empowerment. - The benefits of AI are plenty, but mitigating the potential harm is crucial. An international dialogue, focused on results, can create an equitable distribution of AI technologies. --- **Q2\. Improved availability of assistive aids and accessibility to social infrastructure is necessary to ensure improvements in the lives of the specially-abled (divyang) persons. Discuss. (250 words, 15 marks)** **Introduction** - The “**Global Report on Assistive Technology, by the World Health Organisation and UNICEF, says:** More than 2.5 billion people need one or more assistive products, such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, or apps that support communication and cognition and yet a billion of them are denied access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where access can be as low as 3% of the need for these life-changing products. - The 2011 Census puts the national estimate of the number of people with disabilities at 2.21% of the total population (26.8 million persons), including persons with visual, hearing, speech, locomotor and mental disabilities with the majority in the 19-59 age group. **The country’s disabled population increased by 22.4% between the 2001 and 2011 census periods; the total population increased by 17.6% however.** **Main Body:** - **What is Assistive Technology(AT)?** - Assistive technology(AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software program or product system that is used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities. - These include a very wide range of technologies and devices such as prosthetics, braces, walkers, special switches, special-purpose computers, screen readers and specialized curricular software. ) ![disabled](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXd2lmBxGRmkiThkTeSSFpKIdxGwE5WSxi_o-JwDeK37e4d_s4iKNIULi-86qFWaXBl3goLG6UtSksNT5z5sSY8_T-4sTPyovQ4-n5WSxbu4J4-c5Lt1XKNJp5_qUHmHRDcWPmA14jSMoBeKxZ46By7iXVU?key=Lat7axZwbAkpqxSqi8TXKg) - **Importance of Assistive Aids:** - Assistive technology is a life changer — it opens the door to education for children with impairments, employment and social interaction for adults living with disabilities, and independent life of dignity for older persons. - **a Large Number of People in Need of Assistive Products in Future:** The number of people in need of one or more assistive products is likely to rise to 3.5 billion by 2050 due to the ageing population and the prevalence of non-communicable diseases rising across the world. - **Large Gaps in Service Provision and Trained Workforce:** A survey of 70 countries found large gaps in service provision and trained workforce for assistive technology, especially in the domains of cognition, communication and self-care. - It is estimated that approximately one in every 10 children in the world has a disability and less than 10% of children with disabilities in low-income countries go to school. - **Barriers to assistive products:** - **Lack of assistive products:** - More than 2.5 billion people need one or more assistive products, such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, or apps that support communication and cognition. - denying people access to these life-changing tools is not only an infringement of human rights. - Barriers to access and coverage, in the context of AT, are best understood as the 5Ps: - **People Denied Assistive Products:** A billion of them are denied access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where access can be as low as 3% of the need for these life-changing products. - **Products**: Range, quality, affordability and supply of assistive products continue to be enormous challenges. Quality and standards issues such as safety, performance and durability are key concerns. - **Lack of coordination systems** to facilitate information, referral, procurement and delivery of assistive products in humanitarian crises, particularly for children. - **Policy**: A survey of more than 60 countries reported at least one government Ministry or authority responsible for access to AT with almost 90% having at least one piece of legislation on access to AT; however, current levels of access imply a long road to universal AT access. - **Poor implementation of policies and schemes hinders the inclusion of disabled persons.** Though various acts and schemes have been laid down to empower the disabled, their enforcement faces many challenges. **Way Forward:** - The Assistance to Disabled persons for purchasing/fitting of aids/appliances (ADIP) scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. - It aims to assist the needy disabled persons in procuring durable, sophisticated and scientifically manufactured, modern, standard aids and appliances that can promote their physical, social and psychological rehabilitation, by reducing the effects of disabilities and enhancing their economic potential. - People with disabilities need to be better integrated into society by overcoming stigma. - **Financing mechanisms are critical:** loans, instalments or rebate system, including refurbishment and reuse of assistive products; the reduction and if possible, elimination of tariffs and taxes on internationally and locally produced and/or procured assistive products. **Conclusion:** - **Thus** with improved assistive technologies, the specially-abled can be provided with better opportunities and lead a quality life. For “*Being disabled should not mean being disqualified from having access to every aspect of life.”* --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Write1y.png) #### Write UnLimited Course (1 Year) Write answers from any source, we will evaluate them for you. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/write-unlimited-course-1-year/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Indian Society 01) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-1-indian-society-01/ Last updated: 2024-07-16T20:24:28.000Z **Subject:** GS 1 **Syllabus:** Indian Society ### Questions 1. Analyze the factors contributing to the disproportionate impact of poverty on women in India. Further, suggest strategies to empower women, enhance their economic participation, ensuring inclusive and sustainable development. (250 Words, 15 Marks) 2. While the West is curtailing abortion rights, various laws and policies in India are giving new means towards women empowerment (Nari Shakti). Critically analyse. (250 Words, 15 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Indian Society 01)Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Indian Society 01).pdf953 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/07/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-1--Indian-Society-01--1.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Analyze the factors contributing to the disproportionate impact of poverty on women in India. Further, suggest strategies to empower women, enhance their economic participation, ensuring inclusive and sustainable development. (250 Words, 15 Marks)** **Introduction** - **Context-based:** The disproportionate impact of poverty on women in India is influenced by a combination of social, economic, and cultural factors. These factors contribute to gender inequality, limited access to resources, and barriers to economic participation. **Main Body** **Factors contributing to the disproportionate impact of poverty on women in India** 1. **Gender Discrimination:** Deep-rooted gender biases and discriminatory practices perpetuate inequalities in education, employment, and decision-making. (E.g. The stereotype that women ‘belong’ to the ‘kitchen’ only) 2. **Lack of Education:** Limited access to quality education and lower literacy rates among women impede their economic prospects. (E.g. many girls are not sent to school after primary stage) 3. **Limited Access to Resources:** Women in India often face barriers to accessing land, credit, and financial services. (E.g. Many women, despite being financially independent, are not given loans without the signature of their husband or father) 4. **Unpaid Care Work:** Women in India shoulder a disproportionate burden of unpaid care work, including household chores, childcare, and eldercare. 5. **Social Norms and Cultural Constraints:** Traditional gender roles, social norms, and cultural practices shape women's roles and opportunities. **Strategies to empower women, and enhance their economic participation** 1. **Education and Skill Development:** Promote vocational training, entrepreneurship development, and STEM education to enable women to participate in a wide range of economic sectors. (Example - Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)) 2. **Economic Empowerment Programs:** Implement targeted programs that provide financial literacy, access to credit, and entrepreneurship support for women. 3. **Address Unpaid Care Work:** Recognize and redistribute the burden of unpaid care work through policies such as affordable and quality childcare facilities, parental leave, and promoting shared household responsibilities. 4. **Land and Property Rights:** Ensure equal land and property rights for women through legal reforms and awareness campaigns. 5. **Gender-Responsive Employment Practices:** Encourage private and public sectors to adopt gender-responsive policies such as flexible working hours, safe working environments, and maternity benefits. 6. **Social Awareness and Behavior Change:** Launch awareness campaigns to challenge gender stereotypes, promote gender equality, and shift societal attitudes towards women's empowerment. 7. **Strengthening Social Safety Nets:** Expand social protection programs targeting vulnerable women, including widows, single mothers, and marginalized communities. **Conclusion** - By addressing these factors and implementing comprehensive strategies, India can create an enabling environment for women's empowerment, enhance their economic participation, and work towards inclusive and sustainable development. - Empowered women contribute to stronger economies, improved living standards, and a more equitable society. --- **Q2\. While the West is curtailing abortion rights, various laws and policies in India are giving new means towards women empowerment (Nari Shakti). Critically analyse. (250 words, 15 marks)** **Model StructureIntroduction** - The U.S. stands at that fraught juncture now, after its Supreme Court, overturned the **1973 ruling in Roe vs Wade,** and took away the **constitutional right to abortion.** It withdrew from women anywhere in the country their **right to reproductive and bodily autonomy.** **Main Body:** - **Background** - The fight over abortion has been the U.S.’s most passionately waged ideological battle. - However in India several measures have been in place: - **About Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act in India** - **Features** - The Act permits abortion to be **allowed up to 20 weeks on the opinion of just one medical practitioner.** - To terminate pregnancies **between 20 and 24 weeks**, the opinion of two doctors is required. This extension of the **gestation period up to 24 weeks is given for special categories of women such as rape/incest victims, differently-abled women and minors.** - For abortions beyond **24 weeks, a state-level Medical Board** will decide if it can be permitted, in case of substantial foetal abnormalities. - The Board will consist of a **gynaecologist, a paediatrician, a radiologist or sonographer** and any other number of members as notified by the state government. - **Surrogacy Regulation Act** - **Features** - The Act sought to **regulate the surrogacy part** of a rather **flourishing infertility industry** in the country. - **Defining ‘surrogacy’** as a practice where a **woman undertakes to give birth to a child for another couple a**nd agrees to hand over the child to them after birth, **it allows ‘altruistic surrogacy’** — wherein only the medical expenses and insurance coverage are provided by the couple to the surrogate mother during pregnancy - **Prohibition of Child Marriage (Amendment) Bill** - By amending the **Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006 and other personal law**, the legal age of marriage of women will be **raised from 18 to 21 years.** - **Positive outcomes:** - It will provide greater **reproductive rights to women as abortio**n is **considered** an important aspect of the **reproductive health** of women. - **Deaths and injuries from unsafe abortions are largely preventable** provided services are performed legally by trained practitioners. - Raising the upper limit of legal abortions from **20 weeks to 24 weeks for** **“special categories of women”**, including rape and incest survivors, other vulnerable women, and children. - It will completely be removing the upper gestation limit for abortion in the cases of substantial foetal abnormalities and will help many more seek safe and legal abortion services. - **Allowing all women, and not just married ones, to legally seek abortions,** and striking out the need for the opinion of a second registered practitioner for aborting pregnancies up to 20 weeks - **However limitations being:** - **Son meta-preference:** The preference for a male child keeps sex determination centres in business despite their illegal status. There are concerns that a more liberal abortion law can aggravate this state of affairs. - **Foetal Viability:** A key aspect of the legality governing abortions has always been the ‘viability’ of the foetus. Viability implies the period from which a foetus is capable of living outside the womb. **Conclusion:** - While the West is curtailing abortion rights, India is extending the ceiling of permissible abortions. By proposing to revise the permissible marriageable age, the government has held men and women to the same, unbiased standards. Even as the West retrogresses, India shows the path to a progressive society. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Mains-Test-Series.png) #### Mains Test Series 2025 (31 Tests) + Mentorship Not just a test series but complete guide to answer writing [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-test-series-2025-31-tests-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (World History) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-1-world-history/ Last updated: 2024-07-16T20:19:25.000Z **Subject:** GS 1 **Syllabus:** World History ### Questions 1. Industrial revolution demanded integration of economies for smoother movement of raw materials and people. And the post-world war scenario demanded global peace. Discuss how both these events led to formation of various international organizations. (150 words, 10 marks) 2. Evaluate the combination of long-term structural factors and immediate events that contributed to the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789\. (150 Words, 10 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (World History)Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (World History).pdf577 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/07/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-1--World-History--1.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Industrial revolution demanded integration of economies for smoother movement of raw materials and people. And the post-world war scenario demanded global peace. Discuss how both these events led to formation of various international organizations.** **(150 words, 10 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction** - International organizations follow globally accepted rules and laws which aim at cooperation and coordination from political, socio-economic, and cultural perspective. Violation of various pacts and conventions which led to chaos in the international system from the 1910s to 1930s and the devastation it brought led to the rise of the international organizations. **Main Body** - The initiative was taken by major powers of those times like the USA and UK with cooperation of other countries like France, USSR, Germany etc. Chronological formation of these organizations can be understood by- - The First World War and its aftermath saw huge public support for an international organization and thus the League of Nations was formed. Woodrow Wilson’s 14 points focused on world peace and the result was formation of the Refugee Organization and Mandates Commission by the League of Nations. - But there were inherent weaknesses in the League like absence of enforceable rights and no military structure. Major powers like the USA, USSR and Germany did not join it and Japan quit it later resulting in World War II. - World War II saw the formation of the United Nations with foundation laid by the Atlantic Charter and Bretton Woods conferences. A new multilateral order was sought to be created and it has been by and large successful in maintaining international peace, cooperation, resolving global issues etc. - Another body is the World Health Organization which deals with global health issues and played a noticeable part in the recent covid pandemic. - The Non-Proliferation Treaty to combat nuclear weapons institutionalized non-proliferation and de-legitimised ‘proliferation’ of nuclear weapons and fissile materials in 1970. - For global trade and uniformity in rules, the World Trade Organization came into being which also owes its genesis to Bretton Woods Conference. It aims to lower trade barriers and fosters smooth trade based on principle of non-discrimination. - Trade interests vary region wise so there are many region specific trade bodies like the European Union, Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, OPEC etc. - There are many Multilateral Export Control Regimes which are voluntary and non-binding and focus on preventing Weapons of Mass Destruction. They include Nuclear Suppliers Group, The Australia Group, Missile Technology Control Regime and The Wassenaar Arrangement. **Conclusion** - Thus, the world-wars gave the much-needed impetus to the formation of international organizations to promote global order and peace. At times, they have succeeded and have faced challenges in attaining the objectives they were created with. --- **Q2\. Evaluate the combination of long-term structural factors and immediate events that contributed to the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789\. (150 Words, 10 Marks)** **Introduction** - The French Revolution was the watershed event in modern European history that brought about enlightenment principles and democracy, creating a rational and egalitarian society. It started in 1789 and ended in 1799\. (Context-based introduction) **Main Body** **Long-term structural factors that led to French Revolution** 1. Socioeconomic Inequality: Most of the population, including the peasantry and urban workers, faced severe economic hardships while the nobility and clergy enjoyed privileges and exemptions from taxation. The burden of taxation fell disproportionately on the lower classes, exacerbating social tensions. 2. Financial Crisis: France faced a severe financial crisis due to its involvement in costly wars, extravagant court expenditures, and a regressive tax system. 3. Absolutist Monarchy: France had an absolutist monarchy, where the king held ultimate power and authority. 4. Intellectual – The 18th century was marked by a conscious refusal by French thinkers of the ‘Divine Rights Theory’. Philosophers like Rousseau rejected the paradigm of absolute monarchy and promulgated the doctrine of equality of man and sovereignty of people. **Immediate events that led to the outbreak of French Revolution** 1. Estates-General: In an attempt to resolve the financial crisis, King Louis XVI called for the convening of the Estates-General in 1789\. However, the commoners, who represented most of the population, were frustrated by the privileged positions held by the first two estates, which had the power to block reforms. 2. The economic hardship worsened due to poor harvests and rising food prices, leading to food shortages and increased suffering among the lower classes. 3. Rumours of royal conspiracies, the dismissal of reform-minded ministers, and the deployment of troops in Paris further aggravated the public's frustration. 4. The Storming of the Bastille: On July 14, 1789, Parisians stormed the Bastille, a symbol of royal authority and repression. This event, sparked by a combination of political and economic grievances, marked a turning point and led to a surge in popular uprising throughout the country. **Conclusion** - Therefore, the French Revolution that introduced the values of **‘Liberty, Equality and Fraternity’**, resulted in the overthrow of the monarchy, the rise of radical political factions, societal upheaval, and the eventual spread of revolutionary ideals across Europe was a culmination of long term structural factors as well as immediate events. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Mains-Focus-Group-21T.png) #### Mains Focus Group 2024 (21 Tests) A beacon for your UPSC Mains Preparation [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/mains-focus-group-2024-21-tests/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Post Independence History) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-1-post-independence-history/ Last updated: 2024-07-16T20:14:07.000Z **Subject:** GS 1 **Syllabus:** Post-Independence History ### Questions 1. Evaluate the impact and contribution of science and technology in India's Post-Independence era, specifically in steering the nation towards modernity. (150 Words, 10 Marks) 2. Integration of tribals with the mainstream population post-independence was a difficult task due to multiple challenges and differing viewpoints. Elaborate. (250 Words, 15 Marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Post Independence History)Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Post Independence History).pdf683 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/07/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-1--Post-Independence-History--1.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Evaluate the impact and contribution of science and technology in India's Post-Independence era, specifically in steering the nation towards modernity. (10 Marks, 150 Words)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - Former PM Nehru Ji emphasised the importance of science and technology in solving India's problems, leading to the Lok Sabha passing the Scientific Policy Resolution in March 1958, recognizing their role in the country's overall advancement. **Main Body:** - **Role played by science and technology in the post-Independence:** - **Industrialization:** Nehru initiated a strong industrial base, leading to the adoption of multiple Industrial Policy Resolutions/Statements in 1948, 1956, 1973, 1977, 1980, and 1991. - **Rapid agriculture development:** The first five-year plan focused on the agrarian sector, with investments in dams, irrigation, and related areas. - It led to the development of sectors like irrigation and energy, agriculture and community development, transport and communications, and other sectors and services. - **The ICAR pioneered the Green Revolution in the 1970s,** leading to substantial agricultural advancements in India. - The ICAR has also played a major role in promoting excellence in higher education in agriculture. - **Space technology:** In 1962, the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), together with a Rocket Launching Facility at Thumba (TERLS), was established. - It laid the foundation for future space technology development in the country. - **Technical Education:** In 1952, the first of the five institutes of technology, patterned after the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was set up at Kharagpur. - **Atomic Energy:** Led by Homi J. Bhabha, the Atomic Energy Commission was formed in August 1948\. - The Department of Atomic Energy, established in 1954, saw the first criticality of India's nuclear reactor in Trombay in August 1956\. - These institutions were instrumental in India's nuclear state status. - India adopted scientific temper and secularism as a foundation of new India and **dams as the temples of modern India.** - A **change over to decimal coinage and a metric system of weights and measures**, in line with international standards, was made in phases between 1955 and 1962. **Conclusion:** - The Indian government, through initiatives such as the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Policy-2013 and the New Education Policy 2020, aims to elevate India to the ranks of the world's leading scientific powers. These policies also seek to promote scientific temperament among the country's people. - The 21st-century technological advancements were made on the technological developments made in the past century. --- **Q2\. Integration of tribals with the mainstream population post-independence was a difficult task due to multiple challenges and differing viewpoints. Elaborate. (250 Words, 15 Marks)** **Model StructureIntroduction:** - The task of integrating the tribal people into the mainstream was extremely complex as they live under varied conditions in different parts of the country, with their different languages and distinct cultures. **Main Body:** - The **challenges of integration of tribals** include: - **Relative isolation:** Tribals of India reside mostly in the hilly and forest areas - Their tradition, habits, culture etc. are different from that of the non-tribal population. - **Classification problem:** Tribal groups as a whole are not a static community but a community in transition. - It was necessary for them to benefit from welfare measures and affirmative actions. - **Conflict between governmental policies and tribal way of life:** Forest laws- - Banned shifting cultivation. - Put restrictions regarding the use of forest and access to forest products. - **Loss of confidence in the state:** Due to colonial policies of exploitation,the tribals lost confidence in the state. - **Demand of autonomy and secession:** - The non-Assamese felt that the Assamese government was imposing Assamese language on them. (Prior 1972). - Secessionist movements in Mizoram, Nagaland etc. post reorganisation in 1972. - **Differing viewpoints** regarding integration of tribals: - **Isolationist approach:** Entry of non-tribals should be regulated or prohibited in tribal regions as their culture gets disturbed. - **Assimilation approach:** Integration of tribals with the mainstream society would result in their progress. - **Integrationist approach:** Jawaharlal Nehru formulated the middle path principle. - **Efforts for Tribal integration:** - Provisions within the Constitution to protect the interests of the tribes such as **Articles 29, 46, 330, 332 etc.** - Several tribal-specific initiatives such as - **Vandhan Yojana**. - Special Central Assistance to **Tribal Sub Plan**. - Residential schools for tribal students like **Ashram schools** etc. **Way forward**: (Tribal Panchsheel points can be used for any question on Tribals). - They should develop along the lines of their own genius and the **imposition of alien values should be avoided**. - **Tribal rights** regarding land and forest should be respected. - Team of tribals should be **trained in the work of administration and development.** - Tribal areas should not be administered or overwhelmed with a multiplicity of schemes. - Results of any scheme should be judged not by statistics or the amount of money spent, but by the human character that is evolved. **Conclusion:** - Ms. Draupadi Murmu, a tribal leader contesting for the highest position in Indian polity will strengthen the Tribal integration efforts and will help in realising the dream of **Sabka sath, Sabka Vikas**. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/GS-Basics.png) #### GS Basics + Mentorship A comprehensive Course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/gs-basics-mentorship/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Modern Indian History 02) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-1-modern-indian-history-02/ Last updated: 2024-07-16T20:04:17.000Z **Subject:** GS 1 **Syllabus:** Modern Indian History ### Questions 1. The economic policies implemented by the British resulted in a rapid transformation of India's economy into a colonial economy shaped by the requirements of the British economic system. Discuss the impact and implications of these policies. (10 Marks, 150 Words) 2. In the aftermath of the Khilafat non-cooperation struggle, a series of riots occurred that significantly undermined the concept of Hindu-Muslim unity. In this context, critically evaluate the level of success attained by the Non-Cooperation movement. (15 Marks, 250 Words) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Modern Indian History 02)Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Modern Indian History 02).pdf738 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/07/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-1--Modern-Indian-History-02--1.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. The economic policies implemented by the British resulted in a rapid transformation of India's economy into a colonial economy shaped by the requirements of the British economic system. Discuss the impact and implications of these policies. (10 Marks, 150 Words)** **Model Structure** - **Introduction(1):** At the beginning of the 18th century, the Indian economy accounted for approximately 23% of the global economy. However, over the course of British colonial rule, this share dwindled significantly, plummeting to just 3% by the time of India's independence. - **Introduction(2):** Before British rule in India, the Indian economy operated as a predominantly self-sufficient economy. It boasted a thriving trade in various handicraft items, which were highly sought after in international markets. The policies and economic exploitation implemented by the British significantly impacted India's economic growth and led to a decline in its global economic position. **Main Body:** - **Impact of British economic policies on the Indian Economy:** - **Deindustrialisation:** - **One-Way Free Trade**: After the Charter Act of 1813, which allowed one-way free trade for British citizens, cheap and machine-made imports flooded the Indian market. - **No Modern Industrialisation**: The loss of traditional livelihoods in India was not accompanied by an industrialisation process, as it had been in other rapidly industrialising countries at the time. - **Ruralisation:** Another feature of deindustrialisation was the decline of many cities and the process of ruralisation in India. - An overburdened agriculture sector was a major cause of poverty during British rule, upsetting the village's economic set-up. - **The impoverishment of Peasantry:** - The government had imposed the Permanent Settlement system largely because it was only interested in maximising rents and securing its revenue share. - Rise of Intermediaries, Absentee Landlordism, and Ruin of Old Zamindars - The zamindars' only interests were in the continuation of British rule and in opposing the national movement. - **Famine and Poverty** - These famines were caused not only by a lack of food grains but also by the poverty unleashed by colonial forces in India. - **Destruction of Industry** - The British stopped paying for Indian textiles in pounds, instead paying Bengal revenue at very low rates, further impoverishing the peasants. - A thriving shipbuilding industry was destroyed. Surat and Malabar on the western coast, as well as Bengal and Masulipatnam on the eastern coast, were well-known for their ship-building industries. - The Company granted a monopoly on trade routes to British ships, while Indian merchant ships plying along the coast were subjected to heavy duties. - **Character and structure dictated by demands of the British economy:** - **Industrial Revolution in England:** The Charter Act of 1813 ended the commercial monopoly of the British in India mainly based on the demand of British capitalists. - **Financial capitalism:** Initially, industrialisation in India was discouraged, and modern machine-based industries only came up in the 19th and 20th centuries when British capitalists had accumulated capital for investment. - **War Funding:** British used the Indian economic drain to fund their wars in Africa and Europe. They also used Indian money to pay the salaries of their officials and also to supply food for their army. - **Conclusion(1):** The economic critique of British policies, including the drain of wealth, became a rallying point for Indian intellectuals and nationalists during the moderate phase of the national struggle for independence. It helped foster a greater sense of national consciousness and served as a catalyst for the demand for economic self-sufficiency and control over India's resources. - **Conclusion(2):** The economic policies pursued by the British in India had dire consequences for the peasantry and agricultural sector, resulting in impoverishment and heightened pressure on agriculture. The exploitative nature of these policies, often called the "drain of wealth," contributed to the worsening economic conditions and created a fertile ground for famines to occur in India. --- **Q2\. In the aftermath of the Khilafat non-cooperation struggle, a series of riots occurred that significantly undermined the concept of Hindu-Muslim unity. In this context, critically evaluate the level of success attained by the Non-Cooperation movement. (15 Marks, 250 Words)** **Model Structure** - **Introduction(1):** The Non-cooperation Movement was launched on 5th September 1920 by the Indian National Congress (INC) under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi in the wake of a series of events, including the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and the Khilafat issue. - **Introduction(2):** From 1920 to 1922, Mahatma Gandhi orchestrated the **Non-Cooperation Movement(NCM)**, a strategic campaign aimed at urging the British government in India to grant self-rule, known as Swaraj, to India. This movement marked one of Gandhi's initial and well-planned endeavors to promote widespread civil disobedience, using the principle of Satyagraha. **Main Body:** - **Negative consequences of NCM:** - **Communalisation of politics:** The movement engaged Muslims in the national movement, resulting in communalism rather than nationalist unity. Hindus and Muslims united on religious matters rather than for purely nationalist purposes. - **Violence at Chauri Chaura:** Misunderstanding the principles of non-violence, the movement abruptly ended with the Chauri Chaura incident on February 5, 1922. - **Communal organisations:** the Muslim League, the Hindu Mahasabha and a section of the Swarajists( led by N.C.Kelkar) all started making political alliances on ‘communal’ grounds. - **Shuddi and tabling movement:** The Arya Samaj’s siddhi and Sanga then found parallel in the tabling (propaganda) and Tanzim (organization) of the Muslim League. - **Mappila revolt:** was between Muslim tenants and Hindu landlords. Earlier, it was part of NCM, but later it acquired communal tones and caused large-scale riots. - **Success of the Non-cooperation movement:** - **National schools:** Students left government schools and colleges, and national schools came up like Kashi Vidyapeeth, Jamia milia etc. - **Foreign clothes:** Stops selling foreign clothes were picketed, and foreign clothes were burned. It drastically brought down the import of foreign clothes. - **Peasant movements:** It saw the massive participation of peasants in the nationalist struggle. Many peasant movements like the Kisan Sabha movement, the Eka movement, Mappila revolt took place. - **Women’s participation:** saw the massive participation of women in picketing shops, taking part in processions, and even facing lathi charge, thus a liberating experience for them. - **Unity of Hindu and Muslim:** This movement saw the remarkable unity of Hindu - Muslims, a kind of unity which was never seen and will never be seen. - **Enhanced reach:** The movement reached every nook and corner of the country and politicised every population stratum. **Conclusion:** - The Non-cooperation movement was an important watershed moment in the national struggle, and it was successful in bringing Muslims into the nationalist struggle, but it failed in converting the religious consciousness into secular consciousness. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Write2m.png) #### Write UnLimited Course (2 Months) Write any GS question/essay from any source, and we will evaluate it for you. [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/write-unlimited-course/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Modern Indian History 01) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-1-modern-indian-history-01/ Last updated: 2024-07-16T19:51:31.000Z **Subject:** GS 1 **Syllabus:** Modern Indian History ### Questions 1. The 19th Century is called a period of Indian Renaissance. But this renaissance was an equal product of the efforts of natives and colonial legislations. Discuss. (150 words, 10 marks) 2. Nehru called the Government of India Act, 1935 as, "a machine with strong brakes but no engine". Still, the Government of India Act, 1935 lays the foundation for the Indian constitution. Discuss. (150 words, 10 marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Modern Indian History 01)Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Modern Indian History 01).pdf969 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/07/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-1--Modern-Indian-History-01--1.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. The 19th Century is called a period of Indian Renaissance. But this renaissance was an equal product of the efforts of natives and colonial legislations. Discuss.** **(150 words, 10 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - The advent of English was the ignition for the Renaissance in India. Indians were exposed to scientific thoughts, new discoveries and freethinking, which in turn led to socio intellectual revolution that took place in the nineteenth century in the fields of philosophy, literature, science, politics and social reforms, often known as the Indian Renaissance. ***or*** - The 19th century is a critical period in the history of India; it is often referred to as the Period of Renaissance because of, Rise in modern values like Rationalism, Religious Universalism, Humanism and Secularism Revival of Indian classics- The reawakening of the Indian spirit not only led to a new life in literature but also to a revival of interest in ancient literature and native religion. **Main Body:** **Renaissance as an effort of natives:** - **Changes in the social dogmas:** like the emancipation of women in which sati, infanticide, child marriage and widow re-marriage were taken up. - Reform movements: Movements like Brahma Samaj and Prarthana Samaj and leaders like Swami Vivekananda and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar called to set aside the authority of religion and evaluate truth in any religion by the criteria of logic, reason or science. - Revivalist movements: They were influenced by the rich cultural heritage of India brought to light by Western scholars and found that it was even superior to Western culture. - Role of the Indian press, for ex: Newspapers like SambadKaumudi, Darpan etc., editorialised against Sati, Polytheism, and the Promotion of women's education. - Education as a means of liberation- this can be seen in the rise of colleges like Hindu College, Aligarh Muslim University, Deoband schools etc. - Changing the orthodoxy, many leaders like Jyotiba Phule, Gopal Hari Deshmukh, K.T. Telang, B.M. Malabari, etc., had a two-point agenda—fight for the betterment of the status of women in society and fight to remove disabilities arising out of untouchability. **Renaissance as an Effort of Colonial Legislation:** - **Abolition of Sati:** Regulation XVII of the Government, 1829, the custom of sati was declared illegal and punishable by the Criminal Courts. - The Widow Marriage Act of 1856 was passed, legalising widow marriage and giving status legitimacy to the children of the married widows. - Abolition of Slavery: The slave trade and keeping slaves or trafficking in them became an offence under the Indian Penal Code, enacted in 1860 - Progressive women’s rights: The Age of Consent Bill of 1891 aimed to increase the minimum age of consent for intercourse to 12 years for all girls in the context of rampant child marriages and marital rapes of young girls. - Also, Women's education was given high prominence; this can be seen in steps like the Deccan Education Society, Bethune School, Seva Sadan in Pune, etc. **Conclusion:** - These movements, both by the natives and the colonial masters, emphasised the human intellect’s capacity to think and reason, which in turn helped in building a new society in India. --- **Q2\. Nehru called the Government of India Act, 1935 as "a machine with strong brakes but no engine". Still, Government of India Act, 1935 lays the foundation for the Indian constitution. Discuss.** **(150 words, 10 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction :** - The Government of India Act 1935 was an important act in the history of India. As a result of **Simon commission** and result of various previous acts, the 1935 act was laid . **Main Body:** **It laid foundation to Indian Constitution in following ways:** - It provided for the establishment of an **All India federation** consisting of provinces and princely states as units. Thus, resulting in today’s Union of India . - It **divided the powers** between the centre and units in terms of **three lists- Federal list, provincial list** and the **concurrent list**. Residuary powers were given to the Viceroy. Today, the residuary powers lay with the centre. But the 3 lists continue. - It abolished dyarchy in the provinces and introduced ‘**provincial autonomy’** in its place. The states today are autonomous under federal structure. - The act introduced **responsible government** in provinces, that is, the governor was required to act with the advice of ministers responsible to the provincial legislature. The responsible government continued with parliamentary form of government and no confidence motion. - **Bicameralism** was introduced in six provinces- Bengal, Bombay Madras, Bihar, Assam and the United Provinces. Which continues at centre and few states. - **Council of India** which was established as per the 1858 act was abolished .The secretary of state was instead provided with a team of advisors. - The act provided for setting up the **Federal Public Service Commission**, **Provincial Public Service Commission**, **Joint Public Service Commission**, **Reserve Bank of India**. Which are constitutional and statutory bodies today. - **Setting up of a Federal court:** - A Federal court was also envisaged to be set up under this act so the provisions of the act could be interpreted in case of any disputes. - The supreme court of India , today functions as the federal court. However, some of its provisions which did not continue in new constitution of independent India: - It provided for the adoption of a **dyarchy** at the centre. But, this provision did not come into effect at all. - **Separate electorates** were further extended to depressed classes, women and labour. - **Preamble**, **Fundamental rights** etc. were introduced later **Conclusion:** - The powers of the Legislature were confined and restricted. The Act protected British vested interests, discouraging the emergence of national unity, rather encouraging separation and communalism. All nationalists, including Nehru and Jinnah, condemned the Act. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Basics.png) #### UPSC Essential + 3 year mentorship Comprehensive course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Art and Culture 02) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-1-art-and-culture-02/ Last updated: 2024-07-15T15:04:38.000Z **Subject:** GS 1 **Syllabus:** Art and Culture ### Questions Q1\. Pottery has evolved from crude to highly lustrous North black polished ware. Discuss the evolution of pottery along with the cultural and historical significance of pottery. (10 Marks, 150 Words) Q2\. Introduction of Islamic architectural features saw its intermingling with indigenous architecture which resulted in many similarities and differences. Discuss. (150 words, 10 marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Art and Culture 02)Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Art and Culture 02).pdf573 KBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/07/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-1--Art-and-Culture-02-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Pottery has evolved from crude to highly lustrous North black polished ware. Discuss the evolution of pottery along with the cultural and historical significance of pottery. (150 words, 10 marks)** **Model Structure** - **Introduction(1):** Pottery is important in studying culture and plays a crucial role in reconstructing the past, as it provides valuable insights into the artistic, technological, and sociocultural aspects of ancient civilisations. - **Introduction(2):** Pottery or ceramic art involves the process of shaping hard, brittle materials composed of non-metallic minerals while they are in a moist state, followed by firing them at high temperatures. Common materials used include clay and porcelain. **Main Body:** **Evolution of pottery making in India:** - **Neolithic age:** First reference of pottery in this age. It is hand-made pottery, but during the later period, foot-wheel was also used. - **Chalcolithic age:** It is marked by the occurrence of distinct pottery cultures. Such as Black and red-ware pottery, black-on-red ware and Ochre coloured pottery. - **Harappan civilization:** Pottery traditions that existed during this time include- Polished Ware Pottery with a rough surface, Burial Pottery of Harappa, Ochre coloured pottery (OCP), Black-grey burnished ware, Black-on-red ware, Grey-ware and Painted grey-ware. - **Vedic age:** Pottery traditions that existed during this time include- Painted Grey-ware (PGW), Northern Black Polished ware (NBPW), and megalithic pottery found in Kerala. - **Mauryan period:** The use of the pottery wheel became universal. The most highly developed technology is seen in Northern Black Polished Ware (NBP), which was the hallmark of the preceding and early Mauryan periods. - **Gupta period:** Gupta pottery remains an outstanding proof of the excellence of pottery. The most distinctive class of pottery of this period is the red ware. - **Kushan period:** The characteristic pottery of this phase is marked by a unique red polished ware with stamped design and a large number of dull or sturdy red ware. **The historical significance of Pottery:** - **Decoding Pre-history**: The style of pottery reflects the prevailing socio-economic and environmental conditions. This helps archaeologists and historians understand our past culture. - **Establishing chronology:** The design of pottery, along with Carbon dating of other artefacts, helps to determine the timespan of a particular phase in a particular region and, subsequently, the speed of cultural evolution in that region. - **Language limitation:** It plays a significant role in demystifying cultures where the script was either absent or remains undeciphered. - **Cultural diffusion:** Similarity in pottery design helps to establish possible diffusion of cultural traits. - E.g. Ochre, coloured pottery, which is a feature of the western Gangetic plain, has helped in establishing Parallel linkages with Northwest India. **Cultural Significance of Pottery:** - **Social condition:** NBPW was made of fine fabric and served as tableware for the richer class. - It is found only with the elites reveals societal stratification due to Brahmanical hegemony. - **Technological development:** The design of pottery, its shape, and fineness in structure, whether hand-made or wheel-made, enable us to understand technological development. - For example, evolution from hand-made crude design in the Neolithic to fine wheel-turned NBPW in the Vedic era. - **Economy:** From the Neolithic to Harappa, the size of pottery increased. This indicates a surplus of production and a possible beginning of trade. - **Religious belief:** The prevalence of pottery in graves reflects intentional burial and belief in supernaturals. - E.g. Megalithic potteries. - **Food habits:** Prevalence of carinated vessels with spouts and absence of dishes reflect food consumption in liquid forms. - E.g. Jorwe culture. **Conclusion(1):** The diversity of pottery styles and motifs found across different regions of India contributes to our understanding of the cultural exchange, trade routes, and artistic influences that shaped the ancient civilisation of the subcontinent. **Conclusion(2):** Pottery and the various artistic expressions on pottery vessels provide valuable insights into the mindset and creativity of prehistoric humans. In the context of India, being one of the ancient civilisations, a wide range of pottery forms have been discovered and studied. The study of pottery has played a vital role in establishing cultural linkages between different regions within India, both in terms of North-South and East-West connections. --- **Q2\. Introduction of Islamic architectural features saw its intermingling with indigenous architecture which resulted in many similarities and differences. Discuss. (150 marks, 10 marks)** **Model Structure** (use diagram to enrich this answer) **Introduction** - The Indo-Islamic or Indo-Saracenic architecture involves intermixing of Indian and Islamic style which was a result of Muslim rule in India mainly after 10th century CE. **Main Body** Many structures like minarets and tombs were built from scratch and some were converted from hitherto temple forms which led to this mixture of architectural forms. This can be understood by delineating differences and similarities between both architectures. **The differences include**: - **Style:** Indian architecture is also known as trabeate style with horizontal beams and lintels as important features. Islamic style uses arcuate style which involves hemisphere structured top. - Indian architecture used beams and columns whereas Indo-Islamic architecture has arches, domes and minarets as important features as evident in the Red Fort. - **Walls:** Designs on walls of Indo-Islamic architecture are restricted to calligraphy, floral designs etc while Indian style has diverse designs like images of gods and goddesses, human images, nature etc. - **Geometric Patterns:** Islamic architecture is known for its intricate geometric patterns, such as arabesques, tessellations, and interlacing designs. These patterns were often adopted and adapted by indigenous cultures, finding their way into the decorative elements of buildings, especially in tile work, woodcarvings, and stucco ornamentation. But due to local influences there are many **similarities** also which include- - Local influences like carvings of bell motifs, toranas or gateways, lintels in mehrabs and depiction of trees are seen in both architecture. - Assimilation of both forms was also the result of employing local labor and masons who were previously trained for Indian architecture. - Materials used in few buildings are common because they are made on remnants of previously broken architecture. Like the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque in Qutub Complex. - Building Techniques: Different regions had their construction techniques and craftsmanship traditions. With the introduction of Islamic architectural elements, new construction methods and artistic expressions emerged, leading to differences in how buildings were constructed and adorned. **Conclusion** - Indo-Islamic architecture has played a role in the evolution of modern architecture and created a heritage which has added to our tourism potential. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Basics.png) #### UPSC Essential + 3 year mentorship Comprehensive course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Art and Culture 01) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/daily-answer-writing-gs-1-art-and-culture-01/ Last updated: 2024-07-15T15:28:55.000Z **Subject:** GS 1 **Syllabus:** Art and Culture ### Questions 1. Early Mauryan art and architecture, while depicting ideas of ancient times, successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate. (150 words, 10 marks) 2. The Chola period witnessed remarkable development in sculptures and bronze works. Discuss. (150 words, 10 marks) --- ### Download Model Structures PDF [Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Art and Culture 01)Daily Answer Writing GS 1 (Art and Culture 01).pdf4 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/07/Daily-Answer-Writing-GS-1--Art-and-Culture-01-.pdf "Download") --- ### Model Structures **Q1\. Early Mauryan art and architecture, while depicting ideas of ancient times, successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate.** **(150 words, 10 marks)** **Model Structure** **Introduction:** - The Mauryan contribution to art and architecture was significant. More so towards Buddhism and Jainism development during that period. **Main Body:** **The Mauryan art and architecture depict ideas of ancient times:** - The influence of **Persians and Greeks** on art and architecture. - The Mauryan **pottery** consisted of many types of wares. The black polished type found in North India is important. It has a burnished and glazed surface. - Two of the most famous **sculptures** of the Mauryan period are those of **Yaksha and Yakshi.** Predominance of **rock-cut** architecture. ![](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeiRlzvAAd34Ec9yR9HIu8SAN44sz1w3BK93hmM6NvF84RPxMhKM4V4CGQB3ODnTxkiLhL8LleET6NvkpefjdhY1sjy-LxaVppqqkI0FmbpDBgz2ONQPsLkQhUrRr8_AdpcAgdVkt-ETxkGNojAR7ZVQK2j?key=hSLf_UJIhs1qzop-F3rPkw) **The Mauryan art and architecture depict Buddhist ideals, as:** - Buddha’s relics: preserved in **stupas** - Ashoka built 84,000 stupas to commemorate various events of Buddha’s life. According to Megasthenes, Pataliputra’s grandeur matched that of the cities of Persia. - Due to the popularity of Buddhism and Jainism, **stupas and viharas** were constructed on a large scale. Important one’s being: - **Rajagriha**, **Vaishali**, **Vethadipa** and **Pava** in Bihar, **Kapilavastu**, **Allakappa** and **Ramagrama** in Nepal, **Kushinagar** and **Pippalvina** in Uttar Pradesh. - **Pillar edicts:** - One of the Ashokan edicts stands at **Lauriya Nandangarh (Bihar).** - The **bull capital** from **Rampura** is also another fine example of Mauryan sculpture. - The most famous capital is the one at **Sarnath**, which shows four lions and the ***Dharmachakra***, popularly known as the **Lion Capital,** is the finest example of Mauryan sculptural tradition. This pillar capital symbolizing ***Dharmachakrapravartana*** (the first sermon by the Buddha) has become a standard symbol of this great historical event in the life of the Buddha. - **Rock-cut caves:** - The rock-cut cave carved at **Barabar hills** near Gaya in Bihar is known as the **Lomas Rishi cave**. The Lomas Rishi cave (with its impressive entrance) and the Sudama caves are examples of such architecture. Used as **viharas** and **chaityas**. - **Life cycle of Buddha**The life**:** - During the early phase of Buddhism, Buddha is depicted **symbolically** through **footprints, stupas, lotus throne, chakra**, etc. This indicates either simple worship, or paying respect, or at times depicts historicization of life events. - Gradually narrative became a part of the Buddhist tradition. Thus events from the life of the Buddha, through **Jataka stories**, were depicted on the railings and torans of the stupas. Mainly synoptic narrative, continuous narrative and episodic narrative are used in the pictorial tradition.The Jataka stories also became equally important for sculptural decorations. The most frequently depicted were events related to **birth, renunciation, enlightenment, dharmachakrapravartana, and mahaparinibbana** (liberation from the cycle of birth.) **Conclusion:** - However, in this period, apart from stupas and viharas, stone pillars, rock-cut caves and monumental figure sculptures were carved at several places. Thus it set the solid base for development of Buddhist architecture to flourish further in the post-Mauryan period. --- **Q2\. The Chola period witnessed remarkable development in sculptures and bronze works. Discuss. (150 words, 10 marks)** **Model Structure** ![](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXebJaRxc40UW9nDNKRHIJy-omoubCNzMSRykbnXuQbwSVRgEXJnKP2wPVZk0YbhV3SEpPnItzMI9-C_9tFOO2uQqP86NPCE6gaTgik_rWaZkPoFZTNnqCc9dHYwceWsRLlSQYf2BIEaHxZTaWySaoq_wOJ0?key=hSLf_UJIhs1qzop-F3rPkw) **Introduction:** - Several chola era Tamil Nadu sculptures (antiquities) have been recovered from Australia, US. Hence, bringing to forefront its uniqueness and grandeur. **Main Body: Development in Sculptures**: - The Chola period is remarkable for its sculptures and bronzes. - The sculptures and bronzes show **classic grace, grandeur** and **taste**. - The sculptors' work during this time are famous for their **elegance**, **sensitive modelling**, and **balanced tension.** - Realism and attention to finer details reached its utmost perfection during this time. - Example: Clear demarcation of the areas of the body, such as the creases between the torso and the stomach, around the navel, sharp edges along the tibiae, a pointed nose, facial expressions are one of the most noticeable features of this time (**Nataraja**) - The next most popular image is **Somaskanda** where Shiva is depicted sitting with his consort Uma and his son Skanda dancing between them on a platform. - **Kalyanasundara Murti** is a 9th century art where the marriage of Shiva and Parvati (or **panigrahana) is depicted**. - **Ardhanarishwar** with half Shiva and half Shakti is another popular image **Development in bronze work:** - The **cire-perdue or ‘lost-wax’ process** for casting was learnt as long ago as the Indus Valley Culture. - Along with it was discovered the process of making **alloy of metals** by mixing copper, zinc and tin which is called **bronze.** - The **bronze casting technique** and making of **bronze images of traditional icons** reached a high stage of development in South India during the medieval period. - Some of the most beautiful and exquisite bronze statues were produced during the Chola Period in Tamil Nadu from the tenth to the twelfth century. - Exquisite pieces of art developed during this period. This technique is still practiced in south India, particularly in **Kumbakonam.** - The distinguished patron during the tenth century was **the widowed Chola queen, Sembiyan Maha Devi.** - Chola bronzes are the most sought-after collectors’ items by art lovers all over the world. **Conclusion:** - Thus, Chola bronze sculptures give us a glimpse of the finesse in metallurgy and technical advancement in the field of sculpture making. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Basics.png) #### UPSC Essential + 3 year mentorship Comprehensive course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential/?ref=upscprep.com) ### 4 hours to go! URL: https://www.upscprep.com/4-hours-to-go/ Last updated: 2024-07-08T06:56:08.000Z Hi, We are starting our iconic [UPSC Essential Course](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential/?ref=upscprep.com) at 4 Pm today. ### **Course Features** - Course suitable for UPSC 2025/26. - Comprehensive Coverage of UPSC CSE - from absolute basics to advance level - Covers all aspects of UPSC exam - Prelims (including CSAT), Mains and Interview - Phase Wise approach for comprehensive understanding with multiple revisions - GS Basics → GS Advance → Prelims Focus Phase → Mains Focus Phase → Interview Focus Phase. - Complimentary access to **NCERT based lectures** - Personalised Mentorship Sessions - on demand mentorship - Mentorship support will be provided for 3 years. - Crisp value addition material to compliment your preparation - It includes answer writing workbooks, CSAT workbooks, notes, PPTs, etc. - Free Test Series included with the course (Both Prelims and Mains) - Weekly current affairs - lectures + material - **Write with Toppers** \- Interactive Live Answer Writing sessions with past UPSC rankers. ### **Course details** - Long Course with 15 months duration - mentorship and access to classes for 3 years - Comprehensive Course with coverage of Prelims, Mains and Interview - from basic to advance level - Live-cum-recorded lectures - with access to recording for 3 years - **Study in phase wise manner:** - **GS Basics** (Covers core subjects such as History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science & Technology, Environment etc., Level 1 of answer writing) - **GS Advance** (Covers all mains syllabus in structured way - GS 1, GS 2, GS 3, GS 4 and Essay, Level 2 (Advance Answer Writing) - **Prelims Focus Phase -** Focus on clearing Prelims Exam (From January to Prelims exam) - **Mains Focus Phase -** Focus on excelling in the mains exam. (During Prelims to mains) - **Interview Focus Phase -** Detailed Interview guidance with DAF Analysis, one-to-one mentorship, mock interviews (online and offline mode), etc. - Complimentary access to our **NCERT based course** - You can watch these lectures if you find any difficulty in understanding the absolute basics - **Critical Thinking and Critical Writing Module** \- Learn the art of thinking and writing. - **Personality Test (Interview)** preparation from start of the course only - build your personality along with the UPSC preparation - special sessions, activities and material will be provided - All subjects including Essay & Ethics to be covered. - **Essay** \- special workshop on essay writing - **GS 1 -** History (Ancient, Medieval, World, Modern, Post-independence), Art and Culture, Indian Society, Geography - Indian, world, physical+human geography - **GS 2** \- Indian Polity and Constitution, Governance, Social Justice, International Relations - **GS 3 -** Indian Economy, Agriculture, Environment, Science and Technology, Disaster Management, Internal Security - **GS 4 -** Ethics - theory + Case studies - **CSAT** \- complete CSAT from basics to advanced level - **Current affairs** \- weekly current affairs sessions - from Pre+Mains perspective - **Special Answer Writing workshops** will be conducted for each GS as well as essay - **Prelims strategy sessions** \- Time management, how to analyze prelims tests, note making and revision strategy for prelims, utility of prelims test series, etc. - **Daily Practice Questions** after every lecture will be provided - Both Prelims MCQs and Mains questions - Weekly lectures to discuss daily practice questions in Phase 2. - **CSAT workbook** \- one stop source for CSAT - Includes CSAT theory, practice questions, detailed solutions - **Mains AnswerCraft Workbooks** \- teaches you art and science of answer writing. - Short booklets/quick revision notes/ppts of each subject will be provided - to compliment the standard sources - **Personalised Mentorship: How it works?** - You can book a mentor session anytime you want. - You can discuss all your queries with a mentor (strategy/planning/subject related queries/personal issues hindering your prep etc.) - Unlimited mentor sessions - book sessions whenever you want - Mentorship access for 3 years - **Doubts Day** \- Every saturday, special doubts sessions will be conducted to address all your doubts - 10 AM - CSAT - 12 PM - GS - Our experts will also help you regarding your optional ### **Both Prelims and Mains Test series included in this course (without any additional payment)** - Prelims GS Test Series - 30 Tests (15 Sectional + 15 Full Length Tests) - it will include fundamental, advanced and current affairs based FLTs - You can discuss your performance with the personal mentor assigned to you - CSAT Test series - 10 Full Length UPSC Level CSAT Tests - Detailed solutions will be provided - Mains Test Series with Evaluation - 16 Tests - 11 Sectional + 5 Full Length Tests - Tests will include essay papers as well - **All tests will be evaluated** by our expert team - Detailed solution of each test will be provided - You can discuss your test paper with the personal mentor assigned to you - Detailed schedule will be announced soon. ### **Other features** - Daily Practice Questions (DPQs) - based on topics taught in class. - Individual one to one mentorship → Zoom sessions → mentor will discuss your doubts as well as give you guidance based on your progress status. - Important value addition material will be provided - 10% discount on all future [UPSCprep.com](http://upscprep.com/?ref=upscprep.com) courses till 1 year. - [Click here to watch a course explainer video](https://youtu.be/0%5FflZj9WMJw?ref=upscprep.com) - **Fee Structure**: 18499/- Only ### **Who should join this course** - Freshers who are starting their UPSC prep and need comprehensive guidance along with mentorship and test series ***or*** Those students who are finding it difficult to clear prelims in successive attempts. - Those students who need guidance for mains answer writing from basics to advance. - Those students who find it hard to do the self study and need a well planned course and personalised mentorship to make best use of their time. If you have command over fundamentals - check out our [GS Advance Course.](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/gs-advance/?ref=upscprep.com) [Download Course Schedule](https://d18qz45wk4tdlr.cloudfront.net/institute/upscprep/ckeditor/43f1897c75b1429fb523b76560c3942a.pdf?ref=upscprep.com) [Download Course Brochure](https://d18qz45wk4tdlr.cloudfront.net/institute/upscprep/ckeditor/dbc1acd877dc4c7f92447ce3b173c748.pdf?ref=upscprep.com) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Basics.png) #### UPSC Essential + 3 year mentorship Comprehensive course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential/?ref=upscprep.com) ### [Last Call] Starting tomorrow URL: https://www.upscprep.com/last-call-starting-tomorrow/ Last updated: 2024-07-07T07:52:20.000Z **Course starts on 8th July 2024.** ### **Features** - Course suitable for UPSC 2025/26. - Comprehensive Coverage of UPSC CSE - from absolute basics to advance level - Covers all aspects of UPSC exam - Prelims (including CSAT), Mains and Interview - Phase Wise approach for comprehensive understanding with multiple revisions - GS Basics → GS Advance → Prelims Focus Phase → Mains Focus Phase → Interview Focus Phase. - Complimentary access to **NCERT based lectures** - Personalised Mentorship Sessions - on demand mentorship - Mentorship support will be provided for 3 years. - Crisp value addition material to compliment your preparation - It includes answer writing workbooks, CSAT workbooks, notes, PPTs, etc. - Free Test Series included with the course (Both Prelims and Mains) - Weekly current affairs - lectures + material - **Write with Toppers** \- Interactive Live Answer Writing sessions with past UPSC rankers. ### **Course details** - Long Course with 15 months duration - mentorship and access to classes for 3 years - Comprehensive Course with coverage of Prelims, Mains and Interview - from basic to advance level - Live-cum-recorded lectures - with access to recording for 3 years - **Study in phase wise manner:** - **GS Basics** (Covers core subjects such as History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science & Technology, Environment etc., Level 1 of answer writing) - **GS Advance** (Covers all mains syllabus in structured way - GS 1, GS 2, GS 3, GS 4 and Essay, Level 2 (Advance Answer Writing) - **Prelims Focus Phase -** Focus on clearing Prelims Exam (From January to Prelims exam) - **Mains Focus Phase -** Focus on excelling in the mains exam. (During Prelims to mains) - **Interview Focus Phase -** Detailed Interview guidance with DAF Analysis, one-to-one mentorship, mock interviews (online and offline mode), etc. - Complimentary access to our **NCERT based course** - You can watch these lectures if you find any difficulty in understanding the absolute basics - **Critical Thinking and Critical Writing Module** \- Learn the art of thinking and writing. - **Personality Test (Interview)** preparation from start of the course only - build your personality along with the UPSC preparation - special sessions, activities and material will be provided - All subjects including Essay & Ethics to be covered. - **Essay** \- special workshop on essay writing - **GS 1 -** History (Ancient, Medieval, World, Modern, Post-independence), Art and Culture, Indian Society, Geography - Indian, world, physical+human geography - **GS 2** \- Indian Polity and Constitution, Governance, Social Justice, International Relations - **GS 3 -** Indian Economy, Agriculture, Environment, Science and Technology, Disaster Management, Internal Security - **GS 4 -** Ethics - theory + Case studies - **CSAT** \- complete CSAT from basics to advanced level - **Current affairs** \- weekly current affairs sessions - from Pre+Mains perspective - **Special Answer Writing workshops** will be conducted for each GS as well as essay - **Prelims strategy sessions** \- Time management, how to analyze prelims tests, note making and revision strategy for prelims, utility of prelims test series, etc. - **Daily Practice Questions** after every lecture will be provided - Both Prelims MCQs and Mains questions - Weekly lectures to discuss daily practice questions in Phase 2. - **CSAT workbook** \- one stop source for CSAT - Includes CSAT theory, practice questions, detailed solutions - **Mains AnswerCraft Workbooks** \- teaches you art and science of answer writing. - Short booklets/quick revision notes/ppts of each subject will be provided - to compliment the standard sources - **Personalised Mentorship: How it works?** - You can book a mentor session anytime you want. - You can discuss all your queries with a mentor (strategy/planning/subject related queries/personal issues hindering your prep etc.) - Unlimited mentor sessions - book sessions whenever you want - Mentorship access for 3 years - **Doubts Day** \- Every saturday, special doubts sessions will be conducted to address all your doubts - 10 AM - CSAT - 12 PM - GS - Our experts will also help you regarding your optional ### **Both Prelims and Mains Test series included in this course (without any additional payment)** - Prelims GS Test Series - 30 Tests (15 Sectional + 15 Full Length Tests) - it will include fundamental, advanced and current affairs based FLTs - You can discuss your performance with the personal mentor assigned to you - CSAT Test series - 10 Full Length UPSC Level CSAT Tests - Detailed solutions will be provided - Mains Test Series with Evaluation - 16 Tests - 11 Sectional + 5 Full Length Tests - Tests will include essay papers as well - **All tests will be evaluated** by our expert team - Detailed solution of each test will be provided - You can discuss your test paper with the personal mentor assigned to you - Detailed schedule will be announced soon. ### **Other features** - Daily Practice Questions (DPQs) - based on topics taught in class. - Individual one to one mentorship → Zoom sessions → mentor will discuss your doubts as well as give you guidance based on your progress status. - Important value addition material will be provided - 10% discount on all future [UPSCprep.com](http://upscprep.com/?ref=upscprep.com) courses till 1 year. - [Click here to watch a course explainer video](https://youtu.be/0%5FflZj9WMJw?ref=upscprep.com) - **Fee Structure**: 18499/- Only ### **Who should join this course** - Freshers who are starting their UPSC prep and need comprehensive guidance along with mentorship and test series ***or*** Those students who are finding it difficult to clear prelims in successive attempts. - Those students who need guidance for mains answer writing from basics to advance. - Those students who find it hard to do the self study and need a well planned course and personalised mentorship to make best use of their time. If you have command over fundamentals - check out our [GS Advance Course.](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/gs-advance/?ref=upscprep.com) [Download Course Schedule](https://d18qz45wk4tdlr.cloudfront.net/institute/upscprep/ckeditor/43f1897c75b1429fb523b76560c3942a.pdf?ref=upscprep.com) [Download Course Brochure](https://d18qz45wk4tdlr.cloudfront.net/institute/upscprep/ckeditor/dbc1acd877dc4c7f92447ce3b173c748.pdf?ref=upscprep.com) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Basics.png) #### UPSC Essential + 3 year mentorship Comprehensive course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential/?ref=upscprep.com) ### [2 days] Comprehensive UPSC Preparation with us URL: https://www.upscprep.com/2-days/ Last updated: 2024-07-06T14:43:14.000Z **Course starts on 8th July 2024.** ### **Features** - Course suitable for UPSC 2025/26. - Comprehensive Coverage of UPSC CSE - from absolute basics to advance level - Covers all aspects of UPSC exam - Prelims (including CSAT), Mains and Interview - Phase Wise approach for comprehensive understanding with multiple revisions - GS Basics → GS Advance → Prelims Focus Phase → Mains Focus Phase → Interview Focus Phase. - Complimentary access to **NCERT based lectures** - Personalised Mentorship Sessions - on demand mentorship - Mentorship support will be provided for 3 years. - Crisp value addition material to compliment your preparation - It includes answer writing workbooks, CSAT workbooks, notes, PPTs, etc. - Free Test Series included with the course (Both Prelims and Mains) - Weekly current affairs - lectures + material - **Write with Toppers** \- Interactive Live Answer Writing sessions with past UPSC rankers. ### **Course details** - Long Course with 15 months duration - mentorship and access to classes for 3 years - Comprehensive Course with coverage of Prelims, Mains and Interview - from basic to advance level - Live-cum-recorded lectures - with access to recording for 3 years - **Study in phase wise manner:** - **GS Basics** (Covers core subjects such as History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science & Technology, Environment etc., Level 1 of answer writing) - **GS Advance** (Covers all mains syllabus in structured way - GS 1, GS 2, GS 3, GS 4 and Essay, Level 2 (Advance Answer Writing) - **Prelims Focus Phase -** Focus on clearing Prelims Exam (From January to Prelims exam) - **Mains Focus Phase -** Focus on excelling in the mains exam. (During Prelims to mains) - **Interview Focus Phase -** Detailed Interview guidance with DAF Analysis, one-to-one mentorship, mock interviews (online and offline mode), etc. - Complimentary access to our **NCERT based course** - You can watch these lectures if you find any difficulty in understanding the absolute basics - **Critical Thinking and Critical Writing Module** \- Learn the art of thinking and writing. - **Personality Test (Interview)** preparation from start of the course only - build your personality along with the UPSC preparation - special sessions, activities and material will be provided - All subjects including Essay & Ethics to be covered. - **Essay** \- special workshop on essay writing - **GS 1 -** History (Ancient, Medieval, World, Modern, Post-independence), Art and Culture, Indian Society, Geography - Indian, world, physical+human geography - **GS 2** \- Indian Polity and Constitution, Governance, Social Justice, International Relations - **GS 3 -** Indian Economy, Agriculture, Environment, Science and Technology, Disaster Management, Internal Security - **GS 4 -** Ethics - theory + Case studies - **CSAT** \- complete CSAT from basics to advanced level - **Current affairs** \- weekly current affairs sessions - from Pre+Mains perspective - **Special Answer Writing workshops** will be conducted for each GS as well as essay - **Prelims strategy sessions** \- Time management, how to analyze prelims tests, note making and revision strategy for prelims, utility of prelims test series, etc. - **Daily Practice Questions** after every lecture will be provided - Both Prelims MCQs and Mains questions - Weekly lectures to discuss daily practice questions in Phase 2. - **CSAT workbook** \- one stop source for CSAT - Includes CSAT theory, practice questions, detailed solutions - **Mains AnswerCraft Workbooks** \- teaches you art and science of answer writing. - Short booklets/quick revision notes/ppts of each subject will be provided - to compliment the standard sources - **Personalised Mentorship: How it works?** - You can book a mentor session anytime you want. - You can discuss all your queries with a mentor (strategy/planning/subject related queries/personal issues hindering your prep etc.) - Unlimited mentor sessions - book sessions whenever you want - Mentorship access for 3 years - **Doubts Day** \- Every saturday, special doubts sessions will be conducted to address all your doubts - 10 AM - CSAT - 12 PM - GS - Our experts will also help you regarding your optional ### **Both Prelims and Mains Test series included in this course (without any additional payment)** - Prelims GS Test Series - 30 Tests (15 Sectional + 15 Full Length Tests) - it will include fundamental, advanced and current affairs based FLTs - You can discuss your performance with the personal mentor assigned to you - CSAT Test series - 10 Full Length UPSC Level CSAT Tests - Detailed solutions will be provided - Mains Test Series with Evaluation - 16 Tests - 11 Sectional + 5 Full Length Tests - Tests will include essay papers as well - **All tests will be evaluated** by our expert team - Detailed solution of each test will be provided - You can discuss your test paper with the personal mentor assigned to you - Detailed schedule will be announced soon. ### **Other features** - Daily Practice Questions (DPQs) - based on topics taught in class. - Individual one to one mentorship → Zoom sessions → mentor will discuss your doubts as well as give you guidance based on your progress status. - Important value addition material will be provided - 10% discount on all future [UPSCprep.com](http://upscprep.com/?ref=upscprep.com) courses till 1 year. - [Click here to watch a course explainer video](https://youtu.be/0%5FflZj9WMJw?ref=upscprep.com) - **Fee Structure**: 18499/- Only ### **Who should join this course** - Freshers who are starting their UPSC prep and need comprehensive guidance along with mentorship and test series ***or*** Those students who are finding it difficult to clear prelims in successive attempts. - Those students who need guidance for mains answer writing from basics to advance. - Those students who find it hard to do the self study and need a well planned course and personalised mentorship to make best use of their time. If you have command over fundamentals - check out our [GS Advance Course.](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/gs-advance/?ref=upscprep.com) [Download Course Schedule](https://d18qz45wk4tdlr.cloudfront.net/institute/upscprep/ckeditor/43f1897c75b1429fb523b76560c3942a.pdf?ref=upscprep.com) [Download Course Brochure](https://d18qz45wk4tdlr.cloudfront.net/institute/upscprep/ckeditor/dbc1acd877dc4c7f92447ce3b173c748.pdf?ref=upscprep.com) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/Basics.png) #### UPSC Essential + 3 year mentorship Comprehensive course for UPSC CSE [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential/?ref=upscprep.com) ### What is Project NEXUS? URL: https://www.upscprep.com/what-is-project-nexus-rbi-upsc-current-affairs/ Last updated: 2024-07-03T18:07:28.000Z ### **Why in the News?** **Event**: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has joined Project Nexus. **Initiative**: This is a multilateral international initiative aimed at enabling instant cross-border retail payments by interlinking domestic fast payment systems. ![BIS-Led Project Nexus Completes Phase 3 Blueprint for Cross-Border Instant Payments | UPSC](https://fintechnews.my/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BIS-Led-Project-Nexus-Completes-Phase-3-Blueprint-for-Cross-Border-Instant-Payments-1440x564_c.jpg) - An agreement was signed by the **Bank for International Settlements (BIS)** and the **central banks of India**, **Malaysia**, **Philippines**, **Singapore**, and **Thailand** on June 30, 2024, in Basel, Switzerland. - **Indonesia**, which has been involved from the early stages, continues to be involved as a special observer. ![Project Nexus completes comprehensive blueprint for connecting domestic instant payment systems globally and prepares for work towards live implementation](https://www.mas.gov.sg/-/media/mas-media-library/news/media-releases/nexus-phase-logos.png?h=167&w=1563&hash=AF641109FF653C8A60BE816A905DA61C) - **Collaboration**: The RBI has been collaborating bilaterally with various countries to link India’s fast payments system — **Unified Payments Interface (UPI)**, with their respective domestic fast payments systems for **cross-border** Person-to-Person **(P2P)** and Person-to-Merchant **(P2M)** payments. **Bilateral vs. Multilateral Connectivity**: While bilateral connectivity has benefits, a multilateral approach like Nexus could further enhance the international reach of Indian payment systems. ### **Background** - **Development**: In **2021**, the **BIS Innovation Hub (BISIH)** Singapore Centre developed a blueprint for connecting instant payment systems across borders. - **Prototype**: In **2022**, a working prototype of Nexus was built, connecting the test systems of **Eurosystem’s TIPS**, **Malaysia’s RPP**, and **Singapore’s FAST** payment system. - **Usability**: Nexus focuses on usability, allowing the use of proxies like mobile phone numbers to address cross-border payments without needing long IBANs or local account details. - **Proxy Services**: The prototype connected services like TIPS’s Mobile Proxy Lookup, Malaysia’s DuitNow, and Singapore’s PayNow. ### **What is Project Nexus?** ![What is Project Nexus? | RBI | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/image-9.png) - Project Nexus is conceptualised by the **Innovation Hub** of the **Bank for International Settlements (BIS)**. - It aims to enable **instant cross-border payments** by connecting multiple domestic instant payment systems globally. - The project explores how to build on the success of domestic instant payments to **improve the speed, cost, transparency** and **accessibility** of cross-border payments. - The project has produced a comprehensive blueprint for standardising the way that domestic instant payment systems connect, lowering the obstacles for countries that wish to offer instant cross-border payments. In over **70 countries** today, domestic payments reach their destination in seconds at near-zero cost to the sender or recipient. *This is thanks to the growing availability of instant payment systems.* ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/image-8.png) Connecting the instant payment systems to each other can enable cross-border payments from sender to recipient **within 60 seconds** (in most cases). --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/1.-UPSCprep-Banner-3.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ### **Working of NEXUS** Nexus is designed to standardise the way that instant payment systems connect to each other. ![ Nexus platform | RBI | NSO | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/image-10.png) - Rather than a payment system operator building custom connections for every new country that it connects to, **the operator can make one connection to the Nexus platform**. - This single connection allows a fast payment system to reach all other countries on the network. ![](https://www.paymentscardsandmobile.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Project-Nexus-Instant-Payment-connectivity-1024x657.jpg) Nexus could significantly accelerate the growth of instant cross-border payments. - This has been a collaborative effort between the **BIS Innovation Hub (BISIH)** and **interested central banks** and instant payment systems that has been developed and refined over three phases of work. ### **Future Phases** - In the next and **final phase of Nexus**, the BISIH will support a coalition of countries interested to implement Nexus. - **Phase four** will see central banks of **Malaysia**, **Philippines**, **Singapore**, **Thailand** and domestic instant payment systems who worked together in phase three joined by the Reserve Bank of India, expanding the potential user base to India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI). - Going forward, the platform can be extended to more countries. **It is expected to go live by 2026.** The coalition of countries have agreed to work towards establishing a new entity, the **Nexus Scheme Organisation (NSO)**, which will be responsible for managing the Nexus scheme and its rulebook. ![ Proposed structure of the Nexus Scheme Organisation (NSO)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/image-6.png) Proposed structure of the **Nexus Scheme Organisation (NSO)** - While the BIS will not own or operate the NSO, it will continue its support by playing an advisory role as participating countries work towards taking Nexus live. ### **Benefits of Nexus** **Speed** - **Current Scenario**: Traditional cross-border payments are slow due to dependency on multiple banks and central banks' operating hours. - **Nexus Advantage**: Cross-border payments can be completed in 60 seconds or less, operating 24/7/365. - **Design Principle**: Payments should be completed within 60 seconds. **Cost** - **Current Scenario**: High costs due to the need for correspondent accounts and routing through larger banks. - **Nexus Advantage**: Lower transaction fees and reduced administrative costs by eliminating the need for correspondent accounts. - **Design Principle**: Lower barriers to entry and reduce administrative costs. **Access** - **Current Scenario**: Limited by financial inclusion and correspondent banking relationships. - **Nexus Advantage**: Access through non-bank PSPs and simplified processes using proxies like mobile numbers. - **Design Principle**: Anyone who can send/receive domestic payments should be able to do so cross-border through Nexus. **Transparency** - **Current Scenario**: Variable fees and uncertainty about the final amount received. - **Nexus Advantage**: Upfront fee calculation and immediate payment status updates. - **Design Principle**: Fees and FX rates should be shown upfront, and the sender should know the exact amount credited to the recipient. **Safety, Security, and Resilience** - **Current Scenario**: Cross-border credit risk due to correspondent banking relationships. - **Nexus Advantage**: Builds on existing IPS risk management frameworks, reducing reliance on correspondent banking and mitigating cross-border credit risk. - **Design Principle**: Reduce cross-border exposure and rely on domestic IPS settlement arrangements. Interlinking IPS through Nexus enhances the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, accessibility, transparency, and security of cross-border payments, aligning with the Financial Stability Board’s (FSB) targets. *Source:* [*BIS Innovation Hub*](https://www.bis.org/innovation%5Fhub/projects/nexus%5Fbrochure.pdf?ref=upscprep.com) ## Sign up for UPSCprep.com Simplify your UPSC journey Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### National Testing Agency (NTA) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/national-testing-agency-nta-neet-ug-pg-paper-leak-upsc/ Last updated: 2024-07-01T18:39:16.000Z ### **Introduction** The National Testing Agency (NTA) is an autonomous and self-sustained premier testing organization established by the Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India. It was created to conduct entrance examinations for higher educational institutions in India, ensuring standardized and transparent testing processes. ### **Establishment and Purpose** - **Union Budget Announcement (2017-18)**: The proposal for the establishment of the National Testing Agency was announced in the Union Budget 2017-18 by the Finance Minister of India. This marked the beginning of the conceptualization and formation of the NTA. - **Approval by the Union Cabinet**: The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the NTA as an autonomous and self-sustained premier testing organization to conduct entrance examinations for higher educational institutions. ### **Administrative Framework** - **Ministry of Education (formerly Ministry of Human Resource Development)**: The NTA operates under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education. It functions as a society registered under the Indian Societies Registration Act, 1860. ### **Articles and Regulations** - **Article 246**: Under this article, the Parliament has the power to make laws concerning any of the matters enumerated in List I (Union List) in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, which includes education. - **Article 265**: This article ensures that no tax shall be levied or collected except by the authority of law, which indirectly impacts the funding and financial regulations of autonomous bodies like the NTA. - **Societies Registration Act, 1860**: The NTA is registered under this act, which provides the legal framework for the registration and functioning of societies in India. - **Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Act, 2006**: This act, which mandates reservations in admissions to central educational institutions, also impacts the examination and admission processes managed by the NTA. ![National Testing Agency | UPSC | NEET PAPER LEAK](https://www.nta.ac.in/img/TPC/TPC14.jpg) ### **Objectives of NTA** 1. **Standardized Testing**: To provide a single, standardized platform for conducting entrance exams. 2. **Efficiency and Transparency**: To ensure efficient, transparent, and error-free examination processes. 3. **Research and Development**: To conduct research on educational testing and assessment. 4. **Capacity Building**: To build capacities of educational institutions in India for conducting online and offline exams. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/1.-UPSCprep-Banner-2.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ### **Key Examinations Conducted by NTA** 1. **Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main**: For admission to undergraduate engineering programs. 2. **National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)**: For admission to undergraduate medical programs. 3. **Common Management Admission Test (CMAT)**: For admission to management programs. 4. **Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT)**: For admission to pharmacy programs. 5. **University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET)**: For determining eligibility for college and university level lectureship and for the award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). ### **Recent Issues and Allegations** ![NEET 2024: From Pre Exam Paper Leak Rumours to NEET Result Fiasco | UPSC](https://static.tnn.in/thumb/msid-110968796,thumbsize-2407994,width-1280,height-720,resizemode-75/110968796.jpg) ![NEET-UG 2024: Controversy Surrounds Alleged Exam Paper Leak](https://educationpost.in/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.educationpost.in%2Fs3-images%2F1718627948417-1718610194_new-project-5.jpg&w=3840&q=75) - **NEET Irregularities**: Allegations of irregularities in the NEET exam, including question paper leaks and malpractices. - **UGC-NET Cancellation**: The UGC-NET exam was cancelled due to the alleged leak of question papers on the dark net, as reported by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C). ### **Government Response** - **Institutional Failure**: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan acknowledged the irregularities as an institutional failure of the NTA. - **Reform Committee**: A reform committee consisting of technocrats, bureaucrats, and scientists will be formulated to suggest improvements in the functioning of the NTA. ![Pradhan Defends NEET Amid Controversy, Says Cancelling Would Impact Lakhs of Students](https://media.assettype.com/newindianexpress%2F2024-06%2Fc56b729e-6bfa-4fb9-92e9-373fdbfa801c%2FC_1_1_CH0820_100715736.jpg?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max) ![NEET UG Row: MoE Establishes High-Level Committee; Opens Suggestion Portal for Students, Parents](https://images.shiksha.com/mediadata/images/articles/1719568282phpx6Vf5Z_480x360.jpeg) ![After NEET and UGC-NET debacles, NTA reform panel vows to check irregularities in exams - The Hindu](https://th-i.thgim.com/public/news/national/8tsy02/article68329042.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/MARS_MISSION_DREAM_TEAM_BOOK_RELEASE_12_11_13.jpg) ### **Challenges Faced by NTA** 1. **Cybersecurity**: Ensuring the security of examination data and preventing leaks. 2. **Operational Efficiency**: Managing large-scale examinations with minimal errors. 3. **Transparency**: Maintaining transparency in the examination process to build trust among stakeholders. 4. **Technological Upgradation**: Continuously upgrading technology to handle the evolving challenges in online and offline examinations. ### **Future Directions** - **Enhanced Security Measures**: Implementing advanced cybersecurity measures to prevent data breaches and leaks. - **Process Improvements**: Streamlining examination processes to enhance efficiency and reduce errors. - **Stakeholder Engagement**: Engaging with educational institutions, students, and other stakeholders to address their concerns and improve the examination experience. - **Research and Innovation**: Investing in research and innovation to develop better testing methodologies and assessment tools. - **Information Technology Act, 2000**: As the NTA conducts online examinations, the provisions of the IT Act are relevant for ensuring cybersecurity, data protection, and the integrity of online testing processes. ### **Conclusion** The National Testing Agency plays a crucial role in the Indian education system by conducting various entrance examinations. However, recent issues highlight the need for reforms and improvements in its functioning. The establishment of a reform committee is a step in the right direction to address these challenges and ensure the integrity and efficiency of the examination process. --- *Note: This is a developing story.* --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/UPSC-Advance.png) #### GS Advance + Mentorship Be mains ready in 3 months (Content+Notes+Answer Writing) [Know more](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/gs-advance/?ref=upscprep.com) ### What are the three new criminal laws? URL: https://www.upscprep.com/new-criminal-laws-come-to-force-bns-bnss-bs-ipc-crpc-evidence-act/ Last updated: 2024-07-01T18:22:58.000Z **New Criminal Laws will come into force on July 1, 2024.** The significance of the three new criminal laws is multifaceted and aims to modernize and streamline the criminal justice system in India. - Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) - Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) - Bharatiya Sakshya (BS) ![Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Bharatiya Sakshya (BS) | IPC | CrPC | Indian Evidence Act](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/image.png) *Here are the key points of significance:* ## **Modernization and Simplification** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/image-1.png) ### **Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)** Replaces: **Indian Penal Code, 1860.** The BNSS prescribes the procedure and conditions for arrest, bail, and custody. It aims to simplify and modernize the procedural aspects of criminal law. ***Key Changes:*** - **Sexual Crimes Against Men and Transgender Persons:** - The BNS is expected to be amended soon to include a section specifically addressing sexual crimes against men and transgender persons. - Until then, police are instructed to use allied charges such as wrongful confinement and physical hurt. - **Concurrent Operation:** - The IPC will continue to operate alongside the BNS for pending cases and crimes reported after July 1 that occurred before this date. ### **Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)** Replaces: **Code of Criminal Procedure (Cr.PC), 1973.** The BNS updates the Indian Penal Code, 1860, to address contemporary issues, including the potential inclusion of sections on sexual crimes against men and transgender persons. ***Key Provisions:*** - **Procedure for Arrest, Bail, and Custody:** The BNSS outlines the procedures and conditions for arrest, bail, and custody. - **Cognisable Offences:** These will now be registered under Section 173 of the BNSS instead of Section 154 of the Cr.PC. - **State Amendments:** States have the freedom to amend certain provisions of the BNSS as per their requirements. - **Electronic FIRs:** The Crime and Criminal Tracking Network Systems (CCTNS) has been upgraded to allow for **e-FIRs** and ***zero FIRs***, which can be filed irrespective of the crime location's jurisdiction. - **Language Support:** FIRs can now be registered in languages other than English and Hindi. ### **Bharatiya Sakshya (BS)** Replaces: **Indian Evidence Act, 1872.** The BS modernizes the rules of evidence, making them more relevant to current technological and social contexts. ***Key Provisions:*** - **Electronic Evidence:** The BS mandates compulsory audio-video recording of search and seizure operations and forensic examinations for offences attracting seven years or more of punishment. - **Submission of Evidence:** Recordings must be submitted electronically to the court without delay. - [**eSakshya Application**](https://www.upscprep.com/what-is-the-esakshya-app-upsc/)**:** A mobile-based application to help police record crime scenes and upload files to a cloud-based platform. - Recording scenes of crime, search, and seizure activities using their mobile phones. - Uploading Evidence to a cloud-based platform. - Uniformity in investigation. - Increase Conviction Rate - States like Delhi have developed their own systems, such as the **e-pramaan** application. ![Bare Acts on 3 New Criminal Laws (BNS,BNSS,BSA) | IPC, CrPC, Indian Evidence Act | UPSC](https://sukumarbookstall.com/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/6b9de148c0453fd1592f96fd94132fa4/i/m/img_20240112_190522_1.jpg) --- ***Read more:*** [***What is the eSakshya App?***](https://www.upscprep.com/what-is-the-esakshya-app-upsc/) --- [](https://x.com/UPSCprepIAS/status/1807815336269430895/photo/1?ref=upscprep.com) ## **Technological Integration** As the new Criminal Laws laid emphasis on technology in investigation, trial and court proceedings, the **National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)** has made 23 functional modifications in the existing **Crime and Criminal Tracking Networks and Systems (CCTNS)** application. ![Crime and Criminal Tracking Networks and Systems (CCTNS) | UPSC](https://i.filecdn.in/755esias/image-1719642360558.png) ![National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) | Crime and Criminal Tracking Networks and Systems (CCTNS) application](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/image-3.png) ![National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) | Crime and Criminal Tracking Networks and Systems (CCTNS) application](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/image-4.png) - **CCTNS Upgrade**: The CCTNS will be significantly upgraded to allow for e-FIRs and zero FIRs, enhancing accessibility and efficiency. - **Electronic Evidence**: The BNSS mandates compulsory audio-video recording of search and seizure operations and forensic examinations for serious crimes. - This ensures greater transparency and accountability. NCRB will also provide technical assistance to the States and UTs for a seamless transition to the new system. ## **State Autonomy** - **Amendments by States**: States have the freedom to amend certain provisions of the BNSS to suit their specific needs. - This flexibility **allows for** **localized adaptations** while maintaining a unified national framework. ## **Training and Adaptation** - **Hand-Holding and Training**: The Union government has provided training and support to ensure a smooth transition to the new system. - This also includes updates to the **CCTNS software** to accommodate multiple languages. - The **Officer-in-Charge** of each police station in all States and Union Territories will organize a program highlighting the new criminal laws' salient features. - **Discussions** and **in-depth analysis** have been covered through: - News bulletins, programs, discussions and social media platforms of Doordarshan and Akashvani. - Public Awareness flyers, interaction programs, informational websites, and ministerial-level webinars have also been held. - Additionally, **Mandatory inclusion of course modules in schools and higher education institutes** are also some of the steps taken. - The University Grants Commission, All India Council for Technical Education and CFIs, and all higher education institutions in States and Union Territories will **organize one-day activities** that will include group discussions, workshops, question-and-answer sessions, and quizzes on various provisions of the new criminal laws. ### **Concurrent Operation** - **Transition Period**: The IPC and Cr.PC will continue to operate concurrently with the new laws for cases pending in courts and crimes reported after July 1 but committed before this date. - This ensures that the transition does not disrupt ongoing legal processes. ### **Enhanced Security and Accountability** - **Cloud-Based Systems**: The use of cloud-based platforms for storing electronic evidence, such as the [**eSakshya**](https://www.upscprep.com/what-is-the-esakshya-app-upsc/) and **e-pramaan** applications, enhances the security and integrity of evidence. ![eSakshya App ](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GRalNr6aQAAkwOd?format=jpg&name=medium) ![ePramaan](https://www.cdac.in/index.aspx?id=st_egov_sso_120220) ### **Addressing Contemporary Issues** - **Inclusion of New Sections**: The BNS may soon include sections addressing sexual crimes against men and transgender persons, reflecting a more inclusive approach to criminal justice. ### **Public Accessibility** - **E-FIR and Zero FIR**: The ability to file FIRs electronically without visiting a police station and irrespective of jurisdiction makes the process more accessible to the public. ## **Conclusion** The implementation of these new laws represents a significant overhaul of India's criminal justice system, aiming to make it more efficient, transparent, and responsive to contemporary needs. The integration of technology, flexibility for state-specific amendments, and enhanced security measures are key features that underscore the significance of these changes. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/UPSC-Advance.png) #### GS Advance + Mentorship Be mains ready in 3 months (Content+Notes+Answer Writing) [Know more](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/gs-advance/?ref=upscprep.com) ### What is the eSakshya app? URL: https://www.upscprep.com/what-is-the-esakshya-app-upsc/ Last updated: 2024-07-01T17:51:24.000Z The **eSakshya** app is a mobile application developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) to assist police in recording and managing evidence in criminal cases. This app is part of the broader digital transformation in India's criminal justice system, coinciding with the implementation of new criminal laws. ![eSakshya App | UPSC](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GRalNr6aQAAkwOd?format=jpg&name=medium) Here are the key details and implications of the eSakshya app: ### Key Features - **Recording Scene of Crime**: - The app allows police officers to record the scene of a crime, search, and seizure activities using their mobile phones. - Each recording can be a maximum of four minutes long, and multiple recordings can be uploaded for each **First Information Report (FIR)**. - **Uploading Evidence**: - After recording, the police officer must upload the file to a cloud-based platform. - The officer is required to upload a selfie after completing the procedure to ensure authenticity. - **Options for Uploading**: - If there are connectivity issues, officers can record the crime scene on their personal devices, generate a hash value, and upload the file later from the police station. - Alternatively, if good internet speed is available, they can directly upload the recordings through the eSakshya app. - **Uniformity and Conviction Rate**: - The app aims to bring uniformity in investigations across different states, which is expected to increase the conviction rate. - The **Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)** mandates compulsory audiovisual recording of search and seizure in each criminal case and mandatory forensic examination in cases where the offence attracts a punishment of seven years or more. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/1.-UPSCprep-Banner-1.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ### Implications - **Digital Transformation**: - The eSakshya app represents a significant step towards digitizing the criminal justice process in India. - It aligns with the new criminal laws set to replace the Indian Penal Code, Indian Evidence Act, and Code of Criminal Procedure from July 1. - **Resource Optimization**: - Procuring hardware and cloud space for storing digital evidence is an expensive affair, and the app helps optimize these resources. - It ensures that even states with limited resources can comply with the new legal requirements. - **Chain of Evidence**: - Maintaining the sanctity of the chain of evidence submission is crucial. Any procedural lapse in handling digital evidence could benefit the accused. - The app aims to minimize procedural infirmities that often lead to accused individuals escaping conviction. - **Forensic Examination**: - The BNSS mandates forensic examination in serious offences, and the app facilitates the recording and submission of forensic evidence. - This could lead to more robust and reliable evidence being presented in court, thereby strengthening the prosecution's case. - **Challenges**: - Ensuring good internet connectivity in all areas remains a challenge. - Training police personnel to effectively use the app and handle digital evidence is essential for its successful implementation. ### Conclusion The eSakshya app is a crucial tool in modernizing India's criminal justice system by digitizing the process of recording and managing evidence. It aims to bring uniformity in investigations, optimize resources, and increase the conviction rate by ensuring procedural integrity. However, its success will depend on addressing challenges related to connectivity, training, and maintaining the chain of evidence. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/UPSC-Advance.png) #### GS Advance + Mentorship Be mains ready in 3 months (Content+Notes+Answer Writing) [Know more](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/gs-advance/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Kerala to Keralam URL: https://www.upscprep.com/kerala-to-keralam-upsc/ Last updated: 2024-07-01T17:22:59.000Z The recent resolution passed by the Kerala Assembly to change the state's name to 'Keralam' involves invoking **Article 3** of the Indian Constitution. Let's break down the key aspects and implications of this move: ### Article 3 of the Indian Constitution **Article 3** deals with the formation of new states and the alteration of areas, boundaries, or names of existing states. It empowers the Parliament to: 1. Form a new state by separation of territory from any state or by uniting two or more states or parts of states. 2. Increase or diminish the area of any state. 3. Alter the boundaries of any state. 4. Alter the name of any state. ![Article 3 of the Indian Constitution | UPSC | Polity](https://edurev.gumlet.io/ApplicationImages/Temp/1537644_15859a5f-c648-4db2-a004-905be27e09f7_lg.png?w=400&dpr=2.6) ![Laxmikanth: Union Territories - Indian Polity for UPSC CSE ](https://edurev.gumlet.io/ApplicationImages/Temp/20279902_664d59ff-dfb0-4ab9-a446-2c6358683a95_lg.png?w=400&dpr=2.6) However, such a bill can be introduced in Parliament only with the prior recommendation of the President. Additionally, the President must refer the bill to the legislature of the state concerned for expressing its views within a specified period. ### The Process of Changing a State's Name - **State Resolution**: The state legislature passes a resolution proposing the name change. - **Presidential Reference**: The resolution is sent to the President of India. - **Parliamentary Approval**: A bill is introduced in Parliament with the President's recommendation. - **Parliamentary Debate and Approval**: The bill is debated and must be passed by a simple majority in both houses of Parliament. - **Presidential Assent**: The bill, once passed, receives the President's assent and the name change is officially recognized. ### Historical Context and Precedents ![The renamed cities and states of India | UPSC](https://static.toiimg.com/thumb/imgsize-23456,msid-51808816,width-600,resizemode-4/51808816.jpg) Several states in India have undergone name changes in the past. For example: - **Madras** was renamed **Tamil Nadu** in 1969. - **Bombay** was renamed **Maharashtra** in 1960. - **Orissa** was renamed **Odisha** in 2011. ### Specifics of the Kerala Resolution ![Upsc Civil Services Exam on X: "Kerala to be renamed Keralam? Assembly requests Centre for name change, passes resolution Source: TH #Keralam #Kerala](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F3I9I2ea0AExU_v.jpg) - **Initial Attempt**: The initial resolution in 2023 aimed to amend the names across all languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. However, it faced procedural issues and was sent back by the Centre. - **Current Resolution**: The modified resolution focuses on amending only the First Schedule of the Constitution, which lists the names of states and union territories. ### Implications of the Name Change - **Cultural Significance**: Aligning the official name with the local pronunciation ('Keralam') reflects cultural and linguistic identity. - **Administrative Changes**: The name change would necessitate updates in official documents, signage, and legal references. - **Public Perception**: It may enhance state pride and recognition of the local language. ### Conclusion The resolution to change the name of Kerala to 'Keralam' is a significant move that involves constitutional procedures and reflects the state's cultural identity. The process, while straightforward in legal terms, requires careful navigation of procedural steps and political consensus. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/UPSC-Advance.png) #### GS Advance + Mentorship Be mains ready in 3 months (Content+Notes+Answer Writing) [Know more](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/gs-advance/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Naegleria Fowleri: Brain-Eating Amoeba URL: https://www.upscprep.com/naegleria-fowleri-brain-eating-amoeba-primary-amoebic-meningoencephalitis-pam-upsc/ Last updated: 2024-07-01T17:07:01.000Z ### **Why in the News?** - Cases have been reported in various districts of Kerala, including Malappuram, Kannur, Kozhikode, Alappuzha, and Thrissur. - **Recent Incidents**: In the last two months, three cases have been reported, including two fatalities—a five-year-old girl from Malappuram and a 13-year-old girl from Kannur. A 12-year-old boy from Kozhikode is currently undergoing treatment. ### **What is PAM?** **Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)** is a rare but often fatal infection of the brain caused by the amoeba **Naegleria fowleri**, commonly known as the "brain-eating amoeba." - PAM is **non-communicable**. ### Causative Agent - **Naegleria fowleri**: This is a free-living **amoeba** typically found in warm freshwater environments such as lakes, rivers, hot springs, and poorly maintained swimming pools. ![The Pathology of the Brain Eating Amoeba Naegleria fowleri | UPSC](https://media.springernature.com/lw1200/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1007%2Fs12088-024-01218-5/MediaObjects/12088_2024_1218_Fig1_HTML.jpg) ### **What is an Amoeba?** - An **amoeba** is a type of cell or **unicellular organism** with the ability to alter its shape, primarily by extending and **retracting pseudopods**. - Higher temperatures of up to ***115°F (46°C)*** are conducive to its growth and it can survive for short periods in warm environments. ### Mode of Infection - **Entry Point**: The amoeba enters the human body through the nose, usually when people are swimming or diving in contaminated water. - **Pathway to the Brain**: Once inside the nose, the amoeba travels up the olfactory nerve to the brain, where it causes severe inflammation and destruction of brain tissue. ![Biomolecules | Free Full-Text | Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis by Naegleria fowleri: Pathogenesis and Treatments](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/biomolecules/biomolecules-11-01320/article_deploy/html/images/biomolecules-11-01320-ag.png?1631002791) ### Symptoms - **Early Symptoms** (1-9 days after infection): - Severe headache - Fever - Nausea and vomiting - **Later Symptoms**: - Stiff neck - Confusion - Loss of balance - Seizures - Hallucinations - **Progression**: The disease progresses rapidly, often leading to death within about 5 days after the onset of symptoms. ![Naegleria fowleri - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics](https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/3-s2.0-B9780124159150000042-f04-06-9780124159150.jpg) --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/1.-UPSCprep-Banner.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/?ref=upscprep.com) --- ### Diagnosis - **Clinical Suspicion**: Given the rarity of the disease, it is often suspected when a patient presents with symptoms of meningitis but does not respond to typical bacterial treatments. - **Laboratory Tests**: Diagnosis is confirmed by detecting Naegleria fowleri in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), biopsy, or tissue specimens. ### Treatment - **Antimicrobial Therapy**: Treatment typically involves a combination of drugs, including amphotericin B, rifampin, and miltefosine, among others. - **Supportive Care**: Intensive supportive care in a hospital setting is crucial. Cases of PAM are very rare, with around 381 cases identified worldwide since the disease was first recognized in 1966\. There is no effective treatment, though the antifungal and antimicrobial drugs have been tried with limited success. ### Prevention - **Avoiding Contaminated Water**: Avoid swimming in warm freshwater bodies, especially during high temperatures. - **Nasal Protection**: Use nose clips or avoid putting your head underwater in potentially contaminated water. - **Water Treatment**: Ensure proper chlorination and maintenance of swimming pools and other recreational water facilities. ### Environmental Factors - **Warm Water**: Naegleria fowleri thrives in warm water, and its activity increases with rising temperatures. - **Stagnant and Unhygienic Water**: Unhygienic and stagnant water bodies are more likely to harbor the amoeba. ### Conclusion Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a severe and often fatal disease caused by **Naegleria fowleri**. Given its rapid progression and high fatality rate, early diagnosis and treatment are critical. Preventive measures, such as avoiding warm freshwater bodies and ensuring proper water hygiene, are essential to reduce the risk of infection. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/UPSC-Advance.png) #### GS Advance + Mentorship Be mains ready in 3 months (Content+Notes+Answer Writing) [Know more](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/gs-advance/?ref=upscprep.com) ### Ayan Jain AIR 16, UPSC CSE 2023 Mains Mastermind URL: https://www.upscprep.com/ayan-jain-air-16-upsc-cse-2023/ Last updated: 2024-07-04T13:52:38.000Z Ayan Jain (AIR 16 in 2023 and AIR 87 in 2022) scored one of the highest marks in GS in UPSC CSE 2023, Watch him speak about his learnings of UPSC Mains. 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The term "critical" refers to the importance of these minerals in the supply chain and the potential risk of supply disruptions. ## **Definition** - **Definition**: Critical minerals are essential for the functioning of modern technologies and industries but are at risk of supply chain disruptions. ![Critical Minerals | Definition and Importance | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/image-52.png) ### **Importance** - They are used in a wide range of applications, including electronics, renewable energy, aerospace, defence, and telecommunications. - These minerals are vital for the production of high-tech devices, renewable energy technologies, and various industrial applications. ### **Applications** - **Graphite**: Used in batteries, especially for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems. - **Gallium**: Used in semiconductors, LEDs, and solar panels. - **Germanium**: Used in fiber optics, infrared optics, and solar cells. - **Lithium**: Essential for rechargeable batteries in EVs, laptops, and smartphones. - **Cobalt**: Used in batteries, superalloys, and catalysts. - **Rare Earth Elements (REEs)**: Used in magnets, electronics, and various high-tech applications. ![Visualizing the 50 Minerals Critical | UPSC](https://www.visualcapitalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/The-Minerals-Critical-to-U.S.-Security-1000x600.jpg) ![35 Minerals Absolutely Critical to National Security | UPSC](https://www.visualcapitalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/critical-minerals-uses.jpg) ### **Minerals and their Sources** - **Lithium**: - **Australia**: One of the largest producers of lithium. - **Argentina and Chile**: Part of the "Lithium Triangle," which holds a significant portion of the world's lithium reserves. - **Cobalt**: - **Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)**: The largest producer of cobalt, though India is looking to diversify its sources due to geopolitical and ethical concerns. - **Rare Earth Elements (REEs)**: - **China**: Currently the dominant supplier of rare earth elements globally. However, India is seeking to reduce its dependence on China by exploring other sources. - **Africa**: Potential new sources of rare earth elements. - **Graphite**: - **China**: The largest producer of natural graphite. - **Mozambique and Madagascar**: Emerging sources of graphite. - **Gallium and Germanium**: - **China**: Major producer of both gallium and germanium. - **Other Potential Sources**: India is exploring opportunities to secure these minerals from other countries to diversify its supply chain. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/1.-UPSCprep-Banner-30.png) ## **India's Strategic Initiatives** India sources its critical minerals from both domestic and international sources. Given the strategic importance of these minerals for various high-tech and industrial applications, India has been actively working to secure a stable and diversified supply chain. ![](https://images.indianexpress.com/2023/06/WhatsApp-Image-2023-07-01-at-00.11.18.jpg?resize=600,419) - In July 2023, India released a list of 30 critical minerals essential for the country's economic and technological development. - India has established a joint venture company, **Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL)**, with contributions from National Aluminium Company Ltd, Hindustan Copper Ltd, and Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Ltd. - KABIL is exploring opportunities to acquire critical mineral assets in countries like Australia, Argentina, and Chile. ## Domestic Sources ![India Mineral Map | Maps of India | UPSC](https://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/minerals/mineral-india-map.jpg) - **Exploration and Mining within India**: - The **Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957**, was updated through the **MMDR Amendment Act, 2023**, to enhance the exploration and mining of critical minerals within India. - **Exploration and Mining:** Efforts have been expanded to identify and develop domestic sources, ensuring sustainable and responsible mining practices. ## International Sources ![Resilience for the Future: The UK's Critical Minerals Strategy - GOV.UK](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/62d7fc828fa8f50c046c8456/2.jpg) ![](https://images.indianexpress.com/2023/06/WhatsApp-Image-2023-07-01-at-00.11.25.jpg?resize=600,518) ### **Joint Ventures and Acquisitions Abroad** - **Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL)**: India has established a joint venture company, KABIL, with equity contributions from - - National Aluminium Company Ltd. - Hindustan Copper Ltd. - Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Ltd. - KABIL's objective is to **acquire critical mineral assets abroad** to ensure a consistent supply to the Indian domestic market. ### **Bilateral Agreements and Partnerships** - **India-U.S. Cooperation**: - India and the U.S. are working towards a bilateral agreement to enhance cooperation on critical minerals. - This includes promoting India’s role in the mineral security partnership and co-investing in lithium resource projects in South America and rare earth deposits in Africa. - **Supply Chain Partnerships**: The partnership aims to strengthen supply chains for critical minerals like graphite, gallium, and germanium. - **India-Australia, India-Argentina, and India-Chile Partnerships:** Focus on lithium and other minerals through KABIL ventures and strategic agreements. ![Rio Tinto secures lithium project in Argentina - UPSC](https://www.mining.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/latin-america-lithium-triangle.jpg) - **India-Africa Partnerships:** Diversifying sources of rare earth elements and other minerals. - **India-Canada and India-Russia Partnerships:** Collaboration on a variety of critical minerals, including cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements. --- **Read* *about*:* [***Bilateral Partnerships for Critical Mineral***](https://www.upscprep.com/bilateral-partnerships-for-critical-mineral-by-india-upsc/) --- ## Implications - **Economic and National Security**: - Ensuring a stable supply of critical minerals is essential for countries' economic growth and national security. - Disruptions in the supply chain of critical minerals can have significant impacts on various industries and technological advancements. - **Technological Advancements**: - Critical minerals are fundamental to developing and deploying cutting-edge technologies, including renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and advanced electronics. - Securing access to these minerals is crucial for maintaining technological leadership and innovation. - **Sustainable Development**: - The extraction and processing of critical minerals must be done responsibly and sustainably to minimize environmental impacts and ensure long-term availability. - International cooperation and investment in sustainable mining practices are essential to achieve this goal. ## Conclusion Critical minerals play a vital role in modern economies and technological advancements. The establishment of KABIL and the ongoing cooperation with countries like the U.S. are key components of this strategy. For UPSC preparation, it is important to understand the geopolitical, economic, and environmental dimensions of critical mineral supply chains, as well as the policies and initiatives taken by India to secure these essential resources. ## Sign up for UPSCprep.com Simplify your UPSC journey Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Bilateral Partnerships for Critical Mineral URL: https://www.upscprep.com/bilateral-partnerships-for-critical-mineral-by-india-upsc/ Last updated: 2024-06-20T12:56:25.000Z India has been actively pursuing bilateral partnerships to secure critical minerals, recognizing their importance for economic growth, technological advancement, and national security. These partnerships aim to diversify supply sources, reduce dependency on a few dominant suppliers, and ensure a stable and sustainable supply chain. Here are some key bilateral partnerships and initiatives through which India procures critical minerals: ### **India-U.S. Partnership** ![United States Critical Minerals Locations | U.S. Geological Survey](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/full_width/public/thumbnails/image/United%20States.png?itok=gjNij6DQ) - **Objective**: Enhance cooperation on critical minerals, including graphite, gallium, and germanium. - **Initiatives**: - **Bilateral Agreement**: India and the U.S. are working towards a bilateral agreement to strengthen supply chains for critical minerals. - **Co-Investment**: Promoting India's role in the mineral security partnership by co-investing in lithium resource projects in South America and rare earth deposits in Africa. - **iCET Dialogue**: The India-U.S. Initiative for Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) dialogue aims to drive collaboration in critical mineral supply chains. ### **India-Australia Partnership** ![Australia leading the world in the latest mineral resource statistics | Geoscience Australia](https://www.ga.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0004/58891/PP-1700-1_700px.png) ![Australia – Mining by the numbers, 2021 | S&P Global Market Intelligence](https://platform.mi.spglobal.com//articles/411191810.png) Understanding these bilateral initiatives, their geopolitical implications, and the policies driving them is essential for UPSC preparation - **Objective**: Secure supplies of lithium and other critical minerals. - **Initiatives**: - **KABIL Ventures**: Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL) is exploring opportunities to acquire lithium and other critical mineral assets in Australia. - **Strategic Agreements**: India and Australia have signed agreements to collaborate on the mining and processing of critical minerals. ### **India-Argentina Partnership** ![KABIL acquires 5 lithium blocks in Argentina - UPSC](https://d18x2uyjeekruj.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/kabil.jpg) ![India Argentina - UPSC - Bilateral Trade - Critical Minerals](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GFkqWRmWgAEjHsd?format=jpg&name=medium) - **Objective**: Access lithium resources. - **Initiatives**: - **KABIL Ventures**: KABIL is actively exploring lithium mining opportunities in Argentina, part of the "Lithium Triangle" known for its rich lithium reserves. - **Bilateral Cooperation**: Strengthening bilateral ties to facilitate investment and technology exchange in the mining sector. ### **India-Chile Partnership** ![Turmoil casts doubt on Latin America's mining of energy-transition minerals | S&P Global Market Intelligence](https://www.snl.com/Articles/408652811.png) ![Mineral Map of South America](https://www.mapsofworld.com/south-america/maps/minerels-and-ores.jpg) - **Objective**: Secure lithium and other critical minerals. - **Initiatives**: - **KABIL Ventures**: KABIL is also exploring lithium mining opportunities in Chile, another key player in the "Lithium Triangle." - **Bilateral Agreements**: India and Chile have agreements to enhance cooperation in mining and mineral processing. ### **India-Africa Partnerships** ![Top mineral by African country: the most abundant... - Maps on the Web](https://64.media.tumblr.com/657ffc9567f1ad3c975e5747c2f54dba/afff9a14ab4aa33a-73/s1280x1920/bb2aa4a1cc290e8fbe2ba372c88d8c6881423c00.jpg) ![Defining critical minerals and other essential elements in the energy transition | African Energy](https://www.africa-energy.com/storage/42057/Transition-minerals-map-650.png) - **Objective**: Diversify sources of rare earth elements (REEs) and other critical minerals. - **Initiatives**: - **Investment in Africa**: India is exploring opportunities to invest in rare earth deposits in African countries. - **Bilateral Cooperation**: Strengthening ties with African nations to facilitate the acquisition and sustainable mining of critical minerals. ### **India-Canada Partnership** ### ![Canada - UPSC - Critical Minerals UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/image-51.png) ![NEWS RELEASE: $3.8B Commitment in 2022 Budget Significantly Enhances Canadian Mining Industry's Ability to Provide the Minerals and Metals Required to Reach Net-Zero (April 7, 2022) – Republic of Mining](https://republicofmining.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/ccc-Critical-Metals-Map.png) - **Objective**: Access to a variety of critical minerals, including cobalt and nickel. - **Initiatives**: - **Strategic Agreements**: India and Canada have signed agreements to collaborate on mining and processing of critical minerals. - **Investment Opportunities**: Exploring joint ventures and investment opportunities in Canada's rich mineral resources. ### **India-Russia Partnership** ![Fig. 1. ](https://media.springernature.com/full/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1134%2FS1075701522060022/MediaObjects/11477_2023_9184_Fig1_HTML.png) ![Mineral deposits in the Russian Arctic [28]. | Download Scientific Diagram](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352565375/figure/fig3/AS:1037124023377924@1624281044824/Mineral-deposits-in-the-Russian-Arctic-28.jpg) - **Objective**: Secure supplies of critical minerals, including rare earth elements. - **Initiatives**: - **Bilateral Agreements**: India and Russia have agreements to enhance cooperation in the mining sector. - **Joint Ventures**: Exploring joint ventures for the extraction and processing of critical minerals. ### Strategic Initiatives and Policies - **Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL)**: A joint venture company with equity contributions from National Aluminium Company Ltd, Hindustan Copper Ltd, and Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Ltd. KABIL's objective is to acquire critical mineral assets abroad to ensure a consistent supply to the Indian domestic market. - **MMDR Amendment Act, 2023**: The amendment of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, facilitates the acquisition of critical mineral assets abroad and enhances domestic exploration. - **Sustainable Mining Practices**: Emphasis on sustainable and responsible mining practices to ensure environmental protection and social responsibility. ### Conclusion India's bilateral partnerships for procuring critical minerals are crucial for securing a stable and diversified supply chain. These partnerships involve strategic agreements, joint ventures, and co-investments in key mineral-rich regions worldwide. Understanding these bilateral initiatives, their geopolitical implications, and the policies driving them is essential for UPSC preparation. ## Sign up for UPSCprep.com Simplify your UPSC journey Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### UPSC CSE Prelims 2024 Detailed Solution URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-cse-prelims-2024-general-studies-detailed-solution/ Last updated: 2024-10-14T07:43:52.000Z **1\.** How many Delimitation Commissions have been constituted by the Government of India till December 2023? A. One B. Two C. Three D. Four **Ans**: D **Subject:** Polity **Solution**: Delimitation Commissions have been constituted 4 times by the Government of India till December 2023\. While some controversy has been raised about this question by the issues of the recent delimitation exercise in J&K. Luckily for those giving the exam, 5 times was not an option in this question. ![](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeofVgDl7YwK1t8vSZte1EJo_NZSFvmq7i7KEAP5akob09GZQJqtdCKqhEBk0z_1uXn8sGiTY7iEZsiKHpd-jvGoyJWKcrU_iJnGEtLu79qrpzA4lOLroATkrFzu_HRiH-2zlJ66tn-bvwlTKuJ7Vk2a--e?key=OG6VouZSHgs-g-1SlNtWvA) **Source:** Indian Polity By M Laxmikanth 7th Edition (Chapter 71) --- **2\.** The Constitution (71st Amendment) Act, 1992 amends the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution to include which of the following languages? 1. Konkani 2. Manipuri 3. Nepali 4. Maithili Select the correct answer using the code given below : A. 1, 2 and 3 B. 1, 2 and 4 C. 1, 3 and 4 D. 2, 3 and 4 **Ans**: A **Subject:** Polity **Solution**: The Constitution (71st Amendment) Act, 1992 amends the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution to include Konkani, Manipuri and Nepali. Maithili language was added later by 92nd Amendment Act 2003. ![](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXf1UCt20jjWI94QnOSt2x1t3VG-D9szYnwwe1YyImGFprcBgCZj9EwdiTKMAjJ0jH4dG144xQ5W_3mZhrG7zM8VcSiWd9RraHa9OJxWf90aO9_FUFKsLxNAf9KL6-SB2RxZWtxEeED5b7aIB1-0NMjJ6kpE?key=OG6VouZSHgs-g-1SlNtWvA) **Source:** Indian Polity By M Laxmikant 7th Edition (Chapter 73) --- **3\. Consider the following pairs :** | ***Party*** | ***Its Leader*** | | -------------------------- | --------------------------- | | 1\. Bhartiya Jana Sangh | Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee | | 2\. Socialist Party | C. Rajagopalachari | | 3\. Congress for Democracy | Jagjivan Ram | | 4\. Swatantra Party | Acharya Narendra Dev | How many of the above are correctly matched? 1. Only one 2. Only two 3. Only three 4. All four **Ans**: B **Subject:** Modern Indian History **Solution**: **Congress for Democracy - Jagjivan Ram:** This is a correct match. Jagjivan Ram was a Dalit leader who served as a minister in various Indian governments. He founded the Congress for Democracy after leaving the Indian National Congress. The **Swatantra Party** was a significant player in India's political landscape, but it existed from 1959 to 1974 and is no longer active in modern India. Founded in 1959 by **C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji),** a prominent figure who previously served as Governor-General of India. ![](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXe-IewzB_FN_rkwYSRo8AoTwJBNyEuogK43gHphqrob7sUzqbN36fryxnUs4fraIyhFd6yQl51d6oVkLWDxK2EAFkhoS2khp-jcGoTOv775HU7a84CXb3Wtl3H_b5nwsrC8NgfaJakte6MMzI7DVOvV8O7I?key=OG6VouZSHgs-g-1SlNtWvA) ![](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdiFTmMf8gkcqBO46tU-sRF7uRm7ackcTuaPdh9Z7eQR43d826IIHNvs0EwTjBVMCPeiYLeIP3pTylf9oYUQBNPcBOE9wytrtt8-UUsp_EhpCkGlDisQ1ZBleCbQjEXIa-GcfiUruny6CkJx7QQpYQ7ZMw1?key=OG6VouZSHgs-g-1SlNtWvA) **Source:** Class 12th NCERT Politics in India Since Independence --- **4\. Which of the following statements are correct about the Constitution of India?** 1\. Powers of the Municipalities are given in Part IX A of the Constitution. 2\. Emergency provisions are given in Part XVIII of the Constitution. 3\. Provisions related to the amendment of the Constitution are given in Part XX of the Constitution. Select the answer using the code given below : A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 **Ans**: D **Subject:** Polity **Solution**: **Part IX A (Municipalities):** This part was inserted into the Constitution to empower municipalities with specific powers and functions to ensure effective local governance. It includes provisions regarding the constitution of municipalities, their powers to levy taxes, their relationship with state governments, and measures to strengthen local self-government. **Part XVIII (Emergency Provisions):** This part of the Constitution deals with situations of emergency that may arise due to war, external aggression, or armed rebellion. It outlines the circumstances under which a national emergency, state emergency, or financial emergency can be declared, the effects of such emergencies on fundamental rights, and the procedure for invoking and revoking these emergency provisions. **Part XX (Amendment of the Constitution):** Part XX outlines the procedures and methods for amending various provisions of the Constitution. It specifies the types of amendments (simple majority, special majority, and special majority with the consent of states), the role of Parliament and state legislatures in the amendment process, and the provisions that are amendable and those that require ratification by states. **Source:** Indian Polity By M Laxmikant (Multiple Chapters) --- **5\. Which one of the following statements is correct as per the Constitution of India?** A. Inter-State trade and commerce is a State subject under the State List. B. Inter-State migration is a State subject under the State List. C. Inter-State quarantine is a Union subject under the Union List. D. Corporation tax is a State subject under the State List. **Ans**: C **Subject:** Polity **Solution**: Based on the distribution of powers: - Inter-State trade and commerce is a Union subject (List I). - Inter-State migration is not specifically mentioned in any list but typically addressed through cooperation. - Inter-State quarantine is a Union subject (List I). - Corporation tax is a Union subject (List I). **Source:** [https://www.orfonline.org/research/the-covid-19-challenge-to-indian-federalism](https://www.orfonline.org/research/the-covid-19-challenge-to-indian-federalism?ref=upscprep.com) --- **6\.** Under which of the following Articles of the Constitution of India, has the Supreme Court of India places the Right to Privacy? A. Article 15 B. Article 16 C. Article 19 D. Article 21 **Ans**: D **Subject:** Polity **Solution**: ![](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdaDw6Kw3aEmXKLTTDAI6GV2TVeFmzkbSLKE29jCcCQZCrd_hMMFA7doQfKlX3uuBYt4Mk0Z3M3tbhobmJLW97VTBaJcH555mhf-GHJGJjTWoZVbobGHy624rCWmHoWlOnbow7JswkkcIWddi3wjRyREA_c?key=OG6VouZSHgs-g-1SlNtWvA) **Source:** Indian Polity By M Laxmikant 7th Edition (Chapter 15) Source: Para 5 of the Justice Puttaswamy judgement. [https://indiankanoon.org/doc/127517806/](https://indiankanoon.org/doc/127517806/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **7\.** What are the duties of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) as Head of the Department of Military Affairs? 1. Permanent Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee. 2. Exercise military command over the three Service Chiefs. 3. Principal Military Advisor to Defence Minister on all tri-service matters. Select the correct answer using the code given below. A. 1, 2 and 3 B. 1 and 2 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1 and 3 only **Ans**: D **Subject:** Current Affairs **Solution**: Statement 1: Correct. The CDS is the Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee. Statement 2: Incorrect. The CDS does not exercise direct military command over the three Service Chiefs. Statement 3: Correct. The CDS is the Principal Military Advisor to the Defence Minister on all tri-service matters. **Source**: [https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1597425](https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1597425&ref=upscprep.com) --- **8\.** Operations undertaken by the Army towards upliftment of the local population in remote areas to include addressing of their basic needs is called : A. Operation Sankalp B. Operation Maitri C. Operation Sadbhavana D. Operation Madad **Ans**: C **Subject:** Current Affairs **Solution**: The operation undertaken by the Indian Army towards the upliftment of the local population in remote areas, addressing their basic needs, is known as **Operation Sadbhavana**. **Source:** [https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1895974](https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1895974&ref=upscprep.com) --- **9\. The longest border between any two countries in the world is between :** A. Canada and the United States of America B. Chile and Argentina C. China and India D. Kazakhstan and Russian Federation **Ans**: A **Subject:** Geography **Solution**: **Border between Canada and the United States:** - The border between Canada and the United States is the longest international border in the world. It stretches for approximately 8,891 kilometers (5,525 miles) along the 49th parallel from the Pacific Ocean in the west to the Atlantic Ocean in the east. **Why the other options are incorrect:** - **Chile and Argentina:** Although Chile and Argentina share a long border in South America, it is not as long as the Canada-US border. It measures approximately 5,150 kilometers (3,200 miles). - **China and India:** The border between China and India is quite long and is disputed in certain areas, but it does not exceed the length of the Canada-US border. It spans approximately 3,488 kilometers (2,167 miles). - **Kazakhstan and Russian Federation:** The border between Kazakhstan and Russia is significant, measuring around 7,591 kilometers (4,714 miles). While this is a long border, it is still shorter than the Canada-US border. **Source:** [https://www.thehindu.com/data/data-sharp-rise-in-indians-illegally-crossing-us-northern-border-from-canada/article67634735.ece](https://www.thehindu.com/data/data-sharp-rise-in-indians-illegally-crossing-us-northern-border-from-canada/article67634735.ece?ref=upscprep.com) --- **10**. Which of the following statements about the Ethics Committee in the Lok Sabha are correct? 1. Initially it was an ad-hoc Committee. 2. Only a Member of the Lok Sabha can make a complaint relating to unethical conduct of a member of the Lok Sabha. 3. This Committee cannot take up any matter which is sub-judice. Select the correct answer using the code given below : A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 **Ans**: C **Subject:** Polity **Solution**: Statement 1 is correct because the Ethics Committee was initially constituted as an ad-hoc committee. Statement 2 is incorrect because it is not specified that only members of the Lok Sabha can raise complaints regarding unethical conduct of fellow members. Statement 3 is correct because the Ethics Committee avoids taking up matters that are sub-judice. **Source:** Indian Polity By M.Laxmikant 7th Edition (Chapter 23) News: [https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/mahua-moitra-nishikant-dubey-parliament-ethics-committee-8987781/](https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/mahua-moitra-nishikant-dubey-parliament-ethics-committee-8987781/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **11\.** Who was the Provisional President of the Constituent Assembly before Dr. Rajendra Prasad took over ? A. C. Rajagopalachari B. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar C. T.T. Krishnamachari D. Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha **Ans**: D **Subject:** Polity **Solution**: **Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha** was appointed as the first provisional President of the Constituent Assembly of India on December 9, 1946\. He presided over the inaugural session of the Constituent Assembly, which was held on December 9, 1946. **Dr. Rajendra Prasad later succeeded Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha** as the President of the Constituent Assembly on December 11, 1946\. Dr. Rajendra Prasad continued to serve as the President of the Constituent Assembly until the adoption of the Constitution of India on January 24, 1950. **Source:** Indian Polity By M Laxmikant 7th Edition (Chapter 2) --- **12\. With reference to the Government of India Act, 1935, consider the following statements:** 1. It provided for the establishment of an All India Federation based on the union of the British Indian Provinces and Princely States. 2. Defence and Foreign Affairs were kept under the control of the federal legislatures. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? 1. 1 only 2. 2 only 3. Both 1 and 2 4. Neither 1 nor 2 **Ans**: A (while wording could have been better, statement 1 is correct) **Subject:** Modern Indian History **Solution**: **Government of India Act, 1935**: This legislation was a significant constitutional reform passed by the British Parliament. It proposed a federal structure for India, which included both British Indian provinces and princely states. However, due to various reasons including opposition from princely states and other complexities, the federation envisioned by the act did not come into existence fully. **Defence and Foreign Affairs**: These matters were crucial and were not devolved to Indian control under the Government of India Act, 1935\. They remained in the hands of the British authorities and the Viceroy acting on behalf of the Crown. ![](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdTMNxjdAOo-fbzZmAvp3bFItMm9mrTL2wp80b23r3s2K74LOjxjjMuQmY0qWXhs8WIyBZ7Civl4KVKfyOQu0qPnjXOIcQgWc5HIDVBWLCRG4ixl_HasSsutYyeD6Xb-tbAT0Rn4en1lGuY6uueADgHwJA?key=OG6VouZSHgs-g-1SlNtWvA) **Source:** Spectrum - Unit 9 - India under British Rule: Governance and other Aspects. Also covered in Classes Notes. --- **13\. Which one of the following is a work attributed to the playwright Bhasa?** **A.** Kavyalankara B. Natyashastra *C. Madhyama-vyayoga* D. Mahabhashya **Ans**: C **Subject:** Ancient / Medieval / Art & Culture **Solution**: Bhasa is an ancient Indian playwright known for his contributions to Sanskrit drama. Among the options provided: **Madhyama-vyayoga**"Madhyama-vyayoga" (also known as "Middle One") is a play attributed to Bhasa. It is one of the thirteen plays attributed to him that have been preserved. Bhasa's plays are noted for their simple language, dramatic impact, and portrayal of realistic characters. **Source:** Upinder Singh --- **14\.** Sanghabhuti, an Indian Buddhist monk, who travelled to China at the end of the fourth century AD, was the author of a commentary on : A. Prajnaparamita Sutra B. Visuddhimagga C. Sarvastivada Vinaya D. Lalitavistara **Ans**: C **Subject:** Ancient / Medieval / Art & Culture **Solution**: The Sarvastivada Vinaya is a collection of texts that form the monastic rules and discipline for monks in the Sarvastivada school of Buddhism. It is associated with Sanghabhuti. **Source:** Upinder Singh --- **15\. Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO :** 1. Shantiniketan 2. Rani-ki-Vav 3. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas 4. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya How many of the above properties were **included in 2023** ? 1. Only one 2. Only two 3. Only three 4. All four **Ans**: B **Subject:** Current Affairs **Solution**: **Shantiniketan** Shantiniketan, located in West Bengal, India, is famous for its association with Rabindranath Tagore and Visva-Bharati University. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage **List in 2023**. **Rani-ki-Vav** Rani-ki-Vav, also known as the Queen's Stepwell, is located in Patan, Gujarat, India. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014 for its exceptional design and intricate artwork. **Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas** The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas refer to the temples built by the Hoysala Empire in Karnataka, India. This property was included in the UNESCO World Heritage **List in 2023**, recognizing its architectural significance and cultural value. **Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya** The Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya, Bihar, India, is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2002, acknowledging its historical and spiritual importance as the place where Buddha attained enlightenment. **Source:** [https://www.unesco.org/en/world-heritage/committee-2023](https://www.unesco.org/en/world-heritage/committee-2023?ref=upscprep.com) --- **16\.** As per Article 368 of the Constitution of India, the Parliament may amend any provision of the Constitution by way of: 1. Addition 2. Variation 3. Repeal Select the correct answer using the code given below : A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 **Ans**: D **Subject:** Polity **Solution**: **Article 368 of the Indian Constitution:** 1. **Power to Amend the Constitution:** - Article 368 grants the exclusive power to amend the Constitution of India to the Parliament. It specifies that the Parliament may amend by way of **addition, variation, or repeal** any provision of the Constitution in accordance with the procedure laid down in the article. 2. **Types of Amendments:** - Amendments to the Constitution can be of several types, ranging from minor changes to fundamental alterations in the structure or provisions of the Constitution. Article 368 empowers Parliament to amend any part of the Constitution, including the fundamental rights and other provisions. **Source:** Direct : Bare Act - Indian Constitution Article 368: [https://indiankanoon.org/doc/594125/](https://indiankanoon.org/doc/594125/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **17\. Consider the following countries :** 1. Italy 2. Japan 3. Nigeria 4. South Korea 5. South Africa Which of the above countries are frequently mentioned in the media for their low birth rates, or ageing population of declining population ? 1. 1, 2 and 4 2. 1, 3 and 5 3. 2 and 4 only 4. 3 and 5 only **Ans**: A **Subject:** Current Affairs **Solution**: **Italy**: Italy has been facing a declining birth rate and an aging population for several decades. This demographic trend has significant implications for its economy and social welfare systems. **Japan**: Japan is known for its rapidly aging population and low birth rate. The combination of low fertility rates and increasing life expectancy has led to concerns about the sustainability of its workforce and economic growth. **South Korea**: South Korea is also experiencing a low birth rate and an aging population. Efforts to encourage higher birth rates have been challenging, leading to discussions about potential demographic and economic consequences. **Source:** [https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/05/10/italys-falling-birth-rate-is-a-crisis-thats-only-getting-worse](https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/05/10/italys-falling-birth-rate-is-a-crisis-thats-only-getting-worse?ref=upscprep.com), [https://eastasiaforum.org/2024/03/05/combating-depopulation-in-japan/](https://eastasiaforum.org/2024/03/05/combating-depopulation-in-japan/?ref=upscprep.com), [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/28/fears-for-future-as-south-koreas-fertility-rate-drops-again](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/28/fears-for-future-as-south-koreas-fertility-rate-drops-again?ref=upscprep.com) --- **18\.** Which of the following statements are correct in respect of a Money Bill in the Parliament? 1. Article 109 mentions special procedure in respect of Money Bills. 2. A Money Bill shall not be introduced in the Council of States. 3. The Rajya Sabha can either approve the Bill or suggest changes but cannot reject it. 4. Amendment to a Money Bill suggested by the Rajya Sabha have to be accepted by the Lok Sabha. Select the correct answer using the code given below : 1. 1 and 2 only 2. 2 and 3 only 3. 1, 2 and 3 4. 1, 3 and 4 **Ans**: C **Subject:** Polity **Solution**: **Article 109 mentions special procedure in respect of Money Bills.** - **Correct**. Article 109 of the Indian Constitution indeed specifies the special procedure to be followed in relation to Money Bills. According to Article 109, a Money Bill can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and not in the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). It also outlines the specific provisions related to the passage and consideration of Money Bills. **A Money Bill shall not be introduced in the Council of States.** - **Correct**. As per Article 109 of the Constitution, a Money Bill cannot be introduced in the Rajya Sabha. It must originate in the Lok Sabha and, once passed by the Lok Sabha, it is transmitted to the Rajya Sabha for its recommendations. The Rajya Sabha can suggest amendments, but it cannot initiate or pass a Money Bill. **The Rajya Sabha can either approve the Bill or suggest changes but cannot reject it.** - **Correct**. The Rajya Sabha does not have the power to reject a Money Bill. It can only suggest amendments. The Lok Sabha may or may not accept these amendments. However, if the Lok Sabha does not accept any of the amendments proposed by the Rajya Sabha, the Money Bill is deemed to have been passed by both Houses in the form in which it was originally passed by the Lok Sabha. **While the Rajya Sabha can suggest amendments to a Money Bill, it is not mandatory for the Lok Sabha to accept these amendments.** **Article 109:** [https://indiankanoon.org/doc/729393/](https://indiankanoon.org/doc/729393/?ref=upscprep.com) **Source:** Indian Polity By M.Laxmikant 7th Edition (Chapter 23) --- 19\. Which of the following is/are correctly matched in terms of equivalent rank in the three services of Indian Defence forces? | ***Army*** | ***Airforce*** | ***Navy*** | | ---------------------- | ---------------- | -------------------- | | 1\. Brigadier | Air Commodore | Commander | | 2\. Major General | Air Vice Marshal | Vice Admiral | | 3\. Major | Squadron Leader | Lieutenant Commander | | 4\. Lieutenant Colonel | Group Captain | Captain | Select the correct answer using the code given below : 1. 1 and 4 2. 1 and 3 3. 2, 3 and 4 4. 3 only **Ans**: D **Subject:** Current Affairs **Solution**: ![](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXentFbILPnC2y2Ycq5dDC0GE_uByZ77c8ns8IKUM-06bY1FID5Lgm5qKRqMVJdQHhjcibK9Qn0rdbupCdHOFMNlivUPz6DOxSayB5o2aX2_VUVygnKyMcejUhhRF7Na2JaBWpK4MNhSWGwSdezjL3z1sTy8?key=OG6VouZSHgs-g-1SlNtWvA) **Source:** [https://vishwabharatigurukul.com/equivalent-ranks-indian-armed-forces/](https://vishwabharatigurukul.com/equivalent-ranks-indian-armed-forces/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **20\.** The North Eastern Council (NEC) was established by the North Eastern Council Act, 1971\. Subsequent to the amendment of NEC Act in 2002, the Council comprises which of the following members ? 1. Governor of the Constituent State 2. Chief Minister of the Constituent State 3. Three Members to be nominated by the President of India 4. The Home Minister of India Select the correct answer using the code given below : (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 **Ans**: A **Subject:** Polity **Solution**: ![](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcwgl_y9cvxfXLp0S0wCogs_Xot4JubWguUkU7VEf9DH6iLs6lXMgGT2EHMeRXDc9GgL5tD0vt-gFAX8xNPIfTjZCzcj0KGss2dKL-kaiaftYXbYUQZOq8CLOmTrS5JM0fxOzWaZ54-N1BuIq78VGaqW_4?key=OG6VouZSHgs-g-1SlNtWvA) **Source:** [https://necouncil.gov.in/](https://necouncil.gov.in/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **21\. Consider the following statements regarding ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ :** 1. Provisions will come into effect from the 18th Lok Sabha. 2. This will be in force for 15 years after becoming an Act. 3. There are provisions for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Casters Women within the quota reserved for the Scheduled Castes. Which of the statements given above are correct ? 1. 1, 2 and 3 2. 1 and 2 only 3. 2 and 3 only 4. 1 and 3 only **Q. 21 Nari shakti vandan** **Ans**: C **Subject:** Polity **Solution**: ![](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeS1Nc2UOR09W5guiEF7pdyUFgaJLpIZdbpuvS9C1GqKMSXEHEf8krAQD0xpoaJgKWesAclMvcDIFxH9Wy4Mqd-77gZlCVdsQeuM5UBYs-aCH1eZdGXvjl7hzmepCMdDfQazEAKhXb5Ld-qdIVfBRuwKt8?key=OG6VouZSHgs-g-1SlNtWvA) **Key features of the Bill** - **Reservation for women:** The Bill reserves, as nearly as may be, one-third of all seats for women in Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies, and the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. This will also apply to the seats reserved for SCs and STs in Lok Sabha and states legislatures. - **Commencement of reservation:** The reservation will be effective after the census conducted after the commencement of this Bill has been published. Based on the census, delimitation will be undertaken to reserve seats for women. The reservation will be provided for a period of 15 years. However, it shall continue till such date as determined by a law made by Parliament. - **Rotation of seats:** Seats reserved for women will be rotated after each delimitation, as determined by a law made by Parliament. **Source:** [https://prsindia.org/billtrack/the-constitution-one-hundred-twenty-eighth-amendment-bill-2023](https://prsindia.org/billtrack/the-constitution-one-hundred-twenty-eighth-amendment-bill-2023?ref=upscprep.com) --- **22\.** Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ are correct? 1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh. 2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune). 3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation. 4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise. Select the correct answer using the code given below : 1. 1, 2 and 3 2. 1, 2 and 4 3. 1, 3 and 4 4. 2, 3 and 4 **Ans**: D **Subject:** Current Affairs **Solution**: ![](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcHmH5yHExqkbdcYZo9eyuddwXWtMgSxoPJ4yJKdGEMObowp78yDfCBLwgPd2ISW22ScwL4XENUFEjD9lKvX5VTCRyc4uuTk0a4NlqXiw_xx14vm5eDqCN85IMrNUpbCY1rYftWIzpShJIqAVCvGpQ0m9sf?key=OG6VouZSHgs-g-1SlNtWvA) **Source:** [https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1977339#:\~:text=Exercise%20MITRA%20SHAKTI%20–%202023%20will,rehearsed%20jointly%20by%20both%20sides.](https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1977339&ref=upscprep.com#:~:text=Exercise%20MITRA%20SHAKTI%20%E2%80%93%202023%20will,rehearsed%20jointly%20by%20both%20sides.) --- **23\. A Writ of Prohibition is an order issued by the Supreme Court or High Courts to :** 1. a government officer prohibiting him from taking a particular action. 2. the Parliament/Legislative Assembly to pass a law on Prohibition. 3. the lower court prohibiting continuation of proceedings in a case. 4. the Government prohibiting it from following an unconstitutional policy. **Ans**: C **Subject:** Polity **Solution**: ![](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeNfJySCvjPtAPB_rYJFJZ2Pj_filzStKvnJIiUhzVkPqda8rfyl0I_IUwBVUEGUW65wVApA6_0r-HSSFLWlNyeKIJM-uwZ4eS4u3ZaGG_ksE5Few1mDMfQLWSa4k9tfAb9cExaAinvbPAa0VasjPUp_2Rt?key=OG6VouZSHgs-g-1SlNtWvA) **Source:** Indian Polity By M Laxmikant 7th Edition (Chapter 8 and Chapter 26) --- **24\. Consider the following statements:** 1. It is the Government of the State who recognizes and declares any community of that State as a Scheduled Tribe. 2. A community declared as a Scheduled Tribe in a State need not to be so in another State. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 2 nor 2 **Ans**: B **Subject:** Polity **Solution**: Statement 1: It is not the Governor of the State who recognizes and declares any community of that State as a Scheduled Tribe. According to Article 342 of the Constitution of India, it is the President who declares. Statement 2: The Scheduled Tribe status is not uniform across all states in India. A community recognized as a Scheduled Tribe in one state may not necessarily have the same status in another state. The recognition of Scheduled Tribe status varies based on specific criteria and historical contexts relevant to each state. Article 342: [https://indiankanoon.org/doc/768139/](https://indiankanoon.org/doc/768139/?ref=upscprep.com) **Source:** Indian Polity By M Laxmikant 7th Edition (Chapter 42) --- **25\. With reference to Union Budget, consider the following statements:** 1. The Union Finance Minister on behalf of the Prime Minister lays the Annual Financial Statement before both the Houses of Parliament. 2. At the Union level, no demand for a grant can be made except on the recommendation of the President of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 **Ans**: B **Subject:** Polity **Solution**: Article 112: [https://indiankanoon.org/doc/280240/](https://indiankanoon.org/doc/280240/?ref=upscprep.com) ![](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcvottbWmYKuiWh82g2JbzxIJ2hG0WN0QUhwJGGuf0ExEIImC_WonTU577_of3JjQIITXxlwK_bQY9ekSiO_83iup-_a8mPGhxJdHf7zj5GNSi4PjkuQY7ul4l7IZrggrNq7RQMpZUnG3o_bTSkHZxYSwY?key=OG6VouZSHgs-g-1SlNtWvA) **Source:** Indian Polity By M Laxmikant 7th Edition (Chapter 23) --- **26\.** Who of the following is the author of the books “The India Way” and “Why Bharat Matters”? A. Bhupendra Yadav B. Nalin Mehta C. Shashi Tharoor D. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar **Ans**: D **Subject:** Current Affairs **Solution**: ![](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfQtnTEMDOua9vxvdz-PbO0trwUlXZu0_nIn2qLI4uBK1W9pumzkXvnU8tjEkNLRtnuaip6-Mmk5OaCHTHEMSHP70h0iHz66jPB3Z3juHX_VBQDLiWFYEAeI4F-YrV1SfmMpCqEOblNseg1w3DM1TrAt4sM?key=OG6VouZSHgs-g-1SlNtWvA) **Source:** [https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/20524820.S\_Jaishankar](https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/20524820.S%5FJaishankar?ref=upscprep.com) --- 27\. Consider the following pairs: | ***Country*** | ***Reason for being in the news*** | | ------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- | | 1\. Argentina | Worst economic crisis | | 2\. Sudan | War between the country’s regular and paramilitary forces | | 3\. Turkey | Rescinded its membership of NATO | How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched? A. Only one pair B. Only two pairs C. All three pairs D. None of the pairs **Ans**: B **Subject:** Current Affairs **Solution**: **Source**: [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/19/civil-war-in-sudan-takes-centre-stage-at-un](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/19/civil-war-in-sudan-takes-centre-stage-at-un?ref=upscprep.com) **Source**: [https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics\_52044.htm](https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics%5F52044.htm?ref=upscprep.com) **Source**: [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/11/imf-unlocks-4-7bn-for-argentina-amid-economic-crisis-milei-austerity-cuts](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/11/imf-unlocks-4-7bn-for-argentina-amid-economic-crisis-milei-austerity-cuts?ref=upscprep.com) --- **28\. Consider the following statements :** Statement-I: Sumed pipeline is a strategic route for Persian Gulf oil and natural gas shipments to Europe. Statement-II: Sumed pipeline connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ? A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct **Ans**: A **Subject:** Current Affairs **Solution**: ![](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeM2LB13aWTnjRmNfgoDdyZ0RzeuWaDyC9e8cYrPGhbhJDUE8tfi1Nwb2dsrWuClNBseNPk4oiBNDjuqr3NGY6v50JFcz90Guua7Lpgr56pqDXfPqpJfp6dZgyIbJeenRFupvPGyGfJ97O13Uz_jSuifovL?key=OG6VouZSHgs-g-1SlNtWvA) **Source:** [**https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumed\_pipeline**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumed%5Fpipeline?ref=upscprep.com) **Source**: [https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=40152](https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=40152&ref=upscprep.com) --- **29\. Consider the following statements :** 1. The Red Sea receives very little precipitation in any form. 2. No water enters the Red Sea from rivers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 **Ans**: A (Controversial) **Subject:** Geography **Solution**: **Statement 1**:The Red Sea region is generally arid and receives minimal precipitation. The primary source of water in the Red Sea comes from the Gulf of Aden through the Bab el Mandeb strait, and not from direct rainfall. **Statement 2**: While the Red Sea is mainly fed by oceanic currents and not rivers directly flowing into it, there are small seasonal streams and wadis that drain into the Red Sea during periods of heavy rainfall in the surrounding arid regions. These inputs, although minor compared to oceanic inflow, do contribute some water to the Red Sea. **Source:** [https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/ship-earlier-attacked-by-yemens-houthi-rebels-sinks-in-the-red-sea/article67907262.ece](https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/ship-earlier-attacked-by-yemens-houthi-rebels-sinks-in-the-red-sea/article67907262.ece?ref=upscprep.com) --- **30\.** According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which one of the following is the largest source of sulphur dioxide emissions ? A. Locomotives using fossil fuels B. Ships using fossil fuels C. Extraction of metals from ores D. Power plants using fossil fuels **Ans**: D **Subject:** Environment **Solution**: ![](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXd9E8QGewFpz8qCrAnX3PadKkooHUTMtjgRXkgbUkHMu4cIZCJ5wqxx1WtSiXGxB1SAHq5cLlk8xrF0x18muKVIkEDngAzTwGK6974sUo5_KbTkVYKUb7ILGoh8rroSyqKbaz1yqY-CkSBm5LRUesceEuc8?key=OG6VouZSHgs-g-1SlNtWvA) **Source:** [https://www.epa.gov/so2-pollution/sulfur-dioxide-basics#:\~:text=Smaller%20sources%20of%20SO2,with%20a%20high%20sulfur%20content. ](https://www.epa.gov/so2-pollution/sulfur-dioxide-basics?ref=upscprep.com#:~:text=Smaller%20sources%20of%20SO2,with%20a%20high%20sulfur%20content.) --- **31\. Consider the following statements :** Statement-I: If the United States of America (USA) were to default on its debt, holders of US Treasury Bonds will not be able to exercise their claims to receive payment. Statement-II: The USA Government debt is not backed by any hard assets, but only by the faith of the Government. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ? A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct **Ans**: D **Subject:** Economy **Solution**: Statement-I is **incorrect**. In the event that the USA were to default on its debt obligations, holders of US Treasury Bonds (considered very safe investments globally) would still have legal claims to receive payment. Defaulting on debt would severely impact the global financial markets and the credibility of US Treasury securities, but it would not eliminate the legal obligation of the US government to pay its debts. Statement-II is **correct**. US Government debt, including US Treasury Bonds, is not backed by specific hard assets like gold reserves. Instead, the value and repayment of US Treasury securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the US government. This means investors trust that the US government will honor its financial obligations. **Source:** [https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/08/politics/debt-default-payment-prioritization-treasury/index.html](https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/08/politics/debt-default-payment-prioritization-treasury/index.html?ref=upscprep.com) --- **32\. Consider the following statements :** Statement-I: Syndicated lending spreads the risk of borrower default across multiple lenders. Statement-II: The syndicated loan can be a fixed amount/lump sum of funds, but cannot be a credit line. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ? A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct **Ans**: C **Subject:** Economy **Solution**: Statement-I is **correct**. Syndicated lending involves a group of lenders collectively providing funds to a borrower. This approach helps in spreading the risk associated with borrower default across multiple lenders rather than having a single lender bear the entire risk. Statement-II is **incorrect**. A syndicated loan can indeed be structured as either a fixed amount (a lump sum) or as a credit line (revolving credit facility). In a revolving credit facility, the borrower can access funds up to a specified limit, repay the borrowed amount, and then borrow again up to the limit during the term of the facility. This flexibility is one of the key features of syndicated loans. **Source:** [https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/syndicatedloan.asp](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/syndicatedloan.asp?ref=upscprep.com) --- **33\. Consider the following statements in respect of the digital rupee :** 1. It is a sovereign currency issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in alignment with its monetary policy. 2. It appears as a liability on the RBI’s balance sheet. 3. It is insured against inflation by its very design. 4. It is freely convertible against commercial bank money and cash. Which of the statements given above are correct ? A. 1 and 2 only B. 1 and 3 only C. 2 and 4 only D. 1, 2 and 4 **Ans**: D **Subject:** Economy **Solution**: With respect of the digital rupee : 1. It is a sovereign currency issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in alignment with its monetary policy. 2. It appears as a liability on the RBI’s balance sheet. 3. It is not insured against inflation by its very design. 4. It is freely convertible against commercial bank money and cash. **Source:** [https://rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationReportDetails.aspx?UrlPage=&ID=1218](https://rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationReportDetails.aspx?UrlPage=&ID=1218&ref=upscprep.com) --- **34\.** With reference to ancient India, Gautama Buddha was generally known by which of the following epithets ? 1. Nayaputta 2. Shakyamuni 3. Tathagata Select the correct answer using the code given below : A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1, 2 and 3 D. None of the above are epithets of Gautama Buddha **Ans**: B **Subject:** Ancient / Medieval / Art & Culture **Solution**: In ancient India, Gautama Buddha was known by several epithets. Let's analyze each option: 1. **Nayaputta**: This epithet is not commonly associated with Gautama Buddha. It is associated with Mahavira Jain. 2. **Shakyamuni**: This is a widely recognized epithet of Gautama Buddha. It means "Sage of the Shakya clan," referring to his birth in the Shakya clan. 3. **Tathagata**: This is another well-known epithet of Gautama Buddha. It has several meanings, including "One who has thus come" or "One who has thus gone." **Source:** Direct Source - 11th Old NCERT - Chap 9 Jainism and Buddhism **Source**: [http://mahavirswami.com/tirthankar.php?tirthankar=24](http://mahavirswami.com/tirthankar.php?tirthankar=24&ref=upscprep.com) --- 35\. Consider the following information : | ***Archaeological Site*** | ***State*** | ***Description*** | | ------------------------- | -------------- | --------------------- | | 1\. Chandraketugarh | Odisha | Trading Port town | | 2\. Inamgaon | Maharashtra | Chalcolithic site | | 3\. Mangadu | Kerala | Megalithic site | | 4\. Salihundam | Andhra Pradesh | Rock-cut cave shrines | In which of the above rows is given information correctly matched ? A. 1 and 2 B. 2 and 3 C. 3 and 4 D. 1 and 4 **Ans**: B **Subject:** Ancient / Medieval / Art & Culture **Solution**: **Chandraketugarh** is indeed an archaeological site in India, but it’s located in West Bengal, not Odisha. It was a major trading port town during the Maurya and Gupta empires. **Inamgaon** is a chalcolithic site located in Maharashtra, and the information provided is correct. **Mangadu** in Kerala has megalithic sites. **Salihundam** has Buddhist chaityas but these are not rock cut caves. **Source:** Chandraketugarh in 2021 PYQ - Inamgaon in NCERT (Chap 5 Stone Copper Phase) **Source**: [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/chandraketugarh-a-lesser-known-archaeological-site-in-west-bengal/articleshow/70645871.cms](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/chandraketugarh-a-lesser-known-archaeological-site-in-west-bengal/articleshow/70645871.cms?ref=upscprep.com) **Source**: [https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/5105396.pdf](https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/5105396.pdf?ref=upscprep.com) **Source**: [https://www.archaeology.kerala.gov.in/monuments/madankavu-urnburial-site/44](https://www.archaeology.kerala.gov.in/monuments/madankavu-urnburial-site/44?ref=upscprep.com) **Source**: [https://srikakulam.ap.gov.in/engineering-tourism/](https://srikakulam.ap.gov.in/engineering-tourism/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **36\.** Who of the following rulers of medieval India gave permission to the Portuguese to build a fort at Bhatkal ? A. Krishnadevaraya B. Narasimha Saluva C. Muhammad Shah III D. Yusuf Adil Shah **Ans**: A **Subject:** Ancient / Medieval / Art & Culture **Solution**: The ruler who gave permission to the Portuguese to build a fort at Bhatkal was Krishnadevaraya. Here's why the other options are incorrect: (b) Narasimha Saluva: Preceded Krishnadevaraya and wouldn't have been in power during the relevant period. (c) Muhammad Shah III: Ruled the Delhi Sultanate, geographically distant from Bhatkal. (d) Yusuf Adil Shah: Sultan of Bijapur, which often clashed with the Portuguese. **Source:** No Direct Source - 12th Old NCERT mentions about the good relations between Krishnadev Raya and Portuguese --- **37\. With reference to revenue collection by Cornwallis, consider the following statements:** 1. Under the Ryotwari Settlement of revenue collection, the peasants were exempted from revenue payment in case of bad harvests or natural calamities. 2. Under the Permanent Settlement in Bengal, if the Zamindar failed to pay his revenues to the state, on or before the fixed date, he would be removed from his Zamindari. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 **Ans**: B **Subject:** Modern Indian History **Solution**: Statement 1 is incorrect because the Ryotwari Settlement did not exempt peasants from revenue payment during bad harvests. Statement 2 is correct because removal from Zamindari was a consequence of failing to pay taxes under the Permanent Settlement. **Source:** Old NCERT Textbook Modern India by Bipin Chandra. --- **38\. Consider the following statements :** 1. There are no parables in Upanishads. 2. Upanishads were composed earlier than the Puranas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 **Ans**: B **Subject:** Ancient / Medieval / Art & Culture **Solution**: **Statement 1** is not **correct**. Upanishads primarily consist of philosophical teachings, dialogues between teachers and students, and discussions on metaphysics, meditation, and the nature of reality. They also include parables, which are also found, more commonly, in religious texts like the Puranas. **Statement 2** is **correct**. The Upanishads are ancient philosophical texts that are considered part of the Vedas, and they were composed between 800 BCE to 400 BCE approximately. In contrast, the Puranas, which are a genre of Hindu religious texts that include mythological narratives, history, cosmology, and legends, were composed later, mostly between the 3rd and 16th centuries CE. **Source:** Direct Source - 11th Old NCERT + Themes (New NCERT) --- **39\. Consider the following statements :** 1. India is a member of the International Grains Council. 2. A country needs to be a member of the International Grains Council for exporting or importing rice and wheat. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 **Ans**: A **Subject:** Current Affairs **Solution**: **Statement 1** is **correct**. India is a member of the International Grains Council. The IGC is an intergovernmental organization that deals with grains trade and market information, and its membership includes countries that are major exporters and importers of grains. **Statement 2** is **incorrect**. Membership in the IGC is not a requirement for countries to export or import rice and wheat. The IGC provides a forum for member countries to discuss and coordinate policies related to grains, but it does not regulate or control international trade in rice and wheat. Source: [http://www.igc.int/en/about/aboutus.aspx#](http://www.igc.int/en/about/aboutus.aspx?ref=upscprep.com) **Source:** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International\_Grains\_Council](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International%5FGrains%5FCouncil?ref=upscprep.com) --- **40\.** Which one of the following was the latest inclusion in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO ? A. Chhau dance B. Durga Puja C. Garba dance D. Kumbh mela **Ans**: C **Subject:** Current Affairs **Solution**: Garba is the latest inclusion in 2023. **Source:** [https://ich.unesco.org/en/state/india-IN?info=elements-on-the-lists](https://ich.unesco.org/en/state/india-IN?info=elements-on-the-lists&ref=upscprep.com) --- **41\. Consider the following statements :** Statement-I: There is instability and worsening security situation in the Sahel region. Statement-II: There have been military takeovers/coups detat in several countries of the Sahel region in the recent past. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ? A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct **Ans**: A **Subject:** Current Affairs / PYQs (2021/22/23) **Solution**: Statement-I is **correct**. The Sahel region, which spans across several countries in Africa including Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Mauritania, has been experiencing instability due to various factors such as ethnic conflicts, terrorism (including groups affiliated with ISIS and Al-Qaeda), organized crime (such as drug trafficking and human trafficking), and weak governance. The security situation in the Sahel has indeed worsened over recent years, prompting international concern and efforts to stabilize the region. Statement-II is **correct**. Several countries in the Sahel region have experienced military takeovers or coups d'état in the recent past. For example: - In Mali, there were coups in 2012, 2020, and 2021. - In Burkina Faso, there was a coup in 2014. - In Niger, there was a coup in 2010. **Source:** 300 Topics: ECOWAS and Location in News (Sahel Countries [https://www.ips-journal.eu/topics/democracy-and-society/a-coup-after-coup-in-the-sahel-6976/](https://www.ips-journal.eu/topics/democracy-and-society/a-coup-after-coup-in-the-sahel-6976/?ref=upscprep.com) [https://frontline.thehindu.com/world-affairs/africa-sahel-region-witnesses-a-second-scramble-for-independence-coups-sudan-guinea-burkina-faso-niger-chad/article67747956.ece](https://frontline.thehindu.com/world-affairs/africa-sahel-region-witnesses-a-second-scramble-for-independence-coups-sudan-guinea-burkina-faso-niger-chad/article67747956.ece?ref=upscprep.com) [https://youtu.be/jqrw4CVr0c0?si=uAdvTDR1Nl2HZVSX&t=1761](https://youtu.be/jqrw4CVr0c0?si=uAdvTDR1Nl2HZVSX&t=1761&ref=upscprep.com) --- **42\. Consider the following statements :** Statement-I: India does not import apples from the United States of America. Statement-II: In India, the law prohibits the import of Genetically Modified food without the approval of the competent authority. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ? A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct **Ans**: D **Subject:** Current Affairs **Solution**: Statement-I is **incorrect**. India does import apples from the United States of America. Apples are one of the fruits imported by India, and the USA is one of the major exporters of apples to India. Statement-II is **correct**. India has regulations in place regarding the import of Genetically Modified (GM) organisms and GM foods. The import, manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of GMOs and GM products in India are regulated under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and the Rules for Manufacture, Use, Import, Export, and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989\. **Source:** [https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/imports-of-us-apples-rise-40-times-in-3-months-as-india-scraps-retaliatory-duty/article67631576.ece](https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/imports-of-us-apples-rise-40-times-in-3-months-as-india-scraps-retaliatory-duty/article67631576.ece?ref=upscprep.com) --- **43\. With reference to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, consider the following statements :** While any resolution for the removal of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha is under consideration 1. He/She shall not preside. 2. He/She shall not have the right to speak 3. He/She shall not be entitled to vote on the resolution in the first instance. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? A. 1 only B. 1 and 2 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 **Ans**: A **Subject:** Polity **Solution**: While any resolution for the removal of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha is under consideration 1. He/She shall not preside. 2. He/She shall have the right to speak 3. He/She shall be entitled to vote on the resolution in the first instance. **Source:** Indian Polity By M Laxmikant 7th Edition (Chapter 23) --- **44\. With reference to the Indian Parliament, consider the following statements:** 1. A bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses on its dissolution. 2. A bill passed by the Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha lapses on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha. 3. A bill in regard to which the President of India notified his/her intention to summon the Houses to a joint sitting lapses on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? A. 1 only B. 1 and 2 C. 2 and 3 D. 3 only **Ans**: B **Subject:** Polity **Solution**: Statement 1 is correct because bills pending in the Lok Sabha lapse on its dissolution. Statement 2 is correct because bills passed by the Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha lapses. Statement 3 is incorrect because bills for which a joint sitting has been notified by the President do not lapse. **Source:** Indian Polity By M Laxmikant 7th Edition ( Chapter 23) --- **45\. With reference to the Parliament of India, consider the following statements:** 1. Prorogation of a House by the President of India does not require the advice of the Council of Ministers. 2. Prorogation of a House is generally done after the House is adjourned sine die but there is no bar to the President of India prorogating the House which is in session. 3. Dissolution of the Lok Sabha is done by the President of India who, save in exceptional circumstances, does so on the advice of the Council of Ministers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? A. 1 only B. 1 and 2 C. 2 and 3 D. 3 only **Ans**: C **Subject:** Polity **Solution**: Statement 1 is incorrect because prorogation by the President does require the advice of the Council of Ministers. Statement 2 is correct because prorogation can be done even if the House is in session, although it usually follows adjournment sine die. Statement 3 is correct because dissolution of the Lok Sabha is generally done on the advice of the Council of Ministers, except in exceptional circumstances. --- **46\. Consider the following statements :** Statement-I: The European Parliament approved The Net-Zero Industry Act recently. Statement-II: The European Union intends to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 and therefore aims to develop all of its own clean technology by that time. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ? A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct **Ans**: C **Subject:** Current Affairs **Solution**: Statement-I is correct because there is a recent approval of a "Net-Zero Industry Act" by the European Parliament. Statement-II is incorrect because the EU's target for achieving carbon neutrality is 2050, not 2040, and the statement about developing all of its own clean technology by 2040 is not accurate. **Source:** [https://indianexpress.com/article/world/eu-clears-law-to-increase-domestic-green-tech-production-9355291/](https://indianexpress.com/article/world/eu-clears-law-to-increase-domestic-green-tech-production-9355291/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **47\. Consider the following statements :** Statement-I: Recently, Venezuela has achieved a rapid recovery from its economic crisis and succeeded in preventing its people from fleeing/emigrating to other countries. Statement-II: Venezuela has the world’s largest oil reserves. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ? A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct **Ans**: D **Subject:** Current Affairs **Solution**: Statement-I is **incorrect**. Venezuela has been facing a severe economic crisis for several years, characterized by hyperinflation, economic contraction, shortages of basic goods and services, and political instability. This crisis has led to a significant exodus of Venezuelans fleeing the country in search of better living conditions and opportunities abroad. The economic situation in Venezuela remains dire, and there has been no recent rapid recovery that would prevent emigration. Statement-II is **correct**. Venezuela is known to have the world's largest proven oil reserves, surpassing even Saudi Arabia. The country's oil reserves are mainly located in the Orinoco Belt (Faja Petrolífera del Orinoco), which contains vast deposits of heavy crude oil. **Source:** [https://www.csis.org/analysis/persistence-venezuelan-migrant-and-refugee-crisis](https://www.csis.org/analysis/persistence-venezuelan-migrant-and-refugee-crisis?ref=upscprep.com) [https://www.opec.org/opec\_web/en/data\_graphs/330.htm](https://www.opec.org/opec%5Fweb/en/data%5Fgraphs/330.htm?ref=upscprep.com) --- **48\.** With reference to the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme, consider the following statements : 1. To implement the scheme, the Central Government provides 100% funding. 2. Under the Scheme, Cadastral Maps are digitized. 3. An initiative has been undertaken to transliterate the Records of Rights from local language to any of the languages recognized by the Constitution of India. Which of the statements given above are correct ? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 **Ans**: D **Subject:** Current Affairs **Solution**: Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme features: 1. To implement the scheme, the Central Government provides 100% funding. 2. Under the Scheme, Cadastral Maps are digitized. 3. An initiative has been undertaken to transliterate the Records of Rights from local language to any of the languages recognized by the Constitution of India. **Source:** [https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1989671](https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1989671&ref=upscprep.com) --- **49\.** With reference to the ‘Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan’, consider the following statements : 1. This scheme guarantees a minimum package of antenatal care services to women in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy and six months post-delivery health care service in any government health facility. 2. Under this scheme, private sector health care providers of certain specialities can volunteer to provide services at nearby government health facilities. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 **Ans**: C **Subject:** Current Affairs **Solution**: Statement 1 is not accurate regarding the post-delivery health care services. Statement 2 is correct because the PMSMA involves the participation of private sector healthcare providers who volunteer to provide antenatal care services at government health facilities. **Source:** [https://pmsma.mohfw.gov.in](https://pmsma.mohfw.gov.in/?ref=upscprep.com) **Source**: [https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/suman](https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/suman?ref=upscprep.com) --- **50\.** With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) Yojana, consider the following statements : 1. The entry age group for enrolment in the shceme is 21 to 40 years. 2. Age specific contribution shall be made by the beneficiary. 3. Each subscriber under the scheme shall receive a minimum pension of Rs. 3000 per month after attaining the age of 60 years. 4. Family pension is applicable to the spouse and unmarried daughters. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? A. 1, 3 and 4 B. 2 and 3 only C. 2 only D. 1, 2 and 4 **Ans**: B **Subject:** Current Affairs **Solution**: Statement 1 is incorrect regarding the entry age group. The PM-SYM Yojana is targeted towards unorganized sector workers whose entry age is between 18 to 40 years. Statement 2 is correct regarding the contribution requirement by the beneficiary. Statement 3 is correct regarding the minimum pension amount of Rs. 3000 per month. Statement 4 is incorrect because family pension is applicable only to the spouse, not unmarried daughters. **Source:** [https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2022/mar/doc20223923901.pdf](https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2022/mar/doc20223923901.pdf?ref=upscprep.com) --- **51\. Consider the following statements :** Statement-I: The atmosphere is heated more by incoming solar radiation than by terrestrial radiation. Statement-II: Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are good absorbers of long wave radiation. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ? A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does ***not*** explain Statement-I C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct **Ans**: D **Subject:** Geography **Solution**: The atmosphere is actually heated more by terrestrial radiation than by incoming solar radiation. This is because the Earth's surface absorbs solar radiation and then re-emits it as long wave terrestrial radiation, which is then absorbed by greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. These gases are good absorbers of long wave radiation, leading to the warming of the atmosphere. Therefore, Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct. **Source:** NCERT Class XI Fundamental of Physical Geography Chapter 8. --- **52\. Consider the following statements :** Statement-I: Thickness of the troposphere at the equator is much greater as compared to poles. Statement-II: At the equator, heat is transported to great heights by strong convectional currents. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ? A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct **Ans**: A **Subject:** Geography **Solution**: The thickness of the troposphere is greater at the equator than at the poles primarily due to the intense heating from the sun at the equator. This intense heating leads to the formation of strong convectional currents, which transport heat to great heights, causing the troposphere to expand. Thus, Statement-I and Statement-II are both correct, and Statement-II explains Statement-I. **Source:** NCERT Concept based. --- **53\. Consider the following :** 1. Pyroclastic debris 2. Ash and dust 3. Nitrogen compounds 4. Sulphur compounds How many of the above are products of volcanic eruptions ? A. Only one B. Only two C. Only three D. All four **Ans**: D **Subject:** Geography **Solution**: Pyroclastic debris, ash and dust, and sulphur compounds are common products of volcanic eruptions. Nitrogen compounds are not typically associated with volcanic eruptions. Therefore, only three of the given items (pyroclastic debris, ash and dust, and sulphur compounds) are products of volcanic eruptions. **Source: NCERT Concept based, Volcanic eruptions in news recently.** [**https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/indonesian-volcano-eruption-forces-evacuations-airport-closure-officials-flag-tsunami-threat/article68078789.ece**](https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/indonesian-volcano-eruption-forces-evacuations-airport-closure-officials-flag-tsunami-threat/article68078789.ece?ref=upscprep.com) --- **54\.** Which of the following is/are correct inference/inferences from isothermal maps in the month of January? 1. The isotherms deviate to the north over the ocean and to the south over the continent. 2. The presence of cold ocean currents. Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift make the North Atlantic Ocean colder and the isotherms bend towards the north. Select the answer using the code given below : A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 **Ans**: A **Subject:** Geography **Solution**: In January, isotherms typically deviate to the north over the ocean and to the south over the continent due to the differential heating of land and water. However, the Gulf Stream and the North Atlantic Drift are warm ocean currents, not cold, which actually make the North Atlantic Ocean warmer, causing the isotherms to bend towards the north. Thus, statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect. **Source: NCERT Concept based.** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/2128.gif) Florida ETC Maps [https://etc.usf.edu/maps/pages/2100/2128/2128.htm](https://etc.usf.edu/maps/pages/2100/2128/2128.htm?ref=upscprep.com) --- **55\.** Which of the following countries are well known as the two largest cocoa producers in the world ? A. Algeria and Morocco B. Botswana and Namibia C. Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana D. Madagascar and Mozambique **Ans**: C **Subject:** Geography **Solution**: Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and Ghana are the two largest cocoa producers in the world, contributing a significant portion of global cocoa production. They are well-known for their large-scale cocoa farming and export. The other listed countries are not major cocoa producers. **Source:** [**https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/cocoa-price-breaches-800-a-kg-mark-as-scarcity-persists/article68054181.ece**](https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/cocoa-price-breaches-800-a-kg-mark-as-scarcity-persists/article68054181.ece?ref=upscprep.com) --- **56\.** With reference to the Himalayan rivers Joining the Ganga downstream of Prayagraj from West to East, which one of the following sequences is correct ? A. Ghaghara - Gomati - Gandak - Kosi B. Gomati - Ghaghara - Gandak - Kosi C. Ghaghara - Gomati - Kosi – Gandak D. Gomati - Ghaghara - Kosi - Gandak **Ans**: B **Subject:** Geography **Solution**: The correct sequence of the Himalayan rivers joining the Ganga downstream of Prayagraj from west to east is: Ghaghara, Gomati, Gandak, and Kosi. This sequence follows the geographical location of these rivers as they flow from the Himalayas and join the Ganga. **Source: NCERT 11th - India Physical Environment - Chapter Indian Drainage system** --- **57\. Consider the following statements :** Statement-I: Rainfall is one of the reasons for weathering of rocks. Statement II: Rain water contains carbon dioxide in solution. Statement-III: Rain water contains atmospheric oxygen. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ? A. Both Statement-II and Statement-III are correct and both of them explain Statement-I B. Both Statement-II and Statement-III are correct, but only one of them explains Statement-I C. Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement-I D. Neither Statement-II nor Statement-Ill is correct **Ans**: A **Subject:** Geography **Solution**: Rainfall contributes to the weathering of rocks through various mechanisms. Rain water contains carbon dioxide in solution, forming a weak carbonic acid that can chemically weather rocks (Statement-II). Additionally, rain water contains atmospheric oxygen, which can contribute to the oxidation of minerals in rocks, leading to weathering (Statement-III). Both statements are correct and explain Statement-I. **Source: NCERT Concept based.** --- **58\. Consider the following countries :** 1. Finland 2. Germany 3. Norway 4. Russia How many of the above countries have a border with the North Sea? A. Only one B. Only two C. Only three D. All four **Ans**: B **Subject:** Geography **Solution**: Germany and Norway have coastlines along the North Sea. Finland and Russia do not have a border with the North Sea. Therefore, only two of the listed countries (Germany and Norway) border the North Sea. ![](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXf2GYJu5lTh0QmwR3BFRUdu9ZkxMVoHE1E3r0XuEM079QwONQFPf-SZEiozLYLwaa_6MTfVoAfCzGYJZ5viQY2IS_MO3HK5CVwfBY2YT1qmgvB_zKnemuWHIeH58ZqfzmDPXfZ_URC_byBhg9Y6fDk7cTA?key=OG6VouZSHgs-g-1SlNtWvA) **Source: Map based (**[https://youtu.be/qu3BSTK26pA?si=h9Y8Y79fzXmk\_2Sj&t=1203](https://youtu.be/qu3BSTK26pA?si=h9Y8Y79fzXmk%5F2Sj&t=1203&ref=upscprep.com)) --- 59\. Consider the following information: | ***Waterfall*** | ***Region*** | ***River*** | | --------------- | ------------- | ------------ | | Dhuandhar | Malwa | Narmada | | Hundru | Chota Nagpur | Subarnarekha | | Gersoppa | Western Ghats | Netravati | In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched ? A. Only one B. Only two C. All three 4\. None **Ans**: A **Subject:** Geography **Solution**: The Dhuandhar waterfall is correctly matched with the Narmada River, but it is located in the Jabalpur region of Madhya Pradesh, not Malwa. The Hundru waterfall is correctly matched with the Chota Nagpur region and the Subarnarekha River. The Gersoppa (Jog) Falls is correctly matched with the Western Ghats, but it is on the Sharavathi River, not the Netravati River. Therefore, only two of the matches are correct based on the regions and rivers (though Gersoppa's river is incorrect). **Source: Map based** --- 60\. Consider the following information: | ***Region*** | ***Name of the mountain range*** | ***Type of mountain*** | | ------------- | -------------------------------- | ---------------------- | | Central Asia | Vosges | Fold mountain | | Europe | Alps | Block mountain | | North America | Appalachians | Fold mountain | | South America | Andes | Fold mountain | In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched ? 1. Only one 2. Only two 3. Only three 4. All four **Ans**: B **Subject:** Geography **Solution**: The Vosges mountains are in Europe, specifically France, and they are block mountains, not fold mountains. The Alps are in Europe, but they are fold mountains, not block mountains. The Appalachians in North America are correctly identified as fold mountains. The Andes in South America are correctly identified as fold mountains. **Source: Atlas, map based** --- **61\. The organisms "Cicada, Froghopper and Pond skater" are :** A. Birds B. Fish C. Insects D. Reptiles **Ans**: C **Subject:** Environment **Solution**: Cicada, Froghopper, and Pond skater are all insects. Cicadas are known for their loud calls, Froghoppers are known for their jumping ability, and Pond skaters (or water striders) are known for their ability to walk on water. **Species in news: Cicada** **Source:** [**https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/commonly-found-cicada-species-sheds-its-foreign-tag-to-embrace-an-indian-identity/article67087350.ece**](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/commonly-found-cicada-species-sheds-its-foreign-tag-to-embrace-an-indian-identity/article67087350.ece?ref=upscprep.com) --- **62\. Consider the following statements :** Statement-I: Many chewing gums found in the market are considered a source of environmental pollution. Statement-II: Many chewing gums contain plastic as gum base. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ? A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct **Ans**: A **Subject:** Environment **Solution**: Many chewing gums indeed contain plastic as a gum base, which contributes to environmental pollution. When improperly disposed of, these gums can take years to break down and contribute to littering and plastic pollution. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement-II explains Statement-I. **Source:** [https://www.sciencefocus.com/science/what-is-in-chewing-gum](https://www.sciencefocus.com/science/what-is-in-chewing-gum?ref=upscprep.com) [**https://theearthview.in/chewing-gums-its-a-sticky-problem/**](https://theearthview.in/chewing-gums-its-a-sticky-problem/?ref=upscprep.com) --- 63\. Consider the following pairs: | ***Country*** | ***Animal found in its natural habitat*** | | ------------- | ----------------------------------------- | | Brazil | Indri | | Indonesia | Elk | | Madagascar | Bonobo | How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched ? A. Only one B. Only two C. All three D. None **Ans**: D **Subject:** Environment **Solution**: - Indri is a type of lemur found only in Madagascar, not Brazil. - Elk are native to North America and parts of Asia, not Indonesia. - Bonobo is found in the Democratic Republic of Congo, not Madagascar. Therefore, none of the pairs are correctly matched. **Source:** [**https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/bonobos-are-not-so-nice-just-like-humans-9272299/**](https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/bonobos-are-not-so-nice-just-like-humans-9272299/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **64\. Consider the following statements regarding World Toilet Organization :** 1. It is one of the agencies of the United Nations. 2. World Toilet Summit, World Toilet Day and World Toilet College are the initiatives of this organization, to inspire action to tackle the global sanitation crisis. 3. The main focus of its function is to grant funds to the least developed countries and developing countries to achieve the end of open defecation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? A. 2 only B. 3 only C. 1 and 2 D. 2 and 3 **Ans**: A **Subject:** current affairs **Solution**: The World Toilet Organization (WTO) is not an agency of the United Nations. It is an independent non-profit organization. The World Toilet Summit, World Toilet Day, and World Toilet College are indeed initiatives of the World Toilet Organization aimed at addressing the global sanitation crisis. The main focus of the World Toilet Organization is not to grant funds but to advocate for improved sanitation and hygiene practices through education, training, and awareness campaigns. **Source:** [**https://worldtoilet.org/web-agency-gb-about-us/**](https://worldtoilet.org/web-agency-gb-about-us/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **65\. Consider the following statements :** 1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season. 2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar. 3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking. Which of the statements given above are correct ? A. 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 **Ans**: D **Subject:** Environment **Solution**: Lions indeed do not have a particular breeding season; they can mate and reproduce throughout the year. Cheetahs do not roar; instead, they communicate with a variety of sounds including purrs, chirps, and growls. Male leopards, like male lions, do proclaim their territory by scent marking. This statement is incorrect. **Source:** [**https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/lion**](https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/lion?ref=upscprep.com) [https://www.deccanherald.com/india/did-you-know-fast-but-dismal-hunters-cheetahs-dont-roar-1145890.html](https://www.deccanherald.com/india/did-you-know-fast-but-dismal-hunters-cheetahs-dont-roar-1145890.html?ref=upscprep.com) [https://pondoro.co.za/blog/leopard-scent-marking/](https://pondoro.co.za/blog/leopard-scent-marking/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **66\.** Which one of the following is the correct description of "100 Million Farmers" ? A. It is a platform for accelerating the transition towards food and water systems that are net-zero (carbon), nature-positive and that aims to increase farmer resilience. B. It is an international alliance and a network of individuals and farming organisations interested in supporting and strengthening the development of the organic animal husbandry. C. It is a digital platform fully integrated with service providers and built on blockchain that lets buyers, sellers and third parties trade fertilizers quickly and securely. D. It is a platform with the mission of encouraging the farmers to form Farmer Product Organisations or Agribusiness Consortiums, thus facilitating the access to global open markets to sell their products. **Ans**: A **Subject:** Current affairs **Solution**: The "100 Million Farmers" platform focuses on promoting sustainable agricultural practices that help in achieving net-zero carbon emissions, are nature-positive, and aim to improve the resilience of farmers to various environmental and economic challenges. This description aligns with the goals of transitioning food and water systems to be more sustainable and resilient. **Source:** [**https://initiatives.weforum.org/100-million-farmers/home**](https://initiatives.weforum.org/100-million-farmers/home?ref=upscprep.com) --- **67\. Consider the following:** 1. Battery storage 2. Biomass generators 3. Fuel cells 4. Rooftop solar photovoltaic units How many of the above are considered "Distributed Energy Resources" ? A. Only one B. Only two C. Only three D. All four **Ans**: D **Subject:** Science and tech current affairs **Solution**: Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) refer to smaller power sources that can be aggregated to provide power necessary to meet regular demand. They are typically renewable or low-emission and can be located close to where the energy is used. All four options listed—battery storage, biomass generators, fuel cells, and rooftop solar photovoltaic units—are considered DERs as they can all generate, store, or manage electricity close to the point of use. **Source:** [**https://www.aemc.gov.au/energy-system/electricity/electricity-system/distributed-energy-resources**](https://www.aemc.gov.au/energy-system/electricity/electricity-system/distributed-energy-resources?ref=upscprep.com) --- **68\.** Which one of the following shows a unique relationship with an insect that has co-evolved with it and that is the only insect that ta pollinate this tree ? A. Fig B. Mahua C. Sandalwood D. Silk cotton **Ans**: A **Subject:** Environment **Solution**: The fig tree (genus Ficus) has a unique and specialized relationship with fig wasps (family Agaonidae). This mutualistic relationship has coevolved such that each species of fig tree is pollinated by a specific species of fig wasp, making it the only insect capable of pollinating that particular fig tree. This coevolutionary relationship is highly specialized and crucial for the reproduction of both the fig tree and the fig wasp. **Source:** [https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/pollinators/pollinator-of-the-month/fig\_wasp.shtml](https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/pollinators/pollinator-of-the-month/fig%5Fwasp.shtml?ref=upscprep.com) --- **69\. Consider the following :** 1. Butterflies 2. Fish 3. Frogs How many of the above have poisonous species among them ? A. Only one B. Only two C. All three D. None **Ans**: C **Subject:** Environement **Solution**: **Butterflies:** Some species of butterflies, such as the Monarch butterfly, are poisonous to predators due to toxic compounds they accumulate from their host plants (milkweed). **Fish:** There are many species of poisonous fish, such as the pufferfish, which contains tetrodotoxin, a potent neurotoxin. **Frogs:** Numerous frog species are poisonous, notably the poison dart frogs, which secrete toxins through their skin. **Source:** [**https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/brazil-man-dies-after-eating-pufferfish-what-happened-to-him/articleshow/107389069.cms**](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/brazil-man-dies-after-eating-pufferfish-what-happened-to-him/articleshow/107389069.cms?from=mdr&ref=upscprep.com) [**https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-68138756#**](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-68138756?ref=upscprep.com) [**https://news.berkeley.edu/2021/11/22/what-it-takes-to-eat-a-poisonous-butterfly/**](https://news.berkeley.edu/2021/11/22/what-it-takes-to-eat-a-poisonous-butterfly/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **70\. Consider the following :** 1. Cashew 2. Papaya 3. Red sanders How many of the above trees are actually native to India ? A. Only one B. Only two C. All three D. None **Ans**: A **Subject:** Environment **Solution**: **Cashew:** Native to Brazil. **Papaya:** Native to tropical regions of the Americas. **Red sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus):** Native to India, specifically the Southern Eastern Ghats. **Source: CSE Prelims 2016** [**https://www.britannica.com/plant/cashew**](https://www.britannica.com/plant/cashew?ref=upscprep.com) [**https://www.britannica.com/plant/papaya**](https://www.britannica.com/plant/papaya?ref=upscprep.com) --- **71\. Consider the following airports:** 1. Donyi Polo Airport 2. Kushinagar International Airport 3. Vijayawada International Airport In the recent past, which of the above have been constructed as Greenfield projects ? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 **Ans**: A **Subject:** Economy/Current Affairs **Solution**: **Donyi Polo Airport:** Constructed as a Greenfield project in Arunachal Pradesh, India. **Kushinagar International Airport:** Also constructed as a Greenfield project in Uttar Pradesh, India. **Vijayawada International Airport:** Not a Greenfield project; it is a brownfield project. Therefore, Donyi Polo Airport and Kushinagar International Airport have been constructed as Greenfield projects. **Source:** [**https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1906346**](https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1906346&ref=upscprep.com) --- **72\.** With reference to "water vapour", which of the following statements is/are correct ? 1. It is a gas, the amount of which decreases with altitude. 2. Its percentage is maximum at the poles. Select the answer using the code given below : A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 **Ans**: A **Subject:** Geography **Solution**: **It is a gas, the amount of which decreases with altitude:** This is correct. The concentration of water vapour decreases with altitude because the temperature decreases, reducing the air's capacity to hold moisture. **Its percentage is maximum at the poles:** This is incorrect. The percentage of water vapour is not maximum at the poles. In fact, it is typically very low at the poles due to the cold temperatures which limit the amount of water vapour the air can hold. The highest concentrations of water vapour are found in the tropics. Therefore, only statement 1 is correct. **Source: NCERT Concept based.** --- **73\. Consider the following description :** 1. Annual and daily range of temperatures is low. 2. Precipitation occurs throughout the year. 3. Precipitation varies between 50 cm – 250 cm. What is this type of climate ? 1. Equatorial climate 2. China type climate 3. Humid subtropical climate 4. Marine West coast climate **Ans**: D **Subject:** Geography **Solution**: The Marine West Coast climate, also known as the oceanic climate, is characterized by: 1. a low range of annual and daily temperatures due to the moderating influence of the ocean. 2. Precipitation occurs throughout the year, and it typically ranges between 50 cm and 250 cm. 3. This climate is commonly found on the western coasts of continents in the mid-latitudes. **Source: NCERT Concept based. / GC Leong.** --- **74\. With reference to "Coriolis force", which of the following statements is/are correct?** 1. It increases with increase in wind velocity. 2. It is maximum at the poles and is absent at the equator. Select the answer using the code given below : A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 **Ans**: C **Subject:** Geography **Solution**: **It increases with increase in wind velocity:** This is correct. The Coriolis force is proportional to the speed of the moving object, so it increases with an increase in wind velocity. **It is maximum at the poles and is absent at the equator:** This is also correct. The Coriolis force is zero at the equator and increases towards the poles, where it reaches its maximum. **Source: NCERT Concept based. / GC Leong.** **Source**: [https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/coriolis-effect/](https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/coriolis-effect/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **75\.** On June 21 every year, which of the following latitude(s) experience(s) a sunlight of more than 12 hours ? 1. Equator 2. Tropic of Cancer 3. Tropic of Capricorn 4. Arctic Circle Select the correct answer using the code given below : A. 1 only B. 2 only C. 3 and 4 D. 2 and 4 **Ans**: D **Subject:** Geography **Solution**: **Equator:** On June 21 (summer solstice) the equator experiences an equal day and night - approximately 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. **Tropic of Cancer:** On June 21, the Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N) experiences the summer solstice, receiving more than 12 hours of sunlight as it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. **Tropic of Capricorn:** On June 21, the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5°S) experiences less than 12 hours of sunlight because it is winter in the Southern Hemisphere. **Arctic Circle:** On June 21, the Arctic Circle (66.5°N) experiences continuous daylight for 24 hours due to the phenomenon of the Midnight Sun. Therefore, the Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle experience more than 12 hours of sunlight on June 21. **Source: NCERT Concept based. / GC Leong.** --- **76\.** One of the following regions has the world’s largest tropical peatland, which holds about three years worth of global carbon emissions from fossil fuels; and the possible destruction of which can exert detrimental effect on the global climate. Which one of the following denotes that region? A. Amazon Basin B. Congo Basin C. Kikon Basin D. Rio de la Plata Basin **Ans**: **B** **Subject:** Geography **Solution**: The Congo Basin is home to the world’s largest tropical peatland, which stores a significant amount of carbon. The peatlands in this region are critical for regulating the global climate, as they hold about three years' worth of global carbon emissions from fossil fuels. Their destruction could release large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, leading to severe climate consequences. **Source: In news recently due to environmental degradation.** [https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/africa/more-research-investment-needed-to-protect-congo-basin-peatlands-finds-report-85002](https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/africa/more-research-investment-needed-to-protect-congo-basin-peatlands-finds-report-85002?ref=upscprep.com)**.** --- **77\.** With reference to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are used in making many consumer product, consider the following statements : 1. PFAS are found to be widespread in drinking water, food and food packaging material. 2. PFAS are not easily degraded in the environment. 3. Persistent exposure to PFAS can lead to bioaccumulation in animal bodies. Which of the statements given above are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 **Ans**: D **Subject:** Environment **Solution**: **Statement 1:** PFAS are indeed found to be widespread in drinking water, food, and food packaging materials due to their extensive use in various consumer products. **Statement 2:** PFAS are known for their resistance to environmental degradation, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals." **Statement 3:** Persistent exposure to PFAS can lead to bioaccumulation in animal bodies, causing potential health risks. Therefore, all three statements are correct. [https://www.fda.gov/food/environmental-contaminants-food/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas](https://www.fda.gov/food/environmental-contaminants-food/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas,https://www.michigan.gov/pfasresponse/resources/action/consumer-products?ref=upscprep.com) [https://www.michigan.gov/pfasresponse/resources/action/consumer-products](https://www.fda.gov/food/environmental-contaminants-food/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas,https://www.michigan.gov/pfasresponse/resources/action/consumer-products?ref=upscprep.com) --- **78\. Consider the following :** 1. Carabid beetles 2. Centipedes 3. Flies 4. Termites 5. Wasps Parasitiod species are found how many of the above kind of organisms? A. Only two B. Only three C. Only four D. All Five **Ans**: B **Subject:** Environment **Solution**: **Carabid beetles:** These beetles are typically predators rather than parasitoids. **Centipedes:** Centipedes are also predators and not known to have parasitoid species. **Flies:** Many flies, especially in the families Tachinidae and some others, have parasitoid species. **Termites:** Termites are primarily decomposers of plant material and do not have parasitoid species. **Wasps:** Wasps, particularly in the families Ichneumonidae and Braconidae, have many parasitoid species. **Source:** [**https://australian.museum/learn/animals/insects/predators-parasites-and-parasitoids/#parasitoid**](https://australian.museum/learn/animals/insects/predators-parasites-and-parasitoids/?ref=upscprep.com#parasitoid) --- **79\. Consider the following plants:** 1. Groundnut 2. Horse-gram 3. Soybean How many of the above belong to the pea family ? A. Only one B. Only two C. All three D. None **Ans**: C **Subject:** Environment **Solution**: **Groundnut (Peanut):** Belongs to the Fabaceae (pea) family. **Horse-gram:** Belongs to the Fabaceae (pea) family. **Soybean:** Belongs to the Fabaceae (pea) family. Therefore, all three plants (groundnut, horse-gram, and soybean) belong to the pea family. --- **80\. Consider the following statements** Statement-I: The Indian Flying Fox is placed under the “vermin” category in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972\. Statement-II: The Indian Flying Fox feeds on the blood of other animals. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ? A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I. C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect D. Statement-l is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct. **Ans**: C (Controversial) **Subject:** Environment **Solution**: **Statement-I:** After the recent amendment of WPA in 2022, Schedule V was done away with. Instead schedules were merged to provide for a more holistic protection for endangered species. The Indian Flying Fox (Pteropus giganteus) is under Schedule II of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972\. It is actually protected under Schedule II of the act, but this does not prevent it from being categorized it as vermin if the government sees fit to announce the same. **Statement-II:** The Indian Flying Fox does not feed on the blood of other animals. It is a frugivorous bat, meaning it primarily feeds on fruits, nectar, and flowers. Therefore, Statement-I is incorrect and Statement-II is also incorrect. Statement 2 is defnitely incorrect, statement 1 might also be incorrect which makes any of the options given here incorrect. **Source:** [**https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/flying-fox-bats-for-vigilance-while-roosting/article67184575.ece**](https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/flying-fox-bats-for-vigilance-while-roosting/article67184575.ece?ref=upscprep.com)**,** --- **81\.** The total fertility rate in a economy is defined as : A. The number of children born per 1000 people in the population in a year. B. The number of children born to couple in their lifetime in a given population. C. The birth rate minus death rate. D. The average number of live births a woman would have by the end of her child-bearing age. **Ans**: D **Subject:** Economy **Solution**: The total fertility rate (TFR) is a demographic measure that estimates the average number of live births a woman would have by the end of her child-bearing age (typically considered to be ages 15-49) if she were to experience the current age-specific fertility rates throughout her reproductive life. **Source:** [**https://www.who.int/data/gho/indicator-metadata-registry/imr-details/123**](https://www.who.int/data/gho/indicator-metadata-registry/imr-details/123?ref=upscprep.com) --- **82\. Consider the following statements:** 1. In India, Non-Banking Financial Companies can access the Liquidity Adjustment Facility window of the Reserve Bank of India. 2. In India, Foreign Institutional Investors can hold the Government Securities (G-Secs). 3. In India, Stock Exchanges can offer separate trading platforms for debts. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 3 only C. 1, 2 and 3 D. 2 and 3 only **Ans**: C (Controversial?) **Subject:** Economy **Solution**: **Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) access to Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF):** The LAF is primarily available to scheduled commercial banks and Primary Dealers (PD). PDs are registered as NBFCs and they have LAF access. **Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) holding Government Securities (G-Secs):** In India, FIIs are allowed to invest in Government Securities subject to certain limits and regulations. **Stock Exchanges offering separate trading platforms for debts:** Indian stock exchanges, such as the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE), offer separate trading platforms for debt securities. Therefore, statements 2 and 3 are correct. **Source: Indian Economy Handbook- Banking/Financial Market** [https://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/FS\_FAQs.aspx?Id=79&fn=2757#6](https://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/FS%5FFAQs.aspx?Id=79&fn=2757&ref=upscprep.com#6) [https://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=9841&Mode=0#1](https://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=9841&Mode=0&ref=upscprep.com#1) --- **83\. In India, which of the following can trade in Corporate Bonds and Government Securities?** 1. Insurance Companies 2. Pension Funds 3. Retail Investors Select the correct answer using the code given below : A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 **Ans**: D **Subject:** Economy **Solution**: **Insurance Companies:** Insurance companies are significant institutional investors and can trade in both corporate bonds and government securities. **Pension Funds:** Pension funds are also large institutional investors that are allowed to trade in corporate bonds and government securities. **Retail Investors:** Retail investors can trade in corporate bonds and government securities through various platforms and brokers. Therefore, all three (insurance companies, pension funds, and retail investors) can trade in corporate bonds and government securities in India. --- **84\. Consider the following:** 1. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETF) 2. Motor vehicles 3. Currency swap Which of the above is/are considered financial instruments? A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1, 2 and 3 D. 1 and 3 only **Ans**: D **Subject:** Economy **Solution**: **Exchange-Traded Funds (ETF):** ETFs are investment funds traded on stock exchanges, much like stocks. They are considered financial instruments. **Motor vehicles:** Motor vehicles are tangible assets, not financial instruments. **Currency swap:** A currency swap is a financial derivative used to manage exposure to exchange rate fluctuations and is considered a financial instrument. **Source:Indian Economy Handbook- Financial Market** --- 85\. With reference to the sectors of the Indian economy, consider the following pairs: | ***Economic activity*** | ***Sector*** | | ------------------------------- | ------------ | | Storage of agricultural produce | Secondary | | Dairy farm | Primary | | Mineral exploration | Tertiary | | Weaving cloth | Secondary | How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched? A. Only one B. Only two C. Only three D. All four **Ans**: B **Subject:** Economy **Solution**: **Storage of agricultural produce:** This is part of the tertiary sector, as it involves services related to the distribution and storage of goods, not the transformation of raw materials (incorrectly matched). **Dairy farm:** This is part of the primary sector, which involves agriculture and livestock production (correctly matched). **Mineral exploration:** This is also part of the primary sector as it involves extraction activities (incorrectly matched). **Weaving cloth:** This is part of the secondary sector, which involves manufacturing and processing raw materials into finished goods (correctly matched). **Source**: Basic definition of sectors. --- **86\. Consider the following materials:** 1. Agricultural residues 2. Corn grain 3. Wastewater treatment sludge 4. Wood mill waste Which of the above can be used as feedstock for producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel? A. 1 and 2 only B. 3 and 4 only C. 1, 2, 3 and 4 D. 1, 3 and 4 only **Ans**: C **Subject:** Environment/Economy **Solution**: **Agricultural residues:** These can be used to produce biofuels, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). **Corn grain:** This can be fermented and processed to produce ethanol, which can be converted into SAF. **Wastewater treatment sludge:** This can be processed to produce biogas or bio-oil, which can be upgraded to SAF. **Wood mill waste:** This lignocellulosic biomass can be converted into biofuels, including SAF. Therefore, all four materials (agricultural residues, corn grain, wastewater treatment sludge, and wood mill waste) can be used as feedstock for producing sustainable aviation fuel. **Source: NCERT** [https://www.energy.gov/eere/bioenergy/sustainable-aviation-fuels](https://www.energy.gov/eere/bioenergy/sustainable-aviation-fuels?ref=upscprep.com) --- 87\. With reference to physical capital in Indian economy, consider the following pairs: | ***Items*** | ***Category*** | | ----------------------- | --------------- | | Farmer's plough | Working capital | | Computer | Fixed capital | | Yarn used by the weaver | Fixed capital | | Petrol | Working capital | How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? A. Only one B. Only two C. Only three D. All four **Ans**: B **Subject:** Economy **Solution**: **Farmer's plough:** This is fixed capital because it is a durable good used in the production process over several years. **Computer:** This is correctly categorized as fixed capital, as it is a long-term asset used in production. **Yarn used by the weaver:** This is working capital, as it is a raw material used up in the production process. **Petrol:** This is correctly categorized as working capital because it is consumed in the course of production. Therefore, only two pairs are correctly matched (Computer - Fixed capital and Petrol - Working capital). **Source:** NCERT - Durable & non-durable goods. --- **88\.** Which one of the following words/phrases is most appropriately used to denote "an interoperable network of 3D virtual worlds that can be accessed simultaneously by millions of users, who can exert property rights over virtual items"? A. Big data analytics B. Cryptography C. Metaverse D. Virtual matrix **Ans**: C **Subject:** Science and Technology **Solution**: The term "Metaverse" refers to an interoperable network of 3D virtual worlds that can be accessed simultaneously by millions of users. In the Metaverse, users can interact, socialize, and exert property rights over virtual items, often facilitated by blockchain technology and digital assets. **Source:** Metaverse has been in news since 2020. Link: [https://about.meta.com/what-is-the-metaverse/](https://about.meta.com/what-is-the-metaverse/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **89\.** With reference to the rule/rules imposed by the Reserve Bank of India while treating foreign banks, consider the following statements: 1. There is no minimum capital requirement for wholly owned banking subsidiaries in India. 2. For wholly owned banking subsidiaries in India, at least 50% of the board members should be Indian nationals. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 **Ans**: D **Subject:** Economy **Solution**: **Minimum capital requirement:** The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) mandates a minimum capital requirement for wholly owned banking subsidiaries in India. This is a regulatory measure to ensure financial stability and solvency. **Board members:** RBI guidelines for wholly owned banking subsidiaries in India, state that not less than 50 per cent directors should be Indian nationals/NRIs/PIOs subject to the condition that one-third of the directors are Indian nationals resident in India. Therefore, statement 1 is incorrect and statement 2 is correct. **Source:** [**https://m.rbi.org.in/Scripts/bs\_viewcontent.aspx?Id=2758**](https://m.rbi.org.in/Scripts/bs%5Fviewcontent.aspx?Id=2758&ref=upscprep.com) --- **90\.** With reference to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) rules in India, consider the following statements: 1. CSR rules specify that expenditures that benefit the company directly or its employees will not be considered as CSR activities. 2. CSR rules do not specify minimum spending on CSR activities. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 **Ans**: A **Subject:** Economy **Solution**: **Expenditures benefiting the company directly or its employees:** CSR rules in India indeed specify that expenditures that directly benefit the company or its employees will not be considered as CSR activities. The focus of CSR is on activities that contribute to the welfare of society at large. **Minimum spending on CSR activities:** The CSR rules in India do specify a minimum spending requirement. Companies meeting certain criteria must spend at least 2% of their average net profits made during the three immediately preceding financial years on CSR activities. Therefore, statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect. **Source:** [**https://www.mca.gov.in/mca/html/mcav2\_en/home/home/efacilitaion+center/faq+on+csr+cell-site+area/faq+on+csr+cell.html**](https://www.mca.gov.in/mca/html/mcav2%5Fen/home/home/efacilitaion+center/faq+on+csr+cell-site+area/faq+on+csr+cell.html?ref=upscprep.com) --- **91\.** With reference to radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), consider the following statements: 1. RTGs are miniature fission reactors. 2. RTGs are used for powering the onboard systems of spacecrafts. 3. RTGs can use Plutonium-238, which is a by-product of weapons development. Which of the statements given above are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 **Ans**: B **Subject:** Science and tech **Solution**: **RTGs are miniature fission reactors:** This statement is incorrect. RTGs are not fission reactors; they generate electricity through the natural decay of radioactive isotopes, not through nuclear fission. **RTGs are used for powering the onboard systems of spacecrafts:** This statement is correct. RTGs have been used in numerous space missions to provide a reliable power source for spacecraft, especially in environments where solar power is not feasible. **RTGs can use Plutonium-238, which is a by-product of weapons development:** This statement is correct. Plutonium-238 is a commonly used isotope in RTGs and can be produced as a by-product of nuclear reactors used for weapons development. **Source:** [**https://science.nasa.gov/mission/cassini/radioisotope-thermoelectric-generator/**](https://science.nasa.gov/mission/cassini/radioisotope-thermoelectric-generator/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **92\. Consider the following statements:** Statement-I: Giant stars live much longer than dwarf stars. Statement-II: Compared to dwarf stars, giant stars have a greater rate of nuclear reactions. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I. B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct **Ans**: D **Subject:** Science and Tech **Solution**: **Statement-I:** Giant stars do not live longer than dwarf stars. In fact, giant stars have much shorter lifespans compared to dwarf stars. This is because giant stars burn their nuclear fuel at a much faster rate. - **Statement-II:** This statement is correct. Giant stars have a greater rate of nuclear reactions compared to dwarf stars. The high rate of nuclear reactions in giant stars causes them to burn through their fuel more quickly, leading to a shorter lifespan. Therefore, Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct. **Source:** [**https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/genesismission/gm2/mission/pdf/Giantstars.pdf**](https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/genesismission/gm2/mission/pdf/Giantstars.pdf?ref=upscprep.com) --- **93\.** Which one of the following is synthesised in human body that dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow? A. Nitric oxide B. Nitrous oxide C. Nitrogen dioxide D. Nitrogen pentoxide **Ans**: A **Subject:** Science and tech **Solution**: Nitric oxide (NO) is a molecule synthesized in the human body that plays a crucial role in vasodilation, the widening of blood vessels. It is produced by endothelial cells lining the blood vessels and helps to increase blood flow and lower blood pressure by relaxing the smooth muscles of the blood vessels. **Source:** [**https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6164974/**](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6164974/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **94\. Consider the following activities:** 1. Identification of narcotics on passengers at airports or in aircraft 2. Monitoring of precipitation 3. Tracking the migration of animals In how many of the above activities can the radars be used? A. Only one B. Only two C. All three D. None **Ans**: C (Controversial) **Subject:** Science and tech **Solution**: **Identification of narcotics on passengers at airports or in aircraft:** This activity typically involves the use of advanced imaging technologies, such as X-ray scanners and millimeter-wave scanners, rather than traditional radar. **Monitoring of precipitation:** Radars are widely used in meteorology to monitor precipitation. Weather radars can detect the intensity, movement, and type of precipitation. **Tracking the migration of animals:** Radars, especially specialized ones like marine radar and certain types of wildlife tracking radar, can be used to track the movement of birds and other large animals during migration. Therefore, radars can definitely be used in two of the above activities (monitoring of precipitation and tracking the migration of animals). But as the key word mentioned is "can" so it's you could say that even if not directly used, radars can be used for this purpose. --- **95\.** Consider the following aircraft: 1. Rafael 2. MiG-29 3. Tejas MK-1 How many of the above are considered fifth generation fighter aircraft? A. Only one B. Only two C. All three D. None **Ans**: D **Subject:** Science and Tech **Solution**: **Explanation:** - **Rafael (Rafale):** The Dassault Rafale is a 4.5 generation fighter aircraft. - **MiG-29:** The Mikoyan MiG-29 is a fourth-generation fighter aircraft. - **Tejas MK-1:** The HAL Tejas MK-1 is a 4+ generation fighter aircraft. **Source: Rafale was in news, HAL AMCA was in news** [**https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/india-indigenous-fifth-gen-fighter-jet-amca-9204814/**](https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/india-indigenous-fifth-gen-fighter-jet-amca-9204814/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **96\. In which of the following are hydrogels used?** 1. Controlled drug delivery in patients 2. Mobile air-conditioning systems 3. Preparation of industrial lubricants Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 1 only B. 1 and 2 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 **Ans**: D **Subject:** Science and tech **Solution**: **Controlled drug delivery in patients:** Hydrogels are widely used in biomedical applications, including controlled drug delivery systems. They can encapsulate drugs and release them at a controlled rate. **Mobile air-conditioning systems:** Hydrogels are not typically used in mobile air-conditioning systems. These systems generally rely on refrigerants and mechanical components for cooling. **Preparation of industrial lubricants:** Hydrogels are not commonly used in the preparation of industrial lubricants. Industrial lubricants are typically made from oils and other chemical additives designed to reduce friction and wear. **Source:** [**https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6384686/**](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6384686/?ref=upscprep.com)**,**[**https://coolingvest.co.uk/index.php?route=information/information&information\_id=18**](https://coolingvest.co.uk/index.php?route=information/information&information%5Fid=18&ref=upscprep.com)**,** [**https://www.mdpi.com/2504-5377/4/4/54**](https://www.mdpi.com/2504-5377/4/4/54?ref=upscprep.com)**,** --- **97\.** Which one of the following is the exhaust pipe emission from Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles, powered by hydrogen? A. Hydrogen peroxide B. Hydronium C. Oxygen D. Water vapour **Ans**: D **Subject:** Science and Tech **Solution**: Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) powered by hydrogen produce electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The primary by-product of this reaction is water, which is expelled as water vapour through the exhaust. **Source:** [**https://afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/fuel-cell**](https://afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/fuel-cell?ref=upscprep.com) --- **98\.** Recently, the term "pumped-storage hydropower" is actually and appropriately discussed in the context of which one of the following? A. Irrigation of terraced crop fields B. Lift irrigation of cereal crops C. Long duration energy storage D. Rainwater harvesting system **Ans**: C **Subject:** Science and Tech **Solution**: Pumped-storage hydropower is a type of hydroelectric energy storage used for long duration energy storage. It involves pumping water from a lower elevation reservoir to a higher elevation during periods of low energy demand or excess energy production, and then releasing it back down to generate electricity during periods of high energy demand. **Source:** [https://www.energy.gov/eere/water/pumped-storage-hydropower](https://www.energy.gov/eere/water/pumped-storage-hydropower?ref=upscprep.com) --- **99\. "Membrane Bioreactors" are often discussed in the context of:** A. Assisted reproductive technologies B. Drug delivery nanotechnologies C. Vaccine production technologies D. Wastewater treatment technologies **Ans**: D **Subject:** Science and tech **Solution**: Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs) are advanced wastewater treatment systems that combine a membrane filtration process with a biological treatment process. They are highly effective in removing contaminants from wastewater, making them a popular choice for treating municipal and industrial wastewater. **Source:** [**https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4931528/**](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4931528/?ref=upscprep.com) --- **100\.** With reference to the Indian economy, "Collateral Borrowing and Lending Obligations are the instruments of: A. Bond market B. Forex market C. Money market D. Stock market **Ans**: C **Subject:** Economy **Solution**: Collateral Borrowing and Lending Obligations (CBLO) are short-term instruments in the money market. They facilitate borrowing and lending of funds with securities as collateral, providing a secured means for banks and financial institutions to manage liquidity. **Source:** [**https://rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS\_CircularIndexDisplay.aspx?Id=2388**](https://rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS%5FCircularIndexDisplay.aspx?Id=2388&ref=upscprep.com) --- ### Hindu Kush Himalayas and Snow Persistence URL: https://www.upscprep.com/hindu-kush-himalayas-snow-persistence/ Last updated: 2024-06-20T10:27:23.000Z The recent report by the **International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)** on the record low snow persistence in the Ganga River basin and other basins in the **Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region** is a significant indicator of the accelerating climate crisis. ![Hindu Kush Himalayan Mountains](https://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1623325663_image4.jpg) ## **Historical Context** - The report analyzed data from 2003 to 2024 and found that 13 of the past 22 years have registered lower-than-normal seasonal snow persistence. - The Ganga basin's previous lowest snow persistence was 15.2% below normal in 2018, while the highest was 25.6% above normal in 2015. - The Brahmaputra basin's lowest snow persistence was in 2021 at 15.5% below normal. Let's look deeper into the key aspects of this accelerating climate crisis: ## **What is Snow Persistence**? - **Definition**: Snow persistence refers to the fraction of time snow remains on the ground. It is crucial as the melting snow provides water to people and ecosystems. - **Importance**: Snowmelt is a major source of water in the HKH region, contributing 23% of the runoff to the region’s 12 major river basins annually. ### **Geographical Scope** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/image-49.png) - The HKH mountains span approximately 3,500 km across eight countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Myanmar, and Pakistan. - These mountains are known as the “water towers of Asia” because they are the origins of 10 major river systems, including the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/1.-UPSCprep-Banner-29.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ## **2024 Snow Persistence Data** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/image-50.png) - **Ganga Basin**: Recorded its lowest snow persistence in 22 years, 17% below the long-term historical average. - **Brahmaputra Basin**: Snow persistence was 14.6% below normal. - **Indus Basin**: Snow persistence dropped to 23.3% below normal, the lowest in the past 22 years. - **Amu Darya Basin**: Recorded its lowest snow persistence, 28.2% below normal. - **Helmand River Basin**: Snow persistence fell to 31.8% below normal. - **Irrawaddy River Basin**: Slightly below normal with a 2.4% decrease. ### **Geographical Trends** - The report highlighted a trend of decreasing snow persistence from east to west in the HKH region. - The western part of the HKH region, which contributes the highest water supply to rivers, witnessed dramatically low snow levels. ## **Causes of Lower Snow Persistence** - **Weak Western Disturbances**: These are low-pressure systems originating over the Mediterranean, Caspian, and Black Seas that bring rain and snow to the HKH region in winter. - **Climate Change and Global Warming**: These factors are causing instability in weather patterns, exacerbating conditions like La Niña and El Niño, which influence global weather patterns, including western disturbances. ### **Implications** - **Water Supply**: The decrease in snow persistence threatens water availability in early summer, particularly in the Indus basin, which relies heavily on snowmelt. - Snowmelt contributes approximately 23% of the total water flow of 12 major river basins in the HKH region. - **Agriculture and Livelihoods**: Reduced water availability can severely impact agriculture, which is a primary livelihood for millions in the region. - Early summer water shortages could lead to drought conditions, affecting food security and livelihoods. - **Ecosystems**: Altered water availability can impact local ecosystems and biodiversity, which depend on consistent water flow from snowmelt. ## **Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies** ### **Climate Action** - **Emission Reductions:** Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial to mitigate rising temperatures and their impact on snow persistence. - **Building Political Will:** Building political will for ambitious climate action, especially among G-20 countries, is essential to protect the HKH region. ### **Water Management** - **Water Infrastructure:** Developing robust water infrastructure and policies to protect snowfall areas is crucial. - **Proactive Measures:** Governments should activate drought management strategies and update water management plans to prepare for water stress. - **Drought Response Strategies:** Organize relief activities during emergencies to ensure a clean water supply. Promote rainwater collection for irrigation and other relevant activities. ### **Regional Cooperation** - **Sustainable Water Management:** Promoting cooperation among HKH countries for sustainable water management. - **Transboundary Cooperation:** Countries sharing transboundary rivers should collaborate to update water management laws and ensure long-term resilience to climate change. - **Enhanced Collaboration:** Promote regional cooperation for sustainable water management and climate adaptation strategies. ### **Environmental Restoration** - **Reforestation:** Planting native tree species can help the ground retain more snow. ### **Forecasting and Communication** - **Improved Weather Forecasting:** Better forecasting and early warning systems can help communities prepare for water stress. - **Effective Communication:** Relevant agencies should communicate the situation effectively and notify communities of the risks. ## **Conclusion** The record low snow persistence in the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus river basins in 2024 is a stark reminder of the accelerating climate crisis. For UPSC preparation, it is essential to understand the scientific, environmental, and socio-economic dimensions of this issue. This includes the causes of changing snow persistence patterns, their implications for water resources and livelihoods, and the strategies needed to mitigate and adapt to these changes. *Source: The Hindu* ## Sign up for UPSCprep.com Simplify your UPSC journey Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Superhydrophobic Activated Carbon Catalyst URL: https://www.upscprep.com/superhydrophobic-activated-carbon-catalyst-method-for-cheaper-biodiesel-production-upsc/ Last updated: 2024-06-19T06:29:29.000Z ## **Concepts** ### Superhydrophobicity - Superhydrophobicity refers to the property of a surface that is extremely difficult to wet. - Water droplets on a superhydrophobic surface will bead up and roll off, rather than spreading out. - This is due to the surface having a very high contact angle with water, typically greater than 150 degrees. ![Frontiers | Recent Advances in Multifunctional Mechanical–Chemical Superhydrophobic Materials](https://www.frontiersin.org/files/Articles/947327/fbioe-10-947327-HTML/image_m/fbioe-10-947327-g001.jpg) ### Activated Carbon - Activated carbon is a form of carbon processed to have small, low-volume pores that increase the surface area available for adsorption or chemical reactions. - It is commonly used in water purification, air filtration, and as a catalyst support. ![Activated Carbon Market – How Is The Market Evolving? - micbacindia](https://micbacindia.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Activated-Carbon-Market.jpg) ### **Superhydrophobic Activated Carbon Catalyst** - When activated carbon is modified to become superhydrophobic, it combines the high surface area and adsorption capabilities of activated carbon with the water-repellent properties of superhydrophobic materials. - This combination can be particularly useful in catalytic processes where water presence can inhibit the reaction or where the catalyst needs to be protected from moisture. ### **Biodiesel Production** ![Microbial production of advanced biofuels | Nature Reviews Microbiology](https://media.springernature.com/full/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1038%2Fs41579-021-00577-w/MediaObjects/41579_2021_577_Fig1_HTML.png) - Biodiesel is a renewable, biodegradable fuel made from a variety of feedstocks including vegetable oils, animal fats, and recycled cooking oils. - The most common method of producing biodiesel is through a chemical process called transesterification, where triglycerides react with an alcohol (usually methanol) in the presence of a catalyst to form biodiesel and glycerol. ### **Catalysts in Biodiesel Production** Catalysts are crucial in the transesterification process as they speed up the reaction and improve yield. Traditionally, homogeneous catalysts like sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH) are used. However, these catalysts have several drawbacks: - They are corrosive. - They require extensive purification steps. - They generate waste products. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/1.-UPSCprep-Banner-28.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ## A Method for Cheaper Biodiesel Production A team of scientists from **India**, **China**, and the **U.K.** has developed an innovative catalyst that significantly reduces the cost of producing environmentally friendly biodiesel. ![A team of scientists from India, China, and the U.K. has developed an innovative catalyst | UPSC](https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/244b55d9-12dd-4e70-b3cf-d3bb564e69e1/Group%20Photo%202023-8af96e5.jpg) - It is called Superhydrophobic Activated Carbon Catalyst. ### What is this technology? - **Superhydrophobic Catalyst**: - **Definition**: The catalyst is described as "spherical superhydrophobic activated carbon," meaning it repels water, similar to surfaces like lotus leaves. - **Importance**: The water-repellent properties prevent the poisoning of active sites by water during biodiesel production, ensuring the catalyst's effectiveness and longevity. ![A Spherical Superhydrophobic Activated Carbon Catalyst for Biodiesel Production | UPSC](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/cms/asset/8b498457-0b9f-48f0-a3a3-ff45414cd60e/adfm202406262-gra-0001-m.jpg?trick=1718608823571) ### **Cost Reduction** - **Current Costs**: The current cost of biodiesel in India is around ₹100 ($1.2) per liter. - **Projected Costs**: Using this new catalyst can reduce the cost to about ₹30 (37 cents) per liter, making biodiesel more affordable and competitive with fossil fuels. ### **Production Efficiency** - **Robustness**: The catalyst can withstand the water by-product during biodiesel production, maintaining its activity and reusability over multiple cycles. - **Efficiency**: This robustness and reusability make the biodiesel production process more efficient and cost-effective. ### **Environmental Impact** - **Eco-Friendly**: The catalyst is derived from biomass (cellulose), making it ecologically benign and abundant. - **Sustainable Energy**: By lowering the production costs of biodiesel, the technology promotes the broader adoption of sustainable energy solutions. ### **Research and Development** - **Techniques**: Developed using methods like chemical vapor deposition (CVD) to achieve superhydrophobic properties. - **Publication**: The research has been published in the peer-reviewed journal "Advanced Functional Materials," highlighting its significance in the scientific community. - **Collaborators**: The team includes scientists from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in India, the University of Cambridge in the U.K., and Guizhou University in China. --- ## **Superhydrophobic Activated Carbon Catalysts** ### **Advantages** - **Cost-Effectiveness**: Reduces purification needs and waste, lowering production costs. - **Efficiency**: Better catalytic activity due to water-repellent properties. - **Environmental Impact**: Uses renewable, non-toxic materials, reducing waste and environmental footprint. ### **Challenges and Future Directions** - **Scalability**: Developing large-scale production methods. - **Durability**: Ensuring long-term stability and reusability. - **Feedstock Versatility**: Testing effectiveness with various feedstocks. ### **Key Benefits** - **Cost-Effective**: Reduces biodiesel production costs significantly. - **High Efficiency**: Ensures the catalyst remains effective and reusable. - **Environmentally Friendly**: Uses biomass-derived, non-toxic materials. - **Sustainable**: Encourages the use of renewable energy sources, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. This breakthrough in biodiesel production technology represents a significant step towards making renewable energy more accessible and affordable, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future. ## Sign up for UPSCprep.com Simplify your UPSC journey Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### What is the Kavach System? URL: https://www.upscprep.com/what-is-the-kavach-system-indian-railway-national-automatic-train-protection-atp-system-upsc/ Last updated: 2024-06-29T05:33:46.000Z ### Recent Incident and Kavach The recent accident involving the Kanchanjunga Express and a goods train in Darjeeling highlights the critical need for the Kavach system. - The automatic signaling system was not operational, and manual procedures were in place, which led to human error and the tragic accident. - The absence of Kavach in this region underscores the urgency of accelerating its implementation to prevent such incidents in the future. ![Kanchanjunga Express train accident in Bengal kills 5 some feared trapped | UPSC](https://bsmedia.business-standard.com/_media/bs/img/article/2024-06/17/full/1718601103-8205.jpg?im=FitAndFill=(826,465)) ![past railway accidents in India - upsc](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/image-48.png) ### Definition **Kavach** is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system by Indian Railways aimed at enhancing safety by preventing train collisions. - It is designed to ensure that trains automatically stop when they encounter any signal irregularities or if they are on a collision course. - Designated as India’s **National Automatic Train Protection (ATP) System**. ![Kavach is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system ](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/image-42.png) ### Key Features 1. **Automatic Braking**: Kavach can automatically apply brakes if the train passes a signal at danger (red signal) or if it detects another train on the same track. 2. **Speed Regulation**: It regulates the speed of the train according to the permissible limits. 3. **Collision Avoidance**: The system can prevent head-on collisions between trains by maintaining a safe distance. 4. **Signal Overrun Prevention**: It prevents trains from overshooting signals. 5. **Emergency Communication**: Kavach facilitates communication between the train driver and the control center in case of emergencies. ### Working ![Kavach is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system ](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/image-44.png) **System Overview**: - Kavach monitors train movements and issues emergency messages. - It provides centralised live monitoring through the Network Monitoring System. **Functionality**: - The system gives warnings to the locomotive pilot in case of overspeeding or adverse weather conditions. - If the pilot does not slow down below 15 km/h upon receiving the warnings, Kavach automatically applies the brakes to bring the train to a halt. ![Kavach is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system ](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/image.jpeg) **Components**: - Based on **Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)** technology. - Comprises key components like optical fibre, towers for catching signals, data centres at railway stations, and trackside equipment. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/1.-UPSCprep-Banner-27.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ### **Deployment Status** ![Kavach is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system ](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/image-46.png) - **Current Deployment**: - Kavach has been deployed on 1,465 km of the Indian Railways network, covering 139 locomotives. - It has been implemented primarily on the South Central Railway. ![Kavach has been deployed on 1,465 km of the Indian Railways network, covering 139 locomotives.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/image-45.png) - **Future Plans**: - Contracts for another 3,000 km across various railway zones, including Eastern, Northern, and Western Railways, have been awarded. - An additional 10,000 km of the railway network is proposed for initiation soon. - The Indian Railways is likely to float tenders worth ₹5,000 crore for this expansion. ### Issues with Implementation Despite its potential to significantly enhance railway safety, the implementation of the Kavach system has faced several challenges: - **Funding and Budget Constraints**: - The installation of Kavach requires substantial investment. Budgetary constraints have often delayed its widespread implementation. - As of the latest updates, the Indian Railways has allocated funds for the installation of Kavach on high-density routes, but the pace of implementation has been slow. - **₹557 crore** has been earmarked in the FY25 interim budget for Kavach implementation. - **Technical and Operational Challenges**: - Integrating Kavach with the existing railway infrastructure, which varies widely in terms of technology and age, poses significant technical challenges. - Ensuring compatibility with different types of rolling stock and signaling systems requires extensive testing and customization. - **Manpower and Training**: - Adequate training of railway staff, including drivers and signal operators, is crucial for the effective functioning of Kavach. - There have been delays in training programs, which has impacted the rollout of the system. - **Geographical and Environmental Factors**: India's diverse geographical and climatic conditions necessitate robust and adaptable technology. Ensuring that Kavach functions effectively across different terrains and weather conditions is a complex task. - **Administrative and Bureaucratic Hurdles**: The implementation process involves multiple stakeholders, including various departments within Indian Railways and external contractors. Coordination and decision-making can be slow due to bureaucratic procedures. - **Pilot Projects and Phased Rollout**: - Initial pilot projects have been successful, but scaling up to cover the entire railway network is a gradual process. - The phased rollout strategy means that some regions, like the one involved in the recent accident in Darjeeling, are yet to receive the system. - **Delays in Deployment**: The incident in West Bengal highlighted the need for wider deployment of Kavach. - **Safety Records** - The deployment is critical due to the high number of train collisions in recent years, underscoring the need for improved rail safety systems. - Only three manufacturers are currently producing the **anti-collision system**, contributing to delays. - Administrative and regulatory hurdles have also slowed down the deployment process. ### Conclusion The Kavach system represents a significant advancement in railway safety technology. However, its full potential can only be realized through addressing the financial, technical, and administrative challenges associated with its implementation. The recent accident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of expediting the deployment of such safety systems across the entire railway network. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/Basics-1.png) #### UPSC Essential + Mentorship Comprehensive course for UPSC CSE with 3 year access [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential/?ref=upscprep.com) ### UPSC Prelims 2024 Answer Key URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-prelims-2024-answer-key-cutoff/ Last updated: 2024-06-20T15:34:19.000Z When the official answer keys from UPSC came out a few weeks ago, UPSCprep.com CSAT answer key had the smallest variation from the official answer key as compared to most other institutes . So if you're on the border in CSAT, we would highly recommend that you re-check once with the keys shared below. Here are the UPSCprep.com answer keys. [UPSC Prelims 2024 Answer Key - UPSCprep.comGS SET B SET B Q,Topic,SET B Key,Subject,Type 1,Fertility rate,D,Economy,Direct 2,NBFC - G secs,C,Economy,Normal options 3,Corporate bonds - G Secs ,D,Economy,Normal options 4,Motor vehicles,D,Economy,Normal options 5,Primary secondary tertiary sectors,B,Economy,Fancy options 6,Aviation Fuel,C,…![](https://ssl.gstatic.com/docs/spreadsheets/spreadsheets_2023q4.ico)Google Docs![](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docs/AHkbwyItrLvREosD03VN0T7SAJamR29sY41wm3l6llrOghUPEYZraLyIny02Sf8fLYg2ESIzRKacivQxg49Qelq5Nq4CXaBe1zElxATclFkD40LrY-H5nolL=w1200-h630-p)](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Ttn3FwPvPHowo6VUtbBJNWNhBDh324G7dLt9yrT4N0Y/edit?usp=sharing&ref=upscprep.com) Don't forget to fill the form as it would help us assess the cutoff and would help us reduce your stress as well. All the best! ### Menstrual Leave - Karnataka URL: https://www.upscprep.com/menstrual-leave-in-india-upsc-gs2-society/ Last updated: 2024-06-18T08:36:00.000Z The Karnataka government's initiative to consider menstrual leave is a significant step towards addressing gender-specific health needs in the workplace. Here's a detailed analysis of the situation: ![Karnataka govt. looking into menstrual leave proposal | UPSC Current Affairs | The Hindu](https://epaper.thehindu.com/ccidist-ws/th/th_international/issues/87282/OPS/GG1CULVI1.1.png?rev=2024-06-18T01:05:34+05:30&cropFromPage=true) ### Context and Background - **Menstrual Leave**: Menstrual leave refers to the provision of paid or unpaid leave for women during their menstrual cycle. - This concept acknowledges the physical discomfort and health issues that some women experience during menstruation, which can affect their productivity and well-being. ### Development in Karnataka 1. **Formation of Committee**: The Karnataka Labour Department has established an 18-member committee to explore the feasibility of menstrual leave. The committee is headed by Sapna Mohan, Head of the Department, School of Law at Christ University. 2. **Committee Composition**: The committee includes: - Legal and medical experts - A psychologist - Representatives from industries and trade unions - Labour Department officials **Consultation Process**: The committee has already conducted one round of discussions and is set to meet again before submitting its report to the Labour Department. > **Potential Extension**: There is a possibility that the scope of menstrual leave could be extended to the **government sector**, including teachers, police personnel, and anganwadi workers. ![Menstrual leave: A privilege or necessity - UPSC | India](https://thedialoguebox.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/menstrual-leave-quote.png) --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/1.-UPSCprep-Banner-26.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ### Existing Policies and Initiatives - **Bihar Government** - **Policy**: Provides two days of menstrual leave each month since 1992. - **Sector**: Applicable to women working in the state government. - **Private Companies** - **Zomato**: Offers up to 10 days of menstrual leave per year. - **Culture Machine**: Implements menstrual leave policy since 2017. - **Gozoop**: Provides paid leave for women on the first day of their period. - **Educational Institutions** - Some schools and colleges have started to offer menstrual leave to students to promote a supportive environment. - **Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT)**: - **Policy**: In January 2023, CUSAT introduced menstrual leave for female students, allowing them an additional 2% relaxation in attendance requirements each semester. - **National Law Institute University (NLIU), Bhopal** and **Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), Aurangabad** recently introduced a menstrual leave policy for their respective students. - The policy introduced at NLIU Bhopal extends also to gender non-conforming students who menstruate. ![ In January 2023, CUSAT introduced menstrual leave for female students, allowing them an additional 2% relaxation in attendance requirements each semester](https://img.theweek.in/content/dam/week/news/india/images/2023/1/20/cusat-union.jpg) ### Legal Framework - **Labour Laws**: Currently, there is no national legislation mandating menstrual leave across India. Policies are primarily driven by state initiatives or private companies. ### Current Debate - **Advocacy**: Women's rights groups and some policymakers are advocating for nationwide menstrual leave policies. - **Opposition**: Critics argue that it could lead to further discrimination against women in the workplace. ### Arguments For Menstrual Leave 1. **Health and Well-being**: Recognizes and addresses the health needs of women, promoting their well-being. 2. **Productivity**: Can potentially improve overall productivity by allowing women to take necessary rest and return to work in better health. 3. **Gender Equality and Sensitivity**: Acknowledges gender-specific health issues and promotes a more inclusive workplace environment. 4. **Employee Satisfaction**: Can lead to higher job satisfaction and loyalty among female employees. ### Arguments Against Menstrual Leave 1. **Financial Implications**: Additional costs for employers, especially in sectors with a high percentage of female employees. 2. **Stigma and Discrimination**: Potential for reinforcing gender stereotypes and discrimination against women in the workplace. 3. **Workplace Dynamics**: Challenges in implementation and ensuring privacy. Possible resentment among male colleagues. 4. **Operational Challenges**: Managing leave schedules and ensuring continuity of work can be challenging for employers. 5. **Policy Implementation**: Ensuring consistent and fair implementation of the policy across different sectors and organizations. 6. Potential for **misuse** or abuse of the policy. ### Global Perspective Several countries have already implemented menstrual leave policies, providing a reference point for Karnataka: ![Menstrual Leave; what lies beneath… Part 1- Origins - Menstrual Matters](https://menstrual-matters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Map_E_Asia_final-600x312.png) ![](https://menstrual-matters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/global_revival_2-525x402.png) - **Japan**: Since 1947, Japan has had a law allowing women to take menstrual leave if they experience difficult periods. - **South Korea**: Women are entitled to one day of menstrual leave per month. - **Taiwan**: Women can take three days of menstrual leave per year, which is not deducted from their statutory sick leave. - **Indonesia**: Women are entitled to two days of menstrual leave per month. ### Conclusion The Karnataka government's initiative to consider menstrual leave is a progressive step towards gender-sensitive workplace policies. The formation of a diverse committee to deliberate on this issue ensures a comprehensive evaluation of its feasibility and implications. The final decision will need to balance the health and well-being of female employees with the operational and financial considerations of employers. ## Sign up for UPSCprep.com Simplify your UPSC journey Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### E-Flow Ecological Monitoring System for Ganga URL: https://www.upscprep.com/e-flow-ecological-monitoring-system-namami-gange-programme-upsc/ Last updated: 2024-06-18T07:51:53.000Z The Union Jal Shakti Ministry's launch of the e-flow ecological monitoring system is indeed a significant development in the realm of river management and environmental conservation. ![Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri CR Paatil reviews progress - PIB](https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/image001SLC6.jpg) Let's break down the key aspects of this initiative: ### **Background** - **The Government of India mandated in 2018** minimum E-flow for various stretches of the Ganga River to be maintained year-round. - Following this, the **National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)**, an arm of the Jal Shakti Ministry, laid down the flow specifications essential for - - Preserving the river's ecological balance, safeguarding aquatic life, and - Ensuring sustainability amidst diverse water usage demands. - From the upper Ganga Basin to its confluences and beyond, **stringent measures are in place to ensure compliance with E-flow norms**, benefiting both existing and future projects. - With monitoring and regulatory mechanisms, Ganga's ecological resilience is being safeguarded for generations to come. ### **What is E-Flows?** Environmental Flows (E-flows) refers to the quantity, timing, and quality of water flows required to sustain freshwater and estuarine ecosystems and the human livelihoods that depend on these ecosystems. ![Image](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GQR_PgeWwAAsRzB?format=jpg&name=large) ### E-flow Ecological Monitoring System - **Real-time Monitoring:** The system allows for real-time monitoring of river quality, which is crucial for planning and monitoring various projects. - **Data Utilization:** It uses data from quarterly reports by the Central Water Commission to track key parameters such as inflow, outflow, and mandated E-flow across 11 projects along the Ganga Main Stream. ![E-flow Ecological Monitoring System](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/AA---Twitter-Infographics--1--1.png) ### **Key Features** - **Monitoring River Quality:** The system monitors the water quality of the Ganga, Yamuna, and their tributaries. - **Namami Gange Programme:** It includes monitoring the performance of sewage treatment plants (STPs) to ensure they operate at their rated capacity. - **Central Level Monitoring:** Activities under the Namami Gange programme are monitored at the central level. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/1.-UPSCprep-Banner-25.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ### **Recent Developments** - **Minister's Commitment:** The new Jal Shakti Minister, C.R. Patil, emphasized completing ongoing projects within the stipulated time frame and developing new strategies for areas without river rejuvenation programmes. - **Innovative Solutions:** There is a focus on innovative solutions to address emerging challenges in river management. ### E-flows Mandated Levels - **Minimum E-flow:** In 2018, the Centre mandated a minimum e-flow for various stretches of the Ganga to be maintained year-round. This was in response to concerns that dams were impeding the river's flow and harming its ecology. ![Image](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GQSDmRkWcAAj-WF?format=png&name=900x900) - **Upper Ganga** \- 2 % ofmonthly average flow of the preceding 10 days during the dry season (Nov to Mar) and 25% during monsoon season (Jun to Sept). - **Middle Ganga** \- 25 % ofmonthly average flow of the preceding 10 days during the dry season (Nov to Mar) and 30% during monsoon season (Jun to Sept). - **Lower Ganga** \- 30 % ofmonthly average flow of the preceding 10 days during the dry season (Nov to Mar)and 35% during monsoon season (Jun to Sept). ### Importance of E-flow 1. **Biodiversity Conservation**: Ensures the survival of aquatic species by maintaining their natural habitats. 2. **Ecological Balance:** Maintaining e-flows is crucial for sustaining the river's ecology and ensuring that aquatic life and other ecological processes are not disrupted. 3. **Water Quality**: Helps in diluting pollutants and maintaining water quality. 4. **Sediment Transport**: Facilitates the natural movement of sediments, which is essential for maintaining river morphology. 5. **Livelihoods**: Supports the livelihoods of communities dependent on river ecosystems for fishing, agriculture, and other activities. ### Implications **For River Management:** - **Enhanced Monitoring:** The e-flow monitoring system enhances the ability to monitor and manage river water quality and flow in real-time. - **Data-Driven Decisions:** The availability of real-time data allows for more informed decision-making and timely interventions. **For Environmental Conservation:** - **Sustainable Flow:** Ensuring continuous and sustainable flow of rivers like the Ganga is vital for maintaining their ecological health. - **Addressing Challenges:** The focus on innovative solutions and new strategies will help address the challenges faced in river rejuvenation efforts. ### Implementation in India In India, the concept of E-flow has gained significant attention due to the increasing stress on water resources. The **National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)** has been actively involved in implementing E-flow norms for the Ganga River. Key steps include: 1. **Policy Framework**: The Central Water Commission (CWC) has issued guidelines for maintaining E-flows in rivers. 2. **Pilot Projects**: Various pilot projects have been initiated to demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of E-flow implementation. 3. **Stakeholder Involvement**: Engaging local communities, industries, and other stakeholders in the planning and implementation process. --- ### **Initiative - Namami Gange Programme** ![Initiative - Namami Gange Programme](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GQR9osZWMAAFukf?format=jpg&name=medium) - **Flagship Programme:** This is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Jal Shakti aimed at cleaning the Ganga and now includes its tributaries. - **Focus Areas:** The programme focuses on ensuring the uninterrupted flow and cleanliness of the Ganga. --- ### Challenges 1. **Data Availability**: Lack of comprehensive data on river flows and ecological parameters. 2. **Infrastructure**: Need for infrastructure to regulate and monitor flows. 3. **Coordination**: Coordination among various government agencies and stakeholders. 4. **Awareness**: Raising awareness about the importance of E-flows among policymakers and the public. ### Conclusion The launch of the e-flow ecological monitoring system by the Union Jal Shakti Ministry marks a significant advancement in river management and environmental conservation. By leveraging real-time data and focusing on innovative solutions, the Ministry aims to ensure the sustainable flow and cleanliness of the Ganga and its tributaries. ### UPSC Prelims 2024 Question Paper URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-prelims-2024-question-paper/ Last updated: 2024-06-16T11:35:10.000Z Hi, You can download both GS and CSAT question papers of UPSC CSE Prelims 2024 held on 16th June 2024. [Download UPSC Prelims GS PaperUPSC Prelims GS Set A.pdf7 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/06/UPSC-Prelims-GS-Set-A.pdf "Download") [Download UPSC Prelims CSAT PaperUPSC PRE 2024 CSAT \[ SET -A\].PDF14 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/06/UPSC-PRE-2024-CSAT---SET--A-.PDF "Download") ### PM-SHRI Scheme URL: https://www.upscprep.com/pm-shri-schools-for-rising-india-scheme-upsc/ Last updated: 2024-06-15T14:19:22.000Z **Name:** PM Schools for Rising India Scheme **Ministry:** Ministry of Education **Launch Date:** September 5, 2022 **Aim:** To upgrade and develop more than 14,500 schools across India. ### What is PM-SHRI? - PM SHRI School is a **centrally sponsored** scheme by the Government of India. - This initiative is intended to develop more than **14500** PM SHRI Schools managed by: - Central Government - State Government - UT Government - Local bodies - This will include **KVS** and **NVS.** - These schools will be transformed into model schools showcasing all components of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. - The Scheme will ensure that: - Every student feels welcomed and cared for. - A safe and stimulating learning environment is provided. - A wide range of learning experiences are offered. - A good physical infrastructure and appropriate resources conducive to learning are available to all students. It will nurture students to become engaged, productive, and contributing citizens for building an equitable, inclusive, and plural society as envisaged by the **National Education Policy 2020**. More than **20 lakh students** are expected to be the direct beneficiaries of the scheme. > The Scheme is proposed to be implemented over a period of 5 years w.e.f. 2022-23 to 2026-27. ![Image](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GKZGYsOasAAU8fM?format=jpg&name=large) --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/1.-UPSCprep-Banner-24.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ## Objectives and Key Features ### **Exemplar and Mentorship Role** - PM SHRI schools will act as exemplary schools, demonstrating the **best practices** in education. - They will also **offer mentorship to other schools** in their vicinity, helping to elevate the overall standard of education. ### **Holistic Development** - The focus is on qualitative teaching, learning, and cognitive development. - The aim is to create well-rounded individuals equipped with key 21st-century skills. ### **Innovative Pedagogy** - The pedagogy will be experiential, holistic, integrated, play/toy-based (especially in foundational years), inquiry-driven, discovery-oriented, learner-centred, discussion-based, flexible, and enjoyable. - Emphasis will be on achieving proficiency in learning outcomes for every child in every grade. ### **Competency-Based Assessment** - Assessments at all levels will be based on conceptual understanding and the application of knowledge to real-life situations. - The focus will be on competency-based assessments rather than rote learning. ### **Modern Infrastructure** - PM SHRI schools will be equipped with **modern infrastructure**, including labs, smart classrooms, libraries, sports equipment, and art rooms. - These facilities will be inclusive and accessible to all students. ### **Green Schools** - The schools will be developed as green schools with initiatives like water conservation, waste recycling, energy-efficient infrastructure, and the integration of an organic lifestyle into the curriculum. ### **Teacher Training and Capacity Building** - Teachers are receiving training to adopt innovative pedagogical methods that are experiential, holistic, integrated, and learner-centred. - Continuous professional development programs are being conducted to ensure teachers are well-equipped to implement the new teaching methodologies. ### **Equitable and Inclusive Education** - The schools will provide high-quality education in an equitable, inclusive, and joyful environment. - They will cater to the diverse backgrounds, multilingual needs, and different academic abilities of children, making them active participants in their learning process. ## Implementation and Impact - **Implementation**: The scheme is centrally sponsored, meaning it will be funded and managed by both the Central and State Governments. - **Impact**: By transforming these schools into model institutions, the scheme aims to uplift the overall quality of education in India, ensuring that students receive a holistic and modern education that prepares them for the future. ![Image](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GFVJAkgbkAAXa8W?format=jpg&name=medium) ## Alignment with NEP 2020 The PM-SHRI scheme is closely aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasizes: - Experiential learning. - Competency-based education. - Inclusive and equitable education. - Integration of technology in education. - Focus on holistic development and 21st-century skills. ### Conclusion The PM-SHRI scheme represents a significant step towards transforming the educational landscape in India. The scheme will also promote understanding of various dimensions of the Quality of school education and inform Policy, Practice and Implementation. The learning from these schools will be scaled up to other schools in the country. The scheme aims to provide high-quality, inclusive, and holistic education to students across the country by upgrading existing schools and aligning them with the principles of NEP 2020. ## Sign up for UPSCprep.com Simplify your UPSC journey Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Need for Dedicated Ministers for Science and Technology URL: https://www.upscprep.com/need-for-dedicated-ministers-for-science-and-technology/ Last updated: 2024-06-29T05:33:57.000Z ### Why in the news? The recent allocation of portfolios in the **18th Lok Sabha** has highlighted a significant issue: the vast and complex domain of science and technology is currently being managed by a single Minister of State with independent charge, **Jitendra Singh**. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/AA---Website-Images--22-.png) His portfolio includes the Departments of Space (DoS) and Atomic Energy (DAE), the Ministries of Earth Sciences (MoES), Science and Technology (MST), and Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. *This consolidation raises concerns about these critical sectors' effective administration and advancement.* ### Key Challenges in the Current Setup **Diverse and Expanding Responsibilities**: - **Department of Space (DoS)**: The DoS is navigating the entry of private sector players into the national space program, managing the development of India's maiden human spaceflight mission, and new launch vehicles. - **Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)**: The MoES is involved in seabed exploration for mineral resources and climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. - **Ministry of Science and Technology (MST)**: The MST oversees India's primary research departments, which are engaged in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, multi-omics approaches, and advanced energy storage solutions. - **Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)**: The DAE is advancing nuclear power, including starting phase two of its reactors program and commissioning one facility every year. **Persistent Problems in Research and Development**: - **Fellowship and Grant Disbursals**: Timelines for disbursing fellowships and grants to young researchers are often delayed. - **Interdisciplinary Research Facilities**: These facilities are localized and not conducive to collaboration. - **Regulatory Challenges**: Cutting-edge research is hindered by inconsistent regulations. - **Intellectual Property Rights**: Protection of intellectual property rights is inadequate. - **Translational Research**: This type of research is limited and sector-specific. - **Funding**: Gross domestic expenditure on research and development as a fraction of GDP has been declining since 2008-09. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/1.-UPSCprep-Banner-23.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ### The Case for Dedicated Ministers - **Specialized Focus**: Each of these sectors—space, earth sciences, science and technology, and atomic energy—requires specialized attention and expertise. A dedicated Minister for each sector would ensure focused and effective administration. - **Enhanced Capacity Building**: With dedicated Ministers, there can be a more systematic approach to capacity building, ensuring that the sectors can absorb and utilize funds productively. - **Improved Coordination and Collaboration**: Separate Ministers can facilitate better coordination and collaboration among different research bodies and with international counterparts. - **Addressing Sector-Specific Issues**: Dedicated Ministers can address sector-specific issues more effectively, such as improving the timelines for fellowship and grant disbursals, enhancing interdisciplinary research facilities, and ensuring robust intellectual property rights protection. - **Boosting Research and Development**: A focused approach can help reverse the decline in gross domestic expenditure on research and development, fostering a more conducive environment for innovation and scientific advancement. ### Conclusion The current setup, where a single Minister of State oversees multiple, highly specialized and rapidly evolving sectors, is inadequate for addressing the complex challenges and opportunities in science and technology. India needs dedicated Ministers, ideally of Cabinet rank, for each of its major nodal research bodies. This would ensure that the unique needs of each sector are met, persistent problems are addressed, and the country can make meaningful progress in science and technology during the coalition government's tenure. *Source:* [*The Hindu*](https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/singular-focus-on-the-new-union-ministers-and-portfolios/article68285542.ece?ref=upscprep.com) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/Basics-1.png) #### UPSC Essential + Mentorship Comprehensive course for UPSC CSE with 3 year access [Know More](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/upsc-essential/?ref=upscprep.com) ### POCSO Act, 2012 URL: https://www.upscprep.com/protection-of-children-from-sexual-offences-pocso-act-2012-upsc/ Last updated: 2024-06-14T16:13:49.000Z ### Recent Developments As of June 2024, the first **Fast Track Court (POCSO court)** has issued an arrest warrant against former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa under the POCSO Act. ![Fast Track Court (POCSO court) has issued an arrest warrant against former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa under the POCSO Act. ](https://www.livelaw.in/h-upload/2020/05/23/750x450_375236-yediyurappa-karnataka-high-court.jpg) This case highlights the Act's application and the legal processes involved in handling such sensitive matters. ### What is POCSO? The **Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012**, is a comprehensive law enacted by the Government of India to protect children from offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and pornography. It also provides for the establishment of Special Courts for the trial of such offences and matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. ### Definition of Child - The Act defines a child as any person below **18** years of age. ![POCSO Act, 2012: Former CM Booked - UPSC](https://pwonlyias.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Untitled-61-1.webp) ### Offences Covered - **Penetrative Sexual Assault**: Includes penetration by penis, any object, or any part of the body into the vagina, mouth, urethra, or anus of a child. - **Aggravated Penetrative Sexual Assault**: Includes assault by a person in a position of trust or authority, such as a family member, police officer, teacher, or doctor. - **Sexual Assault**: Involves touching the private parts of a child or making the child touch the private parts of the perpetrator. - **Aggravated Sexual Assault**: Similar to aggravated penetrative sexual assault but without penetration. - **Sexual Harassment**: Includes showing pornography to a child or making sexually coloured remarks. - **Using a Child for Pornographic Purposes**: Involves using a child in any form of media for sexual gratification. ### Special Courts - The Act mandates the establishment of Special Courts to ensure speedy trial of cases under the Act. ### Mandatory Reporting - Any person (including parents, teachers, and doctors) who has knowledge that a child has been sexually abused must report the offence; failure to do so is punishable. ### Child-Friendly Procedures The Act provides for child-friendly procedures during the judicial process, including: - Recording of the child's statement at the child's residence or a place of their choice. - No child is to be detained in a police station at night. - Assistance of a translator or interpreter if the child is unable to understand the language used. - Special care to avoid exposure of the child to the accused during the trial. ### Punishments - **Penetrative Sexual Assault:** Imprisonment of not less than seven years, which may extend to life imprisonment and a fine. - **Aggravated Penetrative Sexual Assault:** Imprisonment of not less than ten years, which may extend to life imprisonment and a fine. - **Sexual Assault:** Imprisonment of not less than three years, which may extend to five years, and a fine. - **Aggravated Sexual Assault:** Imprisonment of not less than five years, which may extend to seven years, and a fine. - **Sexual Harassment:** Imprisonment of up to three years and a fine. - **Using a Child for Pornographic Purposes:** Imprisonment of up to five years and a fine, with higher penalties for subsequent offences. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/1.-UPSCprep-Banner-22.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ### Challenges in Implementation - **Underreporting**: Many cases of child sexual abuse go unreported due to social stigma, fear of retaliation, and lack of awareness about the legal provisions. This hampers the effectiveness of the Act. - **Delays in Justice Delivery**: Despite the mandate for Special Courts, delays in the judicial process are common due to the backlog of cases, inadequate infrastructure, and shortage of trained personnel. - The actual establishment and functioning of these courts vary across states, leading to delays in justice delivery. - **Lack of Awareness**: There is a lack of awareness among the general public, children, and even law enforcement agencies about the provisions of the POCSO Act and the importance of reporting child sexual abuse. - **Role of NGOs and Civil Society** is crucial in **creating awareness**, providing support to victims, and monitoring the implementation of the Act. - **Regular training and Sensitization** of Law enforcement agencies, judiciary, and medical professionals to handle POCSO cases effectively. - **Inconsistent Implementation**: The implementation of the Act varies across states, leading to inconsistencies in the protection and support provided to child victims. - **Psychological Impact on Victims**: The psychological impact of sexual abuse on child victims is profound, and there is a need for comprehensive support systems, including counselling and rehabilitation services. - **Data Collection and Monitoring**: Accurate data collection and monitoring of POCSO cases are vital for assessing the effectiveness of the Act. - The **National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)** publishes data on crimes against children, including those under the POCSO Act. - However, there is a **need for more granular data** to understand the trends and challenges better. ### Government Initiatives and Measures ![](https://static.mygov.in/static/s3fs-public/mygov_153208680151553221.jpg) ![19th Foundation Day Of NCPCR: National Commission For Protection Of Child Rights - UPSC](https://pwonlyias.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/untitled-44-3-65f2f5fa71d53.webp) ![Integrated Child Protection Scheme | UPSC](https://pbs.twimg.com/tweet_video_thumb/Camt4swUUAAC6xh.png) - **Childline 1098**: - Childline 1098 is a 24-hour emergency phone service for children in distress. - It provides assistance and connects children to appropriate services, including those related to sexual abuse. - **National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)**: - The NCPCR monitors the implementation of the POCSO Act and other child protection laws. - It also conducts awareness programs and provides guidelines for handling child sexual abuse cases. - **Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS)**: The ICPS aims to create a protective environment for children through various interventions, including the establishment of Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) and Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs). - **Awareness Campaigns**: The government, in collaboration with NGOs and civil society, conducts awareness campaigns to educate the public about child sexual abuse and the provisions of the POCSO Act. - **Training Programs**: Regular training programs are conducted for law enforcement agencies, judiciary, medical professionals, and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the Act. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, is a crucial legal instrument for safeguarding children from sexual abuse and exploitation. However, its effective implementation requires a multi-faceted approach involving the government, law enforcement agencies, judiciary, NGOs, civil society, and the general public. Addressing the challenges in implementation, creating awareness, and providing comprehensive support to victims are essential for ensuring child safety in India. ## Sign up for UPSCprep.com Simplify your UPSC journey Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### UPSC Prelims 2023 GS Question Paper and Answer Key URL: https://www.upscprep.com/upsc-prelims-2023-question-paper-answer-key/ Last updated: 2024-06-12T13:19:45.000Z Q1\. In which one of the following regions was Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent Buddhist centre under the Mahasanghikas, located? (a) Andhra (b) Gandhara (c) Kalinga (d) Magadha Ans: A Subject: Ancient/Medieval/Art and Culture Topic: Buddhism --- Q2\. With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements: 1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin. 2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics. 3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Ans: B Subject: Ancient/Medieval/Art and Culture Topic: Buddhism --- Q3\. With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were well known as (a) capital cities (b) ports (c) centres of iron-and-steel making (d) shrines of Jain Tirthankaras Ans: B Subject: Ancient/Medieval/Art and Culture Topic: Sangam Age --- Q4\. Which one of the following explains the practice of 'Vattakirutal' as mentioned in Sangam poems? (a) Kings employing women bodyguards (b) Learned persons assembling in royal courts to discuss religious and philosophical matters (c) Young girls keeping watch over agricultural fields and driving away birds and animals (d) A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death Ans: D Subject: Ancient/Medieval/Art and Culture Topic: Sangam Age --- Q5\. Consider the following dynasties 1. Hoysala 2. Gahadavala 3. Kakatiya 4. Yadava How many of the above dynasties established their kingdoms in early eighth century AD? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) None Ans: D Subject: Ancient/Medieval/Art and Culture Topic: Medieval History --- Q6\. With reference to ancient Indian History, consider the following pairs: Literary work Author 1\. Devichandraguptam - Bilhana 2\. Hammira-Mahakavya - Nayachandra Suri 3\. Milinda-panha - Nagarjuna 4\. Nitivakyamrita - Somadeva Suri How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Ans: B/C Subject: Ancient/Medieval/Art and Culture Topic: Ancient Books and Authors --- Q7\. "Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of rocks, running water and many other natural objects not looked on as living by other religious sects."The Above statement reflects one of the core beliefs of which one of the following religious sects of ancient India? (a) Buddhism (b) Jainism (c) Shaivism (d) Vaishnavism Ans: B Subject: Ancient/Medieval/Art and Culture Topic: Ancient History --- Q8\. Who among Vijayanagara the following rulers of Empire constructed a large dam across Tungabhadra River and a canal-cum-aqueduct several kilometres long from the river to the capital city? (a) Devarava I (b) Mallikarjuna (c) Vira Vijaya (d) Virupaksha Ans: A Subject: Ancient/Medieval/Art and Culture Topic: Southern Dynasties: Vijayanagara --- Q9\. Who among the following rulers of medieval Guiarat surrendered Diu to the Portuguese? (a) Ahmad Shah (b) Mahmud Begarha (c) Bahadur Shah (d) Muhammad Shah Ans: C Subject: Ancient/Medieval/Art and Culture Topic: Advent of Europeans --- Q10\. By which one of the following Acts was the Governor General of Bengal designated as the Governor General of India? (a) The Regulating Act (b) The Pitt's India Act (c) The Charter Act of 1793 (d) The Charter Act of 1833 Ans: D Subject: Modern Indian History Topic: India under East India Company's Rule --- Q11\. In essence, what does 'Due Process of Law' mean? (a) The principle of natural justice (b) The procedure established by law (c) Fair application of law (d) Equality before law Ans: A/C Subject: Polity Topic: Basics of Constitution --- Q12\. Consider the following statements: Statement-I: In India, prisons are managed by State Governments with their own rules and regulations for the day-to-day administration of prisons. Statement-II: In India, prisons are governed by the Prisons Act, 1894 which expressly kept the subject of prisons in the control of Provincial Governments. (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Ans: C Subject: Polity/Current Affairs Topic: Polity --- Q13\. Which one of the following statements best reflects the Chief purpose of the 'Constitution' of a country? (a) It determines the objective for the making of necessary laws. (b) It enables the creation of political offices and a government. (c) It defines and limits the powers of government. (d) It secures social justice, social equality and social security. Ans: C Subject: Polity Topic: Basics of Constitution --- Q14\. In India, which one of the following Constitutional Amendments was widely believed to be enacted to overcome the judicial interpretations of the Fundamental Rights? (a) 1st Amendment (b) 42nd Amendment (c) 44th Amendment (d) 86th Amendment Ans: A Subject: Polity Topic: Basics of Constitution: Important Amendments --- Q15\. Consider the following organizations/ bodies in India: 1\. The National Commission for Backward Classes 2\. The National Human Rights Commission 3\. The National Law Commission 4\. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission How many of the above constitutional bodies? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Ans: A Subject: Polity Topic: Non-Constitutional Bodies/ Statutory Bodies --- Q16\. Consider the following statements: 1. If the election of the President of India is declared void by the Supreme Court of India, all acts done by him/her in the performance of duties of his/her office of President before the date of decision become invalid. 2. Election for the post of the President of India can be postponed on the grounds that some Legislative Assemblies have been dissolved and elections are yet to take place. 3. When a Bill is presented to the President of India, the Constitution prescribes time limits within which he/she has to declare his/her assent. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Al three (d) None Ans: D Subject: Polity Topic: Central Government: President of India --- Q17\. With reference to Finance Bill and Money Bill in the Indian Parliament,consider the following statements: 1. When the Lok Sabha transmits the Finance Bill to the Rajya Sabha, it can amend or reject the Bill. 2. When the Lok Sabha transmits Money Bill to the Rajya Sabha, it cannot amend or reject the Bill, it can only make recommendations. 3. In the case of disagreement between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, there is no joint sitting for Money Bill, but a joint sitting becomes necessary for the Finance Bill. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Ans: A Subject: Polity Topic: Central Government: Parliament --- Q18\. Consider the following statements: Once the Central Government notifies an area as a 'Community Reserve' 1. the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State becomes the governing authority of such forest 2. hunting is not allowed in such area 3. people of such area are allowed to collect non-timber forest produce 4. people of such area are allowed traditional agriculture practices How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Ans: B Subject: Environment Topic: Conservation Efforts: India and World --- Q19\. With reference to 'Scheduled Areas in India', consider the following statements: 1. Within a State, the notification of an area as Scheduled Area takes place through an Order of the President. 2. The largest administrative unit forming the Scheduled Area is the District and the lowest is the cluster of villages in the Block. 3. The Chief Ministers of the concerned States are required to submit annual reports to the Union Home Ministry on the administration of Scheduled Areas in the States. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Ans: B Subject: Polity Topic: Local Government --- Q20\. Consider the following statements: Statement-I: The Supreme Court of India has held in some judgments that the reservation policies made under Article 16(4) of the Constitution of India would be limited by Article 335 for maintenance of efficiency of administration. Statement-II: Article 335 of the Constitution of India defines the term 'efficiency of administration'.Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Ans: C Subject: Polity Topic: Basics of Constitution --- Q21\. Consider the following statements Statement-I: India, despite having uranium deposits, depends on coal for most of its electricity production. Statement-II: Uranium, enriched to the extent of at least 60%, is required for the production of electricity. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-1 (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Ans: C Subject: Environment Topic: Mineral Resources --- Q22\. Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Marsupials are not naturally found in India. Statement-II: Marsupials can thrive only in montane grasslands with no predators.Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-1 is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Ans: C Subject: Environment Topic: Flora and Fauna distribution --- Q23\. Invasive Species Specialist Group' (that develops Global Invasive Species Database) belongs to which one of the following organizations? (a) The International Union for Conservation of Nature (b) The United Nations Environment Programme (c) The United Nations World Commission for Environment and Development (d) The World Wide Fund for Nature Ans: A Subject: Environment Topic: Conservation efforts: India and World --- Q24\. Consider the following fauna: 1\. Lion-tailed Macaque 2\. Malabar Civet 3\. Sambar Deer How many of the above are generally nocturnal or most active after sunset? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Ans: B Subject: Environment Topic: Ecology and Functions of an Ecosystem --- Q25\. Which of the following organisms perform waggle dance for others of their kin to indicate the direction and the distance to a source of their food? (a) Butterflies (b) Dragonflies (c) Honeybees (d) Wasps Ans: C Subject: Environment Topic: Ecology and Functions of Environment --- Q26\. Consider the following statements: 1. Some mushrooms have medicinal properties. 2. Some mushrooms have psychoactive properties. 3. Some mushrooms have insecticidal properties. 4. Some mushrooms have bioluminescent properties. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Ans: D Subject: Environment Topic: Ecology and Functions of Environment --- Q27\. Consider the following statements regarding the Indian squirrels: 1. They build nests by making burrows in the ground. 2. They store their food materials like nuts and seeds in the ground. 3. They are omnivorous. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Ans: C Subject: Environment Topic: Ecology and Functions of an ecosystem --- Q28\. Consider the following statements 1. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature above the boiling point of water. 2. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature below the freezing point of water. 3. Some microorganisms can grow in a highly acidic environment with a pH below 3. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Ans: C Subject: Environment Topic: Indian Flora and Fauna --- Q29\. Which one of the following makes a tool with a stick to scrape insects from a hole in a tree or a log of wood? (a) Fishing cat (b) Orangutan (c) Otter (d) Sloth Bear Ans: B Subject: Environment Topic: Indian Flora and Fauna --- Q30\. Consider the following:1\. Aerosols2\. Foam agents3\. Fire retardants4\. LubricantsIn the making of how many of the above are hydrofluorocarbons used? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Ans: D Subject: Environment Topic: Environmental Pollution --- Q31\. Consider the following statements: 1. Jhelum River passes through Wular Lake. 2. Krishna River directly feeds Kolleru Lake. 3. Meandering of Gandak River formed Kanwar Lake. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Ans: B Subject: Geography Topic: Indian Rivers and Water Resources --- Q32\. Consider the following pairs: 1. Kamarajar Port : First major port in India registered as a company 2. Mundra Port : Largest privately owned port in India 3. Vishakhapatnam Port: Largest container port in India How many of the above pairs correctly matched? (a) Only one pair (b) Only two pairs (c) All three pairs (d) None of the pairs Ans: B Subject: Geography Topic: Indian Economic and Human Geography --- Q33\. Consider the following trees : 1. Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) 2. Mahua (Madhuca indica) 3. Teak (Tectona grands) How many of the above are deciduous trees? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Ans: B Subject: Geography Topic: Geomorphology: Flora and Fauna Distribution --- Q34\. Consider the following statements 1. India has more arable area than China. 2. The proportion of irrigated area is more in India as compared to China. 3. The average productivity per hectare in Indian agriculture is higher than that in China. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Ans: B Subject: Geography Topic: Indian Economic and Human Geography --- Q35\. Which one of the following is the best example of repeated falls in sea level, giving rise to present-day extensive marshland? (a) Bhitarkanika Mangroves (b) Marakkanam Salt Pans (c) Naupada Swamp (d) Rann of Kutch Ans: D Subject: Geography Topic: Physiographic Division of India --- Q36\. Ilmenite and rutile, abundantly available in certain coastal tracts of India, are rich sources of which one of the following? (a) Aluminium (b) Copper (c) Iron (d) Titanium Ans: D Subject: Geography Topic: Mineral Resources --- Q37\. About three-fourths of world's cobalt, a metal required for the manufacture of batteries for electric motor vehicles, is produced by (a) Argentina (b) Botswana (c) the Democratic Republic of the Congo (d) Kazakhstan Ans: C Subject: Geography Topic: Natural and Mineral Resources --- Q38\. Which one of the following is a part of the Congo Basin? (a) Cameroon (b) Nigeria (c) South Sudan (d) Uganda Ans: A Subject: Geography Topic: Mapping --- Q39\. Consider the following statements: 1. Amarkantak Hills are at the confluence of Vindhya and Sahyadri Ranges. 2. Biligirirangan Hills constitute the easternmost part of Satpura Range. 3. Seshachalam Hills constitute the southernmost part of Western Ghats. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Ans: D Subject: Geography Topic: Physiographic division of India --- Q40\. With reference to India's projects on connectivity, consider the following statements: 1. East-West Corridor under Golden Quadrilateral Project connects Dibrugarh and Surat. 2. Trilateral Highway connects Moreh in Manipur and Chiang Mai in Thailand via Myanmar. 3. Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor connects Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh with Kunming in China. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Ans: D Subject: Geography Topic: Transport and Communication --- Q41\. Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Interest income from the deposits in Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) distributed to their investors is exempted from tax, but the dividend is taxable. Statement-II: InvITs are recognized as borrowers under the 'Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002.Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I incorrect but Statement-ll is correct Ans: D Subject: Economy Topic: Money and Banking: Financial Markets --- Q42\. Consider the following statements: Statement-I: In the post-pandemic recent past, many Central Banks worldwide had carried out interest rate hikes. Statement-II: Central Banks generally assume that they have the ability to counteract the rising consumer prices via monetary policy means.Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is correct incorrect but Statement-II is correct Ans: A Subject: Economy Topic: Money and Banking --- Q43\. Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Carbon markets are likely to be one of the most widespread tools in the fight against climate change. Statement-II: Carbon markets transfer resources from the private sector to the State.Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-| and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Ans: B/C Subject: Environment Topic: Conservation Efforts: India and World --- Q44\. Which one of the following activities of the Reserve Bank of India is considered to be part of 'sterilization? (a) Conducting 'Open Market Operations' (b) Oversight of settlement and payment systems (c) Debt and cash management for the Central and State Governments (d) Regulating the functions of Non-banking Financial Institutions Ans: A Subject: Economy Topic: Money and Banking --- Q45\. Consider the following markets 1\. Government Bond Market2\. Call Money Market3\. Treasury Bill Market4\. Stock Market How many of the above are included in capital markets? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Ans: B Subject: Economy Topic: Money and Banking --- Q46\. Which one of the following best describes the concept of 'Small Farmer Large Field'? (a) Resettlement of a large number of people, uprooted from their countries due to war, by giving them a large cultivable land which they cultivate collectively and share the produce (b) Many marginal farmers in an area organize themselves into groups and synchronize and harmonize selected agricultural operations (c) Many marginal farmers in an area together make a contract with a corporate body and surrender. their land to the corporate body for a fixed term for which the corporate body makes a payment of agreed amount to the farmers (d) A company extends loans, technical knowledge and material inputs to a number of small farmers in an area so that they produce the agricultural commodity required by the company for its manufacturing process and commercial production Ans: B Subject: Economy Topic: Agriculture --- Q47\. Consider the following statements: 1. The Government of India provides Minimum Support Price for niger (Guizotia abyssinica) seeds. 2. Niger is cultivated as a Kharif crop. 3. Some tribal people in India use niger seed oil for cooking. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Ans: C Subject: Economy Topic: Agriculture --- Q48\. Consider the investments in the following assets: 1. Brand recognition 2. Inventory 3. Intellectual property 4. Mailing list of clients How many of the above are considered intangible investments? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Ans: C Subject: Economy Topic: Money and Banking --- Q49\. Consider the following: 1. Demographic performance 2. Forest and ecology 3. Governance reforms 4. Stable government 5. Tax and fiscal efforts For the horizontal tax devolution, the Fifteenth Finance Commission used how many of the above as criteria other than population area and income distance? (a) Only two (b) Only three (c) Only four (d) All five Ans: B Subject: Economy Topic: Money and Banking --- Q50\. Consider the following infrastructure sectors: 1. Affordable housing 2. Mass rapid transport 3. Health care 4. Renewable energy How many of the above does the UNOPS Sustainable Investments in Infrastructure and Innovation (S3i) initiative focus for its investments? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Ans: C Subject: Economy Topic: Infrastructure --- Q51.With reference to home guards, consider the following statements: 1. Home Guards are raised under the Home Guards Act and Rules of the Central Government. 2. The role of the Home Guards is to serve as an auxiliary force to the police in maintenance of internal security 3. To prevent infiltration on the international border / coastal areas, the Border Wing Home Guards Battalions have been raised in some States. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Ans: B Subject: Polity Topic: Polity --- Q52\. With reference to India, consider the following pairs: | Sr. No. | Action | The Act under which it is covered | | ------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------- | | 1. | Unauthorized wearing of police or military uniforms | The Official Secrets Act, 1923 | | 2. | Knowingly misleading or otherwise interfering with a police officer or military officer when engaged in their duties | The Indian Evidence Act, 1872 | | 3. | Celebratory gunfire which can endanger the personal safety of others | The Arms (Amendment) Act, 2019 | How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Ans: B Subject: Polity Topic: Polity --- Q53\. Consider the following pairs: | Sr No. | Regions often mentioned in news | Reason for being in news | | ------ | ------------------------------- | ---------------------------------- | | 1. | North Kivu and Ituri | War between Armenia and Azerbaijan | | 2. | Nagorno-Karabakh | Insurgency in Mozambique | | 3. | Kherson and zaporizhzhya | Dispute between Israel and Lebanon | How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Ans: D Subject: Current Affairs Topic: International Affairs --- Q54\. Consider the following statements Statement-1: Israel has established diplomatic relations with some Arab States. Statement-II: The 'Arab Peace Initiative' mediated by Saudi Arabia was signed by Israel and Arab League.Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Ans: C Subject: Current Affairs Topic: International Affairs --- Q55\. Consider the following pairs with regard to sports awards. | | Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award | For the most spectacular and outstanding performance by a sportsperson over period of last four years | | -- | ---------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | Arjuna Award | For the lifetime achievement by a sportperson | | 3. | Dronocharya Award | To honour eminent coaches who have successfully trained sports person or teams | | 4. | Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar | To recognize the contribution made by sports persons even after their retirement | How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) All four Ans: B Subject: Current Affairs Topic: Sports --- Q56\. Consider the following statements in respect of the 44th Chess Olympiad, 2022 : 1. It was the first time that the Chess Olympiad was held in India. 2. The official mascot was named ‘Thambi'. 3. The trophy for the winning team in the open section is the Vera Menchik Cup. 4. The trophy for the winning team in the women's section is the Hamilton-Russell Cup. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Ans: B Subject: Current Affairs Topic: Sports --- Q57\. Consider the following pairs: | Sr No. | Area of conflict mentioned in news | Country where it is located | | ------ | ---------------------------------- | --------------------------- | | 1. | Donbas | Syria | | 2. | Kachin | Ethiopia | | 3. | Tigray | North Yemen | How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Ans: D Subject: Current Affairs Topic: Regions in News --- Q58\. In recent years Chad, Guinea, Mali and Sudan caught the international attention for which one of the following reasons is common to all of them? (a) Discovery of rich deposits of rare earth elements (b) Establishment of Chinese military bases (c) Southward expansion of Sahara Desert (d) Successful coups Ans: D Subject: Current Affairs Topic: International Affairs --- Q59\. Consider the following heavy industries 1\. Fertilizer plants 2\. Oil refineries 3\. Steel plants Green hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in decarbonizing how many of the above industries? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Ans: C Subject: Current Affairs Topic: Environment --- Q60\. Consider the following statements about G-20: 1. The G-20 group was originally established as a platform for the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to discuss international economic and financial issues. 2. Digital public infrastructure is one of India's G-20 priorities. Which of the statements given above is /are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans: C Subject: Current Affairs Topic: Summits and Conferences --- Q61\. With reference to the Indian History, Alexander Rea, A. H. Longhurst, Robert Sewell, James Burgess and Walter Elliot were associated with (a) archaeological excavations (b) establishment of English Press in Colonial India (c) establishment of Churches in Princely States (d) construction of railways in Colonial India Ans: A Subject: Modern Indian History Topic: Important Historical Figures --- Q62\. Consider the following pairs: **Site Well known for** 1\. Besnagar : Shaivite cave shrine 2\. Bhaja : Buddhist cave shrine 3\. Sittanavasal : Jain cave shrine How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Ans: C Subject: Ancient/Medieval/Art and Culture Topic: Architecture --- Q63\. Consider the following statements: Statement-I: 7th August is declared as the National Handloom Day. Statement-II: It was in 1905 that the Swadeshi Movement was launched on the same day. Which one of the following is correct with respect to the above statements ? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-ll is the correct explanation for Statement (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-Il is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Ans: A Subject: Modern Indian History Topic: National movement(1885-1919) --- Q64\. Consider the following statements statements in respect of the National Flag of India according to the Flag Code of India, 2002 Statement-I: One of the the National standard Flag of sizes India of is 600 mm × 400 mm. Statement-II: The ratio of the length to the height (width) of the Flag shall be 3: 2. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement- I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Ans: D Subject: Current Affairs (Har Ghar Tiranga)/Polity Topic: Current Affairs/Polity --- Q65\. Consider the following statements in respect of the Constitution Day: Statement-I: The Constitution Day is celebrated on 26th November every year to promote constitutional values among citizens. Statement-II: On 26th November, 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India set up a Drafting Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar to prepare a Draft Constitution of India.Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Ans: C Subject: Polity Topic: Constitution --- Q66\. Consider the following statements Statement-I: Switzerland is one of the leading exporters of gold in terms of value. Statement-II: Switzerland has the second largest gold reserves in the world. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement- I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Ans: C Subject: Economy Topic: Natural and Mineral Resources --- Q67\. Consider the following statements Statement-I: Recently, the United States of America (USA) and the European Union (EU) have launched the 'Trade and Technology Council'. Statement-II: The USA and the EU claim that through this they are trying to bring technological progress and physical productivity under their control. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct Statement-I explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Ans: C Subject: Current Affairs Topic: International Affairs --- Q68\. Consider the following statements : Statement-I: India accounts for 3.2% of global export of goods. Statement-II: Many local companies and some foreign companies operating in India have taken advantage of India's 'Production-linked Incentive' scheme. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Ans: D Subject: Economy Topic: External Sector: Trade Policies --- Q69\. Consider the following statements: The 'Stability and Growth Pact’ of the European Union is a treaty that 1. limits the levels of the budgetary deficit of the countries of the European Union 2. makes the countries of the European Union to share their infrastructure facilities 3. enables the countries of European Union to share the their technologies How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Ans: A Subject: Current Affairs Topic: Economic and Fiscal Governance --- Q70\. Consider the following statements: 1. Recently, all the countries of the United Nations have adopted the first-ever compact for international migration, the 'Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM)'. 2. The objectives and commitments stated in the GCM are binding on the UN member countries. 3. The GCM addresses internal migration or internally displaced people also in its objectives and commitments. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Ans: D Subject: Current affairs Topic: International Affairs --- Q71\. Consider the following countries 1. Bulgaria 2. Czech Republic 3. Hungary 4. Latvia 5. Lithuania 6. Romania How many of the above-mentioned countries share a land border with Ukraine? (a) Only two (b) Only three (c) Only four (d) Only five Ans: A Subject: Geography Topic: Mapping --- Q72\. With reference to the Earth's atmosphere, which one of the following statements is correct? (a) The total amount of insolation received at the equator is roughly about 10 times of that received at the poles. (b) Infrared rays constitute roughly two-thirds of insolation. (c) Infrared waves are largely absorbed that is by water vapour concentrated in the lower atmosphere. (d) Infrared waves are a part of visible spectrum of electromagnetic waves of solar radiation. Ans: C Subject: Geography Topic: Climatology: Atmosphere --- Q73\. Consider the following statements: Statement-I: The soil in tropical rain forests is rich in nutrients. Statement-II: The high temperature and moisture of tropical rain forests cause dead organic matter in the soil to decompose quickly. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-1 and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Ans: D Subject: Geography Topic: Biogeography --- Q74\. Consider the following statements: Statement-I: The temperature contrast between continents and oceans is greater during summer than in winter. Statement-II: The specific heat of water is more than that of land surface. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-II (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Ans: A Subject: Geography Topic: Oceanography --- Q75\. Consider the following statements, 1. In a seismograph, P waves are recorded earlier than S waves. 2. In P waves, the individual particles vibrate to and fro in the direction of wave propagation whereas in S waves, the particles vibrate up and down at right angles to the direction of wave propagation. Which of the statements given above is /are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans: C Subject: Geography Topic: Geomorphology --- Q76\. With reference to coal-based thermal power plants in India, consider the following statements: 1. None of them uses seawater. 2. None of them is set up in water-stressed districts. 3. None of them is privately owned. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Ans: D Subject: Geography Topic: Indian Economy and Human Geography: Energy Resources --- Q77\. ‘Wolbachia method' is sometimes talked about with reference to which one of the following? (a) Controlling the viral diseases spread by mosquitoes (b) Converting crop residues into packing material (c) Producing biodegradable plastics (d) Producing biochar from thermo-chemical conversion of biomass Ans: A Subject: Science and Technology Topic: Science and Technology --- Q78\. Consider the following activities 1. Spreading finely ground basalt rock on farmlands extensively 2. Increasing the alkalinity of oceans by adding lime 3. Capturing carbon dioxide released by various industries and pumping it into abandoned subterranean mines in the form of carbonated waters How many of the above activities are often considered and discussed for carbon capture and sequestration? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Ans: C Subject: Environment Topic: Ecology and Environment --- Q79\. 'Aerial metagenomics' best refers to which one of the following situations? (a) Collecting DNA samples from air in a habitat at one go (b) Understanding the genetic makeup of avian species of a habitat (c) Using air-borne devices to collect blood samples from moving animals (d) Sending drones to inaccessible areas to collect plant and animal samples from land surfaces and water bodies Ans: A Subject: Science and Technology Topic: Science Technology and Innovations --- Q80\. ‘Microsatellite DNA' is used in the case of which one of the following? (a) Studying the evolutionary relationships among various species of fauna (b) Stimulating 'stem cells' to transform into diverse functional tissues (c) Promoting clonal propagation of horticultural plants (d) Assessing the efficacy of drugs by conducting series of drug trials in a population Ans: A Subject: Science and Tech Topic: Cell: Genetics and Evolution --- Q81\. Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojana: 1. It is a safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments. 2. Its objective is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality among poor pregnant women. 3. It aims to promote institutional delivery among poor pregnant women. 4. Its objective includes providing public health facilities to sick infants up to one year of age. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Ans: B Subject: Current Affairs Topic: Government Policies and Schemes --- Q82\. Consider the following statements in the context undertaken of interventions being under Anaemia Mukt Bharat Strategy: 1. It provides prophylactic calcium supplementation for pre-school children, adolescents and pregnant women. 2. It runs a campaign for delayed cord clamping at the time of child-birth. 3. It provides for periodic deworming to children and adolescents. 4. It addresses non-nutritional causes of anaemia in endemic pockets with special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Ans: C Subject: Current Affairs Topic: Government Policies and Schemes --- Q83\. Consider the following statements' 1. Carbon fibres are used in the manufacture of components used in automobiles and aircrafts. 2. Carbon fibres once used cannot be recycled. Which of the statements given above is /are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans: A Subject: Science and Technology Topic: Chemistry: Important compounds and their uses --- Q84\. Consider the following actions: 1. Detection of car crash/collision which results in the deployment of airbags almost instantaneously 2. Detection of accidental free fall of a laptop towards the ground which results in the immediate turning off of the hard drive 3. Detection of the tilt of the smartphone which results in the rotation of display between portrait and landscape mode In how many of the above actions is the function of the accelerometer required? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Ans: C Subject: Science and Technology Topic: Physics --- Q85\. With reference to the role of biofilters in Recirculating Aquaculture System, consider the following statements: 1. Biofilters provide waste treatment by removing uneaten fish feed. 2. Biofilters convert ammonia present in fish waste to nitrate. 3. Biofilters increase phosphorus as nutrient for fish in water. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Ans: B Subject: Science and Technology Topic: Ecology and Environment --- Q86\. Consider the following pairs : **Objects in space Description** 1\. Cepheids : Giant clouds of dust and gas in space 2\. Nebulae : Stars which brighten and dim periodically 3\. Pulsars : Neutron stars that are formed when massive stars run out of fuel and collapse How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Ans: A Subject: Science and Tech Topic: Origin and evolution of Universe solar system --- Q87\. Which one of the following countries has its own Satellite Navigation System? (a) Australia (b) Canada (c) Israel (d) Japan Ans: D Subject: Science and Technology Topic: Science Technology and Inventions --- Q88\. Consider the following statements 1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight. 2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile. Which of the statements given above is /are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans: D Subject: Science and Technology/Current Affairs Topic: Defence --- Q89\. Consider the following statements regarding mercury pollution 1. Gold mining activity is a source of mercury pollution in the world. 2. Coal-based thermal power plants cause mercury pollution. 3. There is no known safe level of exposure to mercury. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Ans: C Subject: Environment Topic: Environmental Pollution --- Q90\. With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements: 1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion. 2. It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation. 3. It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Ans: C Subject: Science and Technology/ Current Affairs Topic: Environment --- Q91\. Consider the following statements with reference to India: 1. According to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act, 2006', the 'medium enterprises' are those with investments in plant and machinery between ₹15 crore and ₹25 сrore. 2. All bank loans to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises qualify under the priority sector. Which of the statements given above is /are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans: D Subject: Economy Topic: Money and Banking --- Q92\. With reference to Central Bank digital currencies, consider the following statements: 1. It is possible to make payments in a digital currency without using the US dollar or SWIFT system. 2. A digital currency can be distributed with a condition programmed into it such as a timeframe for spending it. Which of the statements given above is /are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans: C Subject: Economy Topic: Money and Banking --- Q93\. In the context of finance, the term ‘beta' refers to (a) the process of simultaneous buying and selling of an asset from different platforms (b) an investment strategy of a portfolio manager to balance risk versus reward (c) a type of systemic risk that arises where perfect hedging is not possible (d) a numeric value that measures the fluctuations of a stock to changes in the overall stock market Ans: D Subject: Economy Topic: Money and Banking --- Q94\. Consider the following statements 1. The Self-Help Group (SHG) programme was originally initiated by the State Bank of India by providing microcredit to the financially deprived. 2. In an SHG, all members of a group take responsibility for a loan that an individual member takes. 3. The Regional Rural Banks and Scheduled Commercial Banks support SHGs. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Ans: B Subject: Economy Topic: Money and Banking --- Q95\. Consider the following statements: Statement-I: India's public sector health care system largely focuses on curative care with limited preventive, promotive and rehabilitative care. Statement-II: Under India's decentralized approach to health care delivery, the States are primarily responsible for organizing health services. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Ans: B Subject: Economy Topic: Economy --- Q96\. Consider the following statements: Statement-1: According to the ‘United Nations World Water Development Report, 2022'. India extracts more than a quarter of the world's groundwater withdrawal each year. Statement-II: India needs to extract more than a quarter of the world's groundwater each year to satisfy the drinking water and sanitation needs of almost 18% of the world's population living in its territory. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-1 and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Ans: C Subject: Environment Topic: Indian Rivers and Water Resources --- Q97\. Consider the following statements: 1. According to the Constitution of India, the Central Government has a duty to protect States from internal disturbances. 2. The Constitution of India exempts the States from providing legal counsel to a person being held for preventive detention. 3. According to the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2002, confession of the accused before the police cannot be used as evidence. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Ans: A Subject: Polity Topic: Constitution --- Q98\. Which one of the following countries has been suffering from decades of civil strife and food shortages and was in news in the recent past for its very severe famine? (a) Angola (b) Costa Rica (c) Ecuador (d) Somalia Ans: D Subject: Current Affairs Topic: International Affairs --- Q99\. Consider the following statements: 1. In India, the Biodiversity Management Committees are key to the realization of the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol. 2. The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining access and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction. Which of the statements given above is /are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans: C Subject: Environment Topic: Biodiversity --- Q100\. Consider the following statements in respect of election to the President of India: 1. The members nominated to either House of the Parliament or the Legislative Assemblies of States are also eligible to be included in the Electoral College. 2. Higher the number of elective Assembly seats, higher is the value of vote of each MLA of that State. 3. The value of vote of each MLA of Madhya Pradesh is greater than that of Kerala. 4. The value of vote of each MLA of Puducherry is higher than that of Arunachal Pradesh because the ratio of total population to total number of elective seats in Puducherry is greater as compared to Arunachal Pradesh. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Ans: A Subject: Polity Topic: Polity ### UN declares 2025 the "Year of Quantum Science" URL: https://www.upscprep.com/un-declares-2025-the-year-of-quantum-science/ Last updated: 2024-06-12T11:45:53.000Z The United Nations has designated 2025 as the ‘International Year of Quantum Science and Technology’. This initiative **aims to increase public awareness and understanding of quantum science** and its applications through a series of global activities. Let's delve into the key aspects and significance of this proclamation: ### **Background and Proclamation** - **Resolution and Adoption**: The initiative began with a resolution led by Mexico in May 2023, which quickly garnered support from nearly 60 countries. - By November 2023, the UNESCO General Conference adopted the resolution. - In May 2024, Ghana submitted a draft resolution to the U.N. General Assembly, supported by over 70 countries, leading to the official proclamation on June 7, 2024. ![Werner Heisenberg | Famed for his quantum uncertainty principle | UN declares 2025 the "Year of Quantum Science"](https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/19150826/b3yk1n.jpg) - **Historical Context**: In 2025, **Werner Heisenberg** will have celebrated a century since he published his seminal paper on quantum mechanics, which laid the foundation for the field. - Heisenberg's work, including the uncertainty principle, earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/1.-UPSCprep-Banner-21.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ### **Endorsements and Support** The proclamation has received endorsements from several prestigious scientific unions, including: - International Union of Pure and Applied Physics - International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry - International Union of Crystallography - International Union of History and Philosophy of Science and Technology ### **Quantum Science and Technology** Quantum science deals with the behaviour of matter and energy at the smallest scales, whereas classical mechanics fails to explain phenomena. Key areas include: - **Quantum Computing**: Utilizes quantum bits (qubits) to perform computations far more efficiently than classical computers. - **Quantum Communication**: Ensures secure communication channels using principles like quantum entanglement. - **Quantum Sensing and Metrology**: Enhances precision measurements and sensing capabilities. - **Quantum Materials and Devices**: Develop new materials with unique quantum properties. ### **National Quantum Mission (India)** In line with the global focus on quantum technologies, the Government of India announced the ‘National Quantum Mission’ in April 2023, with a budget of Rs 6,000 crore. The mission, to be implemented from 2023 to 2031 by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), focuses on four verticals: 1. **Quantum Computing** 2. **Quantum Communication** 3. **Quantum Sensing and Metrology** 4. **Quantum Materials and Devices** ### **Potential Impact of Quantum Technologies** Quantum technologies are expected to revolutionize various fields due to their superior computational and sensing capabilities: - **Electronics**: Enhanced performance and miniaturization of electronic devices. - **Clean Energy**: Improved efficiency in energy production and storage. - **Drug Development**: Accelerated discovery and development of new pharmaceuticals. ### **Global Initiatives and Public Awareness** The U.N. proclamation encourages individuals, groups, schools, institutions, and governments to use 2025 as an opportunity to promote quantum science and technology. A steering committee is planning global initiatives and events to reach diverse audiences, particularly those unaware of the importance of quantum science. ### **Conclusion** The designation of 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology by the United Nations underscores the growing significance of quantum technologies in modern science and industry. This initiative aims to foster global awareness and understanding, paving the way for advancements that could transform various sectors. The National Quantum Mission in India aligns with this global focus, highlighting the country's commitment to becoming a leader in quantum research and applications. ## Sign up for UPSCprep.com Simplify your UPSC journey Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### New Method to Remove Heavy Metals from Groundwater URL: https://www.upscprep.com/novel-remediation-process-for-removing-heavy-metal-contaminants-from-groundwater-by-iisc-researchers-upsc/ Last updated: 2024-06-12T11:26:47.000Z **Understanding the Novel Remediation Process for Removing Heavy Metal Contaminants from Groundwater** The recent development by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) researchers addresses a critical environmental and public health issue: the contamination of groundwater by heavy metals such as arsenic. Let's break down the key aspects of this novel remediation process and its significance. ### **The Problem of Heavy Metal Contamination** - **Arsenic Contamination**: According to reports, 113 districts in 21 states in India have arsenic levels above 0.01 mg per litre, which exceeds the permissible limits set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the World Health Organization (WHO). ![Groundwater Arsenic Distribution in India | UPSC](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/ijerph/ijerph-17-07119/article_deploy/html/images/ijerph-17-07119-g002.png?1601453997) ![India: Arsenic-Laced Water Human | Groundwater Arsenic Distribution in India | UPSC](https://wilber-learndev.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Arsenic-effect-on-human-body.jpg) - **Fluoride Contamination**: Similarly, 223 districts in 23 states have fluoride levels above 1.5 mg per litre, also beyond permissible limits. ![Fluoride contamination in groundwater | UPSC](https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S1674987123002013-gr3.jpg) ![Fluoride contamination, consequences and removal techniques in water | UPSC](https://pubs.rsc.org/image/article/2022/VA/d1va00039j/d1va00039j-f2_hi-res.gif) These contaminants pose severe health risks, including cancer, skin lesions, developmental effects, and skeletal fluorosis. ### **Existing Remediation Technologies** - Current technologies can remove arsenic and other heavy metals from water, but they often fail to address the safe disposal of the removed contaminants. - Typically, the heavy metal-rich sludge is sent to landfills, where there is a risk of these metals leaching back into the groundwater. ### **Novel Three-Step Remediation Process** ![Novel Three-Step Remediation Process | UPSC](https://static.toiimg.com/thumb/imgsize-23456,msid-110905460,width-600,resizemode-4/110905460.jpg) ![IISc develops novel process to remove metals like Arsenic from groundwater - UPSC](https://static.toiimg.com/thumb/msid-110905279,width-1280,height-720,resizemode-4/110905279.jpg) ![IISc develops novel process to remove metals like Arsenic from groundwater - UPSC](https://static.toiimg.com/thumb/imgsize-23456,msid-110905354,width-600,resizemode-4/110905354.jpg) The IISc researchers have developed a three-step method that not only removes heavy metals but also ensures their safe disposal. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the process: 1. **Adsorption**: The first step involves using specific materials that adsorb heavy metals from the contaminated water. Adsorption is a process where contaminants adhere to the surface of the adsorbent material. 2. **Precipitation**: In the second step, the adsorbed heavy metals are precipitated out. This means converting the dissolved heavy metals into solid particles that can be easily separated from the water. 3. **Safe Disposal**: The final step ensures that the precipitated heavy metals are disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. This could involve converting the heavy metals into stable compounds that do not leach back into the environment. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/1.-UPSCprep-Banner-20.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ### **Field Testing and Deployment** - The researchers have collaborated with NGOs like INREM Foundation and Earthwatch to deploy and test these systems in rural areas such as Bhagalpur in Bihar and Chickballapur in Karnataka. This real-world testing is crucial for validating the effectiveness and sustainability of the remediation process. ### **Significance of the Development** - **Environmental Impact**: By ensuring that heavy metals are safely disposed of, this method prevents re-contamination of groundwater, thus protecting ecosystems. - **Public Health**: Reducing heavy metal levels in drinking water can significantly lower the risk of associated health problems. - **Sustainability**: The process is designed to be sustainable, addressing both removal and disposal, which is a significant improvement over existing methods. ### **Conclusion** The novel remediation process developed by IISc researchers represents a significant advancement in the field of environmental engineering. By addressing both the removal and safe disposal of heavy metals, this method offers a comprehensive solution to a persistent problem. The successful deployment and testing in rural areas further underscore its potential for widespread application, particularly in regions severely affected by groundwater contamination. ## Sign up for UPSCprep.com Simplify your UPSC journey Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Uniform Civil Code (UCC) URL: https://www.upscprep.com/uniform-civil-code-ucc-upsc/ Last updated: 2024-06-12T10:44:28.000Z The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) proposes replacing the personal laws based on the scriptures and customs of each major religious community in India with a common set of rules governing every citizen. The UCC aims to provide a unified legal framework for issues such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, irrespective of religion. ## **Objective** - To ensure equality and justice for all citizens by providing a common set of laws. - To eliminate discrimination based on religion in matters of personal law. - To promote national integration by removing disparate laws. ## **Current Scenario** - India currently follows different personal laws for different religious communities. - **Hindus**: Governed by the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955; Hindu Succession Act, 1956; etc. - **Muslims**: Governed by the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937. - **Christians**: Governed by the Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872; Indian Divorce Act, 1869. - **Parsis**: Governed by the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936. - These laws cover aspects like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption. ## What are the rules? While the specific details of the proposed UCC are not finalized and can vary, the general principles and rules often discussed include: ### **Marriage and Divorce** - **Age of Marriage**: Uniform age of marriage for men and women (usually 18 years for women and 21 years for men). - **Monogamy**: Legalizing only monogamous marriages, making polygamy and polyandry illegal for all communities. - **Registration of Marriage**: Mandatory registration of marriages to ensure legal validity and documentation. - **Grounds for Divorce**: Common grounds for divorce such as cruelty, desertion, adultery, irretrievable breakdown of marriage, mutual consent, etc. - **Maintenance and Alimony**: Equal rights to maintenance and alimony for spouses, ensuring financial support after divorce. ### **Inheritance and Succession** - **Equal Inheritance Rights**: - Equal rights for sons and daughters in the inheritance of parental property. - Equal rights for widows and widowers in the inheritance of their deceased spouse's property. - **Abolition of Gender Discrimination** practices like the preference for male heirs in certain religious laws. - **Testamentary Succession**: Providing guidelines for testamentary succession (wills), ensuring fairness and clarity. ### **Adoption and Guardianship** - **Uniform Adoption Laws**: Common rules for adoption, including eligibility criteria for adoptive parents and the rights of adopted children. - **Guardianship**: Equal rights and responsibilities for both parents in matters of guardianship and custody of children. ### **Maintenance and Support** - **Spousal Maintenance**: Common rules for the provision of maintenance to spouses, ensuring financial support in case of separation or divorce. - **Child Support**: Uniform rules for child support, ensuring that children receive adequate financial support from both parents. ### **Other Provisions** - **Abolition of Discriminatory Practices**: Eliminating practices that are discriminatory towards any gender or community, ensuring equality and justice for all. - **Uniform Procedures**: Standardizing legal procedures related to personal laws to simplify and streamline the legal process. - **Protection of Rights**: Ensuring the protection of fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution, such as equality, non-discrimination, and freedom of religion. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/1.-UPSCprep-Banner-19.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ## **Implementation and Enforcement** - **Legal Framework**: Establishing a legal framework for implementing and enforcing the UCC, including creating specialized courts if necessary. - **Public Awareness and Education**: Initiatives to educate the public about the UCC and its benefits, ensuring smooth acceptance and transition. - **Consultation and Consensus**: Engaging in consultations with various stakeholders, including religious communities, legal experts, and civil society, to build consensus and address concerns. ## **Constitutional Provisions** - **Article 44** of the Indian Constitution: "The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India." - This article is part of the **Directive Principles of State Policy**, which are non-justiciable but aim to guide the country's governance. ## **Recent Developments** - **Uttarakhand**: On February 7, 2024, the Uttarakhand State Legislative Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code, Uttarakhand, 2024 Bill, making it the first state in India to pass a law on UCC. The bill was granted assent by President Droupadi Murmu on March 13, 2024. - **Key Provisions**: - Common laws on marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships for all residents except the tribal community. - It aims to create uniformity in personal laws irrespective of religious background. - **Political Context**: - The bill's passage fulfilled a pre-poll promise made by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami during the 2022 assembly elections. - The Chief Minister termed it a "historic moment" for the state. ## **Arguments For UCC** - **Equality**: Ensures equal treatment of all citizens under a single set of laws. - **Secularism**: Strengthens the secular fabric of the nation by removing religious biases in personal laws. - **Simplification**: Simplifies the legal system by reducing the complexity of multiple personal laws. - **Gender Justice**: Promotes gender equality by eliminating discriminatory practices in personal laws. ## **Arguments Against UCC** - **Cultural Sensitivity**: Different communities have unique customs and traditions that may be undermined by a uniform code. - **Religious Freedom**: This may be perceived as an infringement on the right to practice one's religion. - **Practical Challenges**: Implementing a uniform code across a diverse country like India poses significant challenges. ## **Conclusion** The Uniform Civil Code remains a contentious issue in India, balancing the ideals of equality and secularism with the practicalities of cultural diversity and religious freedom. The recent developments in Uttarakhand mark a significant step towards the implementation of UCC, but its nationwide adoption will require careful consideration of various socio-political factors. ## Sign up for UPSCprep.com Simplify your UPSC journey Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### India's Neighbourhood First Policy URL: https://www.upscprep.com/india-neighbourhood-first-policy-upsc/ Last updated: 2024-06-10T18:26:10.000Z ## **India’s Neighbourhood** ### **Immediate** - India shares its geographical land and maritime boundaries with its immediate neighbours in the South Asian region. - These countries include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. - India shares civilizational relations with these countries, which are marked by a shared history, culture, and extensive people-to-people contacts. ![India and its neighbourhood countries](http://drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1710941098_India's%20Immediate%20Neighbourhood.png) ### **Extended** - Extended neighbours are countries that are geographically distant from India, such as those in the Indian Ocean Region, Southeast Asia, or West Asia, but maintain significant political, economic, cultural, and strategic ties with India. ![Indian Ocean Regional Cooperation Concerns UPSC](https://www.iasgyan.in//ig-uploads/images//INDIAN_OCEAN_CONFERENCE_1.png) ## **Neighbourhood First Policy** India’s **‘Neighbourhood First Policy’** guides its approach towards the management of relations with countries in its immediate neighbourhood, that is, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Neighbourhood First policy, inter alia, is aimed at: - Enhancing physical, digital and people-to-people connectivity across the region - Augmenting trade and commerce This policy has evolved into an institutional priority for all the relevant arms of the Government managing relations and policies with our neighbourhood. India's Neighbourhood First Policy is a strategic initiative aimed at fostering better relations with its immediate neighbours. Introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the policy emphasizes the importance of regional cooperation and stability for India's national interests and global standing. Here’s a detailed explanation: ### **Objectives** 1. **Strengthening Bilateral Ties**: Enhance political, economic, and cultural relations with neighbouring countries. 2. **Regional Stability**: Promote peace and stability in the region, which is crucial for India's security and economic growth. 3. **Economic Integration**: Boost trade and investment with neighbouring countries to create a more integrated regional economy. 4. **People-to-People Connectivity**: Improve cultural and social ties through initiatives like visa liberalization, educational exchanges, and tourism. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/1.-UPSCprep-Banner-18.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ## **Initiatives and Achievements** ### **Energy Cooperation** Energy cooperation is crucial to India’s foreign policy, particularly with its neighbouring countries. India has entered into several agreements and initiatives focusing on the supply of electricity, the development of hydroelectric projects, and mutual energy security. Here are some key examples: 1. **India-Nepal Energy Cooperation** ![The Future Looks Bright for Energy Storage in South Asia](https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/C5612AQGhn4UvzvnQvw/article-cover_image-shrink_720_1280/0/1627619321911?e=2147483647&v=beta&t=vTe1BcUdZyFzciL8uV_R-uO9s30YRHwGizpwW1dvHa4) ![PM Narendra Modi to Prachanda; Will take India Nepal ties to Himalayan heights | India News - Times of India](https://static.toiimg.com/thumb/imgsize-23456,msid-100686834,width-600,resizemode-4/100686834.jpg) - **Electricity Supply and Trade:** - **Power Exchange Agreement:** India and Nepal have signed agreements for the supply of electricity, facilitating the trade of power between the two countries. India exports electricity to Nepal to help meet its growing energy demands. - **Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur Transmission Line:** This cross-border transmission line enables the transfer of up to 600 MW of electricity from India to Nepal, enhancing energy security and grid stability in Nepal. - **Hydropower Projects:** - **Arun III Hydropower Project:** This is one of the largest projects being developed in Nepal with Indian investment. It aims to generate 900 MW of electricity, with a significant portion to be exported to India. - **Upper Karnali Hydropower Project:** Another major project being developed by an Indian company, GMR Group, is expected to generate 900 MW of electricity, further boosting energy cooperation between the two nations. 1. **India-Bhutan Energy Cooperation** ![Bhutan exports electricity worth over Nu 11.6bn to India – Business Bhutan](https://businessbhutan.bt/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ee-1024x713.jpg) ![No photo description available.](https://scontent.fblr21-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/69919575_2473568922723370_8529279582082170880_n.png?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=3sD1kcJUCK0Q7kNvgGCEIIb&_nc_ht=scontent.fblr21-1.fna&oh=00_AYCwEu12ndHNfKqfScL9YmWmFiUZ9h6kW3bsclNW0thzRw&oe=668EADBB) - **Hydropower Projects:** - **Tala Hydroelectric Project:** This 1,020 MW project is one of the largest hydroelectric projects in Bhutan, constructed with Indian assistance. The power generated is exported to India, contributing to Bhutan’s revenue and India’s energy needs. - **Chukha Hydroelectric Project:** With a capacity of 336 MW, this is one of the earliest and most successful projects developed with Indian cooperation. It plays a significant role in Bhutan’s economy through the export of electricity to India. - **Punatsangchhu-I and II Projects:** These ongoing projects, with capacities of 1,200 MW and 1,020 MW respectively, are being developed with Indian assistance and are expected to significantly increase the power export from Bhutan to India. - **Electricity Trade:** - **Long-Term Power Purchase Agreements:** India has signed long-term agreements to purchase electricity from Bhutan, ensuring a stable revenue stream for Bhutan and a reliable supply of clean energy for India. 1. **India-Bangladesh Energy Cooperation** ![](https://images.news18.com/ibnlive/uploads/2021/03/1616753476_india-bangladesh-1.jpg) ![](https://images.news18.com/ibnlive/uploads/2021/03/1616753507_india-bangladesh-2.jpg) ![What is India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline (IBFP)? - UPSC](https://d18x2uyjeekruj.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/oil.jpg) - **Cross-Border Electricity Supply:** - **Bheramara-Baharampur Transmission Line:** This transmission line facilitates the export of electricity from India to Bangladesh. Currently, India supplies around 1,160 MW of electricity to Bangladesh through various cross-border connections. - **Tripura-Bangladesh Power Supply:** India supplies 160 MW of power from its northeastern state of Tripura to Bangladesh, further strengthening energy cooperation. 1. **India-Myanmar Energy Cooperation** ![MYANMAR, BANGLADESH AND INDIA: PROSPECTS FOR ENERGY COOPERATION | BANGLADESH - Audacity of Hope](https://mygoldenbengal.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/123.png) ![Indian Infrastructure Projects in Myanmar](https://www.stratfor.com/sites/default/files/styles/wv_small/public/main/images/india_myanmar_investments_0.jpg?itok=AdUyAisO) - **Hydropower and Renewable Energy Projects:** - **Tamanthi and Shwezaye Hydropower Projects:** India has been involved in the development of these hydropower projects in Myanmar, aimed at generating renewable energy and enhancing regional cooperation in the energy sector. - **Solar Energy Projects:** India is exploring opportunities to develop solar energy projects in Myanmar, promoting the use of renewable energy sources. 1. **India-Sri Lanka Energy Cooperation** ![India, Lanka look to link up via oil pipeline, land connectivity & UPI | Economy & Policy News - Business Standard](https://bsmedia.business-standard.com/_media/bs/img/article/2023-07/21/full/1689959589-8752.jpg) ![The Uncertainties on Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm and India-Sri Lanka Cooperation | Vivekananda International Foundation](https://www.vifindia.org/sites/default/files/33748bbf195a2cc75d27051533ed1085_L.jpg) - **Renewable Energy Initiatives:** - **Solar and Wind Projects:** India and Sri Lanka have agreed to collaborate on developing renewable energy projects, including solar and wind farms, to promote sustainable energy sources. - **Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm:** India and Sri Lanka are working together to develop and modernize the Trincomalee oil tank farm, enhancing energy storage and security. ### **Infrastructure and Connectivity Projects** Significant investments in infrastructure projects like roadways, railways, and ports to improve connectivity**.** 1. **India-Nepal:** ![India-Nepal Inaugurate Integrated Check Post At Jogbani-Biratnagar | Integrated Check Posts (ICPs). | UPSC](https://www.jatinverma.org/uploads/2020_01/pasted_image_0_(3)6.png) ![Linking Land Borders: India's Integrated Check Posts - UPSC](https://i2.wp.com/csep.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/ICP-Petrapole-2019-2.jpg?fit=1080%2C815&ssl=1) - **Integrated Check Posts (ICPs):** India has established ICPs at key border points to facilitate smooth trade and movement of people. - **Motihari-Amlekhgunj Petroleum Pipeline:** This pipeline project aims to enhance the fuel supply to Nepal, marking the first cross-border petroleum pipeline in South Asia. 1. **India-Bangladesh:** ![](https://qph.cf2.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-390cbc2167a2950b02b74f2caa8a00f2) ![Significance of Akhaura-Agartala Rail Link](https://vajiramandravi.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/media/editor_images/2023/11/2/12/36/35/65434a7b6ea81004e7e101e1_OI.PNG) - **Maitree Express and Bandhan Express:** These train services have been established to improve connectivity between India and Bangladesh. - **Agartala-Akhaura Rail Link:** This project aims to connect Agartala in India with Akhaura in Bangladesh, boosting trade and people-to-people contacts. 1. **India-Myanmar:** ![Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/image-37.png) ![Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project](https://pmfias.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Picture-1-10.jpeg) - **India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway:** This highway project aims to enhance connectivity between India, Myanmar, and Thailand, facilitating trade and economic integration. - **Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project:** This project connects the Indian port of Kolkata with Myanmar's Sittwe port, further linking to India's northeastern states. ### **Economic Assistance and Development Aid** **Bhutan:** - **Economic Assistance:** India provides significant economic aid to Bhutan for its five-year plans, supporting various developmental projects and infrastructure improvements. **Sri Lanka:** - **Housing Projects:** India has funded housing projects in Sri Lanka, particularly for the rehabilitation of Tamil refugees in the Northern and Eastern provinces. - **Emergency Aid:** India has provided emergency relief assistance to Sri Lanka during natural disasters and economic crises. **Maldives:** - **Greater Male Connectivity Project:** India is funding this project to build bridges and causeways linking the capital Male with surrounding islands, enhancing transport and economic activities. - **COVID-19 Assistance:** India provided medical supplies, vaccines, and financial assistance to the Maldives during the COVID-19 pandemic. ### **Security Cooperation** **Confidence-Building Measures**: India has undertaken several confidence-building measures, including border agreements and non-reciprocal initiatives, to build trust among its neighbours. **Bangladesh:** - **Counter-Terrorism Cooperation:** India and Bangladesh have strengthened their cooperation in combating terrorism, with joint efforts to tackle cross-border terrorism and insurgent activities. - **Coastal Security:** The two countries collaborate on maritime security to safeguard their coastal regions and ensure safe maritime trade routes. **Myanmar:** - **Joint Operations:** India and Myanmar have conducted joint military operations to target insurgent groups operating along the border, enhancing security and stability in the region. ### **Humanitarian Assistance** India has a long history of providing humanitarian assistance to countries in need, especially within its neighbourhood. These efforts demonstrate India's commitment to regional stability and goodwill. Here are some notable examples: 1. **COVID-19 Pandemic Assistance** ![Vaccine Maitri: Consignment of covid vaccines airlifted for Guyana, Jamaica, Nicaragua | Today News](https://images.livemint.com/img/2021/03/05/1600x900/India1234_1614930798334_1614930804419.jpg) ![Neighbourhood First in Vaccine maitri: Sri Lanka receives COVISHIELD vaccines - Life News | The Financial Express](https://www.financialexpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/COVISHIELD-vaccines-1.jpg) ![India Still Has an Opportunity With Vaccine Diplomacy – The Diplomat](https://thediplomat.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/sizes/td-story-s-2/thediplomat_2021-10-01-2.jpg) - **Vaccine Diplomacy: Vaccine Maitri Initiative:** India supplied millions of doses of COVID-19 vaccines to countries around the world, including its neighbours like Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. This initiative was critical in helping these countries combat the pandemic. - **Medical Supplies: Emergency Medical Supplies:** India sent essential medical supplies, including PPE kits, masks, ventilators, and medicines, to neighbouring countries during the pandemic. 1. **Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance** ![Nepal earthquake: 'Nine out of 10 soldiers' in rescue mission - BBC News](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/mcs/media/images/82604000/jpg/_82604524_28bc48c8-60cf-4e2f-9ef6-a8354e5f706e.jpg) ![India steps in to assist Sri Lanka in cyclone relief - The Hindu](https://th-i.thgim.com/public/migration_catalog/article14285078.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/INS) ![Cyclone amphan landfall today: Cyclone Amphan is expected to make landfall today, Over 3 lakh people evacuated - The Economic Times Video | ET Now](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/thumb/msid-75839608,width-1600,height-900,resizemode-4/news/politics-and-nation/cyclone-amphan-is-expected-to-make-landfall-today-over-3-lakh-people-evacuated.jpg) - **Nepal: 2015 Earthquake Relief:** Following the devastating earthquake in Nepal, India launched Operation Maitri, providing immediate rescue and relief efforts. India sent rescue teams, medical aid, and essential supplies, and helped in the reconstruction of infrastructure. - **Sri Lanka: Cyclone and Flood Relief:** India has consistently provided aid to Sri Lanka during natural disasters. For instance, after the severe floods and landslides in 2017, India sent relief materials, including food, water, and medical supplies. - **Maldives: Water Crisis in 2014:** When the Maldives faced a severe water crisis due to a fire at the Malé Water and Sewerage Company, India swiftly sent potable water and desalination plants to help alleviate the crisis. - **Bangladesh: Cyclone Amphan Relief:** In 2020, India provided relief assistance to Bangladesh following the devastating impact of Cyclone Amphan, including essential supplies and support for rehabilitation efforts. 1. **Development Assistance and Capacity Building** - **Bhutan: Hydropower Projects:** India has funded and assisted in the construction of several hydropower projects in Bhutan, which are crucial for Bhutan’s economy and provide clean energy to India. - **Myanmar: Development Projects:** India has undertaken numerous development projects in Myanmar, including road construction, schools, and hospitals, which help in improving the living standards of the people. - **Afghanistan: Infrastructure Projects:** India has invested in key infrastructure projects in Afghanistan, such as the construction of the Afghan Parliament building, the Salma Dam, and road projects. India also provides educational scholarships and medical aid. 1. **Health Assistance** - **Bhutan: Health Sector Support:** India has supported Bhutan’s health sector through various initiatives, including the supply of medical equipment and vaccines. - **Sri Lanka: Cancer Hospital:** India funded the construction of a 150-bed cancer hospital in Hambantota, enhancing healthcare infrastructure in Sri Lanka. - **Maldives: Gift of a COVID-19 Testing Lab:** India gifted a state-of-the-art COVID-19 testing lab to the Maldives, boosting their capacity to handle the pandemic. 1. **Food Aid and Agricultural Support** - **Yemen: Food Aid:** India has provided food aid to Yemen amidst the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis, helping to alleviate food shortages and malnutrition. - **Sri Lanka: Food Supplies:** In 2022, India sent a large consignment of essential food items to Sri Lanka to help mitigate the impact of an economic crisis that led to severe food shortages. - **Myanmar: Rice and Pulses Supply:** India has sent consignments of rice and pulses to Myanmar to support food security in the country. ### **Cultural and People-to-People Initiatives** **Nepal:** - **Scholarships and Educational Exchange:** India provides scholarships to Nepalese students for higher education in Indian institutions, fostering educational and cultural ties. - **Bharat-Nepal Maitri Bus Service:** This bus service connects various cities in Nepal and India, promoting tourism and people-to-people contacts. **Sri Lanka:** - **Tourism Promotion:** India promotes Buddhist tourism by facilitating pilgrimages to significant Buddhist sites in India, attracting tourists from Sri Lanka. - **Educational Grants:** India offers scholarships and training programs to Sri Lankan students and professionals, enhancing educational and skill development ties. ### **Multilateral and Regional Cooperation** **SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation):** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/image-39.png) ![The End of SAARC?](https://samvadaworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/a0Ds8-saarc-image.jpg) - **SAARC Satellite:** India launched the South Asia Satellite to provide communication and meteorological services to SAARC countries, enhancing regional cooperation in space technology. **BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation):** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/image-38.png) ![BIMSTEC : The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/BIMSTEC.jpg) - **Disaster Management Exercises:** India hosts regular disaster management exercises under the BIMSTEC framework, improving regional coordination and response capabilities. ## Challenges 1. **Rise of China**: China's increasing influence in South Asia has posed significant challenges to India's relations with its neighbors. China's investments and strategic partnerships in countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal have complicated India's diplomatic efforts. 2. **Political Instability**: Political instability in neighbouring countries can disrupt bilateral relations and cooperation. 3. **Border Disputes**: Ongoing border disputes with countries like Pakistan and China continue to be a major challenge. 4. **Economic Disparities**: Economic disparities between India and its neighbours can create friction and hinder cooperation. ## Recent Developments 1. **Maldives**: The complementarity of India's 'Neighborhood First' policy and the Maldives' 'India First' policy has advanced their special partnership. 2. **Nepal**: Recent agreements include the initiation of an annual policy dialogue between NITI Aayog of India and the National Planning Commission of Nepal, and the construction of an Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Dodhara Chandani. 3. **Pacific Island Countries**: At the third FIPIC Summit in 2023, PM Modi unveiled a 12-point development plan for the Pacific Island nations, covering areas such as healthcare, renewable energy, and cyber-security. India's Neighbourhood First Policy is a cornerstone of its foreign policy, reflecting the importance of regional stability and cooperation for its national interests. Despite facing challenges, India remains committed to fostering strong and mutually beneficial relationships with its neighbours. ## Sign up for UPSCprep.com Simplify your UPSC journey Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Anshul Bhatt AIR 22, CSE' 23 UPSC Notes and Resources URL: https://www.upscprep.com/anshul-bhatt-upsc-notes/ Last updated: 2024-06-10T13:24:45.000Z ## Anshul Bhatt Geography Notes [geography Pyq notesgeography Pyq notes.pdf2 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/05/geography-Pyq-notes.pdf "Download") Hailing from Arhat Bazaar, Dehradun, Anshul Bhatt climbed to an impressive All India Rank 22 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2023\. Raised by his father, an Additional District Judge, Anshul was instilled with a deep sense of justice and civic duty from a young age. Anshul's academic journey at St. Stephen's College, University of Delhi, where he studied humanities, sharpened his analytical skills and fueled his desire to positively impact society. Anshul balances his rigorous study regime with hobbies such as graphic designing and rock climbing, cultivating both creativity and physical resilience. **UPSC Preparation** Despite initial setbacks in his first two attempts, Anshul's determination never faltered. His enrollment in **ForumIAS's** **courses**, including **PSIR ATS 2022**, **MGP 2022**, and **AWFG 2023**, and his choice of PSIR as an optional subject were crucial to his success. **To download Anshul Bhatt's Polity and Modern History notes, register here.** --- --- _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Merugu Kaushik AIR 82, CSE' 23 UPSC Notes and Resources URL: https://www.upscprep.com/merugu-kaushik-upsc-notes/ Last updated: 2024-06-10T11:52:45.000Z ## Merugu Kaushik GS3 Agriculture Notes [GS 3 AgricultureGS 3 Agriculture.pdf41 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/05/GS-3-Agriculture.pdf "Download") Merugu Kaushik's achievement of securing the 82nd All India Rank (AIR) in the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2023 on his first attempt is commendable. With a background in Civil Engineering from Osmania University and an MBA in International Business from Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Delhi, coupled with a year of experience as a Consultant at Capgemini's Financial Services BU, Merugu embodies a blend of academic excellence and professional acumen. His journey exemplifies dedication and hard work, inspiring aspirants nationwide. As he steps into the civil services realm, Merugu brings with him a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to serve the nation. **To download Merugu Kaushik's GS1 Indian Society notes, register here.** --- --- _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Animesh Verma AIR 38, CSE' 23 UPSC Notes and Resources URL: https://www.upscprep.com/animesh-verma-upsc-notes/ Last updated: 2024-06-10T11:50:43.000Z ## Animesh Verma CSAT Notes [CSAT notesCSAT notes.pdf3 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/05/CSAT-notes.pdf "Download") Animesh Verma's remarkable journey to securing All India Rank 38 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a testament to resilience and the power of learning from one's mistakes. In his first attempt, Animesh faced setbacks that could have easily discouraged many. However, he viewed these challenges as opportunities for growth. By reflecting on his mistakes and embracing a mindset of continuous self-improvement, Animesh honed his strategies and strengthened his resolve. His unwavering determination, combined with a commitment to hard work and perseverance, led him to triumph in his second attempt. Animesh's story is not just about success but about the journey of transformation, turning failures into stepping stones and proving that perseverance and dedication can lead to extraordinary achievements. His journey stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all aspiring candidates. Details about the Coaching he attended and the Test Series he took are given below. **Test series:** VisionIAS **To download Animesh Verma's Important Supreme Court Judgements and Important constitution articles notes, register here.** --- --- _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Abhinav Jain AIR 35, CSE' 23 UPSC Notes and Resources URL: https://www.upscprep.com/abhinav-jain-upsc-notes/ Last updated: 2024-06-10T11:49:28.000Z ## Abhinav Jain Polity and Governance Notes [Polity\_Governance\_MainsPolity\_Governance\_Mains.pdf7 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/05/Polity%5FGovernance%5FMains.pdf "Download") Abhinav Jain, from Delhi, secured AIR 35 in the UPSC CSE 2023\. He graduated in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Delhi Technological University and worked as a software developer in Bangalore. Seeking to make a societal impact, he pursued Civil Services. In his first attempt, Abhinav didn't clear the prelims due to an underestimation of the exam. In his second attempt, he achieved a rank of 268 and joined IRS (C&IT). Determined to improve, he dedicated himself fully to his third attempt, cutting out distractions like social media, and successfully secured AIR 35\. Abhinav's journey is a testament to resilience and focused preparation, inspiring aspirants to achieve their goals with dedication. **To download Abhinav Jain's Ethics and History notes, register here.** --- --- _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Rohit Tyagi AIR 74, CSE' 23 UPSC Notes and Resources URL: https://www.upscprep.com/rohit-tyagi-upsc-notes/ Last updated: 2024-06-10T11:46:59.000Z Rohit Tyagi, born and raised in North Delhi, secured the 74th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023\. His father is a businessman, and his mother is a homemaker, providing him with a supportive family environment. Rohit completed his schooling at Apex Public School, New Delhi, and pursued his B.Tech in Information Technology from Maharaja Surajmal Institute of Technology, Delhi. His success underscores the significance of perseverance, education, and familial support in achieving one's goals. As he begins his civil services journey, Rohit carries with him the pride of his accomplishments and the expectations of his community. ## Rohit Tyagi Economy Notes [RohitTyagi Economy NotesRohitTyagi Economy Notes.pdf43 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/05/RohitTyagi-Economy-Notes.pdf "Download") Nandala Saikiran's ascent from a modest village in Karimnagar to claiming the 27th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a story of resilience and determination. Despite facing financial adversity and personal loss, Saikiran remained unwavering in his ambition to serve society as a collector. He eschewed traditional coaching methods, relying instead on self-study and online resources. Undeterred by initial setbacks, he quit his job to devote himself entirely to exam preparation, utilizing every available moment to study. Saikiran's achievement not only fills his family with pride but also resonates deeply within his community. His remarkable journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and hard work in overcoming obstacles and realizing one's aspirations. **To download Rohit Tyagi's PnC, Probability and Modern History notes, register here** --- --- _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Pururaj Singh Solanki AIR 21, CSE' 23 UPSC Notes and Resources URL: https://www.upscprep.com/pururaj-singh-solanki-upsc-notes/ Last updated: 2024-06-10T11:42:27.000Z ## Pururaj Singh Solanki Organic Chemistry Notes [Organic\_shortOrganic\_short.pdf33 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/05/Organic%5Fshort.pdf "Download") Pururaj Singh Solanki, a Chemical Engineering graduate from IIT Bombay, clinched the 21st rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023\. With a penchant for research and a deep analytical acumen, Solanki brings a unique blend of technical expertise and societal awareness to the table. His achievement underscores his dedication and promise to contribute meaningfully to governance and policymaking. Solanki's journey serves as an inspiration, showcasing the potential of engineering graduates in shaping a brighter future for the nation. Details about the Coaching he attended and the Test Series he took are given below. **Coaching:** GS foundation course at Vajiram and Ravi (2021-22, Online mode), Essay guidance by Sh. Brijendra Singh Sir (Vajiram and Ravi, after Prelims 2022 during 3 month gap period before Mains) **Optional Coaching:** 'CHEMISTRY DIAS' under Dr RK Singh Sir in 2021-22. **Test series:** Mains test series at Vision IAS (Jaipur centre offline mode, both in 2022 and 2023 after passing resp. Prelims), Essay test series (Vajiram and Ravi, after Prelims 2023 during 3 month gap period before Mains), Test series under Dr RK Singh Sir (online mode, both in 2022 and 2023 after passing resp. Prelims) **Interview:** 3 online and 3 offline mocks through Quantel - including EdSarrthi, Maluka IAS, 99 Notes, Bajirao, Ensure IAS, Legacy IAS, Offline mocks at Vajirao and Reddy, Next IAS, Vision IAS, Vajiram and Ravi, Forum IAS, Samkalp, O2O - Dr RK Singh (Chemistry Dias), Mr. Utkarsh Shukla (EdSarrthi), Mr. Avinash Dharmadhikari (Chanakya Mandal), Mr. Sachin Jain (Ensure IAS) **To download Pururaj Singh Solanki's Inorganic Chemistry, Polity, and World History notes, register here.** --- --- _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Garima Mundra AIR 80, CSE' 23 UPSC Notes and Resources URL: https://www.upscprep.com/garima-mundra-upsc-notes/ Last updated: 2024-06-10T11:41:06.000Z ## Garima Mundra Economy and Agriculture Notes [Economy and Agriculture notesEconomy and Agriculture notes.pdf23 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/05/Economy-and-Agriculture-notes.pdf "Download") Garima Mundra's attainment of the 80th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a testament to her hard work, determination, and intellectual prowess. Her accomplishment highlights her commitment to public service and governance. As she embarks on her civil services journey, armed with her education and experiences, she stands poised to make significant contributions to society. Mundra's success serves as an inspiration to aspirants, emphasizing the importance of dedication and perseverance in achieving one's goals. **To download Garima Mundra's FM Notes and Important Maps, register here**. --- --- _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Chandana Jahnavi AIR 50, CSE' 23 UPSC Notes and Resources URL: https://www.upscprep.com/chandana-jahnavi-upsc-notes/ Last updated: 2024-06-10T11:39:19.000Z ## Chandana Jahnavi Essay Notes [Essay\_Notes\_GSScore\_BrainstormingEssay\_Notes\_GSScore\_Brainstorming.pdf4 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/05/Essay%5FNotes%5FGSScore%5FBrainstorming.pdf "Download") Chandana Jahnavi, a resident of Hyderabad, Telangana, secured an impressive All India Rank of 50 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023, ultimately becoming an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. Her journey, marked by three attempts over five years, illustrates resilience and determination. From her initial selection in the Indian Corporate Law Service to later joining the Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax), Jahnavi's ascent to the prestigious IAS reflects her unwavering commitment to public service and her ability to overcome obstacles. Jahnavi's achievement serves as a beacon of inspiration, showcasing the transformative power of persistence and dedication in realizing one's aspirations. **To download Chandana Jahnavi's Ethics/Essay and Modern History notes, register here** --- --- _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Khushhali Solanki AIR 61, CSE' 23 UPSC Notes and Resources URL: https://www.upscprep.com/khushhali-solanki-upsc-notes/ Last updated: 2024-06-10T11:38:13.000Z ## Khushhali Solanki Ethics Notes [Khushhali Solanki Ethics Notes (AIR61)Khushhali Solanki Ethics Notes (AIR61).pdf107 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/05/Khushhali-Solanki-Ethics-Notes--AIR61-.pdf "Download") Khushhali Solanki's achievement in securing the 61st rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023 is a testament to her dedication and perseverance. Hailing from an engineering background, Solanki's journey reflects her unwavering commitment to public service. Her success underscores her resilience in overcoming challenges and adapting her strategy to achieve her goals. As she embarks on her civil services career, Solanki stands as an inspiration, embodying the spirit of determination and service to society. Details about the Coaching she attended and the Test Series she took are given below. **Public Administration Optional Coaching:** Unacademy - Grajput Sir's Course (2020)+ Rakesh Verma Sir's Course (2021)+ Pavan Kumar Sir's course (2022-when he used to be on Unacademy + read his notes), Some Free classes of Lukmaan ias - Ansari Sir, Mains Crash Course at Prodegy Ias (2023) - Ashutosh Sir, Pubadpedia by rahul sir ( for current affairs) **Optional Test Series:** Lukmaan IAS - 2021 and 2022, Pavan Kumar IAS academy - 2022 and 2023 , Unacademy - Daily answer writing practice by Grajput sir (2022), Officers IAS Academy (Deepuk Sir) - Daily Answer writing Course **Mains Test series:** MMP (mains masterstroke program) program for GS and Essay by Sachin Arora Sir (and Qazi Sir) - Daily Answer writing (a free initiative) - 2023, NextIas MGP, theIAShub - essay and ethics **Interview:** Samkalp (group mock, panel mock), ForumIAS - panel mock in 2023 ; one to one with Ayush sir in 2022, Unacademy - Panel mock, Chanakya mandal - one to one with Dharmadhikarin Sir, Vajiram - One to one with Ravindran Sir, Vajirao and reddy (panel mocks), NextIAS, Allen IAS + 99 Notes academy, Civilsdaily **To download Khushhali Solanki's International Relations and Polity Foundation notes, register here** --- --- _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Saikiran Nandala AIR 27, CSE' 23 UPSC Notes and Resources URL: https://www.upscprep.com/saikiran-nandala-upsc-notes/ Last updated: 2024-06-10T11:36:30.000Z ## Saikiran Nandala Economy Notes [EconomyEconomy.pdf17 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/05/Economy.pdf "Download") Nandala Saikiran's ascent from a modest village in Karimnagar to claiming the 27th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a story of resilience and determination. Despite facing financial adversity and personal loss, Saikiran remained unwavering in his ambition to serve society as a collector. He eschewed traditional coaching methods, relying instead on self-study and online resources. Undeterred by initial setbacks, he quit his job to devote himself entirely to exam preparation, utilizing every available moment to study. Saikiran's achievement not only fills his family with pride but also resonates deeply within his community. His remarkable journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and hard work in overcoming obstacles and realizing one's aspirations. Details about the Coaching he attended and the Test Series he took are given below. Test series: VISION( 2022 GS& Sociology), Lukmaan( 2022 Ethics & essay), Forum(2023 GS), Shankar ( 2023 Socio), lesrnsociologyupsc(2023 Socio daily answer writing), V V patil's Digicate( 2023 GS daily answer writing & essay). Interview: Mentorship of Dr.Vivekananda Sir from Reflections IAS academy **To download Saikiran Nandala's Polity and Modern History notes, register here** --- --- _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Wardah Khan AIR 18, CSE' 23 UPSC Notes and Resources URL: https://www.upscprep.com/wardah-khan-upsc-notes/ Last updated: 2024-06-10T11:35:25.000Z . ## Wardah Khan GS3 Notes [GS 3 quick revisionGS 3 quick revision.pdf4 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/05/GS-3-quick-revision.pdf "Download") Wardah Khan's journey from Noida to securing the 18th rank in the UPSC exam 2023 is a testament to her dedication. Leaving her corporate job, she pursued her dream of civil services, aiming for the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). With a background in Commerce from Khalsa College, Delhi University, her passion for geopolitics ignited during college. Wardah's transition exemplifies her determination to serve society. Her advice for aspirants underscores the importance of thorough preparation. Her achievement inspires aspiring civil servants, showcasing the power of dedication in realizing dreams. Details about the Coaching she attended and the Test Series she took are given below. Essay Crash Course: Jawwad Kazi sir Optional Test series: Socio Mentor Group on Telegram, Levelup test series under Nishat Sir **To download Ma'am's Polity and Sociology notes, register here** --- --- _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Shivam Kumar AIR 19, CSE' 23 UPSC Notes and Resources URL: https://www.upscprep.com/shivam-kumar-air-19-upsc-notes/ Last updated: 2024-06-29T05:33:25.000Z Shivam Kumar secured the 19th rank in the UPSC CSE 2023. Here you can find his notes and resources and download them. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Nausheen AIR 9, CSE' 23 UPSC Notes and Resources URL: https://www.upscprep.com/nausheen-air-9-upsc-notes/ Last updated: 2024-06-10T11:33:18.000Z ## Nausheen Maps, Mnemonics and Organisations Notes [Maps, Mnemonics and OrganizationsMaps, Mnemonics and Organizations.pdf13 MBdownload-circle](https://www.upscprep.com/content/files/2024/05/Maps--Mnemonics-and-Organizations.pdf "Download") 24-year-old Nausheen, hailing from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, secured the 9th rank in her fourth attempt at the UPSC civil services examination. A graduate of Delhi University's Khalsa College, her success was fueled by her insightful response during the personality test, where she discussed her passion for topics like the impacts of colonization. Despite setbacks, she persisted, even enrolling in coaching at Jamia Millia Islamia's Residential Coaching Academy to enhance her skills. Her journey reflects not only academic preparation but also personal growth, resilience, and a balanced approach to life. Nausheen's achievement adds to the diversity in civil services, highlighting the power of perseverance and passion in realizing one's aspirations. Details about the Coaching she attended and the Test Series she took are given below. She has never taken any formal coaching and has been in Jamia Residential Coaching Academy since Nov 2021. Test series: Essay Tests of Next IAS, Level Up Test series of History Optional Mock interview: Jamia RCA, Bano IAS, Vajiram and Ravi, 1 to 1 with Ravindran Sir **To download Nausheen's Environment and Maps notes, register here** --- --- _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Quick Tips for UPSC Prelims 2024 - Again? URL: https://www.upscprep.com/last-minute-tips-for-prelims-2024/ Last updated: 2024-06-10T08:26:18.000Z Prelims is an exam not only about knowledge but also about your temperament and mindset. ### Checklist Go through this **checklist** and ensure you don’t forget anything: 1. Admit card 2. Govt ID Card 3. Black ball point pen x2 4. Water bottles 5. Chocolates 6. Lots of chutzpah! NOTE: Most exam centres have a bag room where you can submit your bags and mobile phones, but there is usually a long line there - 15-20 minutes long. ### Practical Tips 1. **GIVE BOTH PAPERS** \- no matter how hard paper 1 was or how badly you think you performed. Don't give up before the final bell. 2. **Randomness in GS Paper** \- No matter how much you’ve prepared, there will be about 25% questions which will be brain blasters! Be mentally prepared for this randomness. Remember, if you don’t know it, then probably other aspirants won’t know it either. 3. **Do the paper in 2 Rounds** \- Round 1, questions that you know and are sure of. Round 2, questions that you know something about but are not fully sure. You can also add a Round 3 if you have time left after 2 rounds. 1. **Look for the easy questions** \- each year in Prelims there are 20-30 easy questions in the exam. But they are spread out, it's your job to find them and do them first. 2. Taking more than 1 minute to do a question? Push it to round 2. 3. Rounds help you build momentum. Momentum keeps the doubts away. 4. **You only need 40Q in CSAT**. 1. And in those 40 you only need to get 32 right. So you have plenty of time. 2. You won't get extra marks for solving the hard ones. Skip if it's taking more than 1 minute. 3. In comprehension questions, go backwards. If the right answer is not making sense, then eliminate the wrong answers first. 4. Same can be applied to logical reasoning. ### Health Tips 1. **Stay hydrated**. The heat in North India is intense - make sure you're drinking enough water as dehydration impacts your mental focus. If you want, you can carry glucose water with you. 2. **Eat light** \- Eat a light breakfast and carry or plan for a light lunch. 3. **Exam hall jitters** \- If you feel like you are blank or feel too much anxious in exam hall, close your eyes for 2 min, take deep breaths and focus on your breathing. Eat chocolate if you've taken some. Doing these mundane activities resets our physical state which in turn resets our mental state. 4. **No last minute changes -** Don’t try any new strategy in exam hall. Go with what you have found to work for you in practice. 5. **Self belief -** Don’t be too worried about what you’ve covered and what you’ve missed to cover/revise. It doesn’t matter now. Believe in yourself and write the exam with a positive mindset. 6. **During the break** \- Don’t discuss the GS 1 paper. It’s of no use and can unnecessarily impact your performance in CSAT. 7. **Take a nap** \- If needed, you can take a power nap of 5-15 min on your desk before the paper. 8. **Can’t sleep on a night before exam?** You may not be able to sleep properly, and that’s fine. But give yourself full physical rest. Lie down closing your eyes, even if you are not able to fall asleep. Get some strong coffee or sting or redbull for the morning. ### Best of luck! Team [UPSCPrep.com](http://upscprep.com/?ref=upscprep.com) ### How are Non-Permanent Members of the UNSC elected? URL: https://www.upscprep.com/how-are-non-permanent-members-of-unsc-elected-upsc/ Last updated: 2024-06-07T19:18:44.000Z ## Background The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six main organs of the United Nations, tasked with ensuring international peace and security. - It has **15 members**, five of which are permanent members with veto power (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States). - The remaining ten are non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly. ![Pakistan, Somalia, Denmark And Others Elected UNSC Non Permanent Members](https://ssbcrackexams.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image-194.png) --- > **Read More:** [What is the United Nations (UN)?](https://www.upscprep.com/what-is-the-united-nations-un-peacekeeping-upsc/) --- ## Election Process ### **General Assembly Vote**: - The **193-member** United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) conducts a secret ballot to elect the non-permanent members of the UNSC. - Five of the ten non-permanent seats are up for election each year, ensuring continuity on the Council. ### **Regional Allocation**: - The seats are allocated based on regional groups to ensure fair representation: - **Africa**: 3 seats - **Asia-Pacific**: 2 seats - **Eastern Europe**: 1 seat - **Latin America and the Caribbean**: 2 seats - **Western Europe and Others**: 2 seats - In this case, Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia were elected, representing their respective regional groups. ### **Two-Year Term** - The elected members serve for two years starting from January 1 of the year following their election. - For instance, the newly elected members (Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia) will start their terms on January 1. ![2025-2026 UN Security Council Elections and the Responsibility to Protect - Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect](https://www.globalr2p.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/UNSC-2025-2026-Header.png) ![2024-2025 UN Security Council Elections and the Responsibility to Protect - Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect](https://www.globalr2p.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/UNSC-2024-2025-RoK-and-Slovenia-Header.png) --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/1.-UPSCprep-Banner-17.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ## Responsibilities of Non-Permanent Members ### **Decision-Making**: - Participate in decision-making on international security issues. - Vote on resolutions and other measures, though without veto power. ### **Committees and Working Groups**: - Engage in various committees and working groups addressing specific issues such as sanctions, peacekeeping, and conflict resolution. ### **Diplomatic Engagement**: - Represent their countries and regional interests while working collaboratively with other members to maintain global peace and security. ## Key Takeaways - The election of non-permanent members is an annual process involving the entire General Assembly. - The elected countries represent their regions and contribute to the Security Council’s work without having veto power. - These members play a significant role in shaping decisions and actions related to international peace and security. In summary, the inclusion of **Denmark**, **Greece**, **Pakistan**, **Panama**, and **Somalia** as non-permanent members of the UNSC reflects the rotational system designed to ensure diverse representation and participation in the council’s critical functions. ## Sign up for UPSCprep.com Simplify your UPSC journey Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Previse 2025: Technology Concepts in News URL: https://www.upscprep.com/previse-2024-technology-concepts-in-news-current-affairs-upsc/ Last updated: 2025-05-01T05:41:19.000Z Here are some important technological concepts in the news that you should know for UPSC Prelims 2025: ### **The Digital Markets Act** ![The Digital Markets Act  | UPSC](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdnanl4qhcnpmliCIVzY3ccXKrHOXwpsJ0sIpZJCW_YxECCH1qU1Q9rRRZMeVcuAR1tGufuymtM6nJnnfsjsgwknPaL1u6o1FzUcZ_ScKH1rRv_pSrkfguAnrpMQT2aQls6D3UpKdr1NvZB_I379Z9X7grD?key=HOtjqagl-jV9SmjB2rVO6Q) ![The Digital Markets Act  | UPSC](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcLfWxWM7MSLdBLVTZXj28V9wsMl6kCCCFaSiKMu3hw2xWxTr2gdf998vMhGn092Pf9TNH36-0gPm2nTmLymr8K2WRzhGwl1oTTsBCsh286ALl87IOLGm1p6rhacQ-tnTQyRnYM_O4q3OU-4ICUAN-6BX9X?key=HOtjqagl-jV9SmjB2rVO6Q) - The Digital Markets Act is the European Union law to make the markets in the digital sector more fair. - The law will create a safer internet, enhance consumer protections, empower citizens, and ensure high quality digital services. - There are clearly defined criterias to identify “gatekeepers”, which are large digital platforms providing core platform services like online search engines, app stores and messenger services. - This act is one of the first regulatory tools to regulate the gatekeeper power of the largest digital companies. --- ### **Starlink** ![Starlink - Tesla | UPSC | Elon Musk](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfa3YSLc4MS8ieUW0D8_wCxQQJPiHFvMtVdJQ3yK1CFXI8JvLIWVJ5TH6Eeexcx9FybEStVXZwX3csrf5x4_5YdZkETtnP9nadJ0wlsqSFjAmwmYthCWTKN1m9QPefzrsmpa8PSPmmCozHjrJTemCsQ6RKu?key=HOtjqagl-jV9SmjB2rVO6Q) ![Starlink - Tesla | UPSC](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdSMX8CoWFUICB_N-M4Vauirhv6rvJOLzyO8DF3pxXLZeM1Xj_JZwoMrhXV7qmA1SmozZEAZWGAumDEXgXRmeaQnYEWltINf_5jN4uhwFVvPmagLoOXKZopGoQqMKssOZwPChIa9-rQb9myPs5JfpiOkzNV?key=HOtjqagl-jV9SmjB2rVO6Q) - Starlink is a SpaceX project aiming to build a broadband network with a cluster of orbiting satellites. - It will create a low-cost, satellite-based broadband network that can provide global internet access. - These satellites will be placed in an altitude range between 350 km and 1,200 km in Low Earth Orbit. - Satellites are placed in low-earth orbits to reduce latency between a user seeking data and the server transmitting that data. --- ### **Deep Fakes** ![Deep Fakes](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcdGummwlHCGDKy2R_GVugqgilVHgL4W6um_38LByrxEvUyngb_D_uu9FrAaG5z9qpB0E5hxey5XV_fZEpWdaWy5L-ICKKhgUpLNQ2jOIAIrD81-T5J2x_4Tx_Q1hCUHxlVCcMytzJyx7wSxDNTSf0jKtXw?key=HOtjqagl-jV9SmjB2rVO6Q) ![Take action on deepfakes: MeitY sends advisory to social media firms | Deep Fakes](https://images.moneycontrol.com/static-mcnews/2023/11/MixCollage-07-Nov-2023-09-41-AM-709-770x433.jpg?impolicy=website&width=770&height=431) ![Deep Fakes](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfvvCRO8AJ_eZ7Q8A5rXpIK-o0uxA6isaST3kWB3UIDr0DBwDliuOZAPduwoBAK5xv6c5wEQ6Klnbem-acgsDvx7ZZW36RnzfMBYyO4CcTzS_rRhbMDZ8CbMq1VteNfL0TW9Rwcvz7p9uuG18_J1BI_MWkb?key=HOtjqagl-jV9SmjB2rVO6Q) - Deep Fakes involves the use of machine-learning algorithms to compile artificial images and audio together to replace a real person’s appearance, voice, or both and spread misinformation. - The term "deep fake" is short for a combination of the deep learning concept with something fake. - Use of **machine learning models** which use neural networks to manipulate images and videos are used to create deep fakes. - Deepfake technology is used for infamous purposes like scams and hoaxes, election manipulation, social engineering, celebrity pornography, automated disinformation attacks, identity theft, and financial fraud. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/1.-UPSCprep-Banner-16.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ### **The Digital Services Act** ![EU Passes Digital Services Act | UPSC](https://s44650.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/eu-digital-services-act-1200-1695344997.jpg) ![Explained: EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) - UPSC](https://d18x2uyjeekruj.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/dsa.jpg) - This act has made companies including Meta, Google, and Snap introduce changes to their platforms. - The changes include more disclosures on how they use artificial intelligence for personalized content to users and allowing them the option to opt out of being subjected to digital surveillance. - The legislation ensures greater accountability and transparency from large online platforms like social media networks and online marketplaces. --- ### **Protein Structure Prediction: AlphaFold** ![AlphaFold 3 | Google Deepmind | UPSC Prelims | AI Technology ](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GNNFH07WgAAsNe9?format=jpg&name=large) ![AlphaFold 3 | Google Deepmind | UPSC Prelims | AI Technology ](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdaaQ8pmiDPPq1C02c4vg-8Aw7v6nxohqGbinn48RXR80BkK8d6lK2lUnit49vwV7pxCf6K9dOFKI--CJi4hOeXboUgfKUQ5T-7YfPaKzx1fzIlIIVL2L6Tb0061llBd6ujYmpvKNyPRes0Q8-5rmu40mNf?key=HOtjqagl-jV9SmjB2rVO6Q) - A London based company DeepMind has predicted the three-dimensional structures of more than 200 million proteins using AlphaFold. - AlphaFold is an AI-based protein structure prediction tool based on deep neural networks. - The main prediction is done by the black box called the hidden networks which is between the input and the output layers. - When protein sequences enter through one end of the AlphaFold, the predicted three-dimensional structures come out through the other. --- ### **Gene editing: Casgevy & Lyf Genia** ![Gene editing: Casgevy & Lyf Genia | UPSC](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXct9d8HcEN3KrE17Ghcf95ZB9GtQBdmqQMJS6roPBCd-0ASyFPpHhIYY_e3IdVRjFsTVpNtDGFBk8tfwXyaCrnRWRvQyjsUcpxMQvSBv6pEE0ZLVXTY5OGGJv8G9omTPQC0wRfTyeN7OgqNmi_F8ls_tle4?key=HOtjqagl-jV9SmjB2rVO6Q) ![Gene editing: Casgevy & Lyf Genia | UPSC](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXf2glZS9klb_uNvdjkU320ElzChW_IVe-4ipwJpOTBmX-b6OSl_6F-gELjUi8Ex9ym8kg0CkE-aGU_02IZ6LPxG07W0M_p_xLGF_uKjNQNi_gefYfnmsWMOVtS1IcJZPIyrMVbTpxq0O-KMhhj9uUq23L4?key=HOtjqagl-jV9SmjB2rVO6Q) ![Gene editing: Casgevy & Lyf Genia | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/image-35.png) - Casgevy is a **gene therapy** for treating **sickle cell disease** and **thalassaemia** which became the world's inaugural licensed therapy based on the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology. - Sickle cell disease and thalassaemia are caused by errors in the gene for hemoglobin and the therapy uses the patient’s own blood stem cells, which are precisely edited using CRISPR-Cas9. - **BCL11A gene** is targeted by the therapy, which is crucial for switching from fetal to adult hemoglobin. - Fetal hemoglobin does not carry the same abnormalities as adult hemoglobin and the therapy produces more fetal hemoglobin to alleviate the symptoms of the two conditions. --- ### **Dark Patterns** ![Dark Patterns | UPSC](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXenEw6tqrtqid93jggFC48y8eq_QJQASRcZjE257qhyTLhb60_B1lYlxZWBSphfEbbJClof1OYw-5sNiQH8pNudWGbl5iydooxiRp8Jyl1jXf75R37oPzLNtl6hXLMpgOCwu7zt8Fdba47RsMVR8qb_pGPt?key=HOtjqagl-jV9SmjB2rVO6Q) ![Dark Patterns | UPSC](https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fill:1200:900/g:fp:0.46:0.13/1*egNjxpcPatZa63bUUr3GFg.png) ![Dark Patterns | UPSC](https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXefTwhAbyXTYTrkdYNpsq-6iqyzPNDm0Q_L36qIrM7bYTu_m729e4Ls86yumNMmUYphibChTRVvO1yzpJnb3jO5GAIN4RkGjeTPu1qxpOdL-BszQ83O2T3R5OgpcjP-QVlU9Rs0JHRJhOjLUZYjJMaeztix?key=HOtjqagl-jV9SmjB2rVO6Q) - It is an act common in airlines and online travel websites which trick the customers into buying things they did not mean to like premium seats. - This is deemed to be a cybercrime and the Ministry of Civil Aviation has told the low-cost airline IndiGo to fix its website. - Dark patterns are deceptive design techniques used in user interfaces to manipulate or deceive users into taking certain actions or making specific choices online. - These patterns exploit cognitive biases and behavioral patterns to trick or mislead users. ## Sign up for UPSCprep.com Simplify your UPSC journey Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Choosing Sociology as your UPSC Optional URL: https://www.upscprep.com/choosing-sociology-upsc-optional/ Last updated: 2024-06-07T13:00:46.000Z 💡 If you want to watch the video where I cover this topic, [click here](Booklist video About:Courses: https://courses.upscprep.com/productsTelegram: https://telegram.me/UPSCprepIASLearn with UPSCprep.com : https://www.youtube.com/@learnwithupsc… https://youtu.be/ZnuXUvuNAeU). For those who have sociology optional I’ve **attached my notes** in this post. You can use them as a framework for how to make notes but let’s begin with some disclaimers. ### Disclaimers 1. Optional requires **honour's degree level of understanding**. It takes a good 3/4 years to complete a bachelor’s degree and you, brave aspirant, will be covering this in the space of a few months so it is safe to say that you should be ready for a steep learning curve. 2. **Just reading notes will not cut it.** You will need to **SPEND TIME with the subject**. Think of it as subject immersion. With GS you don’t really need theoretical understanding of the topics but with your optional, you will need to be well versed with theory. Not only that you will need to understand how various theoretical strands interact and that only comes with time. So be prepared to spend quality time with thinkers. 3. **Guidance can make a lot of difference**. While guidance isn’t strictly necessary for GS it can be crucial for your optional, especially if its not your area of specialisation. For example, I’m an engineering graduate who took sociology as an optional. I had a tough time in the beginning to get in the right mindset (I was used to writing blunt answers) but with the right guidance and practice you can get there. Coming to the book list and sources. I’ll be covering them separately for paper 1 and paper 2 but please keep in mind that you can always quote paper 1 thinker and theories in paper 2 and vice versa. --- ### Join Comprehensive Sociology Course 1. KCS sir (ex-IAS) as your faculty. 2. Cover the syllabus end to end in 4 months. 3. Weekly answer writing sessions to help you stay exam focused. 4. Direct [feedback that helps you improve](https://upscprep.com/testimonials/?ref=upscprep.com#sociology-test-series). [Join Sociology Course](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/?category=79&ref=upscprep.com) --- ## **Paper 1** [My Notes](https://www.upscprep.com/sociology-notes/) ### Essential Sociology by Nitin Sangwan This book can form the base for your sociology optional preparation. However, by itself it's not adequate to cover the optional fully. It has some good diagrams and figures which you can use to supplement your answers. The areas where you feel that you still have doubts, refer to the blue book. ### Harlambos & Holborn ([Big blue book](https://amzn.to/3hQaP7v?ref=upscprep.com)) Selected topics as per syllabus. For example in the chapter on stratification you need to cover the Marxian, Weberian and Functionalist perspectives. Anything else you do will be an add on. You can refer to these [images](https://www.upscprep.com/sociology-topics-harlambos/) to get a comprehensive list of topics needed to be covered in each chapter. ### [Sociological Theory](https://amzn.to/3Rjwhm5?ref=upscprep.com) by George [Ritzer](https://amzn.to/3fmENhH?ref=upscprep.com) If you can cover thinkers well, half of your effort towards completing your optional is done. This book gives a detailed understanding of all major thinkers in Paper 1\. ### ### IGNOU BA/MA material as needed For value addition. If there’s anything missing in your notes for paper 1, you can pick up the relevant IGNOU material and fill in the gaps. Also good for developing an understanding of topics that you may find hard. ### Current affairs for examples For example: you can use the current farmer movement as an example for substantiating your stand in questions on social movements. In Neil Smelsor’s structural strain theory he says that the career of a social movement is determined by the exercise of controls by the state and we have seen that in action with these current protests. So always be on the lookout for current examples that you can use, it adds value to your answers. --- ## **Paper 2** ### BK Nagla book for thinkers Only book which has all major India thinkers covered. I’d recommend going beyond the thinkers listed in the syllabus and covering others like Iravati Karwe, Yogendra Singh, BR Ambedkar (who is surprisingly missing from the syllabus despite being found frequently in Mains questions) and any others that catch your fancy. ### Essential Sociology by [Nitin Sangwan](https://amzn.to/2QRbdHB?ref=upscprep.com) This book can form the base for your sociology optional preparation. However, by itself it's not adequate to cover the optional fully. It has some good diagrams and figures which you can use to supplement your answers. The areas where you feel that you still have doubts, refer to the blue book. ### IGNOU BA/MA material Again this material is to be used solely for filling gaps in your knowledge left after covering all the above. The syllabus and PYQs should be your best guide for assessing what’s missing and what more needs to be done. ### EPW Articles as needed This is strictly value addition. You can look for articles on the current perspectives on caste, family, kinship etc based on requirements. ### Current affairs for examples Much like paper 1, use current affairs to substantiate your answers and make them stand out. --- ## Compilations A **compilation of sociological thinkers and studies** that can be used as needed in Sociology Mains paper 1 and paper 2. [Thinkers & Studies](https://www.upscprep.com/sociological-studies-list/) --- ## What else? I like reading so I read books by AR Desai, Yogendra Singh, MN Srinivas and Andre Beteille in my free time during my earlier attempts (2016/17). Whatever I liked I generally included in my notes but if you ask me I won’t be able to point out exactly what’s from where. A lot of EPW articles to get a feel of the work being done by sociologists because I wasted a lot of time during my earlier attempts thinking this would add value, but I’m **doubtful about the actual impact**. Papers by RK Merton just for fun. I liked Merton and Weber most among all the thinkers and in my free time often found myself reading their actual works because it seemed fascinating. **Not recommended for exam purposes**. Recommended for gaining vast knowledge. --- ### What constitutes Bhil Pradesh? URL: https://www.upscprep.com/what-constitutes-bhil-pradesh-upsc/ Last updated: 2024-06-07T10:07:16.000Z ### **Introduction** Bhil Pradesh is a proposed state in India primarily aimed at addressing the socio-economic and cultural needs of the Bhil tribal community. The Bhils are one of the largest tribal groups in India, predominantly residing in the western and central parts of the country. ![The geographical distribution of Bhils | UPSC](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312172757/figure/fig1/AS:448875875049472@1484031756031/The-geographical-distribution-of-Bhils-highlighting-our-sampling-locations.png) ### **Geographical Spread** The proposed Bhil Pradesh would encompass regions from multiple states with significant Bhil populations. These regions include parts of: - **Rajasthan:** Particularly the districts of Banswara, Dungarpur, and Udaipur. - **Madhya Pradesh:** This includes districts like Jhabua, Alirajpur, and Dhar. - **Gujarat:** Especially the districts of Dahod and Panchmahal. - **Maharashtra:** Mainly the districts of Nandurbar and Dhule. ### **Tribes Living here** - **Primary Tribe**: The Bhil tribe is the major indigenous group in this region. - **Other Tribes**: Other Scheduled Tribes also inhabit the area, including Garasia, Damor, and Meena. ![Bhil Tribe | Tribal community India. found in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan | UPSC](https://gaatha.com/wp-content/webpc-passthru.php?src=https://gaatha.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Bhil-tribe-information.jpg&nocache=1) ### **Historical Context** The demand for Bhil Pradesh has its roots in the historical marginalization and socio-economic challenges faced by the Bhil community. The Bhils have a rich cultural heritage but have often been sidelined in the development processes of the states they inhabit. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/1.-UPSCprep-Banner-15.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ### **Socio-Economic Conditions** - **Education:** The literacy rate among the Bhils is significantly lower than the national average. Efforts to improve educational infrastructure and access are crucial. - **Health:** The Bhil community faces numerous health challenges, including malnutrition, lack of access to healthcare facilities, and high infant mortality rates. - **Economy:** Predominantly dependent on agriculture and forest produce, the Bhils often face issues related to land rights, inadequate irrigation facilities, and lack of market access. - **Land Rights**:Struggles with land ownership and rights, with many tribal people lacking formal titles to their ancestral lands. ### **Cultural Significance** The Bhils have a vibrant cultural identity with unique traditions, festivals, and art forms. Their traditional dance forms, music, and crafts are integral to their cultural expression. ### **Political Representation** The Bhil community has historically had limited political representation. The creation of Bhil Pradesh is seen as a way to ensure better political representation and address the community's specific needs. ### **Challenges and Controversies** - **Administrative Challenges:** The creation of a new state involves significant administrative restructuring and resource allocation. - **Inter-State Coordination:** Since Bhil Pradesh would be carved out of multiple states, there would be inter-state coordination and resource sharing challenges. - **Opposition:** Opposition comes from various quarters, including political parties and non-tribal communities, who fear that the creation of Bhil Pradesh might lead to further fragmentation and resource disputes. ### GoI Measures and Schemes - **Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP)**: Aimed at ensuring adequate allocation of funds for the development of tribal areas. - **Forest Rights Act (FRA)**: This act grants legal recognition to the rights of traditional forest-dwelling communities, including land titles. - **National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA)**: Provides employment opportunities through guaranteed workdays in rural areas. - **Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)**: Focuses on the health and nutritional needs of children and mothers. - **Mid-Day Meal Scheme**: Provides free meals to schoolchildren to improve nutrition and encourage school attendance. - **Reservation Policies** include reservations in education and employment to enhance opportunities for Scheduled Tribes. ![Forest Rights organisations urge GOI to defend Forest Rights | UPSC](https://i0.wp.com/cjp.org.in/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Forest-Workers-Feature-Image.jpg?fit=1020%2C534&ssl=1) ### Demands - **Formation of Bhil Pradesh**: Creation of an autonomous region to better manage and address the unique needs of the tribal population. - **Increased Reservation**: Enhanced reservation in education, employment, and political representation for Scheduled Tribes. - **Employment Opportunities**: Development of local employment opportunities to prevent migration and ensure sustainable livelihoods. - **Improved Healthcare and Nutrition**: Better healthcare infrastructure and nutritional programs to combat malnutrition and health issues. - **Educational Facilities**: Improved access to quality education and vocational training to empower the youth. - **Protection of Land Rights**: Secure land titles and protection from displacement to preserve their ancestral lands and way of life. ### **Current Status** Various tribal organizations and leaders continue to demand the proposal for Bhil Pradesh. However, the central government has not yet formally taken up the matter for consideration. ### **Conclusion** Various government schemes aim to address these issues, but the tribes demand the formation of Bhil Pradesh, increased reservation, improved local employment, healthcare, education, and protection of their land rights for a sustainable future. The demand for Bhil Pradesh highlights the need for focused development and representation of tribal communities in India. While the creation of a new state is a complex and contentious issue, it underscores the importance of addressing the socio-economic and cultural needs of marginalized communities like the Bhils. ## Sign up for UPSCprep.com Simplify your UPSC journey Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### What is Nata Pratha? URL: https://www.upscprep.com/what-is-nata-pratha-nhrc-upsc/ Last updated: 2024-06-07T09:34:22.000Z ### Understanding Nata Pratha Nata Pratha is a traditional practice prevalent in certain communities in states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat. - This practice involves the selling of girls, often on stamp paper, under the guise of marriage. - The practice has severe moral and legal implications, particularly for women and minor girls. ![राजस्थान की नाता प्रथा जिसमें युवती को लिवइन रिलेशनशिप में रहने को किया जाता है - India TV Hindi](https://resize.indiatv.in/resize/newbucket/400_-/2017/04/nata-pratha1-1492747239.webp) **Nature of Nata Pratha** - Girls are sold either on stamp paper or otherwise. - Often involves child marriage. - Transactions are usually conducted by the girl's own family. ### Legal and Human Rights Violations - Human Trafficking: The practice can be classified as human trafficking, which is illegal under Indian law. - Child Marriage: Violates the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006\. - POCSO Act: The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, can be invoked if minors are involved. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/1.-UPSCprep-Banner-14.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ### Case Study ![Indian Man Arrested for marrying Young Child Bride | UPSC](https://www.desiblitz.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/childbride-landscape.jpg) - A minor girl from Rajasthan was sold by her father for ₹2.5 lakh. - The transaction was formalized on July 11, 2019, but the groom failed to pay the full amount. - The father attempted to sell her again for ₹32,000\. - The girl resisted and sought help from the police, but no action was taken. - She was found dead on June 16, 2020\. ### NHRC's Intervention The **National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)** has issued notices to the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development and the states involved. - The NHRC has called for the eradication and abolition of Nata Pratha. - States have been directed to submit a report on measures taken or proposed within eight weeks. - Recommendations: - Individuals forcing women into Nata Pratha should be **prosecuted under human trafficking laws**. - The **POCSO Act** should be applied in cases involving minors. ![National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) | UPSC](https://staticimg.amarujala.com/assets/images/2024/04/08/bihar-nhrc-sent-notice-to-muzaffarpur-ssp-asking-why-was-advocates-eye-gouged_66e9afd8f7945bcbc82f820e8fc0699a.jpeg?w=414) ### Legal Framework and Measures - **Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006** - Prohibits the marriage of girls below 18 years and boys below 21 years. - Provides for the annulment of child marriages and punishment for those who promote or permit such marriages. - **Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012** - Provides for the protection of children from offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and pornography. - Establishes Special Courts for the trial of such offences. - **Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956** - Aims to prevent trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation. - Provides for the rescue and rehabilitation of victims. ### Steps for Eradication - **Awareness Campaigns:** Educate communities about the legal and moral implications of Nata Pratha. - Promote gender equality and the rights of women and children. - **Legal Enforcement:** Strict enforcement of existing laws against child marriage and human trafficking. - Ensure prompt action by law enforcement agencies in reported cases. - **Support Systems:** Establish support systems for victims, including shelters, counselling, and legal aid. - Provide economic support and vocational training to empower women and prevent exploitation. - **Community Engagement:** Involve local leaders and community organizations in efforts to eradicate the practice. - Encourage community-based monitoring and reporting of such practices. ### Conclusion Nata Pratha is a deeply entrenched practice that violates the fundamental rights of women and children. The intervention by the NHRC is a significant step towards its eradication. However, sustained efforts involving legal enforcement, community engagement, and support systems are essential to abolish this practice and protect the rights and dignity of women and children. ## Sign up for UPSCprep.com Simplify your UPSC journey Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Previse 2025: Policies and Doctrines: British India URL: https://www.upscprep.com/previse-2024-policies-and-doctrines-british-india-upsc/ Last updated: 2025-05-01T05:42:35.000Z ### **Permanent settlement of Bengal 1793** ![Permanent Settlement act 1793 | UPSC](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fcqe4GpQisE/maxresdefault.jpg) - The Permanent Settlement was established by Cornwallis in 1793 in Odisha, Bihar, and Bengal and later extended to Varanasi. - It was an agreement between the East India Company and landlords in Bengal. - Under this, the government of Bengal adopted a system where landowners had to pay a fixed amount of money to the government. - The landowners or zamindars or talukdars had the power to decide how much rent to charge and could even remove tenants from the land. --- ### **Policy of Ring of Fence (1765-1813)** ![Policy of Ring of Fence (1765-1813) | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/image-29.png) - This policy was reflected in the wars against the Marathas and Mysore by Warren Hastings with the idea to create buffer zones and defend the Company's frontiers. - Wellesley's subsidiary alliance policy was an extension of the ring fence policy. - The East India Company would send troops to aid allies and the cost of the upkeep of troops being borne by the rulers of the state --- ### **Subsidiary Alliance** ![Subsidiary Alliance | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/image-30.png) - Clive's successor Richard Wellesley followed a non-interventionist approach but subsequently adopted and developed the subsidiary alliance. - Though Wellesley started the subsidiary alliance, it was French Governor Dupleix who coined the name. - The Allied Indian State had to approve permanent stationing of a British force within the territory, pay a subsidy for its maintenance and disband its own military force. - The State also had to pay for the upkeep of the British troops and the British promised to defend the Indian state from any foreign attack.\\ - The Indian States' Subsidiary Alliances were formed in this order- Hyderabad (1798), Mysore (1799), Tanjore (1799), Awadh (1801), Peshwa (Marathas) (1802), Scindia (Marathas) (1803) and Gaekwad (Marathas) (1803). --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/1.-UPSCprep-Banner-13.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ### **Policy of Subordinate Isolation (1813-1857)** ![Policy of Subordinate Isolation (1813-1857) | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/image-31.png) - When imperialism grew, the Indian states worked in subordinate cooperation acknowledging the supremacy of the British government. - British Residents were elevated from diplomatic agents of a foreign power to executive and command officers of a superior government which was aided by the Charter Act of 1833. - The Board of Directors issued guidelines in 1834 to annex states whenever and wherever possible which resulted in Dalhousie's annexation policy --- ### **Doctrine of Lapse** ![Doctrine of Lapse | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/image-32.png) - This doctrine was based on a pro-imperialist approach and it meant that if there is no heir or ruler, the state must be given up to the British and no adopted child be considered as heir. - Only the ruler's personal possessions would be passed down to the adopted successor. - Any princely state under the direct or indirect sovereignty of the East India Company would be annexed if the ruler did not produce a legal male successor. - By this, the Company took over the princely states of **Satara** (1848), **Jaitpur**, **Sambalpur** (1849), **Baghat** (1850), **Udaipur** (Chhattisgarh State) (1852), **Jhansi** (1854), **Nagpur** (1854), **Tanjore** and **Arcot** (1855). --- ### **Policy of Masterly Inactivity** ![Policy of Masterly Inactivity | UPSC | Bookstawa](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/image-33.png) - This policy was initiated by John Lawrence (1864–69) in response to the disasters of the First Afghan War. - There was no intervention in the succession war even after Dost Mohammed died in 1863. - The policy was based on two conditions: that the peace at the border was not disturbed and no candidate sought foreign assistance. - His foreign policy was of self-reliance and self-restraint rather than defiance. --- ### **Policy of Proud Reserve** ![Why was a letter about the assassination bid on British viceroy Lytton removed from public archives?](https://sc0.blr1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/article/183338-ktpsnvpchd-1669277048.jpg) - Lytton the Viceroy initiated a new foreign policy of 'proud reserve,' to establish scientific frontiers and preserve 'spheres of influence.' - He was against ambiguity in relations with Afghanistan and wanted to pursue an aggressive approach. - Lytton wanted to bring about the slow breakdown and weakening of Afghan power by conquering and annexing specific regions.. - This policy resulted in the Second Afghan War (1878–1880) and the signing of the Treaty of Gandamak. --- ### **Policy of Subordinate Union (1857-1935)** ![1857 mutiny: Britain's divide and rule policy has been institutionalised in India, Pakistan | UPSC](https://sc0.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/large/882663-xlgbddnvpu-1528978710.jpeg) - This policy came into force when the Crown assumed direct responsibility in the year 1858. - The policy of annexation was abandoned due to the states' loyalty during the 1857 revolt. - The idea of Indian states as independent, sovereign states on equal footing with the Crown ended with the Queen adopting the title of 'Kaiser-i-Hind'. - The British government intervened in the internal affairs of states. ## Sign up for UPSCprep.com Simplify your UPSC journey Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### What is the Five Eyes Alliance? URL: https://www.upscprep.com/what-is-five-eyes-alliance-upsc/ Last updated: 2024-06-07T01:30:50.000Z The Five Eyes Alliance is an intelligence-sharing alliance comprising five English-speaking countries: - Australia - Canada - New Zealand - The United Kingdom - The United States This alliance is one of the most comprehensive and long-standing intelligence-sharing arrangements in the world. ![Five Eyes Alliance | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/image-27.png) Here are the key details about the Five Eyes Alliance: - **Purpose**: To share intelligence, particularly signals intelligence (SIGINT), among member countries to enhance their collective security and intelligence capabilities. - **Origins**: The alliance originated from the UKUSA Agreement, a bilateral agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom signed in **1946**. It was later expanded to include the other three countries. ### **Key Features** - **Intelligence Sharing**: - The Five Eyes countries share a wide range of intelligence, including signals intelligence, human intelligence (**HUMINT**), and geospatial intelligence (**GEOINT**). - The alliance allows for the sharing of raw intelligence data as well as analysis and assessments. - **Surveillance and Monitoring**: - The member countries collaborate on global surveillance and monitoring activities. - They operate a network of listening posts and satellites to intercept communications and gather intelligence. - **Joint Operations**: - The Five Eyes countries often conduct joint intelligence operations and missions. - They collaborate on counter-terrorism, cyber security, and other security-related issues. - **Legal and Policy Frameworks**: - Each member country has its own legal and policy frameworks governing intelligence activities. - The alliance operates under a set of agreed-upon principles and guidelines to ensure cooperation and coordination. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/1.-UPSCprep-Banner-10.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ### **Historical Context** - **World War II**: The origins of the Five Eyes Alliance can be traced back to the close intelligence cooperation between the United States and the United Kingdom during World War II. - **Cold War**: The alliance was formalized during the early years of the Cold War to counter the Soviet threat. It played a crucial role in gathering intelligence on the Soviet Union and its allies. - **Post-9/11 Era**: The Five Eyes Alliance has been instrumental in the global fight against terrorism, particularly after the September 11, 2001, attacks. The member countries have enhanced their cooperation on counter-terrorism efforts. ### **Modern Relevance** - **Cyber Security**: The alliance has increasingly focused on cyber security threats, including cyber espionage and cyber attacks. - **Counter-Terrorism**: The Five Eyes countries continue to collaborate on counter-terrorism efforts, sharing intelligence on terrorist organizations and activities. - **Geopolitical Challenges**: The alliance addresses various geopolitical challenges, including China's and Russia's rise and activities in cyberspace and other domains. ### **Criticisms and Controversies** - **Privacy Concerns**: The Five Eyes Alliance's extensive surveillance activities have raised concerns about privacy and civil liberties. Whistleblowers like Edward Snowden have highlighted the scope of the alliance's surveillance programs. - **Legal and Ethical Issues**: The alliance's activities have sometimes been criticized for operating in legal grey areas and for potential overreach. ### **Recent Developments** - **Expansion of Cooperation**: There have been discussions about expanding the scope of the Five Eyes Alliance to include other like-minded countries, particularly in the areas of cyber security and technology. - **Focus on China**: The alliance has increasingly focused on countering the influence and activities of China, particularly in the realms of cyber espionage and technology theft. ### 9 Eyes and 14 Eyes Alliance The 9 Eyes and 14 Eyes alliances are extensions of the original Five Eyes (FVEY) intelligence-sharing alliance. These alliances include additional countries that collaborate on intelligence sharing, particularly signals intelligence (**SIGINT**). ![ 5 Eyes 9 Eyes and 14 Eyes Alliance | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/image-28.png) - **9 Eyes Alliance Members**: The 9 Eyes alliance includes the Five Eyes countries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States) plus four additional countries: Denmark, France, the Netherlands, and Norway. - **14 Eyes Alliance Members**: The 14 Eyes alliance includes the 9 Eyes countries (Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States) plus five additional countries: Germany, Belgium, Italy, Spain, and Sweden. ## Sign up for UPSCprep.com Simplify your UPSC journey Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### What is the Official Secrets Act? URL: https://www.upscprep.com/what-is-the-official-secrets-act-1923-upsc-current-affairs/ Last updated: 2024-06-05T20:19:52.000Z The Official Secrets Act, 1923, is a crucial piece of legislation in India that deals with matters of national security and confidentiality. It aims to prevent the disclosure of sensitive information that could potentially harm the country's interests. Here’s a detailed overview: ### Historical Context - **Enactment**: The Official Secrets Act was enacted in 1923 during the British colonial period in India. It was modelled after the British Official Secrets Act of 1911. - **Purpose**: The primary objective was to safeguard sensitive national security, defence, and intelligence information from being disclosed to unauthorized persons or entities. ### Provisions - **Definition of Official Secrets**: - The Act broadly defines "official secrets" to include any information, document, or material that the government considers confidential. > **Notable Provisions*:* > **Section 3*: Deals with spying and related activities.* > **Section 5*: Pertains to wrongful communication of information.* > **Section 6*: Addresses the unauthorized use of uniforms, falsifying reports, forgery, etc.* > **Section 9*: Covers the penalty for abetment, attempting, or inciting the commission of an offence under the Act.* - **Prohibited Actions**: - **Espionage**: Gathering, transmitting, or publishing information that could be useful to an enemy state. - **Unauthorized Disclosure**: Sharing classified information without proper authorization. - **Sabotage**: Acts that could harm national security or defence infrastructure. - **Penalties**: - **Imprisonment**: Violations of the Act can lead to imprisonment, which may extend up to 14 years. - **Fines**: Monetary penalties can also be imposed. - **Both**: In some cases, both imprisonment and fines may be applied. - **Scope of Application**: - The Act applies to government officials, military personnel, and any other individuals who come into possession of classified information. - It also covers foreign nationals and entities that may engage in espionage or unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information. - **Search and Seizure**: - Authorities are empowered to conduct searches and seize documents or materials suspected of violating the Act. - **Trial and Prosecution**: - Offences under the Act are tried in a court of law, and the burden of proof lies with the prosecution to establish the intent and nature of the violation. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/1.-UPSCprep-Banner-12.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ### Significance - **National Security**: The Act plays a critical role in protecting national security by preventing the leakage of sensitive information that could be exploited by hostile entities. - **Confidentiality**: It ensures that classified information related to defence, intelligence, and foreign relations is kept confidential and secure. - **Legal Framework**: Provides a legal framework for prosecuting individuals and entities involved in espionage, sabotage, and unauthorized disclosure of classified information. ### Criticisms and Controversies - **Ambiguity**: The Act has been criticized for its broad and vague definitions, which can lead to misuse and arbitrary application. - **Freedom of Press**: Journalists and media organizations have raised concerns that the Act can be used to stifle press freedom and investigative journalism. - **Transparency**: Critics argue that the Act can restrict access to information and thus hinder transparency and accountability in government functioning. - **Reform and Modernization**: There have been calls to reform and modernize the Act to align it with contemporary standards of transparency, accountability, and human rights. ### Recent Developments - **RTI Act**: The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, has provided a framework for citizens to access information held by public authorities. However, information classified under the Official Secrets Act remains exempt from disclosure under the RTI Act. - **Judicial Interpretation**: Indian courts have occasionally interpreted the Official Secrets Act's provisions in balancing national security with the right to information and freedom of expression. - **Proposed Amendments**: There have been discussions and proposals to amend the Act to address its ambiguities and ensure that it is not misused to curb legitimate activities. --- ### Case Study: Nishant Agarwal ![Former BrahMos engineer Nishant Agarwal gets life imprisonment for spying for Pak's ISI | UPSC](https://daijiworld.ap-south-1.linodeobjects.com/Linode/images3/isi_030624_1.jpg) **Background** - Nishant Agarwal was a former engineer at BrahMos Aerospace, a key organization responsible for the development of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. - He was employed in the technical research section of the company for four years. **Arrest and Charges** - Agarwal was arrested from his residence in Nagpur in 2018 by the anti-terror squads of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. - He was accused of leaking sensitive information to the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan. **Court Verdict** - The Nagpur district court sentenced Agarwal to life imprisonment under the Official Secrets Act for leaking sensitive information. - Additionally, he received 14 years of rigorous imprisonment and was fined ₹3,000. - The charges included violations under Section 66 (f) of the IT Act and various sections of the OSA. ### Conclusion The Official Secrets Act is crucial for safeguarding India's national security. The case of Nishant Agarwal underscores the importance of the Act in protecting sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands, which could have serious implications for national security. The stringent penalties under the OSA serve as a deterrent against espionage and unauthorized disclosure of classified information. ## Sign up for UPSCprep.com Simplify your UPSC journey Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### What is ISRO's PraVaHa? URL: https://www.upscprep.com/what-is-isro-pravaha/ Last updated: 2024-06-05T19:45:00.000Z The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has developed a sophisticated **Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)** software named **Parallel RANS Solver for Aerospace Vehicle Aero-thermo-dynamic Analysis (PraVaHa)**. ![](https://www.civilsdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pravha.jpg.webp) This software, developed at ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), is a significant advancement in the field of aerospace engineering and has several critical applications. ### Key Features of PraVaHa - **Simulation Capabilities**: - **External and Internal Flows**: PraVaHa can simulate both external and internal flows on various aerospace vehicles, including launch vehicles and re-entry vehicles (both winged and non-winged). - **Aerodynamic and Aerothermal Loads**: It predicts aerodynamic and aerothermal loads, which are crucial for designing the shape, structure, and Thermal Protection System (TPS) of aerospace vehicles. ### **Applications** - **Launch Vehicles**: Used for aerodynamic analysis of human-rated launch vehicles such as HLVM3. - **Re-entry Vehicles**: Essential for understanding airflow around Crew Modules (CM) during earth re-entry. - **Crew Escape System (CES)**: Analysis of aerodynamic behavior during emergency escape scenarios. ### **Technical Specifications** - **Perfect Gas & Real Gas Conditions**: Currently operational to simulate airflow under these conditions. - **Chemical Reactions**: Validations are underway to simulate chemical reactions that occur during air dissociation upon earth re-entry and combustion in scramjet vehicles. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/1.-UPSCprep-Banner-11.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ### **Significance of PraVaHa** - **Enhanced Design Capabilities**: - **Aerodynamic Design Studies**: Facilitates the evaluation of a large number of configurations during the initial aerodynamic design studies for launch vehicles. - **Thermal Protection**: Helps in designing effective TPS by predicting heat flux and external pressure accurately. - **Improved Safety and Reliability**: - **Human-rated Missions**: Extensively used in the Gaganyaan program, enhancing the safety and reliability of human spaceflight missions. - **Acoustic Noise Reduction**: Addresses unsteady aerodynamic issues that contribute to significant acoustic noise during missions. - **Cost and Time Efficiency**: - **Numerical Simulations**: Reduces the need for extensive physical testing by providing accurate numerical simulations, thereby saving time and costs in the design and testing phases. - **Technological Advancement**: - **Indigenous Development**: This represents a significant technological advancement by ISRO, showcasing India's growing capabilities in aerospace technology. - **Global Competitiveness**: Enhances India's position in the global aerospace sector by developing cutting-edge simulation tools. ### Broader Implications - **Space Exploration**: - **Mission Planning**: Facilitates better planning and execution of complex space missions by providing detailed aerodynamic and aerothermal analysis. - **Re-entry Missions**: Critical for the success of re-entry missions, ensuring the safe return of spacecraft and crew modules. - **Defence Applications**: - **Missile Technology**: Can be applied to improve the design and performance of missile systems, enhancing national defence capabilities. - **Academic and Research Contributions**: - **Research Tool**: This tool provides a valuable tool for academic and research institutions to study fluid dynamics and aerodynamics in aerospace applications. - **Collaboration**: Opens up opportunities for collaboration with international space agencies and research organizations. ### Conclusion The development of PraVaHa by ISRO marks a significant milestone in India's aerospace capabilities. - It enhances the design and safety of aerospace vehicles and positions India as a leader in aerospace technology. - This advancement is crucial for the success of future space missions, including human spaceflight programs like **Gaganyaan**, and has broader implications for defence and research sectors. Understanding the technical and strategic significance of such developments is essential for UPSC aspirants, particularly in the context of Science and Technology in the GS-III syllabus. ## Sign up for UPSCprep.com Simplify your UPSC journey Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Launch of Agnibaan Rocket URL: https://www.upscprep.com/launch-of-agnibaan-rocket-agnikul-cosmos-isro-space-sector-upsc/ Last updated: 2024-06-05T18:40:06.000Z Agnikul Cosmos successfully carries out a su-orbital test-flight of its home-built 3D-printed semi-cryogenic rocket Agnibaan from its own launch pad at Sriharikota. ![Agnikul Cosmos successfully carries out a su-orbital test-flight of its home-built 3D-printed semi-cryogenic rocket Agnibaan from its own launch pad at Sriharikota.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/image-26.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/image-25.png) The successful launch of the Agnibaan rocket by Agnikul Cosmos marks a significant milestone in India's space sector. - It highlights the growing **role of private companies in space exploration** and satellite launches. ### Significance - **First Private Rocket Launch**: - **Skyroot Aerospace**: Launched the Vikram rocket in November 2022. - **Agnikul Cosmos**: Launched the Agnibaan rocket, powered by the world’s first **3D-printed engine**, from its own launchpad at ISRO’s Sriharikota facility. - **Engine**: Semi-cryogenic engine named **Agnilet**, entirely 3D-printed. - **Launchpad**: First privately owned launchpad in India. ### What is Agnibaan? ![Agnikul Cosmos: Launched the Agnibaan rocket | UPSC Current Affairs](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/image-21.png) - Agnibaan is a highly customizable 2 stage launch vehicle. - **Variants**: Capable of carrying payloads between 30 kg and 300 kg to lower Earth orbits, around 700 km high. - Agnibaan can access both **low and high-inclination orbits** - It is completely mobile—designed for accessing more than 10 launch ports. - Driven by **LOX/Kerosene engines** in all its stages, Agnibaan is **configurable** by the customer. - Agnibaan doesn’t fly with the same number of engines all the time. - The mission, the satellite and the launchport itself would decide how many engines go on the first stage. ![Agnikul Cosmos: Launched the Agnibaan rocket, powered by the world’s first 3D-printed engine, from its own launchpad at ISRO’s Sriharikota facility.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/image-24.png) ![Agnikul Cosmos: Launched the Agnibaan rocket, powered by the world’s first 3D-printed engine, from its own launchpad at ISRO’s Sriharikota facility. | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/image-23.png) ![Agnikul Cosmos: Launched the Agnibaan rocket, powered by the world’s first 3D-printed engine, from its own launchpad at ISRO’s Sriharikota facility. | UPSC](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/image-22.png) ### **Small Satellite Market** **What is Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)?** ![Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) - Civilsdaily](https://d18x2uyjeekruj.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/sslv.jpg) ![Small Satellite Launch Vehicle | 27 Jan 2022](https://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1643272554_Small_Satellite_Launch_Vehicle_Drishti_IAS_English.png) - **Definition**: SSLV is a type of launch vehicle designed to carry small payloads, typically up to 500 kg, to low Earth orbits. - **Features**: - **Cost-Effective**: Lower launch costs compared to larger launch vehicles. - **Flexibility**: Can be launched on-demand, catering to the needs of small satellite operators. - **ISRO’s SSLV**: Developed to meet the growing demand for launching small satellites for various applications like communications, disaster management, and scientific research. - **Payload Capacity**: Up to 500 kg. - **Launches**: Flown twice, with one successful launch. Both Agnikul and Skyroot are targeting the small satellite market to meet the growing demand for space-based applications. - **Future Prospects**: ISRO is developing a **second space port** at Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu, primarily for SSLV launches. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/1.-UPSCprep-Banner-9.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ### **3D Printing in Space Sector** **What is 3D Printing and its Usage?** - **Definition**: 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process of creating three-dimensional objects from a digital file by layering materials. - **Usage in Space Sector**: - **Prototyping**: Rapid creation of prototypes for testing and validation. - **Manufacturing**: Production of complex parts that are difficult or impossible to make with traditional methods. - **Cost Efficiency**: Reduces material waste and production costs. - **Customization**: Allows for the creation of customized parts tailored to specific missions. - **Advantages**: - **Efficiency**: Faster production times and reduced material waste. - **Cost Reduction**: Lower manufacturing costs. - **Customization**: Ability to produce complex and customized parts. - **Reliability**: Potentially fewer points of failure due to fewer assembled parts. - **Disadvantages**: - **Material Limitations**: Limited to materials that can be 3D printed. - **Quality Control**: Ensuring consistent quality and reliability can be challenging. - **Initial Costs**: High initial investment in 3D printing technology. ### **Private Sector Participation** - **Opportunities**: - **Innovation**: Increased innovation and technological advancements. - **Cost Efficiency**: Reduced costs through competition and private investment. - **Job Creation**: Generation of new jobs and skill development. - **Global Competitiveness**: Enhances India's position in the global space market. - **Challenges**: - **Regulation**: Need for robust regulatory frameworks to ensure safety and compliance. - **Funding**: Securing adequate funding and investment. - **Technology Transfer**: Ensuring effective technology transfer and collaboration with public sector entities like ISRO. - **Market Risks**: Navigating market risks and uncertainties. ### **Initiatives by Government** Initiatives by Government to Promote the Privatization of the Space Sector include: - **IN-SPACe**: Establishment of IN-SPACe to regulate and promote private sector participation. - **Policy Reforms**: Introduction of new policies to facilitate private sector involvement in space activities. - **Collaboration with ISRO**: Encouraging collaboration between private companies and ISRO for technology transfer and joint missions. - **Funding and Support**: Providing financial support and incentives to private space companies. - **Infrastructure Development**: Development of infrastructure like launchpads and spaceports to support private launches. ### **What is IN-SPACe?** - **Definition**: Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) is an autonomous agency under the Department of Space, Government of India. - **Purpose**: - **Regulation**: Authorizes and regulates private sector activities in space. - **Promotion**: Facilitates private sector participation in space missions. - **Support**: Provides technical and financial support to private space companies. ### **Conclusion** The launch of the Agnibaan rocket by Agnikul Cosmos signifies a turning point in India's space sector, showcasing the potential of private companies to contribute to space exploration and satellite launches. This development aligns with the government's initiatives to promote privatization and innovation in the space sector, paving the way for a more competitive and dynamic space industry in India. ### What are the types of government in a democracy? URL: https://www.upscprep.com/what-are-the-types-of-government-in-a-democracy-upsc/ Last updated: 2024-06-05T14:51:29.000Z ### 1\. **Parliamentary Democracy** - **Definition**: A system where the executive branch derives its legitimacy from and is accountable to the legislature (parliament); the executive and legislative branches are interconnected. - **Key Features**: - The head of state is different from the head of government. - The Prime Minister is the head of government and is usually the leader of the majority party in parliament. - The government can be dissolved by a vote of no confidence. - Examples: **United Kingdom**, **India**, **Canada**, **Australia**. ### 2\. **Presidential Democracy** - **Definition**: A system where the executive branch exists separately from the legislature and is not accountable to it; the president is both the head of state and the head of government. - **Key Features**: - The president is elected independently of the legislature. - Fixed terms for the president and the legislature. - Clear separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. - Examples: **United States**, **Brazil**, **Mexico**. ### 3\. **Semi-Presidential Democracy** - **Definition**: A system that combines elements of both parliamentary and presidential systems; the president exists alongside a prime minister and a cabinet. - **Key Features**: - The president is elected by the people and has significant powers. - The prime minister is appointed by the president but must have the confidence of the parliament. - The executive powers are shared between the president and the prime minister. - Examples: **France**, **Russia**, **Portugal**. ### 4\. **Direct Democracy** - **Definition**: A form of democracy where citizens have direct participation in decision-making processes. - **Key Features**: - Citizens vote on laws and policies directly rather than through elected representatives. - Often used in conjunction with representative democracy for certain decisions. - Examples: **Switzerland** (through referendums and initiatives), some U.S. states (through ballot propositions). --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/1.-UPSCprep-Banner-8.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ### 5\. **Representative Democracy** - **Definition**: A system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. - **Key Features**: - Regular, free, and fair elections. - Elected representatives are accountable to the people. - Examples: Most modern democracies, including **India**, the **United States**, and **Germany**. ### 6\. **Constitutional Democracy** - **Definition**: A system where the authority of the government is defined and limited by a constitution. - **Key Features**: - The constitution is the supreme law of the land. - Protects the rights and freedoms of individuals. - Examples: **United States**, **India**, **South Africa**. ### 7\. **Federal Democracy** - **Definition**: A system where power is divided between a central government and various regional governments. - **Key Features**: - Each level of government has its own responsibilities and powers. - Examples: **United States**, **India**, **Germany**, **Australia**. ### 8\. **Unitary Democracy** - **Definition**: A system where a single central government holds the majority of the power, with any regional authorities being subordinate. - **Key Features**: - Centralized authority. - Regional governments (if they exist) have powers delegated by the central government. - Examples: **United Kingdom**, **France**, **Japan**. ### 9\. **Liberal Democracy** - **Definition**: A form of democracy that emphasizes the protection of individual rights and freedoms, often through a constitution. - **Key Features**: - Rule of law. - Separation of powers. - Protection of civil liberties. - Examples: **United States**, **Canada**, European Union countries. ### 10\. **Social Democracy** - **Definition**: A political, social, and economic philosophy that supports political democracy alongside social ownership of the means of production, with an emphasis on social justice. - **Key Features**: - Welfare state provisions. - Redistribution of wealth. - Examples: Scandinavian countries like **Sweden**, **Norway**, **Denmark**. ### 11\. **Participatory Democracy** - **Definition**: A system that emphasizes broad participation of constituents in the direction and operation of political systems. - **Key Features**: - Encourages direct involvement of citizens in decision-making. - Examples: Local governance models, community-based decision-making processes. ### 12\. **Deliberative Democracy** - **Definition**: A form of democracy in which deliberation is central to decision-making. It adopts elements of both direct and representative democracy. - **Key Features**: - Emphasizes the role of discussion and debate in making decisions. - Examples: Citizens' assemblies, public consultations. By understanding these various types of government in a democracy, you will be well-prepared for questions related to political systems and governance in the UPSC examination. ## Sign up for UPSCprep.com Simplify your UPSC journey Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Previse 2025: Anglo Wars in India URL: https://www.upscprep.com/british-east-india-company-anglo-wars-in-india-history-upsc/ Last updated: 2025-05-01T05:43:04.000Z The term "Anglo-Wars in India" refers to a series of conflicts fought between the British East India Company (EIC) and various Indian kingdoms and empires over a period of about two centuries, from the 17th to the 19th centuries. These wars played a pivotal role in establishing British colonial rule over the Indian subcontinent. ## **Battle of Plassey 1757** - Fought between the East India Company led by Robert Clive vs. the Nawab of Bengal (**Siraj-Ud-Daulah**). - It was a historic turning point for the British in India as EIC won and established the political and military supremacy of the British in Bengal. ![Battle of Plassey ](https://cdn.britannica.com/89/65589-050-E68EE5EA/Edward-Braddock-British-troops-French-and-Indian.jpg?w=500&h=500) ![Factors, Significance and Impact of Battle of Plassey](https://vajiram-prod.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/Factors_significance_and_Impact_of_Battle_of_Plassey_5812e3a4e0.jpg) --- ## **Battle of Buxar 1764** - The British East India Company led by **Hector Munro** vs the combined armies of **Mir Qasim** (Nawab of Bengal); **Shuja-ud-Daulah** (Nawab of Awadh); and Mughal Emperor **Shah Alam II**. - The English won and **Treaty of Allahabad 1765** was signed which established British supremacy in North India. ![Battle of Buxar - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/34/Shah-alam-ii-mughal-emperor-of-india-reviewing-the-east-india-companys-troops-1781-1894_1247854.jpg) ![The Battle of Buxar (1764) - UPSC](https://edurev.gumlet.io/ApplicationImages/Temp/20278976_3f1330b0-6d12-49f2-83af-888c6b7a5a7a_lg.png?w=376&dpr=2.6) --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/1.-UPSCprep-Banner-7.png) [Join Now](https://courses.upscprep.com/products?ref=upscprep.com) --- ## **The Carnatic Wars** ![undefined](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9f/CarnaticRegion.jpg) ![First Carnatic War - Wikipedia](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f3/Surrender_of_The_City_of_Madras_1746.jpg) ![Carnatic wars - Wikipedia](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/21/Lev%C3%A9e_du_siege_de_Pondichery_1748_Louis_Sergent_Marceau_1789.jpg/300px-Lev%C3%A9e_du_siege_de_Pondichery_1748_Louis_Sergent_Marceau_1789.jpg) ### **First Carnatic War (1740-48)** - The First Carnatic War was an extension of the Anglo-French War caused by the **Austrian War of Succession.** - The **Battle of St. Thome** (in Madras) was fought among the French forces, the Nawab of Carnatic Anwar-ud-din and the British. - It ended in 1748 when the **Treaty of Aix-La Chapelle** was signed. ### **Second Carnatic War (1749-54)** - **Nizam-ul-Mulk**, the Mughal governor of the Deccan died in 1748. - **Nasir Jang**, the son of the Nizam acceded to the throne of Hyderabad which was opposed by Muzaffar Jang, grandson of the Nawab. - **Anwar-ud-Din** had been appointed Nawab of the Carnatic in 1743 which was resented by Chanda Sahib. - The French supported **Muzaffar Jang and Chanda Sahib** while the English sided with Nasir Jang and Anwar-ud-din. - Muzaffar Jang, Chanda Sahib and the French defeated and killed Anwar- ud-din at the **Battle of Ambur** (near Vellore). - Robert Clive suddenly raided Arcot and Chanda Sahib was executed by **Muhammad Ali** who was later installed as the Nawab of Carnatic. ### **Third Carnatic War (1758-63)** - The French under Count **Thomas Arthur de Lally** captured the English forts of **St. David and Vizianagaram** in 1758. - The English General **Eyre Coote** routed the French army under Count de Lally at **Wandiwash**. --- ## **Anglo-Mysore Wars** ![Mysore Wars | Definition, Years, & Facts | Britannica](https://cdn.britannica.com/52/235852-050-DDA090DB/Storming-of-Seringapatam-May-4-1799-Mysore-Wars.jpg) ![Image](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FbGUgywagAYZ9Pr?format=jpg&name=medium) ### **First Anglo-Mysore War (1767-69)** - It started when the East India Company joined the Nizam of Hyderabad against **Hyder Ali** in return for the cession of the Northern Sarkars. - The British, Marathas and the Nizam declared war on Mysore. - Hyder Ali took Marathas and the Nizam to his side which resulted in his victory and the **Treaty of Madras** was signed. ### **Second Anglo-Mysore** War **(1780-84)** - The **Marathas attacked Mysore** in 1771, and the British refused to honour the Treaty of Madras. - But Hyder Ali made an alliance with the Nizam and the Marathas and **defeated the British forces in Arcot.** - **Treaty of Mangalore** was signed. ### **Third Anglo-Mysore War (1786-92)** - **Tipu Sultan** succeeded Hyder Ali and took French help in modernizing the military. - Tipu declared **war on Travancore** in 1789, a friendly state of the British. - The English were led by Lord Cornwallis and war ended with the **Treaty of Seringapatam.** ### **Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1799)** - Tipu **refused to accept the Subsidiary Alliance** of Lord Wellesley, due to which the English, along with Marathas and Nizams, attacked Tipu. - The British won at Seringapatam and Tipu’s territories were divided between the British and the Nizam of Hyderabad. --- ## **Anglo-Maratha War** ![Second Anglo-Maratha War - Wikipedia](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/Battle_of_Assaye-1.jpeg) ![UPSC & PCS NOTES on X: "🔘 MODERN HISTORY" • Anglo Maratha War (1775-1818) • Anglo Mysore War (1767-1799) • Carnatic War (1740-1763) - Year and Place - People Involved - Treaties -](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GGMPc-2XsAA1W8o.jpg) ### **First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-1779)** - The death of **Madhav Rao** resulted in infighting, and Nana Phadnavis granted a port on the west coast to the French. - The Marathas, under Mahadji Shinde, won against the English at the **battle of Wadgaon.** ### **Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803-05)** - In the **Battle of Poona**, Yashwant Rao Holkar defeated the Peshwas and the Scindias. - Baji Rao II sought British protection and signed the **Treaty of Bassein**. - Scindias and the Bhonsles rejected this treaty, and a second Anglo-Maratha war started. - Large parts of central India came under British control. ### **Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-18)** - It was started due to the British conflict with the **Pindaris**. - The Maratha chiefs Peshwa Bajirao II, Malharrao Holkar and Mudhoji II Bhonsle forged a united front against the English but the **British won decisively**. --- ## **Anglo-Afghan War** ![Anglo-Afghan Wars | History, Significance, & Facts | Britannica](https://cdn.britannica.com/77/122077-050-ED5E40F2/army-British-Urghundee-Afghanistan-First-Anglo-Afghan-War.jpg) ![First Afghan War | National Army Museum](https://www.nam.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/slice_lg/public/2019-04/105326_slice.jpg.webp?itok=_GGcxwqo) ### **First Anglo-Afghan War** - Governor General **Lord Auckland** ordered the invasion of Afghanistan in 1838 due to growing Persian and Russian influences. - The **fortress of Ghazni** was breached and the British restored Shah Shuja to the throne. - New governor-general of India**, Lord Ellenborough**, retreated from Afghanistan, **Dost Moḥammad** was restored to the throne in 1843 and the Treaty of Peshawar (non-interference) was signed. - The death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1839 and the end of the First Anglo-Afghan War gave way to a series of Anglo-Sikh Wars. ### **Second Anglo-Afghan War** - Under **Viceroy Lytton**, the British attacked Afghanistan, and Sher Ali fled his capital in 1878. - Sher Ali’s son, **Yakub Khan,** signed the ‘Treaty of Gandamak’ for peace. - In 1880, **Ripon replaced Lytton** as the Viceroy and the policy of non-interference was continued. --- ## **Anglo-Sikh War** ![Sikh Wars | Anglo-Sikh, Punjab, Maharaja Ranjit | Britannica](https://cdn.britannica.com/12/198412-050-D0D41009/Battle-of-Sobraon-First-Sikh-War.jpg?w=500&h=500) ![The Battle of Aliwal: A Decisive Clash in the First Anglo-Sikh War - TheDailyGuardian](https://thedailyguardian.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/3-81.jpg) ### **First Anglo-Sikh War (1845-46)** - After the **death of Ranjit Singh**, the Sikh forces crossed the Sutlej and took the offensive against the English forces. - **Maharaja Duleep Singh** was against the British but the latter won and the Lahore Treaty was signed. ### **Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848-49)** - The battle was fought near Chenab and was won by the British forces. - The famous Koh-i-Noor diamond went into British hands. ## Sign up for UPSCprep.com Simplify your UPSC journey Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. _Includes the latest 500 public posts. Use `/sitemap.xml` for the complete archive of public content._