NASA-ISRO NISAR Mission
NASA-ISRO NISAR Mission NASA and ISRO are collaborating on developing a satellite called NISAR, which will detect movements of the planet’s surface as small as 0.4 inches over areas about half the size of a tennis court. The satellite will be launched in 2022 from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, India, into a near-polar orbit and will scan the globe every 12 days over the course of its three-year mission of imaging the Earth’s land, ice sheets and sea ice to give an “unprecedented” view of the planet. NISAR It’s an SUV-sized satellite that is being jointly developed by the space agencies of the US and India. The partnership agreement was signed between NASA and ISRO. NASA will provide one of the radars for the satellite, a high-rate communication subsystem for science data, GPS receivers and a payload data subsystem. ISRO, on the other hand, will provide the spacecraft bus, the second type of radar (called the S-band radar), the launch vehicle and associated launch services. NISAR is an all-weather satellite that’s going to give us an unprecedented ability to look at how Earth’s surface is changing. NISAR will be equipped with the largest reflector antenna ever launched by NASA and its primary goals include tracking subtle changes in the Earth’s surface, spotting warning signs of imminent volcanic eruptions, helping to monitor groundwater supplies and tracking the rate at which ice sheets are melting. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. JOIN NOW
State of India’s Livelihood (SOIL) Report 2021
State of India’s Livelihood (SOIL) Report 2021: FPOs The State of India’s Livelihood (SOIL) Report 2021 has stated that just 1-5 % of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) have received funding under central government schemes introduced to promote them in the last seven years. Access Development Services, a national livelihoods support organisation has prepared the SOIL report. It has analysed only Farmer Producer Companies (FPC — FPOs registered under The Companies Act, 2013) since they make up a large majority of the organisations started in recent years. The concept of ‘Farmer Producer Organisations (FPO)’ consists of collectivization of producers especially small and marginal farmers so as to form an effective alliance to collectively address many challenges of agriculture such as improved access to investment, technology, inputs, and markets. The average farm size declined from 2.3 hectares (ha) in 1970-71 to 1.08 ha in 2015-16. The share of small and marginal farmers increased from 70% in 1980-81 to 86% in 2015-16. FPOs can help farmers compete with large corporate entrepreneurs. Social capital will develop in the form of FPOs, as it may lead to improved gender relations and decision-making of women farmers in FPOs. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. JOIN NOW
Assam Meghalaya border dispute
Assam Meghalaya border dispute Assam and Meghalaya share an 885-km-long border. Meghalaya was carved out of Assam under the Assam Reorganisation Act, 1971, a law that it challenged, leading to disputes. As of now, there are 12 points of dispute along their borders. These include the areas of Upper Tarabari, Gazang reserve forest, Hahim, Langpih, Borduar, Boklapara, Nongwah, Matamur, Khanapara-Pilangkata, Deshdemoreah Block I and Block II, Khanduli and Retacherra. The states of the Northeast were largely carved out of Assam, which has border disputes with several states. Assam’s border disputes with Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland are pending in the Supreme Court. Assam’s border disputes with Meghalaya and Mizoram are currently in the phase of resolution through negotiations. Read India Maldives Relations The border dispute with Mizoram recently turned violent, leading to intervention from the Centre. A major point of contention between Assam and Meghalaya is the district of Langpih in West Garo Hills bordering the Kamrup district of Assam. Langpih was part of the Kamrup district during the British colonial period but post-Independence, it became part of the Garo Hills and Meghalaya. Assam considers it to be part of the Mikir Hills in Assam. Meghalaya has questioned Blocks I and II of the Mikir Hills -now Karbi Anglong region – being part of Assam. Meghalaya says these were parts of erstwhile United Khasi and Jaintia Hills districts. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. JOIN NOW
Hate Speech
Hate Speech The growing incidence of hate speeches, especially those targeting minorities, in combination with the judicial ambiguity has provided an opportunity to chart legislative reforms. Hate speech is neither defined in the Indian legal framework nor can it be easily reduced to a standard definition due to the myriad forms it can take. The Supreme Court, in Pravasi Bhalai Sangathan v. Union of India (2014), described hate speech as “an effort to marginalise individuals based on their membership in a group” and one that “seeks to delegitimize group members in the eyes of the majority, reducing their social standing and acceptance within society.” The Indian Penal Code illegally uses speeches that are intended to promote enmity or prejudice the maintenance of harmony between different classes. Specifically, sections of the IPC, such as 153A, which penalises promotion of enmity between different groups. 153B, which punishes imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration. 505, which punishes rumours and news intended to promote communal enmity. 295A, which criminalises insults to the religious beliefs of a class by words with deliberate or malicious intention. Amish Devgan v. Union of India (2020), the Supreme Court held that “hate speech has no redeeming or legitimate purpose other than hatred towards a particular group”. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. Click here
Nari Shakti Puraskar
Nari Shakti Puraskar The President of India confers the Nari Shakti Puraskar on the International Women’s Day (8th March), annually. The Nari Shakti Puraskar carries a cash award of Rs.2 Lakh and a certificate for individuals and institutions. The Ministry of Women and Child Development announces these national level awards for individuals/ groups/ Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs)/ institutions etc. Initiated in the year 1999, it is the highest Civilian Honour for Women in India, To showcase the Government’s commitment towards women with the aim of strengthening their position in the society. It will also provide an opportunity to Young Indians to understand the contribution of women in building society and the nation. As per the Guidelines, any individual of at least 25 years of age and institutions having worked in the relevant field for at least 5 years are eligible to apply. The awards are given: For encouraging women to participate in decision making roles. Women’s skill development in traditional and non-traditional sectors. Facilitating basic amenities for rural women. Promoting women in non-traditional sectors like science and technology, sports, art, culture concretely. For the significant work towards safety and security, health and wellness, education, life skills, respect and dignity of women etc. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey.Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. contact us
India-Myanmar Relations
India-Myanmar Relations India shares a nearly 1600 km long terrestrial border with Myanmar and an extended maritime border also. It shares an international boundary with the Indian states of Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh. Besides, geographical proximity, the two also share ethnic, religious, and linguistic commonalities. The relations between the two neighbours have witnessed many highs and lows. Indian leaders also maintained close relations with it during the liberation struggle which was led by Aung San. India established diplomatic ties with Myanmar in 1948 after it gained independence. The ties however deteriorated after the overthrow of Democracy in Myanmar in 1962 as India condemned the military coup. Importance of Myanmar: Gateway to the East: Myanmar is that the only ASEAN member that shares its borders with India and thus provides an opportunity for deepening ties with south-east Asian nations under the design East and Act East policies. Regional Cooperation: Myanmar may be a key component of India s ambitions at bridging South Asia and South-East Asia through BIMSTEC which brings together 21% of the world’s population and features a combined GDP of nearly $2.5 trillion. BIMSTEC also offers an alternate to SAARC which has been held back thanks to strains in Indo- Pakistan ties. Security in North East: Cooperation with Myanmar is crucial for controlling insurgency in North-Eastern states. Besides, the porous borders provide fertile grounds for gangland that’s human trafficking, drugs peddling and smuggling of arms and ammunition. These are often checked only with the collaborative effort between India and Myanmar. Energy security: Myanmar has rich reserves of oil and natural gas. Since India imports nearly 80% of its fuel, Myanmar is important for India. Myanmar is potentially an important partner in the energy sector as future offshore gas finds can be piped to India. India currently has a JWG on Oil and Gas and JSC & JWG on Power cooperation. Food security: Import of pulses and beans from Myanmar is significant in making sure food security in India. Counterbalancing China: India must increase its presence in Myanmar so on the counter the growing Chinese dominance within the region. Myanmar thus has strategic significance for India. Economic Relations India is Burma’s 4th largest trading partner after Thailand, China, and Singapore. The bilateral trade stands at approximately US $1.6 billion in 2017-18. The agriculture sector dominates the bilateral trade which comprises mostly of pulses and beans imports to India. India is additionally the tenth largest investor in Myanmar. India has substantial investments in Myanmar’s oil and gas sector. Infrastructure and Connectivity Kaladan multi-modal Highway: It connects Kolkata with Sittwe via sea and Sittwe with Myanmar via Kaladan river, thereby reducing transit time and costs. Also under construction is that the India-Myanmar Thailand Trilateral Highway that connects Guwahati in India with Mandalay and Yangoon in Myanmar and eventually culminates in Thailand. Disaster relief: India has also assisted Myanmar in humanitarian relief operations following natural calamities like Cyclone Mora (2017), Komen (2015), etc aside from monetary support in rehabilitation and reconstruction. Defence cooperation The two neighbours also conducted joint Army exercises called IMBAX since 2017 and are conducting joint maritime patrols since 2013. Indian and Myanmar troops carried out jointly Operation Sunrise and Operation Sunrise 2 in 2019 in their respective territories to destroy several insurgent camps. In 2020, India gifted the Myanmar navy its first-ever submarine, a kilo class (INS Sindhuvir) attack submarine which has been refurbished and modernised by Hindustan Shipyard Limited. Energy Cooperation In the context of energy security, India proposed to construct a petroleum refinery in Thanlyn region near Yangon. It would involve an investment of about $ 6 billion. India also provides power from Moreh in Manipur to Myanmar. Rohingya Issue India showed diplomatic fine balancing by abstaining from voting against Myanmar during the Bali declaration and also condemned the terrorist attacks in Rakhine district led by ARSA. Practice Prelims Mock Questions India Myanmar Relations Challenges Rohingya Influx India hosts nearly 40,000 Rohingya Muslims who are denied citizenship in Myanmar and who sought refuge in India so as to flee religious persecution. But India faces a tremendous burden on its resources on account of refugees and also apprehends a security threat from radicalized Rohingya youth. As a result, India pushes for the repatriation of refugees back to Myanmar. China factor: Growing Chinese presence Myanmar agreed to be a neighbourhood of the Belt and Road Initiative and has also welcomed Chinese investments in various infrastructure projects including port projects like Kyaukpyu port. This has made India apprehensive as a growing Chinese presence in India’s neighbourhood spells strategic concerns. Under the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China is funding and developing many big projects in Myanmar that can be used as military bases in the future. China has its own designs and wants to use Myanmar as another base in its ‘string of pearl’ strategy against India. Insurgency: The north eastern insurgency group often uses Myanmar as the hiding place. Also the Free Movement Regime causes the influx of new insurgents from the Myanmar Region. Military Coup in Myanmar – China’s role and impact on India foreign policy Recently, Myanmar’s military seized power of the Southeast Asian country in a coup– the third time in the nation’s history since its independence from British rule in 1948 In a television address, the army announced that power had been handed to the commander-in-chief of the armed forces and that it was declaring a national state of emergency for one year. The country’s civilian leader Suu Kyi and several state ministers are being detained in the capital Naypyidaw. The move comes after months of increasing friction between the civilian government and the powerful military, known as the Tatmadaw, over alleged election irregularities. The two bodies have attempted to share power since the 2015 elections, Myanmar’s first openly contested poll since the end of military rule. That power-sharing relationship now appears to be over following the coup. 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UPSC Prelims Mock Test 2 – History
UPSC Prelims Mock Test 2 – History Check All Prelims Mock Questions 1. Which of the following statements about the Indica of Megasthenes is/are not true?1.It refers that the imperial palace is primarily made up of stones and marbles.2.It refers that there was a huge network of spy system prevalent in the Mauryan country.3.It described the castes of Indian society according to their professions often mingling caste with the occupation.Select the correct answer using the codes given below:(a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) 1 and 3(d) 2 and 3 2. Consider the following statements regarding Sher Shah Sur’s administration:1.Sher Shah’s empire was divided into sarkars where chief Shiqdar and chief Munsif had charges of the administration in each sarkar.2.Each sarkar was divided into several parganas.Which of the following statements is/are correct?(a)1 only(b)2 only(c)Both 1 and 2(d)Neither 1 nor 2 3. Consider the following statements regarding Rashtriya Gokul Mission(RGM):1.It aims at developing and conserving indigenous breeds through selective breeding and genetic upgradation.2.The RGM is managed by the Department of Animal Health and Husbandry.3.RGM provides for the rehabilitation of cattle past their reproductive or useful ageSelect the correct answer using the code given below.(a)2 only(b)1 and 2 only(c)1 and 3 only(d)1,2 and 3 4. With reference to the Stone Age, consider the following statements:1.The availability of vast grasslands during the Paleolithic period aided in the development of animal rearing practises.2.Early stone age tools developed during this period was completely absent in the southern parts of India.Which of the above statements is/are correct?(a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2 5.Which of the following States has declared endangered Indus river dolphins as ‘State aquatic animal’?(a) Jammu and Kashmir(b) Haryana(c) Punjab(d) Himachal Pradesh 6.Consider the following statements: 1.A settled pattern of life emerged in the later Vedic phase unlike the early Vedic period.2.Painted Grey Ware is a significant type of pottery associated with the later Vedic period.3.Assemblies which were in existence during the Rig Vedic period became less significant during this period.Select the correct answer using the code given below:(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1,2 and 3 7. Consider the following statements about ‘Know My India Programme’.1.The programme aims to promote oneness, fraternity and national integration among the victims of terrorism from the state of Jammu and Kashmir.2.Know My India Programme is a joint initiative of the Indian Army and the Central Reserve Police Force.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2 8.Who among the following headed judicial department under Mughals during the medieval period?(a) Qazi(b) Mir Bakhshi(c) Mir Saman(d) Diwan 9. Consider the following statements about Jainism:1. Jain doctrines believe that every living being has a soul.2. Jainas followed image worship from initial period itself unlike Buddhism.3. It believes that the world is created and destroyed by God.Which of the above statements is/are correct?(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1 only 10.Consider the following statements:1. Harappan people used metals and alloys like copper, bronze in their everyday lives.2. The northernmost Harappan site discovered so far is Kalibangan.Which of the above statements is/are correct?(a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2 11. Which of the following statements is/are true regarding the Mauryan Administration?1.The Mauryan empire was divided into four Provinces.2.The council of ministers at the provincial level acted as a check on the local governor.Select the correct answer using the codes given below.(a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2 12. Consider the following statements in the context of RBI’s rationalised framework for External Commercial Borrowing:1.Under the new framework, all entities eligible to receive FDI are permitted to raise ECBs up to USD one billion per financial year under the automatic route.2.The Minimum Average Maturity Period for all ECBs has been set at 5 years, irrespective of the amount of borrowing.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2 13.Consider the following statements regarding the Akbar’s relation with the Rajputs:1.Akbar married Rajput princesses, and gave religious freedom to his Hindu wives, and gave an honoured place to their parents and relations in the nobility.2.Akbar never gave formal acknowledgement to Rajput rulers3.Akbar’s rule was generally marked by changing the approach towards dealing with (a) 1 only(b) 1 and 2 only(c) 2 and 3 only.(d) All the above 14.Consider the following statements with reference to Cultural Heritage Youth Leadership Programme:1.The programme is aimed at creating awareness of Indian culture and heritage amongst the youth to promote, understand and develop a fondness for India’s rich cultural heritage.2.The programme focuses on less privileged children residing in backward areas.3.The programme is implemented by the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training.Which of the statements given above are correct?(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3 15.Consider the following statements regarding the Lomas Rishi Caves:1.It is located in Aravalli hills near Rajasthan.2.It was dedicated to the Ajivika sect by King Ashoka.3.It shows a clear influence of wooden architecture on rock-cut architecture.Which of the above statements is/are Rajputs relation with whom the not true? relationship became sour during (a) 1 only the end of his rule. (b) 2 only Which of the following statements is/are (c) 2 and 3 correct? (d) 1 and 3 16. Which of the following is/are the possible advantages of Minimum Support Price?1.It assures a remunerative and stable price environment for farmers.2.MSP incentivize the cultivators to adopt modern technology.3.It helps in raising the productivity and overall grain production in line with the emerging demand patterns.Select the correct answer using the code given below:(a) 1 and 3 only(b) 1 and 2 only(c) 1 only(d) 1,2 and 3 17. Which of the following most appropriately represents the term ‘Upasikas’ with regard to the religious development in ancient India?(a) Buddhist text which contains teachings of the Buddha and its disciples.(b) Followers and lay members of Buddhism who adhere to its principles.(c) Prayer hall arranged for Buddhist monks and nuns.(d) Followers and lay members of
English Compulsory Paper UPSC Mains 2021
English Compulsory Paper UPSC Mains 2021 1. Write an essay in about 600 words on any one of the following topics :(a) Social Media : A Challenge to Societal Harmony(b) The Role of NGOs in Social Change(c) Education as a Means to Serve Humanity(d) The Crying Need for Embracing Minimalism 2. Read the passage given below carefully and write your answers to the questions that follow in clear, correct and concise language : 15×5=75Life on planet earth has been possible for millions of years largely because of certain basic services associated with the biosphere. Important among these are: Climateand radiation regulation; Microbial transformations and decomposition; Biological diversity; and Opportunities for sustainable advances in biological productivity.We now find ourselves in a state where these essential services are in jeopardy, largely as a result of human induced damage to the basic life support systems ofland, water, flora, fauna and the atmosphere. Symptoms of an impending and general breakdown of the life support and ecological systems are already here. Some of theseare mounting population growth; vanishing source of drinking water; vanishing forest , plants and animal biodiversity; intensifying drought and floods; loss ofgrazing lands; growing degradation of fertile land and desertification; deterioration of the quality of air and water; accumulation of toxic and non-biodegradable wastesin the biosphere; explosive growth of rural and urban unemployment and mushrooming of urban slums. It is the poor and the marginalized urban and ruralpeople who are suffering most from such environmental breakdown. The threats to climate change and radiation regulation are receiving the most prominent public attention largely because of all-pervasive nature of their potential harmful impact. “Our Common Future” the report of the World Commission of Environment and Development by the United Nations is indicative that ecologically the fates of people whether rich or poor everywhere are interwined. Recent reports on the state of the world paint a frightening picture of the rapid depletion of the world’s natural resources coupled with rising social and economic problems. They reflect the widespread frustration about the inability of current approaches to solve the interlinked problems of environment and development and call for major changes in the way people think, use the finite resources of earth and programme their development. Developing countries like ours are faced with the urgent need for accelerating economic growth in a manner that the poor become the mainbeneficiaries and not the rich. We should also avoid proceeding on those developmental paths where environmental costs are high and the developmental activities cannot be sustained for long. The new paradigm of development should promote economic activities and life-styles based on the concept of “man with nature” and not “man against nature”Today, we are passing through an era of global change whether it is in politics or economics. Inequity in the resource distribution and consumption between the developed and the developing nations of world has become most apparent. The earth is undergoing drastic climatic changes. The last few years have been the warmest ones ever recorded. The heat trap works differently in different latitudes and altitudes having a tremendous effect on major crops like wheat. The protective ozone layer is being slowly damaged giving rise to medical problems for human beings and affecting several plants and their yield, animals and their behaviour. Though the causes of pollution of our soils, lakes and vegetation are different, the effect is the same. Mercilessly everyday pristine wild habitats are being destroyed. Nearly half of our country is tilled for agriculture and only 11 per cent of the land area has to bear the brunt of growing population, housing, roads and factories and its “carrying capacity” is under severe stress. The dreaded nuclear autumn or nuclear winter is a potential threat to the environment which might result in large scale habitat destruction, species extinction, air pollution, toxic chemicals, acid rain, ozone depletion etc. A nuclear non-proliferation movement with abolition of nuclear weapons, has to be spearheaded. Experts have predicted that serious food shortages could occur during this decade. Such a prognosis is based on three major factors – Soil erosion; Unsustainable utilization of groundwater; and Deforestation. They are together reducing the global potential for food production by nearly 14 million tonnes each year. New technologies, including biotechnology, are unlikely to help in achieving a quantum jump in productivity improvement at least during this decade. Due to the continuing damage to the ecological foundations of stable and sustainable agriculture, land degradation and water depletion ecological access to food may become the most important food security challenge of the 21st century. (a) According to the passage what are the factors responsible for the evolution of life on earth ? (15 ) (b) What does the author mean by environmental breakdown? What are its impacts ? (15 ) (c) What suggestions does the author offer to balance environment, development and inequity in consumption? (15 ) (d) How is life on earth being affected by climate change as per the passage ? (15 ) (e) How is environmental breakdown related to probable food shortage ? (15 ) Read UPSC 2021 Mains Complete Questions 3. Make a précis of the following passage in about one-third of its length. Do not give a title to it. The précis should be written in your own language : (75)Recent decades have witnessed an upsurge of literature on Indians settled abroad. Mainly three types of writings can be distinguished: historical, diplomatic and anthropological. The historical works provide an account of the phases of emigration of Indians and their early life situations in foreign lands. The diplomatic works read like country reports on the status and problems of Indians beyond seas. The anthropological works are in the nature of ethnographic accounts with their accent on cultural continuity and change. Varieties of writings apart, the existing literature shares three notable features in common. One, much of it is in the form of country-specific profiles. Cross-country comparisons are few and far between. Two, most of it is descriptive, with analytical ideas and imaginative hypotheses in short supply. Three, for most part, it tends to project the problem in colonial perspective. 61 There are broadly two ways in which the problem of Indians abroad has been looked at: the colonial and the nationalist. The colonial way maintains that Indians went abroad driven by their domestic economic compulsions, or greed or avarice; that they were ‘heathens’, lazy, cunning and quarrelsome; that they
UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice Test 2
UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice Check All Mains Questions 1 How unification of India is different from the German unification under Bismark? (10 Marks) 2. The cold war has made a unipolar world and new world order. Analyse (10 Marks) 3. World war II was a continuation of world war I. Evaluate (10 Marks) 4. Elaborate on the features of Mauryan Stupa Architecture in India. (10 Marks) 5. Why the Gupta period is known and represented as the golden age of Indian history? Substantiate (10 Marks) 6. Explain how the foundations of the modern world were laid by the American and French Revolutions. (15 Marks) 7. The industrial revolution led to the transportation revolution and resulted in colonisation. Evaluate (15 Marks) 8. Compare and contrast the architectural styles of Nagara and Dravida temples with examples. (15 Marks) 9. Indian Rock-cut temples of the ancient period are the finest example of craftsmanship. Illustrate with examples (15 Marks) 10. Trade relations during the ancient period has resulted in the inculcation of multiple ideas and cultures into Indian society. Explain (15 Marks) Answer Key 1.How unification of India is different from the German unification under Bismark? (10 Marks) Answer: Although German and Indian unification happened in two different centuries, they have certain similarities:• Both countries had a large geographical area. Unifying them together was a huge challenge in the initial stages.• Both countries were unified by the charisma and leadership of a single leader.• The unification process was mainly followed by the progress and development of the nation. Criteria German unification Indian Unification Language Germany people shared thecommon language and history which united them. India has multiple languagesand wide diversity. Nationalism Napoleon sparked nationalismand liberalism in Germany was the underlyingreason for nationalism.This united thepeople in Germany. Nationalism was developedby freedom fighters transcendingcultural diversity. Leaders Bismarck was the mostinfluential figure. He used Realpolitik in conducting hisforeign policy.His policywas termed “Policy of Bloodand Iron” Sardar Vallabhai Patel wasthe crucial figure in India’s unification.He adopteddemocratic principles mainly to unify the nation.His prompt actions helped to prevent Balkanisation of India. He mainly used Instruments of Accession and the promise of a wide- ranging autonomy to unifythe small princelystates into the Union. Leading State All the states wereunified under Prussia which had the strongest military power. The provinces got integratedquite easily. The unified provincesacted as a leading state. Integration of Princely Stateswas a tough process. The princes were diplomatically persuadedto join the Union of Indiawith the central governmentretaining the powers of Defence, External Affairs, communicationand Railways. Economic Factor Zollverein, the economic Economic unification of and customs union of the country by the Germany helped people Britishers through to realize the economic nationwide trade, benefits after unification development of railways and paved the way for theunity in Germany. eased the process. Consequences The unification process lateron caused further issues in the region resultingin the First and Second World War. Unification of India broughtin a sense of calm in the countryalthough it was preceded by partition. 2.The cold war has made a unipolar world and new world order. Analyse (10 Marks) Answer: Cold War was a period of intense proxy conflicts between the Soviet Union and the United States with its allies after World War II. It began to de- escalate after the Revolutions of 1989 and ultimately led to the collapse of the USSR in 1991. The disintegration of the USSR paved the way for the emergence of capitalism as the major force in the world. The capitalist Western countries were led by the United States. The emergence of the USA as the major force in the world laid down the construction of a unipolar world. The USA began to influence the internal affairs of other countries through neo- imperialist policies like globalisation became the order of the day. The previously non aligned countries like India, Indonesia etc. also give importance to structural reforms and accepted the philosophy of capitalism. The success of the USA post-Cold War can be seen in the fact that they are the most determining factor in international relations. Yet, the emergence of unipolar world has been recently in threats due to the emergence of developing countries like China, India into the global arena. China through its economic policies like the One Belt One Road tries to expand its soft power into the Western European countries as well. The end of the proxy Cold War gave hope to establish a new world order that has the time of non-violence and the principles of peaceful coexistence. It includes the possibility of sustained peace, dismantling of nuclear weapons systems, significant cuts in strategic arms and eventually general and complete disarmament as well. The new world order also ideally exist in such a way that the strong must demonstrate restraint toward the weak. As a result, developing and least developed countries were given adequate protection by the developed countries. 3.World war II was a continuation of world war I. Evaluate (10 Marks) Answer: World War II was a global war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. The vast majority of the world’s countries including all the great powers eventually formed two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. World War II was a continuation of World War I because: Failure of the treaties such as the Versailles Treaty caused resentment among the European countries particularly Germany. Germany lost territory in Europe as the disputed Alsace-Lorrainewas given to France. Germany was disarmed as it was barred from introducing conscription and also Rhineland was made a buffer zone by demilitarising the area between France and Germany permanently.○Germany was blamed for the war and the treaty included the war guilt clause as well.○Germany was made responsible to pay war reparations as well. This enraged the population of Germany in general.• The political vacuum in Germany and the popular discontent against the Allies aided the growth of Fascist ideologies led by Hitler and Mussolini• The failure of the League of Nations and the concept of ‘Collective Security’. The League of Nations was created to settle international disputes and to prevent war in future. However, it failed in its objectives.○League of Nations came to be viewed as an organization of the Allied Powers set up for implementation of biased peace treaties.○The League failed to convince other major powers to disarm their military power. Britain and France did not want self- disarmament and this was opposed by Germany. League of Nations was unable to solve the issue.○The League of Nations failed to check any violations of the frontiers established after the WWI through the peace treaties. Thus Collective Security remained a mere idea and not made a reality. ● The Dawes Plan which was initially formulated in the aftermath of WW-I has successfully resolved the issue of World War I reparations that Germany had to pay. However, the success was short-lived and it ended in a global economic crisis spurred by the Great Depression in America and it eventually led
UPSC Prelims Mock Test 3 GS Paper 1
UPSC Prelims Mock Test 3 GS Paper 1 Check All Prelims Mock Questions 1.Which of the following statements are right with respect to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar:1.Bahishkrit Sabha was formed by Dr. Ambedkar in 1924.2.Ambedkar formed the Independent Labour Party.3.Ambedkar had also started a weekly paper called Mooknayak.Select the correct answer using the codes given below:(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3 2. With reference to the Nehru report, consider the following statements:1.Complete Independence for India.2.Joint electorates for reservation of seats for minorities3.Provision of fundamental rights for the people of India.Select the correct answer using the codes given below:(a) 1 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3 3. Consider the following statements regarding Indian Elections:1.Election processes are controlled and coordinated by a statutory body in India.1.Elections are controlled with statutory Model Code of Conduct.2.Only the Supreme court has the power to consider any election petition.Select the incorrect answer using the codes given below:(a) 1 and 2(b) 2 and 3(c) 1 only(d) 1, 2 and 3 4. Consider the following statements about ‘Swaraj Party’:1.It was formed due to the disagreement over legislative council entry.2.Motilal Nehru was its first president.3.It separated from the Indian National Congress in 1924.Which of the above statements is/are correct?(a) 1 only(b) 1 and 2(c) 1 and 3(d) 1, 2 and 3 5. With reference to the Indian freedom struggle, consider the following events:1.Kakori conspiracy2.Simon commission3.Bardoli SatyagrahaWhat is the correct chronological sequence of the above events?(a) 1-2-3(b) 2-1-3(c) 3-2-1(d) 3-1-2 6. Which one of the following is not a reason for the popular discontent against the British prior to 1857?(a) Economic exploitation of the country by the British(b) British land revenue policies and the systems of law and administration(c) Loss of well paid higher posts jobs in administration by the middle class and upper-class Indian society(d) The British policy of limited social interaction with Indians ie, the Upper class only 7. Which of the following statements aptly describes the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan Yojana?(a) It is a pension scheme implemented for government employees.(b) It is a pension scheme implemented for the unorganised workers.(c) It is a savings scheme implemented for the domestic workers through postal payments bank(d) It is an insurance scheme for the workers of the construction sector. 8.Who came to be known as the Father of Communal Electorate in India?(a) Montague(b) Minto(c) Cornwallis(d) Wellesley 9. Consider the following statements regarding the revolt of 1857:1. The introduction of the Enfield rifle acted as the immediate cause of the rebellion2. In Northern and Central India, the mutiny of the sepoys was followed by popular revolts of the civilian population3. Lack of Hindu-Muslim unity was one of the reasons why the British were able to suppress the rebellionWhich of the above statements is/are correct?(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1,2 and 3 10. Renaissance in India during the 19th century was driven by which among the following factors?1. Activities of Christian missionaries in India.2. Discovery of the indigenous treasure of Indian spirituality.3. Introduction of western education and philosophySelect the correct answer using the code given below:(a) 1 and 3 only(b) 3 only(c) 2 and 3 only(d) 1,2 and 3 11.Which of the following is/are correctly matched: Leaders Region of activity a. Nana Saheb 1. Delhi b. Bahadur Shah II 2. Arrah c. Kunwar Singh 3. Kanpur d. Rani Laxmibai 4. Jhansi Select the correct answer using the codes given below(a) a-1,b-2,c-3,d-4(b) a-3,b-1,c-2,d-4(c) a-2,b-3,c-1,d-4(d) a-2,b-1,c-3,d-4 12. Recently the Supreme Court directed the Centre to approve the composition of green firecrackers. With reference to the green firecrackers, consider the following statements:1.In comparison with the conventional crackers, it eliminates the release of toxic gases into the atmosphere.2.The product approval for the green crackers is given by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.Which of the above statements is/are correct?(a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2 13. Consider the following statements about major events/occurrences in 1930-1940s:1. Poona Pact gave away the Hindu joint electorate and reserves special electorates to the depressed classes.2. C. Rajagopalachari became the first governor-general of the Dominion of India.3. The members of the interim government were members of the Viceroy’s Executive Council, and the council came to be vice- chaired by Jawaharlal Nehru.Select the correct answer using the codes below:(a) 3 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 2 only(d) 2 only 14. Consider the following statements regarding the National Rural Economic Transformation Project (NRETP):1. It aims to improve the rural road connectivity throughout India.2. It is implemented under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission.Which of the above statements is/are true?(a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2 15. Which of the following statements regarding the characteristics of the society during the Revolt of 1857 is true?(a) Even though the revolt was very popular and was taken up by all classes of society, it could not embrace the entire country(b) Most Indian rulers and big Zamindars, even though for personal reasons, joined the revolt(c) All of the discontented and the dispossessed zamindars and majority of the middle and upper classes were mostly in support of the rebels(d) The educated Indians mistakenly believed that British rule would help them accomplish these tasks of modernization while the rebels would take the country backwards. 16. In the context of Indian history, the principle of `Dyarchy’ refers to which of the following?(a) Division of the central legislature into two houses.(b) Introduction of double government i.e., Central and State governments.(c) Having two sets of rulers; one in London and another in Delhi.(d) Division of the subjects delegated to the provinces into two categories 17. Consider the following statements:1.Both Arya Samaj and Brahma Samaj accept the infallibility of the Vedas.2.Both Arya Samaj and Brahma Samaj reject the practice of child marriage and idolatry.Which of the above statements is/are correct?(a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2 ml(d) Neither 1 nor 2 18. Indian Statutory Commission was appointed in 1927. Consider the following statements about it:1.It was appointed
