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INSIGHTSONINDIA

SECURE SYNOPSIS

MAINS - 2018

GS-I

C o p y r i g h t s © I N S I G H T S A C T I V E L E A R N I N G

NOVEMBER - 2017

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Table of Contents

Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to

modern times. _______________________________________________________________________________ 4

Q) Discuss the salient features and cultural significance of Bhimbetka cave paintings. (150 Words) ___________________ 4

Q) Write a note on various Buddhist mudras, their significance and their depiction in various art forms. (250 Words) ____ 5

Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant

events, personalities, issues ____________________________________________________________________ 6

Q) Give a brief account of contributions of M.N. Roy to India’s struggle for independence and to the cause of communism

around the world. (250 Words) __________________________________________________________________________ 6

Q) Discuss Jawaharlal Nehru’s views on science and religion, and their relevance today. (250 Words) _________________ 7

Q) Why did India wait till early 1990s to introduce structural economic reforms but not in 1970 as did by China? Critically

examine. (150 Words) _________________________________________________________________________________ 7

Q) What were the outcomes of the 1962 India-China War? Do you think it was a catastrophic defeat for India? Critically

examine. (250 Words) _________________________________________________________________________________ 8

Q) Why did Rabindranath Tagore consider the idea of nationalism as being profoundly alien to the Indian psyche and the

subcontinent’s many pasts? Discuss critically in the light of contemporary examples. (250 Words) ____________________ 9

Q) Examine the contributions of Subhash Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army (INA) to India’s freedom struggle and the

events that led to its reconciliation in the national mainstream. (250 Words) ____________________________________ 10

Q) Discuss the contributions of Vithalbhai Patel to India’s struggle for independence and to the evolution of India’s

polity. (150 Words) __________________________________________________________________________________ 10

Topic: The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts

of the country. ______________________________________________________________________________ 11

Q) Who were ‘criminal tribes’ ? What was the British policy on these tribes in colonial India ? Examine. (250 Words) ____ 11

Topic: Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country. _________________________ 12

Q) Kashmir and Kashmiri’s need autonomy, not azaadi. Comment. (250 Words) __________________________________ 12

Q) Do you think there is a need to introduce the wars the Indian military was compelled to engage in after August 1947 in

school curriculum? Justify. (150 Words) __________________________________________________________________ 13

Q) Discuss briefly the nature of national consolidation process that took place in the decade from 1947 right up to the

India-China war of 1962. (250 Words) ____________________________________________________________________ 14

Topic: History of the world will include events from 18th century _____________________________________ 15

Q) The Balfour Declaration is an inexcusable historical mistake. Comment. (150 Words) ___________________________ 15

Q) Much of the experience of Russia’s October Revolution has been horrific for the people of Russia, and benign for the

rest of the world. Elucidate. (250 Words) _________________________________________________________________ 15

Q) What did the Russian Revolution mean to India, Indian politics and Indian political leadership? And how did colonial

authorities react to these influences and interpretations? Examine. (250 Words) _________________________________ 16

Q) Examine why November 9 is regarded as Schicksalstag (Day of Fate) in German history. (150 Words) ______________ 17

Topic: Political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society. 18

Q) China, being a competitor to liberal democracy, can it export its model of political system – especially the “Xi model” to

the rest of the world? Critically comment. (150 Words) ______________________________________________________ 18

Q) Why did communism fail? Does modern world need communism? In the light of 100th anniversary of the Russian

Revolution, critically comment. (250 Words) ______________________________________________________________ 18

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Q) “The naxal movement has remained relevant and active mainly due to the deepening and widening socio-economic

disparities, deprivation and exclusion of tribal people who have always been seen as a dispensable population.” Critically

comment. (250 Words) ________________________________________________________________________________ 19

Q) The religious competition during the Reformation period was essential to the birth of capitalism and it continues to be

relevant today. Discuss. (250 Words)_____________________________________________________________________ 22

Topic: Salient features of Indian society, diversity of India ___________________________________________ 22

Q) India is extremely rich in terms of linguistic diversity. Discuss the relationship between linguistic diversity and social

justice. (200 Words) __________________________________________________________________________________ 22

Q) Does India need an anti-superstition law? Considering India’s social and cultural diversity, do you think such a law

would achieve its objectives? Critically comment. (250 Words) _______________________________________________ 24

Topic: Role of women ________________________________________________________________________ 25

Q) The recent 2017 amendment to the Maternity Benefit Act of 1961 (Amendment) is a step forward in the right direction

towards increasing gender diversity at the workplace. Comment. (150 Words) ___________________________________ 25

Q) Examine the achievements and contributions of Cornelia Sorabji to women empowerment in India. (150 Words) ____ 26

Q) Discuss Indira Gandhi’s contribution as a conservationist and as an environmentalist to India’s environmental causes.

(250 Words) ________________________________________________________________________________________ 26

Q) Discuss the achievements and contributions made by Dr Rukhmabai towards women empowerment in India. (150

Words) _____________________________________________________________________________________________ 27

Topic: Salient features of world’s physical geography. _____________________________________________ 28

Q) What is Gulf dust storm? Why is it caused? Examine its consequences. (250 Words) ____________________________ 28

Q) Examine the impact Himalayan rivers have had on the evolution of Indus Valley Civilisation. (150 Words) __________ 29

Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc. _____ 30

Q) Discuss the inter-relationship between monsoon rains and pollution in Indian metros. (150 Words) _______________ 30

Q) Discuss the nature and significance of contributions of Anasuya Sarabhai to women’s empowerment in India. (150

Words) _____________________________________________________________________________________________ 31

Topic: Urbanization – problems and remedies _____________________________________________________ 31

Q) Providing relief to people in the Indian city now lies beyond the scope of conventional solutions and conventional

governance. In the light of pressing problems being faced by metros like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and Kolkatta

which have caught global attention, critically analyse. (250 Words) ____________________________________________ 31

Q) Urban India faces considerable gaps along the full cycle of sanitation. Discuss priorities and strategies that urban India

should focus on to make Indian cities clean. (250 Words) ____________________________________________________ 32

NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They

are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is

content that both meets demand of the question and at the same time gives you extra

points in the form of background information.

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General Studies Paper - I

Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture

from ancient to modern times.

Q) Discuss the salient features and cultural significance of Bhimbetka cave

paintings. (150 Words)

Livemint

Introduction :- The Bhimbetka rock shelters are an archaeological site of the Paleolithic, exhibiting the earliest traces of human life on the Indian Subcontinent, and thus the beginning of the Indian Stone Age. It is located in the Raisen District in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, near Abdullaganj town and inside the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary.

As reported in the UNESCO citation declaring the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka a World Heritage Site, Bhimbetka was first mentioned in Indian archaeological records in 1888 as a Buddhist site, based on information gathered from local adivasis. Later V. S. Wakankar, while travelling by train to Bhopal, saw some rock formations similar to those he had seen in Spain and France. He visited the area with a team of archaeologists and discovered several prehistoric rock shelters in 1957

Bhimbetka owes its name to the characters of the longest epic in the world, the Mahabharata. It is believed that when the five brothers, called Pandavas, were banished from their kingdom, they came here and stayed in these caves, the massive rocks seating the gigantic frame of Bhima, the second Pandava.

Salient features :-

Bhimbetka is a natural art gallery and an archaeological treasure. It shows vivid and panoramic details of life style of the humans since Paleolithic ages.

The rock paintings have numerous layers belonging to various epochs of time, ranging from the Upper Palaeolithic, Mesolithic Age to the protohistoric, early historic and medieval periods.

The brilliant use of available space and colors by historic men shows their ability to express their observations, emotions effectively.

It depicts the detail of social life during the long period of time, when man used to frequent these rock shelters.

The paintings also depict matchstick figures of men and women. The scenes usually depict hunting, dancing, horse and elephant riders, animal fights, honey collection, decoration of bodies, disguises, masks and different type of animals etc.

The rock art of Bhimbetka has been classified into various groups on the basis of the style and subject. The drawings and paintings can be classified under seven different periods from upper Paleolithic to medieval.

Bhimbetka amazes not only because of its caves and rock paintings. In fact, numerous other archaeological remains which have been excavated Bhimbetka is home to such remains of yesteryears as walls of a ruined citadel, mini stupas indicating Buddhist influence in the Maurya / Sunga periods in this area.

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Significance :-

It’s a masterpiece of historic legacy of our ancestors and opens a great window to look into life of men socio cultural politico and economically.

It’s reliable source to construct of history of men when other sources like literary were not available.

The cave paintings are also significant owing to the fact that they stands intact throughout the history of mankind hence its easy to build evolution of human history.

The art represented and the various themes used in paintings signifies importance of art, community living, dancing and other things in society

The recognition given to Bhimbetka by UNESCO shows its significance in world archeological area.

The role played by these caves in enhancing tourism of India is also noteworthy.

The rocks of Bhimbetka, with their discovery, set a silent revolution in history of mankind. They are one of the most valued, precious pieces of our heritage. Their preservation is the not only our duty towards our past, ancestral linkages but also towards our next generations to hand over this legacy intact. Hence scientific preservation and up to date conservation by government, UNESCO and responsible tourism by people is the way out.

Q) Write a note on various Buddhist mudras, their significance and their depiction

in various art forms. (250 Words)

The Wire

Buddhism mudras depict various incidents and messages of Buddhist philosophy. These are used in Buddha images and in practice to evoke particular ideas or Buddha in the mind during Buddhist meditation or ritual.

The gestures performed by the hands of a Buddha image (mudras) have specific meanings that refer to some event in the life of the Buddha or denote a special characteristic.

Some important mudras are :

DHARMACHAKRA MUDRA

This mudra depicts Buddha at his first sermon in Sarnath after he attained enlightenment.

It is done with the help of both the hands which are held against the chest, the left facing inward, covering the right facing outward.

DHYAN MUDRA

It is simple Yogasan posture placing both hands on lap.

This is the characteristic gesture of Buddha Shakyamuni, Dhyani Buddha Amitabh and the Medicine Buddhas.

BHUMSPAR MUDRA

Buddha’s awakening as he claims the earth as the witness of his enlightenment.

It is done with the help of the right hand, which is held from above the right knee, reaching toward the ground with the palm inward while touching the lotus throne.

VARADA MUDRA

It represents charity, welcome, offering

It is done with left hand placed above lap in air.

KARANA MUDRA

It is for warding off evil, sickness etc.

Index and little fingers are raised while folding other fingers.

VAJRA MUDRA

It represents thunderbolt consisting of five element of air, water, earth, fire and metal

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It is done by holding left hand fire finger in right hand fist.

VITARK MUDRA

It signifies discussion and teaching by joining thumb to index finger while other fingers straight.

ABHAYA MUDRA

It represents fearlessness or blessing by Indian way of giving Ashirvad with right hand and left hand hanging down.

It is characteristic of Buddha Shakyamuni and Dhyani Buddha Amoghasiddhi.

UTTARBODHI MUDRA

It represents supreme enlightenment by placing both hands near chest and index finger raised upward and joined while other fingers intertwined.

ANJALI MUDRA

It represents greeting, prayer or adoration.

It is same as simple Namaskar posture we do it everyday.

Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the

present- significant events, personalities, issues

Q) Give a brief account of contributions of M.N. Roy to India’s struggle for

independence and to the cause of communism around the world. (250 Words)

Livemint

Introduction :- Manabendra Nath Roy (21 March 1887 – 24 January 1954) was an Indian revolutionary, radical activist and political theorist, as well as a noted philosopher in the 20th century. Roy was a founder of the Mexican Communist Party and the Communist Party of India. He was also a delegate to congresses of the Communist International and Russia’s aide to China.

Contribution to Indian politics and world communism :-

Roy began his political career as a militant nationalist, considering in the cult of the bomb and the pistol and the requirement of an armed insurrection.

N.Roy introduced the process of displacing communism in India by sending his trained representatives to different parts of the country.

Roy was a creator of the Mexican Communist Party and the Communist Party of India.

In 1940, Roy was instrumental in the establishment of the Radical Democratic Party, an organisation in which he played a leading role for much of the decade of the 1940s. Roy later moved away from Marxism to become an advocate of the philosophy of radical humanism.

The groundwork of the Communist Party of India was significant event in the country’s political life and played an immense role in stimulating the struggle of the Indian people for national freedom and social advancement. M.N.Roy wanted to make the communist party of India as a legal and national political party like the Congress and Swaraj parties.

Roy was a creative writer. He wrote many books, edited, and contributed to several journals. His famous books includes India in Transition, India’s Problem and its Solutions, What do we want, Labour Party, Open Letter to C.R. Das and Programme for the Indian National Congress, Revolution and counter revolution in China, Materialism.

Manabendra Nath Roy was an Indian innovative, radical activist and political theorist. He was the thinker of modern time. It is well acknowledged that the contribution of M.N.Roy for the origin and growth of Indian Communism was highly praiseworthy. He recognized the extremists, transformed the dissatisfied Indian Muslims as extremists and founded the party. He established the communism thought among masses and had immense contribution for the struggle of India.

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Q) Discuss Jawaharlal Nehru’s views on science and religion, and their relevance

today. (250 Words)

The Indian Express

Introduction :- Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Prime Minister of India and a central figure in Indian politics before and after independence. He emerged as the paramount leader of the Indian independence movement under the tutelage of Mahatma Gandhi and ruled India from its establishment as an independent nation in 1947 until his death in 1964.

When the country celebrates the 125th birth anniversary of Pandit Nehru, an occasion arrives to explore his most important contribution to all of us. His views on science and religion stands out and his efforts to inculcate them in India needs to be remembered.

Jawaharlal Nehru on Science :

Pandit Nehru laid the brick and mortar of science in newly independent India. Nehru’s enormous contributions to the establishment of the IITs, of the large network of research laboratories of the CSIR and DRDO and of the atomic energy establishment are all well known.

But more than the brick and mortar the hardware or establishment of physical facilities as it were Nehru was preoccupied with what he at different times called the scientific method, the scientific approach, the scientific outlook and the scientific temper the soft-ware.

To Nehru, scientific temper was something to be inculcated in society at large. He used to believe that Science was not merely an individual’s search for truth; It was something infinitely more than that if it worked for the community.

His emphasis on the development of scientific temperament is a great contribution to India because it initiated the fight against religious obscurantism and superstition which the whole country was steeped in.

Nehru on religion :-

Despite his celebration of science, the deeper metaphysical/spiritual question fascinated Nehru. He repeatedly argued, the burden of religion has to be lessened.

Almost like Max Weber, he would allow himself to be troubled by the question relating to the meaning of existence in a world characterised by increasing rationalisation and secularisation.

He admitted that Science ignored the ultimate purposes and some faith seems necessary in terms of the spirit which are beyond the scope of our physical world.

A secular Nehru was more sensitive to the fineness of spiritual wonder than what these days the zealots and state-sponsored celebrity babas are doing.

From his dissection of communalism Nehru discovered that secularism was the sole response to the communal forces. Scientific life-style was its pragmatic base. When secularism was to be practised, no other political system could be established except one which was a functional democracy. This is very much relevant even today when we are a diverse country.

Today we experience the presence of his absence. His scholarship, his passion, and his wonder we miss in a political culture. We have lost what made his ‘discovery’ possible — a spirit of nuanced dialogue, decolonised cosmopolitanism and cultural syncretism.

Q) Why did India wait till early 1990s to introduce structural economic reforms but

not in 1970 as did by China? Critically examine. (150 Words)

Livemint

Introduction :- The economic liberalisation in India refers to the economic liberalisation, initiated in 1991, of the country’s economic policies, with the goal of making the economy more market and service-oriented and expanding the role of private and foreign investment.

Attempts were made to liberalise the economy in 1966 and 1985. The first attempt was reversed in 1967. Thereafter, a stronger version of socialism was adopted. The second major attempt was in 1985 by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

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The process came to a halt in 1987, though 1967 style reversal did not take place. However the full fledged structural reforms were adopted only in 1990s.

There are many reasons for the late introduction of full fledged economic reforms in Indian Economy :-

The Indian state has been more penetrated by social actors than many East and Southeast Asian states. Unlike China, India could neither abolish private enterprise nor could it embrace globalization with the same speed and ferocity.

Both complete state-driven nationalization and state-driven globalization would demand a state, which would have much greater command over interest groups like industrialists, farmers and trade unions. Policies favouring economic growth and development in India needed to evolve gradually after building a social consensus on those policies.

This is a model of development driven by a relationship between the state and society, where the power of the state, even in its commanding moments, was moderated by the power of social actors.

India’s growth rates began looking more like China’s after 2003. India has risen as a vibrant economy only in starting decades of 21st century while China had shown these symptoms much earlier. India’s democratic complexity and the chaotic nature of development policies increased the delays further.

The decade of 1960s and 70s were not favourable for introduction of such reforms. An economic crisis was looming large over the nation’s horizon. The droughts of 1964/65 and 1965/66 and the war with Pakistan in 1965 created a financial situation where India became dependent on shipments of US PL 480 wheat.

All these factors made India to adopt for economic structural reforms only in 1990s.

Q) What were the outcomes of the 1962 India-China War? Do you think it was

a catastrophic defeat for India? Critically examine. (250 Words)

The Hindu

1962 war

On 8 September 1962, Chinese forces attacked the Thagla ridge and dislodged Indian troops, but this was taken as a minor incident. Nehru went off to London for a conference and after returning home once again left for Colombo on 12 October.

A week later, the Chinese army launched a massive attack and overran Indian posts in the eastern sector in NEFA or what is now Arunachal Pradesh. The Indian army commander in NEFA fled without any effort at resistance leaving the door wide open for China to walk in.

In the western sector, on 20 October, thirteen forward posts were captured by the Chinese in the Galwan valley, and the Chushul airstrip threatened.

The war formally came to an end with China’s unilateral ceasefire on November 21, but the crisis did not. Gains in the Aksai Chin aside, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) now occupied significant portions of NEFA.

What Nehru thought?

Nehru’s understanding of Chinese history, of the history of revolutions, especially the Russian revolution, had convinced him that China should not be isolated and pushed into a corner, but should be brought into the community of nations and its revolution humanized.

He understood that the Chinese occupation of Tibet meant a common border with attendant conflicts. But he also saw that China could not think of expansionism as yet, as it had big problems to solve.

Nehru was shocked at the scale of the attack, as he had thought that there may be occasional border skirmishes here and there, but not an invasion of this nature. He erred in not anticipating the precise nature of the attack, rather than in the foreign policy he pursued.

India’s victory in consolidating populations under the grand national project “India”

Civilian administrators had made huge efforts since 1950 to consolidate India’s sovereignty over the region; but given the difficult terrain, wet climate, and financial and human shortages, doing so required local inhabitants’ cooperation.

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Gaining the loyalty of the Mishmis, Monpas or Adis was an aim in itself, if they were to become Indian citizens

In this porous Himalayan borderland criss-crossed by social, cultural or family ties and regular movement, people had ample opportunity to observe and compare what India and China (in Tibet) respectively offered.

The result was a fierce competition for Himalayan hearts and minds, well before military and diplomatic tensions appeared between the two countries.

It is said that 1962 War was China’s chance to prove to Himalayan people that it was the better state — whereas a weak India could neither protect nor deliver.

Conclusion

China had won the war on both fronts, military and political; yet this had not been enough to win people over, especially since many people had heard of repression in Tibet from refugees passing through. China’s demonstration of superiority seems to have been counter-productive.

The Indian state might be weaker and less efficient, but from the inhabitants’ standpoint it was less of a risk, and offered more chance for negotiation.

Q) Why did Rabindranath Tagore consider the idea of nationalism as being

profoundly alien to the Indian psyche and the subcontinent’s many pasts? Discuss

critically in the light of contemporary examples. (250 Words)

The Indian Express

Introduction:

Rabindranath Tagore is one of the most celebrated names of our freedom struggle and a forerunner to the modern Indian nation.

Rabindranath Tagore, whose song Jana Gana Mana we know to be the national anthem of India – had many anxieties and worries about the very idea of nationalism itself.

Between 1916 and 1917, Tagore travelled to Japan and the United States of America, where Tagore urged to aspire for the ‘higher ideals of humanity’ rather than accept what he called as the ‘organized selfishness of Nationalism’. He also added the equally severe admonishment that one should never “gloat upon the feebleness of its neighbours.”

He said ‘patriotism is when the love for our own comes first and nationalism when the hate for others comes first.’ He traced nationalism on a similar line to that of Ernest Gellner and said that nationalism had been know to motivate hateful conflict and violence. It promoted the conflict between two identities which in turn strengthened the modern nation state’s objectives.

The social anthropologist Ernest Gellner (1925-95), who was able to convincingly trace the emergence of nationalism to the oftentimes violent social, economic and political processes of the industrial revolution and modernity itself.

Tagore on Indian nationalism

For Tagore, importantly enough, the idea of India was a moral project that needed to engage with its own deep and troubled history of “social adjustment.”

For Tagore, the idea of India was to realize its civilizational possibilities and potential rather than to allow it to inhale the “fumes” of “patriotic bragging.”

Tagore thus considered the idea of nationalism as being profoundly alien to the Indian psyche and the subcontinent’s many pasts.

He saw nationalism as inherently alien to India, which has been made up of so many different identities on the basis of caste, colours, race, class, religion etc, that nationalism would put one identity over the other, a idea that went against the syncretic nature of India’s past.

India’s tryst with nationalism as a by-product of British colonialism remains cluttered by unresolved tensions, disagreements, disputes, discussions and varying ideologies.

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Conclusion

Consequently, if one is to take on the task of meaningfully being a nationalist or patriot in India today, it requires a repeated and constantly evolving engagement with some of the founding imaginations that made possible modern India as a democratic republic.

In other words, nationalism and patriotism are not frozen or dead concepts but ideas that require constant nourishment through critical reflection.

However his critique of nationalism was met in opposition by Gandhi who said that nationalism can in fact be a uniting force of these different identities which would continue to be divided, if not for this. While the benefits of the idea of nationalism definitely need to be mapped, the ill effects hold a special relevance in the polarising world of today.

Q) Examine the contributions of Subhash Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army

(INA) to India’s freedom struggle and the events that led to its reconciliation in the

national mainstream. (250 Words)

The Indian Express

The role of Subhash Chandra Bose & his Indian National Army(INA), also known as Arzi-e-Hukumat Azad Hind Fauz have been a significant part of Indian Freedom Struggle. INA was an armed force organised by Bose in South Asia.

Its contributions towards India’s freedom struggle can be understood as

INA which comprised mainly of the Indian expatriates & prisoners from Malay peninsula in South Asia aimed at the independence of India from the control of British empire.

With the aim to ‘unfurl Indian flag at Red Fort’, Bose gave the slogan of ‘You give me blood, I will give you freedom & instilled the patriotism among the Indians

INA made alliance with Imperial Japan in 1943 and fought against British Indian Army at Burma, Imphal & Kohima during Second World War. The INA comprising about 1-1.5 lakh soldiers aimed to defeat British & Other Commonwealth forces & win India’s freedom.

The Bombay mutiny in Royal Indian Navy & other mutinies in 1946 are said to have inspired by the nationalistic waves raised by the trials of INA.

A women’s unit comprising civilian volunteers under the leadership of Lakshmi Sehgal encouraged women to take part in the armed struggle against the British forces.

Reconciliation of INA in the national mainstream

Mountbatten was not in favour of integrating INA members in the Indian army but after independence of India in 1947, scenario got changed.

Many of the members of INA like Lakshmi Sehgal held key political posts & others served as ambassadors in other countries.

Though the INA soldiers are not given the status of freedom fighters but they are seen with the eyes of respect & as patriots. Even Nehru missed the presence of Bose while hosting Indian flag at Red Fort.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that the INA played the role of hammering the last nail in the coffin of British rule in India, because of its nationalistic ideas & the zeal to take freedom ‘at any cost’ & sacrifice of one’s own life.

Q) Discuss the contributions of Vithalbhai Patel to India’s struggle for independence

and to the evolution of India’s polity. (150 Words)

The Wire

Vithalbhai Patel, the elder brother of Vallabhbhai Patel was the first Indian speaker (president) elected to the Central Legislative Assembly in 1925.

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Contribution to the Indian freedom struggle :

1. Laid down foundation for independent legislature

He laid down the basic rules for the independence of the legislature and its secretariat in India.

He fought a long battle with the colonial government for an independent secretariat for the Central Legislative Assembly because he was conscious of the fact that the legislature can perform its basic functions only with the help of a secretariat which is free from the control of the government.

In 1928, he created a separate office for the Assembly, independent of the administration of the Government of India. He established the convention of neutrality of the President in debates, except to use a casting vote in favour of the status quo.

He won the battle and an independent secretariat was established on January 10, 1929.

Vithalbhai was a fearless, independent and impartial speaker who gave many rulings against the colonial government.

As the President of the Assembly, Patel laid down the practices and procedures for the business of the Assembly.

2. Struggle through the “constitutional” methods

Although never truly accepting the philosophy and leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, Patel joined the Congress and the struggle for freedom.

He had no regional base of support, yet he was an influential leader who expanded the struggle through fiery speeches and articles published.

He was however an active player in Kisan Kheda stayagraha , Non cooperation and Khilafat movement

3. Co founded Swaraj Party

When Mahatma Gandhi aborted the struggle in 1922 following the Chauri Chaura incident, Patel left the Congress to form the Swaraj Party with Chittaranjan Das and Motilal Nehru, which would seek to foil the Raj by sabotaging the government after gaining entry in the councils.

He rejoined the Congress upon the declaration of Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) in 1929, and was subsequently imprisoned, but with his health deteriorating, he was released from prison in 1931 and went to Europe for medical treatment.

4. Articulate voice alternate to Gandhi

Patel and others were important voices who rebelled against the leadership of Gandhi when the nation anguished over the abortion of the Non-Cooperation Movement

Patel gave up the Congress after the end of the Salt Satyagraha, became a fierce critic of Gandhi and a strong ally of Subhas Chandra Bose.

Bose and Patel traveled across Europe, gathering funds and political support – among others.

5. Role in passing important legislations

It was also to the credit of Vithalbhai’s efforts that the Compulsory Education Bill, the Ayurvedic and Yunani Medicine Bills, Town Planning Bill were passed by the Bombay Legislative Council.

Topic: The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors /contributions

from different parts of the country.

Q) Who were ‘criminal tribes’ ? What was the British policy on these tribes in colonial

India ? Examine. (250 Words)

The Hindu

Introduction:

“Criminal Tribes” are any tribe, gang or class of persons recognized by Criminal Tribe Act, 1871 as addicted to the systematic commission of non-bailable offenses.

The genesis of criminal tribes goes back to disintegration of Mughal Empire when hereditary robbers used to robbing peaceful travelers in mostly central and northern India.

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British Policy

In 1835 Governor General William Bentick appointed William Sleeman as commissioner to deal with the rise in number of thugs.

In 1850 William Sleeman gave report that some commumities practice criminal offenses as they think it is as per God’s will and inheritance.

In 1871 criminal tribes act declared these tribes dangerous and born criminals, gave the police sweeping powers to arrest, control and monitor their movement. It recognized certain sections of communities as habitual criminals. To contain their movement, they were subject to weekly attendance at local police stations.

In 1911 punitive penalities were increased. Under this act local governement were empowered to establish separate reformatory settlements for tribal boys from age 4 to 18 years away from their parents. Separate areas were reserved for them under police guards. Schools and jobs were provided to these people.

Conclusion

Independent India was aware of colonial prejudice and administrative anxieties inflicted on these groups, thus, on the recommendation of Ayyangar Committee, CTA was repealed and on its place Habitual Offender Act, 1952 was passed. The Act recognizes individual hard core criminals rather than a social group.

Considering the still prevalent prejudice and stereotypes against these communities, the NCDNSNT has recommended reservation for these communities on the line of SCs and STs, as an empowering tool.

To conclude, Andhra Pradesh inhabited Yerukulas are still fighting this stigma. A comprehensive policy is immediately required to rehabilitate these communities and to ensure proper future economic prospects.

Topic: Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.

Q) Kashmir and Kashmiri’s need autonomy, not azaadi. Comment. (250 Words)

The Hindu

Introduction :- The autonomy of Kashmir has always been a boiling issues in India. The integration of Kashmir and the subsequent agreements on autonomy of states need to be understood in order to distinguish between autonomy and azaadi and not to label Kasmir’s problem as a separatist one.

Article 370, as it stands, assures Jammu & Kashmir a very special autonomous status in the Indian constitutional scheme. Owing to the special circumstances in which the former princely State was able to negotiate its accession to India, severe limitations were placed by the Constitution itself on the Centre’s powers vis-à-vis Jammu & Kashmir.

Article 35A of the constitution is a derivative of Article 370, which allows the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly to define who is a permanent resident, who is eligible to vote and work for the state, who can own land and get admission in colleges.

Due to various interpretations like art 35 is a set of laws those are discriminatory in nature and in conflict with Article 14, 15 and 16 of the Indian constitution and Art 370 is a stumbling block in unity and integrity of India also the role of Separatists who want that people of Jammu and Kashmir should be given a right to choose whether they want to live in India, Pakistan or remain sovereign people at large view the protest and demands of Kashmir people as a demand for Azaadi.

However a closer analysis will point out that it’s the States encroaching steps and other measures which has created a feeling of fear and sense of losing out autonomy in Kashmir like

Over the years, a series of undemocratic measures and practices beginning with the 1954 Constitution Order eroded the rights and vital powers devolved by Article 370 on the State.

Presidential orders reduced the state’s autonomy like extending the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India and Election Commission of India. Presidents rule has been used numerous times in Kashmir.

The central laws were implemented and state’s powers were subsequently reduced to what was called the “state list’’.

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Supreme court is recently hearing a petition by NGO We the Citizen on repeal of Art 35.

The draconian laws like AFSPA haunts the Kashmir badly etc

There is a need to understand the deep fear about the autonomy in Kashmir and measures should be taken to strengthen it and restore the confidence shown by Sheikh Abdullah in India Kashmir relationship at that time, in order to ensure Azaadi in the form of Autonomy following steps are required :-

Problems in Kashmir must be handled with dialogue more than the use of force as this is taken by people as encroachment on their rights recent cases like tying up of Farukh Ahmad Dar to jeep front by Army must be avoided.

Any changes if necessary to be made in existing constitutional arrangements must be consulted with State of Kashmir first and also with all major stakeholders involved rather than proclaiming unilateral statements and creating unnecessary controversies.

The trust deficit must be breached between the government and people through financial and political devolutions, schemes like Nai Roshini, USTAAD, opening more IITs NITs and AIIMs in State in order to negate the efforts of separatists, states and non states actors to radicalize Kashmir youth.

Role of draconian laws like AFSPA, frequency of curfew situations, atrocities by army must be reduced and needs to be made more human respecting the rights of Kashmir people as recently stated by Supreme Court in many verdicts.

India will have to grant real autonomy to all her states, including Kashmir. The restoration of autonomy to Kashmir within the framework of the Delhi Agreement of 1952 would give a sense of fulfillment to the people of Kashmir. The people must be assured that no erosion of the state’s autonomy in terms of Article 370 will take place.

Q) Do you think there is a need to introduce the wars the Indian military was

compelled to engage in after August 1947 in school curriculum? Justify. (150 Words)

The Hindu

Introduction :- India has fought many wars since it’s independence. The major wars fought includes Indo-China war of 1962, India-Pakistan war of 1965 and 1971. Other skirmishes and minor confrontations involves 1999 Kargil war with Pakistan etc. This history many a times included in textbooks but they becomes centre of controversy owing to their politicisation etc.

The military history of India should be taught in school :-

They are the touchstones of history which reminds us about the sacrifices made, the lessons learnt and the valour shown by the Indians in the difficult days. This results in making Indian younger generations unite more responsibly and work for the future with more efforts.

The experience of 1947-48 clashes and history of partition need to be understood. India’s independence was a tumultuous event. Mass migration of populations was underway. Violence and massacre between communities was rampant. The subsequent accession of Jammu and Kashmir and wars with Pakistan if included in school curriculum then students will be aware about the actual happenings and facts and won’t be misled by others.

The younger generation in India, that is those born after 1980, may not even recall the border war with China except in a hazy manner. However, it merits recall that those responsible for national security at the highest level in government proved to be inept, ignorant and arrogant in the defence management of the country.

However including warfare and painting their glories can have negative impact on minds of students. They may think that war is the only option and peaceful ways are not effective. This may also create over patriotism and wrong patriotic concepts in them. This can be tacked with careful formulation of syllabus and balanced guidance, teachings from the mentor.

Independent India has faced many challenges to national security and territorial integrity, beginning with the war for Kashmir in October 1947 and through the Mumbai terror attacks of November 2008. The need to introduce an appropriate capsule in the school curriculum should need little reiteration, but it has remained elusive for more than half a century.

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Q) Discuss briefly the nature of national consolidation process that took place in the

decade from 1947 right up to the India-China war of 1962. (250 Words)

The Hindu

The post independence era till 1962 was a period of nation building, integration and consolidation. The broad outline of national consolidation after 1947 involved;

Enactment of constitution

The constitution of India had consolidated people and the territory they were residing into, in one unit called “India that is Bharat” under Article 1.

Territorial Integration

Sardar Patel with great skill and masterful diplomacy integrated more than 556 princely states and 11 British provinces in India.

Such political unity was unprecedented on this scale in an otherwise culturally coherent Indian civilisation.

Reorganization of state

True consolidation of a nation is not possible until its people are consolidated for cooperation in nation building.

Thus, keeping in mind the aspirations and endevours of distinct cultures and regions in mind, linguistic division of states was approved. This acted as a conduit to sublime subnational tendencies for the broader project called India.

Mobilization of political and institutional resources

The bureaucracy of the British era was intended to perpetuate status quo. Sardar Patel transformed it to direct its efforts toward socio-economic development of people.

Economic development

To ensure rapid economic development of all regions of the nation, centralized planning was introduced. It allowed consolidation of far-flung places in nation development.

The core goal of planning was to distribute the economic gains to all regions unlike the British rule.

Heavy machine industries and dams were established by second five year plan as centers of growth which were expected to spread prosperity in different regions

Making modern India

To mainstream India at the world stage require adoption of science and technology.

Thus, investment in IITs, atomic and space technology was done.

Foreign policy for the international peace

Theorising of foreign policy emanated the policy of non-alignment in polarised international relations. It acted as a voice of the post colonial countries with focus on development than military ambitions.

Also before it faltered in 1962 war, India envisaged Panchseel in respect of relations with China and other countries which is significantly enduring even today.

The process of consolidation that started 70 years back is yet to be complete

Regional aspirations in the form of autonomy and independence still brewing.

Mass poverty and unemployment undermine the ideals of Constitution like social and economic justice.

To conclude, India strides for higher endevours after independence. The time is now to make new, strong and consolidated India.

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Topic: History of the world will include events from 18th century

Q) The Balfour Declaration is an inexcusable historical mistake. Comment. (150

Words)

The Hindu

The Guardian

Introduction :- The Balfour Declaration was a public statement issued by the British government during World War I announcing support for the establishment of a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine, then an Ottoman region with a minority Jewish population. It read:

His Majesty’s government view with favour the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people, and will use their best endeavors to facilitate the achievement of this object, it being clearly understood that nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine, or the rights and political status enjoyed by Jews in any other country.

The declaration was contained in a letter dated 2 November 1917 from the United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour to Lord Rothschild, a leader of the British Jewish community, for transmission to the Zionist Federation of Great Britain and Ireland. The text of the declaration was published in the press on 9 November 1917.

This British Mandate created the conditions for the Jewish minority to gain superiority in Palestine and build a state for themselves at the expense of the Palestinian Arabs. But it is an inexcusable historical mistake owing to it’s inherent contradictions and problems it created :-

The declaration had many long-lasting consequences. It greatly increased popular support for Zionism, and led to the creation of Mandatory Palestine, which later became Israel and the Palestinian territories.

As a result it is considered to have caused the ongoing Israeli–Palestinian conflict, which is often described as the world’s most intractable conflict.

Those Jews managed to remain in their homes number roughly 1.75 million, and live within a system of institutionalised discrimination in what is now the state of Israel.

Approximately 2.9 million live in the West Bank under a draconian military occupation-turned-colonisation

o The issues and controversies involved like The term “national home” was intentionally ambiguous The term was intentionally used instead of “state”, Scope of the national home “in Palestine”, Civil and religious rights of non-Jewish communities in Palestine, Rights and political status of Jews in other countries etc. have created situation of confusion and conflict.

Britain didn’t control the land it was promising in the Balfour Declaration. When the Balfour Declaration was issued, Britain was in the midst of fighting World War I.

The physical act of the signing of the Balfour declaration is in the past – it is not something that can be changed. But it is something that can be made right. This will require humility and courage. It will require coming to terms with the past, recognizing mistakes, and taking concrete steps to correct those mistakes.

Q) Much of the experience of Russia’s October Revolution has been horrific for the

people of Russia, and benign for the rest of the world. Elucidate. (250 Words)

The Hindu

The Indian Express

Introduction :- The October Revolution officially known in Soviet literature as the Great October Socialist Revolution and commonly referred to as Red October, the October Uprising, the Bolshevik Revolution, or Bolshevik Coup was a revolution in Russia led by the Bolsheviks and Vladimir Lenin that was instrumental in the larger Russian Revolution of 1917. It took place with an armed insurrection in Petrograd on 25 October (7 November, New Style) 1917.

The central contradiction of Russian Revolution was that this was the most ambitious and sustained attempt at human transformation and liberation in modern European history – and yet the Soviet regime became the most violent state in modern peacetime Europe.

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It had many positive impacts on Russia like the czarist rule comes to an end and gives say to the workers and peasants. After the revolution, Lenin created free education throughout Russia. Children learned communist ideas but they were still educated about the world. Another positive effect was that Lenin made the eight-hour working day, which greatly improved working conditions.

However it was accompanied with some horrific results.

Horrific experience of Russia’s October revolution in Russia :-

Russian revolution came with end of World War 1. The experiences of war, state failure, and military defeat opened up spaces for paramilitary violence, atrocities and extremist politics over the next three decades.

The tragedy of the Russian Revolution is that the palpable sense of popular emancipation and empowerment in 1917 gave way to violent dictatorship.

15 million people die after the Bolsheviks and anti-Bolsheviks sweep Russia after the revolution happened.

Within months of the October Revolution, Lenin bemoaned lack of discipline among Russian workers, and both Leninist thought and Bolshevik rule became noticeably more authoritarian.

Starting in summer 1918, with economic crisis and civil war setting in, the Soviet state dramatically intensified its practices of violence and repression.

Its leaders justified it as a path to the better future the revolution was meant to secure.

After the revolution, people’s freedom was lost and people couldn’t read, write, or say whatever they want. People were also not allowed to celebrate religion as religious leaders were murdered and churches were destroyed.

Benign Experience of Russia’s October revolution for rest of the world :-

Revolutionary Russia showed the way for the diverse working people around the world to unite, move beyond the chains of tyranny, and create a new world which could provide for the free development of each and all.

It generated a new way of thinking about economy, society and the government. The Bolsheviks set out to cure Russia of all its injustices that arouse from social class differences. This was to be implemented in rest of the world too.

It led to the populism and spread of Communism, Socialism systems and their adoption by many countries in world like Russia, Cuba etc.

The Revolution led to redefinition of democracy. Most people began to recognise that for democracy to be real, political rights without social and economic rights were not enough.

The Russian Revolution hastened the end of imperialism. Russia after the revolution was the first country to openly support the cause of independence of all nations from foreign rule. The revolution awakened the peoples of Asia and Africa and infused a new spirit of nationalism in their fight for freedom from the European colonizers.

Though by the end of the 20th century the international reputation of USSR as a socialist country declined but the socialist ideals of the Russian Revolution still enjoy respect among the peoples of the world.

Q) What did the Russian Revolution mean to India, Indian politics and Indian

political leadership? And how did colonial authorities react to these influences and

interpretations? Examine. (250 Words)

Livemint

Introduction :- Russian revolution was a great event in world politics which influenced entire world and Indians leaders, political systems were no exceptions.

The Russian Revolution was arguably the last in a series of three “Asian” events that energized nationalist leaders in India in the years just before and after World War I after two great events of Meiji restoration and defeat of Russia by Japan.

The Indian revolutionaries who had up till then been drawing inspiration from the Kaiserian Germany, turned towards the Soviet Union for succor.

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Both the peacenik Mohandas Gandhi as well as firebrand revolutionaries found inspiration in the methods practiced by Russians to win freedom from tyranny.

Russian Revolution inspired Indians and panicked the colonial British administration, though Communism was not to be the force that swept the British out of India.

Floodgates of the colonial revolt were let loose by the new ideology emanating from north. From Indonesia to Egypt the colonial slaves were in revolt against the imperialist exploiters

Communism indeed gained a foothold in India, inspired numerous leaders, established communist and socialist political parties, and lead to trade union movements and labour mobilization.

The Russian revolution proved to be a catalyst to the ripening grounds of socialism. Soon after 1917, several socialist and communist groups sprouted all across the country

It led to an upsurge in workers’ movements in 1918 and 1919

In British India, the 1917 revolution not only inspired and influenced secular movements, it had a similar impact on faith-based movements and political organizations. Even before the Communist Party of India (CPI) could formally take roots, there were religious scholars like Maulana Hasrat Mohani and Maulana Obaidullah Sindhi publicly owing allegiance to the international socialist movement.

Russians were also taking note of Indian happenings. After the arrest of Bal Gangadhar Tilak Lenin had written an article

As Jawaharlal Nehru noted later: “The Soviet Revolution has advanced human society by a great leap and has lit a bright flame which could not be smothered, and it has laid the foundation for that new civilisation towards which the world could advance.”

Q) Examine why November 9 is regarded as Schicksalstag (Day of Fate) in German

history. (150 Words)

The Wire

Wikipedia

Introduction :- 9 November has been the date of several important events in German history. The term Schicksalstag (Day of Fate) has been occasionally used by historians and journalists since shortly after World War II, but its current widespread use started with the events of 1989 when virtually all German media picked up the term.

There are five notable events in German history that are connected to 9 November: the execution of Robert Blum in 1848, the end of the monarchies in 1918, the Hitler putsch attempt in 1923, the Nazi antisemitic pogroms in 1938 and the fall of the Berlin wall in 1989.

1848: After being arrested in the Vienna revolts, left liberal leader Robert Blum was executed. The execution can be seen as a symbolic event or forecast of the ultimate crushing of the German March Revolution in April/May 1849.

1918: Monarchy in Germany ended when Kaiser Wilhelm II was dethroned in the November Revolution by his chancellor Max von Baden, who published the news of abdication before the emperor actually abdicated.

1923: The failed Beer Hall Putsch, from 8 to 9 November, marks an early emergence and provisional downfall of the Nazi Party as an important player on Germany’s political landscape. Without sufficient preparation Hitler simply declared himself leader in Munich, Bavaria.

1938: In what is today known as Kristallnacht (or The Night of Broken Glass), from 9 to 10 November, synagogues and Jewish property were burned and destroyed on a large scale. More than 400 Jews were killed or driven into suicide. The event demonstrated that the antisemitic stance of the Nazi regime was not so ‘moderate’ as it had appeared partially in earlier years. After 10 November ca. 30,000 Jewish people were arrested; hundreds of them died in concentration camps or died afterwards.

1989: The fall of the Berlin Wall ended German separation and started a series of events that ultimately led to German reunification and the Fall of Communism in Eastern Europe. November 9 was considered for the date

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for German Unity Day, but as it was also the anniversary of Kristallnacht, this date was considered inappropriate as a national holiday.

Topic: Political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect

on the society.

Q) China, being a competitor to liberal democracy, can it export its model of political

system – especially the “Xi model” to the rest of the world? Critically comment. (150

Words)

The Indian Express

Introduction:- The recently held 19th Chinese Communist Party meeting debated the issue that to what extend it can represent it’s model as an alternative to world political systems.

There is no question China seeks greater ideological legitimacy for its model. It will propagate it as a model to learn from. Part of seeking status is to have the success and legitimacy of one’s political system acknowledged. China perceives the normative subordination to which it is subjected by the West as a matter of affront. But there are reasons to be skeptical about the idea of exporting a Chinese model.

It is still worth remembering that while Xi may place himself in line with Mao, in some ways the legitimacy for order in China is a kind of anti-Maoist impulse.

Models require preconditions for success, and it is doubtful that the Chinese believe the conditions that made the Chinese Communist Party what it is can be easily replicated.

The Soviet-American competition was more explicitly an ideological competition, in a way that Sino-American competition, despite having some ideological elements, is not. And the nature of the economic relationship between China and the West is of a different kind.

Richard McGregor, an authority on the Chinese Communist Party, wrote in The Guardian, referring to the confidence of the 19th CPC: “It (China) has always extolled the value of its system, but has never explicitly suggested it was something that could be exported around the world.” Hence while adopting Chinese model may seems a possible solution, achievements of it’s unique socio economic political conditions is rare case.

Q) Why did communism fail? Does modern world need communism? In the light of

100th anniversary of the Russian Revolution, critically comment. (250 Words)

Livemint

Introduction :- Communism is the philosophical, social, political and economic ideology and movement whose ultimate goal is the establishment of the communist society, which is a socioeconomic order structured upon the common ownership of the means of production and the absence of social classes, money and the state.

It revolutionized the world political systems with it’s advent in 1917 Russian Revolution. But it failed owing to some inherent contradiction in it’s composition and it’s performance in public sphere :-

Creativity was not a priority in the communist society:- Communist party used utilitarian approach. This meant that every action performed within the state had to have a palpable ending. This restricted the individual and states diversity.

Collectivization :-It denied right to property, private farming. The produce was to be distributed equally.

Lack of Rights :- In communism, individualism makes room for the collective. Ideals like freedom of speech were considered dangerous to the Communist party. Hence all civil rights were negated in the hope of establishing a society what functioned without any deviation

Adaptation was overrated :- One of the main reasons why the communist ideology ceased to exist is because it was not able to adapt to outside conditions. Certain forms of communism, like the one practiced in China, managed to survive this long because it was able to react to outside stimuli such as the global economy and social changes.

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Lack of innovation:- Innovation is one of the most important aspects that offers cohesion to society. Without change, society will fall prey to archaic practices. As a closed society, the Soviet Union focused more on production than actual innovation, an action that led to its early demise.

Poor economic calculation :- Economy dictates that the price of a product is formed when the offer meets demand. Also, there are other financial mechanisms used to determine prices and to regulate competitiveness on the global market.

On the other hand, the communist doctrine thought that the only way of distributing wealth was to form a so-called command economy, an organism that would determine how the resources should be spent.

Naturally, this type of economy will substantially increase the disparity between those who were in charge and the layman.

Need of Communism in modern world :-

Communism believes in equal distribution of resources which is hardly seen today as richest 1% in India has wealth of bottom 56% of population, it gives welfare orientation to State as State is actively involved in economic, political and social life of people, also it is result and reaction of evil results, consequences of Capitalism hence it is very much appealing to modern world but there are some hurdles.

Why communism is not needed in modern world :-

Any modern society needs a left to articulate the needs of the poorest. But the progress made by liberal political systems since 1990s negate this notion as they have achieved spectacular reduction in poverty incidences.

The working class in these countries has seen its incomes stagnate as industrial jobs were shipped abroad or lost to automation. This working class has veered towards nationalist parties rather than the traditional left to articulate its grievances.

The experience over the decades show that free economy and mixed economies are producing better results. China modified it’s economic system which proved beneficial compared to it’s earlier communist economy.

In the era of globalization, digitalization and increased awareness about individual rights a totalitarian system will not appeal to majority of the people which controls minute activities of individual.

Communism though a revolutionary development in existing political systems of world could not remain adaptable and hence declined. Other political systems both communist and other learn important lessons and modified themselves. Some has even been able to adopt good elements of communism hence need of pure communism stands negated.

Q) “The naxal movement has remained relevant and active mainly due to the

deepening and widening socio-economic disparities, deprivation and exclusion of

tribal people who have always been seen as a dispensable population.” Critically

comment. (250 Words)

EPW

Introduction :- A Naxal or Naxalite is a member of the Communist Party of India (Maoist). The term Naxal derives from the name of the village Naxalbari in West Bengal, where the movement had its origin.

Why naxalism is still relevant :-

Failure to address the rout causes of problems like deepening and widening socio-economic disparities, deprivation and exclusion of tribal people, use of brute force instead of confidence building approach at first etc. Naxalism is more developmental problem rather than law and order problem. So it will persist unless root cause is not addressed.

Close coordination between state and central force has yet not been achieved

Intelligence failure- 300 Maoist guerrillas attacked CRPF Jawans in Sukma which was not preceded by any warning from intelligence agencies

Lacking capacity of State police in Chattisgarh, about 10,000 vacancies in different ranks in the state police exist with 23 sanctioned police stations still not set up

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Lacking technology- The paramilitary forces and the State police forces were supposed to acquire the capability for using small/micro UAVs that can be launched from the battalion/district headquarters and remotely operated vehicles to defuse IEDs. However, the deaths from IEDs still continue

Leadership issues- Vacancies in Paramilitary forces at leadership level or an Indian Police Service officer heading such forces have seen to affect the morale of soldiers

What needs to be done :-

The government has proposed a three-pronged strategy to combat Naxalism:

Gain confidence of local people by taking up more welfare related activities.

Build up infrastructure in naxal-affected areas and generate employment.

Launch joint security operations with neighbouring states to eliminate left wing extremists.

Other suggestions :-

The villagers are not against the state per say but against corrupt officials, politicians and contractors. It is corruption, which is one of the main problems. Unless the state is able to identify and punish people, who are stealing money meant for development of these areas, it is not going to be able to deal with the problem.

Development should come simultaneously with counterinsurgency measures. Grouping of public health, education, public works, agriculture and irrigation to form cohesive multi-disciplinary task force and efforts to

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generate employment opportunities for people will send a message of the government seriousness in addressing the basic problems of the people.

Moreover, it is important provide good and sophisticated weapons to the security personnel and to train them in all aspects including networking with the local population, intelligence gathering, sharing, combat operations and coordinated developmental activities.

“Locate, isolate and eradicate” – Locate the insurgents, isolate them from the local population and their channel of communication and then finish them.

In order to tackle the problem, there is a need for simultaneous and coordinated action on all the core fronts of credible governance including development, security, perception management and political form. The state must re-establish connectivity with local and tribal people as this can hit the Maoists the most where it matters.

The process of development must also have a human face to prevent tribal alienation. Moreover, displacement without compensation should be avoided. The government must device a public-private partnership to ensure implementation of developmental projects and utilize the media to spread awareness of its good intentions.

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Q) The religious competition during the Reformation period was essential to the

birth of capitalism and it continues to be relevant today. Discuss. (250 Words)

Livemint

Introduction :- Reformation was a rebellion against the religious authority and temporal power of the Catholic Church.

German sociologist Max Weber and English economic historian R.H. Tawney drew a direct causal link between the Calvinist Protestantism founded during the Reformation and modern capitalism.

Reformation broke the Church’s monopoly in the religious marketplace and promoted religious competition.

Weber first observes a correlation between being Protestant and being involved in business, and declares his intent to explore religion as a potential cause of the modern economic conditions.

The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism argues that Puritan ethics and ideas influenced the development of capitalism. The ‘spirit of capitalism’ does not refer to the spirit in the metaphysical sense but rather a set of values, the spirit of hard work and progress.

The religious competition also spilled over in ways that improved human capital in Europe with a resultant boost to the economy. While the traditional elite clung to the Church in several regions, the rising class of merchants and traders were attracted by Protestantism’s anti-corruption message.

These developments are not historical artifacts relevant only to their times. Increasing urbanization and a shift from agriculture to manufacturing and services; rationalization of laws; the rise of entrepreneurship; rise in income tax revenue; and social safety nets—the Reformation established principles that are as important for economic development now as they were then.

The essentialness of religious competition to give birth to capitalism can be seen with Adam Smith, one of the Enlightenment’s champions, tried to underscore the importance of religious competition much as the importance of economic competition.

Topic: Salient features of Indian society, diversity of India

Q) India is extremely rich in terms of linguistic diversity. Discuss the relationship

between linguistic diversity and social justice. (200 Words)

Livemint

Hint

Introduction :-

India has become a land of many tongues and has been called “as a tower of veritable languages” or a “Museum of languages”. India has also been called a “Tower of Babel”. This multilingual nature of the country affects every aspect of her national life.

Linguistic diversity of India :-

The Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution lists the 22 official languages of India. These are the languages that the government of India officially promotes.

Originally 14 when the list was prepared in 1950, eight more languages have been included in the last 50 years in response to the demands of different language groups.

Sindhi, Konkani, Maithili and Santhal were among the languages that were included. Individual states too have their own list of official languages; those that are in the Eighth Schedule and also others that aren’t.

But a wealth of linguistic richness exists outside these portals of state patronage as every state is home to several languages, besides the two or three official ones.

For ex; in Kashmir Kashmiri, Hindi, Dogri, Gojri, Ladakhi, Pahari, Balti, Shina and Urdu are the various languages spoken in the state. Uttarakhand is home to Hindi and many Pahari languages like Garhwali, Kumaoni and Jaunsari. Sanskrit has been given the status of second official language in the state. But besides these languages, many Tibeto-Burman languages are also spoken in this region, including Bhoti, Jad, Rangkas, Darmiya, Byangsi, and Chaudangsi.

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Relationship between linguistic diversity and social justice :-

Social Justice is the idea that all members of society deserve an equal footing in terms of opportunities, political rights, and distribution of wealth and privilege so that they can lead fulfilling lives and realize their potential in the community.

Linguistic diversity enhances as well as hampers this notion of social justice in following ways:-

Barring the majority languages like Hindi, Telugu other thousands of linguistic minority groups are granted rights, protections and provisions for development, conservation and promotion of their linguistic diversity like art 29(1), art 30(1) of Indian Constitution. Hence enhancing the prospects of social justice.

However majority of linguistic minority communities face disadvantages of being extinct owing to the size of their group leading to social injustice. for ex Chaimal, a tribal language spoken in Tripura, is on its way out. Barely four to five speakers exist and the Chaimal tribe (population: 226) is opting for Kokborokin preference to their own language. G. N. Devy estimates that another 150 languages are headed the Chaimal way, as the younger generation opts for languages other than the ancestral tongues.

Lack of awareness and sensitivity towards the linguistic diversity has made the educational, administrative systems bilingual giving more weight to only languages like English, Hindi. This renders the regional students, youth and people at disadvantage and out of competition for jobs, demanding their rights and education etc

The revolutionary changes in 21st century like digitalization, increased use of social media are creating a divide between haves and have not’s owing to the fact that their medium of use is not diverse accommodating linguistic varieties. In India hardly 2% rural population knows English where 70% of India’s population resides. Of India’s 1.27 billion people, more than 30% are illiterate, and only 10-30%understand English, which is predominantly the language of the Internet. A recent Google-KPMG report states that more than 70% of the India’s Internet users trust content in their native language over English.

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The other problems like linguistic chauvinism faced by people of majoritarian language speaking groups as seen in decades of 1950s and 60s instills fear, disillusionment and psychological subjugating feelings in people belonging to diverse regional language categories.

Due to multiplicity and for sake of simplicity many adopts the most common languages like English Hindi as a medium for profession, education which shows the forceful imposition of majority languages on diversity hence creates a sense of cultural loss, dilemmas for next generation, loss of attachment with own language, migration, sometimes mass exodus due to political issues like Marathi protests in Maharashtra

Diversity is inherent in India and linguistic diversity is one of the beautiful aspect of it. Though it sometimes become a hindrance in achieving socio economic cultural and political goals it has promoted the cause of social welfare, justice and integration. It keeps we all the people, government, democratic institutions in a conscious frame of mind about being tolerant, respectful for it. For this government has taken many steps like In 1969, the Indian government had established the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) in Mysore to further research and documentation of Indian languages, and a scheme called “Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages of India” was introduced in 2014. Mobile app like BHIM are to be available in multiple regional languages soon, the need to digitalize languages being on verge of extinction is also being considered.

Q) Does India need an anti-superstition law? Considering India’s social and cultural

diversity, do you think such a law would achieve its objectives? Critically comment.

(250 Words)

The Hindu

Introduction:

Despite making huge technological progress one can still hear cases of people indulging in superstitious acts. Many uneducated people often fall prey to such propagations by mafias who trick innocent people to steal their money.

There is an urgent need to bring in a law against superstitions because of the following reasons

1. Vulnerable sections most affected

The burnt of such practices often falls upon the most vulnerable sections such as women, dalits, Scheduled tribes.

For eg., women in Andhra have been forced into the devadasi system forever condoned to live in the temple in “service of God”.

2. Violence of varying kind prevalent

Practices like limiting women’s movement during menstruation or sacrificing animals at the altar are utterly inhuman.

These practices are also against the right to life and liberty as enshrined in Article 21 and also against the fundamental duty to protect nature.

Superstitious practices that are utterly dehumanising, brutal and exploitative need to be dealt with by a law that specifically addresses them.

Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013. this is a law that addresses exploitation in the name of religion. inhuman practices in the name of religion.

3. Deficiency in IPC

The cognisance of human sacrifice is in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) only after the murder is committed. Thus, legislation has a capacity to act as a deterrent. The Maharashtra legislation has stopped the act of human sacrifice.

The present IPC is not equipped to take care of crimes committed on account of black magic and other superstitious practices.

A separate law is necessary because the relationship between a devotee and so-called godman is of a peculiar nature, often marked by violence.

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Challenges

However given the social cultural diversity of the country it would be difficult to formulate such a law.

Every superstition cannot be removed by the force of law. For that, a mental change is necessary.

Simply placing restrictions might result in strong reactions from the orthodox communities. For example, one of the reasons for the revolt of 1857 was the prohibition of sati and other radical transformation made in the social life of the people

Way forward

Education is a liberating force that cuts across the barriers of caste and class. Greater attention should be given to educating the rural youth so that they can spearhead anti superstitious movements.

A multi stakeholder approach is required involving media, administrators, teachers, NGO’s and the civil society to bring a behavioural change

Topic: Role of women

Q) The recent 2017 amendment to the Maternity Benefit Act of 1961 (Amendment) is

a step forward in the right direction towards increasing gender diversity at the

workplace. Comment. (150 Words)

The Wire

Introduction :- In 2012, which is the most recent data available, only 27% of Indian women worked compared to 55% in OECD countries and 63% in East Asia. This deficit shaves off an estimated 2.5% from the country’s gross domestic product every year. The amendments to the Maternity Benefit Act, which were introduced this year, in particular the provision of 26 weeks of paid maternity leave and the mandatory crèche facility, are path-breaking.

Four major changes have been made to the law relating to maternity benefits and which will prove to be the game changers in labour force participation are

Firstly, it extends the period of maternity benefit from 12 weeks to 26 weeks of which not more than eight weeks can precede the date of the expected delivery. This exceeds the International Labour Organisation’s minimum standard of 14 weeks and is a positive development.

Secondly, women who legally adopt a child below the age of three months or a “commissioning mother” will be entitled to maternity benefit for 12 weeks from the date on which the child is handed over to her.

Thirdly, it gives discretion to employers to allow women to work from home after the period of maternity benefit on mutually agreeable conditions. This would apply if the nature of work assigned to the woman permits her to work from home

Fourthly, it requires establishments having 50 or more employees to have a crèche facility, either separately or along with common facilities. Further, employers should allow the woman to visit the crèche four times a day, which “shall also include the interval for rest allowed to her.”

The Bill introduces a provision which requires every establishment to intimate a woman at the time of her appointment of the maternity benefits available to her. Such communication must be in writing and electronically.

In order to ensure that the mandatory nature of the Amendment is not self defeating in the purpose of increasing gender diversity, thereby risking decline in hiring of women workforce, the government may have to put on its thinking cap on how to distribute/reduce the financial burden on the employer. It could do this perhaps giving tax benefits to companies to implement and incentivize this much needed boost to women empowerment at work and in society and address other important milestones to be covered such as introduction of paternity leave which is a crucial piece missing from this progressive legislation.

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Q) Examine the achievements and contributions of Cornelia Sorabji to women

empowerment in India. (150 Words)

The Hindu

Introduction :- Cornelia Sorabji (15 November 1866 – 6 July 1954) was an Indian woman who was the first female graduate from Bombay University, the first woman to study law at Oxford University(indeed, the first Indian national to study at any British university), the first female advocate in India, and the first woman to practice law in India and Britain.

Contribution of Cornelia Sorabji to women empowerment :-

Education and career :- She enrolled in Deccan College, and claims to have topped the Presidency in her final degree examination, which would have entitled her to a government scholarship to study further in England.

Setting examples for others :- In England, she was refused a scholarship simply because she was a woman, was not allowed to read in the Lincoln Library and had the hardest time sitting for the barrister’s examination. Yet her sheer determination and spunk saw her through and she went on to become the first female lawyer not only in India but also in England.

Social reform :- Sorabji was involved in social reforms. She was associated with the Bengal branch of the National Council for Women in India, the Federation of University Women, and the Bengal League of Social Service for Women. For her services to the Indian nation, she was awarded the Kaisar-i-Hind Gold Medal in 1909.

Sorabji had supported the campaign for Indian Independence, relating women’s rights to the capacity for self-government. Although she supported traditional Indian life and culture, Sorabji promoted reform of Hindu laws regarding child marriage and the position of widows.

All these achievements and contributions of hers inspired the women of her time to step forward with education, employments, etc. Many of her friends contributed towards Indian Freedom Movement. The success stories of her and other great women of her time would contribute a lot even to today’s girls, especially at the time when our government is pushing at their best level to promote women empowerment.

Q) Discuss Indira Gandhi’s contribution as a conservationist and as an

environmentalist to India’s environmental causes. (250 Words)

Down to Earth

Introduction :- Indira Gandhi was the first and the only female Prime Minister of India but at the same time she was India’s first and most environmentally aware Prime Minister. This role of Indira Gandhi of an environmentalist and a conversationalist remains somewhat unknown. Her engagement with nature was much deeper and comprehensive.

She stood ahead of her political counterparts globally. She always found time to pursue environmental causes despite numerous weighty preoccupations. She spoke about the importance of protecting the environment at the international level. For example in first UNCHE Conference in 1972 when majority political class was unaware about the same. She was far ahead of her time as a political leader who went against the mania for economic growth at any cost.

S.Swaminathan who headed IUCN in 1983 said she was one of the greatest environmentalist of our time.

Her empathy for nature was rooted in her upbringing – schooling in Shantiniketan, a botanist uncle’s influence, Salim Ali’s books, nurturing of animals at home etc. She made her passion for wild an integral part of her political discourse, guided by belief that ecological balance was imperative to the welfare of people and India’s development.

Her Contribution :-

Green Legislation :- First time in India legal and institutional frameworks were adopted. These included Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Water Pollution Act 1974, Air Pollution act 1981, Forest conservation act 1980 etc.

She took efforts to conserve targeted species in order to help them from being endangered and ultimately extinct. Project Tiger in 1973 was the biggest initiative globally to save a particular species. Project Crocodile in 1973, Black Bucks, Olive Ridley Turtles, Sangai deer etc.

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She made nature a priority. She tried her best to make nature a national heritage by efforts like putting the Forest and Wildlife item on the concurrent list.

Ecological imperatives were placed over economic growth and development :- She saved Silent valley rainforest from projects. Later it was developed in national park. Banned tiger hunting in 1970 despite lobbying of hunting community and pressing demand for forex that Shikar Tourism brought.

However her efforts are not free from criticism :-

There was a rawness in her thoughts and actions :-

It was represented from stands like blaming underdevelopment and poor for damaging environment in developing countries like India.

This was evident from her infamous statements as – The environmental problems of developing countries are not the side effects of excessive industrialisation but reflect the inadequacy of development.

At first UNCHE Stockholm conference 1972 she said “Are not poverty and need the greatest polluters ?” Her statements dealt a serious blow to nascent Climate Change movement.

But the rawness of her thought should be seen in the context of her time when equity in climate pledges, historical responsibility and sustainable development etc. were not established ideas. These were almost no existent.

Top Down approach of environmental conservation :- She undermined the role of local people in conservation efforts. Evidences can be seen from instances like forceful eviction, non-recognition of rights of tribal people, non-consideration of people’s movements tec.

Instances of Environmentalism of, by and for the elite :-Actions like permitting Indian Oil refinery at Mathura, despite adverse impact on Taj Mahal, allowing Karnataka’s Kudremukh Iron ore mining projects in partnership with Iron which was considered ecological disaster.

Green revolution launched without adequate safeguards :- It resulted in adverse impacts of monocropping , pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilisers etc. But this decision should be seen in larger socio-economic context when India desperately needed to move away from it’s food reliance on the US.

Conclusion :-

Indira Gandhi was a committed conserventionalist for whom development without conservation was unsustainable, just as conservation without development was unacceptable. Her environment vision is relevant today as never before with India facing numerous environmental crisis such as depletion of groundwater, river pollution, destruction of forest, decline in biodiversity and wildlife population species. The reasons for such condition is lack of political will where the discourse views conservation as the hurdle to economic development. So government should follow her footsteps on the green road as environmental destruction affects all equally regardless of ideology, geography, income or religion

Q) Discuss the achievements and contributions made by Dr Rukhmabai towards

women empowerment in India. (150 Words)

The Hindu

The Indian Express

Introduction:

Dr. Rakhmabhai Bhikaji was married off to Dadhaji Bhikaji at the age of 11. She had to fight a series of court battles on a compelled wedlock with her husband which she was not interested in. This raised the public opinion on child marriage and rights of women. She studied later at the London school of medicine and returned to India as a qualified physician.

Rukhmabai refused to move in with her husband stating that a woman cannot be compelled to stay in a wedlock when she is not interested. Her decision was supported by her step-father who helped her fight the case in court.

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The Dadaji vs. Rukhmabai case that went on for three years triggered a debate in both England and India. The verdict went in favour of Dadaji. The court ordered Rukhmabai to live with her husband or face six months imprisonment. A brave Rukhmabai said she was willing to opt the latter.

Her achievements towards women empowerment are:

Her decision raised public opinion on the women’s right to self determination in a male dominated society.

Discussions on child marriage, right to choose and finally the age of consent act 1891 was the result of her long standing legal battle. 68 years after her bold step, the Hindu Marriage Act was passed in 1955 that recognised the consent of both husband and wife before entering into a conjugal relationship.

She influenced reformers in the Indian society like Pandita Ramabhai and Behramji Malabar.

Her legal battle and the final verdict of Queen Victoria resulted in child marriage being outlawed both in England and India.

Finally the letters she wrote in the pet name ” The Hindu lady” during the months of her trial and her decision to pursue carrier as a physician inspired women in the Indian society to pursue their aspiration in study and mental cultivation and rise from a societal status which was doomed to seclusion.

Thus Dr Rukhmabai’s life was a series of courageous actions that set the history in motion for improving the social conventions which created a legacy for the women of those times to be inspired by.

Topic: Salient features of world’s physical geography.

Q) What is Gulf dust storm? Why is it caused? Examine its consequences. (250 Words)

The Indian Express

Introduction:

Dust storm is a climatic phenomena occurring over the Arabian peninsula. It occurs as loose sand and dirt particles are blown from the surface resulting in saltation, suspension, transportation and finally deposition of sand particles in other regions.

Gulf dust storm began as a giant swirl over Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in the last week of October, and was then propelled eastward by a set of peculiar atmospheric conditions.

The late October-early November dust storm was carried (eastward) by relatively cool winds, shamal winds and westerlies.

Mechanism of their pouring towards the east

As air temperatures dropped, winds and dust were likely to slowly diminish, but by that time, it got into the upper part of atmosphere (1.5-3 km, 700-850 hpa) where winds became very strong (15-20 km/hr) and direction became towards India (westerly, north-westerly) and dust affected the larger region of NCR including Delhi.

The strong NW shamal winds entrained an enormous amount of mineral particles (with diameter of some tens of micrometres) into the atmosphere.

Causes

While dust storms are normal in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq, there has been an increase in their frequency, especially in Iraq, over the past decade.

1. Prevailing drought conditions

The arid zone which has scarce rain coupled with the advancing desertification makes more erodible materials available for the storm. This increases the intensity of the storm.

2. Regional climatic conditions

The N-W winds funneled into the Persian gulf by the mountains of Turkey and Iraq to the N-E and the plains of Saudi Arabia to the S-W increases the frequency of the storms.

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3. Diversion of water resources

Water resources for the agriculture pumped from the source site increases the aridity of a region.

4. Shamal winds

These are N-W winds blowing over the Persian gulf. They create a triggering effect for the dust storms into a large sandstorms picking up from Jordan and Syria.

5. Pressure gradient

A high pressure developed over the Persian gulf and low pressure over the peninsula increases the velocity of wind.

6. Abandonment of agricultural lands

7. Climate Change

Consequences of dust storms

1. Diseases

Dust storms carry virus spores to the atmosphere from the ground which when carried over other regions interact with urban air pollution.

The fine dust and particulate matter present in the storm creates pulmonary diseases like asthma. They can also create dust pneumonia, silicosis, dry eyes etc.

2. Soil degradation

It loosens the sand particles which are then carried away. Thus there is a condition of top soil loss resulting in loss of organic matter ultimately affecting agricultural productivity.

3. Halt economic activities

Post-dust storm health conditions and reduced visibility decreases industrial output and also affects transportation due to reduced visibility.

4. Damage infrastructure

The abrasion phenomena of the dust particles damages the external infrastructure such as signboard, lamppost etc.

5. Pollution in north India

A high-pressure centre developed above the Gulf of Oman and the strong anticyclonic (clockwise) flow at 5,500 metres (above sea-level) transported atmospheric dust into the direction of Delhi. A high-pressure zone over Delhi and its neighbourhood and the absence of strong winds kept pollutants trapped close to the surface.

The very calm surface wind conditions which do not allow to disperse pollution was due to anti-cyclonic circulation connected with late withdrawal of monsoon, persisting at about 700 hPa lower troposphere over northwest India with its centre near Delhi.

It is one of the reason behind the smog that had smothered Delhi and its neighbourhood.

Q) Examine the impact Himalayan rivers have had on the evolution of Indus Valley

Civilisation. (150 Words)

The Hindu

Introduction:

Water is basic necessity for existence of human race. Evolution of Indus Valley Civilisation around Indus basin is one such example.

The evolution of the civilization can be traced back to 5000 year old small hamlets near Himalayan rivers which ultimately culminated into a full fledged civilisation.

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In this respect, the impact of Himalayan rivers can be traced on the said civilisation as follows.

1. Permanent settlement emerged

Rivers helped the civilization to sustain by way of helping people to give away nomadic way of living and practicing settled occupation near the river.

Thus a large river probably provided the genesis for the permanent settlements which developed into civilisation, as a Himalayan river is resourceful.

2. Cultural evolution with river as the centre

Natural forces like rivers were worship by the people and thus it also lead to evolution of early religion.

Also the Great Bath of Mohenjo Daro which was a Sacred tank in which people took ritual bath on some important occasions

3. Acted as transportation link

River provided cheaper way of trade and thus Indus valley people had their impact throughout the subcontinent with its reach from contemporary Kashmir to Maharashtra and Balochistan to Bihar.

4. Source for irrigation for burgeoning agriculture

Rivers were also useful when people were developing skills of agriculture and Irrigation.

The people grew wheat, rice, barley and other different type of cereals.

5. Decline of Indus Valley

Rivers were so important that one of the theory given behind decline was that of changed course of the river.

New research

However recent research also argues that today’s Sutlej River used to flow along the trace of the Ghaggar-Hakra river but rapidly changed course upstream 8,000 years ago.

This meant that 3,000 years later, when the Indus people settled the area, there was only an abandoned large river valley occupied by seasonal monsoon river flow instead of a large Himalayan river.

Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity,

cyclone etc.

Q) Discuss the inter-relationship between monsoon rains and pollution in Indian

metros. (150 Words)

The Hindu

The Hindu

Introduction :- Monsoon is traditionally defined as a seasonal reversing wind accompanied by corresponding changes in precipitation, but is now used to describe seasonal changes in atmospheric circulation and precipitation associated with the asymmetric heating of land and sea.

The impact of GHGs on Indian Monsoon was being debated however aerosols from vehicular exhaust, half-burnt crop residue, dust and chemical effluents may be weakening the life-giving rainy season even more than GHGs.

Clouds and rain occur when moist, warm air rises from ground level and water condenses or freezes on aerosol particles in the air.

Aerosols can have two effects on this process – on the one hand they act like a sunscreen reducing the amount of sun energy reaching the ground, which reduces the amount of water evaporating to form rainclouds, but on the other hand, clouds cannot form without aerosol particles.

City pollution may also impact cloud formation and rainfall. Water vapor doesn’t ordinarily spontaneously condense into drops to form clouds It needs dirt to form around. All rain needs aerosols to form. However the pollution which releases large number of aerosol quantity produce fewer clouds and less rain.

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In the natural world, cloud-forming aerosols are things like sea salt, dust, and pollen, all of which are large particles. But pollution aerosols are usually smaller and more numerous than natural aerosols. With lots of particles to collect on, water coalesces into many tiny droplets instead of larger rain-sized drops.

The scientists found that if there is a surplus of aerosols, the droplets never reach the critical mass needed to fall to earth as rain, as there is not enough water to share between all the aerosol particles.

With rising pollution, the amount of rain at first rises, then maxes out, and finally falls off sharply at very high aerosol concentrations

These results have great significance for countries like Israel where rainfall is scarce and can be easily affected by over-production of aerosols. However for countries like India which are dependent on Monsoon it is causing much problems and irregularities in monsoon.

Q) Discuss the nature and significance of contributions of Anasuya Sarabhai to

women’s empowerment in India. (150 Words)

The Indian Express

Introduction :- Anasuya Sarabhai (11 November 1885 – 1972) was a pioneer of the women’s labour movement in India. She founded the Ahmedabad Textile Labour Association (Majoor Mahajan Sangh), India’s oldest union of textile workers, in 1920.

Nature and significance of contribution of Anusuya Sarabhai to women’s empowerment in India :-

Self empowerment and determination :- She was born in Gujarati family and married at youger age of 13 to her uncle. But with her grit and zeal to fight any form of social evils, she walked away from the marriage and went to England to study at the prestigious London School of Economics.

Women empowerment :- After the school, she also started a crèche, toilets for women, a maternity home and a hostel for harijan girls. It was then that she became aware of the status of the working class in India and decided to take up their cause. She mentored Ela Bhatt who went on to establish the Self Employment Women Association which worked for women at large scale.

Representation :- In 1914, she helped Ahmedabad’s weavers successfully organise their first strike to demand higher wages and through years, she went on to become their most trusted vocal supporter, negotiating with mill owners (including her brother) for better working conditions.

Work for weaker section :- She did not limit her knowledge and as a teacher made it her mission to educate the poor and downtrodden. She opened a school for poor students of all castes.

She was influenced by the great personalities and struggles of time like in Ahmedabad mill strike with Mahatma Gandhi and by British women activists in Suffragette Movement.

Anasuya Sarbhai’s respectfully called Motabehn is heralded as the change maker in India’s freedom struggle owing to her immense contribution for women empowerment in unfavorable circumstances.

Topic: Urbanization – problems and remedies

Q) Providing relief to people in the Indian city now lies beyond the scope of

conventional solutions and conventional governance. In the light of pressing

problems being faced by metros like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and

Kolkatta which have caught global attention, critically analyse. (250 Words)

The Indian Express

Introduction :- Population growth and rapid urbanization are combining to create huge challenges for Indian cities. According to McKinsey, the country’s cities are expected to grow from 340 million people in 2008 to a whopping 590 million in 2030. Nearly 50% of people will reside in Indian cities by 2050.

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Conditions of Indian cities :-

Delhi is suffering from worst air pollution problem. As temperatures drop and crop stubble is burnt in neighbouring Punjab and firecrackers are lit — despite bans — toxic particulate matter rises to alarming levels.

In Bengaluru, traffic comes to a virtual halt during peak hours. The city has almost 70 lakh motorized vehicles — a number that has grown by 6,000 per cent from the 1970s. As a result, the average speed of vehicles in the city has dropped radically.

Mumbai experience recurrent urban floods. People are stranded on embankments, swallowed up by open manholes, electrocuted by low-hanging wires, injured under collapsed buildings, or plain incapacitated in their daily routines between home and office.

Kolkata’s affliction is not new and stems from a lack of civic amenities. With rationing, power cuts and blackouts, India’s oldest and once-most sophisticated modern city is now it’s most un-modern and antiquated.

However the increasing new challenges in Indian cities conveys that providing relief is beyond conventional solution and governance :-

As both of which have denied residents a better quality of life.

Odd and even-numbered cars, a ban on diesel, planting trees, reviving mangroves, establishing flood break-heads, rationing utilities and reviving public transport are minor and ad- hoc solutions to problems that are now beyond environmental and bureaucratic control.

Conventional solutions are not being able to cope up with the rising challenges and their dynamicity of occurrence. Further phenomenon like climate change, extreme events are making them more complex to be addressed by conventional ways.

Hence there is a need to explore new methods and out of the box ideas in order to deal with them :-

Bengaluru can think if it can be benefited from the graded transition from fossil-fuel powered cars to electric cars over the next decade or from the reduction and eventual eradication of cars altogether or private pod transport is an answer to traffic problems etc.

Mumbai should think of cleaning up its storm drainage system before the monsoon or upgrading it as is normally done prior to the rainy season or seriously examining the possibility of creating large catchment areas throughout the city.

Delhi should encourage carpooling in winter and levy fines on burning coal and provide government subsidies to private air purifiers, reduce construction and create biomass parks with a sizeable proportion of trees per person in every neighbourhood like done in many South American countries.

In the words of Woody Allen “More than any time in history mankind faces a crossroads. One path leads to utter despair and hopelessness, the other to total extinction”. This is aptly true to Indian urban scenarios today hence concrete steps are need to be taken.

Q) Urban India faces considerable gaps along the full cycle of sanitation. Discuss

priorities and strategies that urban India should focus on to make Indian cities clean.

(250 Words)

The Hindu

Introduction :- Cities of today’s world are facing major issue of waste generation and its disposal, also, the local authorities and administration are facing the biggest challenge in terms of maintaining cleanliness at public places. Importance of sanitation is immense. It is not merely a hygiene concern; it has serious health and economic implications. A World Bank study on the economic impacts of inadequate sanitation in India estimated that India lost the equivalent of 6.4 per cent of GDP due to inadequate sanitation. More than 70 percent of this (₹1.75 lakh crore or trillion) was accounted for by premature mortality and health-related costs.

The full cycle of sanitation has four stages: access to toilets; safe containment; conveyance either through the sewerage network or de-sledging trucks, and treatment and disposal. The waste needs to be handled safely at each of these stages in order to gain public health benefits.

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Some of the reasons for considerable gap in sanitation :-

The belief that sewerage and sewage treatment systems could be built in all cities. Sewerage refers to fully sealed underground pipes, and must not be confused with open storm water drains that are supposed to carry only rainwater. After decades of investment, India has managed to connect only a little more than a third of its urban households, most of which are located in metropolitan cities, to sewerage systems. This is because sewerage systems and sewage treatment plants (STPs) — a preferred system in most western countries — are not only expensive but are also complicated to maintain.

Priorities to make urban area clean:-

The cleanliness and sanitation concept must look holistically at the entire sanitation chain, beyond constructing toilets. States like Kerala which has very high sanitation coverage, has poor health outcomes due to second generation issues.

The focus continues to be on hardware – subsidy driven solutions, despite the high slippage, non-use and millions of ‘’missing toilets’’ under the Total Sanitation Campaign and Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan.

India’s sanitation programme lacks the professionalism and high quality management which are critical for the desired behaviour change. Fragmented approaches, weak convergence, inequity and exclusion, procedural rigidities, poor monitoring and weak quality assurance are other serious blockages.

Rather than promoting a one size fits all sanitation solution, India should encourage innovation and adaptive solutions suited to its huge diversity.

The current focus on Corporate Social Responsibility partnerships should go beyond funding to look for infusion of private sector management practices in sanitation, specifically in designing a communication strategy and campaign to generate demand.

Innovative experiments in urban sanitation in Indian cities :-

There have been innovative experiments in sanitation infrastructure and service provision in some urban slums by NGOs and government.

SPARC and WaterAid India have demonstrated the concept of community managed slum sanitation programmes in Mumbai and Thiruchirapalli.

Recently, with the engagement of the Pune Municipal Commissioner, this work was taken up on a large scale in Pune Municipality.

The cities of Hyderabad and Bangalore have also witnessed innovative successes. The Hyderabad Municipal Corporation relied on increased tax collection for spending on water and sanitation.

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However the Pune Municipal Commissioner (R. Gaikwad) did not follow this route and was able to spend forty times the annual outlay for urban sanitation by drawing on sources of funding other than increasing taxes on civic services.

The Infosys sponsored model in Bangalore demonstrated a sustainable pilot project where high quality public toilets in commercial areas cross subsidise toilets in slums.

Innovative strategies from all around the world :-

The city-state of Singapore maintains its cleanliness by considering the little things. Stickers in bathrooms remind citizens to always flush the toilet. Littering fines are high and well communicated. Chewing gum sales are forbidden to avoid gum stuck to public subway stations or benches.

By emphasizing recycling, Adelaide Australia drastically reduced their dependence on landfills, leading to a much cleaner living environment. The city encourages citizens to consider giving quality, unwanted items to charity and to urge each other to rely on the city’s recycling services.

Oslo has one of the highest populations in Europe, but there’s virtually no litter on the streets. The litter goes to an automatic underground waste disposal system run by the city. Many houses are connected to the system, which carries the trash underground. The waste is then burned by incinerators and used to fuel and heat the cit y, which reduces both pollution and waste in one blow.

Minneapolis Minnesota among on so many cities is on “cleanest cities” lists, as Block by Block works hard everyday to keep the city clean. Minneapolis’ stance on vandalism and graffiti is to remove it within 24 hours. This reduces new graffiti and keeps areas looking welcoming.

Zurich citizens often choose to travel via public transportation. They have many options available including tram, bus, boat and train. Public transportation reduces carbon emissions by decreasing the number of individual cars in transit everyday. The city keeps their systems well kept and reliable.

Reykjavik Iceland discovered that once it decided to implement green cleaning programs in its government, environmental efforts became a more attractive proposition in the local economy. Many businesses in Reykjavik now implement environmental policies to encourage employees to consider cleanliness in their everyday work and commutes.