GS1 05 May

INSIGHTSIAS
IA SIMPLIFYING IAS EXAM PREPARATION
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

MAINS 2020
GS- I
MAY 2020
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Table of Contents
Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to
modern times. ................................................................................................................................... 7
Why were the teachings of Buddhism an appealing alternative to Hinduism for people in lower
castes? Analyse.(250 words) ......................................................................................................... 7
Gigantic, strong and affluent buildings of Mughals were nothing but one of the means to get the
legitimacy in India. Analyse.(250 words)....................................................................................... 8
Comment on the unique features of Vesara tradition of Indian Hindu temple architecture that
distinguished it from Dravida and Nagara styles.(250 words) ..................................................... 10
Medieval Indian Architecture is a synthesis of indigenous styles and external influences that has
lent it a unique characteristic of its own. Examine.(250 words) .................................................. 13
Elucidate key features of Indus valley civilisation with suitable examples from prominent
archeological findings.(250 words) ............................................................................................. 15
Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant
events, personalities, issues. ........................................................................................................... 17
Ambedkar and Gandhi had distinctive approach towards depressed classes though
fundamentally they aimed at social -economic emancipation of classes. Comment.(250 words)
.................................................................................................................................................... 17
Nehru-Liaquat pact is not only a landmark agreement in the history of modern India, but also a
legacy of frameworks of international relations of the past. Elucidate.(250 words) ................... 19
Discuss the contributions of Veer Savarkar to the National Freedom Struggle Movement of
India. (250 words) ....................................................................................................................... 22
In the context of new social movements of Independent India , Discuss the key features of the
New Farmer’s movements.(250 words) ...................................................................................... 23
Discuss specific challenges that were witnessed especially during the integration of North-East
India post-independence.(250 words) ........................................................................................ 26
The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different
parts of the country. ........................................................................................................................ 28
Yet the fulcrum for Indian National movement was in Bengal and regions around it, the
contributions from other parts of India really made it a “national” movement. Elucidate. (250
words) ......................................................................................................................................... 28
“What the reforms of 1909 gave to people of country was more of a shadow than substance.”
Analyze the statement. (250 words) ........................................................................................... 31
Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India. ........................................................................ 36
what is collective conscience of society? How does it affect the society? Explain with suitable
example.(250 words) .................................................................................................................. 36
Account for some of the key critical vulnerabilities of Indian society that the COVID-19 pandemic
has exposed.(250 words) ............................................................................................................ 38
Role of women and women’s organization ...................................................................................... 41

The culture of permissiveness with respect to violence against women continues to be the root
cause for the Indian society to have a “Locker Room At every Home”, critically analyse the
statement. (250 words)............................................................................................................... 41
What are the key problems in implementing social security for women especially in the informal
sector? Discuss the need to address the social security aspects in the country with special focus
on women.(250 words) ............................................................................................................... 44
Population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues. ............................................. 47
Can villages be a big part of the new growth story of India? Analyse in the context of ongoing
pandemic situation.(250 words) ................................................................................................. 47
Critically examine the economics of Alcohol addiction in the country (250 words) .................... 48
Migrants’ vulnerability is newly visible, but not new, do you agree? Critically analyse in the light
of recent train accident of Maharashtra’s Aurangabad district.(250 words) ............................... 51
It is time for the Government to intervene in publicity of local products and strengthen rural-
urban linkages and promote much needed non-farm employment, Discuss.(250 words) .......... 53
Salient features of world’s physical geography. ............................................................................... 55
What is a Magnetosphere? How it is formed? Discuss the significance of studying it.(250 words)
.................................................................................................................................................... 55
Discuss in detail the classification of tropical cyclones as suggested by IMD.(250 words) .......... 57
Discuss the impact of western disturbances on the Indian weather systems.(250 words).......... 59
Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian
subcontinent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector
industries in various parts of the world (including India) .................................................................. 62
Discuss the prospects and problems of Aluminum industry in India in the current times.(250
words) ......................................................................................................................................... 62
Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc. .. 65
What is a heat wave? Explain the occurrence of it in India and discuss how long can it last?(250
words) ......................................................................................................................................... 65



Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and
Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Why were the teachings of Buddhism an appealing alternative to Hinduism for people in
lower castes? Analyse.(250 words)
Reference: un.org
Why this question:
The question is from the static portions of GS paper I , ‘Vesak’, the Day of the Full Moon in the month
of May, is being observed by United Nations on May 7, 2020. It is also known as Buddha Purnima and
Buddha Day. Thus the question.
Key demand of the question:
One has to analyse as to why the teachings of Buddhism were an appealing alternative to Hinduism
for people in lower castes.
Directive:
Analyze – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the
topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Present briefly the coming of Buddhism as a religious doctrine.
Body:
Buddhism started in India over 2,600 years ago as a way life that had a potential of transforming a
person. The religion is based upon the teachings, life experiences of its founder Siddhartha Gautama,
born in circa 563 BCE. At first it was said that Buddhism was more appealing to lower castes since it
stated that the path to salvation could be attained in this life. Buddhism’s individual outlook and
disregard for the caste system in attaining enlightenment were appealing to people in lower castes.
Conclusion:
Conclude with importance and relevance of Buddhism in today’s times.
Introduction:
Buddhism has a strong individualistic component: everyone has responsibility for their own
happiness in life. Buddha presented the Four Noble Truths as guiding principles: there is suffering in
life; the cause of suffering is desire; ending desire means ending suffering; and following a
controlled and moderate lifestyle will end desire, and therefore end suffering. In order to achieve
these goals, the Buddha presented the Noble Eightfold Path: right belief, right resolve, right
speech, right conduct, right occupation, right effort, right mindfulness, and right samadhi—or
meditation. According to Buddhist practice, following the Noble Eightfold Path will ultimately result
in being liberated from samsara, the cycle of rebirth and suffering.
Body:
Buddhism- an appealing alternative to people of lower castes:
In the past:
 “Once sub-human, always sub-human” is the root belief animating the exquisitely cruel
behaviour of upper-caste Hindus towards the lowest castes in India.
 The dalits, meaning broken people have endured contempt quietly for centuries, either because
they were helpless or because they had internalised the humiliations heaped upon them, or
both.
 The only real escape had been to repudiate Hinduism and embrace another faith predicated on
human equality.

 The Buddha realized that without equality in the society it is impossible to create a peaceful and
harmonious society.
 The Buddha stood for equality, not only between men and women, but also between individuals
irrespective of their social, economic, and political backgrounds.
 He envisioned a casteless and classless society. His quest was to annihilate hierarchy in every
form.
 When he constituted his Sangha, equality was the organising principle of his community– thus
creating a prototype of the society so that the larger community can emulate how to relate with
each other on the basis of equality, respect, and dignity.
 Buddhism appealed to people of lower castes because it emphasized individuals’ path to
enlightenment and salvation, which could be attained in this life.
 Buddhism also received state support from Emperor Ashoka, who converted to Buddhism in 260
BCE.
 Buddhism doesn’t include a caste system – it teaches equality and that everyone is capable of
reaching nirvana through personal improvement.
 By converting to Buddhism, members of the lower caste could escape the discrimination they
have suffered under the caste system and be treated as equals by other Buddhists.
Contemporary times:
 The practice of untouchability is outlawed by the constitution of India. It is the oldest system of
degradation of human beings. And, it is still practised in rural, as well as in urban India.
 It is also evident that the degree of assertion has risen among the Scheduled Castes all over
India.
 They are resisting the graded hierarchy and inequality by all means possible.
 Buddha himself criticized caste as an institution; and, in the 20th century many low-caste
Hindus, under the influence of Ambedkarite teachings rediscovered and converted to Buddhism
in order to escape caste discrimination.
 The Ambedkarite movement is infused with ethos taught and practiced by Babasaheb
Ambedkar. The movement is increasingly influenced by Buddhism: the religion of peace and
human enlightenment following the great conversion movement launched by Babasaheb
Ambedkar in 1956.
 That is why thousands of dalits even today convert to Buddhism.
 The resurgent Buddhism is the symbol of radical transformation in modern India.
 Buddhism has become the mainstream religion after a gap of many centuries.
 Besides Scheduled Castes, the Tribals and OBCs are gradually turning towards it.
 Buddhism is holding the banner of democracy.
Conclusion:
Buddhism offers much needed confidence and dignity to the people who are forced to feel inferior
and condemned by the caste-based social order. This confidence is evident in their rise from the hell
of caste and their advent into the land of confidence and dignity. Buddha, after all, taught that the
freedom of mind and wisdom is not privy to a class of people, it can be attained by all who struggle
and strive to transform not only themselves, but also the people around them.
Gigantic, strong and affluent buildings of Mughals were nothing but one of the means
to get the legitimacy in India. Analyse.(250 words)
Reference: Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania
Why this question:
The question is premised on the aspects of architecture and the intent of it to the empires of the time.
Architecture provides an insight into the system of structural thought used by a society to
conceptualize their world.
Directive:
Introduction:
Explain the fact that Rulers use architecture as a means to represent their rule and demonstrate their
power over the people they rule. In doing so, they embody the nature of their rule in plans of building
and cities.
Body:
To start with explain the significance and motto behind such architecture of such scale. Depicts their
power to mobilize the resources in the state, explain that they depict visual statements of their
ideology of power. Such architecturally based structural thought includes an understanding of social
and political Relationships. Give examples to justify such as Mughal architecture epitomized a certain
political and cultural ideology – the mosques, palaces and garden served as symbol of Mughal
presence and authority highlighted the social and cultural hegemony established by Mughals.
Conclusion:
Conclude with significance.
Introduction:
Mughal architecture, building style that flourished in northern and central India under the patronage
of the Mughal emperors from the mid-16th to the late 17th century. The Mughal period marked a
striking revival of Islamic architecture in northern India. Under the patronage of the Mughal
emperors, Persian, Indian, and various provincial styles were fused to produce works of unusual
quality and refinement.
Body:
The commencement of Mughal Era in India brought about a lot of changes in the overall mien of the
country, the examples of which are present even today in the form of majestic monuments, forts,
palaces, and tombs. The chief characteristics of the Mughals buildings was the bulbous graceful
dome, the cupolas at the corners standing on slender pillars, magnificent palace hall and the lofty
vaulted gateway.
Reasons for massive structures:
 Monuments epitomize an imperative part of cultural heritage, where distinct characteristics,

traditions, influences and ideas are constructed as well.
 The Mughal rulers took ardent concern in the art of architecture.
 Initially, all building activity of the Mughals was focused on functional needs such as building
forts, mosques, places for a congregation. These spaces were built to showcase the authority
and the might of the new ruling classes.
 Once the leadership of the Mughals was established in India, the construction activity
underwent a massive change. Buildings were now designed to be pleasure palaces for the
royalty.
 The enormous wealth and power available with the great Mughals enabled them to construct
buildings of supreme beauty and lay out extensive pleasure gardens and new cities.
 From the famous Taj Mahal in Agra to the Red Fort all Mughal buildings were meant to impress.
 This was partly due to the reason that the Mughals wanted to consolidate their position in the
newly conquered territory.
 Also, the Mughal buildings were meant to signify the authority of the Mughals over its subjects.
 The structures bear witness to Mughal rulers’ unquestionable capacity as a great builder and as
a great organizer and ruler of men.
 Further, the Mughals built with a strong religious influence. Their buildings adhered to all Islamic
norms and often had many a carving with representing Islamic scriptures.
 The reason behind (to an extent) was to influence the majority Hindu population. The Mughals
brought with them a new religion to the country which they wanted the indigenous population
to adopt.
 Thus, all in all, Mughal buildings were primarily built on monumental scale. They unlike the
buildings of the bygone eras were not constructed on a private or a public scale.
Some examples of scale of structures built my Mughals:
 Jam-i-Masjid, which is one of the largest mosque in India was modelled on the pattern of
mosque at Mecca. This mosque measures 542 feet by 438 feet and has been described as the
“glory of Fatehpur”.
 The Buland Darwaja, a structure which is 176 feet high from the level of the ground and 134
feet above the raised plinth, dominates the entire city of Fatehpur Sikri. It is the highest gateway
in India and one of the biggest in the world. This structure is said to have been erected in 1601
A.D. to commemorate the victory of Akbar in the Deccan.
 The first great architectural achievement of Jahangir is the construction of Akbar’s
mausoleum at Sikandra. It is 74 feet high and has four minarets of white marble.
 A mosque of distinction built by Shah Jahan was Moti Masjid at Agra. This mosque was built by
Shah Jahan in honour of his daughter Jahanara. It measures 243 feet by 187 feet with three
bulbous domes of Central Asian design.
 The most outstanding monument of Shah Jahan is Taj Mahal at Agra. The main gate of the Taj
standing on a platform 211 feet square is three storeyed building. It is built of pure white marble
with a great tomb on the centre over the tomb, surrounded by four smaller domes of the chapel
in the four corners of the building. Four minarets stand at the angle of the terrace.
Conclusion:
Thus, stating the seemingly obvious, Mughal architecture developed into a one of a kind
architectural style which has withstood the test of time. It is appreciated widely by people all across
the world due to its distant features as discussed above. It is up to us architects of India to carry
forward and preserve our traditional styles of architecture and create something new that is looked
upon with pride by our future generations.
Comment on the unique features of Vesara tradition of Indian Hindu temple

architecture that distinguished it from Dravida and Nagara styles.(250 words)
Reference: Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania
Why this question:
The question is from the static portions of GS paper I and is based on the temple architecture aspects
of ancient and medieval India.
Explain the unique features of Vesara tradition of Indian Hindu temple architecture that distinguished
it from Dravida and Nagara styles.

Directive:
Comment– here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an
overall opinion thereupon
Introduction:
Briefly explain the coming of different styles of temple architecture in India.
Body:
The Vesara Style is hybrid temple architecture. It has features of both the Nagara and Dravidian Style
of Temple architecture. As we know that the Nagara Style is prevalent in North and Central India
Dravidian Style is prevalent in South India. Discuss the architectural details with suitable examples;
explain in detail how it differentiated itself from the other styles of temple architecture in the
country.
Conclusion:
Conclude with importance of these various styles of architecture.
Introduction:
The Vesara style also called the Chalukyan type possessed the Dravidian vimana and the Nagara-
type faceted walls. At times, the Vesara style of temples is also found as an independent style,
created through the selective mixing of the Nagara and Dravida orders. In the southern part of the
Deccan, i.e., in the region of Karnataka where some of the most experimental hybrid styles of vesara
architecture are to be found. Dodda Bassapa Temple at Dambal, Ladkhan Temple at Aihole and
Temples at the Chalukyan Capital Badami are few of the specimens of Vesara style.
Body:
Unique features of Vesara style of architecture:
 Ornamentation: In case of ornamentation of temple walls and pillars, Chalukyan temple

shows indigenous quality.

 Transformation of Dravida tower: The Chalukyan builders modified the Dravida towers by
minimizing the height of each storey and arranging them in descending order of height from
base to top with much ornamentation in each storey.
 Transformation of Nagara tower: Instead of inclined storey here modification is seen in the
vertical shape of the tower.
 Two special features of Chalukya temples – Mantapa and Pillars:
o Mantapa: The mantapa has two types of roof – domical ceilings (the dome like
ceilings standing on four pillars are very attractive) or Square ceilings (these are
vigorously ornamented with mythological pictures).
 Pillars: the miniature decorative pillars of Chalukya temples stands with its own artistic
value.
However, Vesara style had influence of both Dravida and Nagara schools of architectures:
Influence of Nagara tradition
 The plan of shrine, subsidiary shrine, panchayatan style bears similarity to Nagara School.
 The plan of vestibule joining the sanctum to mantapa bears resemblance to orissan temples.
 The most of the temple pillars in Karnataka region bears similarity to sekhari and bhumija type of
pillars in northern India.
 The stepped diamond plan that is a plan of design arrangement as seen in Chalukya temples is
from northern region.
 The most of the temples in kalyani portrays Nagara articulation projecting stepped diamond or
stellate plan.
Influence of Dravida tradition
 The Dravida influence is mainly visible in vimana of the Chalukya temples in first part of the
Chalukya rule.
 Combination of Nagara and Dravida style:
 Vesara sikhar or kadamba sikhara: It is a shikhara of Chalukya temple showing northern shikhara
and southern vimana features.
 Ornamentation: Miniature decorative towers and ornamentation of walls in Chalukya temples
show combination of both Nagara and Dravida style.
Special departure from Nagara and Dravida tradition:
In case of entrance hall to shrine Chalukya temple bears special uniqueness. It has two or more than
two entrances while
 There is a small closed mantapa to the shrine in Nagara temples.

 There is an enlarged, open and closed mantapa in Dravida temples
Conclusion:
Chalukya architecture is also called the precursor of Hoysala art. Thus, Vesara style was a confluence
of both Dravida and Nagara styles of architecture, yet, it had its own distinctive features which were
unique.

Medieval Indian Architecture is a synthesis of indigenous styles and external influences

that has lent it a unique characteristic of its own. Examine.(250 words)
Reference: Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania
Why this question:
The question is from the static portions of GS paper I and refers to Medieval Indian architecture and
the external influences that led to its unique characters.
Explain in detail how the Medieval Indian Architecture is a synthesis of indigenous styles and external
influences.
Directive:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it,
investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so
we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Introduction:
Give a brief introduction of medieval Indian architecture.
Body:
To start with, explain that Medieval Indian architecture accommodated the local and regional
cultural traditions and social requirements, economic prosperity, and religious practice of the time.
Indian architecture is a synthesis of indigenous styles and external influences which has lent it a
unique characteristic of its own. The medieval period saw the synthesis of Persian and indigenous
styles of architecture. List the variety of structures constructed at that time. Give examples to justify
better.
Conclusion:
Conclude that the historic structures ranging from military structures, mortuary, royal courts,
mosques, temples showcased the entire range of structures that catered to life in the medieval
period in India.
Introduction:
Medieval Indian architecture accommodated the local and regional cultural traditions and social
requirements, economic prosperity, and religious practice of the time. Medieval Indian architecture
is a synthesis of indigenous styles and external influences which has lent it a unique characteristic of
its own. The medieval period saw the synthesis of Persian and indigenous styles of architecture.
Structures meant for public activity including temples, mosques, tanks, wells, bazaars were built
highlighting the combination of needs, imagination, capacities of the builders and capabilities of the
workers.
Body:
Characteristics of Medieval Indian architecture:
 The extension of Islam into India in the 11th and 12th centuries introduced typical Muslim
architectural elements into mosques, tombs, and other structures on the subcontinent.
 These elements included such forms as the dome and the pointed arch as well as Islamic styles
of decoration.
 A Muslim kingdom known as the Delhi sultanate dominated northern India from the 1200s to
the 1500s. The Pashtun style of Islamic architecture developed in this period.
 Among the typical features of this style are red sandstone surfaces with white marble inlays and
arches in the shape of a pointed horseshoe. Windows were fitted with perforated screens.
 The buildings feature intricate and abundant decoration. Notable early Pashtun architecture in
Delhi includes the Quwat-ul-Islam mosque, a tall tower called the Qutb Minar, the tomb of the
sultan Iltutmish, and the Alaʾi Gate. Later Pashtun styles are represented by the tombs of the
Sayyid and Lodi kings.
 Many forts were built with sophisticated defence system. Most of these forts had ingenious
water structures designed for harvesting and storage, including step-wells, elaborate reservoirs
and channels.
 For example- The famous Srirangapatna fort, also called Tipu’s palace, in Mysore, Karnataka, was
built in 1537 in Indo-Islamic style. This magnificent fort is considered to be the second toughest
fort of India.
 From the mid-16th to the late 17th century, under the rule of the Mughal dynasty, northern
India saw a striking revival of Islamic architecture.
 Persian, Indian, and various local architectural styles were successfully combined. Mughal
architects produced structures of unusual refinement and quality.
 Though the Hindu and the Muslim architecture possessed the distinct features of their own, the
mingling of the two led to the rise of a new school of architecture sometimes designated
as “Indo-Islamic architecture”.
 Certain scholars have described it as “Indo Saracenic” or “Pathan”.
 It represented a blend of Brahmanical, Buddhist and Jain styles with those of western and
central Asia and northern African styles which the Muslims brought with them to India.
 It is very difficult to ascertain how much this architecture owed to the Hindu style and how much
to the Islamic system.
 Many grand mausoleums were built in the memories of royal members. For example, the Taj
Mahal, the mausoleums of Akbar (at Agra), Humayun (Delhi), Mohammed Adil Shah (Bijapur)
etc.
 Gardens with running water like Nishat Bagh in Kashmir, the Shalimar Bagh at Lahore and the
Pinjore garden in the Punjab were laid down.
 Many stepwells were built in medieval times. Stepwells are wells or ponds in which the water is
reached by descending a set of steps. They may be multi-storied with a bullock turning a water
wheel to raise the well water to the first or second floor.
 They are most common in western India and are also found in the other more arid regions of the
Indian subcontinent, extending into Pakistan.
 Some of the examples of Baori in medieval times are: Rani ka Vav(Gujarat), Chand baori in
Rajasthan, Agrasen ki Baoli in Delhi.
Rationale behind the synthesis of indigenous styles and external influences:
 The arrival of Turks during the thirteenth century led to the introduction of- the architectural
styles of Persia, Arabia and Central Asia.
 The salient features of these buildings were the domes, arches and minarets. So, during the
course of time blend of Islamic style with the Indian architecture culminated into Indo-Islamic
architecture with syncretic features.
 The palaces, mosques and tombs built by the rulers had these features which were blended with
the features of the indigenous architecture and a new synthesis in architecture was achieved.
 This happened because the Turkish rulers of Delhi utilized the services of the local Indian
craftsmen who were very skilful and had already constructed beautiful buildings.
 Though the buildings were designed by Muslim architects to suit the requirements of their
religious ideas, yet they were constructed by Hindu craftsmen who formed the finest artistry of
the world. Obviously the buildings had a combination of Indo- Islamic architecture.

 In the buildings that came up we find the simplicity of the Islamic structure as well as the
detailed sculptures and designs they made on their own indigenous structures.
 The early Muslim rulers constructed their palaces, mosques and other buildings out of the
materials acquired from demolition of Hindu temples and other buildings.
 A large number of mosques of this period were constructed by destroying certain portions of
Hindu temples and making the necessary changes in the buildings according to the Islamic
requirements.
 The Muslim rulers, particularly dismantled the Sikhars and roofs and erected domes and lofty
minars.
 In addition, the spirit of toleration and harmony was also to a large extent responsible for the
synthesis of the two architectures. A middle path was followed in all their designs in the
architecture of this period.
Conclusion
Thus, the historic structures ranging from military and defensive structures, mortuary, royal courts,
mosques, temples showcased the entire range of structures that catered to life in the medieval
period in India.
Elucidate key features of Indus valley civilisation with suitable examples from prominent
archeological findings.(250 words)
Reference: class XI Ancient Indian history by R S Sharma
Why this question:
The question is based on the thematic of Indus valley civilisation and its distinguishable key features.
Explain the key features of the IVC and substantiate them with suitable archeological findings.
Directive:
Elucidate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context.
You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated
facts.
Introduction:
Briefly explain the origin and expanse of the IVC, the Indus Valley Civilization was established around
3300 BC. It flourished between 2700 BC and 1900 BC (Mature Indus Valley Civilization). It started
declining around 1900 BC and disappeared around 1400 BC.
Body:
To start with, one can explain the salient features of Indus Valley Civilization like the first common
feature is Indus script on seals, town planning, fortified citadel at most of the cities, Houses with
kitchens and wells, tanks or water reservoirs etc. Give examples of the archeological evidences that
support them. the Archaeological Survey of India revealed the existence of a vast unique civilisation
in the north west of India, with its two urban centres at Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. Later
archaeologist dug out many other cities, such as Kalibangan, Kot Diji, Chanhu-daro, Dholavira,
Banwali, Sutkagendor, etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with relevance and importance of the civilisation even as of today.
Introduction
A flourishing civilisation emerged on the banks of river Indus in the second half of the third
millennium BCE and spread across larger parts of Western India. A marked feature if this civilisation
was the vivid imagination and artistic sensibilities. Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were the two major
cities if this civilisation.
Body
Features of Indus Valley Civilization
 Town planning Architecture
 Layout: The town were laid out in a rectangular grid pattern and the roads ran in North-
South and East-West direction cutting each other at right angles.
 Construction: The big roads divided the city into many blocks and smaller lanes were
used to connect housed to the main roads. Harappan used burnt bricks of standard
dimension for construction.
 Types of buildings: Dwelling houses, public buildings and public baths are commonly
found.
 Planning: The city was divided into two parts. An upraised citadel in the western part
was used for buildings of large dimensions, such as granaries, administrative buildings
and courtyard.
 The elite class stayed in the citadel part of the town.
 Granaries had strategic air ducts and raised platforms for storage and protection from
pests. Eg: The great granary in Mohenjo-Daro and 2 rows of 6 granaries in Harappa.
 Dockyard: Lothal in Gujarat is now called Manchester of Indus-Valley. Here ship remains and
instruments for measuring angles were also found.
 Public Baths: This is a remarkable feature of the civilisation which indicated the importance
given to ritualistic cleansing in the culture. Eg: The Great Bath of Mohenjo-Daro
 There are no cracks or leaks in the great bath which shows the engineering acumen of
the Harappan people.
 Drainage system: This is the most striking feature as small drains ran from small houses and
were connected to larger drains running alongside the main roads. They were covered loosely to
do periodic maintenance. Cesspits were placed at regular intervals.
 Use of seals: Seals were primarily used for commercial purpose. They were mostly square and
rectangle but circular and triangular were also used.
 Some seals were used as amulets as well as they were found on dead bodies.
 Pictographic script on seals have been found which might have been used for
educational purposes.
 Eg: Unicorn seal, Pashupathi seal made of Steatite.
 Bronze casting: There was a wide scale practice of bronze casting. They were made using the
lost wax technique or Cire Perdue. Eg: Bronze dancing girl of Mohenjo-Daro, broze bull of
Kalibangan etc.
 Pottery: There were plain and painted pottery (Red and Black pottery). They were mainly used
for household purposes for storage, decorative purposes and some for straining liquor as they
have perforations.

 Jewellery and clothing: Both men and women wore ornaments like necklaces, fillets, armlets
and finger rings. Girdles, anklets were worn only by women.
 Beads made of amethyst, quartz, steatite etc were quite popular as was evident from
excavation on Chanudaro and Lothal.
 For fabric cotton and wool was used. Spindles and whorls were made from expensive
faience as well as cheap clay.
Conclusion
The Indus valley civilization was the largest of all the four civilizations of the time and was
contemporary to the Mesopotamian civilisation. The features of Indus-Valley such as the planned
network of roads, houses and drainage systems indicate the planning and the engineering skills that
developed during those times.
Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the
present- significant events, personalities, issues.
Ambedkar and Gandhi had distinctive approach towards depressed classes though
fundamentally they aimed at social -economic emancipation of classes. Comment.(250
words)
Reference: Indian Express
Why this question:
International Labor Day is celebrated on May 1 to honor workers. Labor has an undeniable role in
shaping the nation’s fortune. Thus the question.
Explain the role played by Dr B R Ambedkar and Gandhiji in bringing social-economic emancipation of
classes, one has to explain and analyse how the two were different in their approaches though their
end goal was the same.
Directive:
Comment– here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an
overall opinion thereupon.
Introduction:
One can start by explaining the importance of social -economic emancipation of classes.
Body:
One must compare and contrast the approaches of the two mass leaders in ensuring social -economic
emancipation of classes. Highlight points like while Mahatma Gandhi’s efforts were mainly spiritual
and religious in character, Dr. Ambedkar’s efforts were mainly political and legal in character.
Ambedkar has been hailed as the emancipator of the depressed classes in the country He dominated
the Indian political scene during the most crucial time when India was going through a series of
political crises. He secured the important rights and liberties to the under-privileged in the country.
Discuss the contributions of the two in detail.
Conclusion:
Conclude with fair and balanced conclusion; highlighting the importance of the contributions of both
leaders to the Indian society.
Introduction:
Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869-1948) and Bhimrao Ambedkar (1891-1956) are among the major makers
of modern India. Their public careers began early, Gandhi’s in South Africa in the mid-1890s and
Ambedkar’s in western India in the early 1920s. They built on the work of nineteenth century and
early twentieth century religious and social reformers such as Ram Mohun Roy (1772-1833),
Mahadev Govind Ranade (1842-1901), Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902), Gopal Krishna Gokhale
(1866-1915), Swami Dayananda (1824-1883), and Jyotiba Phule (1827-1890). Each fought with rare
persistence and exceptional vigor to rid India of oppression from within and without. Once they
entered the public arena, there was no turning back for either of them. They maintained the
momentum in their struggles for justice and equality until the very end of their lives.
Body:
Gandhi and Ambedkar offered specific goals for and pathways to the creation of a just social order in
India. They differed over objectives as well as the methods for achieving their ends. In their long
public careers, both of them addressed a number of crucial social and political issues. How best to
remove untouchability was a major issue over which the two had fundamental differences from late
1920s onward. Perhaps it was to be expected that their very different backgrounds and
commitments took them on different paths in the struggle against internal and external oppression.
Gandhiji’s approach:
 Gandhi believed that standing at the heart of the inherited Hindu tradition, including its caste
system, it was possible to overcome untouchability.
 Gandhi’s insisted that untouchability was a blot on humanity and therefore upon Hinduism. It
cannot stand the test of reason. It is in conflict with the fundamental precepts of Hinduism.
 Untouchability was reform “custom masquerading under the name of religion.”
 He set out to reform but not to reject Hinduism.
 Gandhi held that if the country remains dependent on the master for its material necessaries,
education and social harmony it could never be independent.
 Gandhi’s love for the village was not that of a mystic or that of an orthodox, not one bound by
tradition alone; he fully realized that the downtrodden, ‘Harijans’, as he called them were tied
down to the village, so the village structure was of utmost concern in his scheme.
 Gandhi believed that freedom was never to be bestowed; it has to be wrested from authority by
those who demand it and intend to use it,
Ambedkar’s approach:
 For his part, Ambedkar initially sought equality within the Hindu tradition, hoping to gain a place
of religious and social equality with caste Hindus.
 For more than a decade, he struggled to overcome untouchability while staying within the Hindu
fold.
 Finding Hinduism too flawed to be a force for justice and the Hindu orthodoxy too resistant to
change, he gave up on Hinduism.
 As the representative of the Depressed Classes in the Round Table Conference, Ambedkar
forcefully pleaded for living wages, decent working conditions and the freedom of peasants from
the clutches of cruel landlords.
 He also fought for the removal of social evils that blighted the lives of the downtrodden.
 He went on to form the Independent Labour Party (ILP) in 1936 with a comprehensive
programme to meet the needs and grievances of the landless, poor tenants, agriculturists, and
workers.
 In September 1937, during the Poona session of the Bombay Assembly, he introduced a bill to
abolish the Khoti system of land tenure in Konkan.
 He opposed the introduction of Industrial Disputes Bill, 1937 because it removed the workers’
right to strike.
 Ambedkar piloted and introduced measures for labour welfare by laying the foundation for the
basic structure for the government’s labour policy. He tackled the knotty problems and won
esteem and respect from employees and employers alike.
 Ambedkar did not accept the Marxist position that the abolition of private property would bring
an end to poverty and suffering.
 After years of reflection and in the hopes of carrying along with him Dalits as well as caste
Hindus, a few days before he died, Ambedkar turned to Buddhism.
Conclusion:
Yet, in spite of their different approaches to ridding India of untouchability, each helped to
significantly weaken the hold of Hindu orthodoxy and as a consequence strengthened the social and
political status of the untouchables. Making the practice of untouchability unlawful by the new
Indian Government in 1950 was helpful, but it did not eradicate untouchability. Neither “affirmative
action” nor exclusively Dalit led and Dalit organized politics is as effective today as in earlier years.
Many years after Gandhi’s assassination and Ambedkar’s death, Hindu society remains caste- bound
and the untouchables are all too frequently brutalized. As we move further into the twenty-first
century, political leaders and social activists will do well to revisit Gandhi and Ambedkar and ask
what, if anything, that can be learned from them.
Nehru-Liaquat pact is not only a landmark agreement in the history of modern India,
but also a legacy of frameworks of international relations of the past. Elucidate.(250
words)
Why this question:
The article talks about the importance of Nehru-Liaquat pact as a landmark agreement in the past
and the way it has its inheritance in the frameworks of international relations.
Explain the significance of Nehru-Liaquat pact in the modern Indian history and its importance with
respect to the framework of International relations.
Directive:
Elucidate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context.
You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated
facts.
Introduction:
In short talk about the coming of Nehru-Liaquat pact in place.
Body:
To start with, explain that the plan was signed between the then prime minister of India Jawahar Lal
Nehru and his counterpart from Pakistan. It was signed Just after Independence of India in 1950. It
was signed in the background of the communal partition of India and Pakistan. List down the key
provisions of the pact. Discuss the points in favor and against the provisions of the pact. Explain in
what way it laid the foundation and inherited from the framework of international relations of those
times.
Conclusion:
Nehru-Liaquat pact defines the Indo-Pakistani relationship as one that could be negotiated in
inherited frameworks of international relations based on the paramount capacity of the nation state.
Introduction

On 8 April 1950, the prime ministers of India and Pakistan signed an agreement known as the
Nehru–Liaqat Pact to resolve the issue of protection of the minorities. This period saw India and
Pakistan facilitating a transfer of populations, rationalising bilateral relations after the violence of
Partition, sorting out canal-water issues and evacuee property disputes without the venom you see
between them today.
Body
The Nehru-Liaquat Pact, also known as the Delhi Pact, was a bilateral agreement signed between
India and Pakistan in order to provide a framework for the treatment of minorities in the two
countries.
Background
 The Mountbatten Plan to transfer power from the British to Indian hands was signed on June 3,
1947.
 Incredibly, in hindsight, most of the people in charge then did not envisage that the partition of
Bengal and Punjab would lead to mass population transfers.
 The need for such a pact was felt by minorities in both countries following Partition, which was
accompanied by massive communal rioting.
 Nearly 12 million (1.2 crore) Hindus and Muslims crossed the borders and nearly a million
perished in riots and the migration itself. The two countries had to resettle, feed and house a
group as large as the total population of Australia.
 In 1950 alone, as per some estimates, over a million Hindus and Muslims migrated from and to
East Pakistan (present day Bangladesh), amid communal tension and riots such as the 1950 East
Pakistan riots and the Noakhali riots.
Key Provisions of the Agreement
 Members of the minorities shall have equal opportunity with members of the majority
community to participate in the public life of their country, to hold political or other office, and
to serve in their country’s civil and armed forces.
o Both Governments declare these rights to be fundamental and undertake to enforce

them effectively
 Evacuees returning to their respective countries by December 1950 were promised back their
homes and lands. If this was not possible (restoration of immovable property) then government
would rehabilitate them and provide alternate arrangement.
o Both the governments also agreed to make efforts towards restoring looted property.
 The pact did not recognise forced conversions.
 It was decided that cabinets in East and West Bengal and Assam would include minority
representatives.
 Migrants were allowed to carry movable property and jewellery with them; adults allowed to
carry cash up to ₹150 each and children ₹75 each.
 There would be no harassment by the customs authorities. At each custom post, there would be
liason officer of each country posted to ensure this agreement is adhered strictly.

 The pact planned formation of minorities’ commissions in each country.
Laid the foundation for future International Relations
 The bilateral agreement, as Nehru justly claimed, pulled India and Pakistan from a precipice of
war.
 The most remarkable achievement noted is the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 which survived two
wars after it was signed.
 India did extract from it the advantage of using some water from Pakistan’s three “exclusive”
western rivers, Sindh, Chenab and Jhelum, for consumptive use, that is, agriculture.
 In general, the Government of India followed the policy of trying to improve relations with
Pakistan and, above all, to prevent the emergence of a climate of hostility and hatred.
 Nehru, in particular, repeatedly assured the people of Pakistan that India did not think of
Pakistan as an enemy .
 One of the reasons for this policy was the effort to preserve and strengthen the secular
atmosphere within India, which was being endangered by the communalism.
o It was bolstered by India’s spearheading of the Non-Aligned Movement during the cold
war period on the foundations of Panchsheel.
o Although India had to go to war with Pakistan due to former’s misdemeanour, the
agreement that followed had it’s roots in the Nehru-Liaqat pact.
 The Simla Agreement signed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
of Pakistan on 2nd July 1972 was much more than a peace treaty seeking to reverse the
consequences of the 1971 war (i.e. to bring about withdrawals of troops and an exchange of
PoWs).
o It was a comprehensive blue print for good neighbourly relations between India and
Pakistan.
 The Nuclear information exchange agreement was signed on December 31, 1988 and came into
force on January 27, 1991.
o The pact mandates the two countries to inform each other of nuclear installations and
facilities to be covered under the agreement on the first of January of every calendar
year.
 And, undoubtedly, it did serve that purpose in the long run, even though it failed to mollify
Pakistan or convince it of India’s good intentions.
Conclusion
Future Indo-Pak relations will require nimble footed diplomacy that has its roots in the principles of
Nehru-Liaqat pact. However, for any substantial talks to materialise, cross-border terrorism needs to
be ceased completely. As the Prime Minister has reiterated “terror and talks cannot go together”
and for Pakistan to gain India’s trust, it is the major requirement.

Discuss the contributions of Veer Savarkar to the National Freedom Struggle Movement
of India. (250 words)
Why this question:
The question is on the eve of 137th birth anniversary of Veer Savarkar.
Explain the contributions of Veer Savarkar to the National Freedom Struggle Movement of India.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the
details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for
and against arguments.
Introduction:
Veer Savarkar was born on 28 May, 1883 in the village Bhagpur, Nashik and died on 26 February,
1966, Bombay (now Mumbai). His full name is Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. He was a freedom fighter,
politician, lawyer, social reformer, and formulator of the philosophy of Hindutva.
Body:
In the body of the answer discuss why he is known as Veer Savarkar and his contributions in the
National Freedom Struggle. Discuss his contributions – He was known for his bravery and so earned
nickname ‘Veer’ that is a courageous person. He was influenced by his elder brother Ganesh who had
played an influential role in his teenage life. Veer Savarkar also became a revolutionary young man.
When he was young, he organised a youth group named ‘Mitra Mela’. He was inspired by radical
political leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Bipin Chandra Pal and engages the
group in revolutionary activities. He enrolled himself at ‘Fergusson College’ in Pune and completed
his Bachelor’s Degree. Discuss his works in Prison, his contributions to overall freedom struggle.
Conclusion:
Conclude with importance of his contributions.
Introduction
Veer Savarkar was born on 28 May, 1883 in the village Bhagpur, Nashik. His full name is Vinayak
Damodar Savarkar. He was a freedom fighter, politician, lawyer, social reformer, and formulator of
the philosophy of Hindutva.
Body
Contributions of Veer Savarkar to Indian Freedom struggle
 In Pune, Savarkar founded the “Abhinav Bharat Society”. He was also involved in the Swadeshi
movement and later joined Tilak’s Swaraj Party.
 His instigating patriotic speeches and activities incensed the British Government. As a result, the
British Government withdrew his B.A. degree.
 In June 1906, Veer Savarkar, left for London to become Barrister. However, once in London, he
united and inflamed the Indian students in England against British rule in India. He founded the
Free India Society.
 The Society celebrated important dates on the Indian calendar including festivals, freedom
movement landmarks, and was dedicated to furthering discussion about Indian freedom.
 He believed and advocated the use of arms to free India from the British and created a network
of Indians in England, equipped with weapons.
 In 1908, brought out an authentic informative researched work on The Great Indian Revolt,
which the British termed as “Sepoy Mutiny” of 1857. The book was called “The Indian War of
Independence 1857”.
 The British government immediately enforced a ban on the publication in both Britain and India.
Later, it was published by Madame Bhikaiji Cama in Holland, and was smuggled into India to
reach revolutionaries working across the country against British rule.
 When the then British Collector of Nasik, A.M.T. Jackson was shot by a youth, Veer Savarkar
finally fell under the net of the British authorities. He was implicated in the murder citing his
connections with India House. Savarkar was arrested in London on March 13, 1910 and sent to
India.
 In 1920, many prominent freedom fighters including Vithalbhai Patel, Mahatma Gandhi and Bal
Gangadhar Tilak demanded the release of Savarkar. On May 2, 1921, Savarkar was moved to
Ratnagiri jail, and from there to the Yeravada jail.
Relevance of his ideas in Indian society today:
 Savarkar was a modernist, a rationalist and a strong supporter of social reform.

 According to Savarkar, our movies should focus on the positives of the country, keep aside the
negatives and have pride in its victories. Our youth should be inspired by movies that focus on
the positive side of things.
 In his presidential address to the annual session of the Hindu Mahasabha held in Calcutta in
1939, Savarkar spoke about how Hindus and Muslims could bury their historical differences in a
common Hindustani constitutional state.
 Savarkar often called on his supporters to welcome the age of the modern machine.
 In an essay published in the magazine Kirloskar, and republished in a book of his essays on the
scientific approach, he argued that India would continue to lag behind Europe as long as its
leaders believed in superstition rather than science.
 He argued that any social reformer who seeks to root out harmful social practices or preach new
truths has first of all to compromise his popularity.
 A true social or religious reformer should only be driven by the desire to do good.
 Savarkar was a strong opponent of the caste system. He repeatedly argued that what the
religious books say about untouchability is irrelevant. The social practice was unfit for a modern
society.
Conclusion
Many of Savarkar’s ideas on social and religious reforms, embrace of science, and building a stronger
state continue to be relevant for India. His controversial position on Hindutva also continues to
inform current political debates. It is time that a wider set of scholars began to engage with
Savarkar’s ideas—including controversial ones.
In the context of new social movements of Independent India , Discuss the key features
of the New Farmer’s movements.(250 words)
Reference: India After Independence Bipin Chandra
Why this question:
The question is based on the theme of the New Farmer’s movements in the Modern India.
One has to highlight the specifics of new social movements of independent India and discuss the key
features of the New Farmer’s movements.
Directive:

Introduction:
Start by explaining what constituted new social movements in the independent India.
Body:
Emerging in 1970s and gaining farther momentum in 1980s, the farmers’ movement in India has
exposed some newer contradictions of Indian agrarian society. Discuss the key features of these
movements in the country.
Pan Indian scope, In contrast to the pre- 1950 peasant movements, which were largely region or
district specific or at best had one or two states as their field of operation, the farmers’ movement of
the 1970s and 80s has drawn their support, though not well coordinated always, from the farmers all
over India except few states like Kerala, West Bengal and the North- East. Hence, farmers’
movement has an almost universal presence throughout the length and breadth of the country.
Uniformity of demands, Common strategies of agitation etc. Discuss specific movements and their
leadership.
Conclusion:
Conclude by highlight their significance and their importance even as of today.
Introduction
India has a long history of peasant or farmers’ movement, dating back to the colonial period when
farmers in different parts of India revolted against Zamindars, landlords, British colonial masters or
powers including feudal lords.
The beginning of the New Farmers’ Movement in general is seen from the decade of 1980s.
However, its genesis requires to be stretched back to the earlier decade of 1970s. This was the
decade when farmers of green revolution area began to rally around political parties and leaders.
Body
Key Features of New Farmer’s movements
 Reasons: The major reasons were, terms of trade going against the agriculture, declining
purchasing power, un-remunerative prices, agriculture becoming losing proposition, increase
in input prices, declining per capita income from agriculture etc.
 Start of the movement: It all began in Maharashtra when Shetkari Sanghathana under Sharad
Joshi, a former employee of UN turned farmer, began agitating in village called Chakan in Pune
for remunerative prices for agricultural commodities, particularly for onion. This one point
agenda of remunerative prices began to be enacted by farmers in other states of India.
 Widening Scope: Except for the Maharashtra movement, in other movements, more than
remunerative prices the other issues received focus.
 The list of demands would cover each and every issue of farmers. Many a time the
demands of the farmers’ movement would include such issues as remunerative prices,
writing off loans, anti-government policy of procurement, levy policy, liberalisation
etc.
 Social Issues: Other than the economic issues, the farmers’ movement also focused on social
issues. In this respect the experiment done by the Karnataka Farmers’ Movement under Raitha
Sangha and Maharashtra movement under Shetkari Sanghathana are noteworthy.
 Both tried to address the issues of gender or women by organising massive rallies.

 The Maharashtra movement attempted to give women the property rights under the
programme called “Lakshmi Mukhti”.
 The Karnataka movement, on the contrary, organised a massive rally in Haliyal in 1983
for the purpose of shifting property relations at the rural side.
 Further, the Karnataka movement organised thousands of simple, inter-caste

marriages etc.
 In fact women’s issues were interwoven in its various struggles too. For example, in its
anti-social forestry, prohibition struggle, women’s issues were prominent.
 Local to global: One of the unique features of farmers’ movements is that they moved from
local to global.
 When globalisation was making serious inroads, some of the organisations went to
support or oppose globalisation for various reasons.
 Those who opposed globalisation, particularly Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha,

Bharatiya Kisan Union of Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, argued that globalisation would
destroy the identities of peasantry, introduce western hegemony, destroy cultural life
style, take away the right to produce, distribute and exchange agricultural
commodities etc.
 On the contrary those who supported globalisation saw in globalisation an answer to

rural backwardness, agricultural prosperity, and capitalist development.
Why is it called “New” Farmers Movement?
 The movement is economistic;
 The movement believes in secularism;
 It believes as well as resorts to constitutional means such as agitations and dharna. Infact
the Maharashtra movement added new dimension to agitational politics. It introduced new
strategies such as Gav Bhandi.
 It refused to glorify neither the pastoral agrarian pattern nor “has any nostalgic attachment
to an idealized romantic view of the village life before the advent of industrialisation”
(Sharad Joshi, 1986, p.312).
 The farmers’ movement believed in having a distinct worldview. This is called “positive
liberalism”.
Shortcomings of the movement
 They have not been effective in bringing radical transformation in the country side. This is
because of the fact that the movements, from the very beginning, were unable to overcome
the internal conflicts as well as contradictions.
 Secondly, they did not carry any radical agenda from within- for example they never
bothered to demand radical land reforms, nor were they concerned about the atrocities
perpetrated on marginal classes including the Dalits in the country side.

 Since the movements, from the very beginning, were identified with rich or market-oriented
farmers, the other categories received scant focus in their politics.
 This is the reason why they have been losing their social bases.
 Further, their operational areas are confined to those localities wherein the classes of rich or
market-oriented farmers have come to stay. This has further reduced their areas of
operation.
Conclusion
Despite a few differences the new farmers’ movement did bring about a paradigm shift in the
discourse, analysis and perception about farmers in India. It made the policy makers to address the
deep rooted crisis of agriculture as well as agrarian classes in India. It has also helped the farmers to
be a part of international movement against such issues as globalisation, imperialism and capitalism.
Discuss specific challenges that were witnessed especially during the integration of
North-East India post-independence.(250 words)
Reference: India After Independence Bipin Chandra
Why this question:
The question is specific to the challenges faced during integration of North-East India post-
independence.
Explain in detail what were the challenges faced integration of North-East India post-independence.
Directive:
Introduction:
Explain in short the context of the question.
Body:
Start by explaining how the regional aspirations of the North-East became the focal point of the
north-east and gained prominence in the 80’s. Explain/list down the various challenges of North-east
that were against the cause of Integration such as demand for autonomy, movements against
outsiders, secessionist movements etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with the recent movements too and that even after integration the region remains still
disconnected from the mainland in many terms.
Introduction
The history of the Indian nation-state is a history of integration of diverse ethnic groups. Different
methods were used to integrate the princely states of Manipur and Tripura and the adjoining hills
areas of Assam which now combine the present day Northeastern region.
Body
Background
 Before 1947, the whole of North- East India, excluding Manipur and Tripura was Assam.

 However, immediately after independence fissiparous forces lead to the dismemberment of

greater Assam resulting in the formation of seven North- Eastern sisters, namely Arunachal
Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura
 Geographically, this region is almost isolated from the rest of India.
 North- East is strategically important and is girdled by Tibet, Bhutan, China, Myanmar (formerly
Burma) and Bangladesh.
 It is linked to the rest of the country by a narrow Siliguri corridor in West Bengal.
Challenges witnessed in North-East India post-Independence
Northeast India is the homeland of large number of ethnic groups who came to the region from
different directions at different historical times. These groups belong to the different racial stocks,
speak different languages, and have varied socio cultural tradition. As a result the region has
become the epicenter of numerous ethnic nationalities.
 Isolation: More important than the geographical isolation and seeds of separateness during the
colonial rule is the cultural chasm and lack of psychological integration with the rest of the
country that makes for the distinctiveness of the region.
 The nationalist struggle for freedom which otherwise unified the diverse Indian
population did not touch the Northeast.
 The region remained immune to the process of 'Indianness.'
 Ethnic Strife: The profound economic and political changes in the wake of independence created
a sense of unease among the tribal population of the region.
 Eg: Brus were displaced from Mizoram to Tripura.
 Feelings grew that the tribal traditions would be submerged into the mainstream and a
new sense of identity and political consciousness led the tribal communities to
differentiate themselves from the heartland. Eg AASU agitation
 Demographic transformation
 During the post Bangladesh era, the All Assam Student‘s Union (AASU) started a
movement called Bideshi Khedao Movement which is also known as Assam Movement.
 The movement was actually triggered by the discovery of sudden rise of registered
voters in the electoral rolls in 1970s.
 Insurgency and violence
 The region witnessed the emergence of a number of extremist organizations challenging

the sovereignty and integrity of the Indian state.
 These include United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), National Democratic Front of
Bodoland, National Socialist Council of Nagalim, Kuki National Army, Garo Liberation
Front, Bru National Liberation Front, National Liberation Front of Tripura etc.
 The demands of these extremist groups vary from autonomy to secessionism and
sovereignty.

 State autonomy and secessionism
 The crisis of Naga identity and the Mizo movement was the outcome of the neglect of
Central and state governments during the famine.
 Mizoram was carved out of Assam first as a union territory and later was given
statehood.
 The Naga insurgency was a call for creation of Greater Nagalim as a land for the
indigenous people.
 Trans-border migration from Bangladesh is a major factor for the problems in Assam and other
areas of the North East.
 The point that Bangladesh immigrants are a source of communal and ethnic tension
was well proved by the Assam agitation and subsequent events.
 There are estimated to be 15 to 18 million illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in India, who

have spread to all the North Eastern States with bulk of them being in Assam.
 Social exclusion: For instance, it is argued that ―claims to ethno-nationalism of the Bodos can
be interpreted as closely intertwined with issues of institutional and social exclusion based on
language politics.
Conclusion
With the dawn of the new century, the decades old fighting slowly receded and the Indian
government has been successful in bringing the warring factions into confidence. Different peace
treaties were signed in return for laying down arms. In recent times the focus has been on economic
development which is believed to go a long way in mainstreaming north-east on par with the rest of
India.
The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors

/contributions from different parts of the country.
Yet the fulcrum for Indian National movement was in Bengal and regions around it, the
contributions from other parts of India really made it a “national” movement. Elucidate.
(250 words)
Reference: Modern Indian history by Spectrum publications.
Introduction:
The Nationalist Movements in India were organized as mass movements emphasizing and raising
questions concerning the interests of the people of India. In most of these movements, people were
encouraged to take action. Provincial roots of Indian nationalism, however, may be traced to the
beginning of the era of crown rule in Bombay, Bengal, and Madras.
Body:
Bengal and neighboring areas- the epicenter:
 Bengal, as West Bengal is popularly known, enjoys eminence for its immense contribution to
Indian Independence Movement.
 With the Battle of Plassey fought against the British East Indian Company in 1757, the seeds of
freedom struggle were sown in the soil of Bengal.
 It was the first rebellion to have paved the way for national freedom movement across the
county. Mangal Pandey, the first martyr in the history of Indian freedom struggle, was a noble
son of Bengal.
 In the early 20th-century, Bengal emerged as a hotbed of the Indian independence movement,
as well as the epicenter of the Bengali Renaissance.
 The Swadeshi Movement was the expression of the outrage triggered in Bengal by the partition
of the province of Bengal in 1905.
 Revolutionary nationalism emerged as a potent political force in Bengal in the wake of the
Swadeshi Movement in the first decade of the 20th century and thereafter it worked alongside
mainstream nationalism that was represented by the Congress party, sometimes in cooperation,
at other times along parallel tracks.
 Rabindranath Tagore who brought the Nobel Prize for literature to Bengal fired up the spirit of
the revolutionaries through his patriotic songs and poems: “Where the mind is without fear and
the head is held high”. Rammohan Roy, Swami Vivekananda and Kazi Najrul Islam carried the
torch of nationalism in British India.
 The freedom fighters of the then undivided Bengal (including both West Bengal and Bangladesh)
were such revolutionary figures as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Khudiram, Chittaranjan Das,
Surya Sen, Prafulla Chaki, Rash Behari Bose, Jatindranath Mukherjee and Matangini Hazra.
 Bengal was the epicenter of “Quit India” movement in 1942.
Contribution from North India:
 Punjab is known for the martyrdom of Bhagat Singh in the revolution against the British.
 A firm believer in the Marxist ideologies, he spread the fire of freedom movement throughout
the then undivided Punjab. He motivated the youth of Punjab to join the Indian Independence
Movement.
 Bhagat Singh was hanged at the age of 23.
 The Jallianwala Bagh massacre 1919 in Punjab was one of the deepest wounds inflicted to
Mother India.
 Today, this historical site with a memorial dedicated to the martyrs is a tourist attraction in
Punjab.
 The murder of British Police Officer John Saunders, was one of the greatest of Bhagat Singh’s
revolutionary activities.
 Chandra Sekhar Azad and Lala Lajpat Rai are the other noted revolutionary figures of Punjab.
Contribution from West India:
 If Bengal was instrumental in active revolution for freedom of the country, Gujarat in the west of
India followed the path of non-violence, shown by Mahatma Gandhi, in protest against the
British rule.
 Mahatma Gandhi, one of the most popular nationalists, was the axis of Non-cooperation
National Movement all over the country.
 Some of the epoch-making historic events such as the “Non-cooperation” movement, Civil
Disobedience movement “Quit India” movement and “Dandi March” were driven by his principle
and leadership.
 He had initiated the country with the mantra, “Do or Die”.

 Sardar Vallabhai Patel, an ardent follower of Gandhiji, is another name associated with the
country’s freedom struggle in Gujarat.
 The torch of Indian Independence Movement was borne throughout Maharashtra
 Among the freedom fighters of Maharashtra, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Gopal Krishna Gokhale,
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Vinoba Bhave and Dadabhai Naoroji were active nationalists and
strong advocates of freedom. It was Bal Gangadhar Tilak who shook the nation with his call for
“Swaraj” (self-rule).
 His voice, “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it”, was echoed all over the country. He was
one of the powerful vehicles driving the Boycott Movement and Swadeshi (Nationalist)
Movement against the Partition of Bengal in 1905.
 One of the senior leaders of Indian National Congress, Gopal Krishna Gokhale was a political
mentor to Mahatma Gandhi. He had forced the British rulers of India to allow the educated
Indians in the governing and policy making process.
Contributions from South India:
 Of the 72 original delegates who formed the Indian National Congress in 1885, 22 of them were
from Madras Presidency. In fact, the biggest contribution to the formation of Congress came
from Bombay and Madras presidencies in the form of organizations such as Madras Mahajana
Sabha and Poona Mahajana Sabha.
 The most important freedom movement in pre-Gandhi era was the Indian Home Rule
Movement, whose one of the main founders was S. Subramania Iyer. Along with Annie Beasant
(who was also based in Madras then) he helped create a strong grassroots organization that was
later utilized by the Mahatma. He later gave up his “Sir” title to protest the Jallianwallabagh
Massacre.
 The leading newspapers of the freedom fighters – The Hindu – was started in Madras in 1878
and was a torchbearer for freedom fight. The founders of the paper formed the core of the
original Indian National Congress.
 While most of the other revolts were political, an Indian dreamt to break the British Steam
Navigation Company’s monopoly over Indian trade and hurt the British where it really hurts –
economy. In 1906 V. O. Chidambaram Pillai started the first Indian-owned shipping company. So
threatening it was to the British rule that his ships were seized and he was immediately
sentenced to rigorous imprisonment. The trade revolt was decisive and gave others the dream
of throwing British owned monopolies and eventually the British.
 Srinivasa Iyengar established the Madras Swaraj Party that pushed for immediate self-rule for
India (while Indian National Congress was still ambivalent) and cornered all the seats in Madras
Presidency.
 Subramanya Bharathi – the legendary poet of TN aroused the Tamils for the cause of freedom
and made them restless. By the time Mahatma came to the state, it was already ready to push
for freedom.
 The first 3 recipients of Bharat Ratna were 3 Madras folks – C. Rajagopalachari (the last governor
general of India), Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (one of the greatest philosophers) and C. V. Raman.
All the 3 greatly brought pride to the freedom movement (the former two directly and the latter
indirectly by spreading scientific knowledge).
 On the extremist side there were V. V. S. Aiyar, Subramaniya Siva and Vanchinathan who used
acts of “violence” in getting rid of British and the former was exiled to French territory of
Pondicherry.

 One of the key events in India’s Satyagraha movement was the Vaikom Satyagraha in present
Kerala. It helped put an end to untouchability and strengthened the moral base of the freedom
struggle.
Contributions from North-East India:
 The Northeast participation in India’s freedom struggle is a tale of valour and courage which
started in the 19th century itself with a mass peasant uprising against the British and resistance
by the hill people. The political events in the rest of the country culminating in Independence in
1947, found a strong support and response in this region.
 The East India Company’s rule in the region effectively began with the Treaty of Yandabo in 1826
which ended the First Anglo-Burmese War. The victorious British, then, seized control of the
region.
 The successive years saw an increasing opposition to British subjugation.
 In Arunachal Pradesh, Matmur Jamoh refused to bow down to the Britishers. He breathed his
last in Andaman’s Cellular Jail where he was lodged after killing a British officer.
 Among others who rose against the colonialists was Rani Gaidinliu. A Naga spiritual leader, she
became a leading political figure in Manipur.
 She was arrested at the age of 16 and spent 14 years in jail. The title ‘Rani’ or queen was
bestowed upon her by former Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru who met her while she
was lodged in prison.
 Rani Gaidinliu has gained national prominence in recent times. Prime Minister Narendra Modi
felicitated the freedom fighter in 2015.
 Kanak Lata Barua was Assamese freedom fighter associated with Quit India movement. Shot
dead by British in the year 1942 as she held up the National Flag with pride.
 U Tirot Singh – current Meghalaya. Tried to unite tribes and communities and fought with the
British for 3 years after which he was imprisoned in Dacca and died.
Conclusion:
Indian national movement and the consequent freedom is a result of the collective work of people
from all regions of India. That is what’s so special about our story. From Mahatma in the west to
Lajpat Rai in the north to Tagore in the east to Rajaji in the south, people dared to dream and lead.
Their contributions created the framework that helped us stay as one nation.
“What the reforms of 1909 gave to people of country was more of a shadow than
substance.” Analyze the statement. (250 words)
Reference: History of Modern Indian by Bipin Chandra
Why this question:
The question is from the static portions of GS paper I.
Explain the lop sides of the Act of 1909 in detail and in what way it was more of a shadow than
substance.
Directive:
Introduction:
The Reforms of 1909, commonly known as the Morley Minto Reforms were introduced to placate the
moderates and driving them away from the extremists.

Body:
To start with explain the coming of the 1909 reforms, bring out the circumstances under which it
came into force. Discuss what the demands of the moderates were, like expansion of legislative
council, responsible government etc. With examples show how these reforms were just a shadow of
what was actually demanded.
Conclusion:
Conclude that the constitutional reforms instead of solving the political problems of the country just
shown a shadow of the actual reforms.
Introduction:
The Morley-Minto reforms named after the Secretary of State for Indian Affairs Lord John Morley
and the Viceroy Lord Minto was the alternative name given to Indian Councils Act 1909. It
introduced for the first time the method of election, an attempt to widen the scope of legislative
councils, placate the demands of moderates in Indian National Congress and to increase the
participation of Indians in the governance. The Act amended the Indian Councils Acts of 1861 and
1892.
Body:
Background of the Act
 In October 1906, a group of Muslim elites called the Shimla Deputation, led by the Agha Khan,
met Lord Minto and demanded separate electorates for the Muslims and representation in
excess of their numerical strength in view of ‘the value of the contribution’ Muslims were
making ‘to the defence of the empire’.
 The same group quickly took over the Muslim League, initially floated by Nawab Salimullah of
Dacca along with Nawabs Mohsin-ul- Mulk and Waqar-ul-Mulk in December 1906.
 The Muslim League intended to preach loyalty to the empire and to keep the Muslim
intelligentsia away from the Congress.
 John Morley, the Liberal Secretary of State for India, and the Conservative Viceroy of
India, Minto, believed that cracking down on uprising in Bengal was necessary but not sufficient
for restoring stability to the British Raj after Lord Curzon’s partitioning of Bengal.
 They believed that a dramatic step was required to put heart into loyal elements of the Indian
upper classes and the growing Westernised section of the population.
Features of the Act
 It considerably increased the size of the legislative councils, both Central and provincial. The
number of members in the Central Legislative Council was raised from 16 to 60. The number of
members in the provincial legislative councils was not uniform.
 British retained official majority in the Central Legislative Council but allowed the provincial
legislative councils to have 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 the levels. For example,
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. Satyendra Prasad Sinha became the first Indian to join the Viceroy’s
Executive Council. He was appointed as the law member. Two Indians were nominated to the
Council of the Secretary of State for Indian Affairs.
 It introduced a system of communal representation for Muslims by accepting the concept of
‘separate electorate’. Under this, the Muslim members were to be elected only by Muslim
voters. Thus, the Act ‘legalised communalism’ and Lord Minto came to be known as the Father
of Communal Electorate.
 It also provided for the separate representation of presidency corporations, chambers of
commerce, universities and zamindars.
Evaluation of the Reforms:
 The reforms of 1909 afforded no answer and could afford no answer to the Indian political
problem. Lord Morley made it clear that colonial self-government (as demanded by the
Congress) was not suitable for India, and he was against introduction of parliamentary or
responsible government in India.
 The position of the Governor- General remained unchanged and his veto power remained
undiluted and the Act was successfully maintained relentless constitutional autocracy.
 The ‘constitutional’ reforms were, in fact, aimed at dividing the nationalist ranks by confusing
the Moderates and at checking the growth of unity among Indians through the obnoxious
instrument of separate electorates.
 The Government aimed at rallying the Moderates and the Muslims against the rising tide of
nationalism.
 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.
 Congress considered separate electorate to be undemocratic and hindering the development
of a shared Hindu-Muslim Indian national feeling.
 Besides, 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, which
sometimes led to thoughtless and irresponsible criticism of the Government.
 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 reforms of 1909 gave to the people of the country a shadow rather than substance.
The Act of 1909 was important for the following reasons:
 It effectively allowed the election of Indians to the various legislative councils in India for the
first time, though previously some Indians had been appointed to legislative councils.
 The introduction of the electoral principle laid the groundwork for a parliamentary
system even though this was contrary to the intent of Morley.
 It also gave recognition to the elective principle as the basis of the composition of legislative
council for the first time.
 It gave some further avenues to Indians to ventilate their grievances. They also got opportunity
to criticise the executives and make suggestions for better administration

 After Jinnah’s death in September 1948, Pakistan lurched towards Islamic orthodoxy and Dalits
faced mounting attacks.
Conclusion:
Indian Council Act of 1909 was instituted to placate the moderates and appeasement to the
disseminate Muslims from National Movement by granting them separate electorate. The people
had demanded self-government but what they were given was ‘benevolent despotism’.


Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.

what is collective conscience of society? How does it affect the society? Explain with
suitable example.(250 words)
Why this question:
The question is based on the fact that a recent study has pointed out to importance of collective
conscience of society in the death penalty cases in the country.
Explain what you understand by collective conscience of the society; explain its effects in general with
suitable examples.
Directive:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the
particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with
relevant associated facts.
Introduction:
Coined by David Emile Durkheim – a famed French sociologist, collective consciousness referred to
the shared beliefs and moral attitudes which operate as a unifying force within society.
Body:
It is a fundamental sociological concept that refers to the set of shared beliefs, ideas, attitudes, and
knowledge that are common to a social group or society. Then one should explain how collective
consciousness holds society together. Discuss the factors that induce collective conscience in a
society. Give suitable examples to explain its effect on the society. Take hints from the article explain
the case of death penalty.
Conclusion:
Conclude with its importance to the society in general.
Introduction:
Collective consciousness (sometimes collective conscience or conscious) is a fundamental

sociological concept that refers to the set of shared beliefs, ideas, attitudes, and knowledge that are
common to a social group or society. The collective consciousness informs our sense of belonging
and identity, and our behavior. Founding sociologist Émile Durkheim developed this concept to
explain how unique individuals are bound together into collective units like social groups and
societies.
Seventy-two per cent of all cases in which Delhi trial courts awarded the death penalty from 2000 to
2015 cited “collective conscience of the society” as an influencing factor, a study by Project 39A,
a criminal reforms advocacy group, has found.
Body:
Collective conscience and the impacts on society:
 By considering the documented habits, customs, and beliefs of traditional and primitive
societies, and comparing those to what he saw around him in his own life, Durkheim crafted
some of the most important theories in sociology.
 He concluded that society exists because unique individuals feel a sense of solidarity with each
other.
 This is why we can form collectives and work together to achieve community and functional
societies.
 The collective consciousness, or conscience collective as he wrote it in French, is the source of

this solidarity.
 The use of the phrase “collective conscience” by the courts in India has legitimised the use of the
death penalty as a method of punishment.
 This has obscured the real problems of our criminal justice system and, as a result, of our society
as well.
o Its misapplication can lead to the stifling of individual freedom and the undermining of
human dignity.
Application of collective conscience to death penalty cases:
 The doctrine of collective conscience was applied for the first time in 1983 in the Machhi Singh
case to expand the “rarest of rare cases” doctrine of Bachan Singh (1980).
 Machhi Singh was a case of extreme brutality involving the killing of 17 people in a single night.
The Supreme Court justified the death penalty in such cases, where courts were of the opinion
that the “collective conscience of the community is shocked.”
 Since then, the doctrine has been employed in a variety of cases.
 In Mohd. Mannan (2011), the Supreme Court upheld the death sentence of a convict who had
raped and murdered a minor girl.
 In Vasanta Sampat Dupare (2017), involving the rape and murder of a four-year-old girl,
“collective conscience” was invoked to impose death penalty upon the convict even though it
was argued he had shown signs of reform and rehabilitation.
 In the Parliament attack case, the term was used as a pretext to the Court decree confirming the
death sentence of Mohd. Afzal Guru, convicted of criminal conspiracy in waging war against the
government.
 The question of violation of Article 14 of the Constitution, that guarantees equal protection of
the law, by the “uncontrolled and unguided discretion in the Judges to impose capital
punishment” was also raised as early as 1972 in Jagmohan Singh and continues to remain
relevant today when the “passionate” cry for “collective conscience “is undermining our core
constitutional principles and the foundations of justice.
Concerns:
 Viewed thus, the doctrine looks flawed.

 The application of this doctrine, with an aim to satisfy majoritarian aspirations, undermines
individual rights.
 One, by hanging a person to satisfy our “collective sentiments”, we deny them the right to
dignity, a core constitutional value.
 Death by hanging is a barbaric and cruel method of inflicting punishment.
 Two, retribution is a thing of the past. Reformation is the need of the day. Purpose, not passion,
should be the aim of punishment.
 Three, an overwhelming majority of death-row convicts are economically vulnerable and socially
marginalised.
 The Death Penalty India Report published by National Law University, Delhi shows how three
out of every four death row prisoners are economically vulnerable.
 Three out of four are also members of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, or Other Backward
Classes, or religious minorities.

 More than half are either the primary or sole earners in their families, and had not completed
their secondary school education. Nearly a quarter had never attended school.
Conclusion:
Our Constitution is based on the principle of justice for the most marginalised, disfranchised,
oppressed, unknown, unseen and ignored. This spirit demands that law cannot rely on or be
influenced by any delusionary sense or mood of the people. We need in judges a liberal energy and
the ability to be creative human beings.
Account for some of the key critical vulnerabilities of Indian society that the COVID-19
pandemic has exposed.(250 words)
Why this question:
The article talks about the vulnerabilities inherently witnessed and brought out to us by the current
Covid situation in our Indian society.
Explain the key critical vulnerabilities of the Indian society that the present Covid -19 situation has
brought to fore.
Directive:
Account – Weigh up to what extent something is true. Persuade the reader of your argument by
citing relevant research but also remember to point out any flaws and counter- arguments as well.
Conclude by stating clearly how far you are in agreement with the original proposition.
Introduction:
First explain the current situation and its impact in general on the society.
Body:
The critical vulnerabilities of Indian society that the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed are
undoubtedly those laid bare by the humanitarian crisis that unfolded as the nation-wide lockdown
took effect. List down the vulnerabilities like the humanitarian crisis, migrant crisis, hunger, poverty
etc. Suggest what needs to be done to ensure these vulnerabilities are cured.
Conclusion:
Conclude with need for our society to regain its moral compass.
Introduction
The critical vulnerabilities of Indian society that the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed are
undoubtedly those laid bare by the humanitarian crisis that unfolded as the nation-wide lockdown
took effect.
The searing images of the endless ordeal of tens of thousands of famished and exhausted “migrant
workers” trying to make their way back to their home villages to escape starvation in cities where
they work, will endure long after the pandemic is over.
Body
The risks of sudden loss of income or access to social support have consequences that are difficult to
estimate and constitute a challenge in identifying all those who might become vulnerable.
Key critical vulnerabilities of Indian society highlighted during pandemic
 Vulnerability of migrants and poor

 The world’s severest lockdown dealt a body blow to their insecure and fragile urban
livelihoods, and many of them also faced imminent eviction.
 With public transportation shut down, many began their long journeys on foot over
distances that could span hundreds of miles.
 A large number of them died of heat, exhaustion and starvation; and quite a few were
killed in horrific accidents. Eg: Migrants killed on rail tracks and road accidents.
 Extreme poverty and hunger
 Without constant source of income or social security, it is the lowest strata of society that is
the most affected.
 Due to lockdown, most essential items were also unavailable for many and led to hunger
problems.
 Children most vulnerable
 Many children are now out of schools and without digital access or private education, their
schooling may not resume.
 This predicament is particularly concerning in countries like India, where over 80% of its
workforce is employed in the informal sector and a third of people work as casual
labourers.
 Blow to informal sector workers
 The multitudes escaping Indian cities more than a century later, however, are mostly
employed in an informal labour regime in industries and service sectors increasingly
characterised by outsourcing and contracting-out arrangements.
 Without social intervention, it is unlikely that the shock to the labour supply will yield even
modest wage or welfare gains for these workers.
 The informal or the unorganised sector now accounts for nearly half of India’s GDP and 80
to 90 per cent of the labour force (including non-plantation agriculture).
 Loss of wages
 A report by the Stranded Workers Action Network, found the majority of them to be factory
or construction workers on a daily wage.
 The rest earned their daily wages as drivers, domestic workers, and self-employed workers
— among them were street vendors and those engaged in zari embroidery work.
 Lack of basic facilities
 The strategies most recommended to control the spread of COVID-19—social distancing

and frequent handwashing—are not easy for the millions of people who live in highly
dense communities with precarious or insecure housing, and poor sanitation and access to
clean water.
 Often people living in these settings also have malnutrition, non-communicable diseases,
and infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.

 Labour laws being diluted
 Laws regulating working conditions are now nothing more than aspirational.
 Soon after the historic exodus, in the middle of the pandemic, a number of state
governments decided to dilute labour laws turning the clock back on legal working hours
from eight-hour days to 12-hour days (six-days a week).
The Covid-19 health crisis and associated lockdown has thrown into plain view the fragility of
existing systems, from healthcare and governance, to the gig economy and global markets.
Measures to be taken
 Reconfiguring the public spaces: Collaboration with local health departments for daily
sanitization of public spaces and for adequate provision of clean public toilets and hand washing
facilities is imperative.
 For instance, taps operated by foot-pedals should be explored as they can reduce the
number of common touch points in a public space.
 This will help street vendors and those who work in the gig economy to protect their
health while on the work hours.
 Immediate relief for distressed
 Governments can immediately distribute cash assistance to those who need it most.
 Cash transfers can protect traditional supply chains for essential goods. In Delhi, for
example, the local government is setting up shelters and food distribution points to
stop rural migration, though not at a fast-enough rate.
 Basic and essential needs to be met
 City agencies should provide access to basic water and sanitation facilities for free.
 Things like government-sponsored water tankers, mobile handwashing facilities, and
other forms of rapid response, especially in slums and vulnerable neighborhoods could
provide immediate relief.
 Health and emergency services
 Government and private health care providers must step up efforts to provide access to
emergency services in cities’ most under-served areas, as well as help those who need
to quarantine.
 Data on access to health services and COVID-19 testing locations can help cities pinpoint
hotspots.
 For example, a map of Delhi was created which highlights which areas would benefit
most from emergency clinics.
 Decision-makers must also consider the effect of curtailed public transport systems,
which frontline workers and clients still depend on every day, to get a full picture of
urban risk.
 Community engagement and NGO participation

 City governments must work more closely with community leaders and NGOs that work
in informal settlements and other at-risk communities – both to better understand
what’s happening on the ground and communicate key health messages.
 They must also tackle the infodemic and fake news that is spreading and creating chaos
Conclusion
A far more deleterious effect of the pandemic that is now exposed is that we now seem to be on the
verge of abandoning even the aspiration for an inclusive future. With the 20 lakh crore stimulus
package, it is hoped that the distress caused by lockdown to the farmers and daily labourers will be
lifted soon with a revival of economy.
Role of women and women’s organization

The culture of permissiveness with respect to violence against women continues to be
the root cause for the Indian society to have a “Locker Room At every Home”, critically
analyse the statement. (250 words)
Why this question:
The question is amidst the recent uproar against the Bois locker room incident that was witnessed on
the social platform of Instagram.
The question aims to examine the inherent flaws in our Indian society with special attention towards
the “Culture of permissiveness” and in what way it is leading to growing violence against women.
Directive:
Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or
nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the
topic and give a fair judgment.
Introduction:
Briefly explain the recent incident to highlight the context of the question.
Body:
To start with, discuss what the major factors that foster sexual violence against women in the
country are; explain the factors with special emphasis on the cultural aspects of the Indian society.
Highlight in what way conversations on sexual violence need to acknowledge the root of the
problem. Explain how there is a “locker room” within in each individual, family and the society at
large. Suggest solutions to address such issues.
Conclusion:
Conclude by suggesting solutions to address the key problems associated with violence against
women at the societal level.
Introduction
Disturbing screenshots of conversations on an Instagram group called “Bois Locker Room” have
recently surfaced on social media. Following social media outrage, Delhi Police registered a case
under 67, 67A of the Information Technology (IT) Act, and various sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Body

While action against the boys is imperative in the course of justice, this episode points to a larger
societal problem. The conversations followed a familiar pattern of sexual violence against women
and girls — of shaming, vile objectification and an assertion of power over them.
Culture of permissiveness with respect to sexual violence against women
 Product of Patriarchy: The patriarchal mindset of male masculinity and superiority has seeped to
new generation.
 Violence unchecked: As per World Health Organization (WHO) findings about 1 in 3 (35%)
women worldwide have experienced either physical or sexual intimate partner violence or non-
partner sexual violence in their lifetime.
 Most often the sexual violence is inflicted by the spouses or close relatives. Speaking
against it is a taboo even today as it affects the ‘family honour’.
 Men are more likely to perpetrate violence if they have low education, a history of child
maltreatment, exposure to domestic violence against their mothers, harmful use of alcohol,
unequal gender norms including attitudes accepting of violence, and a sense of entitlement over
women.
 Lower education: Women are more likely to experience intimate partner violence if they have
low education, exposure to mothers being abused by a partner, abuse during childhood, and
attitudes accepting violence, male privilege, and women’s subordinate status.
 As women are financially dependent on their male counterparts without any support
from their family, it becomes even more difficult to report domestic violence and other
forms of exploitation.
 Gender inequality: Economic survey 2017 noted that even today there is high “son-meta
preference”. This has led to the phenomenon of more than a million “missing girls” and
unwanted women due to neglect, female infanticide and foeticide.
 Eg: Even in 2020, two cases of female infanticide was reported from Tamil Nadu, which
relatively scores more on human development indicators.
 The number of girls getting enrolled in government schools is higher than boys in the
age group of 4-8 years, according to the 14th Annual Status of Education Report (ASER)
 Early marriages: Early marriage with or without the consent of the girl, constitutes a form of
violence as it undermines the health and autonomy of millions of girls.
Improving Status of women in recent times
 Stringent laws: Due to increased violence in recent times, POCSO Act was amended for
aggravated sexual assault increasing the minimum sentence.
 Education enrolment:
 With the enactment of Right to Education Act in 2009, girl child enrolment in primary
school is nearly cent percent.
 Furthermore, secondary school enrolment is at 80.9% in 2015-16 from 76.4% in 2013-14.

This is mainly due to better sanitation in schools under Swachh Bharat.

 Women centric development
 Ujjwala Scheme has provided LPG gas connection to 8 crore women, giving them respite
from drudgery of indoor pollution and mortality.
 Nutrition based programmes targeting women such as POSHAN, Laqshya (Labour room
Quality Improvement Initiative) and institutional deliveries has decreased MMR to 122
per lakh (26.9% reduction from 2013)
 Entrepreneurship
 Women SHG’s are given loans of upto 1 Lakh under the MUDRA scheme.
 NITI Aayog has created Women Entrepreneurship Portal wherein it has handholding
programme for women.
 Women and science
 Women-centric programmes under the Knowledge Involvement in Research

Advancement through Nurturing (KIRAN) initiative.
 ‘Women Scientists Program’ provides fellowship to women who have had a break in the
career to pursue research in science and engineering.
 Reproductive health
 Maternity Benefit Act has increased the maternity leave to 26 weeks.
 Pradhan Mantri Matritva Yojana provides cash transfer to women at certain intervals
during their pregnancy.
Way-Forward
 Laws to protect women: It is important to enact and enforce legislation and develop and
implement policies that promote gender equality by ending discrimination against women in
marriage, divorce and custody laws, inheritance laws and ownership of assets.
 Financial Independence: Improving women’s access to paid employment and ensuring equal
wage for equal work is of utmost importance.
 Developing and resourcing national plans and policies to address violence against women.
o Eg : Gender based budgeting has led to women centric development plans.
 Improve system of collecting crime surveillance data on violence against women. Eg Safe cities
scheme and using Nirbhaya Fund for better safety of women.
 Capacity building and training to service providers and law enforcement officers to handle cases
of violence against women. Eg Quick response on nationwide number for women safety 112.
 Male Mediated Initiatives: Ensure male involvement in devising program for abusers.
 Prevent recurrence of violence: Through early identification of women and children who are
experiencing violence and providing appropriate referral and support
 Promote egalitarian gender norms as part of life skills and comprehensive sexuality education
curricula taught to young people.
 Gender based surveys: Generate evidence on what works and on the magnitude of the problem
by carrying out population-based surveys, or including violence against women in population-
based demographic and health surveys, as well as in surveillance and health information
systems.
Conclusion
For a long-term solution to ensure the safety of girls and gender equality, it is incumbent on society
parents, teachers, classmates, friends and peers to rid young boys of the sexism and misogyny that
are often embedded in this culture.
What are the key problems in implementing social security for women especially in the
informal sector? Discuss the need to address the social security aspects in the country
with special focus on women.(250 words)
Why this question:
The author in the article brings to us a detailed view of the social security lacunae in the informal
sector and specially emphasizes on its negative effects on women.
Explain first the key problems in implementing social security for women especially in the informal
sector and the need to address the social security aspects in the country with special focus on
women.
Directive:
Introduction:
Explain first the scenario of social security in the country.
Body:
To start with, explain the issues in scheme and policy implementation with respect to women in the
informal sector. Explain the disadvantages – as women, as poor, informal workers and as members
of the socially disadvantaged castes and communities that predominate the informal sector and that
they have very limited or no social protection. Discuss what aspects have been ignored so far in terms
of social security – health aspects, community participation, childcare etc. Highlight the urgent need
to focus on social security aspects especially for women. List initiatives that are targeting this
dimension.
Conclusion:
Conclude with the need to urgently recognize the importance of social security for the informal sector
and that too with a special focus for women.
Introduction
More than 90 per cent of working people in our country are engaged in the informal economy. The
most vulnerable are women who suffer from multiple disadvantages — as women, as poor, informal
workers and as members of the socially disadvantaged castes and communities that predominate
the informal sector. They keep the wheels of our economy turning with their labour, and yet they
have limited or no social protection to act as a cushion in hard times.
Body
Challenges of social security for women in informal sector

 Low and unstable income: Estimates suggest that one-third of all women workers in India
are home-based. (eg. Flower vendors, tailors)
 The current crisis and market closures have meant that women are no longer
receiving work orders from contractors.
 This has led to a complete breakdown of cash flow.
 Lack of insurance cover: Public health service provision – whether preventive, promotive, or
curative – is not oriented to take into account workers’ needs.
 Besides, health insurance they also require a comprehensive cover with products
covering several of the many risks they face every day — life, accident, asset, crop
and cattle and small animal insurance, to mention a few. This has been a non-starter
in the social welfare schemes for women.
 Basic Infrastructure: For instance, women carry the disproportionate burden of carrying
water when private water connections are not available, and common toilets are not just
hygiene risks for many women but also sites of violence and harassment.
 Poor habitat with lack of basic water and sanitation services exacerbates
vulnerability.
 Health and nutrition: These women in informal sectors are facing higher health risks,
increased domestic burden and decreased incomes.
 Child Care : Childcare is an essential service required for especially poor, working women.
 To support increased female workforce participation, it is full-day child care that

needs to be institutionalized.
 Women’s incomes double as a result of full-day care for their young children.
 A study by SEWA, on crèches for tobacco workers children in Kheda district showed
that 70 per cent of the older siblings entered school for the first time once they set
up full-day crèches in their villages.
Need to address social security aspects
 Women form a massive part of the informal economy. In fact, a larger percentage of
women, compared to men, work in the informal economy and are concentrated in low-
paying, highly-precarious sectors.
 Not only do they facing higher risks due to their social disadvantages and poor
working conditions, they also have fewer resources at their disposal to address
these risks.
 Working in this informal, or grey economy, as it’s sometimes called, leaves women often
without any protection of labour laws, social benefits such as pension, health insurance or
paid sick leave.
 They routinely work for lower wages and in unsafe conditions, including risk of sexual
harassment.

 Women also shoulder a disproportionate responsibility for care-giving, both inside and
outside the home.
 The lack of social protections has long-term impact on women. For example, fewer women
receive pensions globally, and as a result, more elderly women are now living in poverty.
Steps to be taken by the Government
 Gender Justice at Work
 Bridging the wage gap for equal work, India has statutorily mandated this.
 Government assurance
 Governments need to guarantee reliable access to health care and housing for all.
 The Employees’ State Insurance Scheme, a social health insurance programme for the
formal sector working classes, can be universalised to cover informal workers too.
 Information on preventive and protective measures needs to be translated for non-

literate women.
 Skilling and compensating women: Retrenched domestic workers can be skilled to become
care workers, and home-based garment workers can address the ever-increasing demands
of personal protective equipment and masks.
 ASHAs and Anganwadi workers, who are the most important public health outreach
workers, should be acknowledged and compensated with adequate wages, economic
benefits and social protection.
 Social security and financial literacy
 Formalization of jobs should be pushed to avail benefits to many women.
 Until then, social security benefits should be provided to women in unorganized sector.
Eg : Self Help Group-Bank Linkage Programme in India
 Embedding financial literacy in programmes where women have significant

representation could be a good starting point.
 Handholding Programs
 Niti Aayog has started Women Entrepreneurship Portal, for hand holding programs
for women and proving business models for their work.
 This will encourage more women to take up Entreprenurial projects and increase their
economic footprint.
 This must be extended to self-employed women who can expand their network.
 Gender sensitization: Breaking the social barriers by gender sensitization and education at
families, schools and workplaces. Eg : In the NCERT Books, gender roles, bias and prejudice
inducing writings were removed.
 Wage loss compensation to be given to women in informal sectors by the government for
maternity and reproductive health.

Conclusion
It is time for us to go beyond relief and develop recovery measures that target not just the formal
sector, but also informal enterprises and informal workers. The three mantras – “leave no one
behind”, “do no harm”, and “nothing for me without me” – should be the guiding principles for the
strategy to improve social security of women.
Population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues.

Can villages be a big part of the new growth story of India? Analyse in the context of
ongoing pandemic situation.(250 words)
Reference: Hindustan Times
Why this question:
The article talks about the prospects that Indian villages hold amidst the current crisis conditions.
One must explain in what way Villages of India can have a bigger role to play in the new growth
story.
Directive:
Introduction:
Present briefly the impact of the Corona pandemic on different aspects such as economy, polity and
society of the country.
Body:
To start with highlight the positives of the rural India in general. Explain why the policy makers must
make villages part of the growth story to help revive the economy. Discuss the positives and bring out
the challenges and concerns associated.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction:
The main takeaway from these fraught times is that corona virus is now an inextricable part of our
lives for some time to come and we need to work around this. While we are proud of India’s
achievements as an emerging economy, the grim reality is that a huge percentage of its workforce
lives under the pressure of economic uncertainties. They live in harsh conditions in slums around
industrial townships and megacities.
Body:
Government’s measures to alleviate the hardship:
 As the third lockdown begins, the government has tried to ease things for people in several
ways.
 Many restrictions have been lifted in the orange and green zones.
 Local administrations have been given the responsibility of deciding to what extent restrictions
can be relaxed, depending on conditions in different areas.
 the government has allowed the migrant labourers to go back home. Some of the shramik
special trains have even reached their destinations.
Challenges faced by villages:

 There are only a few opportunities for them in villages, which prompted them to move out of
the village in the first place, often leaving behind their families, to brave the harsh conditions of
cities.
 They do this to make a life for themselves and support their families.
 Cities cannot do without them, and yet, their plight remains understated.
Possible solutions:
 The Covid-19 crisis seems to be an appropriate, even opportune, moment to revive India’s
artisan traditions, handicrafts and also rural agro-industries.
 This is the time for a renewed focus on the Make in India initiative. This may not generate jobs
for everyone, but it will bring hope and long-term gain in rural India.
 A village-focused approach will bring about a turnaround. They often have interesting cultures
and traditions that do not find a place in cities.
 There are many success stories about initiatives taken in our villages and mofussil towns
Way forward:
Cillage helps rework relationship between city and village:
 As we embrace the knowledge era and focus on capacity building of rural youth, the
opportunities in rural areas should, in principle, become higher than those in urban areas since
the rural segment can now benefit from all three (agriculture, manufacturing and services)
sectors of the economy.
 In the knowledge era, with emphasis on capability and capacity building of rural youth in terms
of holistic education, appropriate technology and enhanced livelihood, there is a possibility for a
more balanced distribution of income as well as population.
 This would need knowledge bridges to be built between cities and villages, and the creation of
an ecosystem which has been conceptualised as a “cillage” — a synergistic combination of city
and village.
 Bridging the knowledge gap between a city and a village would also bridge the income gap
between the two, and lead to a faster bridging of the gap between the average individual
income in India and that in industrially advanced countries.
 Developing a “cillage” ecosystem would need a rooted and integrated approach to holistic
education and research, technology development and management, as well as technology-
enabled rural livelihood enhancement.
 Facilitating a number of new skills, technologies and support systems that can further leverage
current capabilities of these people for starting a new enterprise would be important.
 Immediate arrangements to facilitate their livelihood, and leveraging their present capabilities
could help retain at least some of these people in villages.
 Going forward, we should take knowledge activities to a higher level so that the products and
services created by these people become more competitive. Looking at disruptive technologies
for exploiting local opportunities should follow.
Critically examine the economics of Alcohol addiction in the country (250 words)
Introduction:
Alcohol is the most abused substance in India, according to the findings of a report “Magnitude of
Substance Use in India”, submitted by AIIMS in Feb 2019 to Ministry of Social Justice and

Empowerment. There are believed to be 62.5 million people in India who at least occasionally drink
alcohol. Unlike many western countries the consumption of alcohol in India is witnessing a dramatic
rise – for instance, between 1970 and 1995 there was a 106.7% increase in the per capita
consumption. India has also become one of the largest producers of alcohol – it produces 65% of
alcoholic beverages in South-East Asia. Most urban areas have witnessed an explosion in the number
of bars and nightclubs that have opened in recent years.
As the lockdown eased in India, and social distancing went for a toss at alcohol outlets and there
were stampedes was caused by the ineptness.
Body:
Drinking Statistics for India:
 The per capita alcohol consumption in India increased two folds between 2005 and 2016,
according to the Global status report on alcohol and health 2018 released by the World Health
Organization (WHO)
 Indians consumed 2.4 liters of alcohol in 2005, which increased to 4.3 liters in 2010 and scaled
up to 5.7 liters in 2016, the report said.
 According to the report, the highest increase in alcohol consumption is expected in South-East
Asia, with an increase of 2.2 liters in India alone, from 2005 to 2016.
 More than 3 million people died as a result of harmful use of alcohol in 2016, the report said.
More than three quarters of those reported dead were men.
 Overall, the harmful use of alcohol causes more than 5% of the global disease burden.
 In the past two decades the number of people who have consumed alcohol has moved from 1 in
300 to 1 in 20.
Economics of Alcohol addiction in India:
 Alcohol is a subject in the State list under the seventh schedule of the Indian Constitution.
 Article 47 of the Directive Principle in the Constitution of India states that “The state shall
undertake rules to bring about prohibition of the consumption except for medicinal purposes of
intoxicating drinks and of drugs which are injurious to health.”
 Manufacture and sale of liquor is one of the major sources of their revenue, and the reopening
comes at a time when the states have been struggling to fill their coffers amid the disruption on
account of the lockdown.
 Like in Russia, it is difficult to wean many states away from the political economy of alcohol.
 It lubricates not just the state coffers but whole political machines.
 The Delhi government announced a 70% hike in the price of liquor across categories in the
capital. Delhi’s “special corona fee” on alcohol underlines the importance of liquor to the
economy of the states.
 Generally, states levy excise duty on manufacture and sale of liquor. Some states, for example
Tamil Nadu, also impose VAT (value added tax).
 States also charge special fees on imported foreign liquor; transport fee; and label & brand
registration charges.
 A few states, such as Uttar Pradesh, have imposed a “special duty on liquor” to collect funds for
special purposes, such as maintenance of stray cattle.
 A report published by the Reserve Bank of India last September (‘State Finances: A Study of
Budgets of 2019-20’) shows that state excise duty on alcohol accounts for around 10-15 per cent
of Own Tax Revenue of a majority of states.

 On an average, the states collected about Rs 12,500 crore per month from excise on liquor in
2018-19, which rose to about Rs 15,000 crore per month in 2019-20, and which was further
expected to cross Rs 15,000 crore per month in the current financial year.
 Alcohol has also migrated from being a question of personal freedom and choice to an issue in
broader cultural wars, an odd site on which we measure progressivism in India. It is also a
window on how liberalism has been misunderstood.
Challenges posed by economics of alcoholism:
 Alcohol abuse imposes large “external” costs on others.

 The deleterious effects of alcohol consumption on health and safety constitute a substantial
economic burden, reducing our overall standard of living.
 The Lancet reported that more than half of those who consume alcohol in India would fall into
the category of hazardous drinking.
 Chronic heavy drinking causes organ damage that results in disability and early death. Other
possible consequences include cognitive impairment, addiction, reduced productivity, neglect of
family responsibilities, and birth defects.
 The acute effects of alcohol abuse are still more costly: traumatic injury and property damage
from accidents, criminal victimization, domestic violence, unwanted sexual encounters and
venereal diseases, and hangover.
 It has been suggested that there are a worryingly 14 million people in India who would be
described as dependent on alcohol and in need of help.
 Another concern is the increasing tendency to engage in binge drinking where people
deliberately become intoxicated.
 Far too many people, their families and communities suffer the consequences of the harmful use
of alcohol through violence, injuries, mental health problems and diseases such as cancer and
stroke.
 Suffering and deprivation: People in the lower income group who cannot have an adequate
amount of food, take alcohol to sleep or relax.
 More and more children are taking to alcohol consumption and the highest percentage of
children who are addicted to alcohol are in Punjab followed by West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh
Way forward:
 The issue of public health is another dimension that needs to be explicitly addressed while
framing a comprehensive liquor policy. This requires a two-pronged approach, one aimed at
addressing alcohol-related illnesses and addictions and another aimed at putting preventive
measures in place.
 The aura of shame attached to drinking and the moral condemnation of drinkers, especially by
medical and social service personnel, needs to be addressed as it can be a major deterrent to
seeking help.
 The medical fraternity needs to be educated in rapidly responding to and treating victims of
liquor tragedies
 Addiction should not be seen as a character flaw, but as an ailment that any other person could
be struggling with. Therefore, the stigma associated with drug taking needs to be reduced.
Society needs to understand that alcoholics are victims and not criminals.
 Radical political decisions like that one of alcohol prohibition in Bihar may be another solution.
When people do not exercise self-control, a state has to step in, as part of the Directive
Principles of State Policy (Article 47).

 Education curriculum should include chapters on drug addiction, its impact and also on de-
addiction. Proper Counselling is another alternative.
 Alcoholism and Drug Information Centre is devoted to prevention and treatment of substance
abuse in India. They are a good resource to turn to for information and advice.
 Alcoholics Anonymous has meetings in many locations in India. This fellowship uses the 12 Steps
to allow the individual to develop a better life away from addiction.
 Youth Veerangnayen focuses its efforts on educating young people about the dangers of
substance abuse and helping them deal with other social problems.
 Many people are leaving India in order to seek treatment for their alcoholism abroad. The most
respected alcohol and drug abuse treatment facility in Asia is DARA Rehab.
Conclusion:
Education on intelligent drinking, community intervention, regulating outlet density of alcohol

shops, greater control over surrogate advertising, franker social conversation is the need of the hour
to tackle alcoholism in India. Research shows that a “multiple-component approach” works best to
tackle alcohol-related problems than a single-component or “stand-alone” intervention.
Migrants’ vulnerability is newly visible, but not new, do you agree? Critically analyse in
the light of recent train accident of Maharashtra’s Aurangabad district.(250 words)
Why this question:
The author talks about the Migrant issue especially the aspects of migrant vulnerability that has been
an issue for longer than it is being imagined to be.
Explain the nuances of migrant issues in India and specifically bring out the fact that the issue is not
new to the country.
Directive:
Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or
nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the
topic and give a fair judgment.
Introduction:
Present in short the recent train accident that took lives of migrants.
Body:
Start by explaining the ever-increasing uncertainty about the welfare of the vulnerable sections of the
society, many of whom depend on daily wages for their sustenance – the migrant workers. Discuss
their woes of the past till present. Highlight with suitable examples that justify the fact that the woes
are not new. Suggest solutions to address these issues.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward and what needs to be done.
Introduction:
Migrants very often travels from poorer parts of the country to different states in order to earn an
income, and have come to be known as “migrant workers”. India witnessed a tragic irony last week
when 16 migrants, part of a group of 20 headed towards their villages in Madhya Pradesh and who
were hoping to board a “Shramik Special” train, chose to rest on the rail tracks: They were run over
by a goods train in Maharashtra’s Aurangabad district.
Body:

Migrants issues in past:
 According to the 2001 Census estimates — figures which are nearly two decades old — there
were 41 million migrants from other states in India. Yet, the percentage of inter-state migration
in India is low compared to several other countries.
 From the “Marathi manoos” movement in Mumbai from the 1960s onwards to the 2012 exodus
from Bengaluru of people from the Northeast, there are innumerable examples of the hatred
and intolerance displayed by “localites” towards “migrants”.
 Right before the pandemic hit, the political discussion in our country was around the issue of
illegal immigrants. There were protests in Delhi and elsewhere against the recently passed
Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, which provides citizenship to illegal immigrants — who are
Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Parsi, Buddhist, and Christian from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, and
who entered India before 2014.
 A 2018 World Bank study found that households with some form of identification proof were
less likely to have a household member migrate across states, thus suggesting that inadequate
portability of identification documents for social welfare benefits deters households from
sending migrants across states.
 The lack of policy measures to ensure the welfare of migrants coupled with discriminatory
policies surface in the form of much lower rates of inter-state migrants compared to intra-state
migrants.
Hardship faced by migrant labourers:
 Between 100 million to 125 million people leave their villages, families and homes to find work
far away wherever they can find it; their invisible hands harvest the crops and feed us, clean
streets, run factories, build roads, and construct our houses.
 The migrant workers are largely dependent upon casual and daily wage labour and unorganized
retail.
 The lockdown would severely affect their livelihood opportunities.
 Citing the uncertainty of employment, and therefore of money and resources, these migrant
labourers sought the comfort of the social net in their towns and wanted to return back.
 Most of the migrant workers live in cramped spaces where it would be difficult to maintain
physical distancing.
 The lack of hygiene and sanitation facilities makes this section highly vulnerable to such
epidemics.
 An analysis of the migration trend shows that a major portion of the rural-urban migration
constitutes the migration of men to cities in search of better employment opportunities.
 They are generally the primary breadwinners, and the survival of their families back home is
entirely dependent on these migrant labourers. The anxiety of being affected by the virus drove
many to return to their families.
Issues faced by migrant lockdown due to Government lockdown:
 The Central government announced the lockdown with just a four-hour notice, making it even
harder for the migrant labourers to figure out ways to face the challenge of a lockdown.
 The lockdown has a disproportionate impact on the socioeconomic conditions of the poor and
unorganized sector.
 The lack of social security among the poor makes it difficult for them to practice social
distancing. They are mostly dependent upon daily and even hourly wage earnings. The lockdown
would lead to an income security challenge to them.

 There have been suggestions that given the prior warnings of COVID-19, the situation could have
been handled much better. There have been concerns that the decision was arbitrary,
unplanned and ill-prepared.
 The lockdown was not accompanied by practical and necessary relief measures.
 The movement of the labourers towards their hometowns was not aided by the government.
 There have been some sections which have argued that if the government was willing to
evacuate Indians from other countries, why similar intent is not being shown to make sure that
the poor migrant labourers reach their hometown.
Measures needed:
 The proposed quarantine camps must be well equipped with sufficient supplies of essential
items for all.
 Governments must use schools and college hostels for the migrants to stay and also utilize the
Public Distribution System to provide food.
 Governments must show resolve, commitment, and compassion to deal with the migrant crisis.
 Civil society must come forward and support the most vulnerable.
 For the migrants already enroute to their places, there should be proper screening enroute and
they should be informed of the practical health protocols to be practiced during the first 14
days.
 These migrants need to be put under observation, further screening, isolation, testing, and
quarantine where required.
 The affected families also have to be given minimum guarantees of food, health, and some
income by the government during the lockdown.
It is time for the Government to intervene in publicity of local products and strengthen
rural-urban linkages and promote much needed non-farm employment, Discuss.(250
words)
Reference: The Hindu Business Line
Why this question:
The question is based on the article that highlights the importance of local products to strengthen the
rural –urban linkages.
Explain in detail the current crisis facing the non-farm employment sector; discuss how local products
can be game changers.
Directive:
Introduction:
Briefly explain the current situation.
Body:
To start with, explain why the Covid crisis has hit the non-far employees badly. Explain the link of
local products to various aspects of rural life and in what way it can lead to strengthening of rural-
urban links. What steps should be taken by the government. Talk about GI tags to the rural products,
taken hints from the article and give relevant examples.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction:

Prime Minister recently emphasized the need for being more vocal about local products to revive
the economy that is hit badly by the ongoing health pandemic. In continuation, Aatmanirbhar Bharat
Abhiyan was also announced to urge Indians to be “vocal about local” brands and buy products
made domestically in a speech themed around a self-reliant nation.
Body:
Importance of local products:
 There are about 361 products (foreign plus Indian) recognised for their uniqueness and
registered with the Geographical Indications (GI) registry.
 The registered Indian products include those from the agriculture, horticulture, textiles, food,
and manufacturing sectors.
 Much of these products have, however, just remained ‘local’ and over time could disappear
from the production calendar if they are not given a market push.
Need for government to intervene in publicity of local products:
 In the past 3 decades, India has built formidable strengths in brainpower dominated sectors like
IT and ITES, BPOs and several other industries which provide large numbers of jobs to educated
youth.
 The services of these industries provide valuable foreign currency and employment to millions.
 India has done particularly well in the dairy sector but has not had a huge amount of success in
oil and energy. Additional backing to these sectors would have provided better support for these
industries to grow.
 In FMCG, we have done reasonably well but the sector needs more stability in pricing and new
innovations. We have seen homegrown brands like Yoga Bar on the shelves of supermarkets in a
category which was heavily dominated by imported brands earlier.
 Production of fruits and exotic vegetables is doing well in India and this sector has a high
potential for export.
 While the industry is doing well in introducing new fruits like kiwi, strawberries and plums, we
are not doing well on some fruits which have had traditionally strong industries like apples,
pears, walnuts, almonds and other dry fruits.
 MSMEs are one of the most important sectors of the Indian industry. They play an important
role in almost all sectors, especially sectors like auto and auto components, supply chain and
several other manufacturing sectors.
 However, despite these good growth, there are umpteen number of challenges faced by local
industries.
 This includes quality concerns of products, lack of direct support, poor brand image promotion,
legal framework governing enforcement of IPR issues, weak export support to the traders,
price competitiveness from foreign companies, weak integration to global value chain, poor
FDI investment etc.
Measures needed to strengthen the promotion of local products:
 The government will have to step in to provide massive publicity for Geographical Indication
logo which would help the producers to launch their product in a wider market than before.
 Particularly at this juncture where the focus is on reviving the economy with the ‘Make in
India’ initiative, measures to promote authentic regional products would help small producers to
reap maximum gains.

 Increasing the GI awareness among producers and consumers in the country.

 Publishing the details about GI application and registration in wider news media in local
languages would be beyond the scope of GI producers who operate on a small scale.
 Identifying the authorized producers and users of the GI products.
 Promotion of collective organisation of the producers.
Conclusion:
‘Vocal for Local’ should protect industry — yet not lead to protectionism. The world is looking at
Indian pharma to supply the coronavirus vaccine and several pharma companies are in the race to
deliver. India, like the rest of the world, is certainly going through a tough phase, but will still shine
due to its vast pool of educated talent, its huge demand centres, the resilience of its entrepreneurs
and the unflagging spirit of the Indian people.
Salient features of world’s physical geography.

What is a Magnetosphere? How it is formed? Discuss the significance of studying it.(250
words)
Reference: pib.gov.in
Why this question:
The question is based on the development of new computer simulation Code to study the Earth’s
Magnetosphere that’s making news these days.
Explain what Magnetosphere is, how it is formed, and what are the advantages and importance of
studying it.
Directive:
Introduction:
Define in short what a Magnetosphere is. The magnetosphere is the region of space surrounding
Earth where the dominant magnetic field is the magnetic field of Earth, rather than the magnetic
field of interplanetary space. It is generated by the interaction of the solar wind with Earth’s
magnetic field.
Body:
To start with explain the fact that world across scientists have been trying to study the
Magnetosphere owing to its importance. Explain then, the key features of it. Discuss in detail its
formation. Explain the importance and significance of studying it.
Conclusion:
Conclude with importance of studying it.
Introduction:
The Magnetosphere is the region around a planet dominated by the planet’s magnetic field. Other
planets in our solar system have magnetospheres, but Earth has the strongest one of all the rocky
planets. Earth’s magnetosphere is part of a dynamic, interconnected system that responds to solar,
planetary, and interstellar conditions.
Scientists at the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) an autonomous institution of the

Department of Science and Technology have developed a generalized one-dimensional fluid
simulation code capable of studying a wide spectrum of coherent electric field structures in near-
earth plasma environment or earth’s magnetosphere which can be useful in planning of future space
missions.
Body:
Magnetosphere of earth:
 The magnetosphere is the region above the ionosphere that is defined by the extent of the
Earth’s magnetic field in space.
 It extends several tens of thousands of kilometres into space, protecting the Earth from the
charged particles of the solar wind and cosmic rays that would otherwise strip away the upper
atmosphere, including the ozone layer that protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
 The shape of the Earth’s magnetosphere is the direct result of being blasted by solar wind. The
solar wind compresses its sunward side to a distance of only 6 to 10 times the radius of the
Earth.
 A supersonic shock wave is created sunward of Earth called the Bow Shock.
 Most of the solar wind particles are heated and slowed at the bow shock and detour around the
Earth in the Magnetosheath.
 The solar wind drags out the night-side magnetosphere to possibly 1000 times Earth’s radius; its
exact length is not known. This extension of the magnetosphere is known as the Magnetotail.
 The outer boundary of Earth’s confined geomagnetic field is called the Magnetopause.
 The Earth’s magnetosphere is a highly dynamic structure that responds dramatically to solar
variations.
Formation of the magnetosphere:
 It is generated by the convective motion of charged, molten iron, far below the surface in Earth’s
outer core.
 Constant bombardment by the solar wind compresses the sun-facing side of our magnetic field.
 The sun-facing side, or dayside, extends a distance of about six to 10 times the radius of the
Earth.
 The side of the magnetosphere facing away from the sun – the nightside – stretches out into an
immense magnetotail, which fluctuates in length and can measure hundreds of Earth radii, far
past the moon’s orbit at 60 Earth radii.
 Almost 99% of matter in the universe is in the form of plasma, Earth’s magnetosphere, too,
contains this material and the plasma processes have the ability to hamper the working of a
number of satellites that have been placed in orbit in the magnetospheric region.
Significance of Magnetosphere:
The magnetosphere shields our home planet from solar and cosmic particle radiation, as well as
erosion of the atmosphere by the solar wind – the constant flow of charged particles streaming off
the sun.
Importance of studying magnetosphere:
 To better understand its role in our space environment.

 It will unravel the fundamental physics of space, which is dominated by complex
electromagnetic interactions unlike what we experience day-to-day on Earth.
 By studying this space environment close to home, we can better understand the nature of
space throughout the universe.
 Additionally, space weather within the magnetosphere – where many of our spacecraft reside –
can sometimes have adverse effects on space technology as well as communications systems.
 Better understanding of the science of the magnetosphere helps improve our space weather
models.
 The study will help advance the knowledge of plasma waves, instabilities, and coherent effects
associated with wave-particle interactions that are useful in planning future space missions.
 It can also lead to precisely controlled fusion laboratory experiments for ever-expanding energy
needs of humanity.
Conclusion:
Several interesting phenomena like the Aurorae, i.e. the luminous glow in the upper atmosphere of
the Earth which is produced by charged particles (solar wind) descending from the planet’s
magnetosphere also add to the tourism revenue of certain countries.
Discuss in detail the classification of tropical cyclones as suggested by IMD.(250 words)

Reference: Hindustan Times
Why this question:
According to the India Meteorological Department, the storm system in the Bay of Bengal, Amphan
has developed into a super cyclone and is expected to make landfall along the West Bengal-
Bangladesh coast. Thus the question.
Explain in detail the classification of tropical cyclones as suggested by IMD.
Directive:
Introduction:
Briefly explain what Tropical cyclones are.
Body:
The students must remember that the question is not about the concept of tropical cyclone but about
the classification of tropical cyclones. Explain in detail the classification suggested by IMD, use
diagrams and tabulations wherever relevant.
Conclusion:
Conclude with importance.

Introduction:
Tropical Cyclone is any large system of winds that circulates about a center of low atmospheric
pressure in a counter-clockwise direction north of the Equator and in a clockwise direction to the
south. Cyclonic winds move across nearly all regions of the Earth except the equatorial belt and are
generally associated with rain or snow.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Amphan is expected to make landfall
between Digha in West Bengal and Hatiya Island in Bangladesh, close to the Sundarbans and around
Sagar Island, as a very severe cyclonic storm, bordering on an extremely severe cyclonic storm.
Body:
Cyclones are caused by atmospheric disturbances around a low-pressure area distinguished by swift
and often destructive air circulation. Cyclones are usually accompanied by violent storms and bad
weather. The air circulates inward in an anticlockwise direction in the Northern hemisphere and
clockwise in the Southern hemisphere.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO, 1976) uses the term 'Tropical Cyclone’ to cover
weather systems in which winds exceed ‘Gale Force’ (minimum of 34 knots or 63 kph). Tropical
cyclones are the progeny of ocean and atmosphere, powered by the heat from the sea; and driven
by easterly trades and temperate westerlies, high planetary winds and their own fierce energy.
In India, cyclones are classified by:
 Strength of associated winds,
 Storm surges
 Exceptional rainfall occurrences.
The criteria below have been formulated by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), which
classifies the low pressure systems in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea on the basis of
capacity to damage, which is adopted by the WMO.
Type of Disturbances Wind Speed in Km/h Wind Speed in Knots
Low Pressure Less than 31 Less than 17
Depression 31-49 17-27
Deep Depression 49-61 27-33
Cyclonic Storm 61-88 33-47
Severe Cyclonic Storm 88-117 47-63

Very Severe Cyclonic Storm 118–166 63-89
Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm 166–221 89-120
Super Cyclone More than 221 More than 120
1 knot - 1.85 km per hour
Cyclones are classified into five different levels on the basis of wind speed. They are further divided
into the following categories according to their capacity to cause damage:
Cyclone Category Wind Speed in Km/h Damage Capacity
1 120-150 Minimal
2 150-180 Moderate
3 180-210 Extensive
4 210-250 Extreme
5 250 and above Catastrophic
Conclusion:
Tropical cyclones occur in the months of May-June and October-November. Cyclones of severe
intensity and frequency in the North Indian Ocean are bi-modal in character, with their primary peak
in November and secondary peak in May. The disaster potential is particularly high during landfall in
the North Indian Ocean (Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea) due to the accompanying destructive
wind, storm surges and torrential rainfall. Of these, storm surges cause the most damage as sea
water inundates low lying areas of coastal regions and causes heavy floods, erodes beaches and
embankments, destroys vegetation and reduces soil fertility.
Discuss the impact of western disturbances on the Indian weather systems.(250 words)
Reference: Indian geography by Majid Hussain
Why this question:
The question is from the static portions of GS paper I.
Explain in detail the impact of western disturbances on the Indian weather systems.
Directive:

Introduction:
Briefly explain what you understand by Western disturbances – weather phenomena of the winter
months brought in by the westerly flow from the Mediterranean region.
Body:
To start with, explain the western disturbances as a geographical phenomenon and its main effect on
Indian weather systems. Then discuss the areas of its origin and influence and briefly explain its
mechanism, it can also be illustrated in a suitable diagram. Explain the impact of western
disturbances on India in various dimensions like climate, agriculture and disasters associated with it.
Conclusion:
Western Disturbances is a complex weather phenomenon and has profound impact on climate and
agriculture of India. It is also a source of a number of natural disasters that occur every year in India
causing huge loss of lives and property. Thus, western disturbances need to be studied in much more
detail
Introduction:
Western Disturbances are low-pressure depressions which occurs during winters, particularly the
northern states of India. They are basically the extratropical storms originating in the
Mediterranean region that brings sudden winter rain to the north-western parts of the Indian sub-
continent. It is a non-monsoonal precipitation pattern driven by the westerlies. Extratropical
storms are a global phenomenon with moisture usually carried in the upper atmosphere, unlike their
tropical counterparts where the moisture is carried in the lower atmosphere. In the case of the
Indian subcontinent, moisture is sometimes shed as rain when the storm system encounters the
Himalayas.
Body:
Formation:
 Western disturbances are extratropical/temperate cyclones which are formed as a result of the
meeting of warm and cold air masses, known as fronts.
 They usually originate in the Mediterranean Sea as extra-tropical cyclones.
 A high-pressure area over Ukraine and neighbourhood consolidates, causing the intrusion of
cold air from Polar Regions towards an area of relatively warmer air with high moisture.
 This generates favourable conditions for cyclogenesis in the upper atmosphere, which promotes
the formation of an eastward-moving extratropical depression.
 The low pressure typically forms over the Mediterranean Sea and travels over Iran, Iraq,
Afghanistan and Pakistan before entering India loaded with moisture.
 These moisture laden western disturbances eventually come up against the Himalayas and get
blocked, as a consequence, the moisture gets trapped and precipitation is shared in the form of
snow and rain over Northwest India and sometimes, other parts of North India.
 An average of 4-5 western disturbances form during the winter season and the rainfall
distribution and amount varies with every western disturbance.

Impact of western disturbances on the Indian weather systems:
 western disturbances are the cause of the most winter and pre-monsoon season rainfall across
North-West India. This phenomenon is usually associated with cloudy sky, higher night
temperatures and unusual rain. It is estimated that India gets close to 5-10% of its total annual
rainfall from western disturbances.
 In winter, western winds bring moderate to heavy rain in low lying areas and heavy snow to
mountainous areas of the Indian subcontinent.
 This disturbance is usually associated with cloudy sky, higher night temperatures and unusual
rain. This precipitation has great importance in agriculture, particularly for the Rabi crops.
 Wheat among them is one of the most important crops, which helps to meet India’s food
security.
 Excessive precipitation due to this disturbance can cause crop damage, landslides, floods and
avalanches.
 Over the Indo-Gangetic plains, it occasionally brings cold wave conditions and dense fog.
 These conditions remain stable until disturbed by another western disturbance.
 When western disturbances move across northwest India before the onset of monsoon, a
temporary advancement of monsoon current appears over the region
 Their influence can be felt as far away as Arunachal Pradesh. After the passage of the
disturbance, very low temperatures such as 5 to 10 degrees Celsius can be experienced.
 Sometimes, when western disturbances become more intense in the Indian Region, they can
extend even upto 15-degree north, resulting into rainfall upto north Maharashtra, Gujarat and
the entire Madhya Pradesh to the south.
 Weak western disturbances are associated with crop failure and water problems across north
India.
 Strong western disturbances can help residents, farmers and governments avoid many of the
problems associated with water scarcity.
Conclusion:

Since western disturbances are not high intensity weather systems, they are not usually associated
with disasters but in the recent past, it is observed that this beneficial weather phenomenon is
increasingly becoming disastrous during the summer and monsoon seasons. The 2010 cloudburst in
Leh, in which 71 towns and villages were damaged and 225 people died was caused due to the
western disturbances. In September 2014, the Kashmir region suffered disastrous floods across
many of its districts killing over 200 people. This was also caused by the Western Disturbances.
Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and
the Indian subcontinent); factors responsible for the location of primary,
secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including
India)
Discuss the prospects and problems of Aluminum industry in India in the current
times.(250 words)
Reference: Financial Express
Why this question:
The article talks about the impact that the COVID-19 crisis has made on the metal industry in general
and aluminum industry in particular.
Explain in detail the prospects and problems of Aluminum industry in India in the current times.
Directive:
Introduction:
Present in short an overview of Aluminium industry in India. The aluminium sector contributes to
nearly 2 percent of manufacturing GDP.
Body:
To start with explain the expanse and spread of the Industry in the country, use maps to pictorially
depict the width and breadth across the country. Discuss the prospects of it in general and specific
ones in the current covid-19 crisis times. Highlight the China factor; the slowdown owing to COVID-19
situation. Talk about the associated challenges; suggest solutions to address the same.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward and end on a positive note that aluminium Industry are generally based
in the hinterlands of the country and aid in generating peripheral employment and economic
development of the region. It is a direct and an indirect employment multiplier creating close to
800,000 jobs.
Introduction:
Covid-19 has spread to 211 countries, since its Outbreak in Wuhan in China, forcing imposition of
lockdowns which have created much socio-economic disruption. Global losses are pegged at $9
trillion, and India is losing Rs 35,000 crore every day. This will adversely impact the entire metal
industry, especially the world’s second most important metal, aluminium.
Body:
Status of Aluminium industry in India:
 Aluminium Industry is the second most important metallurgical industry in India.

 Aluminium has gained popularity as a substitute of steel, copper, zinc and lead.
 Some of its unique properties like lightweight, recyclability, conductivity, non-corrosiveness and
durability have helped establish it as a metal of choice for various applications
across various segments of the manufacturing
 Aluminum is also called ‘the Metal of Future’ due to the above properties.
 There are 8 aluminium smelting plants in the country located in Odisha (Nalco and Balco), West
Bengal, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
 Aluminum Consumption in India at 2.5kg per capita is much below the global average of 11kg
per capita.
 Globally, auto & transport account for 23% of aluminum consumption, followed by construction
(22%), packaging (13%), electrical (12%), machinery and equipment (8.5%), consumer durables
(4.5%), and other segments (4%)
Prospects:
 The aluminium industry has a high multiplier for job creation. Every job in primary production
creates two more in the downstream and upstream industries.
 The industry provides livelihood to over 8 lakh people and every 1 mn tonne addition creates an
additional 2 lakh livelihood opportunities.
 Even at its low consumption, aluminium contributes 2% of manufacturing GDP (steel 12%,
cement 9%) and provides nearly 800,000 jobs.
 This growth is critical for India’s vision of achieving 25% of GDP from manufacturing by 2022.
 Aluminium is the most apt industry for creating livelihoods to achieve the coveted V-shaped
recovery from ~2% to ~7% by next year.
 It will be a key contributor to ‘Make in India’, National Capital Goods Policy, setting up of smart
cities and the goal of 100 GW solar capacity by 2022.
 A country’s over-reliance on foreign imports for essential strategic metals may be detrimental
towards the objective of economic and national security.
 Many industrialised nations have included non-ferrous metals/aluminium industry as a strategic
sector in their industrial strategy.
 The U.S. Department of Defense considers aluminum a strategic metal for maintaining effective
military capabilities
 Given its high availability in India, it would greatly contribute to economic growth
 If properly utilized, many backward States can become financially healthier, leading to
development
 China is a leader in solar equipments which use high quantity of aluminium. It is used in wind
farms too. Given India’s ambitious INDCs, aluminium remains a key metal with its importance
increasing day by day
Problems:
 With a gloomy global forecast and Chinese smelters continuing operations, there will be an
inventory glut. End-users are cancelling contracts for primary aluminium in Europe and North
America, contracting demand by 5 mn tonnes.
 India’s GDP forecast falling to 2% (from 6%) will impact aluminium demand in the construction,
transport, and electrical sectors. Aluminium demand will decelerate by 40-50% unless enough
stimulus is given—an SOS call of the aluminium industry.
 Global recession, shrinking markets in the western hemisphere, and semi-finished products
through FTA countries like Malaysia and Thailand spell trouble for Indian aluminium exports.
 Dumping of aluminium into India by China has posed a serious risk to the domestic industry.
China provides very cheap power and various subsidies to the industry, which India cannot
afford to provide at this moment
 Even if various import duties are levied, aluminium imports are recalibrated as semi-furnished
products, nullifying the effect of duties
 India’s own aluminium consumption will recover slowly post FY22, to reach ~6-7 mn tonnes by
2025.
 Aluminium industry is also affected by poor infrastructure in India when compared to leading
producers across the world.
 Lack of availability of cheap power in the country
 Internal problems like labor unrests, environmental regulations and tribal issues like Dongria
Kondh of Niyamgiri vs Vedanta Resources
Measures needed:
 Tariff support recommendations for aluminium MSMEs:
 Immediately impose minimum import price and/or quantitative restriction on imports

safeguard our MSMEs from cheap imports by increasing import duty
 To be globally competitive, enhance the MEIS scheme from 2% to 5% for all aluminium
products under Chapter 76, and implement the RoDTEP (remission of duties or taxes on
export products) scheme expeditiously.
 Financial measures:
 Extend RBI’s moratorium to non-convertible debentures and other commercial papers, for
both principal and interest
 Waiver/moratorium on all statutory payments (electricity duty, royalty on coal and

minerals, coal cess, and on renewable purchase obligation) for next two years, to support
highly power-intensive industries like aluminium.
 Role of industries:
 Industry, along with the government stimulus, should promote MSMEs and downstream
industries.
 Aluminium parks developed by Nalco and Vedanta will increase value addition, mentor
MSMEs, lending brand names to market end products.
 Other industries can also introduce cashless model for MSMEs to give input material and
buy back end-use products.
 This will be mutually beneficial—spreading industrialization, creating employment, and

developing MSMEs.
Conclusion:
India’s growing economic might enables it to produce enough high-quality aluminium to ensure self-
reliance in defence and critical infrastructure, and avoid global volatility in supply and prices.
A National Aluminium Policy will be an important step forward. With all ingredients of competitive
raw material availability (bauxite and coal), best-in-class manpower, and value addition through

MSMEs, India has the potential to be self-sufficient and become a global manufacturing hub of
aluminium, and can be a strong substitute to China.
Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic

activity, cyclone etc.
What is a heat wave? Explain the occurrence of it in India and discuss how long can it
last?(250 words)
Why this question:
The question is straightforward and is based on the phenomenon of Heatwaves, their occurrence in
the country.
Explain what Heatwaves are, their occurrence in India and discuss their impact and time period.
Directive:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the
particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with
relevant associated facts.
Introduction:
Heat waves occur over India between March and June. Meteorologists declare a heatwave event
when the maximum (day) temperature for a location in the plains crosses 40 degrees Celsius. Over
the hills, the threshold temperature is 30 degrees Celsius. When the day temperature jumps by 4 to 5
degrees above the normal maximum temperature of a location, it is declared as a heatwave.
Body:
Explain the phenomenon in detail. Discuss the context of India, present a timeline of its occurrence in
the past and in the present. Explain how long can it last and discuss the spatial pattern of it.
Conclusion:
Conclude with its impact and solutions to address and mitigate the effect of it.
Introduction
Heat wave is a period of abnormally high temperatures, more than the normal maximum
temperature that occurs during the pre-monsoon (April to June) summer season.
According to Indian Meteorological Department, Heat wave is considered if 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.
Body
Scenario in India
 Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra have been experiencing
severe to very severe heatwave conditions.
 In its very first spell this year, this heatwave pushed day temperatures significantly above
normal, with Churu in Rajasthan reporting 50 degrees.
 Heatwave conditions occurring in May have been observed to last longer, as the season reaches
its peak this month.

 Whereas those reported in June often die down sooner, often due to the onset of Southwest
monsoon over the location or in its neighbourhood.
 Heatwaves are common over the Core Heatwave Zone (CHZ) — Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana,
Chandigarh, Delhi, West Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Vidarbha in
Maharashtra, parts of Gangetic West Bengal, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, as
categorised by India Meteorological Department.
 Several recent studies indicate that CHZ experience more than six heatwave days per year during
these four months.
 Many places in the northwest and cities along southeastern coast report eight
heatwave days per season.
 However, the regions in the extreme north, northeast and southwestern India are
lesser prone to heatwaves.
Causes of Heat Wave
 A heatwave occurs when a system of high atmospheric pressure moves into an area and lasts
two or more days. In severe cases it lasts upto 5-6 days.
 In such a high-pressure system, air from upper levels of our atmosphere is pulled toward the
ground, where it becomes compressed and increases in temperature.
 This high concentration of pressure makes it difficult for other weather systems to move into
the area, which is why a heatwave can last for several days or weeks.
 The longer the system stays in an area, the hotter the area becomes.
 The high-pressure inhibits winds, making them faint-to-nonexistent.
 Because the high-pressure system also prevents clouds from entering the region, sunlight can
become punishing, heating up the system even more.
 The combination of all of these factors come together to create the exceptionally hot
temperatures we call a heatwave.
Consequences
 Extreme heat can lead to dangerous, even deadly, consequences, including heat stress and
heatstroke.
 Severe heat stroke can lead to multiple organ failure, seizures, and death.
 Children, the elderly and those with pre-existing morbidities are particularly vulnerable.
 Heat wave also cause death of cattle and wildlife besides affecting animals in various zoos in
India.
 Increased exposure to heat can cause
 A decrease in labour productivity.
 Burden health systems that are ill-equipped to cope with the effects of heat stress.

 Promote the spread of diseases like cholera and dengue fever across endemic areas.
 Labour loss: Rising temperatures negatively affect workers’ output and the agriculture sector
experience largest increase in labour loss.
Way-Forward
 Accurate weather prediction and coordinated action plan hold the key to cope with heat waves.
 Making communities both aware of and resilient to the impacts of the changing climate.
 Establish Early Warning System and Inter-Agency Coordination to alert residents on predicted
high and extreme temperatures.
 Providing quality healthcare, particularly to the young and elderly, in a timely fashion.
 Eg: Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has adopted a heat action plan which
necessitates measures such as building heat shelters, ensuring availability of water and
removing neonatal ICU from the top floor of hospitals.
 Necessary action for prevention, preparedness and community outreach to save the lives of the
general public, livestock and wild life.
 Improving the forest coverage and green areas.
 Co-ordination among several departments and groups, and training of medical and community
workers to prevent and respond to heat-related illnesses.



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INSIGHTSIAS

IA SIMPLIFYING IAS EXAM PREPARATION

INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

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Buddhism- an appealing alternative to people of lower castes:

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Reasons for massive structures:

 Monuments epitomize an imperative part of cultural heritage, where distinct characteristics,

Some examples of scale of structures built my Mughals:

Comment on the unique features of Vesara tradition of Indian Hindu temple

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Unique features of Vesara style of architecture:

 Ornamentation: In case of ornamentation of temple walls and pillars, Chalukyan temple

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 Two special features of Chalukya temples – Mantapa and Pillars:

Influence of Nagara tradition

Influence of Dravida tradition

Special departure from Nagara and Dravida tradition:

 There is a small closed mantapa to the shrine in Nagara temples.

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Medieval Indian Architecture is a synthesis of indigenous styles and external influences

Characteristics of Medieval Indian architecture:

Rationale behind the synthesis of indigenous styles and external influences:

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Features of Indus Valley Civilization

 Town planning Architecture

 The elite class stayed in the citadel part of the town.

 Eg: Unicorn seal, Pashupathi seal made of Steatite.

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Key Provisions of the Agreement

o Both Governments declare these rights to be fundamental and undertake to enforce

 The pact did not recognise forced conversions.

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 The pact planned formation of minorities’ commissions in each country.

Laid the foundation for future International Relations

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Contributions of Veer Savarkar to Indian Freedom struggle

Relevance of his ideas in Indian society today:

 Savarkar was a modernist, a rationalist and a strong supporter of social reform.

Structure of the answer:

Key Features of New Farmer’s movements

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 Further, the Karnataka movement organised thousands of simple, inter-caste

 Those who opposed globalisation, particularly Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha,

 On the contrary those who supported globalisation saw in globalisation an answer to

Why is it called “New” Farmers Movement?

 The movement is economistic;

 The movement believes in secularism;

Shortcomings of the movement

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 However, immediately after independence fissiparous forces lead to the dismemberment of

 Geographically, this region is almost isolated from the rest of India.

Challenges witnessed in North-East India post-Independence

 The region remained immune to the process of 'Indianness.'

 Eg: Brus were displaced from Mizoram to Tripura.

 Insurgency and violence

 The region witnessed the emergence of a number of extremist organizations challenging