Paper 2: General Studies- I: Indian

Heritage and Culture, History and

Geography of the World and Society.
1.
2.
3.
4.

Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms,

Salient aspects of Literature and
Salient aspects of Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the presentsignificant events, personalities, issues
5. The Freedom Struggle- its various stages and important contributors /contributions from
different parts of the country.
6. Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
7. History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution,
world wars, RedrawaL of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization,
8. Political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect
on the society.
9. Salient features of Indian Society,source1
10. Diversity of India.
11. Role of women and women's organization,
12. population and associated issues,
13. poverty and developmental issues,
14. Urbanization, their problems and their remedies. source1.
15. Effects of globalization on Indian society
16. Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
17. Salient features of world's physical geography.
18. Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the
Indian sub-continent);
19. factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries
in various parts of the world (including India)
20. Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity,
cyclone etc.,
21. Geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features
(including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such
changes.

1.Salient aspects of Art forms (ancient to modern)

1.1Write a note on the significance
of Hornbill Festival in about 100
Words.
Hornbill festival is a weeklong festival
organized by Government of Nagaland and
is celebrated in the first week of December
every year. All the 16 tribes of Nagaland
takes part in this festival which showcases
diverse culture including food, songs, dance,
customs of Nagaland under one roof. The
festival is organized with an aim to revive
and protect the rich culture of Nagaland and
display its extravaganza and traditions.

1.2Mahamaham Festival 100 words

Mahamaham is a Hindu festival every 12
years in Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu.
Hindus beleieve that taking a holy dip in the
Mahamaham tank on this day is sacred since
all the holy rivers are believed to meet at
this tank on this day and hence the
purificatory bath is considered equivalent to
taking a holy bath in all the holy rivers of
India.The purificatory bath is believed to
absolve one of all sins and after the bath the
devotees offer charity to the deities for
reverence.

1.3Kiew eh-rhgiew (100 Words)

Kiew eh-rhgiew is the annual pilgrimage of
the Khasis tribe in Meghalaya. As per the
practice tribal people climb up a mountain
top, considered to the naval of the heaven to
perform rituals. The people undertake
annual pilgrimage on the first Sunday of
every February.

The literal meaning of Kiew eh- rngiew is

the ascent for good luck and good fortunes
in the coming days in the year. The belief is
that the heaven and earth are connected by
Naval and the metaphorical umbilical cord.
As per the traditions dance and songs are
performed on the hill top while elders
distribute rice & water for bring good luck

1.4Are folk art forms of India

declining in popularity and on the
verge of extinction? Examine. What
can be done to revive them?
Lower attendance in cultural events
especially of youth is a clear indication that
there seems to be a decline in popularity of
folk arts. Both indigenous and external
factors have influenced this.
The government on its front has not been
able to market the traditional art forms.
Neither is there a clear policy on how to do
so. The industry constantly complains of
lack of funds, infrastructure and recognition.
The industry too has also lacked imagination
and dynamism to incorporate the changing
dynamics of the society. Moreover the youth
is largely dissociated right through the hiring
to organization phase which seems to have
been taken over by traditionalists.
On the foreign front, it is largely the
influence of the west and love for everything
American that has done far reaching damage
to our own traditional arts. Movies these

days hardly show folk arts. Thus, the

demand side of folk arts has weakened too.
To revive the arts there is a need for a clear
long term cultural vision. This vision must
include
1. Publicity involving latest technologies
and not just the moribund approach. These
can include new platforms like mobile apps,
social media, online games etc which have
greater connect with the youth.
2. Higher monetary benefits, awards,
recognition and preferential treatment to
artists.
3. Reviving public sector broadcaster and
taking steps to make it more dynamic and
research oriented. A new channel must be
started dedicated only for this purpose

1.5Write a note on the art of Bidri.

Modern household and daily used items like
USB drive covers, office stationery,
lampshades and even floor tiles.
Art of Bidri derives its name from Bidar
district of Karnataka where it originated. It
originated in 14th century during the reign
of bahmani sultans.
Art of bidri involves designing of ware with
an alloy of copper and zinc(1:16).While it
was the symbol of wealth during our
ancestors paying huge dividends to the
traders it is now less practiced.
It is now mainly the possessions of Muslims
,being practiced in Bidar district of
karnataka, hyderabad district of Andhra.It is
also being practiced albeit to a less extent in
purnia(Bihar) and lucknow (UP)..

To make the art rampant and demanding it is

now being done it all modern household and
daily used items like USB drive covers,
office stationery, lampshades and even floor
tiles.
Write a note on The Nalanda University
(Amendment) Bill 2013 (200 Words)
The re-born Nalanda University, an
international centre of learning in Bihar, will
be launching operations from later this year.
The University, an initiative of the Indian
government and the 18 East Asia Summit
(EAS) countries, is coming up around 12 km
from the ruins of its ancient namesake that
was flocked by thousands of scholars and
thinkers from across the world till the 12th
century.
For the revival of this institution, on
voluntary basis China has already
committed $1 million for the project,
Singapore has pledged $5-6 million and
Australia about $1 million Australian
dollars.
The Nalanda University (Amendment Bill),
2013 was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on
September 5, 2013 by the Ministry of
External Affairs, which desires to establish
Nalanda University in Bihar.
Under the Act, the University is a non-profit
public-private partnership, supported by
each member country as well as other
sources. The Bill amends the Act to provide
for the Government of India to meet the
universitys
capital
and
recurring
expenditure to the extent required.

Further, the powers of the University are

amended to include the power to set up a
consortium of international partners to meet
the objectives of the University, and appoint
persons working in any other University or
academic institution, including those located
outside India, as faculty of the University.
The size of the Governing Board of the
University is being increased to include two
persons of eminence and two members from
the academic faculty of the University. The
Bill also makes provision for the
appointment of Deans and Provosts.
Write a note on the contribution of Sufi
tradition to the culture of India. (200 Words)
Sufism has developed in the past 1000 years
in India. After the introduction of Islam in
India in the 700s, Sufism gained popularity
during the years of the Delhi Sultanate in the
10th and the 11th centuries.
Sufism has left a prolific impact on
religious, social and cultural life in India.
The introduction of the mystical form of
Islam was done by Sufi saints.
Sufi scholars traveling from all over
continental Asia were instrumental in the
social,
economic,
and
philosophic
development of India.
Besides preaching in major cities and
centers of intellectual though, Sufis reached
out to poor and marginalized rural
communities and preached in local dialects
such as Urdu, Sindhi, Panjabi versus
Persian, Turkish, and Arabic.
Sufism emerged as a moral and
comprehensive socieo-religious force that

even influenced other religious traditions

such as Hinduism.
Their traditions of devotional practices and
modest living attracted all people. Their
teachings of humanity, love for God and
Prophet continue to be surrounded by
mystical tales and folk songs today.
Sufis were firm in abstaining from religious
and communal conflict and strived to be
peaceful elements of civil society. Sufi
devotional music has also been successful
among Indians even today. Sufi gatherings
today are known as qawwalis.
Amir Khusrau also known as Parrot of
India furthered the Chishti affiliation due to
which rose the sufi pop culture within India.
Write a short note on Lalit Kala Academy
(100 Words)
1.The Lalit Kala academy is the premier fine
art institution of the Government of India
established in 1954 to promote, spread and
develop Indian fine art culture.
2.It is a non-profit, autonomous body,
funded by the Ministry of Culture.
3.LKA
holds
exhibitions,
institutes
scholarships, sponsorships, fellowships,
assistance schemes, Lifetime Achievement
Awards, and publishes documentary
material.
4.It conducts Triennale India, and the
National Exhibition of Photography and Art.
5.It maintains a Library, catering to the
needs of various organizations and also
covers world art

Bring out the differences between Carnatic

and Hindustani classical music. Examine
why classical music in India is not a popular
career choice. (200 Words)
Indian classical music has two sub genres
Carnatic and Hindustani .The former was
originated & prevalent in south India and
latter in north, eastern and central India.
Both has similar basic concepts like shruti,
raga, swara, tala and their origin can be
found in vedas (oldest scriptures in hindu
tradition) Samaveda and traced back to 13th14th centuries. Both are monophonic in
nature that is based around a single melody
line, quite elaborate and expressive.
How ever some differences exist on nature,
style of singing and techniques involved in
them. The main emphasis of carnatic is on
vocal music,many compositions are written
to be sung and even when played on
instruments meant to be performed on
singing(gayaki) style.It is more rhythmically
intensive and structured than hindustani.
Accompanists have much larger role in
former.Also unlike carnatic which is sung &
performed in single style, hindustani has
various styles in singing each style of school
called
gharana like
gharana etc.,

gwalior

gharana,jaipur

Number of ragas used in carnatic are

more,characterized by 72 melakarta raga
scheme and some ragas used here have
different
names
in
other,
like
shankarabaranam equivalent to bilaval.
Carnatic is kirti based and hindustani is raga
based and has separate repertoire for
instrumental and vocal.

Hindustani has persian and islamic

influences and is a cultural synthesis of
vedic chantings,persian and folk music
traditions.The
insruments
used
are
sitar,tabla,sarangai,shehnai etc.,while in
carnatic
violin,veena,venu,
gottu
vaidyam,mridangam etc.,Chief source of
former is sangita ratnakara of sarangadeva
while carnatic flourished by saint purandara
dasa and carnatic trinity.
Classical music in India flourished well
during medieval times due to patronage of
kings,It lost its sheen latter but still survives
by efforts of gurus.some recognition in form
of awards by govt. and cultural fests,
earnings through shows,teaching.No income
on sustainable basis.Only few able to make
mark at international & national level.It was
tough and takes many years to master also
qualified teachers are less available.Also
indian music market is dominated by film
music and is with in reach & comprehension
of many people.But careers in films is
uncertain.All these might be reasons for
making classical music not a popular career
choice.
Uttarayan festival (50 Words)
Ans Uttarayan refers to arrival of sun in
the northern hemisphere which brings relief
from winters. It is generally celebrated on 14
January. This day is considered a day of
healthy beginning for anything. As per
mythology, Bhishm Pitamah chose to leave
his body on this day.
an International kite flying festival mainly
celebrated in the state of Gujarat on the
occasion of Makar Sakranti on 14th Jan.
Gujarat, known for its numerous festival

celebrations, is widely known for the

Uttrayan Festival. This occasion marks the
movement of the Sun in the Makar Rashi
and signals the beginning of the arrival of
summer.
Junbeel Mela (100 Words)
Junbeel Mela It is an annual festival held during the
Magh-bihu period where both tribals and
non-tribals of Assam and Meghalaya
practise a barter system for exchanging
agricultural
produce.
The
Assam
government consider it the as one of the
rarest of rare festivals and has requested
the UNESCO to declare it a heritage
festival.
Write a note on the depiction of Buddha in
ancient Indian art. (200 Words)
The Buddhist art very faithfully reflects all
aspects of Buddhism. In the early phase of
the art, the Buddha is not depicted in figural
form. His presence is suggested by empty
throne, tree, rider-less horse, dharma wheel
and footprints. This reluctance towards
anthropomorphic
representation
and
development of aniconic representation
seems to be connected to Buddhas saying
Digha
Nikaya
that
discouraged
representation of him after extinction of his
body.
The anthropomorphic depiction of Buddha
started during 1st century BC. Two main
schools of art- Gandhara and Mathura,
emerged at this time.
The Gandhara School was influenced from
Greco-Roman norms and techniques.

Buddhist sculptures display Greco-Roman

influence and it is believed that man-god
depiction of Buddha was influenced from
Greek mythological culture. The Budda
depicted in Gandhara is shown making 4
types of hand gestures:
1. Abhaya: Dont fear
2. Dhyana: Meditation
3. Dharmachakra: a preaching state
4. Bhumispara: Touching the earth
The Mathura School depicted Buddha as
human in both sitting and standing style.
The sitting Buddha is in padmasana. The
standing Buddha was of Sravasthi Sarnath
and Kaushambi belongs to Mathura School
of art.
Write a short note on following dance forms
(50 Words each)
Sangrai Mog
Margam Kali
Chakri
Panthi Nritya
Dollu Kunitha
Silambattam
Sangrai Mog
Sangrai, which is the last day of the bengali
new year, is the occasion of special festival.
People of Mog Community (a tribe of
Tripura) and in particular young boys and
girls celebrate the Sangrai festival to herald
the new year. The youth move about house
to house and sprinkle paste of fragnant

sandalwood and water of green coconuts in

every house with wish yeilding tree
Kalpataru, on head. The festivities continue
for three days.

vigorous
quick-paced
movements
interspersed with occasional characteristic
pyramid-like formations made by the
dancers.

Magram Kalli --Margam Kali is one of the

ancient round group dance of Kerala
practiced by Saint Thomas Christians (also
called Syrian Chirtians or Nasranis). The
word margam means path and it was
meant for the propagation of Christian
religious ideas. The dance is performed by
12 members moving in a circle around a
lighted oil lamp. The oil lamp denotes Christ
and the dancers symbolizes his disciples. It
is not accompanied by music and the
dancers sing themselves while performing
the dance. It is included in State Youth
Festival of Kerala

Dollu Kunitha

Chakri Dance
Chakri Dance is performed by womenfolk of
Kanjar Tribe scattered all over the state of
Rajasthan. It is mostly done during
weddings although it is performed on many
other occasions. The dancers whirl round
and round in circles in flowering skirts. As a
result, they appear like spinning tops (and
hence the name Chakri). The accompnying
instuments that are used are called nagara.
Panthi Nritya
Panthi Nritya is a popular dance of the
Chhatisgarh Satnamis (followers of Guru
Ghasidas). The dance is devotional in spirit.
Groups of men dance in different formations
to various rhythmic tunes played on the
mandar drum and the jhanjh chanting
Satnam, Satnam. The dancing commences
with slow movements climaxing with

It is a ritualistic dance of the Dodavas of

Karnataka. Large drums (dollu) adorned
with colored cloths hang aroung the necks of
men. The focus in on the quick and light
movements of feet and the songs used
usually have religious and battle fervour.
Silambattam
Silambattam is a weapon-based Indian
martial art from Tamil Nadu, but also
traditionally practised by the Tamil
community of Sri Lanka and Malaysia. The
word silambam refers to the staff which is
the main weapon used in this system. The
origin of Silambattam goes back to the days
of the Tamil Kings. This form of fighting
among the Kings has been transformed into
a kind of performing art over the years.Men
generally present the dance form of
Silambattam but in
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
16
modern days, even some women are
showing their interests to learn this dance
form.
Critically comment on the depiction of
women in Indian cinema. (250 Words)
Link

Q--Write a note on Sufism, its origins and

its influence on Indian Islam.
Reference
Islam finds its origin with era of Prophets
life. He was concerned both with statecraft
and spirituality. Owing circumstances, many
Muslims found politics and religion
inseparable. But, some Muslims alienated
with political power struggles and were
drawn towards spiritual side of Islam. There
were called Sufis and marked Sufism
Apart from politics, they also maintained
distance from Orthodox Ulama and legal
Islam. They did not identify any caste, class,
religion, region, ethnicity. They believed in
Unity of Being and Peace of All. They
accepted other tradition, customs, practices,
language and people whole- heartedly. Baba
Farid wrote in local language, instead of
Arabic or Persian
Owing to such qualities, Sufis were
accepted, loved, followed by Indians. They
also preferred company of poor and weaker
sections instead of courtiers and upper
classes. This made them champions of
masses and they commanded respect of all.
Many lower caste Hindus converted to
Islam, after them, seeking better dignity and
respect. Thus they served as a bridge
between various people, communities and
religions. Prominent Sufi saints like Salim
Chisti, Nizammudin Aulia were loved by
many.
Thus, Spirituality of Islam, embodied by
Sufism was cherished and accepted
vehemently in India and shaped a different
opinion of Indian Islam. Their songs, poems,

couplets gained huge popularity. Even

today, Sufi Music works as a soothing balm
on the soul in high paced society.
Sufism it is said is more a question of
attitude rather than Islamic teachings. Due to
historical circumstances Islam invariably got
identified with state power and it was
though the two cant be separated. It was
during this period the certain section of
people kept themselves aloof and drawn to
spiritual side of Islam. Some scholars have
suggested that some of the followers of
Prophet used to sit outside his mosque
discussing regarding the possible solutions
to the ills of society while also not getting
absorbed into struggle for political power
and remaining focused on the spiritual side.
In India it has been accepted that the Sufis
came from the Central Asian Region.
In orthodox section of Islam Music is
forbidden. The Sufis with the concept of
Qawwalis were able to challenge this
baseless concept so much so that in present
times Sufi Music has assumed International
Character and shown the true purpose of
Islam to the world.
Thus the Sufis acted as a bridge between
Hindus and Muslims in India and promoted
the true Islamic faith and brotherhood
between the religions.
Sufism is known as Islamic Mysticism, in
which Muslims seek to find divine love and
knowledge
through
direct
personal
experience of God.
They believe that direct knowledge of God,
spiritual truth, or ultimate reality can be
attained through subjective experience (as

intuition or insight). They admit that Sufi

beliefs have no basis from the traditional
Islamic sources of the Quran and Sunnah.
OriginThere is disagreement among religious
scholars and Sufis themselves about the
origins of Sufism. The traditional view is
that Sufism is the mystical school of Islam
and had its beginnings in the first centuries
following the life of the Prophet
Mohammad.
Another view traces the pre-Islamic roots of
Sufism back through the early Christian
mystics of Syria and Egypt. Some consider
that Sufism

son-in-law Ali, some considers

prophets disciples who discusses the

from

spiritual islam sitting on suffa(a stone)

Most of the scholars accepts on the basics of
Sufi as
a. Sufism is a spiritual Islam
disconnected itself from political

and

islam, legal islam(Ulema), and orthodox

islam.
b. Sufism promotes liberal thoughts among
its followers
c. Sufism based on the doctrines of Perfect
man(al-Insan al-Kamil),

INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION

GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1

unity of being(wahdat al-wujud), peace for

all/total peace

http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page

17

d. Music plays important role in sufism

have existed from the beginning of the

human creation. Therefore no one person
can be said to be its propounder.
Influence on Indian IslamWith the entrance of Islam in 7th century in
India, Sufi mystic tradition got established
well in Delhi Sultanate. Sufism had left a
prevailing impact on religious, cultural, and
social life in India.
sufism is a branch of Islam, considered as
spiritual islam and mystic islam
The Origin of Sufi is disputed by various
persons some considers its
origin from the Prophet mohammed, some
considers from his cousin and

e. Find inner purity in every man and hence

reach god
Sufism in India first introduced
moinuddin chisti and his followers and

by

theirs -Bakhtiyar Kaki, Baba Farid,

Nizamuddin Auliya, khusrao spreaded it
across India.They interacted with poor and
drowndrodden people very easily and
because of their tolerance they even
accepted Indian spirituality. They spreaded
Sufism in local languages and hence got
easy appeal.They developed a new kind of
experience in India mixing with mystism of
Hindu mythology.In india they developed
very fine musics like qawwalis in sufism
which is liked by everyone irrespective of
religion.The music is so sooth to heart many

loved to hear to be feel free and to forget

their distress.

continued and SC has called for the

complete ban of this festival.

Sufism contributed
particularly among
sections

INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION

GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1

spread
lower

of Islam
caste/class

promotion of unity among spritiual Isalm

and Hindu
variety of music
variety in poetry
Write a note on Jallikattu. Do you agree
with the Supreme Courts ban on the sport?
Critically comment.
The Hindu
Jaliikattu is a bull taming sport organised
in the January-July period as part of Pongal
harvest festival celebration since the
Sangam age. In it coin bags & other prizes
are tied to bulls horn and then bull is made
to run through a narrow passage where men
try to tame it and grab the prizes.
In 2008, Animal welfare board of India and
PETA filled separate petitions in Supreme
Court, demanding complete ban of Jaliikattu
since it involves cruelty to animals and as a
result the Supreme Court banned the
festival. However in 2009 Tamilnadu
enacted a law to regulate Jallikattu under SC
guidelines which included holding Jallikattu
five months a year but only after permission
from District Collector, fielding only 4 men
against 1 bull, medical aid for the wounded
animals and monitoring of bulls by Animal
Welfare Board. But despite the SC
guidelines and Tamilandu Act, the cruelty

http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page

18
The decision is apt in the wake of the
cruelties done to the bulls by organizers like
injuring its tail, putting chilly powder in its
eyes to ensure that the bull behaves violently
etc as it is depriving the rights under Section
3 of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Critical part..likey to oppose sc..eg..its a
tradition..may
hurt
religious
sentiments..totally banning may create
resentment..prudent step would have been to
revisit the reasons y earlier decision was not
implemented
properly..if
failure
by
administrators then it could be corrected.
Also dpsp says we have to preserve our
rich composite culture.
An argument, although far fetched, can be
made out that even experiments on animals
and rearing and killing of animal for food
are cruel.
Compassion towards animals is a test of a
peoples moral fiber. As long as general
masses are not sensitized about animal
rights, such cruelties will prevail.
Thirumayam Fort Answer) Thirumayam fort
is situated in southern Tamil Nadu which
was built by Raja of Ramnad. Earlier this
fort was popular only for the architectural
beauty of rock-cut temples but now another
important asset, rock-paintings, have also

been found which has increased its

importance in the field of archaeology.
Kalbeli Folk Dance (50 Words) Answer)
Kalibelia is the name of a tribe found in
Rajasthan who were basically snake
charmers. Both men and women celebrate in
joyful occasions and play a sensuous dance
named after their tribe. Their dances and
songs depicts the changes in socioeconomic
conditions and identity of the kalbelias.
Kalbelia songs are based on mythological
and folklore stories and special dance are
performed during Holi. There songs are
spontaneously comprised and there is no
training or text manual for either song or
dance. UNESCO has listed this dance and
songs in Intangible Heritage List in 2010.

2.Salient aspects of Literature

(ancient to modern)
2.1Tyagaraja is the saint-poet of 1819th century,
Who lived in Tiruvayyaru in present day
Tanjore district in Tamil Nadu. His
compositions are considered to be some of
the finest in Carnatic music. Of the five
Pancharatna Kritis, four are in Telugu and
one in Sanskrit. They are set to music in five
ragas: Nata, Gaula, Arabhi, Varali and Sri.
The Pancharatna kritis are written in praise
of the Hindu deity, Rama. They are set to
Adi Tala and each raga represents the mood
of the song and the meaning of its lyrics.

2.2Write a short note on Bodleian

Library in about 50 words.
Bodleian Library is situated in Oxford
University and is the largest University
Library in United Kingdom. Recently it in

partnership with The Vatican Library has

put the first of 1.5 million pages of ancient
manuscript online.

2.3What do you understand by the

classical language status and why
is it being accorded to select few
languages of India? Examine. (200
Words)
The Classical language status is of
European origin and it has been adopted in
India. Earlier, the language with literary
contributions that were considered to be
classical were classified as classical
language in Europe. The literature having
the virtues of reason, clarity , order,
humanitarian
outlook,
restraint
was
considered to be classical literature.
Since the concept has been taken from the
European languages, the criteria for the
classification of the language is also
influenced . The criteria is derived from the
Greek and the Latin literature encompassing
the virtues of the clarity, reason, restraint,
antiquity,humanism and others.
The Sahitya Akademi considered four
criteria for the classification of a language as
the classical language.The language should
have high antiquity with the literary
contributions 1500 2000 years old. The
literary contributions made in the language
should be considered as valuable by the
literary scholars. The language should have
originality and uniqueness and should not
mirror previous existing languages. It should
also have a difference from the modern
language and literature and there should be a
discontinuity between the classical language
and its later offshoots.

The languages are classified as classical for

their preservation. It results into more funds
getting allocated for the conservation of the
literary contributions in the language and
creating awareness among the people related
to rich history of the language.

2.4 Do you agree with the view that

English language in India is threat
to the survival of native languages?
Substantiate. (200 Words)
The fact that English has helped Indians in
integrating with the developed world more
successfully then as compared to the
Chinese or Japanese population. Majority of
research papers, scientific documents,
books, journals, literary works etc are
available in English. Thus the knowledge of
English does empowers in gaining more
knowledge of developments going around
the world.
At the same time, there is a concern of
survival of native languages, with English
gain importance in almost all fields ranging
from academicia to social network from law
books to Bank receipts.
Though Bollywood and regional cinema has
been producing motion pictures in
vernacular languages, English publishers
have taken the centre stage in literary
circles. Most of the emerging Indian authors
chose English over other language to gain
international acclaim.
Awards like Jnanpith Award, does tries to
incentivise authors writing in official
languages but the concern that the reader
base is fast receding can very much be true
and English can be accused for the same.

Despite aforementioned concerns, it would

be an exaggeration to claim that English can
be threat to the survival of other languages
in India. English remains a colloquial
language of a minority in India today and
most of the people communicate in their
regional languages and dialects. The fact
that, RBI has to give a considerable amount
of margin to include the denomination of a
500 rupee note in several languages and
scripts, is exemplar of the same.

2.5Telhara university (100 Words)

Telhara university is an another university
found in Nalanda District of Bihar which is
about 40 km from the ancient Nalanda
University site. Telhara is mentioned by the
Chinese traveller Ithsing and hiuen Tsang
who visited at Nalanda university in the 7th
century AD. It is remarkable that three
Buddhist temples are also found there beside
the account mentioned a big platform of
prayer by 1000 monks. The excavation
continuing since 2009.

Write a note on the contribution of Jainism

to literature in ancient and medieval India.
(200 Words)The Hindu
Right from the Vedic period, two types of
cultures were a part of Indian society. The
first being Brahmana culture and the second
one being Sramana culture. Although the
Sramana culture represented by the Jains
and the Buddhists, the Jains were the first
ones to propagate it. even the
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1

Sramana literature flourished along with

Brahmanic literature.
The Sramana literature disregards the
system of castes and Asramas; its heroes are
not Gods and Rule, but kings or merchants
or even Sudras. The subjects of poetry taken
up by it are not Brahmanic myths and
legends, but popular tales: fairy stories,
fables and parables.
It likes to insist on the misery and sufferings
of samsara and it teaches a morality of
compassion and ahimsa. The authors of this
Sramana literature have contributed
enormously to the religious, ethical,
poetical, and scientific literature of ancient
India.
Besides a very extensive body of poetical
narratives, canonical literature of the Jainas
consists of an immense number of
commentaries and independent works on
dogma, ethics. and monastic discipline.
As fond of story-telling, the Jainas were
good story-tellers themselves, and have
preserved for us numerous Indian tales that
otherwise would have been lost. Kavyas and
mahakavyas too, of renowned merit have
been composed by Jaina poets.

3.Salient aspects of
Architecture (ancient to
modern)
3.1Write a note on the architectural
form and style of Indus valley
civilization. (200 Words)
The Indus Valley civilization was
established around 3300 b.c and flourished

between 2600 and 1900 b.c. This civilization

was mostly an urban centric type of
settlements. The most prominent of these
splendid cities is the Mohenjo-Daro
presently situated in Sindh province of
Pakistan.
Many of these Indus valley cities were
divided into two or more parts. Usually, the
part to the west was smaller but higher
which is called by archaeologists as
Citadel. Whereas parts to the east was
larger but lower believed to the lower town.
The citadel was higher than the rest of the
town, mostly comprised of Administrative
building and houses of ruling class & priest.
The rest of the town had houses, granaries.
The city was highly planned with proper
drainage system with roads laid out in grid
pattern surrounded by high walls.
Besides the town planning the other
important architectural objects are the manmade dock at lothal which was also build of
burnt bricks. The great bath place of
Mohenjo-Daro build of burnt brick with a
drainage and water filling system is very
much advanced of its time. Incidentally
there is no monumental architecture which
clearly marks the presence of a palace or
temple.
This civilization had also developed art of
pottery making, dyeing, metal working on
bronze, and bead making. Small sculptures
were also made of stone, terra cotta, and
bronze.

Another answer - Mohenjo-Daro and

Harappa were the largest cities of the

Indus Valley Civilization . The plans of

both cities reveal highly advanced ancient
civilization, while the sewerage and
drainage systems throughout the Indus
Valley Civilization were the most advanced
sanitation systems in the world at that time.
The cities were divided into two parts the
Citadel and the Lower City. Fortified citadel
located on an artificial hill on the western
flank
encompasses
large
residential
structure, massive granary and two large
assembly halls which implies on existence
of central government or administration. The
residential buildings in the Lower City build
from sun dried or baked mud bricks, Many
houses had small bathrooms and were wellprovided with drains. Insight into Indus
Valley Civilization arts and culture provide
only various sculptures, pottery, jewellery,
and terra-cotta, gold and stone figurines. The
numerous small seals depict variety of
animals oxen, crocodiles, elephants while
depiction of humans is very rare. Every seal
usually included inscriptions in the Indus
Valley Civilization script which has not
been fully deciphered yet although the
language of Indus Valley Civilization has
been identified as Dravidian.

3.2Instead of mindlessly spending

money on gigantic memorials, it
would serve the public good if it is
spent on conserving neglected
heritage structures. Comment.
(200 Words)
Answer - The spending of public money on
gigantic memorials is defended on the
ground of creating public spaces, however, a
much gainful utilization of such wasteful

expenditure can be other avenues needing

funds.
The colonial legacy of creating gigantic
memorials has established deep trenches in
the Indian polity and massive sums are spent
on creating such gigantic statues or
memorials. The motive is to further spread
the political ideology or to express ones
commitment to a cause. However such
symbolism is also justified sometimes on the
ground that the memorial creates an
ecosystem of museum, park and public
space around which benefits local tourism
and becomes a highlight for an area.
The giant memorials however lead to traffic
snarls and congestions, act counter to the
aesthetics and natural environment and
worst of all are a wasteful leakage of valued
public money which could be utilized for
various other projects in dire needs.
One, the conservation of historic and
precious cultural heritage which is
dilapidated due to public exposure or due to
age. Second such giant statues impinge on
already land starved populace and encroach
on limited public space. Third, the collective
public memory needs to be emphasized on
humanism and tragedies such as Bhopal
Disaster shall be documented.
In nut shell as per SC directives their needs
to be a regulation governing such exercises
of erecting giant memorials by parties.
Moreover their claim to public purpose
needs to be tested and finally public opinion
shall be sought before undertaking such
exercise such that these memorials do not
seem imposed or encroaching on their
beliefs.

3.3Discuss the salient features of

city architecture of the Vijayanagar
empire that was built in Hampi, in
Karnataka. (200 Words)
Early 14th century Shiva temples on
Hemakuta hill built during the rule of
Harihara Raya I incorporates the stepped
Kadamba
style
nagara
sikhara(superstructure)
The mid-14th century Vidyashankara temple
at Sringeri, one of the earliest temples built
by the kings of the empire
Typical shrine at Hazare Rama temple in
Hampi A typical Vijayanagara style pillared
maha mantapa (main hall) at Someshvara
temple at Kolar
Pillared open mantapaincorporating Hoysala
style "staggered square" layout at Vittala
temple in Hampi
Typical large open pillared
Ananthasayana
temple
Ananthasayanagudi,
Bellary
Karnataka

hall

at
in
district,

Kudure gombe (horse doll) pillars in a

mantapa at Hampi An open mantapa with
yalicolumns at the Vittala temple in Hampi
Vijayanagara architecture can be broadly
classified into religious, courtly and civic
architecture, as can the associated sculptures
and paintings.[2] The Vijayanagara style is a
combination
of
the
Chalukya,
Hoysala,Pandya and Chola styles which
evolved earlier in the centuries when these
empires ruled and is characterised by a
return to the simplistic and serene art of the
past.[3]

For the approximately 400 years during the

rule of the Western Chalukya and the
Hoysalas empires, the most popular material
for temple construction was chloritic schist
or soapstone. This was also true for
sculpture as soapstone is soft and easily
carved. During the Vijayanagar period the
local hard granite was preferred in the
Badami Chalukya style, although soapstone
was used for a few reliefs and
sculptures.[4]While the use of granite
reduced the density of sculptured works,
granite was a more durable material for the
temple structure. Because granite is prone to
flaking, few pieces of individual sculptures
reached the high levels of quality seen in
previous centuries. In order to cover the
unevenness of the stone used in sculptures,
artists employed plaster to give the rough
surface a smooth finish and then painted it
with lively colours.[5]
It is one of the most extraordinary
landscapes to be found anywhere in Asia,
not just in India. It is an incredible granitic
landscape. One question that most people
ask us is what a big imperial city of one of
the greatest Hindu empires in southern India
doing here? There are several possible
explanations. One, this type of landscape
was a very good natural defence against
empires that were at war with Vijayanagara;
second, a great river, Tungabhadra, runs
through this place and it loses height it
is ideal for taking off water channels and
creating a very extensive hydraulic system
which permitted the cultivation of many
types of crops,

The Vijaynagar City Architecture is a

synthesis of many previous ancient
architectural forms.
In Vijaynagar Empire construction activity
got a great boost. The entire city of
Vijaynagar was fortified by building stone
walls around it.
The main features of Vijaynagar city
architecture was big buildings esp. Temples
and Palaces. Granite was the main material
used in building.
Temple construction activity got a special
patronage from Vijaynagar rulers. Huge
monolithic temples were constructed in the
City.
The extensive use of pillars was another
striking feature of City architecture. These
pillars were used for extension or support as
well as ornamentation of temples and
palaces. A whole new style called the
Mandapa style evolved due to this.
The pillars were decorated by sculptures of
gods and goddess and supernatural .
The reverse curves borrowed from deccan
style of architecture and inverted lotus
pendent on top of temples are another
striking features of Vijaynagar City
architecture.
Vijaynagar City also had extensive
waterworks and lakes etc throughout the
City esp. along the temples. Also, there were
some secular buildings like Lotus Mahal in
the City.

4.Mid-18th century - Present

(significant events,
personalities, issues)
4.1Critically comment on the
contribution of Dr Ambedkar to the
cause of Dalit empowerment.
Dr B.R Ambedkar is a name synonymous
to dalit empowerment. Almost every pocket
in the heartland of India has a statue of Dr.
Ambedkar. It thus become very plausible to
believe that he was the main representative
of dalits at the time of drafting COI, which
is true also.
His earlier achievement was the setup of
Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha, which was
intended to promote education and socioeconomic improvement, as well as the
welfare of outcastes. He gave an inspiring
self-confidence to the Dalits, untouchables
and women.
In 1927, he started satyagraha against
untouchability
and
Kalaram
temple
movement in 1930 to ensure the right to
every dalit of entry in the temple. He
attended round table conference in London
and later secured separate seats for
untouchables in elections through Poona
pact in 1932.
Dr. Ambedkar didnt demand for
improvement in caste system but
annihilation of cast system. He argued that
Dalits position in Indian society is social,
not the racial and therefore subjected to
change. He also favored Buddhism due to its
rationalism compared to Hinduism.

 His books Annihilation of Caste and

who were the shudras? played a great role
boosting the self confidence in Dalits.
Ambedkar introduced many provisions for
upliftment of Dalits in Indian constitution as
removal
of
untouchability
and
discrimination on the ground of caste etc in
fundamental rights. he pressured for the
reservation of seats in educational institutes
and govt. jobs for Schedule castes. He also
laid foundation of national commission for
SCs and STs to monitor its implementation.

4.2Mahatma Gandhi and Netaji Subhas

Chandra Bose, despite their different
paths of action, had the same goal of
liberating India from the chains of
British colonialism. Critically compare
and contrast their ideology and
actions in contributing towards
Indias freedom struggle. (200 Words)
Mahatama Gandhi and Netaji Subhas
Chandra Bose were both legendary freedom
fighters, in journey of Indias struggle to
freedom. Though both of them aimed for
same goal but their ideologies were
invariably different which at the end
complemented each other ultimately leading
to Purna Swaraj in India.
Gandhiji ideology was placed upon two
main premises i.e., non Violence and truth.
Beauty of his ideology was inherent
intuitiveness, it was core to fundamentals of
humanity,
nothing
complex,
easily
comprehensible to common masses. His
ideology flowed with pattern of struggle
truce struggle and thereby he believed in
struggle at the right time that involved
patience and benevolence.

Bose was initially an ardent follower of

Gandhi who also took part of Gandhian style
of struggle through non violent methods but
was soon disillusioned due to its slow pace.
He was hot-blooded man and believed
independence at earliest and advocated path
of practicality rather than idealism which
was much highlighted by his creation of
Indian National Army to challenge the
British.
Because of this there were some visible
conflicts like Congress presidential elections
1939 .But even with differences in ideology
and action both ardently respected each
other . In 1942 Gandhi called Subhash Bose
the Prince among the Patriots for his great
love for the country. Bose too admired
Gandhi and in a radio broadcast from
Rangoon in 1944, and called him The
Father of Our Nation.
In the end one can conclude that though it
was undoubtedly Gandhiji who proved that
war can be won with minimum weapons but
it was Bose was who added this minimum
part.

4.3Discuss the contribution of

Rabindranath Tagore to the art and
culture of India.
Tagore was a polymath, hence his
contributions are multifarious: a few of
which are:
1. Regeneration of Indian poetry: Introduced
western romanticism and amalgamated it
with neo-Vedanta. His verses popularized
Indian literature in west, by writing in a
western style, but having deeply thoughtful
content that was new to European literati.
The glowing preface to the English

translation of Geethanjali, by Yeats,

stands witness to their wonder and respect.
2. He popularized the short-story format of
fiction in India. Kabuliwala is a case in
point.
3. His poems instigated nationalism. Jana
gana mana.. , where the head is held
high, Eklachalo etc will continue to
do so for eternity
4. He introduced concepts of realism into
Indian painting, while being true to
fundamental Indian stylization. This was the
foundation of Indian Style later developed
by Nandalal Bose etal.
5. His Shantiniketan is inspired by the
Indian tradition of Gurukul. The
institution has produced many outstanding
personalities, especially in creative fields.
The legacy lives on.
In short, he directed his energies at safeguarding Indian cultural traditions from the
onslaught of European modernism; not by
resisting
it,
but
by
adapting,
amalmagamating and finally absorbing it, all
in the good Indian tradition of yore.
Rabindranath Tagore was primarily an
educationist rather than a political thinker.
He put emphasis on naturalism for
framing educational model.
In education, freedom is the basic guiding
force for inculcating interest within a student
who will derive inspiration from nature to
pursue any branch of knowledge he likes.
The establishment of Shantiniketan fulfilled
the desired goal of Tagore in the educational
front.

1. Unity of West and East:

Tagores education marked a novel blending
of the ideas of the East and West. The
spiritualism of Indian philosophy and
progressive outlook of the western people
were blended together to give rise to an
educational philosophy which marked its
distinction in comparison to other
educationists of India.
2. Natural growth in natural circumstance:
Tagore envisaged that nature is the best
teacher to the pupil. Nature will provide the
student with necessary situation to earn
knowledge. No pressure should be exerted
upon the student to learn any thing. It is
nature which will be the guiding force to
inculcate the spirit of learning in the mind of
a student to pursue the education he likes. It
will shape his behaviour and character.
3. Goodbye to book-centered education:
For the first time in the arena of education,
Tagore established a new mile-stone. With
boldness and firmness, he rejected a bookcentered education for students. To him it is
not just to confine the mind of boys and girls
to text-books only. It will kill the natural
instincts of a student and make him bookish.
It will kill his creative skill. So, students
should be freed from the-book-centered
education and should be given a broader
avenue for learning.
4. Freedom to learner:
Tagore had championed the cause of
freedom. The same he wanted to implement
in the field of education. With that object he
had opened Shantiniketan, Sri Niketan and

Brahmachari Ashram. Accordingly, he gave

free choice to students to develop their
interest in any field they like. To him,
education should be after the heart of a man.
He explained freedom in three-categorized
ways i.e. freedom of heart, freedom of
intellect and freedom of will.
Education imparted in a natural way will
lead to the fulfillment of these three
freedoms. One may pursue the vocational
education or education of an intellect, or
education in any branch of the arts or one
may become a sansei by observing celibacy.
5. Teaching practical and real:
According to Tagore, teaching should be
practical and real but not artificial and
theoretical. As a naturalist in and out,
Tagore laid emphasis on the practicality of
education. That will definitely increase the
creative skill within a learner. That
creativity will bring perfection in the
learning process and the student will be a
master in his own field but not a slave to
mere theoretical knowledge which one
delves deep.

Tagore was aware about the rural poverty of

our country. So, he wanted to eradicate it
through education. The practical training
imparted in different crafts to the students
will make them skilled artisans in their field.
They can remove the poverty of the rural
bulk by applying their education helping
thereby in the process of rural
reconstruction.
The various programmes carried out in
Shantiniketan were later integrated in
Indias five year plans for rural development
Tagore was against the views of books,
buildings, furniture etc in institutions, which
is would be totally invalid considering the
advancements in science & technology in
this 21st century.
competitiveness vs emphasis on the
uniqueness of Shantiniketan has to offer
with regard to a fuller education which
focuses not only on competition and grades,
but on humanity.
Thus, although Tagores concept of
education is visionary, its success in this
globalized world seems dark

6. Place of fine arts (dance, drama, music,

poetry etc.:

Another good one

Tagore attached great importance to the fine

arts in his educational curriculum. To him,
game, dance, music, drama, painting etc.
should form a part of educational process.
Students should take active part in these
finer aspects of human life for these are very
essential to enrich soul.

Ravindranath Tagore, Asias first laureate,

was one the prominent educators of modern
India who very early floated the idea of
global village. His multifaceted persona is
reflected by his significant contribution in
the field of art, painting, literature, music,
education etc.

7. Education for rural reconstruction:

Contrary to his achievements and

contribution, it is quite surprising that he did
not receive any formal education. His

learning were through interaction with his

family members including his father and
siblings who were leaders in theatre, science
and a new art movement.
His negativity and inferiority for formal
education, made him start an alternative way
of education. He set up a school called
Shantiniketan, which later grew to became
university. Tagore emphasized on learning
arts with science as he felt it was effective
method to inculcate empathy towards
culture and people in students.
Though he did not write any educational
treatise, his ideas can be gleaned from his
writings and educational practice in
Shantiniketan. According to him curriculum
should revolve organically towards nature
and classes should be conducted in open air
where students will develop sensitivity
towards their immediate surroundings and
nature. He also emphasized on aesthetic
development of senses, so music, art, drama,
dance, literature were given equal
importance, especially in formative first
decade of education. He also believed in
theory of subconscious learning where
lessons were not taught or memorized but
were practiced through participation instead.
This , according to him, would give students
a way of self expression and develop
articulate thinking.
Ravindra nath Tagores views on education
and the education system prevalent in India
today do not share many similarities. Tagore
also stood on an entirely different platform
from other Indian educationists when he
emphasized on a blending of the Indian
spiritualism and Western progressive

approach in education, thus resulting in

intermingling of ideas of the east and west.
A person should be free to choose the field
of learning he wants to venture into. Book
centered education should be thoroughly
rejected and natural growth of an individual
in natural circumstances which would be a
guiding force for inculcating a sense of
learning in an individual. In order that
student is enabled to concentrate on finer
aspects of life inclusion of dance, drama,
music etc is very important in education. If
students are trained to become artisans in
different they can start their own
occupations, and thus poverty in rural areas
can be eradicated through education.
No field of education is above another. All
are equal. A person may choose to pursue
education of intellect, arts or even observe
celibacy. It ultimately depends on individual
choice and interest.
However these ideas of Tagore do not talk
about the rapid urbanization and progress in
the field of science and technology that the
world is achieving today. But they do have
solutions to the various social problems such
as degradation of morality, rural-urban
migration, fall in the quality of education etc
that our society is suffering from today.

4.4Throw light on Tagores

thoughts on nationalism. (200
Words)
4.5Critically evaluate Gandhijis
experiment with his principles of
non-violence and satyagraha in
South Africa.
South Africa proved to be training ground
for the father of nations metamorphosis
from a barrister to batton-holder of peace
and non-violence. This has influenced the
freedom struggle of not only India but many
other countries of the world including South
Africa.
In 1906, the Transvaal government
promulgated a new Act compelling
registration of the colonys Indian
population. To oppose this, Gandhi adopted
his still evolving methodology of Satyagraha
for the first time. He urged Indians to defy
the new law and to suffer the punishments
for doing so. Though the government
successfully repressed Indian protesters, but
the public outcry over the harsh treatment of
peaceful protesters by the South African
government forced South African leader to
negotiate a compromise with Gandhi.
Gandhis ideas took shape, and the concept
of Satyagraha matured during this struggle.
On finding techniques of petition,prayers
and propaganda not yielding outcomes
,gandhiji devised his technique of Nonviolent Satyagraha and Non-coperation to
make deaf ears hear. While doing this
Gandhiji realized the immense potential
masses have to sacrifice for the cause which
moved the.

Gandhiji realized suffering one has to go

while upholding cause of truth.
Likewise,he proved if the cause hurts
equally, everyone can contribute for its
restoration,be it women,downtrodden or
untouchables.
Gandhijis faith in his principles was able to
expose the duality of standards of
Britain,the home for origin of civil
liberties,toward its homeland and towards
colonies it occupied. He was able to
influence the British civilian opinion
through rationalist appeals of his principles.
Even the moderate rationalist like
G.K.Gokhale,who was responsible for
bringing Gandhiji in Indian freedom
struggle,got influenced by Gandhian
principles.
However,Gandhiji in his South African
experiment realized the limitations of his
principles as well. He realized that the mass
movement can sustain momentum for a
limited time. Further,the capacity of the
masses to sacrifice is limited. Moreover,a
leader
sometimes
has
to
take
decisions,unpopular amongst his followers.
Gandhijis experiment in South Africa not
only gave strength to Indian Freedom
Struggle, but also to the struggle of
untouchables and depressed classes in their
fight for survival.
Q-Do you consider Tippu Sultan as a
freedom fighter? Substantiate your answer.
Answer to Tipu Sultan as freedom fighter is
both Yes and No, depending upon the
National scale of assesment.

Yes, he was a freedom fighter as he was

fighting for manintaining sovereignty of his
princely sate from imperialist cum
colonialiast East India company. Thus
instead of accepting humiliating Subsidiary
alliance traety, imposed by Lord Wellesly,
thereby surrendering sovereignty/freedom
fundamentals viz External relations, defence
etc, he decided to fight for Independence of
his state. Therefore he preferred a
honourable death of Freedom fighter instead
a life of a British stooge.
However as for freedom fighter as
understood in India in modern sense, he
didt fit the criteria, because Nationalism
itself was a modern phenomenon and was
evolving at that time. India during rein of
crumbling Mughal authority and Tipu sultan
rule was more of a Geographical
Expression instead of united Nation state.
Therefore itll be wrong to judge Tipu sultan
from status of National level Freedom
Fighter (which obviously he was not).
Thus Tipu was definitely a lover of freedom
and fighter for National Sovereignty as it
stood then, but not as we understand it
today.
He was a visionary and built good navy,
army and even introduced rockets.
He lived in the times when the idea of India
as a nation was still in a nascent stage.
Q----Which factors caused the fall of
Caliphate? What was its impact on India?
Do you think that recent developments in
the West Asian region are an effort towards
revival of Caliphate? Examine.
The Hindu

Reference
In 1258 invasion of Mongols under the
leadership of Hulagu Khan led to the
destruction of Bhagadad and marked the end
of Caliphate. Caliphate was ruled by a
religious head of state called Caliph who
administered a vast area under the Islamic
rule in middle east, north Africa and Central
Asia. A second Caliphate was established by
Ottomans and emperor of Ottoman empire
became Caliph. By 19th century, once
powerful Ottoman empire was weak and
crumbling. In early 20th century rising
European power started to take territories
from it. With its participation in World War
2, Ottoman empire faced internal dissent
also. Kamal Altruk led to disposal of Caliph
and formation of secular state.
In India Khilafat movement was started to
oppose ill treatment of Caliph and Turkey
by Britishers and other european powers.
This was led by Ali brothers. Khilafat
movement became a part of non-cooperation
movement. In hindsight it led to
communalization in Indian society. Giving
primacy to religious symbolism and
objectives in national politics.
ISIL has established a caliphate in parts of
Syria and Iraq. It fought against Syrian and
Iraqi government in the name of religion.
Q- The Summer of 1940 was such a crucial
time in the beginning of World War II.
Explain the events that occurred during this
time. How did German victories in the west
affect at least two of the following powers
and their actions: France, Great Britain, the
Soviet Union, and the United States?

Summer of 1940, which was preceded by

much infamous Phoney War(Twilight war
btw sept 1939-april 1940) that saw German
Reich under Hitler annexing Poland and
consequential declaration of war by France
and Britain was the starting point of second
world war.

INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION

GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
28
Lack of any major act of aggression by
France and Britain against Germans and
with Soviet support(Ribbentrop-molotov
pact aka Non-aggression pact) Hitler
embarked on a retaliatory path against major
European aggressors to gain back lost
respect of Germany after First World War.
Summer of 1940 first saw the fall of France
when Paris had fallen to Germans by midjune. This led to France surrendering to
Germany by June end and signing a truce
treaty which made Germany occupy more
that half of France. This annexation of
France elevated Germans as superpower of
Europe leaving only Britain as another
major power left. This lightening pace of
war by Germans is referred to as
BLITZKRIEG.
To continue on its huge success Germans
with ambition to invade Britain had to
control English channel to successfully
thwart British navy attempt to counteract
them. To control channel Germans needed
control of Air. Hence started the famous
Battle Of Britain with Germans and

Britain involved in several air-raids on each

other.
The summer of 1940 came as a spell of
doom on major European powers with
Germany evolving as the lone superpower of
European continent.
Aftermath include Britain successfully
thwarting German invasion, Germany
attacking Soviet Union and thereby its own
appetite leading to its own downfall. But
since summer of 1940 was specifically
asked thats why contained my answer only
to it.
world war II started in Septembr 1939 with
the declaration of war by Britain and France
on Germany with the latters invasion of
Poland. However, little actual fighting took
place on the ground till April 1940. Hence
this period is also called period of phoney
war. However, events of summer of 1940
led to the high point of the war.
In April 1940, Germany started invading
and occupying Countries of Western Europe
one by one. Hitler started with Norway,
Denmark, Holland and Belgium. Then he
invaded France with almost no retaliation
from the latter. It signed a truce with France
according to which it occupied half of
France and stationed its troops the expenses
for which were to be paid by France. The
surrendered Government of France now
functioned from Vichy.
With this, Germany became the supreme
power in Europe. It attacked Britain with its
airforce in the battle of Britain expecting
Britain to surrender quickly as it was not left

with any ally in Europe. However, Britain

successfully retaliated.

opportunistic Jew businessmen had led

country into economic turmoil.

This made Germany attack USSR despite

the non-aggression pact signed between the
two. However, it grossly underestimated
USSRs strength. USSR engaged Germany
in a long war and US, Britain and France
jointly mounted attack on it from three
fronts and defeated it.

INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION

GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1

Hence the events of summar of 1940

prepared the ground for the ultimate defeat
of Germany.

a. Due to better economic condition of Jews

there was dislike against them.

Q--Critically discuss the grounds on which

Hitler and his administration carried out the
ruthless persecution of the Jews in Europe.
The Hindu
At the time of first world war Jewish
community was dominating the economic
and political landscape of Germany. The
immediate consequence of defeat in first
world war was to blame the defeat on Jews.
Following are the reasons sought by Hitler
and Nazi administration to persecute Jews :
a. According to them Jews had betrayed
Germany and were responsible for the defeat
on first world war. Because Jews were
dominant economically and politically, it
gave strength to this argument.
b. Nazis believed in racial supremacy of
Aryan race. According to them Jews were of
inferior race thus must be exterminated to
leave only Aryan race in Germany which
was best.
c. It blamed Jews for the decline of economy
post first world war. They blamed that

http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page

29
Though overtly above claims were made, on
a much deeper level the reasons were :

b. As Jews practiced and maintained their

culture, it became easy to single them out
from mainstream.
c. To mobilize and rally German population
around it, Nazi party required an enemy to
blame for the decline of Germany. Jewish
community served the purpose well.
e. To keep its industries running Germany
employed Jewish people as bounded labour
or slaves in their factories. This became a
necessity to meet the increasing demand due
to militarization.

5.Freedom Struggle (various

stages, important
contributors from different
parts of the country)
5.1Examine how and why modern
cities and townships were
developed in India during the initial
years of British colonization.
With British colonization a new phase of
urban centre development started. The old
cities such as Banaras, Prayag, Madurai

which occupies their prominent position due

to cultural and social reasons lost their
importance and gave ways to cities which
were now more align to British commercial
and strategic interests in India.
Commercial Centres :Many of the cities
among them were trading ports which were
on major sea routes such as Surat,Daman
etc.Later
many
commercial
centre
developed in hinterland also but they were
mainly to secure the commercial interests of
British.
Strategic Centres : These centres were
developed by British to consolidated their
hold over the colonised territory and were
inline with British strategic interests. These
initially developed with fortification of the
area, later city developed around the
fortified area.eg madras.
Administrative Centres :There were
developed in accordance with the
administrative ease and due to bifurcation of
British territory in various provinces.
Hill Towns : Many hill stations developed
to save Britishers from scorching summer
heat of India. + Military cantonment.
Port cities
Contonement
As a colonial power, Britain ruled India
primarily for its own benefit. A number of
new towns and new suburbs were built to
house the British, and the pattern of new
town planning changed.
The smaller towns had little opportunity to
grow economically. Calcutta, Bombay and

Madras on the other hand grew rapidly and

soon became sprawling cities the growth of
these three cities as the new commercial and
administrative centres was at the expense of
other existing urban centres. As the hub of
the colonial economy, they functioned as
collection depots for the export of Indian
manufactures such as cotton textiles in the
eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
The main the effort was to physically and
socially separate the Europeans from the
indigenous populace the so called White
and Black towns of Madras being an
example and also made to enforce sanitary
and developmental guidelines on the old
towns. After the Revolt of 1857 British
attitudes in India were shaped by a constant
fear of rebellion. They felt that towns
needed to defended, and white people had to
live in more secure and segregated enclaves,
away from the threat of the natives. Pasture
lands and agricultural fields around the older
towns were cleared, and new urban spaces
called Civil Lines were set up. White people
began to live in the Civil Lines.
Hill stations also developed during
colonial rule because The temperate and
cool climate of the Indian hills was seen as
an advantage, particularly since the British
associated hot weather with epidemics.
Cholera and malaria were particularly feared
and attempts were made to protect the army
from these diseases. These hill stations were
also served as where soldiers could be sent
for rest and recovery from illnesses.

5.2Critically examine the role

played by women in the 1857 revolt
against the British.
Answer Women suffered many hardships but never
relented and gladly sacrificed their lives in
their quest for independence. The presence
of women leaders like Begum Hazrat Mahal
and women commanders like Rani lakshibai
,Rani of Ramgarh, Rani Jindan Kaur, Rani
Tace Bai, Baiza Bai, Chauhan Rani,
Tapasvini Maharani who daringly led their
troops into the battlefield further invigorated
their confidence and will.
Rani Lakshibai displayed exemplary
courage on the battlefield and encouraged
every subject to join hands against the
British . However Rani Lakshmibai at the
beginning of the revolt sought the help of
British.It was only after British charged her
for the killing of officers and looting of
treasure actually done by the 12th Bengal
Infantry without her orders that she joined
the fight. Moreover
Begum Hazrat Mahal opposed the
destruction of mosques and temples alike
and was not swayed by British offerings of
compensation and fought for the rightful
inheritance of her son Birjis Qadir and
collaborated with nana Saheb and Maulvi
Faizullah against the British. She however
sought asylum in Nepal leaving her fellow
followers to face the British ire once the
tides turned against her.
The revolt of 1857 was Indias First war of
Independence against the British and
participation of women masses was

extremely important for the temporary

success the movement had.

5.3Critically compare and contrast

ideologies of Dr B.R. Ambedkar and
Gandhiji.
Answer Both Gandhi and Ambedkar fought against
the caste system, their approaches were
vastly different. Gandhi being a upper caste
member remained deeply spiritual and
sought social changes in Hinduism while
Ambedkar favored using the state as an
instrument for establishing forward-thinking
social policies

Criticizing
traditions,
Ambedkar
recognized that cast prejudice is a result of
Gandhis traditionalism; while Gandhi
considered that fundamentalist modernism
will result in violence against the self, loss
of cultural memory, the return of repressed
past and capitalism.
Gandhiji gave untouchable the term
Harijan and Ambedkar gave Dalit.
Harijan community didnt have any political
rights and appeal but dalit community is
much stronger in political terms. Reason
behind this can be related to Gandhis
demand of social status and equality for
them but Ambedkars stress more on
political and legal rights.
Gandhi supported the caste and varna
system arguing these are web of social
relations, religious beliefs and effective
economic practices. Ambedkar raised his
objection that in reality, caste and Varna
systems have in-built structural violence and
inequality practices.

 Gandhi advocated for self-scrutiny, selfsacrifice and non-violence for demanding

any right. Ambedkar, considering these
reforms insufficient, put more pressure of
annihilation of caste by challenging old
Brahminical texts and by migrating to other
religion (mainly Buddhism).

While Gandhi knew that the untouchability

is a practice to be opposed and abandoned,
his approach was subtle as he never directly
attacked the oppressive caste system for the
same. Though he had undertook lot of
constructive efforts to bring harijans on par
with others base for mass movement .

Gandhi wanted a governance system and

society based on villages. According to him,
only self-sufficient village economy can
bring Ramrajya in India again. Ambedkar
opposed this view proposing urban based
societies and justifying village as center for
the discrimination against lower caste.
People in towns (unlike in rural areas) do
not care about the caste but class and this
provides the opportunity of vertical mobility
of different groups.

Contrary to it, ambedkar directly attacked

the roots of such practice & condemned the
orthodox Vedas . His major life long battle
was against the inequality which was deeply
structured in the society. Inequality, which
was as prominent between upper caste and
lower caste as between male and female.To
curb former, he urged dalits for annihilation
of the caste and adopt humble religion ,for
latter he proposed hindu code bill which was
met with huge opposition. Both steps were
radical and reform oriented.

These two men might not have same

opinion, but their contributions to
empowerment of Dalits in modern India are
invaluable. They both should be heroes for
every Indian. We must not diminish one
figure to praise another. India today needs
Gandhi and Ambedkar both.
Gandhi was the man of ideals,
traditionalist and spiritually oriented. His
force on the attributes such as perseverance
and humility and tolerance disposition
showed that ideals can be obtained.
Ambedkar on the other hand was radical in
his approach. He condemned the very source
of tradition that is Vedas and shastras.
Gandhis temperance and ambedkars
outspoken personality were poles apart and
led to very different ideologies and approach
on same subject of untouchability.

Gandhi never critcised the caste system in

harsh tones. He was more preoccupied with
his ideals of self reliance centered on the
idea of village republic. While Gandhi
believed that independent india will give
civil- political rights to harijans, ambedkar
strived towards creating egalitarian society ,
carving just social and respectable space for
dalits.

5.4Critically comment on the

contribution of Muhammad Ali
Jinnah to Indias freedom struggle.
Muhammad Ali Jinnah along with Gandhi
and Nehru played a fundamental role in
Indias history in the Twentieth Century.
Earlier, he was a member of the moderate
group in the Congress, favouring Hindu
Muslim unity in achieving self-government,

and following such leaders as Mehta,

Naoroji, and Gopal Krishna Gokhale.
Gokhale stated that Jinnah has freedom from
all sectarian prejudice which will make him
the best ambassador of HinduMuslim
Unity.
Jinnah was a secular person and always
opposed separate electorates for Muslims as
a member of congress. He also opposed
formation of All-India Muslim League in
1906 when many of the leaders met in
Dacca that year to form it to advocate their
communitys interests.
But later he became Bombays Muslim
representative on the Imperial Legislative
Council and joind the Muslim League
saying that Congress is Hindu majority
organization and does not represent the
interest of Muslims.
During the First World War, Jinnah joined
other Indian moderates in supporting the
British war effort, hoping that Indians would
be rewarded with political freedoms. Jinnah
played an important role in the founding of
the All India Home Rule League in 1916.
Along with political leaders Annie Besant
and Tilak, Jinnah demanded home rule for
India.
He showed much skill as a parliamentarian,
organizing many Indian members to work
with the Swaraj Party, and continued to
press demands for full responsible
government. For his legislative activeness,
he was offered a knighthood but he didnt
accept it.
He put forth proposals to reunite the League
and Congress, calling for mandatory

representation for Muslims in legislatures

and cabinets. These became known as his
Fourteen Points.
In The Lahore Resolution, he embraced the
Two-Nation Theory and called for a union
of the Muslim-majority provinces in the
Northwest of British India, with complete
autonomy.
Throughout the Independence struggle,
Jinnah didnt compromise for total
independence and put every effort he can. In
independent Pakistan, he promised to be
completely secular and stood for equal
citizenship for all people regardless of their
religious or cultural identities.

5.5Write a note on the contribution

of Kanakadasa to Indias literature
in the 16th century.
Kanaka Dasaru was follower of Dwaita
philosophy, A poet, philosopher, musician
and composer from Karnataka. He is known
for his Kirtanes and Ugabhoga compositions
in the Kannada language for Carnatic music.
He has used colloquial language for his
compositions. He was a follower of Dwaita
philosophy propounded by Madhvacharya.
His writings giving a message for unity of
mankind like in his poem Kula Kula Vendu
Hodedhada diri. A worshiper of
ADHIKESHAVA, opposed to public evils
like superiority claims using caste system.
Kanaka Daasarus compositions addressed
social issues in addition to devotional
aspect. In this writings he depicted activities
of common man and use them to endorse his
ideas of equity and devotion towards god.

For e.g. Ramadhanya Charite is a poetic

expression of conflicts between rich and
poor classes where he uses Ramadhanya ragi
(staple food of poor and high in nutrients)
and rice (main food of rich but not as rich in
nutrients) to synonymously represent poor
and rich.

the Udupis math forced many to think

critically on the religious taboos, although
much remains. But still, he brought a new
dimension to the Indian literature and a new
way of expressing it.

He joined Haridasa movement and became a

follower of Vyasaraja who later named him
as Kanakadasa. His poems and krithi deal
with many aspects of life and expose the
futility of external rituals.

Question - Write a note on the contribution

of Rani Gaidinliu to Indias freedom
struggle. (200 Words)

Kanakdasa was a poet, philosopher,

musician and composer of Modern
Karnataka. A disciple of Vishwatirtha and
follower of Dwaita phiolosphy of
Madhavacharya. His works like Kirtenese
and Upabhoga in Kannada language for
carnatic music are well known. He was
famous for his colloquial and unique style of
writing. His works served his purpose of
social reform too.
The innovativeness of his works were
reflected in the way he used a common
mans daily activities to showcase his stand
on casteism, untouchability, equality and
discrimination. He strongly documented his
poems and works against superiority of a
man over other. He stated that every man
has born the same way, eats the same way
and drinks the same way. God has not
created such fissures in society. Hence,
barriers of casteism should be broken and
morality be imbued in every human being.
His classical use of signature (mudra) in the
end, find a special mention. His incident in

Answer - Rani Gaidinliu(1915-1993) is a

first Indian woman freedom fighter from
Manipur who transformed an indegenousreligious movement of Nagas into a
revolutionary movement of independence of
India.
She led Hareka movement in 1927 an armed
rebellion,after the execution of its leader
Jadonang by the British.Initially it was a
religious movement aimed to revive naga
tribal culture hareka from british christian
missionary influence.But later she identified
her peoples struggle against oppression and
self determination and integrated into the
larger Indian freedom struggle.She used
Gandhijis civil disobedience movement
techniques and asked Zeliangrong people
not to pay taxes to british.She along with her
followers led guerella war fare, later was
caught by british and sentenced for life
imprisonment at the age of 16 in 1932 only
to be released after independence.
She was called as Daughter of hills and
given title Rani by Jawahar lal Nehru for
her valor and struggle.After spending her
prime in prison led resistance movement in
1996 against NNC(Naga national council)
led insurgency.Thus she led efforts to

identify and integrate Naga people within

the broad contours of India.She was
awarded Padma bhushan,Tamra patra
freedom fighter award, Vivekananda seva
award and posthumously Birsa munda
award and GOI released a stamp in her
honour in 1996.
Thus she contributed greatly to Indias
freedom struggle and also to unity of India
after independence by resisting against Naga
separatist insurgency.
Discuss the contribution of Bal Gangadhar
Tilak to the national integration and freedom
struggle
Bal Gangadhar Tilak contribution to
freedom struggle and national integration
was an approach aimed at political education
of masses and getting them directly involved
in freedom struggle rather than just focusing
on prayers and petitions methods of early
moderates which was restricted to a small
intellectual social base.
He popularized celebration of Ganpati and
Shivaji festival on a large scale ensuring that
masses are motivated and made aware of
rich Indian past and culture.
He used Kesari and Maharatta to openly
criticize government policies and actions
generating huge mass awareness among
people. He was even jailed for a period of 6
years for seditious writing but this did not
deter his enthusiasm.
He started Home rule movement to
popularize concept of self rule or home rule.
During this period he gave the slogan
Swaraj is my birth right and i shall have it.
This was adorned later by congress when it

declared Purna Swaraj as aim of national

struggle in its Lahore session. Home rule
movement also motivated youth in joining
politics and struggle of freedom struggle.
Leaders like Jawahar lal Nehru were a
product of Home Rule Movement.
He also played active role in maintaining
unity of mainstream politicians and parties.
Along with Annie Besant he worked
towards re-admission of Extremists in
Congress.
He also played key role in forging strong
ties between Hindus and Muslims. Due to
his efforts Congress and Muslim League
signed the historic Lucknow Pact to pitch
together for freedom struggle.
It can be rightly said that he was a brilliant
shining star of early Indian political
movement for freedom struggle.
Critically comment on the evolution of
revolutionary terrorism and contribution
of its adherents during the national
movement.
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
34
The several developments that influenced
the rise of revolutionary terrorism were the
rise of trade unions, The Russian revolution,
rise of communist groups. There activities
which included individual acts of heroism,
assassination of individuals, looting organs
of colonial state like the railways, attacking
police stations, looting weapons etc were
intended to create terror, fear among the

ruling class and hence

revolutionary terrorism.

the

name,

Bhagat Singh, Chandrasekhar azad, rajguru,

sukhdev and others in Punjab. Surya sen,
Subhash Chandra Bose, J M Sengupta in
Bengal were some of its adherents. A
remarkable aspect of revolutionary terrorism
awas the large scale participation of women.
Revolutionary terrorism though had its
limitations. It could not activate the masses
or move them into political action. The idea
of individual heroism could not be emulated
by the masses.
However, these individuals had a massive
impact. These men wanted to create mass
awareness in a short time unlike the
moderate ways.These young men wanted to
traverse decades within a few years. They
felt appealing to the youth through
propaganda by deed was the perfect way.
This patriotism, courage and determination
stirred the Indian people. Even to this day,
these acts have the capacity to inspire youth.
The spread of nationalist consciousness and
socialist consciousness to a great extent have
to be attributed to these young men and
women.
After the Partition of Bengal, Revolutionary
Terrorism in India started as unconnected
and sporadic displays of individual heroism
in killing British officials. Then the
revolutionaries organized themselves into
Samities. They established themselves
abroad, and the Old Berlin Group,
Ghadars of USA and Jugantar1 party
tried to stage a pan-India coup. After this
Hindu-German
Conspiracy
failed,

terrorism petered out due to its own

inadequacies, and severe govt. repression. It
made a come back in 1929-31 with Bhagath
Singh, Azaad and his HSRA, but didnt have
a wide impact.
Criticism:
1. The revolutionaries adopted the Russian
nihilist model instead of popular revolution.
This was not suited for India.
2. They had a Savarna-elitist identity. This
contributed to growth of Muslim separatism.
3. The lack of mass-base was the most
important cause of failure.
4. They didnt have an alternate political
ideology.
Contributions:
1. Terrorism was the major reason for
annulment of partition of Bengal.
2. Their sacrifice and heroism inspired the
masses.
3. Terrorism caused the British to deal with
people less harshly. British didnt want the
revolutionaries to gain popular sympathy.
But most important of all, as one historian
remarked, They gave us back the pride of
our manhood.
Briefly and critically examine the events that
led to the birth of Pakistan.
Hindu Maha Sabha and later Allama Iqbal,
came up with the idea that Muslims are a
nation, in need of a state. Muslim league
first raised this demand as a federation with
residual power to provinces. Nehru Report

didnt concede. Jinnah later traced the final

parting ways to this point. He came up with
fourteen points and later Delhi proposals,
both unacceptable. After the whitewash in
1937 elections, Jinnah openly appealed for
votes in the name of religion. League
adopted Pakistan Resolution in 1940.
Congress walked out of Cripps mission.
Cabinet Mission Plan broke down on
different interpretations of

are opposite to theirs. The events can be

traced back to post 1857-revolt.

INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION

GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1

2.Swadeshi movement -the processions and

other activities(like shivaji utsav) were seen
by muslims as communal.

http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page

35
the grouping clause by INC and League.
Jinnah organized Direct Action Day. Riots
broke out. V P menon and Sardar Patel came
up with the Partition Plan. It was accepted
by all and Pakistan was born.
Communalism was only beginning to ride
on divide and rule policy. INC shouldnt
have legitimized it. Separate electorates,
once accepted, legitimized another nation
theory. From 1907 Comilla riots to several
riots in 1922-29 and thence, it was clear that
partition was inevitable. Gandhi rubbishing
Cripps offer as a post dated cheque, lost
us the golden opportunity to avoid violence.
Nehru had no business stating that
grouping is voluntary and there is no limit
to constituent assemblys power.
In short, Partition was unavoidable but the
immense loss of life was.
The birth of Pakistan is the result of
communalisation of politics where each
section thinks that the interests of the other

1.Carrot And Stick

Used by British to appease and to punish the
Muslims and the Hindus respectively and
alternatively .The feeling of alienation was
imbibed in educated middle-class.(Sayyad
ahmed khan preferred to engage in
education activities rather than political.)

Shimla Delegation in 1906 -the prominent

muslim
aristocrats
(e.g.
aga
khan)approached the viceroy and the
viceroy suggested the formation of separate
party for muslims leading to formation of
muslim league
4.Separate electorates(act of 1909)
This was an experiment(a poison) by British
to check the rise of nationalism among
muslims .The divide and rule policy was
adopted to break the unity among the
Indians.
5.The formations of Punjab
sabha(1909),Hindu
Mahasabha(1915),RSS(1925)
communalised the politics.

Hindu
further

Then ,Md.Iqbal -an urdu poet stated his idea

about a separate nation.
6.Elections are breeding ground for
communalism and subsequent elections saw
this trend on the rising edge .

7.Lahore session (1940) Of Muslim league

adopted the idea of pakistan.Further, the
adamancy of Md.Ali jinnah and muslim
league about the tranfer of power from
british worked as a kerosene to the demand
of a separate nation. The issues of
contentions were true federalism ,right to
secede,minority
protection,constituent
assembly issues which were never solved by
Muslim league and Congress.
8.Post 1945s the election gave the hint to
Jinnah
After Clement Atlees statement about the
transfer of power ,Jinnah declared Direct
Action .Communalism , riots increased
exponentially leading to the only option
available The Partition .
Our simple masses did not understand how
the British manipulated the Indian upper
class to retain British culture as the supreme
culture. Do you agree with this view?
Substantiate. (200 Words)The Indian
Express
No ruling power can hope to sustain its rule
until it acquires some sort of legitimacy.
Coercion may in the short run help it gain
political and social control, it has to
manipulate and win the will of people.

institutions are there which have been

carried since British era.
Like slow poison, British culture was
injected into the Indian bloodstream through
the 200 years they colonised us. The method
was so refined that consciously, or
unconsciously, we swallowed the medicine
of Lord Macauley. His objective was to
break the moral fibre of Indians by
subjugating them as otherwise the British
were not in a position to dominate India. He
advocated building a class of persons,
Indian in blood and colour, but English in
taste, in opinions, in morals, and in
intellect Who may be interpreters between
us and the millions whom we govern. So
from the British Raj, ten commandments
were surreptitiously handed down to
Indians:
(1) Respect your superior, dont challenge,
(2) Compromise, adjust to every situation
without revolting,
(3) Be content to be a second category
citizen,
(4) Become the most competent clerk,
(5) Speak proper English, imbibe British
manners,

Our police system, our administration,

language of communication etc. many such
practices and

(6) Dont take

subordinate,

INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION

GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1

(7) Use manpower rather than automation,

and be dependent on Great Britain to
provide modern means of productivity,

http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page

36

responsibility,

be

(8) Play with caste, religion or other ways to

perpetuate social turmoil, turning attention
away from the ruler,

(9) Marginalise the existing Indian

education system, propagate English
medium schools especially for elite Indians,
(10) Speaking fluent English is the first
criterion to get plum jobs. The impact of
these colonial commandments is very high
in India even today in the areas of business,
education and politics.
Critically comment on the contribution of
Subhas Chandra Bose to Indias freedom
struggle. (200 Words)The Hindu
Popularly known as Netaji, Subhash
Chandra Bose was a symbol of militarist
independence movement across the nation.
Netaji was a mass mobilizer, he connect
with the youth, the farmers, the poor, the
women second only to Gandhi. He clearly
demonstrated that non-violence and
satyagrah were not the only weapons India
had against the British.
Though ousted from the Congress on
ideological differences in 1939, he wasnt
demoralized. Instead he established the
Forward Bloc & Kisan sabha in India with
leftist ideology and Indias first Indian
army to attack British from outside and
obtain freedom. He was credited of
establishing a combative women only
Rani Lakshmi Bai regiment which India still
is unable to replicate due to patriarchal mind
sets.
Further He was the first person to take the
Indian cause of Independence to the Rival
countries of Britain. Although its still a
debate regarding his dependence on Nazis
for help who themselves were committing
humanitys worst crimes. But ultimately

Netaji never believed in exterminating

another race it was the need of the time. His
association with Germany, Italy and Japan
was dictated by revolutionary strategy and
not by ideological kingship.
He
was
a
staunch
believer
of
industrialization as the way to alleviate the
poverty of India, he was instrumental in the
formation of National Planning Committee
of the Congress.
The contribution of Netaji are no less than
Gandhiji or Nehru but it is unfortunate that
is he has been denied his rightful place in
the annals of Indian history and remains
largely forgotten.
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
37
How did contemporary world events
influence Nehrus thinking. Examine how
he reflected them in his books.
Nehru wrote a series of letters to Indira
nehru about the world happenings titled the
glimpses of world history. Thisnbook is
highly regarded as intellectual and a very
good source of world events at that time.
Nehrus thinking was affected when he was
in jail and he read a score of books(55) from
may 21, 1922 to January 29, 1923. He read
books by Oscar wilde, Plato, Sidney webb,
Virginia woolf. This provided him with
socialist leanings and also towards fabian
socialism. He had a keen interest and eye on
the russian Bolshevik revolution and french
revolution.

Nehru mentioned that indian civilisation ha

its great legacy and past and we should not
be burdened from it but treat it as a point for
judging the moral worth and wisdom of our
decisions.
Nehru identified the epoch making and
stirring past events and reflected on the
people who made the masses do greta deeds
like Lenin, Garibaldi, Cavour( the first PM
of Italy), Guiseppe Mazzini, Mustafa Kamal
Ataruk and above all Mahatma Gandhi. He
said about Gandh that he will forever be a
radiant and beloved figure.
Q--Examine the role played by the radio
during freedom struggle.
The Hindu
Along
with
other
mediums
of
communication, Radio has played a seminal
role in our freedom struggle.
Radio was the first electronic medium of
communication that directly reached the
homes of the people. Although the number
of people with radios was very limited, still
it was a blessing in disguise, since it
provided a platform for the masses to gel
together and mingle in small groups. This
helped to spread the spirit and essence of our
freedom struggle.
When punitive Press Legislation were
passed to curb the print media, radio was the
preferred
underground
medium
of
communication. HAM Radio was used by
our freedom fighters ( especially extremists
like Lala Hardayal ) to spread our struggle
abraod in Germany, Canada and London.

Radio also acted as a medium of education,

and creation of a national consciousness
through songs like Amar Sonar Bangla.
During the world war, it acted as fire to
spread the success story of Japanese against
the mighty Europeans , Russian Revolution
etc, and this stilled confidence in the masses.
Lastly, it is not a surprise that the freedom
speech when the world is sleeping , India
will awake to freedom , that was given by
our first prime minister Mr. Nehru did reach
the masses across India only through the
medium of Radios.
Even today, Radio has not lost its
significance with the advent of modern mass
media. It continues to act as a medium of
education, national integration, especially in
the rural parts of India.
Radio played a seminal role in the freedom
struggle
educative role initially radio was used by
the Nationalists to inform the masses about
the true nature of the British and how it was
draining India economically, politically and
morally. It helped to build public opinion
against the British
opinion building role it helped the
Nationalists in mobilizing public opinion in
favour of demanding reforms from the
British. It contributed towards nation
building which brought people from
different parts of India to struggle against
the British
international events through radio,
people came to know freedom struggles in
other Countries and learnt as well as got
inspired from those events

 organizing movements it was used by the

Congress and Revolutionaries alike for
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
38
organizing movements against the British.
Usha Mehta ran underground Congress
radio during Quit India Movement(1942)
and kept the movement alive when National
leaders were arrested. It was used by Lala
Hardayal used the radio to spread Indian
cause in other Countries like Canada,
Germany and England.
Mahatma Gandhi used to to spread the aims
of his movements among the masses who
were forever ready on Gandhijis command
to participate in the freedom struggle.
however it had certain limitations
vast majority of the masses living in
Indias villages did not have access to radio
it was subject to high censorship by the
British
it was also used for creating divides by
communal forces and organizing bloodsheds
at a moments notice
hence, radio despite its limitation played a
major role in communication and helping
India attain independence.
Q---Discuss how his life in South Africa
transformed Mahatma Gandhi and helped
him fight the British in India.
The Hindu

Gandhiji arrived in South Africa as Britain

educated English speaking barrister.
However his initial experience in South
Africa laid down the foundation of a strong
belief to fight against exploitation of
oppressed. To oppose system of racial
discrimination, pass system for Indians and
exploitation of non-whites Gandhiji opted
for peaceful resistance. During this period
he devised his unique method of disobeying
law yet remaining peaceful and offering
himself for arrest. It was here that in his
fight against the administration he used mass
movements, organizing non-violent protest
marches and burning passes which Indians
were liable to carry. During this period he
also formed Tolstoy Farm, showing his
early initiation in adopting life of ashrams.
The methods that Gandhi ji employed in
South Africa provided template for his mass
movements in India. His understanding of
British administration enabled him on one
hand to expose the oppression of unjust rule
in India while on other hand to exploit the
certain weaknesses of setup. He knew that
adherence to law and order is Britains
pride, so he went on to exploit this by
breaking law in peaceful manner and then
offering arrest.
Q--What role did Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad play in post
Independent India in building a new nation?
Critically examine.
For the integration of India after
independence, the contribution of Sardar
Vallabhbhai Patel and Moulana Abdul
Kalam Azad cant be forgotten.

The arduous task of swiftly uniting all the

princely states would not have been possible
if Patel didnt meet each prince for
negotiations and convinced them to accede
to India. Many of these power hungry
princes posed great hurdles to Patel who in
turn failed such hurdles and reinforced his
title of being the Iron Man of India.

Moulana Abdul Kalam Azad propounded

Hindu-Muslim unity before and after the
partition of India. After partition, Azad gave
speeches to large crowds encouraging peace
and calm in the border areas and
encouraging Muslims across the country to
remain in India and not fear for their safety
and security.

While encouraging the rulers to act with

patriotism, Patel did not rule out force,
setting a deadline of 15 August 1947 for
them to sign the instrument of accession
document. All but three of the states
willingly merged into the Indian union -only
Jammu and Kashmir, Junagadh, and
Hyderabad did not join India.

Focusing on bringing the capital of Delhi

back to peace, Azad organized security and
relief efforts. Azad remained a close
confidante, supporter and advisor to Prime
Minister Nehru, and played an important
role in framing national policies. As the
Education Minister, he incorporated lessons
and teachings on Hindu-Muslim unity in
school books and tries to promote the
secularism among the Muslims too.

Under Patels orders, Indian Army and

police units marched into Junagarh. A
plebiscite later organized produced a 99.5%
vote for merger with India. He also made the
condition of pre-signing the instrument of
accession by the King of J&K in return to
the military help in Kashmir to counter the
Pakistani troops.
Patel ordered the Indian Army to integrate
Hyderabad under Operation Polo (in his
capacity as Acting Prime Minister) when
Nehru was
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
39
touring Europe. Thousands of Razakar
forces had been killed, but Hyderabad was
comfortably secured into the Indian Union.

The two men whose contributions in making

an independent India, a strong secular ,
democratic and integral unit have no
parallels , are Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and
Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad.
Patels diplomacy and finesse in completing
the arduous task of making India a single
unit with minimum force was commendable
. His organizing skills were an asset to the
nation which was just learning to govern
itself . He was the man who converted the
congress form a revolutionary party to a
governing one , this was no mean task . He
also had vision to see the relevance of
maintainingg and continuing existing
bureaucratic set up of the nation , when
Nehru had certain apprehensions about the
same . This visionary step was an essential
requirement for maintainingg the the unity
of the nation .

Maulana on the other hand was an

ambassador of Gandhis vision of India and
his disapproval of new nation theory . He
was
a
significant
contributor
in
extinguishing the communal sentiments
which were prevalent in the country after the
partition . His contributions as first
education minister were also seminal . It is
due to his efforts that the education system
in the country is basically secular and no
seeds of hatred are sown by it .
However Patel was unable to understand the
dangers of communalism , the way Nehru
did . And Azad was unable to instill
confidence among the Muslim masses about
the sincerity of the India state on protecting
their rights(inability of the constitution
assembly to pass uniform code bill) . All
leaders, however great they may be , will
have some lacunae in the hindsight. And
those cant be used as an argument against
their brilliance or contributions.
Q--Critically comment on the role played by
the intelligentsia during freedom struggle.
Indian intelligentsia, owing its emergence
to the introduction of western education
system , did not play a supportive role in the
struggle of 1857. In fact , it opposed the
struggle fearing that it would lead the Indian
society back to the feudalism . Thus people
like Raja Rammohun Roy , Ishwar Chandra
VidyaSagar etc. looked at the British to
modernize the Indian society .
Later With the increasing knowledge and
better understanding of the colonial system ,
the intelligentsia was first to question the
policies of the British government as evident

by DadaBhai Narojis
UnBritish Rule in India.

,Poverty

and

The task of educating the masses of the

modern of governance like democracy,
equality, liberty etc became the prime
motive of intelligentsia and can be regarded
as the first phase of the freedom struggle.
Who would have thought that the
intelligentsia, who was raised by the British
for their mundane administrative work
would lead to the fall of the mighty Empire
in India? But that is precisely what
happened despite the many flaws the
intelligentsia themselves suffered from.
The intelligentsia was monumental in
arousing anti British feelings by bringing
their true imperialist face in front of the
people. The drain theory propounded by
Dada Bhai Naoroji was the
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
40
most comprehensive survey on the
economic impact of British rule. They also
ran newspapers and radios, conducted
meetings and organized rallies, gave
petitions and criticized public bills to ensure
that people get a real taste of democracy.
But in the early phase of the struggle, the
overall coverage of the intelligentsia was
quite low. Their belief that the masses must
first be made ready before affirmative action
can be taken was a flawed argument. Their
elitist approach alienated them from the
masses.

With the rise of Gandhi, the role of

Intelligentsia turned more socialist and self
empowerment. They rallied the masses by
involving the masses through press, radio
and other available options.

Bhai Naoroji. In the economic critique of the

economy this theory was put to use. clearly
Indian were amongst the firsts who had a
clear anti colonial ideology based on the
economic rationals.

However, there were some short comings

also as far as the inclusion of the
untouchable and depressed classes and
Hindu-Muslim communal harmony are
concerned.

Later on Intelligentsia add their parts by

disseminating their thoughts through the
press to make aware their own countrymen
to rally towards the formation of India: the
nation in the making.

In the last portion of the struggle the

stupendous rise of the communal frenzy and
slaughter of the masses continued despite all
the major ideologues were opposing tooth
and nail. This is somewhat a bigger bolt still
persists in otherwise a remarkable voyage.

With the rise of Gandhi, the role of

Intelligentsia turned more socialist and self
empowerment. They rallied the masses by
involving the masses through press, radio
and other available options.

Role of intelligentsia as far as the freedom

struggle is concerned was very salutary. It
started building up with the advent of the
British rule in India with the liberal phase,
impressed with the might of the British
empire and its supremacy in Technical and
economic spheres. Early intelligentsia were
of the view that the brush up with the British
might somehow let the Indian economy
benefit with the assistance of the British.
Later on as the time passed, the ideologues
started to firm up their stand against the
Industries in India are regressing and growth
was overall stunted due to the policies
followed by the British empire of
colonialism. characteristically, adverse trade
regime which denied market for the
manufactured exports, and encouraged
imports from British factories.
This was formulated in the doctrine of
Economic Drain. first introduced by Dada

However, there were some short comings

also as far as the inclusion of the
untouchable and depressed classes and
Hindu-Muslim communal harmony are
concerned.
In the last portion of the struggle the
stupendous rise of the communal frenzy and
slaughter of the masses continued despite all
the major ideologues were opposing tooth
and nail. This is somewhat a bigger bolt still
persists in otherwise a remarkable voyage.
Highlight the contribution of Maulana Abul
Kalam Azad to Indias freedom struggle.
(200 Words)
Answer)
Azad developed political views considered
radical for most Muslims of the time and
became a full-fledged Indian nationalist
He rejected the All India Muslim League's
communal separatism

He established an Urdu weekly newspaper

in 1912 called Al-Hilal and openly attacked
British policies while exploring the
challenges facing common people.
Espousing the ideals of Indian nationalism,
Azad's publications were aimed at
encouraging young Muslims into fighting
for independence and Hindu-Muslim unity.
With the onset of World War I, the British
stiffened censorship and restrictions on
political activity. Azad's Al-Hilal was
consequently banned in 1914 under the
Press Act. Azad started a new journal, the
Al-Balagh, which increased its active
support for nationalist causes and communal
unity.
Maulana Azad was in the forefront in all the
major movements for the independence like
the Khilafat Movement (1919-23), the NonCooperation Movement (1920-22) the Civil
Disobedience Movement (1930-32) and the
Quit India Movement (1942). In 1923, he became the youngest man to be
elected Congress president. Azad led efforts
to organise the Flag Satyagraha in Nagpur.
Azad served as president of the 1924 Unity
Conference in Delhi, using his position to
work to re-unite the Swarajists and the
Khilafat leaders under the common banner
of the Congress.
Maulana Azad became the president of
Congress in 1940 (Ramgarh) and remained
in the post till 1946(And became longest
serving President of INC). He was a staunch
opponent of partition and supported a
confederation of autonomous provinces with

their own constitutions but common defence

and economy.

6.Post-Independence
(consolidation and
reorganisation within
country)
6.1What are the important
revelations and conclusions of the
recently released Henderson
Brooks Report on the 1962 IndiaChina border war? Comment on
them.
convinced that military engagement at the
contested border would never go beyond
small-scale
skirmishes
and
limited
operations. There was no expectation and
hence preparation for dealing with a largescale assault, despite mounting evidence to
the contrary
The so-called Forward Policy was a
political initiative and not a military
operation, designed to strengthen Indian
territorial claims and forestall further
Chinese ingress. China had been putting in
place its own version of a forward policy
through the relentless advance into the
unoccupied border zones separating the two
countries. This had intensified after the
Tibet revolt and the Dalai Lama's escape to
India in 1959. That same year, the first
serious incidents of Chinese aggression took
place, one in Longju in the eastern sector
and the other at Galwan in the western
sector. Chinese territorial assertiveness
continued thereafter, accompanied by a
significant build-up of both logistics and

forces. It was only in November 1961 that

the Forward Policy was adopted in response
but without corresponding means in men
and material to respond to a serious military
attack, the capabilities for which were being
steadily built up on the Chinese side. The illconsidered probing missions and the setting
up of additional and mostly isolated and
indefensible posts were, therefore, more in
the nature of "showing the flag" operations
rather than military manoeuvres.
The revelations in the Henderson Brooks
Report should be examined in the light of
Chinese perceptions and decision-making on
India-China relations leading up to the
breakout of hostilities on October 20, 1962.
The first important point to note is that the
India-China border dispute took on an
altogether different dimension in Chinese
perceptions as a result of the Tibet revolt of
1959 and the subsequent grant of refuge by
India to the Dalai Lama and a large number
of Tibetans, who were escaping a violent
Chinese crackdown. Indian statements and
actions on the border were increasingly
interpreted as aimed at undermining Chinese
control over Tibet. accusing Nehru of trying
to "convert Tibet into a buffer zone" and to
"instigate Tibet to leave China". In 1964,
while speaking to a visiting Nepali
delegation, Mao Zedong said the major
problem between India and China was not
the McMahon Line but Tibet, which Indians
considered to be theirs.
A second conclusion to emerge from the
archives is the key role played by Mao
himself in the events leading up to the war.
The failure of the Great Leap Forward and
three years of economic distress and famine

between 1959 and 1961 had forced Mao to

retreat to the "second line of leadership",
yielding place to pragmatists such as Liu
Shaoqi, Deng Xiaoping and Peng Zhen. By
the summer of 1962, however, Mao was
already in the process of regaining his
control over the levers of power, using the
People's Liberation Army under a new
commander, Marshal Lin Piao, as his ally.
From the summer of 1962, it was Mao who
was personally issuing directives on the
evolving military situation on the IndiaChina border. It was his decision in August
1962, to launch a full-scale military assault
on Indian forces and to "liquidate the
invading Indian army".
It is also clear now that China made a
careful assessment of the regional and
international situation before undertaking
these military operations. There were fears
in China that the US may help the Chiang
Kai-shek regime in Taiwan launch attacks
on China across the Taiwan Straits. These
were laid to rest when China's ambassador
to Warsaw, Wang Bingnan, was able to get a
categorical assurance from his American
counterpart that the US had no intention of
supporting any Taiwanese offensive against
China by taking advantage of Sino-Indian
tensions. In his memoirs, Wang claims that
this assurance played an important part in
enabling the decision to attack India later in
the year.
Similarly, fears that the Soviet Union
would play a negative role on the Sino-India
dispute were laid to rest as Moscow sought
to obtain Chinese support in the looming
Cuban missile crisis, which would burst into
the open around the same time as the India-

China war. This also distracted the major

powers from taking full cognisance of what
was happening on a remote border
somewhere in Asia.
2.Lack of preparedness from military end
especially for a mountainous warfare.
3.Initiation of forward policy without
corresponding means in men and material to
respond to a serious military attack.
Just as the Chinese military offensive came
as a rude surprise, so did the subsequent
Chinese decision to withdraw from the
territories it occupied as a result of the 1962
operations with some exceptions particularly
in the Western sector. The Indian leadership
fully believed that the withdrawal was
probably due to approaching winter and
extended supply lines and that a renewed
offensive was likely during the summer the
following year. This explains the sense of
panic that prevailed in those days evident in
Jawaharlal Nehru's desperate letter to US
President John F Kennedy, which surfaced
recently. Chinese archives, however, suggest
that it was always Mao's plan that Chinese
forces should withdraw after delivering a
knockout blow on the Indians. The objective
was not territorial. It was to forestall any
threat to Chinese consolidation in Tibet,
while bringing a chastened India to the
negotiating table to acquiesce in a Chinese
package proposal for settling the border.
Neither objective was achieved in any real
sense.
In 1980, the two countries resumed a
bilateral dialogue on the border after a gap
of two decades. In the initial phase the
Chinese terms for settlement were the same

as in 1960, i.e. that China would retain

Aksai Chin in the West but would generally
settle along the alignment corresponding to
the McMahon Line, though it would never
accept the legitimacy of that line. In his
interview to the editor of Vikrant in 1982,
Deng Xiaoping explicitly put forward the
"package proposal" as the basis for a border
settlement, arguing that in keeping the area
currently in its occupation in the east, India
was getting a very good deal. After all, he
suggested, Nehru himself had described
Aksai Chin as a desert where "not a blade of
grass grows".

6.2How did partition affect Indian

culture as a whole?comment . (200
Words)
Partition can be considered as the most
unfortunate event to have taken place in
post-independence India. It can be
considered as the first Hindu-Muslim
communal riot that took place in our country
after independence. Subsequently, lakhs of
innocent lives were lost.
This incident had a profound effect on the
culture of India. The very fact that the
country was divided into two parts led to the
emergence of two distinct cultures, later
developing in isolation from each other. Due
to cross-border politics mutual animosity
grew amongst the people of India and
Pakistan. A place where Hindus and
Muslims had co-existed for centuries, spoke
similar languages, observed similar customs
and traditions regionally, and suddenly
started considering each other as two distinct
groups.

However, the places to which these people

migrated carried their culture and traditions
of their respective native lands and
established themselves in their newly
adopted lands. As a result of this there was a
mutual exchange of regional cultures
between India and Pakistan. For example,
the Bihari, Bengali, Rajasthani Muslims
who have migrated to Karachi have
established their separate colonies in that
city naming a few after their original native
places such as Muzaffarpur and so on. Same
is the case with Maharashtrian Hindus
having migrated and settled in Karachi. As
far as the Sindhi Hindus who migrated to
India, they have established their unique
identity maintaining it as being from Sindh.
Despite all the issues that have cropped up
between the two countries based on issues of
religion, politics, terrorism etc. partition led
to the creation of a composite culture
between India and Pakistan.

6.3Critically analyse the nature,

growth and constituents of Muslim
politics in postcolonial India.
In Postcolonial India, if the politics of initial
30 years was defined by the creation of
caste-based parties comprising various
strands of OBCs and dalits, the second
decade of the 21st century will see Muslim
parties seeking to discover their own power
of agency. This development should not be
read in isolation, for there has been a deep
realization among Muslims that most
political parties have stopped at symbolism
in supporting their causes.
Though Muslims have huge share of the
national population, they are not adequately

represented in state assemblies or in

parliament. Traditional Muslim parties with
strong, regional pockets of influence have
always been part of the regional power
structure in Kerala and Assam. The same is
more likely to happen in other states too
though it may take time.
The central logic of this development is that,
Muslims are the only social group in India
who are still to discover their power of
agency. Every other caste or religious group
either has its own party, or exerts real power
inside traditional parties.
The need for a religious-identity based party
for Muslims in secular India arise because of
the obvious truth that our secularism is
superficial, where all the mainstream parties
have given Muslims little more than token
representation and have used them as mere
vote-bank.
Jawaharlal Nehrus secular politics drove
Muslims towards the Congress, but after
him Congress policy towards Muslims was
reduced to running a protection racket for
the community without giving them real
economic benefits. An emerging coalition of
regional Muslim parties is the missing link
that will complete the picture in this decade.

6.4Critically examine the factors

that led to Operation Bluestar in
1984. What were its consequences?
(200 Words)
Operation Blue Star was a military
movement , ordered by Prime Minister
Indira Gandhi, to remove sikh separatists
who were amassing weapons in Golden
Temple at Amritsar in 1984. These
separatists , led by Jarnail Singh

Bhindranwale and former Maj. Gen.Shabeg

Singh, demanded formation of a separate
nation called Khalistan. It was also a
consequence of Emergency imposed by
Indira Gandhi in the 1970s, in which
thousands of Sikhs campaigning for
autonomous government were imprisoned.
The operation was carried out by Indian
Army troops with tanks, artillery,
helicopters,
armoured
vehicles,
and
chemical weapons, cutting off media,
electricity and sealing all routes of escape. It
is also seen as a last resort to re-establish the
PMs image of a strong leader who could
control regionalism before elections .
This resulted in a large number of casualties
of innocent sikhs as well leading to huge
uproar in the sikh community world-wide.
There was religious polarisation on HinduSikh grounds and Indira Gandhi was
assasinated by her own sikh body guards .
There was massacre of the sikh community
by anti sikh mobs. The collusion of political
officials in the massacres and the Judiciarys
failure to penalise the killers alienated
normal Sikhs and increased support for the
Khalistan movement

6.5Formation of North Eastern

states on ethno-linguistic lines has
failed to address or resolve conflicts
in the region. Critically examine.
The border disputes between the Northeastern states has been one of the major
concerns the entire region is facing.The
border
issues
of
AssamArunachalpradesh,Assam-Nagaland,AssamMizoram have been standing stalemate for
quite a long time.These disputes have often

turned into ethic clashes resulting in the loss

of lives.
The root cause of these dispute can be
tracked to the decision to carve out the
political entities from Assam.This decision
was taken under many compelling
circumstances to end the growing ethnic
clashes and preserve the national unity and
integrity.However,the moot question is
whether the grant of statehood has resolved
the ethic identity issues.
Still existing ethnic clashes between the
states clashes clearly marks that the
government has taken the decision without
considering much ground realities and not
strictly conforming the ethnic identities.For
eg: the cachar hills area falls under the state
of Assam consists of large number of Mizos
and Nagas making it possible for Mizoram
and Ngaland to claim the area.
It is high time for both central and the
respective state governments to emphatically
bring out a solution to the problem through
broad consensus especially in the wake of
increasing need for overall development of
Northeastern states which is not possible
with such disputes existing.
Many negotiations talks between the states
have failed for lack of consensus and
cooperation and even the SC appointed third
party mediation has not borne fruits.
Do you support plebiscite in Kashmir to find
a peaceful solution for its future? Critically
comment. (200 Words)
Kashmir has been subjected to violence,
instability and diplomatic brickbating over
its sovereignty, off and on since 1947.

The quest for peaceful and a permanent

solution has also raised an option of holding
plebiscite in the state. In this respect, the
feasibility of any such solution needs to be
analyzed from three perspectives.

Indias internal security but also lead to

internal displacement of minority religions
in state. That it will be blot on the syncretic
diversity of India, held together since ages is
a foregone conclusion.

One, the status-quo, two the impact of

plebiscite on India and three the merit of
plebiscite as an ultimate solution itself.
Firstly, The status-quo is that Kashmir is an
integral part of India since the ruler of the
state signed Instrument of Accession in
1949.

Finally, the merit of plebiscite as a solution

is itself questionable. The Kashmiri people
aspirations are development, jobs, economic
and physical security.

Subsequently, due to special needs and

recognizing its vulnerability, Article-370 in
Constitution
provided
for
political
autonomy to the state in as much as binding
Parliamentary laws are concerned.
Subsequently, the Delhi Agreement in 1952
elaborated on such subjects to be covered
under 370. This arrangement was agreed
upon by the elected representatives of State
Assembly and hence must be held in
sanctimony wrt representative democratic
ideals guiding the
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
nation. The plebiscite at this stage, under the
scourge of terrorism would be tantamount to
rejecting democracy because of failure of
governance machinery.
Secondly, the outcome of such plebiscite is
indeterminate and encouraging it will lead to
further erosion of state into anarchy,
fawning of separatist tendencies and
vulnerability of state from incursion from
the aggressive neighbors as in Pakistan and
even China. This will not only compromise

The thrust should be on integration of

Kashmir into mainstream through tourism,
incentivizing small industry, setting up
banks on one hand and ensuring the
territorial borders are secured through robust
surveillance on ground and negotiations on
table. The special needs of state demand
special care which shall be guaranteed
within 370 as similar arrangements exist for
north-east or even tribal states vide Article
371, 244 etc.
Clamors of plebiscite in Kashmir has been
made, ever since the existence of the state
came into being. At the time of
Independence, Kashmir, even though a
muslim majority state, was ruled by a Hindu
king who choose to be part of India. This
irked authorities in the Pakistani ranks
especially Jinnah who was already engaged
in failed accession of Hyderabad and
Junagarh. After failing in these endeavors,
Pakistan resorted to state sponsored
insurgency in Kashmir in an attempt to
divide the state over religious grounds and
initiate ethnic cleansing.
This all have resulted in unrest and volatile
Kashmir for decades. Infiltration, attacks,
blasts and other violent activities have
distorted the economic and political

structure of the state. It also have affected

the traditional art and culture of the
Kashmir. Tourism, industry which could
have a major trade booster , is stagnated.
Therefore, a peaceful Kashmir is not only
necessary for India and Pakistan but also for
the south Asia.
However, plebiscite is not the solution for
this issue. Kashmir is an integral part of
India. Neither Indian constitution nor Article
370 has provisions regarding plebiscite. But
the government from both sides a can do a
lot more to bring peace and harmony in the
region. Indian army has been accused of
subjecting Kashmiris to exploitation and
atrocities. Arrest and killing of civilians are
rampant. The army is given immunity under
AFPSA, 1958. This act must be revoked as
India faces external threat not internal as in
NE regions. Removal of Article 370 and full
integration of Kashmir in Indian territory
should be deliberated as it will give
Kashmiris a feeling of integration and
belongingness to the nation.
Q--What were the major challenges that
India faced soon after Independence in its
efforts to consolidate India as a nation.
As Gandhiji said once a country become
independent its weaknesses are bound to
emerge to the surface. Among many of them
was the integration of the around 536
Princely states. A commendable job in this
regard has been done by Sardar Vallabhai
Patel. Although most agreed to join but
certain like Junagarh and in the extreme case
Hyderabad were forced to join the Indian
union as the whole effort of making India as
a nation would have been futile without this.

Another issue which confronted as was

evident from the Indias multilingual
diversity was language issue which was
extended to such an extreme that it led to
North-South Divide. The Northern region
wanted Hindi in Devnagri Script as National
Language which was vociferously protested
by the southern states as once identity can to
some extent defined
by it. At last a compromise was reached in
which Hindi and English was chosen as the
official language of the Union.
On the same language issue there was
demand for creation of states on linguistic
basis. After the death of Gandhian Potti
Sriramulu this was
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
46
accepted and the States Reorganisation
Commission approved this until or unless
this do not threaten the Unity of India. There
were also secession demands from North
eastern region but were dealt effectively.
As is evident post-independence leadership
was able to tackle the multiple problems
effectively and welded India into one nation.
India had a tryst with destiny in 1947 and
got independence, but it was a situation
where we have gained political equality but
not social and economic equality.
. Grain shortage: We had a large
population to feed, but very little agriculture
productivity. It was compromising to our

soverignity because we have to import

grains from US, but US threatened to
manipulate our policy, because of leverage it
had on us.

Q--Critically comment on Jawaharlal

Nehrus contribution to strengthening
democracy in India post-Independence.
Business Standard
A: The history of post-colonial Africa and
Asia is one of coups,civil wars,multiple
variations on apartheid and innumerable
dictatorships.But
India remained an
exceptional beacon mainly due to the efforts
of the towering Jawaharlal Nehru.The
Nehruvian Era continued even after his
death and despite his failures in
administration which was why he was
justifiably called as an Architect of India.
Nehru established fully the tradition of
supremacy of the civil government over the
armed forces and thus prevented military
interventions in politics as happened in the
neighboring countries.He succeeded in
checking the disruptive forces,promoted the
psychological integration of the Indians and
consolidated the nation which was no mean
task.Carrying on the traditions of the
national movement,he carefully nurtured
and
entrenched
democracy
and
parliamentary government in India.
However,he failed to build institutions or
organizational structures to implement his
visions or to mobilize people to see his
visions which led to a general weakness in
the execution of his policies and
ideas.Although Nehru was opposed to

communalism,he ignored the need for

struggle against it as an ideology.It was due
to his democratic approach that further
complicated the solutions like the
Accessions of Hyderabad and Kashmir into
Indian Union.
As a First PM of independent India,Nehru
was faced with daunting tasks.Despite his
failures,he
rooted
certain
values,approaches,objectives,goals
and
made them an integral part of the Indian
people,which was truly implied in the words
of Geoffrey Tyson-If Nehru had been a
different kind of man,India would have
become a different kind of country.
Critically evaluate the role of Sardar
Vallabhbhai Patel in post-Independence
consolidation of India. (200 Words)
Answer)
Patel ji travelled the length and breadth of
the nation and convinced hundreds of
regional kings to merge their kingdoms with
the Independent Union of India. His tireless
efforts enabled the establishment of a United
India where differences merge to create a
stunning pool of humanity. He dealt with
this tough-situation and emerged victorious
that earned him a name of Iron man of
India.
-- Charge as minister of state in interim
government, later as HM, Deputy PM task
of integrating the 550+ princely states into
the Indian Union.
-- Used all types of tools privy purses;
pursuing the rulers by invoking future
prospects; many instruments of accession;
Hyderabad Police action;

--All but three of the states willingly merged

into the Indian uniononly Jammu and
Kashmir,
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
47
Junagadh, and Hyderabad did not fall into
his basket.
Junaghad- A plebiscite later organised
produced a 99.5% vote for merger with
India.
Hyderabad- Patel ordered the Indian Army
to integrate Hyderabad (in his capacity as
Acting Prime Minister) when Nehru was
touring Europe.[50] The action was termed
Operation Polo, in which thousands of
Razakar forces had been killed, but
Hyderabad was comfortably secured into the
Indian Union.
Kashmir- Instrument of Accession signed by
Raja Hari Singh
Effectively dealing with communal forces;
Strongly supported All-India services and
their role;
JVP committee
reorganisation;

Rejected

linguistic

He is esteemed by Indians because of his

contribution after the Independence in
making India a nation characterized with
unity in diversity.
What factors triggered 1971 Bangladesh
war? What were the consequences of the
war? (150 Words)

Answer)
On the eve of independence from India,
Pakistan was divided into parts-east Pakistan
and west Pakistan.
West Pakistan was dominating east Pakistan
financially, militarily and culturally. People
of east Pakistan considered their western
part authority as colonial authority as they
were discriminated against in every sphere;
their agriculture resources, financial
resources were exploited by eastern part.
They were not given due representations in
bureaucracy, judiciary, military offices.
Thus their pent up anger for several years
and victory in election triggered as a revolt
against west Pak authority and closed down
railways, airports etc.
The western Pakistan retaliated them with
violent attacks. The western Pak attacked
India with the suspicion of Indias hand in
liberation efforts.
At last India joined east Pakistan in
freedom struggle and east Pakistan
liberated from the domination
exploitation of west Pak and new
named Bangladesh was created.

their
was
and
state

(Other Geopolitical situations were not in

favour of India, Nexus of China, USA and
Pakistan was working against India)
Assess the contribution of Maulana Abul
Kalam Azad and Rafi Ahmed Kidwai to
post independence India. (150 Words)
Answer)
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Rafi Ahmed
Kidwai were member of cabinet in post

independence
India.
Though
their
importance
is
overshadowed
in
contemporary world, by leaders like Gandhi,
Nehru and Patel, but their contribution was
immense and respectful. Presently, in the
atmosphere of lacking co-existence and
cultural integration, the ideas of these
Muslim Nationalists should be promoted
and practiced with pride.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was the first
education minister of India. He initiated
important policies like universal education
for all Indians. Premier institutes like IITs
were started during his tenure. The Council
of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
was also laid down in his guidance. Alumni
from IITs have made India proud across the
globe. CSIR has leaped great steps towards
Indias modernisation in the field of
sciences.
Similarly, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai, prominent
Nationalist mobilised Indian Muslims
towards greater cohesion with other Indians.
His followers were called as Rafians
Famous as the Communication Minister but
was also given the Food and Civil Supply
portfolio later. His tenure are marked great
achievements in the fields of Agriculture.
Hence, despite not touched by western ideas,
both the leaders were staunch Nationalists.
Both
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
48
worked towards Unity, Development and
Integration of Indian people without any

bias. Their contributions should inspire the

modern generations.
Critically analyze the events that led to the
accession of Kashmir to India postIndependence. (200 Words)
Answer)
The king of Kashmir was Hindu, but
majority of population was Muslim. This led
to dispute over accession of Kashmir to
either dominions(India and Pakistan).But the
ruler of Kashmir, decided not to accede to
any of them, rather remain independent
country.
This decision was unacceptable to both
dominions and even Lord Mountbatten.
Junagadh had already acceded to India after
similar mismatch of ruler and population
domination. Its plebiscite went in favour of
India.
Sheikh Abdullah, enjoying popular support
among Kashmiris was in favour of its
accession
to
India.
Pakistan
was
apprehensive of possible decision of
Plebiscite in Kashmir in Indias favour. Also
it sighted the accession of Hyderabad by
Indian army as ill conceived and
undemocratic.
Taking advantage of this delay in decision,
tribal invaders from Pakistan, aided by its
army entered into Kashmir to capture it.
Kashmirs unequipped army was unable to
deal with invaders. As a result of this breach
and possible wide scale destruction,
Kashmirs ruler decided to accede into
Indian Union. He signed instrument of
accession. Indian army was rushed into

Kashmir. Pakistani invaders were removed

from many areas and forced to leave.

challenging the global hegemon after the

collapse of the USSR.

Although, some portion of Kashmir i.e. PoK

still remains with Pakistan after ceasefire
was imposed by Security council. But
internationally, Kashmir was declared to be
part of Indian Union.

The unlimited military expansion in Asia

with the nature of Chinas multiple maritime
territorial disputes with its neighbours and
competition of Japan in reclaiming its lost
place having the similarity of the pre-war
situation of Europe. Due to aggression of
China, several ASEAN countries losing their
control on waters, and the events compared
to Nazy Germanys territorial demands
during Second World War.

7.18th century events (e.g.

Industrial revolution, WWs,
redrawal of boundaries,
colonisation,
decolonisation)
7.1In recent times the two great
World Wars have acquired a
peculiar political resonance in East
Asia. Comment. (200 Words)
2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the
First World War, which was one of the
greatest disasters in human history. Japans
surrender at the end of World War II led to a
series of social and political transformations
in East Asia. This struggle for political
autonomy led to the eruption of new
conflicts such as Korean War, Malayan
Emergency and recent tensions between
Japan and China.
The regions understanding of its own past
and its internal dynamics remain deeply
rooted to the manner in which World War II
ended.
The current state of the Sino-Japanese
relations is often compared to the BritishGerman relations just before World War I.
Comprehensive growth of China made it as
the second world power, capable of

India, played big role in shaping the

outcomes after the two wars, is not showing
any response to these East Asian dynamics.
However these circumstances separated by
time, space and geography are unlikely to
produce similar outcomes.
The global community, especially U.S
should hold talks with the Asian giants to
restrain an unlimited military expansion in
order to maintain peace and stability and
should not let the situation go out of control.

7.2 Analyze the nature of

relationship between Japan and
USA post Second World War. (200
Words)
Answer After Japans defeat in the Second
World War, it was occupied by the US.
Japan underwent major changes. The
emperors power was reduced and a
democratic
parliamentary
form
of
government with adult suffrage was
introduced. The power of big landlords was
reduced and labour unions were given voice.
The education system was reformed and its
misuse for spreading chauvinistic and
militaristic values was checked.

In the 1990s, while on one hand Russian

threat subsided, Japan emerged as an
economic power. The US investment in
Japan kept going up and in 1993 the
Japanese telecom, medical equipments and
insurance market was opened for the US.
But the relationship was not always of
mutual trust and US saw Japans economic
rise with suspicion.
The Right wing political parties were
opposed any further US intervention in
Japan. Today the Right voices are getting
strengthened and are in favour or
rearmament of Japan and an independent
foreign policy.
The US has been a security partner to Japan
and Japan enjoys special status as compared
to other countries with respect to energy and
nuclear cooperation with the US. But USJapan relations have been dynamic and are
determined by several factors such as:
Percieved threat of Japans economic
potentials, China-Russia alliance against
US-Japan in the region, Japanese
apprehensions about the possible souring of
Tokyos relations with the middle east
because of Washingtons assertiveness in
the region.
Nevertheless, US-Japan relations has been
dynamic and peaceful since WW-2.

7.3 What were the circumstances

that led to the invasion of
Afghanistan by the USSR in 1979?
What were its consequences?
Comment (200 Words)
Answer During the cold war era any
bigger move at the world stage was marked

being either a capitalistic move or a

communist move. The invasion of
Afghanistan was of no exception.
In 1978, a left wing government seized
power in Afghanistan and began a
modernization programme. Equal status for
women, secularization of society were
among them. These were seen as against
Islamic ideology. Opposition was fierce, and
civil war soon broke out. In 1979 Soviet
troops entered the country to support the
government. They wanted to avoid a
fundamentalist Muslim revolution, like the
one in Iran because it could stir up the
millions of Muslims who were Soviet
citizens and destabilize those republics.
Some of the major consequences were:i. US placed a trade embargo against USSR
on shipments of commodities such as grain
and weapons
ii. Non-Aligned Movement was sharply
divided over the legality of invasion.
Though a close ally of USSR, India refused
to support the Afghan war
iii. Among the Warsaw Pact countries, the
intervention was condemned only by
Romania.
However, the biggest consequence was of
fuelling an extremist Islamic ideology (the
jihad as holy war) and led to the emergence
of a powerful and deadly terrorist network
which aided to the disintegration of USSR
and still posing as one of the biggest
challenge for the modern era.

7.4Question - Give an outline of the

relations between Russia and its
former republics since the break-up
of the Soviet Union. (200 Words)
Answer Post the break-up of the Soviet
Union, the Former Soviet Union states
consist of 4 blocks viz. the Slavic, Baltic,
Central Asia and Caucasus states. After the
break-up, they found themselves in a
situation drastically different from the
Soviet Era. Their transition to democracy
was not easy, rendering their social,
economic and political situation extremely
volatile to external pressure.
It was imperative for Russia to maintain
cordial relations with these newly-formed
countries due to its geographical, ethnic and
cultural proximities with the region.
Therefore, a checks-and-balances approach
is the one that is followed between Russia
and the Former Soviet Union (FSU) states.
These newly formed states are enamoured
by the west and at the same time do not want
to disrupt their links with Russia. Russia is
strongly opposed to their inclusion into the
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
and the EU as it considers this as a sinister
move against its interests. Also Russia is
concerned about the interests of millions of
ethnic Russians living in this region and
therefore wishes to maintain a big brotherly
attitude towards them.
The recent issue being that of a border treaty
signed between Russia and Estonia where in
Estonia got the territorial claim over two
Russian border towns. Russia on the other
hand is concerned about the discrimination
of ethnic Russians and glorification of the
Nazis in Estonia.

7.5The Anglo-Russian agreement

of March 1915 illustrated the vast
degree to which traditional
relationships between nations had
been changed by World War I.
Examine. (200 Words)
Answer - British had deterred the Russian
attempts to Dardanelles as early as 1854 in
the Crimean war and in 1878, British PM
Disraeli even issued warning against
Russian advances in Turkey. In effect, the
British entered the First World War to
increase their sphere of influence and second
to preserve their colonies.
The Anglo-Russian Agreement in March,
1915 thus comes as a change to the
traditional relations between the two nations
during World War 1. The Agreement was a
hypothetical division of Ottoman empire by
British and Russia post the War. It granted
control over Constantinople, Bosporous
strait and Mediterranean to Russia while
Britain would retain the oil rich parts of
Mesopotamia and Central Prussia.
Britain thus emerged as an ally to Russia
and aided Russia in its incursion against
Ottoman. While British incurred huge losses
in this alliance in terms of loss of life and
expenditure, it was facing a stalemate in the
Western front along the Balkans since the
onset of war since 1914. The defeat of
British navy at the hands of Turkish created
conditions for British to seek Russian
support in war against Ottoman.
Conclusively, British alliance with Russia
was also to avert a separate peace accord
between Russia and German. However
Subsequently the equations changed with

the rise of Lenin who not only forged treaty

with Germans but also tore relations with
the British under the previous agreements of
1907 as well as 1915.
Question - Contrary to 1944-45, when there
was hope in the future, in a new world, in
1919 society was paralysed under the weight
of the dead. Elaborate the statement with
reference to the condition of Europe post
two world wars. (200 Words)
Answer - The First World War fought from
1914-1918 was first war in human history
which was fought away from the battlefield,
with weapons such as machine guns, shells,
poison gas etc having greater potential for
mass destruction and causing greater loss of
life across Europe.
Apart from fatalities due to war, a large
amount of Europes population perished due
to famines, regional conflicts and epidemics
such as influenza which had no cure then.
In addition to the dead, millions were left
maimed, amputated, blinded, gassed and
mutilated. There were another millions of
war widows and orphan children left to fend
for themselves.

INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION

GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
51
cause of the war. Global institutions such as
United Nations were set up post war which
created a sense of security among nations. It
also led to the rise of women across the
world.
Many
countries
achieved
independence from foreign imperialism.
Thus on the whole the after-effects of WW2 were positive for the worlds future,
compared to WW-1
What were the causes and consequences of
First World War? Explain its significance to
India.
Ans: The main causes of first world war are:
(a) Attempt to re-divide the world: With
most of the Asia and Africa already being
occupied further conquest can take place
only by dispossessing an imperialist power.
This created rivalries among colonial
powers.
(b) Conflicts over European domination.

Almost the whole of the French society was

badly affected by the war. The suffering and
mourning was so widespread that
governments tried to suppress mourning
among people to prevent hysteria.

- competition to control declining Ottoman

Empire.

Contrary to this, the Second World War,

brought a permanent end to Nazism which
had caused deaths of millions of Jews,
which was the main

- Pan German movement.

- Division of Balkan peninsula.

- Pan salv movement.

(c) Division of Europe in two armed camps :

Triple alliance and Triple Entente.

IMMEDIATE CAUSE: Assassination of

Archduke Francis Ferdinand of AustriaHungary and blame put on Serbia.

communism in India with the formation of

CPI and imparted a socialist tinge to
freedom struggle.

CONSEQUENCES OF FIRST WORLD

WAR

Examine the nature and contribution of

Indian troops that served under the British
during the First World War.

The world that emerged post world war was

entirely different on account of:
(a) Huge destruction of property with
civilian casualties outnumbering those of
armies. Epidemics and famines killed many
more.
(b) End of three ruling dynasties: Romanov
in Russia, Hohenzollern in Germany,
Habsburg in Austria.
(c) Alteration of world map: seperation of
Austria and Hungary, independence of
Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia and
unification of Poland.
(d) Rise of USA as the global super power.
(e) Emergence of the first socialist state:
USSR
(f) Formation of League of nations.
SIGNIFICANCE TO INDIA
End of the world war ended the myth of
invincibility of British Empire in India. The
soldiers that returned after war raised the
morale of masses. India supported Britain in
world war on
its promise of fighting for democracy but
serving Indian with Rowllat act immediately
after war shattered Indians. This led to the
rise of national consciousness and soon Non
Cooperation movement was launched.
Formation of USSR also led to the rise of

It is estimated that Indian troops fighting for

british during the 1st world war were more
than the American participating troops!
Nature of the troops:
1.The recruitment from india was notionally
voluntary.In effect the politicians and indian
aristocracy were incentivised for recruiting
the personnel for war.Mahatma gandhi at
that time worked as a recruiting agent.
2.Why india supprted british war efforts?
indian nationalism, at that time,were
dominated by moderates who believed that
if india contributes to the british war effort
after the war,British will show benevolency
contributing
to
the
constitutional
development of india
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
52
3.Indian army ,was aloof from the
revolutionary
philosophy
as
the
magazines,newspapers were not allowed in
the barracks.
4.Some Trained air force contigents were
also there,but they could not take off as of
white supremacy.
Contribution:

1.the most visible Indian contribution lies in

the resources it provided :nurses, food,
revenue, and the great Indian army.
2.In Indian army( -aloof from nationalist
activities) ,trained personnel were as good as
any European force because of less
nationalism.

Some of the policy measures taken by the

Government are as follows
Japan Central Bank allowed heavy loans
which give the central bank an effective
control over local banks
Ensured horizontal and vertical integration

But at time of the centenary of 1st world

war, the Indian contributions are not
rewarded in the largely seen scenario of
battle between the liberal and expansionist
values.

Protectionism from foreign take overs, it

has liberalized the economy later but after
safeguarding internal interests. There was
sufficient import control in place to avoid
any dumping

Aftermath the vast devastation and surrender

in the Second World war, how did Japan
rapidly industrialize its economy? Examine.

83% of the Japan Development Bank loan

went to the strategic sectors like Ship
Building, Coal and Steel.

The Japan Economy saw a rapid

industrialization and growth due to two
factors
US aid
Economic
Government

intervention

by

Japanese

The USA had helped Japan to recover

initially as they never wanted Soviet to
influence war affected Japan and spread
communism. They ensured 27% of Japanese
export to USA.
However, their prime growth happened due
to their own policies like
Cooperation of manufactures, suppliers
and distributors
Close knit group of banks called as
Keiretsu
Powerful unions and their good relations
with bureaucracy

Lower tax/ interest rates ensured enough

spending
The flexible finances helped the
infrastructure and communication sector to
grow rapidly
The Japan had done really well till 1990 and
had joined the international institutions like
IMF, GATT etc. in due course of time.
However, it felt the heat of recession in
1991 due to asset price bubble.
What were the consequences of Korean
war? Explain. (200 Words)
The consequences of the Korean War were
far reaching:
1.Both the North and South Korea were
devastated. Millions of soldiers and civilians
were killed and millions were homeless. The
division seemed permanent. Both remained
suspicious of each other and heavily armed
and there were constant ceasefire violations.

2.The UN had exerted its authority and

reversed an act of aggression, but the
communist world denounced it as a tool of
capitalists.
3.Though USAs attempts to destroy
Communism in China were initially
successful, at the end of the war the
opportunity was lost and she had to contend
herself for having contained Communism.
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
53
4.The military performance of the
Communist China was impressive. She had
prevented the unification of Korea under
American influence and was now clearly a
world power.
5.The conflict brought a new dimension to
the Cold War. American relations were now
permanently strained with Russia and China.
Both sides tried to build military alliances
against each other in Asia and Europe.
China
supported
the
Indo-Chinese
Communists in their struggle for
independence against France. On the other
side, America tried to encircle China by
forming SEATO with Australia, New
Zealand, Britain and France as its members.
Industrialization in developing countries was
not the magic of markets that produced the
sudden spurt in industrialization. It came
from the foundations that were laid in the
preceding quarter century. Critically
analyze. (250 Words)
Link

Q--Write a note on any two important wars

that took place post Second World War
which had global consequences.
Many wars were fought during the cold
war which had global consequences.while
most wars were ideological ie communisim
vs capitalisim,some of the wars were for
unification of countries like Vietnam war
and the Korean war.
Korean war
After the defeat of japan, korea was divided
into countries north korea and south
korea.the aspirations of the Korean people
were ignored while this decision was
taken.the north Koreans with material
support from soviet union attacked south
Koreans.the
south
Koreans
were
overwhelmed in the beginning and suffered
heavy losses.the americans and the UN
came to the aid of south Koreans and
launched a massive attack.the south Koreans
were able to defeat the north koreans and
launched offensives to reunify the Koreans
under a pro west country.china threatened
by such a development supported the south
Koreans and repelled the south Koreans.
With neither side able to defeat the
other.Korea was divided between north and
south along 38th parallel.
Vietnam war
Similar to korea , Vietnam was divided into
north and south Vietnam after the defeat of
French in French Indochina war.Ho chi
minh the leader of north Vietnam desired a
united Vietnam and waged a war against
south Vietnam.the Vietcong a proxy in south
Vietnam waged guerrilla war against south

Vietnam.with south Vietnam unable to cope

with Vietcong and north Vietnamese
attack.the americans sent massive military
aid and American armed forces to aid the
south Vietnamese.the prolonged conflict had
a negative consequence on American
public.widespread protest led to the
withdrawal of troops from Vietnam. The
weak south Vietnamese army was unable to
cope with massive attack by north. South
Vietnam was defeated and the Vietnamese
unification was complete.

2.It showed the military power of China and

hence the new upcoming world leader. The
world recognised China as a worthy player
to do a role in international politics.

1st one is Korean War

5.The war hit hard on Korean economy

(both North and South)

It is because its global significance

After Russia withdrawn from North Korea,
North Korea attacked on South Korea and
almost Occupied entire Korean Peninsula
except some places and A port.Immediately
US raised alarm and sent military to Korea,
and also it called an UN meeting to take
action.Along with US forces, some Un
forces added.THese forces captured again
the whole south Korea and moved towards
Pyong yong. Russia didnot enter into the
war, but it doesnot mean no communist
forces, surprisingly the help came from
China, and the China helped Northkorea to
get back all its places and the ceaefire line.
Significance are
1.The cold war continued, the war against
communism and capitalism.
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
54

3.Japan gained the most as its economy

flourised with this war and ofcourse after the
war South Korea too got flourising with the
help from US
4.North korea started militarising itself there
after and starts developing missiles and
nuclear missiles.

6.The method in UN voting got developed

when some exercise Veto to get approval.
2nd one is Vietnam
Ofcourse its again cold war politics but the
turn around here is the loss of america in the
war. the war provoked huge comdemnation
around the world and even within the US.
It changed the US politics and hit US
economy too.
It proved the strentgh of people who fought
war against foreign super power and broke
myth of US military superiority atleast in
jungle warfare (guerilla warfare)
Q-Critically comment on the role of Japan in
escalating the World War 2. Examine how
Japan was made to surrender during the end
of the War.
Under a militarist regime, Japan had become
an imperialist Country towards the end of
the
Nineteenth
Century.
Alongwith
Germany and Italy, Japan claimed to fight

communism and all three signed an Anti

comintern pact.

bombs which razed its two cities Hiroshima

and Nagasaki to the ground.

Further, all three in their imperial ambition

agreed to redivide the world in which
Germany and Italy recognized Japans
supremacy in rearranging power in Asia.
With this, Japan occupied Manchuria in
China, South Sakhalin and lower Liatung in
Russia and Korea.

Many historians argue that the bomb attack

was unnecessary as Japan was about to
surrender as all its allies were already
surrendered and war had come to an end.

However, there was no action against Japan

by the League of Nations inspite of its
provision of taking unilateral economic and
military sanctions as well as collective
action against an aggressive country. Hence,
though Japan was imperialist, antidemocratic but the tensions led to world war
because of the appeasement policy followed
by the Western Countries in order to divert
its aggression against communist forces in
USSR and China.

http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page

55

Japan also brought the war into Asia by

attacking the Indo-China region with the
motive of capturing its rich resources and
further moved westward into Burma. This
led to conflicts between Britain and Japan
near Indian borders.
This appeasement policy led Japan to attack
American Naval base at Pearl Harbour
without any warning in expectation that US
would not retaliate. As a reaction, US joined
the war leading to entanglement of
Germany, Italy and many countries in
America joining the war making it global.
After forming allied alliance to counter the
axis countries, USSR attacked germany and
its forces surrendered. Subsequently, US
attacked Japan with two devastating atom

INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION

GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1

Q-Explain how the situation in Europe

immediately following the fall of Germany
led directly to the Cold War. In your
opinion, should the Western Allies have
acted to oppose Soviet domination of
Eastern Europe? (from Sparknotes)
Western powers and Soviet Union were
miles apart on the ideology of Economic
system and democracy. Western powers
supported capitalist form of economy and
democratic form of government, while
Soviets followed socialist economy and
Communist government.
Soviet Union was powerful and one of the
four allied forces which occupied Germany
after end of world war. Opposition to the
occupation was not a feasible option for
western allies as Soviet Union was a
powerful country with proved military
competence and economic growth. Also, it
was a major power to fight and bring down
Hitler, as without Soviet support it would
have been impossible to stop Hitler.
European
powers
themselves
were
recovering from war time causalities and
destruction.

So, it was morally not feasible to deny the

Soviets their part in occupation and
reconstruction after war was over, as they
were one of the main allies. Also, it was
practically not possible to oppose Soviet
domination of Easter Europe due to military
might.
Fear of the western powers regarding growth
of communism in the world was one of the
main reasons for the beginning of Cold War.
It began with the division of Germany into
two independent States of Federal Republic
of Germany (FRG) and German Democratic
Republic (GDR). The economic, political
and social policies followed in FRG and
GDR by western powers and eastern powers
respectively were opposite to each other.
In addition, the establishment of Communist
Governments in many Countries of Eastern
Europe which were liberated by Soviet
Armies was another cause. Further, growth
of communist parties in many Countries
which were generally supporters of USSR
was also a reason.
Western Countries especially US started
viewing every event in the world with an
angle of whether that event increases or
decreases Communism. As a result, many
undesirable steps were taken.
Q--How did apartheid start in South Africa
and how was it ended. Critically comment.

black during theses periods. They controlled

all economic; social and political issues.
As a result of which afrinkar national party
came into power after worldwar2 whicj
started apratheid party. The population was
classified into racial groupd liked white;
black and colred. Black people were not
allowed in govt jobs; they were not allowed
to enter cities without carrying passes. They
were allowed to stay only in homelands
decided by govt. Many blacks were displave
dfrom cities forcefully.
African national party(led by nelson
mendela) protested against these policy. The
protest were voilent many a times. Govt
dealt protest very stricly and all political
leaders were made prisnots.
After 1980s due to national and intetnational
pressures; political leaders were released.
Negotiation were done between nelson
mendela and leaders of national party. In
1991; apratheid laws were removed and first
multiethnic govt. was astd. under leadership
of nelson mendela in 1994
Q--Write a note on the significance of the
Occupy Central movement in Hong Kong
Livemint
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1

The Hindu

http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page

56

Africa had brrn a rich sourcre of natural

sources and minetals. Europian countries
specially dutch and english made south
aftica as their colonies durind 19th century.
These white people discriminated against

Hong Kong, a former British colony was

returned as a special administrative region to
Chinese rule on July 1, 1997, under the
formula of One Country, Two systems

which promises the city wide-ranging

autonomy and a commitment to ultimate
universal suffrage by 2017.
Tension between Hong Kong and mainland
China is rising due to Beijings persistent
efforts to limit democratic rights, freedom of
expression and press freedom. But tensions
escalated recently after Beijing released a
white paper in which it reasserted its
authority over Hong Kong. Beijing seeks to
politically and culturally assimilate Hong
Kong into mainland China along with Hong
Kongs distinctive and profitable capitalist
system. Hong Kongs democratic aspirations
have no place in Beijings calculations.
This led to a pro-democracy movement
called hippy-ish Occupy Central with Love
and Peace. Non-violent civil disobedience
modelled on the activism of Martin Luther
King and Mahatma Gandhi.
Hong Kong is among Asias most
competitive economies. It ranks fourth
globally in terms of competitiveness. It is
one of the worlds leading international
financial centers with major capitalist
service economy characterized by low
taxation and free trade. Beijings dictators
are simply not qualified to lecture Hong
Kong. Hong Kongs future depends upon
standing strong now for democracy and
human rights. At this critical time, the world
must stand with Hong Kong.
Q---Why were Yugoslav wars fought
between 1991 and 1999? What were the
consequences? Explain.
The Hindu

During the early 1990s, Serbian president

Milosevic was elected as the president of
Yugoslavia. The Serbian leader along with
his advisors attempted to assert Serbian
dominance starting in Slovenia in order to
protect Serbian people. This created a
constitutional crisis with an impasse
between the various autonomous sates of
Yugoslavia. fear among the various
autonomous states of Slovenia and Croatia
of Serbian dominance eventually lead these
two states to declare independence in
succession .a small war was fought for
retaining Slovenia but Serbian leaders
eventually allowed its independence as it
had a very small serb population. A longer
war was fought for Croatia as it had
considerable Serbian population but resulted
in Croatian independence. With ethnic
clashes between Serbs and Muslims in
bosnia and Herzegovina, Bosnian Muslims
wanted to break away,triggering the Bosnian
war and finally lead to the breakdown of
yougslavia. a small war was fought later on
where Kosovo broke off from serbia.
This war leads to the breakdown of
Yugoslavia into Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia,
Montenegro, Moldova and Bosnia and
Herzegovina. These states moved a more
democratic form of government and
liberalised their economies. Many of the
newly independent states aligned towards
the western European nations while Serbia
remained a loyal ally of Russia.
Q--Critically examine the factors which led
to post World War-2 rapid industrialisation
of Germany and Japan even after huge
devastation during the War.

 Though WW2 was brethtaking in scale of

its destruction but equally spectacular was
revival of west europe(including west
Germany) and Japan.
The most imporatant conrtibutory factor for
rapid industrialisation was the Marshall
Plan of USA, under which funds, via
IBRD(now World Bank), were supplied to
west Germany and Japan. Though it was
USAa vested interest
to
contain
Communism, which propted massive aid,
nevertheless recovery was remarkable.
Free international Trade, again led by USA,
also allowed Germany and Japan to export
their goods, primarily to USA, thereby
earning them foreign exchange and futher
investment in modernisation.
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
57
Third important factor was the dawn of Pax
Americanna. With only two reining
superpowers, USA was able to stabilise west
Euproe, which was under constant
turbulence ever since Late 19th century.
Therefore
overarching
military
preponderence and economic investment of
USA, provided apt environment for
Industrial growth.
Similarly security worries of Japan was
taken care of by USAs impressive presence
in Japan and in Pacific, therefore Japan was
able to use all the resources available for
reconstruction and rapid industrialisation,
without investing much in security.

Thus USA along with Bretton woods

institutions viz IMF and IBRD was able to
make significant contribution in Germany
and
Japan
Industrialisation
and
modernisation
Q--Why has the Korean War often been
called Americas forgotten war? What
purpose did the war serve, and what impact
did it have?
BBC
The Korean war is regarded as americas
forgotten war because it received less public
attention than other American war such as
veitnam war.
Post world war 2, north korea was under
communist influence and south korea was
under American sphere of control. The
leader of Korean communist party Kim su 2
wanted to unite entire korea under
communist rule, thereby declaring war by
marching troops south to 38 degree parallel.
However, American forces were successful
in preventing the invaders and the spread of
communism in south korea. The Korean war
was one of the proxy or limited war in
which us and soviet confronted in third
country.
Internationally, the war escalated the tension
between two superpowers and was
important in development of cold war. UN
came to be recognized as strong
organization due to effective role it played
in the war.
Socially, it scarred both north and south
korea. Both nations suffered massive
destruction of men and material.

Economically, south korea gradually

became one of east asian tiger economy with
the help of US in modernizing and
industrializing it. In comparison the north
Korean economy was not that robust .
Politically, the peninsula remain divided into
totalitarian communist state in north and
authoritarian south state. The tension
between the two remains till this day
specially in the aftermath of nuclear
programe of north korea.

Families were divided and both sides

suffered from destruction of their
economies. In what followed war, The
capitalistic South Korean economy was able
to reconstruct itself but the North Korean
economy remains poor with global sanctions
in place against it. The conflict has assumed
new dimensions with North Korea declaring
itself a Nuclear State.
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1

Korea was ruled by the Empire of Japan

from 1910 until its surrender in 1945 after
the world war II. The northern half of
korean peninsula was occupied by soviet
forces and the southern half was occupied
by american forces with the line of control
along the 38th parallel.

http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page

58

The North Korea led by Kim SU II

supported by soviet union and china aimed
at capturing the entire korean peninsula and
establishing a communist state. The
retaliatory action come from US supported
by United Nations. The war resulted in a
stalemate. The war has been termed as
Americas Forgotten War as it has
escaped the memory of American Citizens
unlike the Vietnam war.

The economy under soviet regime started

showing signs of weakness. High
expenditure in defence due to arms race and
neglecting other sectors led to rise in food
prices and decline in wages.

The war was fought as a proxy war between

the two superpowers of the time. It was an
important factor contributing to the cold war
politics. The role played by the United
Nations in the war was important as a peace
keeper.
Though both sides claimed victory, the real
losers were the people. The war displaced
thousands on both sides of the parallel.

Q--Critically comment on the factors that

contributed to the fall of communism in
Europe.
BBC

The structural weakness such as excessive

centralized
planning,
closed
market
economy and coercive policies further
crippled the economy. All this factors led to
meager economic growth and hurled wave
of disenchantment of common people with
communist system.
The twin market based reform:- prerestoika
and glasnost, initiated by Gorbachev in
1980s provided impetus to other reform
movements in east European countries,
demanding democratic governments. Events
begin in Poland with the formation of noncommunist party named solidarity.

It was against one-party rule and adopted

civil resistence as method to attain its ends.
It was financially supported by the America.
Hence, America too played indirect role in
dissolving
communism
.The
polish
government ceased to prohibit activities of
solidarity , and subsequently other east
European countries joined line.
It led to 1989 revolutions and fall of berlin
wall, coinciding with international wave of
democratization. And later due to inherently
unviable communist ideology, the warsaw
pact and along with it the soviet union
disintegrated.
Gorbachev didnot want the end of
communism rather he wanted a more
democratic and humane form of socialist
system. Hence Soviet Unions abandoned
the traditional Brezhnev Doctrine ( military
intervention in support of Coomunist
regime)
and
instead
adopted
Glasnost(openness)
and
Perestroika
(restructuring) .However Once initiated it
was difficult to control the reforms paving
the way for fall of communism in Europe.
The many wars and violent repression by
China evoked passions throughout the globe
thus making restructuring imperative . .The
US doctrine of containment and hence their
economic support to West Germany and
other non-Communist states leading to
flourishing econmies earlier derided as
capitalist attracted the European Soviet
nations.Moreover their political propaganda
idiolising democracy as the will and political
right of people played its role.

Q-What
do
you
understand
by
decolonization? How did it impact Asia and
Africa, politically and culturally? Discuss.
Wikipedia
Source
Decolonization is the process by which
colonies become independent of the
colonizing country.
After World War II, European countries
lacked the wealth and political support
necessary to suppress far-away revolts. They
could not oppose the new superpowers the
U.S. and the Soviet Unions stands against
colonialism. Between 1945 and 1960, three
dozen new states in Asia and Africa
achieved
autonomy
or
outright
independence from their European colonial
rulers.
Cultural and political impacts on Asia and
Africa3) The colonial rule drew arbitrary natural
boundaries dividing ethnic and linguistic
groups and natural features, and laying the
foundation for the creation of numerous
states lacking geographic, linguistic, ethnic,
or political affinity.
4) USA and European world started
democratization of these countries. The
Soviet Union deployed similar effort to
encourage new nations to join the
communist bloc.
5) Many of the new nations resisted the
pressure to be drawn into the Cold War,
joined in the nonaligned movement, in
1955, and focused on internal development.

INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION

GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
59
6) Raise of Neocolonialism- the practice of
using capitalism, globalization, and cultural
forces to control new countries.
7) The dependency principle evolved- the
claim that post-colonial states have no
choice but to accept Western conditions for
loans, because they desperately need the
money to support their own domestic
policies.
8) Unlike the colonial time, now they were
free and started to revive their old culture.
Religious and ethnic movements facilitated
interaction of cultures.
9)
Various
films,
music,
fiction,
autobiographies, and museum displays were
developed to learn the lessons from the
history of colonization and its impacts.
10) Population resettlements like relocation
of Jews in Palestine and Sikhs and Muslims
in border areas of India-Pakistan.
Decolonization had great impacts upon
foreign policies of new nations. Also few
newly independent countries acquired stable
governments almost immediately; others
were ruled by dictators or military for
decades, or endured long civil wars.
Most of the European countries setup a
democratic or a republican form of
government in their respective colonies.
Some countries like india,malayasia and
egypt were able to keep their democratic

character although they did have a few

crisis.In Africa most countries like
angola,Nigeria,zaire etc suffered from civil
wars based on ethnic lines and with a
dictator governing the countries.the third
world countries were influenced by ideas of
socialism and capitalism resulting in some
countries adopting socialist models like
Egypt adopting socialist policies and
malayasia,Indonesia
following
liberal
market.
due to declonization there was movement of
hindus to india and muslims to Pakistan and
bangladesh. In the middle east the effects
can still be seen with bitter relations
between jews and muslims.
Q--Discuss the factors which helped Hitler
to hold on to power for so long in Germany.
After the World War, Germany was
devastated by the Allied Powers. In 1924,
Hitler gained popular support by attacking
the Treaty of Versailles and promoting PanGermanism, anti-Semitism (Anti-Jews), and
anti-communism with charismatic oratory
skills and Nazi propaganda. Hitler
frequently
denounced
international
capitalism and communism as being part of
a Jewish conspiracy.
Hitler fed on the grievances of the German
people following their disastrous defeat in
World War I. Much of their territory was
taken from them and they were required to
pay huge sums to their victorious enemies.
Enemies were more focused on punishing
Germany for starting the war than on
making sure that Germany became a
peaceful and prosperous state.

Hitler was a dynamic speaker who tirelessly

campaigned to rebuild a strong sense of
German nationalism. Once he became
Chancellor he used his Nazi party thugs to
intimidate his political opponents. He also
improved the economy of Germany fast by
many reforms and controlled the inflation
and unemployment.
He also expanded the German military in
violation of treaties, which provided jobs
and allowed him to begin threatening his
neighbors to regain the lost territories. He
glorified the German people the Aryan
Race and they swallowed his vision deep.
The Appeasement policy of the Allied
powers mostly Britain and France toward
Hitler also gave him vast power. They have
seen him as a shield to rising power of
Communism and Russia. Britain was having
financial problems at home and the Labor
govt. wanted to focus on the market
improvement rather than Armament. So it
also ignored the rising power of Hitler.
Thus due to ignorance of the enemies and
support by the local people due to economic
reforms and leadership skills, Hitler power
rose to such level that in 1939, Allied Power
had to wage war against him to control him.
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
60
Q--Critically comment on the post-Cold
War policy of USA and Russia towards
Asia. In your opinion which of these two
countries is strategically well placed to play

larger role in maintaining the stability in the

region? Comment.
The Hindu
During cold war Eastern Europe was a flash
point and can be considered as theatre of
cold War. After cold war focus has shifted
from Europe to Asia, especially in middle
east.
However, Russian presence is nowhere near
to U.S in terms of power projection in
middle east and East Asia during post cold
war years. It is U.S which played an
important role in negotiation, peace talks or
conflagration. Russia recently started
asserting itself, especially during recent
Syrian crisis, Russian interference provided
alternative power pole and prevented war in
Syria.
Russia is now asserting itself through Oil
and gas diplomacy, especially after
Ukrainian crisis it signed a $400 billion deal
with China, thus mocking U.S efforts of
isolation. However , it needs to be seen as to
how long Russian power projection
continues, especially after crisis in its
neighborhood. Also in East Asia it is not
Russia but China which is projected as an
alternate power in the region. With, Chinese
military strength increasing, the role of
Russia is decreasing.

8.Political philosophies (e.g.

communism, capitalism,
socialism) and their effect
on society
8.1The unprecedented and unique
system of government controls built
under the Indian version of
socialism. This has resulted in
pervasive and deep-rooted
corruption. We need policy reforms
that reduce the incentive for
corruption and institutional
reforms that catch, try and punish
the corrupt. Comment.

Though major policy reforms have been

initiated through 1991 reforms government
still maintains monopoly in many
departments such as telecom, natural
resources , infrastructure etc hence resulting
in corruption among them. There is greater
need for more policy reforms such as open
auction of natural resources as per market
demand, greater transparency in allocating
investments, fdi reforms etc with
simultaneous institutional reforms by
passing a stronger lokpal bill and creating a
framework
where
a
government
representative can easily be punished for
corruption thus reducing the incentives for
corruption.

Indian version of socialism has mainly

resulted in stricter controls over pricing,
production, exports and imports, foreign
trade etc and also nationalization of natural
resources, land , production etc which led to
imposition of measures such as license raj
which ultimately resulted in collusion of
government employees with businessmen.

India being a country that has adopted

democratic socialism, various major controls
on pricing , investment, trade ,resources so
on .. have always been in the hands of the
govt . This gradually made a stronger and
collusive bonding among the politicians
,govt officials and the bussiness people
which ultimately lead to corruption .

Stricter control on these areas specifically

government ownership and control of
land,mineral resources , energy and
infrastructure provided greater incentives for
corruption due to inherent demand for these
resources as India marched towards higher
growth trajectory. Businessmen and
politicians engaged in quid-pro-quo
arrangement where politicians received
handsome donations during election
campaign for favouring businessmen for
their establishments. All this controls under
the behest of socialism has resulted in
pervasive and deep rooted corruption in
India.

For handling this issue control of govt over

pricing , banking etc has been reduced in
1980s . and the introduction of new
economic policy in 1991 has diluted the
socialist credentials of the country.
Inspite of the initiatives various other issues
like control of govt over land , natural
resourses etc . is a matter of concern in the
growing trend of indian economy as this
control in many cases is leading to major
scams ,unlawful allocations and corruption ,
ultimately reducing the fair compition in the
private sector .Appointments of favorites to
decision making positions by the politicians
is also a matter of concern.

Policy reforms should focus at greater

transparency in decision-making, greater
accountability of public officials, greater
decentralisation of power, and greater public
participation. First, greater transparency can
be brought by greater use of IT in providing
govt services. It has been found that use of
IT in Railway reservation has led to reduced
corruption. Second, greater accountability
can be brought by well-defined citizens
charters. Third. greater decentralisation
involves capacity building of PRIs, and
ULBs and adequate devolution of function,
functionaries
and
funds
to
these
bodies.Fourth, greater public participation
involves innovative techniques to involve
public at all levels of decision-making.
Institutional reforms should focus on
independent institutions which should be
empowered enough to catch, try and punish
the corrupt. Some ground has been covered
in this direction by enactment of Lokpal Act
which provides for constitution of Lokpal.
However, more needs to be done by
institutionalizing protection for whistleblowers.

8.2Discuss the growth of

communist movement in India
before and after the Independence.
Answer The Russian revolution brought the
ideology of Marxism-Leninism to our
country and the Communist Party of India
was born. During the 1920s and beginning
of the 1930s the party was badly organized,
and in practice there were several
communist groups working with limited
national coordination. The British colonial

authorities had banned all communist

activity, which made the task of building a
united party very difficult. The CPI
published weeklies and newspapers in local
languages like Mazdur kisan and Kranti in
Bombay, Bengal, Punjab, and Madras, it
propagandized the ideas of Marxism in India
and organized the workers, trade union, and
peasant movements. The CPI played a large
role in the mobilization of broad masses of
the Indian people for the struggle against the
British colonial yoke and for their countrys
national independence.
After Indias independence in 1947, the
Indian government took socialism in their
development. In the 1960s, the Communist
Party of India formed the first
democratically-elected
communist
government in the world when it won
elections in the states of Kerala and later
West Bengal.
Then division happened within the
communist ranks which led to a split CPI
and CPI (M). In later years CPI came to be
associated with the Congress. CPI (M) (russia) became popular among rural and
urban poor and was successful in forming
Governments in West Bengal and Kerala.
With the disintegration of soviet there was
gradual decline of CPI. The opening up of
Indian Economy in the 90s seemed like the
death blow for the communists. The CPI(M)
lost in kerala as well as West Bengal in
2011.
Ideology of Communism could not expand
its base in active politics after independence
due to internal differences and lack of all
India leadership.

 In the globalization period it has been

observed that there has been a huge gap in
economic disparities leading to unrest which
is not good in the long turn for the healthy
running of a democracy in this situation that
the role of communists is crucial.

8.3Should there be reservation in

private sector for the SC, ST and
backward castes? Critically
comment.
Answer Even after 67 years of independence, there
are still many dalits and other lower classes
who have not come out of the danger zone
of poverty and are struggling to build their
life.
By introducing reservations for such
people in government jobs and educational
institutions way back in 1950, most of them
are uplifted, but still another majority lies
behind struggling. Providing reservations for
them in private sector alone may not solve
the issue.
Ensuring high quality
government schools.

teaching

at

Establishing government funded coaching

centers that would help them to get into a
job or a college.
Due to contracting out, lot of govt job is
done by pvt sector.
If further reservation to sc st people in
private sector is going to happen then
following rules can be followed so that none
other than the needy can be benefitted by
this-

1. Like creamy layer OBC there must be

creamy layer SC ST so that only
economically weak people can take the
benefit of reservation.
the decision cant be unilatery , it must
take confidence of all the stake holders.the
decision should not affect the productivity
and output of the sector.Although the
industry have a moral responsibility over the
society ,it can;t compromise with its
productivity.

8.4 The most common form of

democracy to be found particularly
in the Third World is illiberal
democracy, which fulfils the
representational aspect of
democracy through periodic
elections but encroaches on
personal liberties and the rule of
law. Do you agree with this view?
Comment.
Answer The concept of a liberal democratic polity
has been best practised by western
developed
nations,with
their
firmly
entrenched tradition of civil and legal rights
and an emancipated and informed
citizenry.The third world emerging from
feudal backdrop,still mired in parochial
outlook and survival concerns,has regularly
seen this model diluted.
Many third world democrtaic countries are
representational,essentially,since
they
subscribe to regular elctions>but the voters
here are presented with little choice,and
same set of rulers,with broadly similar
policies alternate in and out of power.These

democracies are illiberal in the sense that

their governments regularly fail to uphold
principles equality,liberty and justice.
While democratic nations like russia and
Turkey consistently encroach upon citizens
rights to speech,expression or oppose govt
policies.Others like Pakistan,Bangladesh
failed not only to protect their minorities
essential rights,but have allowed radical
sections to hijack the governmental space.
India has a better record at preserving and
protecting liberal values.Still identity based
politics,dynasty and parties intrinsic
opaqueness blight its commitment to
democratic norms,Rights of weaker sections
like
proper
rehabilitation,access
to
justice,living wages etc are not consistently
upheld.
Political compulsions though have forced
parties to take an inclusive agenda,sections
of society like women,sexual and religious
minorities,tribals,dalits still have to see their
core interests being vigorously pursued.

8.5 Indias growth prospects as well

as its ability to translate growth
into employment have been curbed
in recent years. Analyze the factors
responsible for this jobless nature
of growth. (200 Words) (keeping
this question here, because jobless
growth is a form of capitalism)
Answer - India is the worlds largest
contributor of demographic dividend with
majority of its population still in the 15 to 59
age category. Along with this every year a
large number of people move out of the nolonger sustainable occupation of agriculture

into other professions like construction, selfemployment and so on.

In this scenario, creating employment for the
jobless millions has become a bone of
contention for the government. These
millions need to be accommodated into nonagricultural sectors such as manufacturing,
services and so on in order to prevent large
scale
unemployment
and
disguised
employment.
However, in services sector, which
contributes hugely towards the GDP the
requirement of labour is low in other words
its less labour intensive. Sub-sectors like
finance, real estate and business services,
like IT/ITES are less employment elastic.
Labour intensive sectors in service such as
health, recreation and education havent
grown as much as to accommodate
satisfactorily the growing workforce in
India.
The manufacturing sector, the second
highest contributor towards GDP is
becoming less employment elastic day by
day. This is due to the increasing automation
and inflexible labour laws which drive
automation.
A lot can be done to improve the scenario by
amending the labour laws and making them
more industry-friendly, faster growth of
construction sector which employs unskilled labour, helping labour intensive
services like healthcare, education and
traditional occupations like handicrafts to
grow.
Question - Maulana Abul Kalam Azads
Islam was much more accommodative than

the contemporary rigid and combative

Islam. Critically examine. (200 Words)
(communism)
Answer - Maulana Azad ideology was
indeed different. He refused to accept the
fundamentalist conservatism and grew his
own practices and beliefs. Modern education
was a chief factor in it.
He believed in pluralism, and free thinking
and was against the partition of India. He
was accommodative in the sense that, he
accepted music, artistic tastes, independent
reasoning i.e. ijtihad to interpret the
Quranic texts etc. His philosophy was
different. He wanted upgraded madrasas,
and happiness as the motive of religious
belief rather than orthodoxy.
Contemporary, Islam is so varied and has
multifarious colors. We see conservative
regime of Islamic monarchies, where
women rights are curbed, music, music,
painting etc. are banned and modern
education is opposed. Ex. Shooting Malala
Yusufjai, a teenage girl, who was advocating
girl education.
But, at the same time, we see the Arab
spring, which has changed the face of
middle east. Women are biggest participants
in these movements. Secular muslims living
in India, Malaysia, Syria etc. give example
of how much Islam is misunderstood as
general. Every muslim is not terrorist, and
they are an ancient religion, who are trying
to throw the cocoon of conservatism and
grow in modern world preserving their rich
culture and heritage.

So, we can concur on fact that, Azads Islam

and conservative Islam is having deep gap,
but contemporary Islam is not totally
conservative and rigid and we can see many
examples of change and masses who are
progressive while practicing Islam.
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
64
Critically examine the effects of crony
capitalism on the growth and development
of a country.
Ans: Crony capitalism is the nexus between
corrupt businessmen and politicians. It leads
to arbitrary favors, monopolies and
discrimination in economies. It hurts both
the business and the customers and on a
whole the economy is emasculated.
Identifying and supporting a particular
business for national gains and public
welfare may not lead to cronyism but the
actual practice of colluding to support a
particular individual or coterie hurts the
market. It creates a significant entry barrier
reducing avenues for entrepreneurship. Free
competition, a soul of market economy, is
the biggest sufferer. Monopoly created by
cronyism also brings complacency and
reduces the efficiency of business
operations. As a result the business becomes
uncompetitive and its ability to expand
globally is crippled.
Monopolies created by cronyism is
antithetic to customers interest. Unrealistic
profits reduce demand in the market. As a
result the economy contracts. Pre

liberalization era Hindu rate of growth

epitomizes this trend.
Favoritism, arbitrariness and lack of
transparency creates a poor image. Global
investments shrinks in the absence of
congenial business atmosphere. Kickbacks
and pay off become a trend in government
international procurement and national
security is compromised as happened in
Augusta Westland deal.
Thus, on a whole the development of
country is compromised in the absence of
level playing field for all competitors.
Write a critical note on the immigration
problem in Europe. (200 Words)

natives who themselves are affected by

austerity measures imposed in the aftermath
of the financial crisis. With EU
parliamentary elections appraching certain
right conservative parties are cashing on
these anti immigrant sentiment. Even main
stream parties like David cameroons
conservative parties have enforced strict
immigration policies to appease nationalists.
In these testing times the policy makers
must stand by the EU spirit of free
movement of goods and services and people
and initiate prudent measures to not trouble
immigrants who have come in genuine
search of work and contribute to the
economy.

With their populations aging, mass

immigration was the only way Europe could
have staffed its burgeoning economy. It had
liberal immigration policies and a liberal
welfare benefit regime consistent with its
human rights record. But with the
devastating crisis of 2008 that wreaked
havoc accross the continent growth
stagnated, unemployment increased and the
natives were left frustrated.

Q--What are the basic differences between

capitalism and communism. Critically
analyse how these two political systems
have changed and interacted over the years
in China and Russia.

Migrants come to west european countries to

escape poverty and distress back home.
Recent unrest in Africa and west asia and
the accession of Roamnia and Bulgaria to
the EU has caused a flurry of low skilled
poor migrants entering the European giants
like Germany, France italy etc.Being
unskilled to secure any decent work in these
sophisticated econmomies, these poor
migrants live on the generous benefits
offered by these welfarist economies. These
has caused considerable outrage among the

In communism the means of production is

collectively owned and surplus value
accrues to the proletariat. There is no profit
motive.

In capitalism the means of production is

privately owned who appropriates the
surplus value as profits. Profit motive and
other market forces determine demand and
supply.

INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION

GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
65
Economy is controlled by the government
on both demand-side and supply-side.

In Russia the communist system became

bureaucratized,
redundant,rigid
and
unproductive. Lack of profit motive hit the
economy hard in the long run. Glasnost and
Perestroika tried to infuse some capitalist
ideals like transparency and profit
motives- into the system. But it was too late
and too little. Thus Communism collapsed
in Russia.
China foresaw such economic ruin and
started opening their economy in 1978. They
started state-owned corporations but with
profit motive. FDI was ushered in while
ensuring cheap skilled labor for such
investments. China benefited from the
capitalist ideals of profit motive, animal
spirits and factor abundance. But it retained
communist system of governance and state
dominance of the commanding heights of
the economy.
In essence, China took up state-capitalism
there by adapting to new realities while
Russia was brought to its knees due to its
rigid insistence on the original communist
model.
Q---Discuss how communism spread from
Russia to other countries.
BBC
Other
Successful formation of government in
Soviet Union by communists influenced the
whole world, particularly the third world,
colonial countries and countries where
dictatorial/autocratic governments ruled.
The influence spreaded naturally and later
through soviets propoganda compaign. The
principles of communism/socialism attracted

the peoples of third world countries since it

is against concentration of power, equal land
holding,equality to all, etc. After first world
and during Great depression the soviet
economy worked well compare to decline in
capitalistic economies.This also influenced
many people to adopt communist ideology.
It spreaded to eastern europe, china, india,
vietnam, nepal, korea,etc.
The reasons were different. In china
corruption and misrule by KMT party
and exploitation by capitalists, land holdings
concentrated on few hands
brought distrust among people and
communists who brought reformation of
land holdings and their heroic fight against
the exploitative Japaninfluenced people to
believe in communist strategy.
In India too communism influenced many
freedom fighters. Nehru, Netaji Bose and
others still in congress but were influenced
by socialist ideology.
Here too land holdings,economic principles
were the important factors for communist
influence.
In Vietnam communists, already fighting the
local capitalistic land holding owners , had
to fight against colonial powers and Japan
during its occupation. After the end of world
war-2, communists fought against corrupt
leadership who was supported by French
(colonial master) and also against America.
After their victory it was obvious for
communists to win over peoples mind and
election.

In all above cases there were major support

from people and the communists did not
harm common people and very less attacks
on oppositions (though there were few
exceptions). But the trend of communism
spread in Eastern Europe was much
problematic.
In most of the Eastern Europe, people were
suffered heavily under capitalistic/autocratic
and fascist powers. Democratic governments
could not offer enough solution to their
deprivations.Fascism and Nazism crushed
people and also communists had to suffer
the most due to Anti-communist policies of
Germany and Italy. Along with there were
economic
hardships,
rampant
inequality,90% of land were owned by top
5% of persons in Bulgaria and similar
conditions exist in other eastern Europe
countries. So after the WW-2 communists
got more support than non-communists. And
this was utilised by
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
66
communists and controlling secret police,
media,and forces and also help from soviet
union under stalin (financial and military),
they arrested non-communists, threatened
the opposition, executed some noncommunists.With the initial popular support
they gained power but retained the power
through force.
Q-- Unhindered capitalism necessarily
results in extreme inequality and it is up to

governments to institute measures to balance

it. Comment.
ans: The theories in economics often states
the need for allowing a free market with
lesser subsidies. Economics believes that a
fast growing country will automatically
ensure trickling down of benefits thus
reducing poverty and bettering the living
standard of masses. The subsidies and
welfarist measures are often considered as
tools used to influence free market in a way
that is not proper.
But recent studies suggest that unhindered
capitalism results in higher inequality by
way of
1. More capital resting with the rich 10% of
population and aiding their income
2. Labour increases at a much slower pace
than capital thus widening the inequality.
3.Unhindered capitalism puts profits at the
top.
3. poorly structured tax regimes that are
often regressive motivates the rich to take
benefits while the poor suffers.
There are certain ways of providing
subsidies and redistribution that will not
effect the working of capitalism but inturn
would reduce inequality aswell
1.. If subsides are designed such that they
enhance the risk-taking ability, health and
education levels of the poor, the benefits that
arise from these can help offset their
negative impact on the labour and capital
markets.

2. Properly structure tax regime that taxes

the rich more than the poor

disregarding the welfare of the vulnerable

sections, thereby aggravating the inequality.

3. Raise the tax revenues through additional

taxes so that expenditure in subsidies will be
balanced by revenue collected.

There should be some examples given in

this answer, as its specifically asking the
developments due to capitalism in last 3
decades. Now, major events related in
favour of capitalism were (a)
disintegration of USSR and winning of
capitalism against socialism (b) adoption of
capitalism by China and Russia in their own
typical ways.

Hence there is a need to relook the tax

structure and reorient our subsidy schemes
so that they can ensure fast growth as well
as reduce inequality at the same time and
this needs to be done by the government
immediately.
Q--Critically examine how capitalism in last
three decades has affected economic
inequality around the world.
Capitalism refers to the economic model
where the trade and means of production are
controlled by the private owners driven by
profit making syndrome. The innovation and
entrepreneurial tendencies drives the
capitalism. The capital accumulation,
competitive markets and wage labour class
structure are its elements.
The capitalism model has impacted the
economic inequality both globally and
locally. The three decades of the model has
reduced the inequality at the global level
with the rise in the income in the developing
countries making them comparable to richer
countries.
However, the flaws of the capitalism model
could be judged from the increase in
inequality in the country. The profit making
syndrome has little regard for the social
concerns. The increased use of machines has
decreased the labour employment in the
manufacturing sector. The politicalcorporate nexus has resulted into

INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION

GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
67
growth of oligarchs in America and Russia
who control a lot of wealth, then MNC
having huge say in economies of poor
african and asian countries, thus growth of
neo-colonialism and imperialism.
Q--Comment on the growth of capitalism in
East Asia post Second World War.
Economist
After the second world war the East Asian
Economies of Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan,
South Korea and Singapore, grew at very
fast rate. This, happened due to state
sponsored capitalism model.
In this model, he government invests money
into certain sectors of the economy in order
to stimulate the growth of new (or specific)
industries in the private sector.
Key aspects of the East Asian model include
state control of finance, direct support for
state-owned enterprises in strategic sectors

of the economy, high dependence on the

export market for growth, and a high rate of
savings. Due to this, Hong Kong and
Singapore became worlds leading financial
centers and South Korea and Taiwan
became worlds leading manufacturing and
information technology giants.
Today, Chinese companies are growing by
adopting similar model and support of
government. This mode, has long term
detrimental effects. It creates huge state
owned monopolies, aggressive bidding,
capital sucking and market domination thus,
blocking the way of entrepreneurs and
innovations.
They
are
increasingly
controlled by relatives of state power
holders thus creating cronyism, inequality
and eventually discontent.
Thus, in short term this approach may be
beneficial, but in long term these will be
detrimental to overall growth as seen in
Asian Financial crisis of 1997-98. Also, it
will hinder growth of small scale initiatives
and private sector.
Q--Examine the growth of communism in
India till now post economic liberalization
of early 1990s.
The Hindu
Communism in India present in two types.
Firstly, parties like CPI(M) and Communist
Party of India are trying to establish
communist society through democratic
ways. These communist parties are very
strong in Kerala, Tripura and West Bengal.
Secondly, Left Wing Extremist Groups like
Communist Party Of India (Maoist) are

trying to establish classless society through

violence.
However the effect of liberalisation on these
two kinds of parties are very different. First
kind of parties tried to reconcile the
communist ideology with the aspirations of
the people for more industrialisation and
liberalisation. CPI(M) which ruled for
almost 30 years in West Bengal gave
preference to capitalist industries and tried
to develop the state in more liberal way.
Even the Communist Governments in
Kerala and Tripura have adapted the liberal
ideologies. But the effect of Liberalisation
on Naxalism is completely different. They
grew stronger exploiting the dissatisfaction
among the poor sections of the society, who
were alienated from reaping the benefits of
liberalisation.
Nevertheless, in recent years grip of
communism on masses is declining. CPI(M)
party which was in power for almost
35years lost its govt to TMC in 2012
assembly elections and now it has dissipated
to single digit in WB in recent Lok Sabha
election though it is holding its turf in
Tripura and Kerala. Naxalism was
effectively controlled by the government
through various developmental programmes
and security measures.
Q---Analyze the relationship between
democracy and capitalism. Do you think that
there is experiencing a clash between
capitalism and democracy? Comment.
The Indian Express
The Economist

INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION

GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
68
The desire for a democratic political system
does not by itself create the capacity for
establishing one. The key to establishing a
working democracy, and in particular the
institutions of liberty, has been the freemarket economy. The institutions, skills, and
values needed to operate a free-market
economy, constitute democracy in the
political sphere.
Free markets provide private property which
disperses power and shields each person
from coercion. Further, well-defined
property rights tend to encourage the
emergence of private civil associations.
These
private
associations
provide
individuals with an alternative form of
governance where the state is ineffective or
absent. A robust civil society fosters selfreliance and individual responsibility,
characteristics necessary for any liberal
democratic order.
In the opposite view, Capitalism subverts
democracy by skewed distribution of wealth
and creating economic inequality in the
society. Capitalism also gives birth to Crony
Capitalism sometime to influence the govt.
policies.
Democracy fosters capitalism by allowing
the citizens to progress freely. Additionally
whenever inequality increases so much
discontent among people Govt. takes
measures like progressive taxes to bring
happiness to citizens.

Democracy
sometime
undermines
capitalism, by interfering in its affairs,
mandating prices, strict regulations,
artificially raising and lowering supply or
demand, etc.
In reality there is no fixed defined relation
between democracy and capitalism. In
certain countries it is preached that this is
the best combination. But some countries
find
themselves
constantly
battling
unemployment, inflation, and tremendous
deficits and national debts due to this
combination.
Ans 8: Democracy and Capitalism have
evolved into two distinct forms of
governance. But they have a common origin
in post French Revolution (1789) Europe.
and then post 1848 revolution, under the
likes of Bismark. This was also the time
when Marx presented the Communist
Manifesto.
Both are different from each other in
essence because of at least two reasons:
a) Whereas Democracy talks about equality
of the citizens in all runs of life
Capitalism gives emphasis on profit
generation and competence. The later talks
about giving economic freedoms while the
former emphasizes on giving equal
opportunity. This explains, why welfare
democracy makes more sense than welfare
Capitalism.
The Preamble to the Indian Constitution,
defines India, inter alia, as a Sovereign
Social Secular Democratic Republic. The
basic structure of the Constitution, can be
said to be rooted in this definition. Here, the

term Social along with Democratic

leads to a definition that gives more power
to the government over the private owners.
The repeal of Right to Property and broad
definition of Public Purpose in LARR Act or
Public Authority in RTI Act, are few
example that show how the State and private
owners are woven in the legislative fabrics.
Post 1990s economic reform, the private
power centers have emerged as very
powerful stakeholders in almost every
aspect of governance and the fact that the
present election campaign in India has seen
more spending of money than in the US
Presidential elections, show how Capital
handles are finding leverage in politically
and socially crucial events.
There is certainly a conflict of interest and
questions of ethics and economics keep
clashing with each other. The tepid response
of OECD countries at RIO+20 or any
Climate Change or Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) concerns showcase
how, profit making and sustainability of
growth brings Democratic and Capitalistic
values face to face.
Quoting B. R Ambedkar:

dead! and C K Prahlad talked about :

inclusive Capilatism.
Adding to it Anton Gramscis view on
hegemony one can foresee how the subaltern
groups are going to accept Capital
economys growth models as common
sense. The conflict in Niyamgiri is an
example of the rough edges of Capitalism
and the conflicts that the State has to face
while aiming from growth and development
through the engines of private investment.
Raguram Rajan once noted that the
governments role should be to smoothen
the rough edges of Capitalism. It is accepted
like common sense that no growth with out
private investment is possible and for better
competence the government should take the
role of steering rather than rowing.
In this backdrop, one can say that yes there
is conflict between the two and as nothing is
constant, there is a dynamic synthesis going
on, neither of the two will remain the same
in next 50 years. What is evolving is a new
form of governance where the State allows
more freedoms and rights to the people and
the people become more participative and
assertive in their own governance.

History shows that where ethics and

economics come in conflict, victory is
always with the later.

The Indian Against Corruption campaign or

Occupy Street movements

INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION

GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1

9.Salient features of Indian

Society, Diversity of india

http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page

69
Probably thats why one Cabinet Minister
was heard saying: Social Democracy is

9.1Write a note on Yogyakarta

Principles and their importance
especially to India.
Answer-

 The Yogyakarta Principles demands the

application of International Human Rights
Law in relation to lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender (LGBT). The Principles was
developed at a meeting of the International
Commission of Jurists, the International
Service for Human Rights and human rights
experts at Yogyakarta at city in Indonesia.
There are 29 principles chalked out for
government, NGOs to follow with regards
to the LGBT community.
Out of the 19 principles some of the most
important principle are Right to universal
enjoyment of Human Rights; right to non
discrimination; Recognition by the law;
Right from illegal deprivation of liberty;
right to work; Like to social security
measures; right of freedom of expression
and opinion.
These are especially important for India
because the LGBT community are not
recognized by the government , the law
perceives their behavior illegal like the
Section 377; there are deprived of
employment as applications for education do
not have the third slot in the gender section.
All the government programs are aimed for
only two genders i.e. either male or female
so they are out of the safety net. This
deprivation from the government and
judicial aids along with social extermination
only increases their alienation from the main
stream of society.
In India, They are deprived of many of the
rights and privileges which other persons
enjoy as citizens of India. The transgender
are deprived of social and cultural
participation, are shunned by family and
society, have only restricted access to

education, health services and public spaces,

restricted rights available to citizens such as
right to marry, to contest elections, to vote,
employment and livelihood opportunities
and various human rights such as obtaining
Passport, driving license, ration card,
Identity Card etc. The transgender
community is treated as a legal non-entity in
violation of Article 14, 15, 16 and 21 of the
Constitution of India.
The Yogyakarta Principles have been used
to implement international human rights law
and to challenge oppressive legal standards
in India in section 377.
But Recently a SC ruling has pointed out
to importance of Yogyakarta Principles in
meeting the demands of LGBT community.

9.2Q. Critically comment on the

significance of the recent judgment
by the Supreme Court on trans
genders.
Answer The trans genders are always treated with
pity, cruelty and disgust, denouncing them
as being lesser humans by society. They are
even denied the basic human and legal
rights, in practice; by the state machinery.
Their gender becomes more important than
themselves.
In such a situation, the Supreme Court
judgment recognizing Transgender as the
third gender holds a modern, rational and
rights-based approach. While pronouncing
the judgment, the Supreme Court relied on
the United Nations Human Right and
Yogyakarta principle which recognize the
human rights of sexual minorities.

 The Apex court held a broad perspective in

construing the Transgender as including
persons whose gender identity, gender
expression or behavior did not conform to
their biological sex, and more importantly,
those who did not identify with the sex
assigned to them at birth. Even LGB are
included in this definition of Transgender.
This will remove many types of
discrimination faced because of gender issue
i.e. right to marry, right to property, right to
have a dignified identity, right to have a
passport, a driving license, health and many
more.
However, the court stops short of giving a
conclusive remark on Section 377 which
criminalizes homosexual relations. Thus
being a big leap into getting the transgender
the legal equality with other two genders,
the ruling will little effect till social mindset
of people. However, such a judgment is a
futuristic view and a role played by
Judiciary in the collective benefit of every
part of the society.

9.3Do you think the recent

judgment by the Supreme Court
upholding the constitutionality of
Section 377 of the Indian Penal
Code is a blow to the liberal values
and human rights? Substantiate.
(200 Words)
In the tear 1860 Section 377 of IPC was
formulated. It deals with unnatural
intercourse and makes it illegal to practice.
In 2011 Delhi high court struck this section
saying it was unconstitutional as it infringed
article 14[equality before] and 15[no
discrimination on ground of sex]. Supreme

Court (in NAZ foundation case) recently set

aside the high court decision and said that
section 377 is not unconstitutional. Thus it
has freed the law enforcement agency to
prosecute the lesbians, gays, bi-sexual and
transgender. This recent judgment is being
said to take away the human rights of LGBT
community. In a way this is true as now they
will be looked down upon by the society as
they lose their legality. They may become
terrified of disclosing their orientation
resulting in lesser identification and weaker
AIDS control. And in worst case they will
go underground in fear of being harassed by
a section of society. But having said this
Supreme Court judgment has itself
identified that the section 377 is an age old
law and it needs to be looked into if it is
relevant. Thus it has left the constitutionality
and progressive amendment of section 377
to parliament of India.
- It is said that LGTB people are more
vulnerable to STDs like AIDS and out 25
lakh such people 1.5 lakhs have HIV+,
which is much higher than other population.

9.4 What are the political and

economic reasons behind the
persistence of gender inequality in
Indian society? Comment (200
Words)
Answer - political factors that promote
gender inequality. you need to mention:
1. womens reservation bill which is
pending
2. khap panchayats which are dictating
terms to women

3. panchayat reservation which has not truly

reflected the voice of women
4. no representation of women in certain
decision making bodies
5. the political muscle and money power
doesnt encourage women to join
6. policies are seen to garner votes rather
than to bring up women thro improving HDI
factors through long term ideas. all these are
political factors contributing to gender
inequality
economic factors contributing to inequality:
1. dowry issue is basically an economic
issue though it has a social fabtric.
2 .women are not encouraged to join
secondary sector of the economy which is
going to be the future for any emerging
economy.
women arent fully empowered thro skill
dev pgms to make their future economic
independent

In your opinion, apart from

economic woes, what are the most
pressing problems that India faces
today? Suggest measures to address
these problems.
Based on your experience and
observations, critically comment on
how behavioural aspects of Indian
society influence the productivity
and efficiency of the Indian
economy.

Difference between the freedom of

career choices in Indian Versus
Developed Worldpursuance of
area of interest rather than being
forced to study law medicine or
engineering..even Politics..e.g. RG
Results in better delivery of output.. ( e.g.
better scientists n engineers with innovative
ideas the rest are taken care of by the gov.
and the prosperous ones)
overall productivity declines since few
people appear to be in an occupation of first
choice or ability where they could have
excelled. This marks a developing country
where family comes first at all costs and
country remains in the background, on the
back burner, so to speak. This behaviour
difference
between
developing
and
developed societies and its impact on
productivity and growth remains to be
modeled as yet by behavioural economists.

In India, the vulnerability of old

age is created out of the political
economy of dependency. Critically
comment.
India is a largely rural, savings-based
economy where 60% people depend on
agriculture. The savings rate does not
translate into direct capital investment, but
is kept as demand or time deposits. These
factors together mean that, in India both
productive assets and wealth are inherited,
in the villages.

However, in the cities, the young are mostly

wage-earners. The liquid assets they
inherited have since fallen in value or
changed into real wealth.
A population pyramid swollen at the middle
directly translates to govt. polices directed at
the young, because of the obvious electoral
incentives. That means in this resourcecrunched state, there are no adequate socialsecurity safety nets or decent old-age
homes, at public expense.
The final impression is that abusing the old
is a largely urban phenomenon. The son has
nothing more to inherit from the parents, for
the daughter-in-law they are a strain on the
house-hold resources. They have no govt. to
turn to in distress. That means, for their
daily needs, they are dependent on their offspring. This political economy causes the
vulnerability of old age.
This also serves to deflate the pride of
having traditional values. Indians respect
the nrt-worth of their elders, not their
persons, and make a huge show of it.
The much touted Demographic Dividend
seems to overlook the Demographic
Divide that seems to manifest in ignoring
Demographic Responsibility. Old aged
people seems to be more like a invisible
chunk of population. Although the tragedy is
multidimensional in character, the economic
character of deprivation has more weight.
It is appalling to consider plight of old aged
inspite of financial measures like
Maintenance and welfare of Parents and
Senior Citizens Act which legally binds
children to bear maintenance charges and

obliges states to provide Old Aged homes .It

seems to view maintenance as a entitlements
and not a inherent right.Moreover, it
overlooks parents who have no children.
The urbanisation and globalization seems to
prefer nuclear family further widening the
gap
The situation is more grim in unorganised
which were not covered under social
security net such as pension. The
introduction of NPS scheme which has a
component called Sawabhlamban has been
a step to undo such justice yet insurance
schemes are far being effective partially due
to their low penetrability especially in rural
areas. The senior citizens are being offered
rebates in Banking services ,travels and
healthcare .Also the 2007 act seems to
provide financial independence as tribunals
are more cases are being adjudicated
It is a harsh reality that a large section is still
economically vunerable which expresses
itself into social inequity and indignity .Isnt
it a time to think wheather we want to
continue valueless growth or a new
paradigm economic growth coupled with
new inclusive parameters of equity
,responsibility and dignity.
Pluralism is the keystone of Indias
civilization and culture. Comment.
Every
civilisation
has
its
unique
charecteristics that differentiates it from
other civilisations. Indian civilization is
distinguished by its continuity and
pluralism. Indian civilisation is often
referred to as the melting pot of races.

From ancient times India played host to

various groups beginning with the aryans to
the muslims in the medieval ages. They
brought with them their traditions and
culture. With time they lost their links with
their homeland and were indigenised. The
present composite Indian culture is the
aggregate of the interaction between these
groups that have made India their home at
various points of time in history. Even the
British invasion had significant influences
on the Indian culture. The resultant
composite culture has manifestations in the
numerous art and literary forms that has
made the Indian cultural fabric so colourful.
The contributions is conspicuous from the
ancient ajantha caves to the magnificient Taj
mahal, the sangam literaure to the modern
bollywood hits!
Civilisation is dynamic and through
continuous feedback undergoes changes. It
should not be isolated and static. Only
through constant evolution can we explore
the true potentials of our civilisation.
Parochial nationalistic ideologies with its
inherent distortions and flaws should not be
allowed to overpower our unique composite
culture. Our civilisation can reach its zenith
only through tolerance and mutual respect.
Indeed Pluralism is the keystone of Indias
civilisation and culture.

9.5Critically comment on the role of

family in the Indian society in
producing socially responsible
individuals. (200 Words)
Family is the basic unit of society. It is
instrumental for individual as well as society
as a whole. Withn the family the parents in
general and mother in particular are the first

teacher who teaches the individual how to

become a social human being from a
biological animal. This teaching is called
socialization is sociological term.
Within the family functioning we learn to be
tolerant, sacrificing towards each other.
Respects towards other human being are
inculcated when individuals as children
practice it at home. The role of family also
extends to the attitude of honesty and once
own responsibility towards ones own
country
But recent changes taking place in the
intrinsic functioning of family are altering
their role of producing responsible citizens.
The disintegration of joint family system to
nuclear family to micro nuclear family has
adversely affected the socialization of
individuals.
This results at times in emergence of
delinquent attitude during adult age.
Usually we hear that child is like wet mud
having no shape but parents , mainly mother
gives it shape that is makes him a human
being.
In joint family one learns to respect others
opinion and think on it.
But nowadays disintegration of joint family
into nuclear family and especially where
both parents are working they do not able to
give time for their child. These children
usually do not feel to mix up with society
which leads to loneliness and eventually
irresponsibleness towards society. Most of
the young generation is suffering from
loneliness and depression there may be one

reason that they cannot interact with family

as well as society.

(4) Technological advancement ( generation

divide) etc.

play important role in developing

responsible individuals and good human
beings but parents have to understand the
need of their pupils not only economically
but also emotionally..

But even with it limitations and new

challenges familial structure of India have
positively contributed towards creation of
socially responsible and still maintains the
highest rank in creating a harmonious
society.

critically commented how sometimes family

do inculcate socially irresponsible behaviour
like through caste or class conformity,
dowry practices, being gender biased,
restricting innovation through pressure of
becoming of engineers, doctors etc.
Indian society has been patriarchical. The
male members have performed most of the
social obligations with women taking care of
the household works from the confines of
four walls of their houses. Much of the
inherent malice in seen in the present day
India as well and women are still catching
up with men in different fields.
Nevertheless, for most of the Indians, family
remains the centre around which individuals
understand their responsibilities and plan
their lives.

9.6Critically comment on the

influence of consumerism and high
economic growth on the health of
the society. (200 Words)
Consumerism is a belief that personal well
being and happiness depends on level of
personal consumption, particularly on
purchsing of material goods.
it breeds the idea that happiness means
consumption and material possession.
EFFECTS OF CONSUMERISM AND
HIGH ECONOMIC GROWTH ON
HEALTH OF SOCIETYeffects are both positive ( in short term) and
negative in long term
negative effects far outweighs positive ones

Present times, Ecological changes have led

to transformation in family structure
subsequently minimizing family role(or
authority) in shaping individuals for various
reasons like -

1) artificial and ongoing satiety for material

things and money create disillusion
,frustration , dissatisfaction and depression

(1) influence of media ( aspiration explosion

)

3)exporting pollution and waste from rich to

poor countries

(2) working parents ( attention deficit )

4)obesity due to excessive consumption and

unhealthy lifestyle

(3) western influence ( value confusion )

2)misuse of land and resources

5) cycle of waste,disparity and poverty

6)ambivalence ,confusion and distortion of

social and cultural values at last humans
have turned themselves into human
consumer goods more suited for marketplace than living in healthy balanced society

9.7Q-In India, certain actions of the

state and the society continue to
legitimize the caste system mocking
the rule of law. Critically comment.
Caste system is a evil that is deeply rooted
in our society . The existence of it despite
being at the receiving side since the freedom
struggle is a proof of its stronghold.The
legitimacy that caste system receives from
the political establishment has made sure
that it is far more relevant in our modern day
political setup. One among the sections
being totally undermined are the Dalits
,whose liberty,pursuit to happiness and
justice have come under the hammer many
times in the historic struggle for the fight
against the social evil. The Judiciary which
was supposed to act as their prime savior
in guarding their rights have in many
instances let their hands down due their
delay ,accessibility and more importantly
lack of integrity. In many instances the
sections of a society has lost its civilized
tendency and have acted in a barbaric
manner against the vulnerable sections. The
above instances have given a glimpse that
neither the political establishment nor the
judiciary have showed the eagerness in
combating the menace of caste system and
its high time to realize that we are no more
in conformity with modern democratic
credentials and the necessity arises to
shackle away the malady for upholding the

value of equality and liberty ANOTHER

Answer Unlike western Europe and USA, in
India the idea of democracy came from
outside.Laws were made before society was
ready to adapt to it. Indian constitution
forbids discrimination based on caste.This is
based on modern idea of equality being
applied on traditional society like
India.Since these laws are not sanctioned by
society so they are ineffective in causing
change.There are various instances we see
this in our day to day life like action of khap
panchayats and politicians not opposing it
(and sometimes endorsing it),prejudices
suffered by dalits due to polices attitude etc
show legitimization of caste system by state
machinery. At societal level,most marriages
take place within ones caste (though law
doesnt forbid this),indifferent attitude of
teachers towards dalit kids etc.In rural areas
idea of purity pollution still prevalent
leading to practice of untouchability. But
question arises that why has caste persisted
even after 66 years of independence?There
are many reasons.Some of them are as
follows: 1.Caste system has been existing in
India for thousands of year.Mere
formulating and imposing laws cant
help.Society has to accept dalits and others
as equals. 2.In India caste hierarchy overlaps
with class hierarchy.Since lower caste
people are economically dependent on upper
caste so they find it difficult to articulate
their grievances.Key positions in Govt. and
administration are held by upper caste
people who are apathetic to lower castes
concerns. 3.India is what Gunnar Myrdal has
called a soft state which finds it difficult
to implement laws which are unpopular.
Solutions: 1.Caste exist due due to idea of

purity-pollution.If we encourage inter caste

marriages then this idea will weaken
significantly. 2.Positive discrimination like
reservations for weaker section must
continue (but not for people above creamy
layer).
Last but not least we should appreciate that
caste is art of genes of India society but this
disease is not invincible

9.8What is the role of society in

providing proper environment and
support to the disabled people? Do
you think social model is more
important than medical model in
supporting disabled people?
Comment. (200 Words)
Ans. Society is the fabric in which the
disabled people are a part. It is imperative
on the part of the society to ensure that
disabled people are not neglected and
relegated from the mainstream. The medical
model of disability says that the disability is
the problem of the disabled people and not
of the society. So, a social model which
provides the disabled people with necessary
provisions to lead a dignified life is of prime
importance here. Removing the physical,
organizational and attitudinal barriers to the
disabled people, are the urgent things that
ought to be done by the society.
Social Model propounds the theory that
impairment is problem of the person and
disability is the problem of the society. For
example, providing ramps for disabled
people is based on social model. This kind
of concessions should be provided to
disabled people to make them feel at par
with others. Government legislations on

concessions, reservation, and protection of

rights form an integral part of social model
of disability. And one important concept of
social model is that it is against disablism;
the prejudices against disabled people.
Social Model is more comprehensive and
inclusive, ought to be implemented at the
right earnest and its progress should be
reviewed to ensure good implementation.
Society needs to change, not disabled
people.

9.9Write a note on the Prevention

of Parent-to-Child Transmission
scheme. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Prevention of parent-to-child transmission
programme was started by Govt of India in
2002. PPTCT was started in a phased
manner by adopting a multi-sectoral and
decentralized and incremental approach.
Every year there are around 1.9 lakh
infected pregnancies, of which more than
50,000(about 26%) children born are
infected.
NACO
(National
AIDS
Control
Organisation)uses a 4-pronged strategy of
PPTCT to prevent this1. Primary prevention of HIV among
women of childbearing age
2. Preventing unintended
among infected women

pregnancies

3. Preventing HIV transmission from

infected mother to child: Nevirapine dose to
both during delivery

4. Providing treatment and support to

infected mother and child: Anti-retroviral
treatments
The programme now has been started at
other stated at district level and reached subdistrict levels in the prevalence states.
Government is determined to prevention of
HIV infection in children and for this it has
planned to universalise the PPTCT scheme
to reach all states. Increasing free ART
clinics and creating awareness will be
important so that people can access
treatment easily and without feeling
excluded from society.
Deep-rooted gender biases and stereotypes
lead to sexual assault on women and needs
to be tackled early. In the context of India,
critically comment.

9.10Social attitudes need to

change, reflecting liberal and
humane values, if the country is to
ensure
gender
equality
and
protection for all its women.
Comment. (200 Words)
Though political, economic and
administrative
intervention
of
the
government has led to greater participation
of women in range of sectors however rising
incident of harassment , heinous crimes and
derogatory remarks against women calls for
change of attitude in society.
Government can only formulate regulations
to enable deterrence from crimes and
uplifting economic and social condition but
womens still bears the brunt of social
outcast, alienation and often derogatory
remarks as patriachial roots are still alive in

society. Society must acknowledge their

rising participation in key sectors and utilize
the fruits of gender equality to uplift living
style and reform the age old mindset of
visualizing women as object subservient to
male counterpart.
Lack of resources and large population in
developing countries calls for greater
participation of society to eliminate evil of
gender inequality and expect society to lift
the country higher in growth trajectory.
Rising incidence of attack on women
reflects poor image of country in
international community. It also demands
more security personnel to safeguard
women. Steps like necessary inclusion of
moral science in primary and middle school
curriculum, Regular Seminars at higher
secondary level, Appeals on social media by
famous personalities and strict regulation to
prevent disparaging content in media may
improve the plight of women.
Law will help in attaining gender equality,
but to an extent. Beyond that society as a
whole will bring the change, give women
their rights. India has been a patriarchal
society, women have tried to break free but
they are being stopped by glass ceiling. The
best example is Razia Sultan of Delhi
sultanate.
The change in social attitude will take place
through two different but simultaneous
processes. One is through education and the
other is change in societal institution.
Education will bring the fundamental
ideological changes imbedded in the minds
of the masculine gender. This will remove
the stereotypes which are being manifested

by the brutal activities of some insane

members of male community against the
female community. Besides education of
male, educated female will be self
empowered, to rise and demand change.
Societal institutions like family, marriage,
Panchayat needs to accept the growing
power of women. The family must not see
women as an exclusively home bound
individual. Marriage should be seen as union
of equals. Grassroot level institutions of
informal control must see that girls are given
equal liberty as boys have been granted.
Mixture of efficient law enforcement,
Egalitarian education and modernization of
age old institution will help change our
attitudes.

9.11It appears that strong laws do

not act as deterrent to crimes. In
your opinion, what government and
society can do to stop crimes like
rape and harassment of women?
(200 Words)
Constitution provides equality,justice which
can be achieve by intact strong law.Strong
laws are required for the development of
each section of the society and to bring law
and order and effective deterrent to crimes
but strong laws can only be effective if their
is proper implementation of laws.
Crime rate has been increasing especially
the crimes against women .
Position of women is keep on degrading
since medieval time they were considered
equal to shudras.even now women are
considered as subordinate to man and main
victim of domestic violence.

Government has taken many steps to curb

the crimes against women like Sexual
harassment at work place,domestic violence
act,verma commottee after delhi rape
case,Indecent representation of women
etc.Recently
government
start
SOS
service,Women bank.
Despite above efforts crime rate has been
increasing government should required to
proper implementation of law and stringent
punishment for the violator.Conviction rate
in case of women crimes especially rape is
very low which helps to promote crimes
against women should be increased and
there should be more fast track courts.
Community policing can help to reduce the
crimes.another important point to reduce the
crime
is
empowerment
of
women,education,need to bring change in
the society.

9.12In India, social and economic

conditions in India are not ripe for
the total abolition of state killings
in the form of the death sentence.
Critically comment. (200 Words)
Recently the Supreme Court Of India gave
a momentous judgment when it commuted
the death sentences of convicts placed at the
death row to life sentences because of
inordinate delay in considering their mercy
petitions by the President. It was viewed as a
welcome step by nearly all the right
activists. Infact, at least, India went an inch
further in abolishing the death sentences.
But, what is demanded is actually total
abolition and not just abolition due to

undue delay in considering mercy petitions

by the President.
The death sentence by the courts under the
provisions of various Acts such as IPC has
been a major debate issue in the recent
times. There have been several instances
when the death sentences awarded by the
court were opposed and many PILs were
filed to make it unconstitutional violating
Article 21 of right to life.
Profuse social and economic inequalities
incite violence. Social transformation does
not happen in a split of second. Macaulay, in
the hey days of devising of IPC, CrPc,
retained death penalty reasoning on
Deontological view punishment needed
for crime deterrence.
On the other side, the state seizing the right
to life opposes the social contract under
which State draws authority from people to
guard life.
Further, awarding death sentence in rarest of
rarest crime depends on degree of certainty
of evidence. Recent scientific methods like
genetic tests overturned the certainty in
commission of crime in several cases.
In India the conviction rate is less than 10%,
corruption in judiciary and crime
investigating agencies is rampant, criminal
judicial redressal process is very slow and
complex and witnesses often turn hostile
because of various pressures. The countries
which are forerunner in abolishing the
Capital Punishment have entirely different
conditions when it to criminal justice vis-avis those presently prevailing in India.

The basic philosophy behind death

sentence is that of creating deterrence and
fear in the mind of the criminal and in the
society on the whole against committing
crimes. It is also to punish the perpetrators
in the harshest way for having committed a
heinous crime and is awarded in the rarest of
the rare cases in India.
Some how death sentence in India doesnt
seem to be fulfilling the above mentioned
purpose. For example, dhananjay chatterjee
was hanged till death in 2004 for raping a
girl. Inspite of this the gruesome rape of
Nirbhaya took place. One wonders if the
Nirbhaya perpetrators were even aware of
who Dhananjay Chatterjee was leave alone
his death sentence. The rising crime rate in
India inspite of having the death sentence
still in practice points out that reasons
behind it are totally different. The
deteriorating morality among people,
injustice meted out on the poor and
vulnerable, economic inequality etc are
different social problems that are leading to
a rise in the crime rate in India.
Also on the other hand long and unnecessary
delays in either commuting the death
sentence or the final hanging of the convict,
due to vague processes add up to the mental
and physical agony of the convict and his
family. Even this is a gross violation of
human rights.
In these circumstances the government
should focus on improving the social and
economic condition of the masses, their
empowerment, fast track the judicial
process, process of giving clemency should
be made more transparent and death
sentence should be abolished all together.

This would bring India in line with 140

countries such as Canada and Germany who
have already abolished it.

9.13Comment on the prevalence of

child marriage practice in India and
its implication on girls, children and
society. Suggest measures to stop
such practice. (250 Words)
Child marriage is a result of traditional
attitudes, customs and beliefs, gender
discrimination,
interpretation
of
the
legislation at the national levels, and the lack
of political will to implement stringent
norms.
Early marriages due to poverty, dowry
practice ( makes them as burden ), low
status for women; prevalent in poorer and
marginalised sections; gross violation of
children rights;
Implications:
1. Reduce opportunities for economic,
political and social independence.
2. As per recent study child marriage is the
major reason for increasing infant deaths in
India as malnutrition girls give birth to
babies of low birth weight and it becomes
difficult for infant to survive. HIV/AIDS
infection is higher in young girls as they are
not aware of the healthy sexual practices.
early marriage + malnutrition -> early
delivery of child-> high IMR and MMR (
low sex ratio ), adverse impact on both
mother and child; anaemia;
3. Isolated from the family and denied
formal education.

4. They are often forced into bonded labour

or prostitution.
5. Physical and sexual abuse is common
even during pregnancy. Girls who want to
run away, run risk of honour killings.
Measures:
--For the reform govt. of India has adopted
The Prohibition of child marriage act, 2006
which ensures the legal age for a girl to
marry is 18 years and violation of the law is
a punishable offence.
--Eleventh Five-Year Plan 2007-2012 calls
for the compulsory registration of
marriages and verification of age at the time
of marriage.
-- Govt. of India has also adopted many
awareness programmes under the guidelines
of UNICEF which has declined the rate of
child marriage but an effective supervision
on such programmes is required to eliminate
this evil from the Indian Society.
-- AP government -> Bangaru Talli
scheme -> KG to PG free education for girl
child and other assitance -> should be
implemented by all governments.(Ladli by
Delhi government,etc)
--Should create awareness of impact on
health, income;
-- Should be made a criminal offence; and
book under sexual abuse and violation of
children rights.

9.14In your opinion, what measures

should be taken by the government
to prevent communal clashes from
happening? (200 Words)
Communalism is a form of extremism
whose promoters seek to build support for
themselves by creating phobia and
spreading hatred
It is not new and has existed in different
forms across different time, from as early as
crusades to the communal partition of
1947.In order to strengthen our response to
this evil following should be considered:As an immediate response->
1. Our federal constitution, as part of 3 lists
entrusts State Gov. with Law and order
responsibility. So the state police forces
should be proactive in responding
adequately to the situation.

1. Electoral reforms-> political parties

should not be allowed to play minority
politics.
First-past-the-post system allows parties to
get a seat even though they may not be
representing the majority.
As such, in this fragmented Indian polity,
some communities are seen to be voting en
masse and so become targets of such
minority politics.
So we must ensure political parties seek to
get support of all sections of community and
not get power by vying one against the
other.
For this we need to replace first-past-thepost system by system of proportional
representation, where a candidate must get
at least 50% of
vote to win elections.

-It should take all necessary steps to check

anti-nationalist elements of turning mere law
and order situation getting communal
overtones.
-Strict search to check possession of illegal
arms.

2. Education and sensitization of masses.

3.
Empowerment
of
marginalized
communities- In the world with scarcity of
resources
and
opportunities,
the
marginalized become vulnerable targets of
hate politics.

-Preventive detentions and sec-144.

2. Under A-355 Union Gov. is entrusted
with the duty to protect state Gov. against
external aggression or internal disturbance.
So in case State Gov. fails to adequately
respond then Union Gov. should take charge
of the situation.
As a long-term response->

4. Stricter punishments against miscreants

shall act as a deterrent.
Communal violence (Suppression) Bill ,
Communal violence (Prevention, Control
and Rehabilitation) Bill , Prevention of
communal and targeted violence (Access to
Justice and reparations) Bill should be
passed.

9.15Do you think superstition be

allowed to be practiced as part of
culture, even by persons holding
responsible positions? Substantiate.
(150 Words)
Superstition must not be practiced by
anyone may he be holding responsible
position or not.
But when superstition is practiced by people
holding responsible position then it will
accentuate the reliance of common people
on superstition who assumes that person in
power to be there ideal person.
Suppose a well-known politician thinks
measles are caused by some divine force and
go on advocating this then common people
will automatically think that measles are due
to divine causes and will most probably not
use scientific treatments.
Having said we must be careful to
distinguish
between
devotion
and
superstition. If one prays to god we cannot
accuse him of practicing superstition.
Practicing any religion is private matter, but
using any office of authority for any rituals
of any particular religions is against the
concept of Secularism.

9.16Do you think the governments

policies so far have empowered
Dalits? If not, explain what more
needs to be done.
Answer)
A-15 = No discrimination A-17 = Abolition
of un-touchability Policies for reservation in
Educational institute, promotion. 73rd and
74th Amendment = reservation for local

level election. National commission for

SC/ST/Human rights Passage of Manual
scavenging act 2013 with strict punishment.
Many other policies for their political, social
and economic empowerment. After all these,
there are regional disparities and following
issues of concern still persists in some
corners of India:
The practice of untouchability and
discrimination against Dalits/ Adivasis
Unorganised labour (Migrant Labour,
Bonded Labour & Child Labour etc.)
Manual scavenging.
Dalit/ Adivasi womens rights
Protecting the rights of couples in intercaste/ intra-gotra marriages
Dalit/ Adivasi land rights
Affirmative
Discrimination

actions

Protective

Special developmental schemes/ policies

related to Dalit/ Adivasi populations
(Open ended question)
Live-in or marriage like relationship is
neither a crime nor a sin though socially
unacceptable in this country.

9.17 Do you think the recent

verdict by the Supreme Court on
live-in relationships is progressive?
Examine if there are any legal
hindrances to successful social life
of live-in couples and how can they
be overcome?
The recent Supreme Court Judgement
asking the Parliament to amend the
Protection of Women from Domestic
Violence Act or bring in new legislation to
regulate live-In relationship is a welcome
step. In a traditional society like India, livein relationship is not socially acceptable. It
is often looked down-upon with suspicion.
In small cities, the live-in couples do not get
any social recognition. Often people do not
rent their house to live-in couples fearing
any police action.
They are often harassed by officials and
social life becomes difficult for them.
In many cases, after the relationship is over,
they were left to live on their own. Situation
becomes much worse if they are not
financially independent and have a child out
of such relationship. Life becomes very
difficult for them, including social pressure
that they have to bear. Moreover, there is not
sufficient and clear legal remedy that they
can seek.
In this direction, the judgment by Supreme
Court will go a long way in ensuring that
live-in relations are properly legalized and
partners are given adequate rights for their
protection.

9.18In India, despite law, dowry is

still seen as adequate recompense
for inheritance. Explain the
sociological factors that stop
women from inheriting land and
other properties. (200 Words)
Dowry is still seen as an adequate
recompense for inheritance of land though a
law entitling women equal rights of
inheritance of Agricultural land is in place in
India since 1995.A study report by UN
women And Land rights advocacy group
Lendasa is a testimony to it.
One can find regional variations .the reasons
for it are:
1. It has been a TRADITION in our society
for the male child to inherit the property.
Men also stiffly oppose the move and most
women also do not demand it, as they feel
its not legitimate to ask for, since from ages
they are seen as ECONOMIC LIABILITY
.Their whole upbringing, education,
marriage is seen as huge financial burden
rather than as a means to their
empowerment, further without ensuring any
financial gains or high living to the
parents.so parents, male child are averse to
the thought with female shying away or
feeling no moral right to ask besides fear of
family tensions.(MORAL DILEMMA)
2.The SOCIAL STATUS OF WOMEN:
Southern states which have relatively better
social status for women, literacy rates,
economic empowerment due to culture and
absence of medieval turbulence have
performed well. for Ex:5 S.states amended

their state laws between 1986-94 to that

effect. Also in AP almost 33% inherit when
compared to Bihar 8% &MP 7%.
3. RESPONSIBILITY ALONG WITH
RIGHTS: women dont have responsibility
to look after parents as a consequence of
moving to in-laws house & it is sons duty.
This should be changed and law should be
made making both equally responsible to
take care parents when they were granted
equal property rights.
4. Dowry taking is widely prevalent despite
law prohibiting it. More aggressive
campaign and participation by both groom,
bride, parents and society at large is needed.

9.19Examine
the
status
of
implementation
of
Sachar
committee
report.
Suggest
measures to improve the status of
minorities in India. (200 Words)
The Sachar committee was constituted to
examine the status of minorities in india
particularly Muslims.
Based on Sachar report several program,
schemes have been made to improve the
socio-economic conditions of the minorities.
Firstly, the comprehensive 15 point program
to improve minoritys access to education,
equitable share of economic activities,
measures to modernize the madrasa system,
self-employment, priority sector lending to
minorities, preventing communal riots and
steps to rehabilitate the riot victims etc.
Also, in schemes like SSA, the mandatory
inclusion of 6-14 age group children
belonging to minorities, mandatory setting

up schools in areas where minorities

constitute the largest population.
Minorities falls to the most socio-economic
backward sections of the society in India
and hence necessary will power needs to be
shown by the central, state governments at
various levels to bring the minorities on to
the mainstream of development.
(Recently Jains have also been given
Minority status in India)

9.20Explain the growth and spread

of Zoroastrianism in India. Write a
note on the contribution of this
religion to Indias culture.
Zoroastrianism though originated in greater
Persia (present days Iran), it flourished in
India to the extent that India now houses the
largest
population
of
Zoroastrians
commonly known as Parsi or Irani.
After the religion was established during
1200 BCE 600 BCE, it spread to all of
greater Persia turning the region into one the
most powerful empires of the time before
being invaded by Islami invaders
compelling the Zoroastrians to either
convert to Islam or see refuse to another
country such as India, China etc.
The Zoroastrians Diaspora in the country
numbers around 70,000 spreading at various
places and engaged in various activities
mostly in commercial sectors such as
Industries, movies and politics etc.
The contribution of this religion in Indias
culture is multifarious. Their ability to
mingle with local people quickly helped
them not only survived for also flourished

even under mighty mughals and British

hostilities.

9.21What role can culture play in

Indias external relations?
Comment. (150 Words)
Ans
Indias diverse culture has always helped in
establishing friendly relations with different
countries in past as well as contemporary
times. India has close cultural romanticism
with various south Asian countries as well
as western countries such as France,
Germany. It is forwarding cultural relation
with other countries as well.
Cultural ties is the most important
confidence building measure for better
cooperation in other spheres. It helps in
building mutual understanding of each other
concerns as well as respect for pluralism.
On the other hand, it bridges divide between
people and create people to people contacts
which decreases differences and promote
economic cooperation. It injects humanistic
attitude among different communities and
bring a sense of belongingness. Therefore
outstanding issues related to border,
international cooperation, bilateral trade and
investment can be sorted out quickly without
any unwarranted consequences,
Therefore culture is all encompassing as
well as inclusive for thriving relations

9.22To build an inclusive society,

the police needs an urgent overhaul
and wide reform. Critically
comment.
The Indian Express

The recruitment was disproportionately

weighted towards physical standards. High
leadership positions were directly recruited
with scant respect to experience.
Specialization in this profession has been
rudimentary and boundaries fluid. This leads
to lack of experts in the higher brass and
unused expertise in the lower rungs.
Low education and low pay are the hallmarks of even those officers with power to
arrest. Police vigilance is integrated into the
police force itself. Therefore, enforcing
accountability is an uphill task.
Different communities are not represented
proportionately in the rank and file . More
importantly the nature of the force is
authoritarian and despotic. Empirical
evidence is abound as in Sri Krishna
Commission findings about the antiminority attitude of the police and the
increasing number of atrocities against
SC/ST, in which policemen are involved.
Also the attitude towards the victims of
sexual harassment is largely pejorative.
Law enforcement, crime-detection and
vigilance should be immediately separated
with further specialist subdivisions. Political
interference should be weeded out with
transfers and disciplinary measures having a
predictable, lucid, swift, rule-based and
transparent mechanism the lack of which is
sourly felt. There is not even relative
permanency to term.
Therefore it is a truism to say that urgent
and wide reform/overhaul is needed. Any
criticism against that opinion would be
illogical and arbitrary.

10.Role of women and

women's organization
10.1Critically comment on various
problems faced by women at
workplaces and social constraints
that hinder their career growth.
From aftermath of industrial revolution,
when women started to join the industrial or
non-industrial workforce, many problems
have been increased for them.
Problems at workplace1) Health problems- Multi-tasking seriously
affects corporate womens health. Women
cant manage her regular problems like
monthly cycle, pregnancy, nursing, child
care etc. perfectly along with the office
work. Many working women have been
denied Maternity leave and got threats of
being fired from jobs.
2) Mental harassment: In spite of the
constitutional provisions, gender bias creates
obstacles in their recruitment. Officers
expect higher work from them without
helping in their skill development.
3) Discrimination at Workplace: Womens
issues do not occur on the priority list of
most of the trade unions. A majority of
working women continue to be denied their
right to equal pay, under the Equal
Remuneration Act, 1976.
4) Sexual harassment- Even after Vishakha
guidelines by Supreme Court, many cases of
sexual abuse at workplaces have been
reported. Recently cases by a famous
magazine editor and a retired SC judge are
very shocking.

5) The dynamics of her inter-relation

between office colleagues and family create
conflicts and misunderstanding for her
husband and other family members.
Other social constraints like in our
Patriarchal society traditionally women are
seen as the house-keepers and child bearers
and to fulfil only family responsibilities.
Female education is not encouraged much.
The attitude which considers women unfit
for certain jobs holds back women.
A woman could still bear up with these
problems if she controls over money that she
earns but in most cases, their salary is
handed over to father, husband or in laws.
Therefore, main purpose for seeking
employment to get independence is not
fruitful in many cases.
For the overall development of a family,
womens development is also a required
step. Making strict laws against sexual
harassment and inequality at workplace is
necessary. Recently passed the Sexual
Harassment of Women at Workplace
(Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act,
2013 was a very necessary step. Recent
decision of Supreme Court that a woman
employee of the central government can get
uninterrupted leave for two years for
childcare, which also includes needs like
examination and sickness, will also help
women to balance her official and personal
life.
Women forms around 48 percent of the total
population of the country and with their
gradual advancement in education and equal
work opportunities, their share in the labour
market is on the rise. However, they are not

immune from the problems associated with

the work place which culminates into high
attrition rate as well.
Though many workplace related issues are
there for women to face, the prominent
among them are more working hours and
deadline centric jobs, banking and other
financial services now becoming more like
sales which few women want to pursue as
career option, less availability of
Government Jobs, less women friendly
policies, etc.
Many people in middle class and higher
class think, working women as insult to their
stature. Poor women work to survive, but
they face continuous problems in form of
sexual harassment, low pay in comparison to
men and are supposed to work equally hard.
In India, women are lower in numbers in
workplaces which makes them pretty
vulnerable to exploitation. It could take any
form, ranging from sexual to mental
harassment. They are discriminated in job
promotions. Since, they are less represented
in Indian society, men try to maintain their
dominance. For ex- Women reservation bill
for parliament has not been passed, even
when they are less than 10% in legislature.
Many working women have to shun the idea
of starting a family altogether and the
number of childless women employees is on
the rise in the developed world. The
phenomenon is also replicated in developing
countries.
Most of the private companies do not prefer
to employ married women with children,
they say that it affect their productivity at

work and they also need to provide extra pay

for maternity relief and extra leaves too.
Working women also have to do double
work, in home and at workplace. Their
health care big problem
The social constraints are also pushing them
back in growing professionally. Problems
such as maternity and child care,
expectations of in-laws to look after the
family along with the
job, husband working at another place where
jobs in her area of expertise (such as
Information Technology development) is not
available etc.
Despite the challenges, the countrys women
have shown much resilience of the societal
pressure to come out of their shell and
increasingly earning laurel for themselves in
terms of money as well as respect and sense
of fulfillment.

10.2What were the main

recommendations of Justice Verma
Committee which was constituted
to recommend amendments to the
Criminal Law so as to provide for
quicker trial and enhanced
punishment for criminals accused
of committing sexual assault
against women? Do you think
governments anti rape law is
harsher than Justice Verma
committees recommendations?
Examine.
The Hindu

The Justice Verma Committee took a

progressive view and expanded the
definition of rape and also listed crimes
against women like voyeurism , acid attacks
, trafficking and others and increased their
quota of puishment. They denounced the
derogatory practice of intrusive tests on
women alleging rape and suggested a bill of
rights for women . Placing onus on judiciary
it asked for special courts for faster trials
and asked police to consider reports of rape
as prima facie true and investigate the
matter.

2) Punishment for other sexual offences like

Voyeurism and acid attack (7 years);
stalking (3 years) in jail was recommended
to curb these type of crimes.

The
Amendment
enacted
by
the
Government is stringent in the manner that it
imposes death penalty for repeat offenders
where the Verma committee had suggested
life imprisonment and increases quantum of
punishment from 7 to 10 years for acid
attacks. Death Penalty has empirically
shown to be ineffective to be a deterrent and
on the other hand may entice the criminal to
kill the woman to cover his crime.

6) Reforms in management of case related to

crime against women like CCTV and rape
crisis cell in the police station, more women
in police, online fir system, community
policing etc should be included.

Apart from this the new Bill has watered

down recommendations of the Verma
Committee. Committee suggested removal
of rape from protection by AFSPA which
has not been done. Neither has the
government allowed conviction in case of
marital rape or changed the age of consent
as the committee had suggested.
Major recommendations of the committee1) The punishment for rape should be
rigorous imprisonment or RI for seven years
to life. Gang rape should entail punishment
of not less than 20 years. It has not
recommended the death penalty for rapists.

3) Any officer failed to register a case of

report will be punished.
4) Separate bill of rights for women should
be framed giving her complete sexual
autonomy.
5) Review of the Armed Forces Special
Powers Act

7) Other reforms include police, electoral

and educational reforms.
The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013
was passed implementing many of the
recommendation of the panel by govt. But
while the panel did not recommend the
death penalty for rapists, Govt. anti-rape law
still provides capital punishment in the
rarest of the rare case.
Opponent of the capital punishment argues
that the murder and rape cant and shouldnt
be equated. Giving death penalty can have a
bearing on the safety of the rape victim.
Deterrent theory of punishment can justified
the death penalty but it takes away the
chances of reformation of the rapist. Only
death sentence are not going to alter the
societal behavior or spread the culture of
equality and respect of women. There have

to be effective educational reforms and

measures to change the mindset of the
society.

10.3Do you think pornography is

among the causes of increasing
sexual offences against women?
Should government ban websites
showing it? Critically comment.
Sexual Offences against women have varied
causes. These include lust, socio-economic
condition, power, anger, psychic cases and
attitudes towards women. Pornography may
cause sexual arousal of mind, but terming it
as conclusive cause cannot be done.
Some person whose love story doesnt
succeed indulges out of anger in Gang-rape
or
Acid
Attack.
Powerful
communities(Upper Castes, Money lenders)
have traditionally exploited downtrodden
and lower castes. Some physic cases also
indulge in such assaults.
Other reasons like ineffective laws,
regulations, monitoring, deterrence, justice,
punishment etc are valid, but are found to
have less impact.
Attitudes, ethics, education and values of
people are the strongest regulations for such
things.
India prohibits production, distribution of
pornography. Even viewing of child abuse is
banned. But other type of sexual content can
be viewed.
Within prn, therere several varieties
from tame to extremely violent . From
rape , gangrape theres no line which
hasnt been crossed.

Since were analyzing the role of prn in

India we should also understand what
constitutes India as well. One fact that we
need to understand is that were not liberal.
Were tightly conservative Im talking
about the majority here.
liberalism in India its mostly limited to
secularism only. Seual liberalism has
appeared only in spurts in India.
For example, if you say the French are
seually liberal this fact is an entirety.
Same goes for Americans who might be
slightly prudish compared to French but
they too have fairly homogeneous attitude
towards se issues. Compared to the US and
France Saudi Arabia is a complete
opposite.
In India seual liberation is limited to the
educated.
Effects of prn vary with its users. Where
weve seen a positive outcome of prn in the
west it is possible that the east is not ready
for it. When a user who has liberal ideas
about se watches prn it is a fun erotic
activity. This user already has fairly open
views about se. That is why you dont have
to explain the importance of consent during
se to him.
On the other hand, youve men in India
Theres just no period for young boy to
explore his seuality in a healthy way in
India.
whose first association with the word
woman is Devi, Mata, Behen Theres
an instant in the life of every young man in
India when he is introduced to prn. In
todays age, its happening fairly early via

the internet. Compared to his American

counterparts the naked form of a woman hits
him with a bag of bricks. The transition
from innocence to se is so sudden that it
comes as a shock.

Though we need to constantly work towards

seual liberation of India as a long term plan
it has to be better. Unregulated vio1ent
prn cant be the source of this seual
liberation. It has to be educational only.

It can go towards only either of two

directions from here either he becomes a
prn addict, or he is bombarded with seimages in his mind that it may culminate at
seual harassment in its worst form it
becomes rape.

People whore already liberal they have a

healthy attitude towards prn and se issues.
These people dont go around raping
women. Ones who rape, have deep repressed
ideas about sx in general. When these
people watch prn - they dont process it as
a healthy fun erotic activity. The effect of
porn on these people is completely different.

Se-ratio is already screwed up in India due

to female infanticide. Prostitution is also
unregulated. Here comes to the rescue the
easily accessible prnography on every
mobile phone now.
These men see fair, good-looking women
performing various seual treats on their
screens. They lose their frikkin minds. They
dont care that rape is a serious crime and
may bring death penalty. If they get an
opportunity theyll take it. City college girls
look closest to these prn-goddesses to these
men. Prn at the end of the day changes a
mans expectations from real se and
changes how they see women. This
artificially charged testosterone makes them
open to vio1ence.
The difference between classes is extremely
wide. They see a relatively good-looking
woman, wearing western attire they
wonder that the only way they can ever have
a woman like her is through rape.
Sometimes they go for it.
freedom of choice with prnography is only
fueling already frustrated men in India. Our
social dynamics are completely different.

Since India contains a big majority of these

people a widespread p0rn is going to result
in rape,
ground realities suggest
regulated if not banned.

that p0rn is

We need to achieve maturity towards se in

steps.
About the ban on prn, I dont know how
feasible it is going to be. Whats the use of a
law that cant be enforced right?
1. Rigorously classify prn not all stuff
can be under the A symbol. Keep
categories of safe prn and differentiate it
from the violent variety.
2. Once the prn is regulated we know that
it has an audience embed messages of
seual education within this media. For
example, in the story of film you could
emphasize how consent is important is
seual relationship.
3. While adults get educated via popular
media, make se education compulsory in

schools and colleges. This way, at least the

next generation will be ready to function as
better adults.
A call for banning websites is overenthusiastic action. Oflourse it need to be
regularised
Lack of research, examination, empirical
proof further invalidates such action. Lastly,
it is hard to regulate internet , virtual private
networks etc.
Finally, it is more of social and moral
regulation which will help, than such
governmental regulation.

10.4Do you think the Womens

Reservation Bill which is pending in
the Parliament would benefit poor
and rural women from non political
backgrounds? Why is there an
opposition to the passing of the bill
from certain political parties?
Comment. (200 Words)
Ans - Womens reservation bill was
introduced in parliament in 1996 and passed
by Rajyasabha in 2010. But it is still
pending in Loksabha to get passed. It seeks
to reserve 33% seats for women in loksabha
and state legislative assembly. With more
representation in legislative body, as
compared to current ~10%, it will help to
bring focus on womens issues and frame
laws catering to resolve these issues. Also it
will ensure that framed policies and
govenment
initiatives
for
womens
betterment results into real benefits to
womens. With this it is certainly going to
help poor and rural women with non
political background as well with a more

feminine approach in overall social and

economic policies of government.
At the same time womens issues like
domestic violance, sexual harassment,
malnutrition, maternal mortality, female
iteracy etc will be taken serious and any
gaps in implementation will be taken up
seriously. Today inspite of having various
policies, laws regarding these, we have
many of these incidences because culprits
escape easily. We can see certain
improvement happening because of
reservation in panchayats. Many rural
women have risen and demanding their
rights. Also there is an improvement in
overall development of womens. But yet
huge gap remanains, so to give it a boost and
reduce this gap, this bill is critical.
These is certainly ging to be opposition from
the people who will loose out their
dominance ie males with patriarchial
mindset. Also there is an opposition from
some caste based political parties which are
demanding further reservation of backword
castes SCs, ST, OBCs, etc to ensure social
equality
Nirbhaya Fund
Nirbhaya Fund is a non lapsable Rs. 1,000
crore fund included in the Union Budget
2013-14. This fund will be used to support
the initiatives of Central Government, State
Government and various NGOs towards
protecting dignity and ensuring safety of
women. Installing CCTV cameras at various
public places and in public transport,
starting helpline for the safety of women,
establishing rural and urban facilitation

centres are some of the initiatives which are

to covered under this fund.

as the complaint is made to the Special

Juvenile Police Unit or the local police.

10.5What are the highlights of the

Protection of Children from Sexual
Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO)? Write
a critical note on its
implementation.

intent to commit an offence, is also

punishable, besides abetment of sexual
abuse against a child.

Protection of Children from Sexual Offences

Act, 2012 (POCSO), fulfills the mandatory
obligations of India as a signatory to the
United Nations Convention on the Rights of
The Child.
POCSO deals with sexual offences against
persons below 18, who are deemed as
children. National Commission and State
Commissions for Protection of Child Rights
constituted
ensure
the
effective
implementation of the provisions of
POCSO.
provides definitions of penetrative sexual
assault, sexual assault and sexual
harassment
protect from offences of sexual assault,
sexual harassment and pornography
stiff penalties, expeditious new laws, fasttrack courts for speedy disposal of trials in
special childrens courts
offence is considered graver if committed
by a police officer, public servant, any
member of the staff at a remand home,
protection or observation home, jail, hospital
or educational institution, or by a member of
the armed or security forces.
relief , rehabilitation, immediate
arrangements for care and protection as soon

special procedures to keep the accused

away from the child at the time of testifying.
To be headed by a person who has been a
Judge of the High Court, and that
chairpersons and members are appointed
through a transparent selection process.
Mandatory registration of all childrens
homes, constitution and notification of
childrens courts and appointment of special
public prosecutors
Chandigarh Judicial Academy to sensitize
all stakeholders on child rights.
POCSO, though came into force on
November
14,
2012,
remains
an
unimplemented law & unknown to the most.
Due to callous response of the states on
sexual exploitation of children, SC has
directed the states to implement it along
with RTE & NCPCR as in many states &
UT s necessary establishments are just on
papers, rules & regulations have also not
been framed.
Court said that under the articles 21, 21A,
23, 24, 45, 51A (K) it is the bound duty of
the state to create & maintain a protective
environment of the children .
Question - A recent UN report has
concluded that in last twenty years womens
progress has been unequal and fragmented.
Analyze. (200 Words)

Answer - The 1994 Programme of Action of

the International Conference on Population
and Development (ICPD) defined a new
concept of reproductive rights and laid out a
20-year strategy to keep the worlds
population growth in check, especially
progress of women.
Recently, UN released ICPD Report, which
gives progress, gaps, challenges and
emerging issues in relation to the ICPD
Programme of Action.
There has been increase in access to health
services and education opportunities. The
entry of women into manufacturing sector in
parts of Asia and increase in female literacy
have been one of the key drivers of
economic growth in knowledge based
economies of Asia and Latin America.
However, progress has been unequal and
fragmented.
Progress towards gender equality is still far
from universal. Millions of child marriages
still take place in defiance of laws and
international human rights obligations. The
threats such as increasing domestic violence
for survival of women are seen common in
Sub-Saharan countries.
Lack of access to reproductive health
services, burdens of food production,
obtaining drinking water and unpaid labour
fall on poor women and girls, particularly in
rural areas of Africa, Latin America and
Asia. More girls are facing challenges in
accessing secondary education. The rise of
the global middle-class and longer life
expectancy has not benefitted the rural
women of Asian countries. Still 800 women
a day die in childbirth and there are still 222

million women without access to family

planning.
To reap the benefits of past 20 years,
Governments across the world should
facilitate and ensure equal opportunities for
women to contribute to society as leaders,
managers and decision-makers. This can be
done through
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
89
providing equitable livelihood opportunities
to eradicate poverty, achieving equality,
elimination of all forms of violence against
women, and the empowerment of women to
exercise all human rights.
Question - Do you think the revival of
ancient culture and festivals would bring
women empowerment in India? Critically
comment. (200 Words) (amalgamation of
culture and women issues)
Answer - Ancient Indian women enjoy a
status that placed them on equal grounds
with men. Girls were equally educated like
boys during the Vedic Period. They even
had the right to select their own husbands.
However, their status was not identical
throughout the entire vedic period. A
woman was not allowed to lead a free life
and had to live under the tutelage of her
parents, husband or sons.
Eventhough, women could participate in
social activities and festivals, they could not
officiate as priests. Most of the problems
that Indian women face today are due to

social and economic reasons. Due to abject

poverty women fail to get proper education,
access to healthcare and so on. It is ironical
that condition of women and girls in cities is
better off compared to their rural
counterparts. Therefore, revival of ancient
culture and festivals may not be a good idea
as festivals are a one or two day phenomena
which may not have much impact on human
lives on a whole. Human culture has
progressed to a great extent with progress in
human ideas, technology etc. that
reintroduction of ancient culture may not be
possible and acceptable today.
What is really required is creation of the
awareness of the fact that women are no
longer weaker compared to men, and shun
the paternalistic attitude of the society
through better education and sensitization
programs. Better governance and rule of law
is required to improve the status and security
of women in the society.
Comment on the role of health sector in
addressing violence, particularly against
women and girls. (200 Words)
answer:Violence against women is a human rights
violation. social justice and public health
problem that touches every level of society
in every part of the world. From young girls
to older women, one out of every three is
beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise
abused in her lifetime. WHO studies show
that intimate partner violence is the most
common form of violence against women
worldwide.

Violence against women poses serious

consequences to womens health and wellbeing. Studies have linked violence against
women and girls to a host of
1. physical and mental health problems, such
as broken bones, unwanted pregnancies, and
depression.
High-risk behaviors such as smoking,
harmful use of alcohol and drugs, and unsafe
sex are all significantly more frequent
among victims of intimate partner and
sexual violence.
Violence against women poses considerable
direct and indirect costs to societies.
Violence drains health, social and justice
sector budgets with necessary expenditures
for treating survivors and apprehending and
prosecuting perpetrators.
Violence
also
reduces
productivity,
increases
absenteeism,
and
poses
considerable inter-generational costs from
the impacts of violence on survivors
children.
The health sector can play a vital role in
responding to and preventing violence
against women. This role includes helping to
identify abuse early, providing victims with
treatment, and referring women to
appropriate and informed care.
The health sector must also work to prevent
violence from ever taking place. And as the
public health approach to prevention clearly
stipulates, the first step in preventing
violence is to understand it and the health
sector has a key

INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION

GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
90
role in helping us to measure and understand
violence against women.
The empowerment of women empowers
the society. Critically comment in the
Indian context.
Women ensure moral and spiritual stability
of society. They constitute almost half of the
population and their active participation is
inevitable to foster the development of
country.
The principle of gender equality is
enshrined in our constitution and steps have
been taken by the government under the set
precedence. It has resulted in the increased
involvement of this section in every aspect
of development whether it is economic,
political, social or cultural.
Women active groups and SHGs have
penetrated even to the remotest part of
country and have provided opportunities to
earn some money and a lot of dignity. This
is much encouraging in a traditional
patriarchal Indian society.
With increased bargaining power they are
organizing themselves rapidly to demand for
their rights. Their participation is clearly
visible in the industrial, political and judicial
field. This is creating a path and providing
motivation to the younger generation.
However country cannot fulfill its
ambition in a situation when there still exists

a wide gap between the goals enunciated in

the constitution and situation reality of status
of women. Opportunities to them regarding
education, health and employment is
inadequate and even after so many years
they remain largely marginalized and
socially excluded.
There is a need of concerted approach from
every stakeholder to create an environment
to realize them their full potential and ensure
their participation in the mainstream of
development process. This will certainly
lead to shared peace, progress and prosperity
in the society.
Explain the importance of gender equality in
politics. (150 Words)
Gender equality in politics basically refers to
giving equal status to women in enjoying
her political opportunities. The politics has
been male centered since time unknown.
Due to the enlightenment of human
rationality and gender sensitivity gender
equality is gaining its importance. The
gender equality in politics is more relevant
now because of several aspects.
1.It increase the role of women in political
decision making. Thus acquiring their
contribution towards society building.
2.It makes the growth inclusive. Thus
isolates from the social exclusion.
3.It helps to make society more equal both
horizontally and vertically.
4. The Indian experience of giving 50%
reservation in PRIs and ULBs has greatly
yielded good gain in Indian politics.
Through this India is able to tap the

leadership qualities of rural woman. Also

this has increased their status in society their
family equally.
5.As it wisely said the problem of a women
can be better understood only by a woman
so woman parliamentarians are able to
contribute better towards the women related
legislation. Eg:Sexual harassment laws .
Thus women being half of the population
must be given the adequate opportunities to
tap the hidden creativity among them.
Women movement in India passed through
various stages. After independence, for
about two decades women movement lost
momentum. Activists were reposing faith in
newly democratically elected government
and viewed constitutional provisions talking
about gender equality as sufficient.
But these hopes and faiths belied, as
conditions did not improved. Though govt
tried and launched many reforms but in
highly
patriarchal
and
authoritarian
community structures these legal provisions
fall flat.
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
91
It was the violence against women in the
form of bride burning and rape that
galvanized the womens movement led by
the feminist groups especially since the
1970s. The campaign against dowry and
rape are called the first campaigns of the
contemporary Indian feminists movement.
There was growing rapid disenchantment

with the state apparatus. There began to be

strong voices against the nature of the
development and there were demand for
more women-centric development in many
parts of the country, which found voices in
Chipko aandolan in Uttarakhand and
Shahada movement in Maharashtra.
In 80s Sati case in Rajasthan, Mathura
custodial rape case, increasing number of
dowry deaths gave fuel to these movements.
But Supreme court decision in Mathura
Rape case showed the insensitivity of the
state apparatus while Shah Bano case
showed the weakness of the womens
movement and progressive forces to
mobilize its strength to fight for a cause and
Indian governments act also weakened the
liberals in muslim community and
demoralized educated women.
Women movements in 90s and in
contemporary context have been successful
in fusing their issues with larger canvas of
societal an political issues and convert them
in the struggle for more democratic and just
society. Protests after Delhi gang rape got
success in getting amended criminal law
while through Slut Walk movement, women
asserted their freedom to dress.
Role played by organizations have not much
success stories. Though SEWA, in economic
empowerment, and AIDWA got some praise
but in general, women organizations have
failed to perform. Reasons behind the dismal
success can be attributed to mixing up of
issues and organizational deficiencies. For
example, uniform civil code gets mixed up
with secularism and remains a pipe dream.

Though movements remain unsuccessful in

changing the conditions at ground level,
only getting success in some bizarre piece of
legislation with many numerous loopholes
and implementation failures, but giving
voice and a sense of confidence to women
can not be neglected and should get
accolades.
Q-Examine the role of media in addressing
gender disparities. Do you think Indian
media is addressing this issue adequately?
Comment.
Media is playing a paradoxical role. Media
at the same time is addressing gender
disparities but it does play a role in
perpetuating gender disparities. Media
played a positive role in supporting human
rights, girl feticide and rape cases . At the
same time, strong and influential opposing
ideas in media are curtailing the valuable
benefits.
media has neglected the issues of
transgender and homosexual due to social
stigma
Excellent role in Delhi gang rape case.
Media has played a major role in reducing
prejudice against women, transgender and
homosexuals.It
reduced
stigma,
discrimination and created more awareness
for human rights. It raised it support towards
strategies and programs initiated. This
helped many people to extend their support
with ease.
At the same time media for the sake of
creating sensation has delved in opposing
ideas. This led to distortion of ideas on
many issues. Media is considered a

storehouse of intellect. This enforces

stereotypes. Media should cover news and
should convey the true message though they
hunt for varying ideas.
Social media has given a new definition to
media where people debate on conflicting
ideas. It gave a platform for individuals to
share their views. Media is considered a way
to freedom of expression. It should preserve
its sanctity and avoid falling into prey to
power which
can
only safeguard
Democracy.
Traditionally Many societies display
favouritism towards male gender. Females
are grossly undermined when it comes social
and economic rights, further transgenders
are not even recognised as active members
of the society. Media has a huge role to play
in changing the perception of society
towards gender issues.
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
92
media is a widely accessed means of
spreading information to masses. Media
helps in people forming their attitudes.
There are strongly prevalent prejudices and
stereotypes existing regarding the roles of
gender. Media can raise awareness by
making people think over their wrong belief
system. Media can explain gender
discriminatory practices and provide ways to
correct them. media can promote positive
role models from different genders for
enhancing the gender image. Various
discussions and debates over gender issues

involve people to actively participate and

verify their beliefs logically. Also media can
highlight positive effort towards Reduction
of gender disparity like government policies,
programmes, activities of community
organizations, etc.

4. Protection of Women from Domestic

Violence Act, 2005

During past few decades Indian media has

played an important role improving the
image of females, however transgenders
remain grossly neglected. Infact they have
been displayed in negative characters in
many movies. Since transgenders are in
minority, media doesnt seem to care
enough about them. various studies indicate
inactive role of media in sensitizing people
over sexual orientation and gender identity
issues. Thus media needs to take more
actions to promote equality of human rights
across the genders.

Internally the violence against women has

drawn significant attention.

Q--Write a note on existing national and

international laws and conventions that seek
to protect women against violence and
discrimination.
The Hindu
Indian Constitution has enshrined the
principle of positive discrimination in
advancing the rights of women. While
Article 15(3) allows for special provision for
women, the part IV-A mandates citizen to
protect the dignity of women. Besides
constitutional provisions there are statutory
provisions for the protection of women.
1. Dowry prohibition Act, 1961

5. Sexual Harassment of Women at

Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and
Redressal) Act, 2013.

1.The Universal Declaration of human rights

ensure equal rights of all irrespective of sex,
race or religion.
2.The Declaration on the Elimination of
Violence Against Women.
3.The Convention on the Elimination of all
forms of Discrimination Against Women
(CEDAW).
Recently the Instanbul Convention on
preventing and combating violence against
women and domestic violence was opened
for signature in 2011 and its provisions will
come into force in 2011.
However, despite all these provisions the
recent Boko Haram incident in Nigeria is a
grim reminder that much grounds needs to
covered in protecting women from violence.
in ancient times women held high place of
respect but later on with social,, economic
and political changes status of women
degraded as indicated by declining sex ratio,
rampant cases of domestic violence, rape
,sexual harassment.So many initiatives are
being taken both internationally as well as
nationally to combat it.

2. Immoral Traffic Prevention Act, 1956

The initiatives on international scale are:
3. The Commission of Sati Prevention Act,
1987.

1. commission on the status of women

(1947)- to deal with women issues of
inequality.

5.the child marriage restrain act(1976)

2. declaration on the Elimination

Discrimination Against Women (1967)

7.the medical termination of pregnancy act

(1971)

of

3. Convention on the Elimination of All

Forms of Discrimination Against Women
(CEDAW) (1967) -it is also known as
international bill of rights of women
4. in UN sponsored international women
decade , four conferences were held at
Mexico(1975),
Copenhagen(1980),
Nairobi(1985) Beijing(1995)
5.Beijing platform of action (2005)
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
93
6. Council of Europe convention on
preventing and combating violence against
women and domestic violence / Istanbul
convention (2011)
At national front various legal provision are
enshrined in artilce 14,15,16,39(a)(d) and 42
of the Constitution of India ensuring
equality and dignity to women. apart from
this, various legal provisions are there
enlisted as follows:
1.factory act (1948)
2 maternity benefit act (1961)
3. dowry prohibition act (1961)
4.equal remuneration act (1976)

6.indian penal code section 354 and 509

8.amendment to criminal laws 1983

9.73rd and 74th amendment provision
reservation for women in local bodies
10.national commission for women act
(1990)
11.protection of women against domestic
violence act (2005)
12.protection of women against sexual
harassment at workplace bill (2010)
also various commission and schemes are
also instituted : National commission for
women ,national policy for empowerment of
women(2001) and national mission for
empowerment of women (2010).
Q---.Dowry and the crimes done in its
pursuit are reminders of this Indias failure
to step out of social backwardness.
Critically comment.
The Indian Express
One of the measures of development of any
nation is the equality that women enjoy in
the society. In this term India surely ranks
very low. The prevalence of practice of
dowry is a grim reminder of social inequity
among men and women practiced in the
name of tradition. The inherent belief that
women are weaker and require protection of
men legitimizes such practices. What makes
situation even more sad is the fact that
dowry is as much practiced in urban and

educated class as much in rural and illiterate

class. It indicates that after all education has
not managed to shun our social
backwardness. The violence against women
has caught media limelight since December
2012 incident. However it is not that it was
not happening prior to this incident. The
only fact is that now we have begin to notice
it. Such violence against women is also
symbolic of a deep rooted belief that women
are inferior to men. Not recognizing the
right of women on their body and
considering any deviation from culturally
prescribed dressing and behavior as
invitation for men has led it into culmination
of sexual violence. Reforming our laws
alone wont check this, to counter it we must
look into the social development, where
equality of women is not only recognized
politically but also practiced socially.
Q---In the light of recent the data from
National Crime Records Bureau, discuss
why domestic violence against women still
persists in the country.

Despite various legislation such as

Prevention of domestic violence act,2005,
Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961,Criminal
laws(Amendment)2013 violence against
women has not subside.At the institutional
level ,it indicates the inefficiency of criminal
justice system starting from registering FIR
to delivery of justice.
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
94
The cumulative effect of societal
structure,value system and ineffectiveness of
criminal justice system is subjugation of
women which perpetuated in increased
crime against them.The way forward lies in
inculcating respect for women in young
minds,effective law mechanism and
empowerment of women at societal level.
Q---Critically
analyse
on
provisions of the draft
Reservation Bill.

important
Womens

The Hindu
The Indian Express
The current statistics from National Crime
Records Bureau indicates that crime against
women is increasing at persisting rate.The
reason could be identified in societal and
institutional structure.
India is a patriarchal society where the
uneven gendered relations assign women a
subordinate position.This mindset of society
is reflected in the violence perpetuated
against women.women are subjected to
various
indignity
such
as
rape,assault,domestic violence,acid attacks
,infanticide etc.

PRS
Womens Reservation Bill or 108th
Constitutional Amendment Bill seeks to
provide one-third reservation to women in
Lok Sabha and state Legislative Assembly
for 15 years. This one third seats will be
allocated on rotational basis by lottery
method.
The need for this reservation itself is
contested. Some argue for positive
affirmative action for improve the condition

of women; while opponents say its a

distraction from the larger issue of electoral
reform.

Q-Critically comment on the changing role

of women in Indian families and society in
last two decades.

This will reduce the democratic choice of

the voters. Since women will contest only
against women, their merit on entering
Parliament on their own ability will be
questioned, leading to more inequality.
Besides, this system will encourage MPs
and MLAs to field proxy women candidates
like their relatives, frustrating the intended
effect of the bill. And those who cant, there
is no incentive for them to nurture their
constituencies and go for long term planning
since there is no guarantee for a subsequent
term.

The Hindu

Rotating constituencies will not ensure to

secure the base of women candidates as after
only five years, her constituency will be dereserved. Since 85% of the women in local
bodies were first timers, five years is not
sufficient to do anything substantial for the
cause of women.
But study has shown that reservation in local
bodies has led to considerable increase in
self-esteem confidence of women. Since
most of them are first timers, they are not
much familiar with corruption, money and
muscle power etc thus paving way for a
relatively cleaner politics.
But the structure of the bill needs to be
slightly changed. Alternatives such as
compulsory fielding of one third women
candidates by all political parties and dual
member constituencies need to be explored

The onset of globalization in india has

unleashed enormous hidden energies and
women of the country beating upstage is one
among them.
Women are self dependent now than
anytime before
Many budding entrepreneurs are women
The leading ceos and chairpersons of big
banks in our country are headed by women
Globalization has reduced to a certain
extent patriarchal nature of our society
They are now more aware of their rights
and duties towards nation and society
More and more women are now raising
their voices against gross injustices being
done to them
This however said, has come coupled with
certain negative externalities.
The patriarchal society has increased
violence owing to resistance to change the
societal order. The khaps are the best
examples to it. The antagonization towards
women have increased among the illiberals.
The penetration of globalization has yet to
be fully felt. Nonetheless significant changes
are already being seen.
Write a note on the role of AIDWA in
women empowerment.

Answer)
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
95
All India Democratic Womens Association
(AIDWA) is a womens wing of the
Communist Party of India (Marxist).
AIDWA aim : egalitarian society with
respect to gender
Method to achieve: by playing role in 2
dimension
women empowerment
-societal empowerment( largely against
casteism, communalism )
Role of AIDWA in women empowerment :
by 3 ways
=>enabling them to obtain legal rights =eg:
reservation and other affirmative actions.
=>expanding the space to act on for women
eg: equal space for men and women in
working environment.
=>women self-development so that they
could work with their right and in the space
created =eg: education, SHG
Whoever attempts to misbehave or denigrate
women in public places are brought to book
by this organization.
AIDWA believes in the upliftment of Indian
which is possible only through basic
systemic transformation in the society.

It upholds secular values, challenges and

resists cultural practices demeaning to
women.
Prevention of domestic violence bill, sexual
harassment prevention bill and national rural
employment assurance bill are the
achievements of AIDWA.
In the past it has projected the convention as
a platform for Muslim women from
different walks of life and regions of India to
share their experiences, their hopes, their
sorrows and their achievements.
For women's rights AIDWA believes that
the first priority is to organise and mobilise
the masses of women in struggles to better
their own lives on issues of vital importance
to them. AIDWA is also committed to
strengthening and expanding united
movements
with
other
women's
organisations and groups throughout the
country.
Evaluate the role of women in private sector
jobs. Do you think women in private sector
are more empowered? Comment.
Answer)
Indian corporate landscape is transforming
rapidly. So many women are entering
knowledge-driven sectors. There are many
more women at the middle management
level, than a decade ago.
Several organisations have made a
conscious
effort
to
improve
the
representation of women in their leadership
teams

While more women have entered the

corporate boardrooms, the overall scenario
in India remains pretty grim.
The Global Gender Gap Index of the World
Economic Forum ranked India at 101 out of
the 136 countries it rated.
There is need for corporates to help women
balance their personal and professional lives.
Women are insufficiently represented at the
workplace so we lose out on half the talent
available. Companies need to think about
how they want to retain and nurture women
leaders.
With examples, critically examine the role
of women organizations in empowering
women affected by various violences
including natural disasters and wars. (200
Words)

circulated regarding such prohibitions, in

government job rules should have a mention
about this, private jobs include prohibitions
in standing orders, and appropriate work
conditions should be provided.
Legal action against complaint by respective
authority
and
also
disciplinary
action.victims should not be discriminated
while dealing with complaint. Complaint
mechanism with complaint committee
having not less than half numbers should be
women and also either NGO or other body
to overcome pressures and miss guidings.
Discussions and raise issues in employer
employee meetings, bringing awareness
regarding rights of female employee. Taking
all this into consideration after 16 years
parliament enacted Sexual Harassment of
Women
at
Workplace
(Prevention,
Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013

Answer)
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tpinternational/women-more-affected-byconflict-natural-disasters/article5353705.ece
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1

What are the highlights of the Sexual

Harassment of Women at Workplace
(Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act,
2013?(150 Words)
Answer)
The various highlights of the Bill are:

http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page

96
What guidelines has the Supreme Court
directed to safeguard women from sexual
harassment at the workplaces? (150 Words)
Answer)
Supreme Court provided vishaka guidelines
against sexual harassment in working place
in 1997 which includes preventive measures
like employers should be notified and

1. It lays down the definition of sexual

harassment and seeks to provide a
mechanism for redressing complaints.
2. Each employer has to constitute an
Internal Complaints Committee at each of its
branch or office having more than 10
members.
3. A Local Complaint Committee will also
be constituted at the district level. Also an

additional complaint committee has to be

constituted at the block/ward level to
address complaint where a) The complainant
do not have any Internal Complaint
Committee in the office (due to less than 10
persons in the office) and b) The complaint
is against the employer itself.
4. 50% of the members of the committee
must be women.
5. The Committee has to submit its report in
the 90 days after receiving the complaint.
6. The Employer/District Officer has to act
on the recommendation of the committee
within 60 days.
7. Appeals against recommendations can be
filed in the courts within a period of 30 days
of the recommendations.
8. Non-compliance will attract a fine of up
to Rs. 50,000. Repeated violation will lead
to higher penalties or cancellation of license.

11.Population and associated

issues
11.1Question - The scandalous
state of formal employment in India
is a national tragedy. Comment.
(200 Words) (question is also
related to poverty and
development)
Formal employment essentially is a type of
employment
which
ensures
certain
minimum to the employees such as wages,
leaves and health benefits etc. The formal
employment also to certain extent

guarantees the job security and good

working conditions barring few exceptions.
However, India is severely been devoid of
formal employment and most of the working
population (more than 85%) is working in
informal employment which does not
provide any of the benefits available in
formal jobs. The informal jobs often doesnt
take into the account the benefits or well
being of the employees. The motive is only
to make money without any obligation.
The primary reasons behind this sorry state
of employment may be attributed to weak
labour laws where contract labour is more
beneficial to regular employment, and to a
certain extent the benefits regime followed
by the government. Under this the
compulsory saving in Provident Fund if the
organization exceeds certain minimum
number of regular employment is part of the
problem.
Suitable labour laws are baseline
requirement for large formal sector which in
turn is necessity for proper development.
The political will for the same along with
reconsidered view on benefits regime may
change the scenario of employment
generation and quality.

11.2Question - Indias is a dual

economy with surplus labour.
Elaborate. (200 Words)
Answer - Indias is dual economy means
that India is having two explicitly different
sectors of economy in terms of technology,
work-culture, investment, workforce ,
infrastructure etc. In other words we can
discuss dual economy in terms of Formal
and Informal sector. Definitely, our

economy, with growing population, is

having surplus labour.
Indian economy is more biased to Informal
sector which consists of more than 80% of
its share. Lack of skilled workforce and lack
of proliferation of new manufacturing
industries and employment generation, the
formal sector is marred. Easy access to
employment in informal sector, non-skilled
work requirements and flexibility of
employment as per individuals free time,
employment friendly to women and children
due to easy availability- all these factors
have pulled the general population towards
informal sector. Though this sector do not
guarantee quality work, hygienic premises,
waged salary at par of formal one, and not
atall provide any job security, then even
informal sector is at high growth in India.

from these, there is a dire need of thinking

on how the growing population can be
checked , be employed and a minimum
certain daily-wage be fixed so that surplus
labour can be engaged in right productive
works.

11.3Question - Employment
growth in India basically reflects
labour force growth. Examine.
(200 Words)
Answer - A rapidly increasing population
with a favourable demographic dividend has
led to an unprecedented growth of labour
force in India. Since employment
opportunities are not growing at this
exponential rate, there is a demand supply
mismatch of labourers which is a major
cause
of
unemployment
and
underemployment in india.

The surplus labour is available for both

fomal and informal sectors in India but
insufficient infrastructure and investment in
formal education, vocational training and
unemployment has forced a great portion of
population into informal sector.Due to
surplus labour , its highly possible that the
same amount of work is performed by
several workers and hence wage is low or
minimal to survival for them. On the other
hand, surplus labour in formal sector due to
lack of its capacity are forced to work in
informal sector.

A peculiar characteristics of Indias

employment sector is that the employment
growth rate % for a period of time is in
correspondence with the % growth rate of
labour force for that period. This is evident
from the NSSO survey date of growth rate
of employment and and labour force. During
1999-2000 when the labour force grew by
1.47%, the employment growth rate was
1.25%. In 2004-05 labour force growth rate
was 2.84% and employment growth rate
2.62% and in 2009-10 it was 0.55% and
0.92% respectively.

The ironical situation of Indias dual

economy with surplus labour is a curse not
only to our economic growth, also the
dignity of our nation. Its a high time to
think about revising the industrial policy,
revisit the informal sector, education policy
and employment generation capacity. Apart

From the above data it is clear that when

there is an increase in labour force, there is
an increase in employment. Thus, an
increase in employment growth rate does not
necessarily mean an increase in employment
opportunities, it can also be due to

underemployment. More people gets

employed in jobs where they are not needed.
Since 90% are in unorganised sector this
manifests as a disguised unemployment.
Thus, Indias employment growth is mainly
a reflection of its increasing labour force.
Demographic dividend in India is not being
appropriately used and there is a need to
revisit the demographic policy so as to tap
benefits from the youth. Examine.
* Demographic dividend is appropriately
used when the younger population of the
country are skilled, employed, lead a healthy
life, are working to their optimum efficiency
and more importantly contribute to the
economic growth of the country.
* Unemployment, rise of crimes, stagnant
economic growth and HDI suggest that we
have not yet harnessed our demographic
advantage rather it is turning out to be a
problem.
* The institutions and policies at present
have failed so far to deliver outcomes. This
demography if not properly cared for can be
a bane rather than a boon. Unless these
change, any benefits from our demography
would be hard to extract. Hence, a need for
revealing our demographic policy.
* Any change will have to start from
primary education. Improve teacher quality,
school infrastructure, curriculum with
emphasis on computer literature and skill
development and more importantly ethical
values.
* Need to retain students in secondary level
education. Make them aware of different

opportunities. Inculcate a desire to educate

further.
* Higher education has failed to create
employable youth. Unemployment leads to
loss of faith in education. Very dangerous.
Industry linkages and training. Employment
oriented studies. Emphasis on research and
practicals.
* Simultaneously need to work on
promoting sports, art. Improve health
parameters of youth especially girls.
Counselling services for teenage problems
through mobile and internet.
* Most importantly government should
rigorously pursue activities with the sole
intention of creating more opportunities for
the youth.
* Demographic dividend is the blessing in
disguise for our journey towards being a
Super Power.

11.4With examples examine the

major threats to the survival of
indigenous communities across the
world.
Major threats to indigenous tribes are caused
by the advent of modern civilization into
their hitherto exclusive domain. These are:
1. New diseases: Deficient specific
immunity, coupled with low genetic variety,
means that exotic diseases can wipe out
whole tribes. Ex: Native Americans and
small-pox. Amazon-tribes and Diphtheria.
2. Land grabbing: Lack of recognized land
rights. Settlers clear forests and start
agriculture. Tribes lose livelihood. Ex: India
before Forest Rights Act, South America.

3. Conflicts: They get in cross-fire of

conflicts, which they are not party to. Ex:
Tribes of Sahel.
4. Development: Mining and logging takes
away the livelihood of these people.
5 Cultural shock: Economic, social and
religious culture of tribes is fundamentally
different. They are not able to understand or
deal with settlers, leading to conflict, in
which they lose.
6. Politicization for anti-govt movements:
Their naivet is exploited by unscrupulous
elements for armed conflicts.
Overcoming these threats require the
governments to take responsibility of the
tribes. Denying them the benefits of modern
civilization is morally wrong. Letting a
community wallow in poverty and ignorance
in the name of preserving their
uniqueness, is unpardonable. They are not
some antique relics to be preserved in
original condition. They are human beings.
It is high time the so-called civilized
world started treating them as human beings.

11.5What do you understand by

demographic dividend? Do you
think India is reaping its benefits?
Critically examine.
Business Standard
Demographic dividend refers to increase of
the population in the working age group .
In other words it is the rise in labour force
participation along with reduction in
dependency ratio. Recent census of India
reveals decline in fertility ratio along with
rise in median age to 24.

It is considered as an important factor in

the growth as the young population with
employment increases the consumption
expenditure, thereby fostering the
demand in the economy. It leads to
greater potential for the production of
goods and services in the economy.
However, the demographics may result into
disadvantage when there are not adequate
jobs resulting in an increased pressure on the
food and resources availability.
India has the demographic dividend with a
large share of the population in the working
age. This would provide the opportunity for
sustained development. Moreover, the aging
population in other countries would lead to
greater employment opportunities .
There is a need for development of the
human capital to realize this potential. The
increased emphasis on the education at three
levels and development of the vocational
skills would lead to skill development.
Integration of the education with industy
.There is a need for promoting
enterpreneurship and increasing the
access to the investment capital , thereby
creating
opportunities
for
self
employment. IIIF is an initiative in this
direction. The employment protection
and wage setting could also aid in
realizing the advantage.
Though India is blessed with the
demographic dividend , it would be essential
to make the necessary reforms to tap the
potential .
With ageing population in the developed
countries, India is expected to reap the

benefits of demographic dividend by

supplying cheap labour force, goods and
services to the developed nations.
However indian domestic economy
experiencing jobless growth in recent
times. There is a sharp decline in the
employment elasticity of GDP. This is
because Services sector contributes a
large share in GDP. Services sector other
than transport and construction is
comparatively less labour intensive, also it
mainly employs skilled professionals.
Labour
intensive
services
are
experiencing slower growth. The ability of
manufacturing sector to absorb workers
has
declined
due
to
increasing
automation. Agriculture sector is already
over crowded with mere 15 percent share of
GDP and more than 50 percent of workforce
involved in it. Often there is a skill
mismatch between demand from industry
and educational courses. Further technology
and skill life cycle are shortening at a rapid
pace.
As per CRISIL study less number of jobs are
likely to be created in future compared to the
recent past. Thus strong actions are needed
to reap the benefits of present demographic
dividend. These may include boosting
exports, focussing on labour intensive
services live health, education, developing
vocational education system with strong
industry linkages, providing for skill
upgradation
facilities,
promoting
agrobased industries, encouraging small
industries to grow into large ones and
become organised.
In order to reap such a dividend , such a
large population has to have competence .

Competence is the cumulative product of

technical skill ,attitude and knowledge. If
such a competence is not imbedded in this
majority , dividend may turn to be a liability
.
Is India reaping??
.In case of India , the quality of education
,mainly in public intitutions in primary and
secondary level ,is inadequate . Recent
report by NASSCOM stating that 50% of
graduates are unemployable manifests the
sorry state of quality of education in the
higher level. The way to address it is to
bring vocational education along with
regular academic curriculum in primary
level and bring industry-govt-academia
coordination in the higher level.
Schemes such as UDAAN in Kashmir are
step in the right direction. However , the
current training capacity is inadequate
and targeted training for rural youth in
rural settings will reduce the burden in the
urban cluster model.

11.6Critically comment on the trend

of adult and child ratio in India
since 2000 and examine the causes
and consequences of these sex
ratios.
The Hindu
The sex ratio in India over the past decade
(From 2001 census to 2011 census) has
shown two different trends. On one hand the
trend for the girl child (below 6 years) have
shown a downfall at the same time it has
shown an improvement for the adult
population. Lets examine each one of them

Child sex ratio

1. The ratio has dropped from 933 to 914
2. At the same time if we check the child sex
ratio at the time of birth, we get to see an
improvement in the ratio
2.1: The ratio is 2001 was 883 and in 2010 it
is 905. It shows the number of girl child
survives more after birth
2.2: But when we dig deeper we understand
a more grave scenario. the child sex ratio
between 0 to 4 years increases in almost all
the state when we compare it with ratio at
birth. It further increases in the age group of
0 to 6 years. That means the girl child have
more chances of survival than boy child in
natural circumstances. Which gives us the
insight that the society purposely aborting
child at the time of birth only and in spite of
having a natural tendency in girl to survive
more than boy, they are less in number.
3. Again state wise ratio also shows increase
in number of state where child sex ration has
gone down. It includes states like
Maharashtra, Rajasthan, UP, Andhra
Pradesh, Orissa etc.
Adult Sex Ratio
1. The adult sex ratio have increased from
933 to 940, this shows the increase in health
services and hence the gender ratio is
following the natural trend

12.Poverty and developmental

issues
12.1While labour law reform is
often equated with the ability of
employers to freely hire and fire
their employees, India will benefit
more from fixing the current
regressive benefits regime.
comment. (200 Words).
The labour law reforms are often equated
with giving flexibility to employers to hire
and fire as per production needs and
relaxation of the restrictive regime of laws.
However, the current benefits regime which
taxes heavily on income, savings, pension,
insurance and gratuity for workers also need
to be fixed.
The objective of labour law reforms is not
only to incentivize employment and industry
but also to gradually transition its 92% of
informal workforce into mainstream formal
employment.
This
will
improve
productivity, output and protect the labour
interests.
Within benefits regime, considering first the
savings on income, there is a 12% cap on
contribution to Employee provident fund by
employers and employee alike. This puts
more burden on lesser income workforce
and reduces take-home salary. Besides the
orphan accounts and unclaimed interests on
such accounts show an apathy to such
scheme.
Second, considering the pension and gratuity
schemes wherein a more choice shall be
accorded to choose between the defined
contribution scheme of the new National
pension scheme and defined benefits scheme
of the EPFO.
Besides gratuity limit of 5 year is useless in
short term contracts and employments which
are renewed periodically on contract.

Finally, within insurance, the choice

between Employee State insurance (ESI)
and health insurance must be given to the
employee. It is usually seen that ESIC is not
providing a worthy value for money
compared to market schemes.
The mismatch with the global standards and
the pressing need for structural changes in
times of global volatility have only
highlighted the need for reforms. The
services sector provides employment to too
few of workforce and also leads to cluster
development which are islands of excellence
such as Bangalore, Noida or Gurgaon cyber
city. The manufacturing sector growth
which has strong potential to provide a
hinge to economy and provide employment
to the masses depends on relaxation and
restructuring in labour law regime.

12.2The role of individual MPs has

diminished over the years and as a
result healthy constructive debates
on policy issues are not usually
witnessed. How far can this be
attributed to anti defection law,
which was legislated but with a
different intention? ( 200 words )
In recent years, we can see absence of
marathon debates on a vital policy issue in
parliament. The anti-defection law partly
contribue to this.
This law was enacted to check party jumpers
and thus to secure political stability. The
MPs of a political party cant vote against
their party whip. Logically, this law doesnt
prevent an opposing stand against partys
view; it only obstructs a conscience vote. In
the absence of chance of making an impact,
there is little encouragement for debate. This
law also partly results in transforming the
parties into command and family

organisation, thus effectively preventing

voices of alternative policies into houses.
Apart from anti-defection law, few other
changes in Indian polity also contributed to
current scenario. The two national parties
have similar opinions on vital economic and
foreign policy issue. Thus, instead of
opposing view, political ruckus prevails.
Increased share of industrialist, criminalist
MPs to the tune of 70%; absence of deep
understanding on policy; increased number
of regional parties in RS, LS who cares
only political and regional issues also
contributes to dangerous trend.
Even though, the debate isnt happening on
the floor, the Parliamentary committees are
submitting dissent notes. The party whips
doesnt exist here, showing that defection
law has impact on the debates.
While anti-defection partly contributes to
mute parliament, a host of other factors also
play their role.

12.3What are the causes of begging

by children in India? How can it be
reduced? Critically analyze. (200
Words)
Answer - Little children loitering around the
streets in ragged clothes and unhygienic
appearances, spreading arms at people
passing by is not an uncommon scene in any
busy parts of India nowadays. This social
problem stems from a myriad of factors.
Sustained poverty and unemployment
compels many families to send their child to
beg, which provides them with a fairly good
earning each day for survival. This practice
eventually creates a sort of lethargy among

family members that prevents them from

seeking alternate source of income

Food transfer scheme has several challenges

viz.

Another major cause is a result of the

activities of beggar mafias who use lost
children or abduct children to use them for
begging. The collective money earned by
several child beggars makes it a lucrative
job for them to get easy money.

(a) Burden of procurement and storage with

FCI.

The only way to curb this menace is to

integrate not only the destitute child but also
their family into the mainstream of society
by providing them gainful employment .
The families should be made aware of the
importance of educating their children
through counselings and campaigns. The
children saved from begging should be
properly
rehabilitated
by
providing
vocational training in higher classes so that
they become earning members of the family
earlier. Stringent measures should be taken
to tackle beggar mafias and child
trafficking. Also public at large should stop
encouraging begging and work towards their
rehabilitation.

(c) Fiscal health aspect is also there. The

food inflation has been high and with rising
wheat and rice prices the burden of the
government in bound to increase.

12.4 What do you understand by

poverty gap? Do you think cash
transfers are a best way to life
people from poverty? Substantiate
with examples from India. (200
Words)
Answer - Poverty gap refers to the cost of
lifting the people living below poverty line
out of chronic poverty.
The government has gone for food transfer
model rather than cash transfer model, for
the implementation of Food Security Act.

(b) Concerns of leakages and diverting the

food grain to black market by the fair price
shops.

Money Transfer could have been a better

approach as it would have lowered leakages
and exclusion of poor.
How Money transfer works:
Let say that the prices of is rice Rs. 20 per
kg in open market. The Food Security Act
allows a beneficiary to buy rice at Rs. 3 per
kilo. Now the beneficiary might not have a
bank account, so the government transfers
Rs. 17 to the fair price shop for every kilo of
rice that is procured.
Now, when the beneficiary buys food from
the FPS, he pays Rs. 3, rest if paid by the
government and the shopkeeper has no
reason to divert the food grain to open
market as he is selling at same price as
outside.
Also, FCI can disburse food grains twice a
year instead of bearing the burden of hold
stocks through out the year.

12.5 What is the criteria for

granting special category State
status to Indian states? Do you
think granting of this special status
helps states to develop? Analyze
with examples. (200 Words)
(developmental issue)
Answer - Special category State status is
granted by National Development Council
.There are five criteria and the status
depends on getting all five check boxes
ticked. These criteria as:
1. Economic and social backwardness
2. Location on an international boundary
3. Difficult geographical area
4. Low population density with high tribal
population.
5. Nonviable nature of state finances
As of now 11 states have this status and
many are demanding to get included in
special category . Special category status is
something like reservation which works on
principle of positive discrimination and
inclusive growth. Like Indian society Indian
states are very diverse and unequal in many
ways .
Special status helps in all round
development of states as State received
many benefit like get 90 per cent of normal
plan assistance in the form of grants,
Corporate tax and excise duty waiver to
attract industry , Special development fund
from centre .
But Special status helps financially to
overcome
social
and
economic

backwardness but does not empower states .

Many of these states mainly North Eastern
lack resources both human and institutional
to better utilize these benefit. As a result we
are not seeing any substantial development
in special category states. More focus is
needed on capacity building sides and
composite
development
index
as
recommended by Raghuram Rajan
Committee .

12.6What do you understand by

Scenario Planning? How useful is
this method in Indian context?
Examine.
Scenario planning makes a qualitative
assessment of the forces that affect the
economy but cannot be easily quantified like
social and political forces and condition of
institutions. It projects the trends of the
economy depending how the social-political
forces take shape. It creates various
scenarios and associated outcomes and
serves as a system analysis to help locate
various leverage points at which decision
makers can act to rectify the problem.
The 12th FYP plan mentions about three
possible scenarios-strong inclusive growth,
insufficient action and policy logjam. I
India is struggling with high levels of
inequality, unemployment and poverty. With
changes social circumstances and increase in
awareness of citizens any insufficient and
inefficient action can cause protests which
has been witnessed in the past years.Driven
by lack of trust these protests lead to a
policy logjam which makes carrying out
reforms more difficult.

So to implement inclusive growth strategies

efficiently,scenario planning is very well
suited to India. The government can work on
leverage points offered by scenario planning
like efficient ,smooth and corruption free
functioning of institutions.This can increase
citizens trust,dampen protest,ease the
political logjam and enable policy reforms.
Economic growth and development dost not
only depend on economic factors but also on
social and political factors incorporating
diverse views and various disciplines.
Scenario planning,thus,understands the
interplay of principal forces internal and
external, shaping Indias progress and offers
solutions to different problems
Discuss the recent trends in international
migrations. Do you think increased
migrations are threat to native cultural
identity? Comment. (250 Words)
Link
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
103
Q--What are the objectives and uses of
estimation of poverty line? Do you think
these estimations have helped to meet those
objectives effectively? Critically comment.

2. To prioritize the anti poverty measures for

fund and resource allocation
3. For identification of section of people
who are poor
4. For designing
programmes

poverty

alleviation

5. For evaluation of the effectiveness of the

implemented programme
Critical analysis:
The poverty estimation experiments in India
have seen dramatic shifts from being calorie
intake based to now a more composite
nutrient(calories, proteins, fats) based
benchmark coupled with other normative
consumption needs(clothing, rent, transport
etc). However some of the shortcomings are:
1. It does not account for access and
delivery of public services in estimating
poverty due to methodological challenges
and which is a crucial parameter in a sense
to gauge the impact of the previously
implemented govt welfare schemes.
2. Robustness of such Poverty data is
questioned since the findings are primarily
based on sample survey of NSSO which is
undermined by its narrower sample
coverage.

Objectives :

3. Lack of Granularity(level of details): eg.

How many households unable to meet
nutritional norms, where are these located
etc.

1. To support the development of policies

which promote social justice and combat
poverty

4. No safety net for vulnerable section of

households who are above the poverty line
but very close to it.

Business Standard

5. Errors of Wrong Exclusion: because of

absence of reliable and feasible method of
combining estimation and identification and
the planning policies regimented to
mechanical linking of NSS based sample
estimates, the poverty estimates and its
impact on targeted programmes are usually
off the mark.
Having said that, in a country with a vast
population under poverty, Universalization
of welfare programmes remains the most
effective tool to ensuring livelihood security
and attainment of the goals of these poverty
estimation exercises.
Q--Critically analyse various formulae used
to identify the number of people below and
above poverty line in the country.
The Hindu
In post-independence period,
constituted four committees
Committee,
Lakdawala
Tendulkar committee and
committee for deciding the
Poverty line.

India has
Alagh
committee,
Rangarajan
criteria for

Since, before Liberalisation Health and

education were supposed to be taken care by
the government, Alagh and Lakdawala
committee focused mainly on calorie intake.
Lakdawala committee, moreover, suggested
to update the prices of edibles considered for
estimation to be updated regularly using
CPI-AL and CPI-IW.
These estimates were based on base-prices
of 1973-74. Since, the consumption pattern
changed a lot over time, Tendulkar
committee was constituted to review the
estimates. He suggested to take into account

entertainment, health and a basket of food

items for estimating poverty line. Also, the
committee suggested a new method of
updating prices instead of using CPI-AL and
CPI-IW.
Government faced a lot of criticism when
using these estimates, it stated a huge
decline in number of people below poverty
line from year 2004-05 to 2010-11. Prices
for consumption per day used for estimating
poverty line also drew flak for being very
low at Rs 27 in rural area and Rs 33 in urban
area.
After a lot of criticism, Rangarajan
committee was constituted to review poverty
line estimates.
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
104
Q--Examine how poverty line is defined in
the USA and Europe. Can India adopt their
methodology? Comment.
Business Standard
Poverty line is a financial figure,below
which an individual would be considered to
be unable to enjoy a minimum acceptable
quality
of
life
in
terms
of
food,shelter,clothing and health etc.
In India,till recently,poverty line was
decided on the basis of Tendulkar committee
which has considered private consumer
expenditure as an anchor for poverty
estimation. Tendulkar committee moved
away from the calorie intake norms for

calculating poverty as
Lakdawala Committee.

suggested

by

In USA and Europe,Poverty line is relative

rather than absolute as in India.In USA
below 40% of median average income is
considered as poor whereas it is 60% for
Europe.
Last year after the uproar against the low
poverty line of RS 32 per person per day in
urban area and RS 26 in rural
area,Rangarajan committee was setup to
suggest poverty line.
Rangarajan Committee has delinked the
estimation of poverty from a fixed level of
consumption.Committee has recommended
that bottom 35% of rural India and 25% of
urban India should be defined as poor.He
has moved away from absolute poverty line
to relative poverty line as calculated in US
and Europe.
Poverty is a multidimensional concept.it has
to assess in holistic perspective taking
account of relative deprivation.Any poverty
line calculation either based on the calorie
intake norms or even fixing the expenditure
for private consumption for health and
education cant assess poverty in its all
dimensions.In India where the per capita
income are low,any assessment flaw of
poverty can deprive a large section from the
basic social support measures.
Ranarajan committee recommendation is a
step in right direction for providing accurate
and inclusive assessment of poor for policy
making and targeting.
A comprehensive multidimensional view of
poverty is needed. For that we need to

differentiate between basic facilities and

then other entitlements. In terms of basic
facilities there should not be any BPL/APL
distinction while other entitlements could be
better estimated through the above EU
approach.
Q--Entitlement programmes should be
delinked from the poverty line . Critically
comment.
The Hindu
In India , the poverty line is used for dual
purpose. First statistics to calculate the % of
population below it. Secondly, to target the
social sector programmes to the BPL
.Unfortunately, The govt. has been
underestimating the poverty line to claim
success in its poverty alleviation measures.
The basic aim of entitlement programmes is
to provide essential goods and services to
the citizens at subsidised rates. As covering
the entire population in any scheme would
be
gigantic
and
financially
and
administratively not viable, schemes have
been linked with poverty line and
subsequently targeted.
The issues in linking with poverty line are
1) defining the poverty line is itself arbitrary
and consequently prone to criticism and
politicisation. Different committees like the
tendulkar committee, rangarajan committee
had been formed to define poverty line, but
none were free from controversy.
2) identifying people below the poverty line
is another issue. A person who is differently
abled may be above poverty line but she
may not have any source of income, and in

serious need of support might be excluded

from a scheme.

and hence is possibly a way forward for our

schemes.

3) the inherent inclusion and exclusion

errors are enormous and very hard to reduce
due to vested interests and other
administrative reasons.

Q--The poverty is not an independent cause

of malnutrition. An improvement in
sanitation and cleanliness will eliminate
much of the difference in malnutrition
between India and the rest of the world, and
across Indian States. In the light of the
statement, critically analyse the nature of
malnutrition in India and what factors
should be kept in mind while framing
strategies to deal with it.

INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION

GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
105
4) poverty line considers only the economic
aspect of people but the inherent social,
traditional aspects of our society are not
considered.
But linking with poverty line has certain
advantages
1) It helps in easy monitoring the outcomes
and affect of any scheme.
2) Poverty line is universally used criteria
and hence will let foreign countries and
organisations such as the world bank to
judge our policies in an easier way.
3) as most schemes have the specific
objective of reducing poverty, linking with
poverty is thus an easier, viable and
accepted option.
But, examples like universalisation of PDS
in Tamil Nadu have shown that delinking
has had considerable positive affect doing
away with any exclusion. There is the
assumption that if universalised , only the
needy would use the services and not all,
thus it is economically viable. Tamil Nadu
and other states have proved this assumption

The Hindu
Till now people used to think that Poverty is
the main cause of malnutrition. However,
the Planning commission report on this
shows something else. In a decade the
Poverty in Rural and Urban areas both
declined significantly (based on Committees
on Poverty reports). However, the
percentage malnutrition level, stunned
children has reduced insignificantly. A
closer look portrays a different picture.
Public Health Facility deficiencies
emerged as the major cause of
malnutrition, when compare the data
other countries of similar GDP and
across state.

has
the
with
also

The major cause of malnutrition are lack of

clean water, sanitation, unawareness about
health related information and food
nutrition. Infact 25% of the malnutrition
children belongs to high wealth families.
To improve on reducing this the
Government should focus on clean water,
breast feeding for infants, preventive

Vaccination this will reduce the infant

mortality and malnutrition significantly.
Along with this the focus should also go
access to toilet which will reduce the gastro
intestinal diseases and stunned growth.
Primary education specially to women can
also reduce it.
Hence, instead of focusing on Food Security
Program the Govt, should focus more on
Programs like Swach Bharat
Q--What do you understand by absolute
poverty? Discuss about urban poverty in
India in the light of estimates given by
various committee reports.
Business Standard
Absolute
poverty
is
a
condition
characterised by deprivation of basic
facilities like drinking water, sanitation,
health, education and information. It is
estimated based on a set of standards which
is universal across time and countries. In
India, planning commission estimates
absolute poverty in both rural and urban
areas.
Rangarajan
committee
has
recently
estimated poverty line for years 2011-12 to
be at 29% as against Suresh Tendulkar
committee estimates of 22%. Also It has
estimated urban poverty to be at 26% very
much greater than the earlier estimates and
is in almost equal proportion with rural
poverty. These figures indicate the failure of
government measures in tackling urban
poverty and the urgent need to recognise the
extent and nature of urban poverty equal to
rural poverty to increase the policy focus in
reducing it. In addition to the systemic

inadequacies in providing housing, basic

facilities for urban poor, other causes for this
increasing urban poor are increased rural
urban migration, contracting industrial
sector and growing underskilled labour
force. Industrial sector is unable to absorb
the migrating labour force leading to
increased urban unemployment, slum
population and widening inequality. Failure
of providing basic services like education,
health has increased the out of expenditure
for the urban poor thereby keeping them in
poverty. Government flagship schemes like
Rajiv awas yojana, national urban livelihood
mission, jnnurm have reached only a
fraction of the urban poor as the target
population are determined solely by
consumption and income parameters and not
based on residential, occupational and
livelihood parameters. These challenges
have to be addressed to tackle the urban
poverty.
Efficient delivery of public services, proper
targeting of urban poor through schemes,
improving skills of labour force and
encouraging manufacturing sector to absorb
these skills will help in reducing the urban
poor in India.

13.Urbanization (problems
and remedies)
13.1Do you agree with the view that
rapid urbanization in India would
dilute casteism and caste a major
factor in elections? Justify. (200
Words)
In rural areas, cast cleavages are much
prominent and people carry their ascriptive

identities througout their life. Dr B.R.

Ambedkar, while opposing proposals of
Gandhian Idea of decentralisation of power
to Village communities, termed Village
communities as dens of ignorance, illetracy
and Communalism. This was because social
evils were rampant there in comparison to
cities. In the urban areas, modern way of life
in which women and depressed classes are
more involved in work,helps in shedding
prejudices which they carry in rural areas.
This can be testified by the fact that, Almost
all the modern ideas, movements have 1st
initiated in cities and then they were spread
to rural areas, where they met with even
more resistance.

13.2 The answer to cleaning air

and water lies in reforming our
regulatory framework. Comment.
(200 Words)
Answer - The control on air and water
pollution lies on two statutory bodies. These
are Central and State Pollution Boards, the
former monitors the pollution level in union
territory and advises the central government
in measures to control pollution whereas the
later looks into the pollution with the state
territory.
The air pollution is India has been rising day
by day. The capital state New Delhi has
become the worlds most polluted city. This
not only will hamper the environment but
also living conditions of the citizens. The
sources of pollution are much diversified so
we have to see that all polluting sectors are
incentivized as well as penalized for
violation. This carrot and stick formula can
be implemented by the regulators of
different sectors.

Here we take the example of civil aviation

regulator i.e. Directorate General of Civil
Aviation (DGCA). If DGCA decides to
reduces airport taxi [where planes are
parked] charges for newer cleaner airplanes
in our airports then the players of aviation
industry will invest more on newer planes
rather than used ones. Same can be said
about the thermal energy players,
automotive sector. What is the need of the
time is co-ordination between the
Central/state pollution boards with other
regulators to look into the pollution as a loss
which the industry must avoid to bear.
A change in the functioning of the regulators
will bring change in air pollution.

13.3 The lack of resources is only a

part of the challenge of urban
development in India. What are the
non-financial challenges to
sustainable urbanization in India?
How to overcome them? Critically
analyze. (200 Words)
Answer - Along with the lack of resources
lack of proper planning and poorly
functioning or dysfunctional administrative
machinery are key areas that are becoming a
challenge to sustainable urbanization in
India.
The deteriorating service delivery which
includes lack of proper sewage systems,
piped water connections, inadequate systems
for treating waste water and solid waste,
inaccessibility to toilets, growing slums,
poor coverage of public transport and
shortage of urban housing are few of the
challenges in front of urban administration.

The problem arises from the lack of support

and financial or administrative autonomy for
the third tier of administration i.e. the
municipalities or municipal corporations.
There is no centralization of data which
leads to inefficiency and corruption.
Executive authority lies majorly on the
municipal commissioner who is appointed
by the state government. The master plans
prepared by most cities are less socioeconomically, financially inclusive and not
in coordination with district or regional
development plans.
There are a number of solutions through
which these problems could be addressed.
These include giving more authority to the
mayor who is the elected representative of
the people. Capacity building in various
areas such as project management, finance,
accounts preferably through competitive
examinations. As per the recommendation of
2nd ARC, activity mapping should be
underataken to facilitate division of labour
between the local and state government.
Also extremely necessary is unification of
land record keeping, integration of land use
with transport planning, and embedding
municipal plans into district and regional
plans.

13.4From caste discrimination

through forced marriages to sexselective abortions, entrenched
practices among sections of the
British South Asian diaspora pose
continuing challenges. Comment.
(200 Words)
Violence against women is something South
Asian community is associated with,

particularly Indian subcontinent. However, it

was believed that it was exclusive only to
people residing here. The prevalent practice
among diaspora as well, will certainly come
as surprise to many, as they are considered
elite and educated with certain moral values.
Living in Rome, dos not make everyone
Roman. The cultural and social beliefs of a
community is shaped by years of practice. It
will not change overnight. The South Asian
diaspora living in western countries are not
living there since ancient times. Many of
them return to their native countries after
retirement making them reluctant to give
their old age practices.
The British South Asian Diaspora chiefly
comprises people of India, Pakistan,
Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. They migrated
to Britain in varied period such as in British
East India Company, British Raj, during first
and Second world war and now due to
education and employment. The community
of British South Asian numbers more than 4
million residing in various part of the
country.
The community though is educated and well
to do, The caste related prejudices and
(forced) marriages are prevalent to the
extent that European Parliament had to pass
a resolution calling for EU Institutions to
include procedures against the caste
discrimination practices.
In addition, there have many instances of
sex selective abortion which have been
found. The south Asian British women are
sometimes under social and cultural pressure
to abort the female foetuses.

The Indian Diaspora among the British

South Indians is an important constituent of
our identity across the world. It is hence the
need of the hour to turn our attention for
such depreciating practises and make every
efforts to curb it down

13.5Analyze how encouraging the

growth of rental housing helps in
alleviation of urban housing
problems? What measures has
government taken in this
regard.(200 Words)
13.6Sustainable and equitable
urban development is possible only
when our cities adequately address
the issue of housing the poor.
Critically analyze the problem of
housing for the poor in Indian
cities. (200 Words)
Link
Critically evaluate the success of JNNURM
in improving the conditions of urban poor
with suitable examples. (250 Words)
Link
JNNURM was the flagship programme to
bring inclusive development to urban areas.
The scheme ended in 2012 and the results h
JNNURM has been able to improve the
conditions of urban citizens esp. poor to
some extent. Better infrastructure, water
supply, garbage disposal mechanism are
visible across many cities. Indores transport
service is running profits. PimpriChinchwad wastage disposal is modernised
and effective. More than 4 lakhs houses

have been constructed for urban poor. Red

buses of JNNURM have become a common
sight across major cities.
However there have been issues with the
quality of houses constructed. Most of the
construction work is subpar and site
selection was done without consulting the
stakeholders. The eligible persons also vary
due to difference in recognition of slums as
seen in Mumbai and Chennai. Lack of an
integrated approach means some projects are
stuck in delay due to lack of permission
from line departments. Chandigarhs water
supply system is yet to take off.
Most of ULBs are still dependent on centre
and state for funds and have seen no
capacity building. The optional services like
giving land to EWS remained on paper
only. Basic Services to Urban Poor [BSUP]
though officially covered in 63 cities hasnt
been able to improve conditions much.
Yet the success of JNNURM should not be
discarded. It has been affected because of
functioning in a bureaucratic, nonparticipative ecology. It has been able to
better the conditions of urban poor. ULBs
have become aware of their deficiencies.
The short time frame in which it operated
did not deter it functioning as a missionmode project.
What is needed is to learn the lessons from
it and pursue further development in the
urban sphere.

13.7In your opinion which

urbanisation related issues need to
be addressed immediately? and
why? Comment.

to its people must not be delayed any more.

A systematic plan with participation of all
stake holders must be created and put into
effect as soon as possible.

The unregulated expansion of urban areas

have put an enormous strain on the
public resources and civic amenities such
as drinking water, sanitation and housing.
It has also come with an environmental
cost- where industrial and traffic
pollution has made the natural elements
in urban areas toxic. While all these
problems need enormous amount of
effort, time and money to be solved,
certain issues such as ensuring a
minimum standard of life to urban poor
must stand at the front- as it is related to the
basic human right of a life with dignity.

Growing numbers finds place at already

crowded city areas owing to paucity of
sufficient number of houses either due to
unavailability or unaffordability considering
sky-rocketing prices. This further degrades
the living environment of such areas. Thus
Urban Housing needs to be focused on
priority basis. JNNURM addresses this
issue. It further needs to be strengthened .
Simultaneously mission PURA needs to
bring in more areas under its coverage to
check rising Rural-Urban trend of
migration.

The men who are most vital to an urban

space such as the waste collector,
industrial workers, sanitation workers
etc. end up living in inhuman conditions
in slums with no basic facilities such as
water supply, electricity and toilets. These
slums that dot almost every urban
landscape in India must be converted into
places
that
ensure
minimum
requirements of life. While in some cities,
slums are replaced with high rise
apartments funded by the govt. to give
these poor a better quality of life, it is a
sad reality that such projects are marred
with corruption- the poor dont benefit
from them and the contractors make
windfall profit by using sub standard
materials, endlessly delaying construction
etc.
As a nation that is a self proclaimed welfare
state, the matter of providing a dignified life

With organic evolution of cities its urban

fringe increases which inhabits large city
working population. Efficient and rapid
Public Transport System is needed to
mobilize this population. It will led to
decongestion of crowded city areas as well
as city streets.
Sprawling cities generates urban waste in
equal magnitude which affects human
health, groundwater as well as air quality.
Often their disposal causes clashes of
rural population and Municipalties.
Scientific
disposal
and
peoples
participation must be encouraged to tackle
this issue .

13.8What is a city system? Explain

how and why reforming municipal
bodies is crucial to reforming city
systems.
City systems refer to the laws,
policies, institutions and institutional

processes,
and
accountability
mechanisms, that pervade the functioning
of municipal corporations and which
determine the quality of life of citizens.
City systems are, therefore, root causes.
It basically aims to provide quality of life to
city dwellers by ensuring accessibility and
availability of physical infrastructure like
transports systems, roads, sewerage
systems, garbage handling systems etc.
and social infrastructure like provision of
safety, security and freedom from
pollution etc. The city system depends
directly on the concept of democratic
decentralization which was ensured first
as Directive Principle of State Policy and
later though 73rd and 74th amendments
of our constitution by assigning
constitutional status to the the Gram
Panchayats and Municipalities.
But beyond the perennial grievance of the
absence of the funds, functions and
functionaries to these local government
bodies there is a strong shortage of faith in
this constitutionally mandated system by the
other two tiers of the government. Firstly,
the laws governing these bodies and their
powers are either inadequate or archaic and
not in tune with the demographic transition
of modern times. The revenue shared by
the governments have always been
inadequate for the survival and effective
administration by these local bodies.
Secondly, except a few, (Delhi and Patna)
municipal bodies cant recruit their own
functionaries to meet their requirements
of human resource. Thirdly, these bodies
are not empowered with suitable legislations
to regulate the haphazard growth of our

cities. It is an urgent requirement to

empower these bodies with suitably
legislated planning and design related laws.
Fourthly, the whole idea behind their
constitution was to bring governance closer
to people by ensuring their active
participation but because of hijacking of
these bodies by people with vested
interests and local stooges of state-level
and national politicians these bodies have
not been able to ensure peoples
participation. This has to be rectified by
ensuring timely elections and exhorting
common man to participate in them

13.9Q-With an example, critically

examine the flaws associated with
urban planning in India. What
suggestions would you give to
overcome these flaws? Explain.
Urban planning is generally referred as
future planning of urban areas based upon
the anticipated inputs and environment
conditions after say 20 years from now. An
efficient urban planning is often considered
as the panacea of the many problems which
often create hurdles in urban governance.
Urban planning essentially includes forecast
of many variables such as population
growth, migration, job growth and kind of
jobs, income distribution, travel demand and
mode of transport etc. Based upon this data,
the planners design an efficient land use
plan to create residential, commercial and
industrial areas along with open spaces,
hospitals, park etc.
However, the urban planning as various
reports and experiences have shown, suffer
from certain flaws. The prominent among

them is the exclusion of transport in the

planning as it is the responsibility of another
agency, exclusion of slums and many other
areas which are important for planning but
beyond the reach of their control. Planners
also have no way to know how the world
will change in future with the kind of
economy, technology and policy changes.
Policies and planning that followed in haste
led to improper land use, building of
flyovers more than required, No proper
land for disposal, No accommodation for
water conservation methods and clearing
trees for residential and commercial
purposes. These had a devastating affects
on climate control and environment.
The solution to urban planning lies in
making decisions which are pragmatic .
Strengthening municipal bodies and
planning department in muncipal bodies
and Having task force like- Bengaluru
task force,which civil society association
which will recommend the plan.
Company's Bus so that people can switch
from their personal car.

13.10Q--Examine why southern

states of India are more urbanized
that their counterparts in the rest of
India.
Mostly migrants are labours and the
unemployed youth which have been finding
their destination in the cities opportunistic
culture owing to the government effort of
development.
Remote farming where , farmer move to
city and carry out farming activity from city.

Unique geographical settlement in states

like Kerala where homes are built
alongside road making statistical agency
to consider it in urban area.

Roads,
railways
and
private
commutation have been added their own
contribution for asking people to easily
move to cities.
Role of LPG in contributing PUSH and
PULL of population.
Whether to take urbanization in a positive or
negative sense will totally depend upon the
policies
and
management
of
the
infrastructure
by
respective
state
government.
d) Many areas earlier classified as rural have
got better facilities and have been merged
with a municipality or corporations and are
urban now.
e) In many districts, people have taken up a
non-agricultural occupation even if they
have only studied up to class eight. So the
area is classified as urban even though it is
surrounded by fields.

13.11Q) Critically comment on the

smart city concept.
Given the fact that the existing cities, which
accommodate a bulk of the population,
waste a lot of resources and are energyinefficient, Smart city is a concept where
life is technologically driven with efficient
use of energy and resources. For example,
if you have forgotten to turn off a light in
your house and you are in train to your
workplace which is 40km away, you can

still switch it off remotely. This is called

smart grid technology.
With the age of smart phone gripping our
lives already, it is good time for
governments and stakeholders to create the
digital city life.
Smart City: There is no definition of
Smart city as such. However, it can be
presumed that these cities would mobilize
the Information and Communication to
deliver better services, reduce the carbon
foot
print,
create
a
sustainable
environment,
provide
better
job
opportunities and living conditions. It
would be planned on the outskirts of the
existing cities. The Government has
allocated around Rs. 7000 crore in this
budget, liberalised the existing FDI norms
to bring funds and looking for PPP model to
develop them.
However, there are a few worrisome point
behind against these noble ideas.
1. The Government has allocated Rs 7000
crore in this budget which is around Rs 70
crore per city, this is definitely not enough.
It is good only if its like a initial token
amount to kick start the project and later
more funds will be arranged.
2. The smart cities will be developed on the
outskirts of the existing cities. its possible
that instead of easing the burden on the
existing one it can become a barricaded
area between rich and poor.
3. The Land development is a state subject
and states active enthusiastic participation is
necessary. this can only happen when the
center can arrange enough funds for them

The Smart cities will definitely help India to

join the urbanization race, where at
present we are lagging and by 2050 we
would be least urbanised country in the
world at the present rate. However, its
important to ensure its equitable and
inclusive nature.

13.12Q---In the context of growth of

Indian cities, critically analyse the
process of urbanisation and its
effect on water availability.
UN Water
Indian cities severely face a shortage of
water for drinking and commercial purposes
both. To this the increasing migration of
people from rural areas has aggravated the
problem.
Problems in the process of urbanisation
1) land in and around cities is extremely
expensive and this has led to increased
encroachment upon public lands and
especially water bodies such as ponds ,
lakes.
2) excessive usage of pumps and bore wells
due to affordability has depleted ground
water .
3) Due to immense network of roads , the
surface run off does not percolate into the
ground and our cities lack facilities to
prevent and store water from surface run off.
4) urbanisation in itself consumes more
water as in use of water for recreational
purposes such as water parks, swimming
pools. Inefficient use due to switching
interest to showers, spas, jacuzzi etc.

5) to sustain the needs of the urban

population, water is increasingly being
transported from nearby rural areas,
depriving them of their water bodies. Which
inturn is leading to urbanisation.
But, the advantage of urbanisation is that
any sincere measure to conserve water can
be easily implemented due to increased
awareness, literacy and government control.
Example of Tamil Nadu should be a lesson
to all the states. Tamil Nadu has made it
mandatory to have provision for rain water
harvesting for any structure. This has
considerably replenished ground water
tables and water bodies in major cities of
Tamil Nadu.
Our urban population has become
increasingly aware and active. Thus, they
just need a push and will definitely
contribute towards improving their water
condition.

13.13Q. Hardly 10 per cent of

sewage generated in the country is
treated to recycle water. Critically
examine the reasons and offer
solutions to address this problem.
Reasons behind the failure of the
conventional sewage treatment techniques
are:a) High installation, running and
maintenance cost of sewage treatment
plants.
b) Requirement of technical manpower and
high amounts of energy for its operation.

c) Economic returns on investment in

wastewater cleaning are too little to recover
input costs.
A.
FFF
to
bodies.Decentralization

local

Solution:A new wastewater purification technology

is developed by the Indian Agricultural
Research
Institute
(IARI).
This
technology uses a plant, Typha latifolia,
which grows naturally in wetlands, instead
of chemicals, as the cleansing agent to
decontaminate dirty water. The technology
improves the quality of wastewater to levels
comparable with groundwater.
Typha latifolia has some handy special traits
for wastewater purification. The most
significant of these is its ability to transfer
oxygen gathered by its leaves to its roots
which, in turn, release it in the water around
them. It creates conditions conducive to the
emergence and growth of water-cleansing
micro-organisms around the roots and in the
medium in which these roots grow. These
organisms either sequester or remove
organic and inorganic pollutants, including
heavy metals, present in sewer water, or
modify them into relatively less hazardous
types. The resultant treated water is, thus,
safe for irrigation and several other uses
without further purification.
Benefits of this technology:a) It requires just one per cent of the energy
normally consumed by conventional
wastewater treatment plants.

b) It does not need skilled people to operate

it and produces no sludge, which normally
poses disposal problems for conventional
sewage recycling ventures.

3) Urban Pollution is rising due to modern

lifestyle. Indian cities produce 180,000 tons
of garbage every day, most of which ends up
in huge rubbish heaps or landfills.

c) The treatment cost is 50 to 65 per cent

lower than that of conventional methods.

4) Due to high migration, Unemployment is

rising which lead to crimes like betting,
alcohol and theft, Beggary etc.

d) A harvestable vegetative biomass is

produced as a by-product, which can be sold
out.
e) Environment-friendly technique and
provide economic remunerations (Cash for
Trash business model).

13.14Q--Critically
examine
the
major issues and challenges that
India faces as her urbanisation
proceeds.
The urban population of India had already
crossed the 285 million mark by 2001. By
2030, more than 50 per cent of Indias
population is expected to live in urban areas.
Where high living standards, rationality,
employment opportunities, infrastructure
access are some merits and pulling factors of
urbanization, there are some demerits and
challenges too.
These challenges are1) Overcrowding forces people to live in
unsafe conditions which also includes illegal
buildings. Slums are increasing due to
inadequate housing planning and account to
more than 25% of the total urban population.
2) Increasing congestion creating
transport and traffic problems.

the

5) Higher economic inequality between

slum dwellers and profession society in
cities.
6) Problems of continuous supply of
drinking water due to higher consumption
and demand.
7) Sewage problems as only few cities treat
their sewage (excrement and waste water)
before discharge into rivers, sea and lakes.
8) Diseases like dengue, malaria, typhoid,
swine flu, diarrhea and respiratory ailments
are on the rise.
9) Overload on existing infrastructure like
hospitals, schools and recreational facilities.
74th Amendment to the Constitution
emphasized the importance of urban local
bodies (ULBs). There is need to provide
better revenue resources to ULBs and
improve their staffing and competencies to
fight these challange.
(Solution: Not required in the question)
It is high time to re-frame a proper
National Policy on Urbanization for better
planning on land use, building regulations,
road construction and delivery of key
services such as water supply, sanitation,
transport, and solid waste disposal, while

ensuring adequate mobilization of the

necessary financial resources.

near rivers turned open sewers , this is

recipe for a potential human health hazard.

The Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban

Renewal Mission (JNNURM), RAJIV
AWAS YOJNA and SJSRY (SWARYA
JAYANTI SHAHRI ROZGAR YOJNA)
should
be
implemented
robustly.
Developing Satellite towns of large
metropolitan cities, establishing Rural
service centre are some key solution which
can help to face these challenges.

From
the
development
perspective,
unplanned growth and uncontrollable
growth leads to traffic , congestion and most
importantly tragic environmental hazards.
When huge sections of population are not
accommodated in the main stream organized
sectors , they not only become vulnerable to
any external social security shocks but may
also be forced to enter unproductive sector
leading to increasing crime rates..

Urbanization refers to the increasing number

of people living in the urban areas. It is a
result of structural changes in the economy
as part of the development process.
Effective
governance
enables
the
management of the issues arising due to
urbanization.

13.15Q-Discuss the emerging

problems being face by megacities
around the world.
Megacities are metropolitan areas with total
population of more 10 million people .It is
because of multitude of push and pull
factors these megacities hold highest density
of people.
Because of very high density of population,
these cities have great trouble in supply of
water, food housing, employment, providing
a basic level of sanitation and waste
management facilities to all. According to
World bank report, one third of the
developing world city population do not
have safe drinking water. Most importantly ,
the inadequate housing facilities gives them
no option but to settle in slums and
squatters. When these slums are situated

It is high time for all megacities, irrespective

of their location, to engage and to encourage
sustainable
development
where
the
development meets the needs of the present
generation without compromising the ability
of the future generation to meet their own
needs.
Emerging challenges in megacities have
heightened tensions for administrators all
over the world.
Major problem around the world for
megacities is pollution. Cities like London
& Paris have started regulating personal
vehicles to control it. Beijing had to create
artificial sunrise due to dense smog.
Sinking land because of sea level rise has
increased pressure on land in coastal
megacities. Growth of population as well as
pull migration has pressurized living space
& basic amenities. Problems like poor
drainage, traffic congestions & skyrocketing
food prices have made life difficult in these
megacities.
Rising inequalities among different social
strata has exacerbated crimes, creating

challenges for Law & Order maintenance.

Fast life & reduction in social interactions
have adversely affected the health. Diseases
like depression, headache & insomnia have
become common in these cities. People are
rapidly turning obese, thanks to shrinking
parks for exercise & bad food habits.
Innovative methods like promotion of
bicycles & decentralization of industries
have potential to address some of these
problems. Satellite cities may be created
around megacities, to reduce pressure.
Effective urban management having well
connected rural hubs for primary sources
like food are acute needs for megacities.

14.Globalisation (effects on
Indian society)
14.1Question - What were the major
reasons behind the recent
American credit bubble and the
Great Recession? Analyze. (200
Words)
Answer - Many factors directly and
indirectly caused the Great Recession.
Easy credit conditions during the 20022008
period,international trade imbalances, realestate bubbles that have since burst, fiscal
policy choices related to government
revenues and expenses, and approaches used
by nations to bail out troubled banking
industries and private bondholders are some
of the major reasons.
On the other side, if we talk about Housing
bubble, there are four primary causes which
are discussed as under:

1) Low mortgage interest rates: It

contributed to the housing bubble by
keeping monthly mortgage payments
affordable for more buyers even as home
prices rose.
2) Low short term interest rates: It
contributed by encouraging the use of
adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs), which
could provide buyer with a lower monthly
payment initially and also by encouraging
leveraging (investing with borrowed
money).
3) Relaxed standards for mortgage loans:
Due to government policies, greater
competition in mortgage loan market,
increasing securitization of home mortgage
debt, standards for mortgage loans were
relaxed which contributed towards housing
bubble.
4) Irrational exuberance: It played a key role
in housing bubble, as with all bubbles, when
all parties involved in creating the housing
bubble became convinced that home prices
would continue to rise.

14.2Question -. For the past five

years, the world economy has been
heavily influenced by the policy of
quantitative easing that the United
States Federal Reserve launched in
November 2008. Explain how? (200
Words)
Answer - US Fed purchase of bond assets to
inject liquidity. called Quantitative easing
(QE) has had far reaching impact on global
economies due to inter-linkages and free
flow of capital.

The impact of QE has been differential wrt

Emerging economies, mature economies and
export driven economies.

subsequent volatility need to be minimised

by adequate safeguards by respective
Central banks.

The Emerging economies witnessed a

massive capital inflow by FII chasing high
returns in demand driven growth economies
of Brazil, India, Indonesia, Turkey etc. The
situation however has reversed with the
announcement of taper by Fed which has
led to capital outflow from EMEs. This
may incur huge deficit on current account
and consequent depreciation of currency if
the economy is not guarded well.

What are the negative impacts of

globalisation on nations and their societies?
With examples, critically discuss.

Within the mature economies of Britain,

Japan, Germany in EU, which are at a
stagnant rate, the QE led to appreciation of
currency wrt dollar, this worsened exports
on one hand and had negligible effect on
stimulating their economy due to high
deflation.
In export driven economies such as China
and South East Asian countries of
Singapore, Thailand etc, QE has mixed
effect. FII capital is chasing returns in
Singapore and SEA nations since
announcement of taper,
While for China, its export market in US is
recovering since QE stimulates demand. But
the taper will eventually appreciate Yuan,
now, China maintains a fixed pegged
exchange rate hence its Central bank may
issue more currency which may overheat the
economy.

Globalisation refers to the movement of

people, ideas, resources, goods and services
across international boundaries throughout
the world.
While it has helped spur economic growth
and modernisation of societies, some of its
negative impacts are discussed below:
a) Spread of extremist ideasJihadist ideas have spread. Terror activities
are on the rise in most countries of the
world, crippling societies of peace and
progress. e.g. Many people from different
countries have joined ISIS as fighters.
b) ProtectionismEven in globalised world, some countries
practice protectionism- dont allow trade
(e.g. Russia recently banned food imports
from EU) or give high subsidies (e.g.
agricultural produce of developed countries)
c) Inverted duty structuresEspecially developing countries affected by
FTAs whereby cheap imports prevent
domestic industrial growth.
d) Brain Drain-

Since the QE and its taper by Fed is

announced keeping US economy in centre,
its effect on other economies is incidental
due to dollar as reserve currency. The

Skilled people from especially poor nations

move to richer nations. So source countries
are deprived of contribution in growth,
except that they send remittances.

e) Cyber influenceCyber attacks, spying etc. have increased.

This attacks privacy of nations and their
societies. e.g. USAs PRISM programme.
Also, porn, Deep Web (where illegal
drugs/arms etc. are sold with bitcoins) etc.
are increasing.
Therefore, nations and their societies face an
onslaught of cultural changes to which they
are exposed, and often lose their traditional
habits. Spread of illegal activities and ideas
also affects them. So, globalisation becomes
a double-edged sword necessitating nations
to keep their originality/traditional systems
intact come what may.

14.3Do you think increased

globalization is detrimental to
democracy? In the context of India,
critically comment.
Globalisation is a natural outcome of
increased economic activity and social
interaction. While globalisation bring social
integration, creates pressure to mend social
evils, brings economies of scale and reduces
chances of natural and political disasters it
also poses certain threats that are:
(a) Sovereignty threats: Agreement with
supranational regime reduces democratic
accountability and sovereignty of nation to
make its own laws.
(b) Domestic insenstivity: Supranational
regimes
that
attempt
to
reduce
discrimination by homogenising rules of
operation often become oblivious to local
needs. AMS clause of food subsidy of WTO
is a case to the point. It puts Indias food
security concern at peril.

(c) Economic threats: Financial mights of

MNCs poses existential threats to MSME.
While some MSME compete and float most
other are capsized in the process. For
instance Flipkart expanded and competed
with Amazon, retail sector feels maimed at
the same time.
(d) Cultural threats: Culture is a hertiage
having notional value. The M culture ( Mac
Ds, M Tv etc) challenges the soberity of
local culture. Yet, some times the
horrenduous
cultural
practices
like
paternalism are challenged for betterment.
Thus, the challenge poses by globalisation is
subjective and should be considered on case
to case basis. Neither outright rejection nor
total acceptance is the right approach.

14.4 Critically comment on the

impact of globalization on the
weaker sections of Indian society.
Globalization has made the world
interconnected. It has helped increase trade
volumes resulting into better economic
prospects. But at the same time it has
created monopolies and increased economic
inequalities.
Weaker sections of the society have to
depend on government for active support.
This is one of the few ways in which they
can improve their living conditions. But
globalization accompanied by liberalization
has receded the state from economic and
social sphere. This has made weaker
sections highly vulnerable. On top of that
poor implementation of policies in India has
further deteriorated the situation.

The old, disabled and unskilled find

themselves incompetent in the new
ecosystem driven by a constant flux of
technology. The increased automation of
processes and rise of service sector
bypassing the manufacturing sector has
created a situation of jobless growth in
India. The slowly breaking traditional family
system of India has been a sad reality of
Indian globalization experience. This has
made the old highly vulnerable.
But this does not mean globalization is
negative as a whole for weaker sections. In
India women had traditionally found
themselves highly disadvantaged. But
globalization
has
created
several
opportunities especially in the field of IT
and hospitality that has enabled them move
out into the public decision making domain.
Though this has also led to a spike in crime
against women as the patriarchal view has
not changed yet. But future does look bright
for them.
Globalization
today
is
a
reality.
Governments hands are tied in terms of
their distribution function. What is possible
though is empowerment through education,
health and skill development. That is the
way we must move forward on.
Globalization process was accelerated after
the reforms of 1991.This facilitated in
raising Indias GDP and thereby helping
India gain the status of emerging economy.
However the benefits has not been equitable
and the process has also affected certain
sections of the society badly, primarily the
weaker sections. These may be summarized
as follows:

1) With the opening of the economy

domestic products have had to compete with
better quality products. This has particular
effect on agri sector, esp those marginalized
farmers. Although govt has intervened to
through imposing of duties, in the long run,
tariff has to be brought down. This in turn
affects agricultural labourers mainly SCs
and STs.
2) Land acquisition by global companies has
displaced many with effect of loss of
livelihood. Impact is severe on tribals
entirely dependent on forests for livelihood.
3) Many unregulated export oriented
factories have come up, which have
degraded working place and usually employ
women and children who are exploited with
lower wage. Also these organizations dont
allow the formation of labour unions.
4) Globalization has resulted in increase in
migration. This has lead to breakdown of
joint family and aged people are left without
the traditional support structures.
5) When hosting big events and to show an
image of a developed city, slum dwellers are
evacuated. Eg: during Commonwealth
games in Delhi.
However, the impact has not been all
negative. The weaker sections have also
benefitted. Like increasing presence of
foreign nationals in doing social works like
providing education and health needs. Also
in world platforms the issues related to
weaker sections are discussed. Regional
groupings share each other experience in
handling problems related to weaker
sections and also co-operate with each other

in related programmes.MDG goals has

helped in providing a direction to govt social
sector schemes.
Thus while promoting globalization, weaker
section should be safeguarded from any
negative fallout and should be provided
training to adjust to the new scenario.

14.5Critically discuss the impact of

globalisation on tribal communities
of India.
After Globalization has entered in India,
more or less every section of the society is
greatly affected. Some may have been
benefited, while some may have been badly
affected. Tribal community is one of those
badly affected section of the society which
are most negatively impacted.
The impacts of Globalization on the Tribal
community or Indigenous community are
manifold. The absence of the voice of the
community makes it for the easy sweeping
from their own land. They are forcibly
evicted from their land and forest for the
establishment of governments multi-billion
dollar project of constructing some dam or
for some mining activities. Outsiders,
generally corporate giants or their puppet,
influence the local culture, tradition and
profession of this people, who otherwise
have their own world isolated from this evil
world of developing nation. There is
breakdown of community life and cultural
death or ethnocide.
The different professions they carry are
greatly are more hampered throwing them in
the lap of poverty and malnutrition. The
hunter and the gatherers, the forest product
collector, and the rural artisans are the main

victims of the globalization as they are

unable to compete with the money-oriented
technology and so called development. Most
of them are forced to work in a destitute
labor market getting very low payment as
well as insecurity. Along with their cultural
values, their economic survivals are also at
stake leading to starvation and impoverished
living. Very often this leads to violence and
other mal-practises.
So, it is the duty of the officials seating in
Delhi to look into this matter and the
knowledge, practices, cultures, traditions
that they posses must be protected and
should not be crushed down on the name of
globalization.
positive impacts?
penetration
of
empowerment.

telecom

and

thus

INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION

GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
118
opportunities to showcase their products to
the world.
Q--Critically analyse how globalization has
affected Indian education system.
Reference Self
Globalisation
means
increasing
interconnectedness between people and
Countries of the world.
Positive effects of globalization on Indian
education system:

 Funds for implementing Right to

Education Act: With Globalisation, increase
in GDP came due to boost in service sector.
This made RTE a reality. the dream of
founding fathers of the Nation came true
who had included primary education in
DPSP due to lack of funds.
Online education: proliferation of online
courses from prestigious universities for
who cant afford a regular course in terms of
money or time
Wide choices to students in country as
well as outside

commodity and its value is measured in

terms of pay package it enables one to get in
the market and not how it transforms human
character
Privatisation has led to unbridled
exploitation by private players in the name
of fee and a host of unethical practices
Arts which hold the mirror to the society
have suffered a setback to provide for more
and more technical graduates to fulfill
backend requirements of the developed
world

comparing education institutes across the

world have encouraged India to improve its
quality as well as quantity e.g deemed
universities introduces

Teacher-student relationship from a

philosopher, guide now teacher has become
a service provider. With no support and no
one to look up to, crimes and rage among
students is increasing

Commitments under MDG, indexes lie

HDI, MPI consider education as one of the
most important indicator to measure human
development. This has encouraged Indian
government to take affirmative steps

Globalization has resulted in increased

interconnectedness
and
allowed
for
countries to benefit from each others
strengths in different areas. Education is one
of these.

Democratization within classroom from

a authoritative education system, students
are encouraged to ask questions and
participate in learning

technology has facilitated online courses to

the benefit of Indian students. Also there is
increasing collaboration between Indian and
foreign research centres. Collaboration is
being envisaged in setting up Nalanda
University where faculty members are
drawn from different countries and is to be
joined managed between the partner
countries.
Obama-Singh
Knowledge
initiative is other example where grants are
given to take up joint research projects.

Rote learning to application based on

understanding due to imperative of
performing in a competitive economy
application of a concept is given more
importance
Negative effects of globalization on Indian
education system:

Increased
commercialization
in
educational system has made education a

Tours are arranged for faculty members to

get exposure to the kind of teaching in
foreign countries. Most importantly,

globalization has allowed more no of

students to study in foreign universities.

in untouchability and rigidities of caste

system.

However there are negative fallouts too.

Students leaving the country for higher
education has caused brain drain.

4. Urbanization

This does not mean that globalization should

be discouraged. Focus should be on
adopting

Negative-

INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION

GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
119
measures to lessen the impact of negatives
and wholly embrace the positive aspects.
Critically examine the effect of globalization
on Indian caste system.
Answer)first ..what is caste ?..It is a natural
social unit
Positive1. MNCs give preference to merit so lower
caste can get employment on the basis of
their merit- caste rigidness has been diluted
to some extent = Occupational shift
2. modernization- inter caste marriage according to Ambedkar, prohibition of
exogamy is most imp attribute of caste so
this phenomenon of inter caste marriages
shows loosening of caste system
3. Ideas= western ideas of equality,
fraternity also influenced this caste
hierarchy now upper caste has no objection
in sitting with lower caste men and eating
together. Exposure to other countries and
their radical thoughts, have caused reduction

5. rise in education level

1. caste system in Hindu social order is a

state of mind it hasn't changed(khap
panchayat)
2. MNCs give preference to meritocracy but
lower caste has no opportunity of acquiring
such merit.
3. globalization has increased inequality(
economic) thus further perpetuated caste
system
4. Due to globalization= more urbanization=
more migration= no social security by urban
local bodies to migrated people = they seek
the support of people of their caste, on
whose recommendation for job they migrate
to cities.
5. due to globalization= more financial
institutions came into picture= require
collateral and charge high rate of interest= in
that case for people who can't afford that
and also who can (sometimes) they first go
to people of their community for such
financial security or economic support (for
daughter's marriage, short term works,
etc)== this way caste system still persists
and will exist in future too.== in such
economy "community networks" emerging
in response of market failures.
6. Particular castes find niches in the urban
labor market and once network established,
they support the fresh migrants.

15.Social Empowerment,
Communalism,
Regionalism, Secularism
15.1Write a critical note on the
significance and objectives of
setting up of Bharatiya Mahila
Bank. How different is it from other
banks? Explain. (200 Words)
The Hindu
In India only 26% of total women have
some kind of dealing with banks. Bhartiya
Mahila Bank is an innovative step by
Finance Ministry to encourage a formal
relationship between women and banking.
The bank is unique in a sense that it take
deposits from all but provides loan only to
women. It has taken some innovative steps
to encourage banking activities of women,
like1. Encouraging women to open bank
accounts by providing higher interest rates.
2. It has launched some innovative schemes
for empowering women like kitchen loan,
education loan and crche loan.
3. It provides loans for starting small homebased catering business to encourage women
to get involved in economic activity
individually or in groups.
The bank now started in capitals has plans to
reach the rural areas. With simple savings
account it will progress towards group
accounts and self help groups. SHGs are
well known for improving community and
women empowerment. With banking
targeted at women empowerment, they will

be benefited with much required financial

aid for start-up. Apart from providing
banking services, it will also locally
mobilize women to train them in various
vocational skills to make them self
sufficient.
BMB although a step to empower women
and make them financially educated, aware
and independent has a long way to go. We
can see some great challenges while
building a sound financial institution as
follows1. As BMB is in inception phase, developing
a culture of its own will not be an easy and
fast process. As personnels and staffs have
come from varied banks, there are
possibility of incoherence among them.
2.. Owing to the fact that BMB will have
men and women, it has the chance of
becoming like other public sector banks.
Getting a talented women banker is again a
challenge. Fear of again male monopoly.
3. Problem of harassment, workplace assault
will not be that significant in BMB but again
it has to develop a fail proof plan to
completely overcome them As a mere dent
will loose its very objective.

15.2The Naga society is seething

with multiple tensions
intermittently erupting into morbid
fratricidal violence. Comment.
(200 Words)
The insurgency in Nagaland has changed its
character and moving towards internal
ethnic conflict among the naga tribes. the
absence of strong governance has a danger
of taking it towards civil war.

The GoI ceasefire agreement with NSCN (

IM ) in 1987 has tacitly approved the outfit
as representative of all naga tribes. In reality
NSCN( IM ) is just one of 25 naga tribes.
The naga tribes have more differences than
similarities. The agreement allowed NSCN (
IM ) to establish a parallel government and
dominance over other tribes.
The result it mutual hatred and violence
among these tirbes.
The GoI needs to take a firm action and
control the clashes. The NSCN parallel
government & Camps needs to disbanded
through security forces
and state
government. The land rights of people need
to be recongnised through pass books , to
instill confidence. Any future talks should
be hold with a group comprising
representatives form all naga tribes.
The vector of violence has turned inward
with a vengeance, from between the security
forces and the Naga militias to the one
among the Nagas themselves.
The term Naga is a rubric for a host of
over 25 distinct tribes inhabiting the
Nagaland State and adjoining areas of northeastern India and Myanmar. Their mutual
differences
far
outnumber
their
commonness. Each tribe is culturally distinct
and linguistically unintelligible to the others.
Secession bid
The Naga National Council, the first
credible political entity of the Nagas with
pan-Naga political ambitions, born just
before the British left India, sought to
engender a shared political consciousness
among the disparate tribes. Under the

stewardship of A.Z. Phizo, an Angami Naga,

it launched an armed campaign to secede the
Nagas from India. The NNCs campaign for
secession and the counter-campaign of the
Indian state were much too violent.
The NNCs enterprise to forge a politically
conscious and socially united Naga society
was largely anchored in its projection of a
common enemy post-British India. It
challenged the Indian state with the gun. The
conflict was grossly asymmetric. The Indian
state had far superior guns in far superior
numbers. A gun-inspired political enterprise
to forge a collective political identity on a
disparate sociological base merely on the
fiction of a common enemy was fraught and
foredoomed.
The Nagaland State created in December
1963 with enhanced autonomy on matters,
including the customary laws of the tribes,
administration of civil and criminal justice
and ownership and transfer of land and its
resources, offered unprecedented democratic
space to the Nagas of Nagaland to fulfil their
aspirations and allay their apprehensions.
The Nagaland State as a democratic polity
took the wind out of the NNCs sails and
unleashed forces and interests that were
incompatible with and antithetical to the
kind of politics being prosecuted by the
militant Nagas. The NNC got splintered and
eventually faded into political irrelevance
although, thanks to the failure of the
Nagaland State to deliver on its promises, its
motto still tugs at the Nagas hearts and
minds.
The dynamic of democratic politics within
the special framework, howsoever imperfect
in the eyes of the Nagas, guaranteed by the

Constitution of India, created imperatives

for peaceful co-existence and co-mingling of
the Naga tribes. Several ultra radical Naga
nationalists joined the new constitutional
order and helped in weakening the
centrifugal politics of their erstwhile
colleagues. Although the weakened ultra
radical strain did not die and sporadically
asserted itself with a vengeance marked by
mayhem and bloodshed, it increasingly
ceased to be the mainstream politics. By the
1980s, ultra-radical nationalists were pushed
to the margins of the Naga political space.
Their capability to influence Naga politics
was grossly eroded. Violence 105 killed
in 10 years (1981-90) was the lowest in
Nagalands history. The Naga issue began
inching towards a sort of Chekhovian
resolution. Unlike a Shakespearean tragedy
where, at the end, the stage is splashed with
blood and strewn with corpses, a tragedy by
Anton Chekhov ends with the characters
unhappy, disillusioned, even bitter but alive,
bracing themselves for a new beginning.

resonance with the broad Naga family. A

deal cut with it would not be acceptable to
the Naga society.

The process of a slow yet steady political

reconciliation and social assimilation of the
Nagas got perverted with New Delhis
cynical engagement with the NSCN (I-M)
since August 1, 1997. The ceasefire with
the outfit was in utter disregard for the logic
of the prevailing situation. The crucial
stakeholders the popularly elected State
government, the traditional Naga bodies that
wield wide and deep influence on their
respective tribes and other active militias in
the fray were excluded from the process.
New Delhi missed the vital fact that the
NSCN (I-M), notwithstanding its pan-Naga
pretensions, is essentially a militia of the
Tangkhul tribe of Manipur with little

Fragmented society

Not only the deal itself was a nostrum ab

initio, New Delhis emasculation of the
institutions of the state such as stripping the
police of their statutory obligations to
enforce the laws and maintain the public
order against unlawful activities of the
NSCN (I-M) further worsened the situation.
The NSCN (I-M) has been unrestrained in
demonstrative use of brutal force. Dressed in
battle fatigues and armed with sophisticated
combat weapons, its cadres freely roam the
streets of towns and villages. In the teeth of
popular opposition, New Delhi allowed it to
set up multiple garrisons, almost in every
district to help expand its reach in the State.
In the guise of giving the NSCN (I-M) a
secure political space for building a
workable consensus on the fractious Naga
issues, New Delhi has given the militia a
free military run of the Naga inhabited areas.

The NSCN (I-M) leadership has, however,

failed to grasp the fragility of the fiction of a
Naga nation imagined on the base of an
ethnically fragmented society riddled with
historical contradictions. Instead of building
a workable resonance with the Naga society,
it used the ceasefire, under the tacit
patronage of New Delhi, to augment its
weapons inventories, its promiscuous
killing-machine to terrorise people into
submission and establish its military
hegemony over all tribes.
However, true to their martial character, the
Naga tribes have refused to be subdued and

they often strike back with a vengeance. The

violent clashes in Zunheboto during the last
Christmas week in which some 10,000
Sema Nagas from over 100 villages armed
with traditional weapons attacked a local
NSCN (I-M) garrison in a fight that lasted
three days and claimed over a dozen lives
are a pointer to the popular resistance to the
outfit. The Semas, who were resentful of the
NSCN (I-M)s garrison in their land, were
provoked by molestation of their women by
the armed cadres of the outfit some days
earlier. They dismantled the garrison and
chased away, at least temporarily, the armed
NSCN (I-M) cadres.
The ceasefire with the NSCN (I-M) has
resulted in the retreat of the state from the
crucial areas of governance and subversion
of democratic politics. It is undoing the
political and social gains achieved since the
creation of the Nagaland State that has been
rendered tentative in its aftermath. The
absence of a credible state has created a
power vacuum that is being filled in by
chaotic sub-nationalist forces often at war
with one another. The powerful traditional
tribal bodies are alienated and, in their
eagerness to flout New Delhis dalliance
with the NSCN (I-M), are fostering the other
Naga militias. The secessionist politics that
was profoundly circumscribed by the
politics of expanded democracy is seeking to
regain centre stage.
Thanks to New Delhis cavalier policies, the
Nagas are in a dystopia and the grapes of
wrath against India are ripening for the
vintage.

15.3Critically examine why female

foeticide still continues in India and
the measures taken by the union
and state governments to stop this
practice.
Why female foeticide continues:
a. Cultural norms value males for reasons
like continuation of lineage.
b. Economically a son is considered an
asset, but a daughter is considered liability.
c. PCPNDT Act is still not strictly
implemented due to inaction of appropriate
authority.
d. Some clinics and medical practitioners
still aid in sex determination and illegal
abortion, albeit privately.
e. Conviction rate is very low for violation
of the Act.
Measures taken
government:

by Union

and

State

a. Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic

Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994 restricts
sex determination of fetuses.
b. Medical termination of pregnancy Act
1971 made abortion legal only on reasons
like medical risk to mother or rape.
c. Ministry of health and family welfare
brings out advertisements to increase
awareness.
d. States experimenting with girl driven
welfare policies like the Laadli scheme.
Govt. brought PCPNDT Act to specifically
halt this menace. After almost two decades,

charge-sheeting is few, convictions rare. If a

clinic is shut, it reopens soon WITH A
CLEAN RECORD, because of the nexus
between suspected clinics and local
authorities.
Some states like Kerala have computerized
birth records. This allows real-time
monitoring of sex-ratio of new-borns, thus
identifying problem areas and suspicious
clinics. Coupled with penal action, this
strategy works.
A Local Government institution in
Maharashtra, requires all scan machines to
be connected online. It will record the sex
and gestational age, and follows-through the
expected delivery. It resulted in an
immediate betterment.
On a national basis, the measures are a
failure. Proof: the worsening sex-ratio over
the years. Why because, state govt. executes
the PCPNDT Act, and they dont want to
miff their voters. The successful models like
Kerala and Maharashtra are not taken to
most affected states like Punjab, Haryana
and Rajasthan
Critically comment on the events leading to
the Operation Bluestar. Do you think such
operations are required to maintain internal
security? Critically examine.
Since pre-independance there was a voice to
have seperate state for sikhs, called
Khalistan which is the 4th largest religion
in india . It was backed by the then insurgent
leader Bhurwinder, he was nutured by a
national political party to gain its faith in the
peoples of the region which was lost, as he
gained the popularity he broke the relation

with the party and joined the voices of

khalistan. Under the patronage of Sikhs
holy place, he was operating his plans. As
the insurgency met the intolerable level by
attacking the innocents to leave the state to
form sikh dominated state and by involving
in weapon suppliment to the insurgents,
cautioned the security of india. Hence the
then Union govt thought of diminishing this
insurgent elements by an operation called
Operation blue star from indian army. Even
though this operation was necessary at that
time it should have been planned well by
knowing the effects/losses which could
cause or happen from such operation. Due to
the inefficiency in the plan. unrecognition of
the feast & functions in the holy premises
etc caused many innocent peoples to die &
injured which resulted in murder of the then
PM and to this vengeance ended up with anti
sikh riots in 1980s.
As our judicial system says that a single
victim should not be punished even 1000
accused are left unpunished. Keeping this
oblective, such a operation plans have to be
defined and made:)

16.Salient Features of World

Physical Geography
16.1Write a note on the
environmental and geographical
significance of the Tibetan Plateau
for India and the surrounding
regions.
Tibet, also knows as worlds 3rd pole and
water tower of Asia , covers about
2400kms from west to east and 1440 kms
from north to south. It receives 3 degree C

more insolation because of the height of

tibetan plateau . Tibet have a huge
environmental and geographical importance
to India and the surrounding regions.
The most important significance of Tibetan
plateau being its ability to initiate monsoon
and its major rivers.
Rivers- Tibet is a home for many major
rivers that sustain the life of about 47% of
the worlds population. Brahmaputra, Indus,
Mekong, Sutlej being its major rivers.
Damming of some of these major rivers and
diversion in river directions by china have
cause some serious water crisis in the rest of
Asia.
70% of water in summer in Ganga comes
from the melting glaciers in Tibetan plateau.
Monsoon- Tibetan plateau has a huge
significance in initiating monsoon in Indian
subcontinent.
The heated plateau (during summers), heats
up the air which creates a low pressure belt.
this low pressure belt sucks the moisture
from the ocean and initiates monsoon.
Plants- Tibet is home to over 5000 plant
species, including 2000 variety of medical
herbs used in india , china and Tibet.
animals- the mountain and forest of Tibet is
a home for a vast range of animals some of
which are found only in Tibet like snow
leopard, red panda, blue sheep
minerals- Tibet is a home to over 13
minerals and is a significant reserve for
uranium, chromite, boron, lithium, borax
and iron.

carbon storage the permafrost of Tibetan

plateau stores a significant amount of carbon
and methane

16.2What is time zone and how is it

determined? Does India need
another time zone? Explain why.
(200 Words)
Time zone is a region that has a uniform
standard time for legal, commercial and
social purposes. It is convenient for areas in
close commercial or other communication to
keep the same time, so time zones tend to
follow the boundaries of countries and their
subdivisions. For example, India has a single
time zone, which is 82.5 degree East
Longitude, which passes through Mirzapur
in Uttar Pradesh. It is also known as Indian
Standard Time. It is to be kept in mind that
India is geographically a very vast country
stretching from Dwarka in the west to
Kohima in the east with both places being
separated by a huge distance of around 3000
kms. This fact puts a huge question mark on
the validity of the time represented by the
IST. The region located to the east of the
IST has fewer daylight hours than in the
west. Here the sun rises as early as 4 am and
sets early at 4 pm. This daylight saving
schedule was introduced by the British and
unfortunately followed to this day.
Therefore a shift in the time zone or
readjusting the clocks to introduce a local
time zone that would be 60 minutes ahead of
the IST would greatly help in saving energy
in the form of electricity and increase
productivity. Hence it can be said that India
does need another time zone.

17.Distribution of key Natural

Resources (world, S. Asia,
Indian subcontinent)
17.1Question - Among the issues
that will shape our future world are
water and other natural resources,
demographics, and sustainable
economic growth, as well as an
accelerated weaponisation of
science and other geopolitical
elements. A combination of these
factors will create winners and
losers in the world. Do you agree
with this assessment? Comment
with reference to India. (200
Words)
Answer - A countrys future depends upon
how it tackles the growing demographic
demands through the optimum utilisation of
Its natural resources, deployment of
demographic dividends, and use of science
in pursuing development. This equally
applies to India also. With its present
dependence on West Asian countries for oil,
for arms on Russia and western country
India is unable to become self sufficient in
field of national security and energy
security. Besides oil and arms India is also a
large importer of agricultural goods. So this
results in lack of
food security. This results in placing India
in a weaker geopolitical position.
So to be an winner India must usher in the
technology which will help us conserve
resources like water for the future generation
of the country. Further for the best
utilisation of these resources a skilled

demography is a must. This skilled

demography will help build technology
which will help us in better utilisation of
natural resources, with conserved natural
resources and lesser reliance on foreign
countries our decisions will be more
independent. Here we can take the example
of fighter planes, had we in the past have
developed fighter jets then presently we
would not have to buy it from foreign
countries at higher prices.
So a combination of skilled manpower,
conservation technology, utilisation of
science in development not exclusively
weapon development will help India to gain
its position in world fora.

17.2Write a note on the important

hydrocarbon reserve regions of
India. Highlight their significance.
(200 Words)
Indias hydrocarbon reserves account to less
than 1% of worlds reserves. Hydrocarbons
are of two types : Oil and Gas reserves. Oil
is present in the Bombay high, Gulf of
Kuchh/Cambay, Assam and KG basin. Gas
is also present in all these places as gas is
always present above oil. But the presence
of oil may not mean the presence of Oil.
Besides India also has shale gas to the tune
of 63 TCF (estimated).
Hydrocarbons are of high importance for a
developing country like India which is still
growing as it needs high transport, industrial
development, for domestic purposes and
even for electricity production. India imports
80% of its oil requirements and about 20%
of its gas requirements. This leads to a huge

dent on the trade account as well as forex

reserves.
Increasing demand also means higher
subsidy for these products, which results in
diversion of social welfare investments to
this. Hence India should explore more for oil
and gas domestically and also move towards
other sources of energy and also bio fuel
usage must be made mandatory to the tune
of 20% as laid down in the National bio
fuels policy. India should also continue
investing in foreign oil fields to ensure
energy security failing to which growth
could falter.

17.3What are rare earth minerals?

Throw light on their importance
and distribution pattern across the
world. (200 Words)
Equipment made from Rare Earth Elements
are very common and have become integral
part of almost everyone throughout the
world. The devices like mobile phones,
DVD, TV and Radio panels, Computers,
rechargeable batteries, and many other types
of equipment are made from rare earth
elements and alloys.
These minerals are naturally occurring, nontoxic, and typically comprise of Scandium,
Yttrium and 15 elements of Lanthanide
series. They have been grouped together
because of similar chemical properties.
Because of such similarities they are often
found together in geologic deposits. These
elements are not so rare as such, but because
of their scattered occurrence, it is difficult to
mine them economically.
These rare elements have unique ability to
readily accept and discharge the electrons

which has enabled them to be used in

electronic,
optical
and
magnetic
applications.
They are used in illuminated screens of
devices, in glass polishing, petroleum
refining, pollution control, as catalysts, and
in defence equipments such as precision
weapons and night vision goggles.
Occurance
More than 90% of rare earth supply is made
from China which is supposed to have
around 35% of its reserve worldwide. India
accounts for 3% of total reserves. Other
prominent sources are known to exist in US,
Australia, Russia, Brazil and South Africa.
China, US and Japan are three major
consumers.

18.Factors responsible for

location of Industries
(primary, secondary,
tertiary; India, world)
18.1Explain the locational factors
that made Bangalore software hub
of India. (200 Words)
Bangalore has become the Information
technology hub In India. It Is even referred
to as the Silicon Valley of India. In the
1950s large high-tech Industries like Bharat
Electronics limited (BEL), the national
defense research laboratories and the Indian
Institute of Science were established In
Bangalore because of its pollution free
environment and its distance from Indias
borders. In the 1970s. the Indian Space
Research Organization (ISRO) and Bharat

Heavy Electricals limited (BHEL) were also

located In Bangalore. These industries
created backward and forward linkages in
the field of electronics. The electronics and
computer Industries are closely related.
Therefore, Bangalore became the ideal
location for the computer and IT Industry.
The favorable factors that have led to the
development of IT at Bangalore are as
follows:
Bangalore has a pleasant climate which
makes it an ideal place for residence.
Bangalore is linked with all parts of the
country by road, rail and air.
A big pool of highly trained and talented
professionals is available here.
Best quality IT infrastructure is available
in Bangalore.
The progressive government policies have
led to a tremendous growth of IT in the city
A number of IT companies and research
and development centers are concentrated
here.
However in recent years the software
Industry In Bangalore not only faces
competition from firms in other developing
countries in terms of attracting Investments.
but also faces challenges from firms in other
cities of India. The Infrastructure in the city
has not been able to keep pace with the
demand. There are other locations in India
that have better infrastructure and talented
workforce, like Pune in Maharashtra and
Gurgaon in Haryana. Costs are gradually
rising in Bangalore and other cities are

becoming more competitive. If Bangalore

has to remain the Silicon Valley of India
the government has to Invest on transport,
water and electricity supply.

18.2Q-In the light of recent reports

of shutting down of jute mills in
West Bengal, critically examine the
problems and their causes faced by
jute industry in India.
The killing of the Northbrook Jute Mill CEO
in Hooghly district has once again thrown
the spotlight on the many problems faced by
the sector.such as:
1. The mills face stiff competition from
artificial fibres such as polypropylene
2. Lack of modernization of plant and
machinery and Low labour productivity has
made jute incredibly expensive when
compared to artificial products and the jute
produced by other countries.
3. In order to tackle the rising labour cost
and prevent blocking the capital, the
management of mills often call for
temporary suspension of operations or cut
back on daily shift hours resulting in
management-worker tussle.
4. The earlier Jute Procurement Act of 1987,
which made jute bags mandatory for
transporting food grain and sugar. has been
diluted in 2012-13 the by limiting usage of
jute bags.
5.Jute industry is largely export oriented
industry and after partition major jute Urban
and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) is the
practice of cultivating ,processing and
distributing food in and around a village or

town or city. It can also involve animal

husbandry , aquaculture, agro forestry, urban
bee-keeping and horticulture.
UPA is important for India because it has
many benefits:
1) Economic
a) Expands the economic base of the city.
b) Increase in entrepreneurial activities and
creation of jobs.
c) Reduce food costs and improve quality.
d) Increase income and more savings.
2)Social
a) Improved social well being.
b) Improved health and nutrition.
c) Improved social relationships, increased
community pride and overall community
improvement and mobilisation.
d) Due to improvement in community health
there would be decreased levels of crimes
and suicide rates.
3) Environmental
producing area went to Bangladesh. So
facing the shortage of quality raw material
and facing stiff competition in international
market from countries like Bdesh,
phillipines ,Brazil etc
To overcome these problems there is need to
modernize the jute industry ,bring out the
cost of production and innovating new ways
of using jute goods.

18.3Q- What are the problems being

faced by the Sugar industry in
India? Explain in the light of recent
crisis involving farmers and sugar
mill owners in the country. Do you
think bail out packages are remedy
in such crises? Comment.(200
Words)
. India has the largest area under sugar cane
cultivation in the world. The yield per
hectare is extremely low (about 70 tons),
when compared to Java, Hawaii, Peru,
Rhodesia (more than 150 tons per hectare).
Even within the country, the yield is higher
in South India than in North India. ii. In
India about one-third of the sugar cane
production is utilised for making gur and
khandsari. This causes shortage of raw
material for the sugar mills. iii. The sugar
industry has a seasonal character and the
crushing season normally varies between 4
and 7 months in a year. Thus, the mill and
the workers remain idle for almost half of
the year. This creates financial problems. iv.
The average rate of sugar recovery from the
sugar cane is less than 10 per cent. This
recovery rate is low, when compared to
other sugar producing areas like Java,
Hawaii and Australia, upto 14 per cent. v.
Most of the sugar mills in our country are of
small size with a crushing capacity of about
1200 tons per day.
Thus, most of them are not viable. vi. Most
of the sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
are more than 50 years old. These mills are
working with old and outdated machinery.
Thus, low production reduces the amount of
profit and finally makes the unit sick. vii.
The cost of sugar production in India is one
of the highest in the world. This is due to
high sugar cane cost, uneconomic
production process, inefficient technology
and high taxes exercised by the state and the

central governments. viii. The main byproducts of the sugar industry are bagasse
and molasses. The industry faces problems
in disposing these by-products, especially
under pollution control devices. ix. The
government policy, based on dual price
system, discourages the entrepreneurs to
make investment for further growth and
improvement.
From Last 3 years there were severe
mismatch in demand and supply of sugar.
This was because - Due to remunerative
MSP, by the govt, There was surplus
production , which surpassed the demand.
At the same time there was price crash in
Global sugar prices. , and due to high
procurement prices of cane and sugar levy
and non levy obligations, sugar couldnt be
exported , without heavy subsidy.
Mills were largely cash starved - pending
payment to farmers - crisis in 2013 -RS.
11000 Crores
Fresh Procurement hard, if dues are not
cleared. How farmers will arrange for inputs
to grow Crop for upcoming season?
Sugar Levy - Mill owner was required , to
sell 10 % of sugar produced to Govt at predetermined prices - which govt used for
PDS purpose - this was done away with this
year
Sugar non Levy - rest of the 90% sugar was mainly produced in 2 months, but it was
sold in quotas throughout the year, under
govt. control. - this was too done away.
NOW - new govt - increase import duty
from 15 to 40 %

Extended Export subsidy for other 3

months(concessional finance to mills)
Hiked Ethanol blending for 5 to 10 % in
petrol.
Only two sustainable options Complete decontrol - from Procurement
price of sugarcane to sale of sugar, by free
market
Complete control - MSP for farmers, whole
of production of sugar to be purchased by
FCI
Production for 13-14 = 23.8 million tones,
for 12-13 was = 25.1 million

18.4Q--Examine the problems being

faced by the sugar industry in India.
In your opinion, what measures
need to be taken to revive the
industry? Explain.
India is the second largest producer of sugar
but its industry is in doldrums. The reason is
stifling of the industry due to restrictions
imposed by the government.Last year , the
Rangarajan Committee identified following
challenges facing the industry.
1. High state administered price : Due to
populist politics and high vote bank , the
amount is kept very high , hampering the
growth of the industry.
2. Regulation on the distance to set the sugar
mills : Sugar mills are required to maintain a
distance of at least 15 km between
themselves . And farmers in a particular area
are required to sell to only to the mill in its
area and vice versa . This results in

curtailing free trade and making profit

maximizing deals.
3. Sugar is required to be packed in only jute
bags , thus inhibiting industry to make other
profitable choices.
4. The sugar industry is required to sell 10%
of sugar to the central government for its
PDS .
All the above factors are antagonistic to the
free market practices , thus hindering the
growth of the industry. Following
suggestions were given to tackle the issue:

is not linked to the prices of sugar. Hence

the sugar mills have started to incur huge
losses owing to high input costs. The SMP
are also often politically motivated without
any sound economic rationale.
On the other hand, the restrictions in selling
of sugar in open markets through the levy
system , by which the 10percent of total sale
to food corporation of India (FCI) for its
PDS outlets, regulated release mechanism,
minimum distance criteria, and also unstable
trade policies act as hindrance to stability
and growth of sector.

Apart from the above solutions , Indian

industry also faces tough competition from
the imported sugar , so proper steps must be
taken in the form of increasing tariff on
imported sugar. But all the suggestions are
politically sensitive and it would require a
strong willed government with a long term
vision for the industry to implement them.

Deregulating the sugar industry will provide

the much space for it to grow. The
rangarajan committees recommendations
regarding linking of sugar prices with
sugarcane prices should be pursued by the
state govts. Second, the fair and
remunerative price mechanism (FRP) for
pricing
sugarcane
based
on
recommendations of commission for
agriculture (CACP) will balance the
objectives of providing fair returns to
farmers with reasonable input cost for sugar
mills. Third, promoting exports of sugar
products through increasing productivity by
investments in back end infrastructure rather
than export subsidies will help I providing
adequate returns to the industry.

The sugar industry in India is over regulated

by the govt. and subjected to inconsistent
govt policies and unpredictability. This has
stymied the growth of the industry and
resulted in huge price arrears for sugar mills.

18.5Q-Critically comment on steps

taken by the government to address
problems of the sugar industry. Do
you think these reforms are
structural and systemic? Examine.

Being committed to providing better returns

to farmers the state govt. fix a statutory
minimum price (SMP) for sugar cane which

Last year, central government had rolled out

partial decontrol of sugar industry freeing
the sugar mills from the obligation to supply

1. Use of fair remunerative prices as a

payment to the farmers instead of state
administered prices.
2.Instead of procurement of 10% made by
the union govt , the subsidy should be
passed on to the states.
3. Removal of jute packaging condition.

10% output at below market rates to PDS,

besides allowing them to decide the
quantum and timing of their sales and
removing the cap on exports. The new
government recently announced several
other measures to address the concern of
ever increasing arrears of sugar mills. These
include: continuation of subsidy to sugar
exporters, raising import duty from 15% to
40%, raising the level for blending ethanol
with petrol from five per cent to 10 per cent
and additional interest free loans to sugar
mills.
These measures do not address the structural
problem with the sugar industry viz.
disconnect of sugarcane and sugar prices.
The cane pricing is set unreasonably high by
the state governments. This results in
bumper sowing of sugarcanes. Huge supply
of sugarcane and hence sugar leads to
lowering of sugar prices.
This leads to sugar mills running huge losses
and not being able to pay the sugarcane
farmers on time. The arrears stand as high as
5000 crore each year. As the farmers dont
receive payments on time, the acreage in the
next season reduces drastically leading to a
shortfall in sugarcane and hence sugar
production.
To address this structural problem it is
essential that sugarcane prices are linked to
sugar prices and state administered price of
sugar is done away with. Rangarajan
committee had given a formula for this in
which FRP determined by central
government will be given to the farmers in
the 1st stage and later 70% of the sold value
of sugar

Q- What are the challenges being faced by

the automobile industry in India? Explain.
(200 Words)
The automobile industry owing to its deep
forward and backward linkages and acts as
one of the drivers of economic growth in
India. With the gradual liberalisation since
1991, along with good manufacturing
facilities India attracted some of the largest
automobile companies Volkswagen, Ford,
Hyundai etc. Gurgaon in north India and
Chennai in south India become automobile
hubs. In spite of this, Indian Automobile
Industry faces some great challenges. The
industry failed to synchronize with
Globalization
which
increased
the
competitive cost pressures. The emergence
of developing economies further made the
situation difficult, which increased the
choices for customers. Indian automobile
industry lacks products and service variation
which resulted in loss of existing customers.
Even the dominant player Maruti has seen
its market share decline rapidly. Indian
companies lack of investment in Research
and Development and innovation of new
fuel efficient engines and associated
technologies. Further lack of awareness
about international pollution norms and
rising fuel prices increased the problems.
Even the manufacturing plants of high
populated areas facing severe labour
problem due to lack of skilled labour. The
government came up with some remedies in
its 12th plan through Auto PolicyEstablishing an international hub for
affordable passenger cars, diverting Indias
software
industry
into
automotive
technology, development of alternate fuels
(CNG, gasoline), constituting National

Board for Electric Mobility (NBEM),

National Automotive Testing and R&D
Infrastructure Project (NATRIP) to address
testing infrastructure. These steps supported
with strong public-private partnership in
building infrastructure and a roadmap in
12th plan can steer Indian automobile
industry on growth path and project India as
the global hub for the auto industry with
contribution of 10% to GDP by 2016.
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
131
The lasting solution for the sugar sectors
woes, indeed, lies in striking a balance
between the demand both domestic and
export - and output of sugar and sugarcane.
Elaborate.
The sugar industry currently faces twin
crisis. On one hand, lies the high
competition in export market and from
imports. The low yield of Indian sugarcane
compared to other countries , obsolete
technology of sugar mills, lack of storage
capacities resulting in decline in sucrose
content.
On the other hand, is the huge dependency
of the local farmers, leading to over
production of highly water intensive
sugarcane, adding to burden of subsidies and
regulations in the form of cost control
through FRP and SAP on the government.
Thus, the lasting solution for sugar sectors
woes thus lies in balancing between demand
and supply. The suggestions of Rangarajan
Committees report aim to achieve it. This

will put an end to the arbitrarily high State

Administered Prices to cash on vote banks
by state gov. and encourages farmers to
grow sugarcane instead of other crops in
short supply. Also leading to food inflation
and water scarcity.
Also, the revenue sharing model under
which sugar mills will have to distribute
70% of its revenue from sugar and its byproducts like bagasse and molasses and to
meet the immediate cash needs the FRP
decided by the center will be paid by mill
owners to farmers.
India is 2nd largest producer of the sugar in
world. And has been experiencing a surplus
in domestic production of sugar from past
three years leading to decrease in ex-mill
price of sugar. Despite of decreasing ex-mill
price of sugar, cost of production did not fall
considerably leading to recent standoff
between farmers and sugar mill owners.
in India sugar industry is highly regulated by
government. Dual sugar pricing system of
state administered prices and fair
remunerative prices has led to the mismatch
in demand and supply forces. As SAP is
announced arbitrarily without taking into
account the domestic and global demand and
supply forces, it has given incentives to
farmers to grow more means more
production of sugarcane and more cost of
production of sugar but lesser ex-mill prices.
at the same time , it would also lead to the
increase in area under sugarcane that in turn
lead to the decrease in production of other
crops resulting food shortage.
Mere announcement of bailout package by
government is just deferring this standoff to

the next season. Therefore the permanent

solution is to decide the fair prices based on
principle of laissez faire and by setting aside
the vested interest of political parties. As
recommended by C. Rangrajan committee ,
the revenue sharing formula that provides
for the FRP for farmers and sharing of 70%
of revenue by sugar mill owners with
farmers is the best way out

19.Important Geophysical
phenomena (earthquakes,
tsunami, volcanoes,
cyclones)
19.1 What causes tides in ocean?
Explain the different kinds of tides.
(200 Words)
Answer - Tides are the rhythmic rise and fall
of ocean or sea water caused by the
combined effects of the rotation of the Earth
and the gravitational forces exerted by the
Moon and the Sun.
The earth has two high tides and two low
tides every day. High tide takes place on the
side of the earth facing the moon as it circles
the earth. The moons gravity pulls the water
away from the earth. The water of the seas
piles up and forms high tides.
As the earth turns, the part of the sea that
was high moves away from the moons
gravity. The water then sinks back. In about
six hours, this part will go all the way down
to a level called low tide.
Like the moon, the suns gravity also pulls
the earths water to itself and causes solar
tides.

During the new moon and full moon, the

lunar and solar tides together produce the
larger spring tides. At the first and last
quarters of the moon, lunar and solar tides
produce the smaller tides called neap tides.
Or
Causes:- 1.Tides are primarily a result of the
attraction of the moon. This force is more
potent upon water since the mass involved is
liquid and can easily rise under the pull
exerted by the moon.
2. Not only because of moon, the sun also
exerts a pull which causes tides, but moon
being much nearer to earth so the impact is
much more than that caused by sun.
Types:1. Spring tides: - Tides of higher magnitude
caused when the pull of moon and sun
complement each other. Spring tides occur
on the days of full moon and new moon,
when the position of the sun the earth and
the moon are in a straight line.
Neap tides: - Tides of lower magnitude
when pull of the moon and the sun
neutralize each other. Neap tides are
observed at the time of first and last quarters
of the moon (half-moon) when the sun and
the moon forms three corners of a triangle
and the tide producing forces of the sun and
the moon act at right angles.
Perigean and Apogean Tides :- Tides can be
between 15% and 20 % greater or lesser
than average depending upon whether the
moon is in perigee or apogee. These types of
tides are known as perigean and apogean
tides.

19.2What is Western Disturbance?

Discuss its significance to northern
India. (200 Words)
western disturbance is the extra tropical
storm originated over low pressure
mediterrean sea . it carries a lot of moisture
along with it causing non monsoon rainfall
and snowfall in north western part of indian
subcontinent. it is a global phenomena and
moves in upper atmosphere unlike tropical
storm which moves in lower atmosphere.
western disturbance is very significant for
the country like india where large number of
people are dependent on agriculture and
monsoon rain. it helps in growth of rabi
crops especially wheat and therefore reduces
the dependence of people on monsoon and
brings food security in the country. it also
brings snowfall which attracts a lot of
tourists and therefore contibuting in the
healthy economy

19.3What causes cold waves in

Northern part of India during
winters? Explain (200 Words)
(refer to above
disturbances)

answer

on

Western

The cold wave phenomenon is very

intensive in north India, compared to south
India. The combined effect of many
locational factors leads to this.
Continentality
the cold
Meditteranean .

winds

originating

in

What factors cause winter in northern and

southern hemispheres? Also it is said that

Australians celebrate Christmas in summer.

Why?(200 Words)
The seasons are marked by solstices and
equinoxes- astronomical terms that relate to
earths tilt. Solstices mark the points at
which the poles are tilted to their maximum
towards or away from the sun. The solstices
occur each year on June 20 or 21 and Dec.
21 or 22, and represent the official start of
the summer and winter seasons. Around the
time of the June solstice, the North Pole is
tilted toward the sun and the Northern
Hemisphere is starting to enjoy summer.
The density of the solar radiation is higher
because its coming from directly overhead
in other words, the suns rays are
concentrated over a smaller surface area. At
the same time that the Northern Hemisphere
is entering summer, the South Pole is tilted
away from the sun, and the Southern
Hemisphere is starting to feel the cold of
winter. The suns glancing rays are spread
over a greater surface area and must travel
through more of the atmosphere before
reaching the earth. The situations are
reversed in December, when its the
Southern Hemisphere that basks in the most
direct rays of the sun, while the Northern
Hemisphere receives less dense solar
radiation for shorter periods of time. Due to
the above reasons, Australia which lies in
the southern hemisphere experiences
summer in December, and therefore
Australians celebrate Christmas (25th
December) in summer.

19.4What is geothermal energy?

How is it produced? Explain the
world distribution of this energy
resource. (200 Words)
Energy derived from the heat in the interior
of the earth is geothermal energy.
Temperature gradient inside the earth is
utilized.
When Rain water seeps down through
geological fault lines and cracks it get
heated by the hot rocks below. Some of this
super heated water rises back to the surface
of the earth where it emerges as hot springs
or even geysers. Sometimes the hot water
becomes trapped below the surface as a
geothermal reservoir.
Commercially Water is pumped in and due
to heat inside earth surface, it gets heated
and rises back to the surface, which is then
utilized for different purposes.
Geothermal energy is still in nascent stage
and highly untapped .Only few countries
like Italy, Japan, New Zealand, and USA
have been successful in implementing this
commercially.

19.5What are the causes of

landslides? What can be done to
prevent them.
A) Landslides are some ground movements
that are caused by both natural and manmade factors. They are sometimes
detrimental in their happenings.
Causes of landslides include:
1) earthquake movements changing the
slope of the soil

2) erosion by rivers, glaciers etc

3) groundwater pressure exerted on the slope
4) unthought construction activities that
change the natural slope
5) absence of vegetation that can hold the
soil
6)volcanic eruptions
7) excess rainfall
8) deforestration
Measures to mitigate landslides need some
long term efforts to curb the climate change
as well but the immediate efforts include:
1) growth of vegetation on the slopes
2) carefully planned construction (roads,
buildings atc)activities
3) constructions of some sort of bunds to
prevent the land to slide
4) care taken to prevent the change of river
course in a unnatural manner
5) construction of dams that can prevent
excess water to flow in the sensitive areas
How glaciers are formed? What threats do
they face around the world? Examine the
consequences.
Glaciers are formed due to accumulation of
ice above snowline under extreme climatic
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
134

conditiions.Due to global warming these

glaciers are melting and there expanse is
shrinking.The melted water further increases
the rate of retreat. This fast rate of melting
of glaciers and subsequent sea level rise will
lead to serious consequences for the human
habitations in coastal areas,issue of global
food
security,biodiversity ,
weather
conditions,. With sea level rise the costal
areas which are very densely populated face
danger of submergence The glacier fed
rivres will become swollen ,causing flooding
in catchment area.PArticularly in india
summer is the season of maximum heat and
more melting of glaciers , coupled with
mansoon rains , the himalayan rivers will
cause more floods . The productive lands of
flood plains (e.g northen plains of india
),those of deltas and costal areas would be
engulfed by floods and rising sea level, thus
posing a serious threat to global food
security.
Shrinking
habitable
area,
agriculural land and food insecurity will
cause several social tensions.
Rising sea level would adversly affect the
biodiversity. of coastal ecosystems . The
cold climatic conditions generated by the
glaciers of north polar region has significant
impact on climate and rainfall pattern of
temperate latitudes.With shrinked glaciers
and less cold conditions , there would be
less vigrous temperate cyclones and hence
deficicent and erratic rainfall.Further , these
cold conditions are also responsible for
origin of jet streams , which have direct
impact on mansoon of south asia
Thus..concerted efforts by developindg and
developed world

must be put to reduce carbon emmission and

and arrest global warming.
What are the causes of floods in India. How
floods can be prevented? Explain.
The Hindu
In the backdrop of post-industrialization,
global warming and climate change,
disasters like floods have become rampant.
The reasons are both, natural and man-made,
the latter playing a major role. Floods can be
defined as overflow of water than the
carrying capacity of the river bed ,especially
in dry lands.
Causes:
A). Rise in the river water levels due to
- Heavy rainfall
- Global warming causing deglaciation
B). Siltation of the river beds obstructing the
free flow of water and also causing change
in the river course, due to
- Erosional activities.
- Loosening of the soil due to earthquakes.
- Construction of dams, hydroelectric power
projects, roads, embankments.
C). Inadequate capacity of the river banks
due to
- Siltation
D). Poor drainage system due to
- Natural topography

- Increasing urbanization increasing the

pressure on drainage system
- Massive deforestation which drastically
reduces the water retention capacity of the
soil, also causing landslides.
E). Cyclones.
Mitigation efforts:
i). Massive creation of green belt in and
around the sources of water (rivers, seas)
and in metropolitans.
ii). Demarcation of regions which are more
prone to floods as eco-sensitive zones.
iii). Stringent laws need to be enacted for
permitting any construction activity
(industrial,huge dams,mining etc.) in the
eco-sensitive zones .
iv). Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA) which would also take into account
the adverse effects of any projects in such
regions should be
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
135
mandated and compulsorily adhered to in all
cases before approving license/permission
for any activity.
The recent face off with the Uttarkhand
flashflood, its effects and the subsequent
mitigation efforts illustrate the dire need of
the country to have an effective disaster
management plan that takes into account the
developmental needs as well as the fragile
ecosystem.

Explain how glaciers are formed. Examine

the threats they face and why they are
important for ecology and humans.
The Hindu
Glaciers are huge ice bodies which are
floating around slowly like rivers. They are
formed within upper reaches of high
mountains where temperature is very low.
They are also found in polar regions of
Arctic and Antarctic circle.
Today, Glaciers are facing biggest threat
from global warming and rise in global
temperatures. This has resulted in fast
shrinking of Glaciers and will result in total
vanishing of Glaciers in the years to come.
The Glaciers serve several purpose. They
have trapped huge amount of CO2s in polar
regions. They also are natural agents of
erosion and help in soil formation. They are
the major source of perennial flow in
mountain rivers on which a large section of
human population depends. And lastly they
help in cooling off the temperature of earth,
and are a major source of cold currents and
the global ocean and air currents, on which
our climate depends.
If these glaciers are totally melted, then we
can see abrupt shift in the climate of India.
Huge droughts and floods will be common
phenomena. We may also see the coastal
areas and islands being submerged due to
rise in sea level. Also, global oceanic heat
pump will get disturbed and half of world
especially Europe and Scandinavian
countries may be covered with ice and Ice
age may return before time there. Release of
trapped CO2 from glaciers will only

increase this process. Also, several species

of flora and fauna which live in glaciers like
polar bears, seals, penguins will be lost.
So, talks on climate change and early
mitigation measures are required, otherwise,
all the technological progress and
development will be counterproductive and
will only result in doom of earth, humans
and ecology.
What are the different scales of Tropical
cyclones and on what basis are they
categorized into different scales? Give
examples of recent cyclones originating in
Bay of Bengal and their scales. (150 Words)
ANS: Tropical cyclone that develops within
the Northern Hemisphere between 100E
and 45E in the Northern Hemisphere, is
monitored by the India Meteorological
Departments
Regional
Specialized
Meteorological Center in New Delhi,
India.IMD takes the prevailing wind speed
in account for measuring the intensity of
cyclone.
IMD has categorized the cyclones on the
basis of the prevailing wind speed in 5
categories
viz.
depression
(wind
speed222km/h).
Here is an account of recent cyclones
formed in bay of Bengal-

Bengal, resulting in one of the worst natural

disasters in Bangladesh.
3-Cyclone Nargis (in 2008, also known as
Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Nargis) was a
rare, eastward moving at low-latitude
strongtropical cyclone that caused the worst
natural disaster in the recorded history of
Myanmar.
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
136
4-Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Giri ( also
known as Cyclone Giri) was a powerful
tropical cyclone which caused catastrophic
damage in parts of Myanmar in late October
2010.
5- PHAILIN in 2013 with wind speed of
>240 km/h stroked East coast of India.
Explain how tropical cyclones are formed?
(200 Words)
Link-1
Link-3 reference
Explain the mechanism
Examine their causes.

of

landslides.

The Hindu

1-Cyclone Mala, also known as Very Severe

Cyclonic Storm Mala, was the strongest
tropical cyclone of the 2006 North Indian
Ocean cyclone season.

A landslide is a movement of mass rock,

debris, or earth down a slope. The failure of
the slope happens when gravity exceeds the
strength of the earth materials.

2-Cyclone Sidr (in 2007, also known as

Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Sidr) was the
strongest named cyclone in the Bay of

Mechanism-

Landslide occurrence is related to some

typical and principal triggers, such as
rainfalls and earthquakes.
Stability of a slope changes to unstable form
due to any of the triggers. Then in upper part
of the slope, debris, snow, rocks or any part
of earth surface break and displaced from its
position and start to move down the slope.
Causes of landslide:
1) Rain- able to trigger shallow landslides
(eg. debris flows). El Nino which increases
precipitation in South America, led to
thousands of landslides in that part.
2) Erosion of the toe of a slope (the natural
wearing of rocks and soil) by rivers, glaciers
or oceans can overly steepen slopes.
3) Addition of moisture from heavy rainfall,
flooding, rapid snow melting, glacier
melting, and an increased water table can all
saturate the hillside and cause a landslide.
4) Earthquakes Shocks and Vibrations of
4.0 magnitudes and above can create
stresses that weaken slopes. In Alaska, many
landslides was due to earthquakes.
5) Volcanic eruptions can produce loose ash
deposits, and debris flows. The eruption of
Mount St. Helens has caused many of
largest landslides of the world.
6) Human activities such as deforestation,
construction works, vibrations by big
machinery and traffics on the slopes,
blasting in the hills can trigger the
landslides.
A large landslide in Afghanistan in May,
2014 buried more than 2000 people and

their homes. The easiest solution for

preventing catastrophic landslides is to stop
building on steep slopes or on the edges of
mountains landslides may still occur, but
the chances of people or property getting
damaged is much less. Planting vegetation
and controlling water run-off will be the best
efforts to save lives.
Please review friends :)
It is localized phenomenon in terms of
occurrence and its impact i.e. its impact is
restricted to that place unlike to floods and
earthquake. Although the action of gravity is
the primary driving force for a landslide to
occur there are other causal factors like
1. earthquake
2. Rainfall
3. Removal of vegetation
4. Steepness of slope
In most cases cause of landslide is rainfall.
High intensity rainfall for a short time, low
intensity rainfall for a long time induce
water in rock and pore water pressure get
increased and cause landslide. Landslide is
more a natural phenomenon though it also
gets affected by human activities.
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
137
Himalayan region of India is more prone to
landslide because it is tectonically active;
young & made of sedimentary rocks.

Landslides refers to the geological

phenomenon of wide range of land
movements, rock, debris flow etc. Though
the flow is primarily driven by gravity, other
factors may considerably affect the land
stability.
It occurs due to creation of the zone of
weakness separating the stable and unstable
land mass. The land mass may lose stability
due to natural or anthropogenic reasons. The
zone of the weakness may be concave
upwards , resulting into the formation of
rotational slides.
The plate movements resulting into
earthquakes may develop cracks in the rock
resulting into slides. Moreover, earthquakes
may also loosen the soil due to liquefaction,
thereby creating zone of weakness. Loss of
vegetation cover and erosion of the soil
reduces the binding capacity of the soil.
The human activities involving mining,
deforestation and construction in sensitive
areas may result into formation of the zone
of the weakness.
The landslides result into large scale loss to
life and property. The losses could be
reduced by early detection, better
preparation and reducing the encroachment
due to the anthropogenic activities in
sensitive areas.
Southern Annular Mode (SAM) (50 Words)
Answer)
The Southern Annular Mode (SAM), also
known as the Antarctic Oscillation (AAO),
describes the northsouth movement of the
westerly wind belt that circles Antarctica,

dominating the middle to higher latitudes of

the southern hemisphere.
A positive SAM event, the belt of strong
westerly winds contracts towards Antarctica.
These strong circumpolar winds (or polar
vortex) effectively lock in cold air and low
pressure to the south of them and prevent
warmer, more maritime air, influencing the
ice sheet from the north.
A negative SAM event reflects an expansion
of the belt of strong westerly winds towards
the equator.
Tropical Depression (50 Words)
Answer)
Tropical depressions are essentially takes
place in the tropical region of the earth.
A group of thunderstorm form a low
pressure region.
The cumulative effect of this leads to
tropical depression. They are similar to
hurricanes and they look like individual
thunderstorm.
It occurs in bay of Bengal and brings lot of
rainfall to the Tamil Nadu.
Why is it necessary to properly understand
the mechanism of Monsoon? Explain
importance of Monsoon to Indias economy.
(250 Words)
Answer:India has been an Agrarian country
traditionally, and it still continues to be.
Around 60% of the work force in India
depends directly on Agriculture. Agriculture
contributes around 15% to Indias GDP.
Regardless of this, India is worlds second

largest populous country and 1.2 billion

have to be fed. But most of the Indian
Agriculture is rain fed. And most of the rain
is received through Monsoon.

effect of Climate change on Monsoon is of

prime importance in regards to India.

Agriculture and therefore Monsoon, remains

of utmost importance for Indias economy
and food security. Traditionally, India faced
severe famines and droughts in case of
Monsoon failure. But in contemporary times
also, monsoon failure impacts heavily on
many in India.

Q. What is a floodplain? How floods are

caused? Examine the sociological impacts of
floods.

Monsoon is the reversal of trade winds due

to temperature changes, leading to heavy
rains. Monsoon depends mainly on three
factors.
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
138
Firstly, the amount of depression formed
over the subcontinent during summers.
Then, the shifting of ITCZ(Inter tropical
Convergence Zone) as a result of movement
of sun. Lastly, the effect of easterly Jet
Streams formed due to Tibet Plateau low
pressure trough.
All the three factors are closely related with
Ocean temperature. As a result of Climate
change, melting of polar ice caps is taking
place. Thus sea levels will rise and their
circulation patterns will change. The
temperature changes will also accompany.
Already, the El-Nino affects severely on
Indian Monsoon. Thus a monsoon failure is
witnessed every decade. Hence studying the

Geographical features and location

Answer Floodplains are land adjacent to rivers that

is prone to frequent flooding in times of high
discharge.
Flood plains are a kind of depositional
plains formed due to the deposition of fine
sediments consisting of sands, silts, clays in
the flood zones of the rivers. They also
known as alluvial plains because they are
formed of alluvial soils. India has two types
of flood plains-Khadar and Bhangar. Khadar
plains submerged under flood waters every
year, whereas Bhangar plains are not
affected by flood waters.
Floods are primarily caused by high
rainfall. When the volume of water is more
than the channel can transport, it results in
flooding. In coastal areas flood can also be
caused by cyclones or tsunamis. Though
mostly floods are caused by natural forces,
human activities do contribute in increasing
their frequency and strength.
Deforestation, poor farming techniques,
excess burden of urbanisation on land,global
warming leading to melting of polar caps, all
contribute to the stress factors that
exaggerate flooding.
Tree roots help absorb more water in the
soil and also hold the soil together and

prevent it from erosion. When this forest

cover is depleted, the soil is easily eroded
and deposit downstream where it narrows
the river channel leading to floods. Poorly
constructed dams and rampant construction
also lead to floods.
Floods not only cause large scale
displacement of people but also destroys
their livelihood. Loss of family are also very
common. Pushed into abject poverty, having
no resources and being forced to depend on
government aid causes trauma and deep
seated anger against the establishment.
There are numerous cases of physical and
sexual abuse in the rescue camps one is
forced to live in. This leads to a rise in anti
social elements and crimes.
Though all floods cannot be prevented,
with proper monitoring systems in place and
sound ecological practices, we can reduce
their intensity and the consequent effects on
human life
Sphere of Influence
SOI is a spatial region where its influence
dominates(gravitational forces etc ). the
earths soi extends up to 1M km. Indias
maiden mission to mars have traversed
beyond the earths SOI about 925000 km in
its 10 month of voyage to the red planet.
After that the space craft (Mass
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
139
Orbiter Mission) will be in interplanetary
orbit which is under the influence of sun.

Question - What is El-Nino? How is it

caused and explain its significance to India.
(200 Words)
Answer - El Nio is the warming of oceanic
currents in the western coast of south
America, precisely around the Tahiti islands.
It is a part of the southern Oscillation .
The Southern Oscillation is the see-saw
pattern of reversing surface air pressure
between the eastern and western tropical
Pacific. El Nino is an abnormal heating
pattern over the pacific ocean.
As the ocean off the coast of Peru gets
heated , low pressure prevails this reverse
the flow of air currents. Now the air flow
reverses and flows from Darwin island to
Tahiti i.e. from west to east. Even the cold
current reaching Peru coast from south of
Australia changes. This sudden influx of
warm current bring excess rainfall on Peru
causing landslide and damaging fishing in
the pacific.
This reversal of air currents weakens the
flow of south east monsoon flow south of
equator. This weakening brings lesser
rainfall to the Indian sub continent. This
results in initially below normal rainfall and
if precautions are not taken then results in
agricultural drought.
The ill effects of El Nino are till today not
scientifically proved but correlation between
the el Nio years and rainfall in India proves
that El Nio is indeed brings in drought. So
agriculturally, economically and from
livilihood point of view it is a bad climatic
phenomenon.

Write a note on the importance of

stratosphere for the Earth and its inhabitants.
(200 Words)
The stratosphere is the second major layer of
the Earths atmosphere situated between
about 10-13 km and 50 km above the
surface between the troposphere and the
mesosphere. The most important feature of
stratosphere is the presence of Ozone (O3)
gas in it. Ozone gas absorbs high energy
Ultraviolet-B and Ultraviolet-C rays from
the sun and prevents them from reaching the
Earths surface. These rays have the
potential of causing sunburn, cataract in
eyes leading to blindness, skin cancer,
reduced productivity of forests etc. the
second important feature of stratosphere is
that it facilitates the movement of aeroplanes
within it. Commercial airplanes prefer to fly
in the stratosphere due to the low
temperature which optimizes the fuel burn,
low air density which reduces the parasitic
drag on the airframe and over and above all
keeps the aircraft away from the turbulent
weather of the troposphere. As the
stratosphere is free from dust particles and
atmospheric turbulences it is considered
ideal for flying of jet aircraft.
Write a note on the structure and causes of
volcano.
Volcano is a landform at the end of a
conduit or pipe which rises from below the
crust and vent to the surface of the earth.
Magma rises and collects in a magma
chamber deep below resulting in eruption
that are effusive or explosive forming the
mountain.

The magma that actually issues from the

volcano is termed lava. Lava gases and
tephra pass through the vent to the surface
and build a volcanic landform.
The most basic requisite for volcanoes to
form is the presence of a molten rock
reservoir, or magma chamber, which is
under sufficiently high pressure to force
various forms of volcanic materials to the
surface. The passage of this eject can take
place through zones of structural weakness,
or fissures, or through a more central
conduit generally referred to as volcanic
vent.
Other cause of volcanic eruption is the plate
tectonics. The earth crust is its thinnest
layer. These plates lie above the hot, liquid
mantle. Each plate contains some
continental crust and some oceanic crust
.The boundaries between the plates are the
areas where most tectonic activity takes
place. The movement of these plates causes
the
INSIGHTS SECURE COMPILATION
GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - 1
http://insightsonindia.com INSIGHTS Page
140
disturbance inside the earth crust which is
the biggest cause of the volcanic eruption .
What is the difference between cultural and
natural landscapes? How does the
implementation
of
Kasturirangan
committees recommendations affect both
landscapes in the Western Ghat? Examine.
(250 Words)
Answer:

Natural Landscapes are the one, which are

not affected by any human interference and
all species are free to move around it. In
contrast, Cultural Landscapes are a
combination of nature and humans
interference. Cultural Landscapes, may be
entirely formed by man. Even religious or
other cultural sites considered sacred by the
natives, constitute a cultural landscape.
Kerala comprise of 38000 sq-kms of
Western Ghats. Of this, 12000 sq-kms is
occupied by natural landscape whereas
cultural landscape constitute 17000 sq-kms.
The
Kasturirangan
committees
recommendations include banning of all
polluting activities such as thermal power
plants, mining, quarrying etc in major
portion of Western Ghats. The rational
propagated behind these recommendation is
conservation of natural resources and biodiversity in the region.
The natural landscapes will be protected
from a much wider human exploitation.
Even the other economic activities, if
sustainable, will need the consent of Gram
Sabhas. The loss of biodiversity will be
terminated. The precious natural resources
like forests, rivers, minerals, soil etc will be
protected.
On the other hand, cultural landscapes,
which encounter active human participation,
will be affected considerably. Kerala being
land of temples and precious minerals will
be devoid of such activities. Such
prohibition will affect the economic
conditions and livelihood of many employed
in such activities. Such ban will also affect
Keralas tourism industry, which is a major
financial source for the state. This halting of

activities is being protested by the political

parties and state government.
Hence, there is a debate over long term and
immediate
consequences
of
such
recommendations.

20.Critical geographical
features, flora, fauna
(changes and effects
thereof)
20.1What are the effects of fast
melting ice in Arctic on ecology and
livelihood in the region? Examine.
(200 Words)
The fast melting of in Arctic region is
mainly due to Global Warming. Many man
made reasons leading to release of Green
House Gasses is attached to this.
The Ice cap of Arctic region reflects sun
rays back to atmosphere, melting of this ice
would lead to absorption of more heat in
oceans.
The melting of permafrost would lead to
release of methane which is a greenhouse
gas further increasing regional and global
temperatures.
Many polar animals like Polar beer, Walrus,
Reindeer, Whale, Fishes etc. have adopted
to cold temperatures.
Due to the raised temperature the oceanic
currents are bound to change affecting
marine ecosystem. Also, Phytoplanktons in
the region would increase sharply with
warmer waters further affecting entire
marine ecosystem.

Local communities thrive on hunting &

fishing. Increased in sea-levels will
jeopardize fishing in these regions, climate
change triggered by ice melting will cause
serious challenge to hunting.
Further, there is a race between leading
countries of the world to tap the
hydrocarbons in the region and explore new
shipping routes through the Arctic as ice
melts. This will lead to more pollution,
disturbance in ecosystem, further climate
change and loss of livelihood of indigenous
people.

20.2Critically comment on the

criticisms expressed against the
river linking projects in India.
River interlinking project, a long debated
engineering panacea to address duality of
simultaneous occuring droughts and floods
problem in India can be analysed on 3 key
issues that are:
(a) Cost benefit analysis: Huge cost incurred
in construction and accrued benefits in terms
of solving water scarcity and improvement
in agricultural productivity creates a
connundrum as containing fiscal deficit and
food security are equally important for
India.
(b) Ecological sustainability vs economical
growth. : Fragile ecosystem is threatened by
the present quality of water in rivers that
may pollute new areas and deteriorate faunal
health. But, the reservoirs made at water
head also provides an opportunity to recycle
water that becomes difficult in a flowing
stream. Development needs further presses
on interlinking.

(c) Social and political crises: Interlinking

displaces poors especially tribals having
great affinity to their domicile. Indias
record in rehabilitation is tardy for instance
in Narmada project. This increases locals
vulnerability. Interstate dispute are a never
ending problem posing threat to national
integration.
The future of interlinking project lies on a
precarious path and the ability of politicians
and engineering acumen will only determine
which way the project traverse.

20.3How glaciers are formed?

Explain their ecological
significance. (200 Words)
Glaciers are thick sheets of ice formed from
accumulation of snow for a long time.Each
year snow accumulates and forms layers and
subsequently
recrystallizing
ice.Again
further after recrystallizing, grainy structure
is formed similar to sugar and as time moves
on, they will become bigger so that air
cannot enter the gaps thus increasing
density.This process takes over hundreds of
years and continuing. Finally this thick layer
of ice moves slowly due to gravity influence
and come down on plains as rivers.
Galciers length can range from few meters
to hundreds of kilometers and also
considerable width.They periodically retreat
or advance, depending on the amount of
snow accumulation or ablation that
occurs.They even surge sometimes even for
months.Glaciers are natural sources of fresh
water and indirectly helps in generating
electricity and irrigation.But recently due to
global warming so many galciers of the
world are retreating fast alrming us that they

would be non-existant in near future.Some

scientists attribute this massive glacial
retreat to the Industrial Revolution, which
began around 1760
For example, considering Himalayas,
between 2003 and 2009, Himalayan glaciers
lost huge amount of water, and contributed
to catastrophic floods of the Indus, Ganges
and Brahmaputra rivers.The main causes are
global warming and increasing dust particles
in atmosphere contributed largely by India
and China that warms air and surface ice.As
the Himalayan glaciers melt, the lack of data
for predicting how river flows will change in
response is of great concern.
Developed and Developing countries should
concentrate on global warming issues
keeping their egos aside, if not we will be
deprived of major source of fresh water in
coming future and also face floods and other
catasrophic events

20.4Identify the important floodprone areas in India and their

characteristics. Explain the benefits
of annual natural floods.
Flood is a natural fury where the river tries
to reclaim its rightful space. India being a
monsoon dependent country where 75% of
the rainfall occours between june to
september is largely devastrated by floods
during these months.
A generalised representation of flood prone
areas of India can be made by drawing a
100cm isohyet, to the right of which lies the
flood prone area. Assam and Bihar are the
most effected states followed by UP, WB
and Orissa. There are three specific flood
prone areas in this region which are:

(a) Northern plains(Ganga-BrahmaputraBarak ) : The main characteristics of this

region is drainage congestion, bank erosion,
landslide, aggradation channel change and
regime change.
(b) Peninsular region (Godavari, Krishna,
Kaveri, Narmada and Tapi): Drainage
congestion and flood plain damage are the
characteristics of this region.
(c) Occasional flooding regions (Brahmini,
Baitarani, Subarnarekha) : Heavy cyclonic
rainfall generally cause flooding in this
region.
While the damage caused by floods are not a
hidden fact, it do have some benefits also.
(a) Restores the soil fertility by spreading
the silt over bhangar amd khadar.
(b) Perform the function of surface water
recharge of water bodies like lakes, ponds
and wetlands.
(c) Ground
amplified.

water

recharging

rate

is

(d) Washes the soil of its salinity and

alkalinity that accumulate due to faulty
irrigation practices.
(e) Washes toxic metal of landfills.
(f) Restore the fertility of wetlands and it
again exuberates with life and biodiversity.
(g) Restore the natural channel of river that
is vulnerable to human occupation.
(h) Reminds humanity to put a check on his
insatiable greed.