UPSC_CS MAINS 2018 Paper I

‘Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing’. Explain by giving reasons.

Points to Remember: Persistent poverty in India despite government programs. Reasons for continued poverty: implementation challenges, structural issues, and socio-economic factors. Need for comprehensive and targeted interventions. Introduction: India has implemented numerous poverty eradication programs since independence. While these initiatives have achieved some success in reducing poverty rates, significant challenges remain. The World Bank estimates … Read more

How the Indian concept of secularism different from the western model of secularism? Discuss.

Points to Remember: Indian Secularism: Emphasis on religious neutrality of the state, but with active engagement with religious communities. Includes accommodation and protection of diverse religious practices. Western Secularism: Emphasis on strict separation of religion and state, often characterized by a “wall of separation.” Less emphasis on state engagement with religious affairs. Key Differences: Focus … Read more

‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata.’ Substantiate your view.

Points to Remember: The Indian women’s movement’s historical focus and limitations. Class disparities within the movement and its impact. Issues faced by lower-caste women: poverty, violence, lack of access to resources. Intersectionality of caste and gender oppression. Efforts towards inclusivity within the movement. Future directions for a more inclusive women’s movement. Introduction: The Indian women’s … Read more

“Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment.

Points to Remember: The persistence of caste in India despite legal prohibitions. The evolution of caste into new forms of social stratification. The role of social, economic, and political factors in perpetuating caste. The limitations of legal measures in eradicating caste. The need for multi-pronged strategies to address caste-based discrimination. Introduction: The question asks for … Read more

Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to their colonies? have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there?

Points to Remember: Reasons for Indian indentured servitude under British rule. Challenges faced by indentured laborers in preserving their cultural identity. Successes and failures in maintaining cultural heritage in different colonial contexts. Long-term impact on Indian diaspora communities. Introduction: The British Empire’s expansion during the 19th and early 20th centuries relied heavily on a system … Read more

Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India.

Points to Remember: Economic impact of state reorganization on resource allocation. Administrative efficiency and its effect on economic growth. Impact on inter-state relations and trade. Social implications and their economic consequences. Fiscal implications of creating new states. Introduction: The formation of new states in India has been a recurring theme in the country’s political landscape. … Read more

Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times.

Points to Remember: Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violent resistance (Satyagraha). Relevance of Swaraj (self-rule) in contemporary contexts. Importance of truth (Satya) and non-violence (Ahimsa) in a globalized world. Gandhi’s emphasis on social justice, equality, and rural development. Applicability of his ideas to contemporary social and political movements. Introduction: Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy continues to resonate deeply in … Read more

The Bhakti Movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss.

Points to Remember: The Bhakti Movement’s evolution and its various phases. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s key teachings and their impact. The shift in Bhakti from knowledge-centric to devotion-centric practices. The geographical spread and social impact of Chaitanya’s teachings. The lasting legacy of Chaitanya’s re-orientation of the Bhakti Movement. Introduction: The Bhakti Movement, a significant socio-religious reform … Read more

Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss.

Points to Remember: Importance of Indian art heritage – its cultural, economic, and social significance. Threats to Indian art heritage – natural disasters, human negligence, theft, and illicit trade. Conservation efforts – government initiatives, private sector involvement, community participation. Challenges in safeguarding heritage – funding, lack of awareness, technological limitations. Future strategies – strengthening legal … Read more

Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travellers in the reconstruction of the history of India.

Points to Remember: Accounts of Chinese and Arab travellers offer unique perspectives on medieval India, supplementing indigenous sources. These accounts provide insights into various aspects of Indian society, economy, politics, and culture. Limitations exist due to biases, limited geographical scope, and potential inaccuracies. A critical approach is necessary to evaluate and integrate these accounts with … Read more

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