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Before we start the question-wise analysis, here are some of the observations with regards to UPSC 2020 Mains GS paper 3:

• Taking the comprehensive view of the paper, the questions are more tilted towards Current Affairs.
  • Define potential GDP and explain its determinants. What are the factors that have been inhibiting India from realizing its potential GDP? 
  • How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006?
  • What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? 
• The static topics are also a repetition of previous years’ trends.
  • What are the main constraints in the transport and marketing of agricultural produce in India?
  • What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in the health sector?
• The straightforwardness of questions made the paper very general and easy to tackle.
  • For effective border area management, discuss the steps required to be taken to deny local support to militants and also suggest ways to manage favorable perception among locals. 
  • COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid the management of the pandemic. 
• Very few questions require some specific knowledge but manageable.
  • What are the major factors responsible for making the rice-wheat system a success? In spite of this success, how has this system become a bane in India? 
  • What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in the Eastern part of India? What strategy should the Government of India, civil administration, and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas?
• Weightage according to the sectors:
  • Economy & Agriculture-  8
  • Environment & Disaster Management- 6
  • Science & Technology- 2
  • Internal Security- 4

Remark: 

The questions are easy to handle if the students have a thorough idea of syllabus and a hold on Current Affairs. Bringing out multi-dimensionality will fetch good marks.

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Question-wise analysis of UPSC 2020 GS Paper 3

Q1. Explain intragenerational and intergenerational issues of equity from the perspective of inclusive growth and sustainable development. 

CD TEST Q.) What do you understand by fiscal deficit? Does higher fiscal deficit violate the principles of intergenerational equity in longer run ? Critically analyse.

APPROACH

• Simply start by defining Inter and Intra generational equity.
• In the body, with the help of examples link these two equities with inclusive growth and sustainable development.
  • Eg: Equity in education has two dimensions. The first is fairness, which basically means making sure that personal and social circumstances – for example, gender, socio-economic status, or ethnic origin – should not be an obstacle to achieving educational potential.
  • The second is inclusion, in other words ensuring a basic minimum standard of education for all – for example that everyone should be able to read, write and do simple arithmetic.
• Similarly bring up other dimensions like health, finance, environment, etc.
• Conclude either by suggesting some reforms or giving certain schemes like Jan Dhan Yojana and so on.

Q2. Define potential GDP and explain its determinants. What are the factors that have been inhibiting India from realizing its potential GDP? 

CD TEST Q. Among several factors for India’s potential growth, at this moment, government expenditure is the most effective one. Do you agree? What are the impediments in increasing Government expenditure? (10 marks)

Approach

• Straight forward- define potential GDP- Potential gross domestic product (GDP) is defined in the OECD’s Economic Outlook publication as the level of output that an economy can produce at a constant inflation rate. Although an economy can temporarily produce more than its potential level of output, that comes at the cost of rising inflation.
• Its determinants- The capital stock, the potential labor force depending on demographic factors and participation rates, the non-accelerating inflation rate of unemployment, and the level of labor efficiency determine this potential output which is important to calculate the output gap.
• Give the factors inhibiting its growth with examples.
• Conclude by giving suggestions about how to overcome the challenges.

Q3. What are the main constraints in transport and marketing of agricultural produce in India?

CD TEST Q.  The APMC Act has been blamed for poor price realisation by the farmers. Recently announced reforms promise to do away with such issues in the APMC Act. In light of this, examine the issues with APMC Acts and how the promised reforms are expected to resolve such issues.

Approach

• Start with some data regarding the current status of transport issues in agricultural marketing
• Give the main constraints like- perishable goods, road infrastructure, modal interconnect, mandi infrastructure, inadequate logistics connectivity, support and facilities to ensure the farmers timely delivery of their harvest into the markets; lack of services including mobile cold storage for fresh perishable produce and so on.
• Conclude by suggesting a way forward for overcoming these hurdles.

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Q4. What are the challenges and opportunities of food processing sector in the country? How can income of the farmers be substantially increased by encouraging food processing?

CD TEST Q. India is one of the biggest food producing hubs in the world but recently the food processing industry in India is not showing the desired results. Write a note on the challenges being faced by the food processing industry in India. Also suggest the measures needed to revamp the food processing sector?

Approach

• Introduce either by giving some data on food processing sectors in India or by defining the sector.
• Discuss the challenges and opportunities in two three points.
• Provide the link of improving the food processing sector and its impact on farmers income. 
• You can quote Dalwai Committee and Niti Ayog recommendations also.
• Conclude by providing suggestions for furthering up the sector.

Q5. What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in health sector?

CD TEST Q. Nanotechnology is a pathbreaking technology which can create many new materials and devices with a wide range  of applications, such as in nanomedicine, nanoelectronics etc. Discuss. 

Q. “Nanotechnology is an area of science and technology that holds highly promising prospects for military applications, considering its wide applicability in defensive as well as offensive operations.” Examine. 

Approach

• Straight forward question
• Define nanotechnology
• Give its applications in health sector especially the emerging diseases and the cure provided by nanotechnology 
• End the answer by giving the way forward about how to utilise the sector to its full potential.

Q6. How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture triggered off by the science-based technologies?

CD TEST Q. Examine how India should use breakthroughs in biotechnology and genetic engineering for achieving the goal of low-input, high-output agriculture which is a prerequisite for doubling farmers’ income.  

Approach

• Introduce the answer by providing a few examples about use of science in everyday life.
• Open ended question so the body will contain all possible dimensions in the answer.
• Then give advancement in science and its utilisation in agriculture- drone technology, happy seed drill machine, irrigation technologies etc.
• Link the environmental concern and utilisation of science in overcoming the challenges in the field of agriculture.

Q7. How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006?

CD TEST Q. How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006?

Approach

• Straight forward question
• Provide the major amendments made in the draft Act and how is it better or its limitations a compared to earlier version

Q8. What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security?

CD TEST Q. In a world driven by climate change, water, as a public resource, has become crucial. In the light of this, discuss how Jal Jeevan Mission will bring some respite in the lives of people in general and rural areas in particular. 

Approach

• Give the current status of water usage and scarcity in India.
• Give the relevant salient features- which will help India in its water conservation ideas.  
• Provide a way forward for the capacity utilization of the scheme.

Q9. Discuss different types of cybercrimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace.

CD TEST Q. As “Digital India” grows, cyber security vulnerabilities will increase too. In this context, critically analyse India’s cyber security capabilities. 

Approach

• Define cybercrime and its aspects
• Different types- phishing, fake news, frauds, malware attacks etc.
• Dimensions- from all stakeholders’ perspective.
• Give the measures taken by Indian Government and also some international obligations.
• Conclude by providing some mitigation measures.

Q10. For effective border area management, discuss the steps required to be taken to deny local support to militants and also suggest ways to manage favourable perception among locals. 

Approach 

• Start by giving a view on the situation around boundary areas in India.
• Give different steps taken by the Government in terms of providing a trust, use of technology, border area management by the forces involved, use of traditional methods adopted by locals, etc.
• Suggest ways for a comprehensive strategy to manage border area issues.

Q11. Explain the meaning of investment in an economy in terms of capital formation. Discuss the factors to be considered while designing a concession agreement between a public entity and a private entity.

Q12. Explain the rationale behind the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Act of 2017. How has COVID-19 impacted the GST compensation fund and created new federal tensions? 

CD TEST Q. What were the reasons for making provisions under GST for paying the states compensation for tax revenue shortfall? What are the implications of the provision for the Central government?

Q.) The Goods and Service Tax has been a grand bargain in cooperative federalism. But the issue of GST compensation to the States in the aftermath of lockdown threatens this achievement in federalism. In light of this, explain the issue of compensation and suggest the ways to deal with it.

Approach

• Give the current scenario of GST Act in India.
• Discuss both the sides of bringing the Act in India. Provide the Pros and Cons of it.
• Its role during the time of Pandemic and why it created tensions in the federal system.
• Conclude by providing suggestions about how to make the system more effective in future.

Q13. What are the major factors responsible for making the rice-wheat system a success? In spite of this success how has this system become bane in India? 

CD TEST Q.  Analyse Critically whether the existing cropping patterns in different parts of India would need any change for better agriculture performance in the future. 

Approach

• You can start by giving a view on the present status of the Green Revolution in India and how it created a bias towards the Rice-Wheat system.
• Factors responsible for its success- technologies gave advantage to this like hybrid seeds, machines , irrigation etc. more price for this, MSP on these two crops etc.
• How is it a bane- irrigation infrastructure not adequate still many areas are involved in this leading to underground water exploitation, limiting crop diversification and so on.
• Conclusion should contain suggestions to overcome the above problems.

Q14. Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make judicious use under depleting scenario.

CD TEST Q. What do you understand by micro irrigation? Discuss its importance to a country like India?

Approach

• Straight forward question
• Use of technology, drip irrigation system, water harvesting techniques, sponge cities mission etc.

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Q15. COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid management of the pandemic. 

Approach

• Introduce by giving the scenario of covid pandemic.
• Technological advancement- for testing like RT PCR, Antigen test kits, PPEs, use of simulations to detect the mutations and easier development of vaccines, testing variants of medicines already available etc. 

Q16. Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our Government for this purpose?

CD TEST Q. What are the  advantages of Lithium ion batteries that makes it most suitable for e-vehicles and other devices? Examine India’s technological and manufacturing capabilities in this crucial product. 

Approach

• Start by giving a general perspective on the usage of Renewable energy in India.
• Give the benefits of Solar Energy over Conventional Thermal Energy- less polluting, long lasting supply, easier availability, better outreach etc.
• Give Government initiatives like- ISA, Solar Energy Mega parks, KUSUM scheme, Net Metering etc.
• Conclude giving suggestions of improving the renewable energy sector more.

Q17. What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India?

CD TEST Q. Discuss key features of the National clean air program? Will it be able to solve the problem of air pollution in India.Critically examine?

Approach

• Direct question
• Give the introduction about the pollution problems at present. 
• Describe the key features of the NCAP.
• Conclude by giving way forward for proper implementation of the plan and some innovative methods.

Q18. Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach.

CD TEST Q. The National Disaster Management Plan is devoid of many important elements that make a good and robust action plan. It may fulfill the formal requirement of law of having a plan but it may not be effective in achieving its grandiose vision of building resilience. Discuss.

Approach

• Introduce by discussing the ongoing pandemic.
• Discuss about the changes done- like PM CARES Fund, changes in Epidemic acts, lockdown etc.
• Conclusion- measures to bring about more mitigation related efforts and visionary approach.

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Q19. What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in Eastern part of India? What strategy should the Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas?

CD TEST Q.  The Government of India has adopted an integrated and holistic approach to deal with the Left Wing Extremist (LWE) insurgency. In this context, discuss the challenges while dealing with this internal security in India. Critically analyse the steps are taken by India to curb this menace.

Approach

• Introduction: define some context of LWE in India.
• Give the determinants of such activities happening in different states.
• Strategy from different authorities- Developmental plans, educational opportunities, awareness, rehabilitation policies etc.
• Way forward and suggestions for further improvements. 

Q20. Analyse internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard. 

CD TEST Q. Cross-Border movement of insurgents is only one of the several security challenges facing the policing of the border in North-East India. Examine the various challenges currently emanating across the India-Bangladesh border. Also, discuss the steps to counter the challenges. 

Approach

• Define the term internal security threats or add some current affairs-related news.
• Discuss various threats emerging on border fronts- illegal immigration, smuggling, ceasefire violations, terrorist attacks, organized crimes, ethnic conflicts, etc. 
• Discuss the strategies adopted by India in this respect.
• The role played by border forces, paramilitary forces, etc to curb such crimes.
• Way forward and innovative suggestions for border management.

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Click here for a detailed questions-wise analysis of UPSC Mains 2020 GS paper 1

Click here for a detailed questions-wise analysis of UPSC Mains 2020 GS paper 2

Click here for a detailed analysis of UPSC Mains 2020 GS paper 4- Ethics

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Important Announcement:  Topics to be covered on 24th February

GS-1  Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.

GS-4 Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration.

Question 1)

Discuss the pros and cons of Daylight savings time. 10 marks

Question 2)

In a major shift, the 15th FC has sharply increased the proportion of grants whose receipt is conditional on specified reforms being undertaken by the states. What are these conditions? 10 marks

Question 3)

As an allied industry of agriculture the importance of the animal husbandry and dairy sector cannot be overstated. In light of this, examine the need for investment in these two sectors and role Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) could play in transforming the rural economy. 10 marks

Question 4)  

“Ethics works as a binding force between law, morality, values, religion and social norms.” Elucidate. 10 marks

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“The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in battle”

The saying will hold no greater significance than this year, as we analyze the GS mains exam of UPSC in 2020. Those who would have followed the tests (Sectional and FLTs) whole-heartedly, would have felt the exam as their home-turf.

We’ve provided a question by question analysis of the GS paper 1 below but before that let’s start with some of the observations that we came up with while analysing the whole paper.

GS Paper 1: Observations

• Comparing it with 2019 mains, we see more directness in the questions rather than twists and turns.
  1. Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long-term implications on the national movements.
  2. How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India?
• In terms of coverage of topics, the weightage is as follows:
  1. History (modern India)-  2
  2. Art & Culture- 4
  3. Geography- 8
  4. Society and Social issues- 6
• Geography questions seem to be very straightforward, NCERT based and current affairs-based.
  1. NCERT based-
     • Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum- Pacific Zone.
     • How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far- reaching impact on the water resources of India? 
     • Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples.
     • Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change.
  2. Current Affairs based:
     • The process of desertification does not have climate boundaries. Justify with examples.
     • The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine.
• In History, this time Art & Culture was the centre of attraction, but questions were more or less manageable if aspirants had thoroughly gone through the NCERTs.
• Social Issues:
  1. Some questions were easy to manage like- Covid 19 and Class Inequalities, Caste lost its relevance.
  2. Some Questions required a philosophical bent because of the open-endedness- 
     • Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree?
     • Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue.

Overall the questions were manageable and with some analytical ability could have been easily tackled. Since the questions were straightforward so more dimensions will fetch good marks. 

GS paper 1: How useful was CivilsDaily’s Mains Test Series?

The test series questions that CivilsDaily provided held quite a similarity with the themes and the structure of questions asked in the mains exam. This happened because we try to keep in mind the central themes being asked in the last 8-9 years in UPSC. After a thorough analysis, we came up with 30-35 themes on which we always ask questions. So our test series also relied on those themes and we came so close.

Question-wise analysis of the UPSC Mains 2020 GS Paper 1

Having said that, here is the evidence of our claims, regarding how closer we were:

Q1. The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss. 

CD TEST Q. Highlighting various phases of Rock Cut Architecture in India, discuss their socio-cultural and religious importance in Indian History.

Approach to Answer:

Introduction: start with a simple explanation of what rock-cut architecture is and how it is significant for telling about the history.

Body: start with examples from Ancient India history- the Bhimbetka caves, moving on to South Indian rock-cut caves.

• Natural caves were the earliest caves used by local inhabitants. The natives used such caves for different purposes like places of worship and shelters. The Mesolithic period (6000 BC) saw the first use and modifications of the early caves, a fact manifested by archaeological evidences. 

• The Rock-cut structures present the most spectacular piece of ancient Indian art specimen. Most of the rock-cut structures were closely associated with various religions and religious activities.
• Numerous caves were excavated by the Buddhist monks for prayer and residence purposes. 
  • The best example of this is Chaityas (prayer halls) and viharas (monasteries). Inside these rock-cut structures, windows and balconies and gates were carved as huge arch shaped openings.

Conclusion: 

Rock cut architecture tells us about all aspects of history as visible evidence which may be missed out in other forms of evidence like Hagiographies, numismatics etc.

Q2. Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate. 

Approach to Answer:

• Introduce by telling the importance of Pala period in the context of Buddhism.
• Gopala, the first Pala king, was a Buddhist and so all of his descendants also were.
• The Pala rulers used the revenue from the new tax collection methods to fund initiatives all across the region that would spread Buddhism. 
• The Pala rulers followed an approach of religious tolerance- this allowed for a peaceful exchange of ideas between the faiths and is a large factor in why Hindu Tantrism made its way into Buddhism, giving rise to the Vajrayana philosophy.
• The Pala dynasty created the environment for Buddhist monasteries to thrive and discuss philosophies without prejudice. But, importantly, it also facilitated the spread of these ideas around the world, leaving a legacy that we can still see today.

Q3. Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movements. 

CD Test Q.How far is it correct to say that if Clive was the founder of the British Empire in India, Warren Hastings was its administrative organizer? (10 marks)

Approach to Answer:

• Introduction: briefly state Curzon’s policy
• Body:
  • Partition of Bengal 1905
  • His Educational interventions 
  • Reactionary policies
  • Opposition to formation of Congress
  • Administrative reforms
• Conclusion:
  • Curzon’s policies had both the positive and negative effects. But the Indian Nationalists were mature enough to learn from his mistakes and thus easily moulded the policies as per nation’s need.

Q4. Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum- Pacific Zone.

Approach to Answer:

• Introduction: mention the area of circum pacific zone
• Use Map
• Geophysical characteristics :
  • subduction” tectonic structure
  • Island arcs and deep-focus earthquakes
  • Oceanic trench 
  • active volcanoes- Seventy-five percent of Earth’s volcanoes—more than 450 volcanoes—are located along the Ring of Fire.
  • This stretch of the Ring of Fire is a transform boundary, where plates move sideways past one another

Q5. The process of desertification does not have climate boundaries. Justify with examples.

CD TEST Q. What is desertification? In a recently held Bonn Agreement, India has promised to take certain steps to combat land degradation. Discuss the causes of land degradation and suggest measures on combating it. (10 marks)

Approach to Answer:

Introduction: What do you mean by DESERTIFICATION. Recent meet on UNCCD.

Body: begin with describing how desertification has become a global phenomenon across geography and boundaries.

• The combined impact of climate change, land mismanagement and unsustainable freshwater use has seen the world’s water-scarce regions increasingly degraded. This leaves their soils less able to support crops, livestock and wildlife.
• Although natural causes like disasters, water erosion and wind erosion are major causes of Desertification, the alarming rise in it can be attributed to mainly anthropogenic factors which includes climate change, overgrazing by animals, deforestation, unsustainable farming practices and the overexploitation of resources by humans.
• In the case of India, 96 million hectares or close to 29% of India’s area is undergoing degradation and according to the data recently presented to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), India lost 31%, or 5.65 million hectares (mha), of grassland area in a decade. Also, more than 80% of the country’s degraded land lies in just nine states.
• Globally, the rate of desertification is speeding up. Africa is the worst affected continent; with two-thirds of its land either desert or drylands. Almost a third of land in the U.S. is affected by desertification; and one quarter of Latin America and the Caribbean, and one fifth of Spain.

Conclusion: Ending desertification is the best chance the world has to stabilize the effects of climate change, save wildlife species and protect our well-being. Protecting the forest is our mutual responsibility, which should be carried out by people and governments worldwide.

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Q6. How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far- reaching impact on the water resources of India?

CD TEST Q. What are landslides and how do they occur? What are the causes of more frequent occurrence of landslides in the Himalayas than in the Western Ghats? (15 )

Approach to Answer:

• Introduction: about Himalyan physical characteristics and its association with water resources in India. 
• With different glaciers, connect it with how important it is in providing water resources to different parts of India
• It is predicted that the region will become increasingly urbanized as cities expand to absorb migrants in search of economic opportunities. 
• changes in the availability of water resources could play an increasing role in political tensions, especially if existing water management institutions do not better account for the social, economic, and ecological complexities of the region.

Q7. Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples. 

CD TEST Q. The Iron and steel industry is the backbone of industrial development. Explain. Highlight the locational factors of this industry in India.

Why this question?

Factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India)

Approach to Answer:

Introduction: to begin with, mention the role of iron and steel industries in introduction.

Body: Begin by explaining why they are present away from the source of raw materials.

• Transportation facilities available at accessible cost
• Increasing automation
• The raw material based industries are now facing disadvantages because of depleting reserves of raw material. 
  • So, considering long-term survival of the industry, it is desirable for the industries to select a location which can provide sustained growth to the industry.
• The drastic reduction of coal use and develop­ment of fuel economy also attracted industries to the areas where transport is cheaper; 
  • For example, a cheap water route or break of bulk location, where due to loading and unloading facilities, raw materials are available at a much cheaper price.

Q8. Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi- cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations.

CD TEST Q. Manifestation of caste and modern Democracy are two opposite poles in Indian political system. Analyse.

CD TEST Q. Capitalism cannot annihilate the caste system and caste is reinventing itself with modernity.Discuss. (10 marks)

CD Test Q.Caste in its old form is irrelevant and cannot exist in the modern or contemporary Indian society. Comment(15)

Similar question in the past

“Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, the caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment. (2018 upsc mains)

Approach to Answer:

Introduction: Caste has myriad forms in India. It’s existence till now proves its roots in the Indian culture. However the recent trends show a different result, where leaving the core characteristics, many features of caste are getting diluted.

Body:

How the caste features are getting diluted

• Inter-caste marriages- a new normal
• Inter-dining with any caste 
• Job opportunities- fading up the differentiation
• The rituals and customs being universalised
• Urbanisation- loosening the caste fabric 
• Globalisation
• Industrialisation
• Rise of middle class 
• Law
• Coalition Politics

Caste- still holds lots of importance

• Patriarchy
• Tribe
• Occupation based discrimination
• Vote bank politics

Q9. COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment.

CD TEST Q. The National Commission for Women has reported a surge in domestic violence and cybercrimes, which has made girls and women more vulnerable as they struggle to fight another pandemic of violence and abuse inside their homes and online. Discuss the reasons behind it and suggest solutions to end these menace in society. (10 marks)

 

Approach to Answer:

• Give some data and figures about the migrants, economic slowdown etc.
• Accelerated class inequality and poverty:
  • Online classes to students- haves and have-nots
  • Violence against women and vulnerable classes
  • Issues related to migrant population
  • Unemployment 
  • Minorities have been hit harder and are recovering more slowly from the downturn.
  • higher-paid workers are working from home while lower-paid blue-collar workers typically do not have this option.
  • lower paid workers are more represented in the sectors that have suspended activities such as hotels, restaurants and tourism services.
  • Ethnic inequalities on the rise
  • Doctors and law functionaries facing the brunt more than any other working professionals.
• However the other side of the coin is
  • Environment related inequality reduced
  • Everyone locked- hence rules are equally followed 
  • The migrants from foreign countries are facing equal.
• Give way forward 

Q10. Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue.

CD TEST Q. Regionalism in India is a phenomenon which is coming into picture every now and then due to several factors. Illustrate with examples the factors responsible for growing assertion of regionalism in India. Also discuss the steps needed to cater the challenges associated with regionalism.

CD TEST Q. Do you think regionalism in its contemporary form which is more competitive than divisive will usher a new era of prosperity in India. Critically examine (15 marks)

Why this question?

What is the basis of regionalism? Is it that unequal distribution of benefits of development on a regional basis eventually promotes regionalism? Substantiate your answer. (2016 upsc mains)

Approach to Answer:

Introduction: start by defining regionalism. Also mention that factors that you think are promoting it in recent times. 

Body: 

Regionalism- consequence of rising cultural assertiveness 

• Cultural assertiveness reflects beliefs as to whether people are or should be encouraged to be assertive, aggressive, and tough or non-assertive, non-aggressive, and tender in social relationships. 
• Fear of minorities about dilution of their cultural ideologies 
• Tribal population- seeing their culture endangered, they are going for regionalistic tendencies to save it
• Sometimes vast differences in the way of living, cuisines, language etc lead to such demands 

Not always the case

• Regional politics dominating such demands
• Developmental disparities 
• Power assertion from some classes
• The North-South divide

Conclusion

With the New-India, new challenges are appearing on each front but unity is still holding importance because of the tolerance and path of peace being followed at large in India.

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Q11. Indian Philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss.

CD TEST Q. ‘India has always excelled in religious philosophies, but these philosophies not only always dealt with spiritual affairs, but also with social problems.’ Taking into account the given statement, evaluate the contribution of Buddhism to contemporary society. How far do you agree that these ideologies are capable enough in solving the problems of present day society?

Approach to Answer:

Introduction : Naming some of the famous philosophies based on which famous monuments are being built.

Body: 

• discuss each philosophy like Buddhism, Jainism, hinduism- their thoughts and monuments built.
• Khajuraho, Ajanta-Ellora, Konark Sun temples are some famous examples
• Similarly Islam and its phlosophy and culture- being depicted in their monuments 
• Temple architecture- not only a place for worshipping but also played role in trade and commerce; symbol of power etc
• Folk culture and arts based on them- mithila arts, fresco etc 

Q12. Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment. 

CD TEST Q. . How did the architecture of the Delhi Sultanate period reflect contemporary socio-politico-economic realities? (15 marks)

CD TEST Q. Assess the importance of the accounts of the Greek and Roman travellers in the reconstruction of the history of India. 

Approach to Answer:

Similar Question asked in 2018 mains 

Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travellers in the reconstruction of the history of IndiaIndia has,for long history, witnessed visits from a large number of travelers across the world. Ancient Greek and Roman travellers, diplomats and historians were the first to write about India from their knowledge and information. All these foreign accounts prove useful for writing history. 

CD TEST Q. During medieval India, the writings of authors revealed a holistic picture of the society at that period of time. In this context, discuss the economic, social and cultural aspects that can be outlined from the writings of Ibn Batuta and Bernier.

Approach to Answer:

While the question looks straight forward but you have to deal with the specific time period of Batuta and Bernier. Only if you have an insight of the situations during the 13th and 17th century.

You have to deal with societal elements like women, slaves, city life , rural life etc in detail.

Introduction: Start the answer by mentioning the importance of literary accounts in writing history of medieval India. After that, discuss the important persian works which deal with Medieval Indian history.

Body: 

• Persian learned men wrote Tawarikh. These were histories which are valuable sources of information about medieval India. These were written in persian which was the language of the Delhi Sultanate.
• Travellers such Ibn Battuta and Al Beruni wrote Rihlah and Kitab ul Hind respectively. 
• Then further there were biographies written in the era of Mughals such as Ain i Akbari, Tuzuk e babari. 
• Some of the prominent poets and writers of Persian who adorned his court were Khawaja Abu Nasr (whose pen name was Nasiri), Abu Bakr bin Muhammad Ruhani of Samarqand, Taj-ud-Dabir and Nur- ud-Din Muhammad Awfi.  
• these sources have commented upon the social structure, political institutions, religion, comparative analysis between India and Persian territories, the economy of the period. 
• For example, Ain e Akbari delves on the topic of religion, status of women, powers of Monarch, policies by administration and specific views of Akbar on harmony such as Sulh e Kul.

Conclusion: the persian sources of medieval history hold prominence because they provide a good deal of insight and knowledge about the conditions of those times-art and architecture, history and literature, agriculture and industry, commerce and trade, culture and civilization, philosophy and religion etc. 

Q.13 Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss.

Approach to Answer:

• Coming of Gandhiji into the scene
• Satyagraha, non-cooperation, civil disobedience
• Socialist and Communist strands 
• Dream of complete swaraj and no dominion
• Some communal bent also could be seen 
• After 1919 the struggle against British rule gradually
• became a mass movement, involving peasants, tribals, students and women in large numbers and occasional factory workers as well.
• The First World War altered the economic and political situation in India. It led to a huge rise in the defence expenditure of the Government of India.

Q14. The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine. 

CD TEST Q. The stark differences in water availability in the river basins in the country has thrown up the idea of interlinking of rivers. However, River Linking Project involves multifaceted issues and challenges related to environmental, economic, ecological, legal, political and social costs. Discuss.

Approach to Answer:

• Start with some major river interlinking projects 
• Use map
• Taking example of different states and the associated importance of interlinking of rivers could be given 

Q15. Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures.

CD TEST Q. The flooding in Hyderabad was a crisis in making. Elaborate with possible solutions with the recommendations of the national flood commission of 1976. 

Approach to Answer:

Introduction: start by defining the concept of urban flooding. Also add how while this was initially seen only in cities like Mumbai and Delhi now the scourge has been extended to smart cities like Hyderabad and Pune. 

Body: mention the causes of urban flooding in india.

• Cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai rely on a century-old drainage system, covering only a small part of the core city. In the last 20 years, the Indian cities have grown manifold with its original built-up area. As the city grew beyond its original limits, not much was done to address the absence of adequate drainage systems.
• Lasting irreversible damage has been done to the city by property builders, property owners, and public agencies by flattening terrain and altering natural drainage routes.
• Indian cities are becoming increasingly impervious to water, not just because of increasing built up but also because of the nature of materials used (hard, non-porous construction material that makes the soil impervious).
• Even with provisions of rainwater harvesting, sustainable urban drainage systems, etc, in regulatory mechanisms like the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), adoption at user end as well as enforcement agencies remains weak.
• The number of wetlands has reduced to 123 in 2018 from 644 in 1956. Green cover is only 9 per cent, which ideally should have been at least 33 per cent.

Remedial measure: 

• Floods cannot be managed without concerted and focused investments of energy and resources. The Metropolitan Development Authorities, NDMA, State revenue and irrigation departments along with municipal corporations should be involved in such work together.
• Developing Sponge Cities: The idea of a sponge city is to make cities more permeable so as to hold and use the water which falls upon it. This allows for the extraction of water from the ground through urban or peri-urban wells.

• Wetland Policy: There is a need to start paying attention to the management of wetlands by involving local communities.
• Water Sensitive Urban Design: These methods take into consideration the topography, types of surfaces (permeable or impervious), natural drainage and leave very less impact on the environment.

Conclusion: Urban Flood management will not just help control recurring floods but also respond to other fault lines, provide for water security, more green spaces, and will make the city resilient and sustainable.

Q16. India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its developments. Elaborate. 

CD TEST Q. Solar energy is being considered as mankind’s saviour in the era of climate change. Critically analyse India’s solar energy development plan.

Approach to Answer:

Introduction: talk in brief about solar energy and its benefits

Body: 

• India in a big step forward aimed at 100 GW of installed solar power capacity by 2022, and this seemed impossible at the time given that the entire country had under 3 GW of existing installations. Yet, the ambitious target set clearly signalled the government’s intent to make solar energy an integral part of Indian energy security strategy. 
• India has managed to hit about 35 GW in installed capacity till now. One major gap is rooftop solar, which has not progressed much. So while adding 65 GW of solar capacity in two years looks tough, opening up the rooftop solar market nationwide can help push the envelope.
• About 5,000 trillion kWh per year energy is incident over India’s land area with most parts receiving 4-7 kWh per sq. m per day.
• The National Institute of Solar Energy has assessed the Country’s solar potential of about 748 GW assuming 3% of the wasteland area to be covered by Solar PV modules.

Regional disparity: Karnataka which tops the list of states with the highest installed solar power generation capacity had 5,328 megawatt (MW) capacity, while Telangana houses the second-highest installed solar power generation capacity in the country followed by Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

A map or a diagram may be used for representing the state wise and region wise situation in the country.

Conclusion: India needs to show leadership at global level to advance the manufacture and absorption of solar photovoltaic infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries.  it needs to come up with integrated policies fully supported by states where industry gets help to set up facilities and avail low cost financing  

India should also be able to invest in intellectual property. A decentralised approach will be suited for Indian landscape and there has to be greater use of residential and commercial buildings to deploy more panels.  

Q17. Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change.

CD TEST Q. Examine the significance of urban forestry in reducing frequency and intensity of natural disasters in Indian cities. (10 marks)

Approach to Answer:

Introduction: state the importance of forests and then talk about forests in India in brief.

Body: taking data from the state of the forests report 2019, describe the situation of forest resources in India.

• The country’s forest cover includes all patches of land with a tree canopy density of more than 10% and more than 1 hectare in area, irrespective of land use, ownership and species of trees.
• The total forest cover of the country is 7,12,249 sq km which is 21.67% of the geographical area of the country.

• Total forest cover in the North Eastern region is 1,70,541 sq km, which is 65.05% of its geographical area. There has been a decrease of forest cover to the extent of 765 sq km (0.45%) in the region. Except Assam and Tripura, all the States in the region show decrease in forest cover.
• Briefly mention the National Forest Policy of India, 1988 and that it envisages a goal of achieving 33% of the geographical area of the country under forest and tree cover and how India is short of achieving the target.

Resultant impact: describe how it impacts global climate, on hydrology and soil, on biological diversity and economic and social welfare etc.

Conclusion: Forest conservation involves the upkeep of the natural resources within a forest that are beneficial to both humans and the environment. Forests are vital for human life because they provide a diverse range of resources. But now-a-days, forest cover is depleting rapidly due to many reasons such as an expansion of agriculture, timber plantation, other land uses like pulp and paper plantations, urbanization, construction of roads, industries, constitutes the biggest and severe threat to the forest causing serious environmental damage. Thus, there is a need for public awareness.

Q18. Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalisation? Justify your answer.

CD TEST Q. The diversity of India apart from being a source of strength has also created challenges to the growth of the country. Critically comment.

Approach to Answer:

Introduction:

Link diversity pluralism and globalisation in two three lines.

Body:

Globalisation- threatening the diversity and pluralism

• McDonaldization of culture and food habits
• Western philosophies- like live-in relations, contractual marriages etc
• Individualistic tendencies taking over the community decisions
• Laws getting more based on individual rights rather than cultural views
• Festivals getting new taste rather than being dependent on rituals and customs

Not threatening 

• Still the cultural roots in villages are being preserved- not affected by globalisation
• Indians are western by mind but Indian by heart 
• Politics and religion go hand in hand in contrast to Negative Secularisation in West
• Emphasis on Atma-Nirbhar bharat- leading to more indigenisation in economy- which means saving Indian taste and culture 
• Even environmentalism and climate change issues are more inter-linked to the customs and traditions in India rather than just commercial needs. Eg: sacred groves

Q19. Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree?

Approach to Answer:

• Start with a positive note about how customs and traditions are a part and parcel for India from a very long period of time making it a place of diversity and a country being looked upon for its uniqueness.
• Take a stand whether for or against. More bent should be on the side to be taken by you.
• Agree:
  • Hindu tradition of burning the dead bodies and Islamic tradition of burying it have their unique philosophy 
  • Some of the customs and traditions though are very old, but still followed with rational ideas of peace and spirituality. Eg: kalpavas in kumbh 
• Limitations:
  • Blind faith in customs is superstition and do lead to obscurantism
  • Such andha-bhakti by some anti-social elements is creating havoc like Mob-Lynching  
  • The cults are making their way into the Indian society and many a times disturb the social fabric of the culture by misinformations.  
• Balance the answer taking into consideration the limitations 
• Many customs and Traditions have been reformed over the past 100 years but still Conclude again on positive note

Q20. How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer. 

CD TEST Q. Covid-19 pandemic forced many educational institute to explore the online more of education. And this also brought to the fore the potential of the online mode of education. In light of this, examine the issues with substituting the online mode of education for the traditional educational mode.

CD TEST Q. Digitising India could accelerate its progress towards development but there are certain factors which must be addressed before India could reap benefits of digitising. Examine such factors and suggest the ways to deal with the issues in digitising the country. (10)

Approach to Answer:

• Start with the Covid pandemic and the digital penetration in Indian education system
• Give various examples and advantages of Digital base- online education in schools, edutech startups, innovative ways for teaching complex concepts and so on
• Limitations
• Way forward

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Click here for Samachar Manthan – Current affairs program

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Click here for a detailed questions-wise analysis of UPSC Mains 2020 GS paper 2

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Click here for a detailed questions-wise analysis of UPSC Mains 2020 GS paper 4

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Samanvaya: 1-to-1 Mentorship

Is Mains preparation and answer writing your Achilles heel? Let us discuss the issues with your preparation.

Fill the Samanvaya form for a free on-call mentorship session. We’ll call you within 24 hours.

UPSC by design is an exam that should take just one attempt to crack it. Any further attempt after that must be just to improve your rank. And to accomplish this feat you must perform extremely well in GS mains papers.

Sajal sir here in this video will help you analyze the UPSC Mains 2020 GS paper 1, explain the changing trend and discuss the strategy for UPSC Mains 2021.

He also talked about Smash Mains 2021 in the video. For Smash Mains 2021 send your last mains scorecard and evaluated mock test copies to sajal@civilsdaily.com

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Samanvaya: 1-to-1 mentorship for IAS 2021-22

UPSC IAS preparation is not just about memorizing and information gathering. Neither is it about mindlessly picking up random NCERTs, standard books or spending 5 hours on the Hindu.

Last month we had a discussion with around 1900 students who were not able to clear prelims even after more than 2 attempts. Many were stuck on mains.

But why? Even after taking multiple attempts, covering the full syllabus, or taking tests?

Lack of direction, no guidance, inability to make required necessary changes in their preparation, and an absence of a well-defined strategy were issues common to all. What issues are you facing? Tell us.

Fill the Samanvaya form for a free on-call mentorship session. We’ll call you within 24 hours.

Important Announcement:  Topics to be covered on 23rd February

GS-1  Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc. 

GS-4 Attitude.

Question 1)

Present the business case for gender equality in our society with suitable illustrations. 10 marks

Question 2)

Elaborate on the utility of bicameralism in the India political landscape. What are the implications of the passage of certain bills as Money Bills to bicameralism? 10 marks

Question 3)

Expectations should be tempered when we talk of growth next year. As there will be a revival in economic activity on all ends which will probably bear fruit in 2022-23 — FY 2021-22 will be a year of consolidation. In light of this, examine the policy architecture set in by the government and the central bank. 10 marks

Question 4)  

What is the main difference between psychological egoism and ethical egoism? Compare and contrast. 10 marks

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Reviews will be provided in a week. (In the order of submission- First come first serve basis). In case the answer is submitted late the review period may get extended to two weeks.

*In case your answer is not reviewed in a week, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*. If Parth Sir’s tag is available then tag him.

For the philosophy of AWE and payment, check  here: Click2Join

Samanvaya form is at the bottom of this page. Fill it to discuss issues with your preparation. Our senior mentors will call you within 24 houts.

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Answer writing is one of the most important things that is going to get you selected in the UPSC IAS exam. Still, most of the aspirants tend to leave it till post prelims time or just ignore it all together only to realise its significance after a setback.

https://youtu.be/YEH7VBAPYW0

Any serious aspirant must start answer writing as of now only. Watch Birendra sir discuss the approach and to know how he is going to help you write answers on his Habitat club.

How to reach out to Birendra sir?

Join the Habitat club, link given below. Introduce yourself in the club.

Use @ before Birendra, to tag Birendra sir. And simply ask your doubts, discuss issues and learn with Birendra sir.

A timetable and study plan will be shared with you all on Habitat.

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Samanvaya for UPSC IAS

Fill the Samanvaya form for a free on-call mentorship session. We’ll call you within 24 hours.

Stashed workshops will start soon on Habitat. Poorti ma’am has explained the program in the following video. Please go through it.

https://youtu.be/oLhw4vsgj3k

A timetable and list of topics has been shared and is being updated as well.

What is Stashed?

Stashed is a unique program to help you learn memory techniques and their application for the UPSC IAS exam.

https://youtu.be/wJJUVdTPdJE

Retaining whatever you have studied and learned for a longer period of time in your memory and recalling it back effectively is crucial to your success in UPSC IAS exam. However, doing so is a challenge for many. Stashed program here will help you overcome this challenge.

It will be conducted as a 10 days workshop on Habitat where you will be learning, discussing with Poorti ma’am and peers, and practicing these techniques.

You’ll also be covering important yet hard to memorize and complex topics in this program through memory techniques.

Topics to be covered in Stashed program

Important but hard to memorize topics from these subjects will be covered in this program. A detailed list will be shared in the Habitat group. We are also going to cover topics shared by students in which they used to encounter difficulty while memorising. These are:

• Constitutional amendments
• Articles
• Modern History – Leader and the movement/organization he/she was part of
• National parks/wild life sanctuaries and corresponding species
• Ruler – poets
• Endangered species – IUCN
• Charter acts and the related content
• Maps
• Governer generals and viceroys along with their contribution.
• Historical background and making of constitution.

Other topics:

• Conventions/Protocols/Declaration
• Biosphere reserves- flora and fauna & surrounding areas
• Constitution Parts- Articles
• Panchayati Raj -impt articles
• Constitutional bodies/Statutory bodies-their comparison in terms of members, tenure, age etc.
• Socio Religious reforms movts
• Indus VC – important sites & findings
• Chronology- mediaeval and modern
• Terminologies- ancient history, mediaeval
• World countries – bordering countries, capital & impt. location
• Mountains and Glaciers
• Straits
• Seas – border countries
• Ocean currents
• Minor plates
• Tribes and region
• Soils – nutrients,crops , colour etc
• Five year plan – important provisions
• Croping pattern- rabi, kharif etc
• Committee & commission ( recent)
  MISCELLANEOUS
• Indices- dimensions & indicators
• Nobel Prize- why , to whom
• UN – specialised agencies
• Traditional theatres & forms

How to access the course?

Habitat club’s link will be emailed to you as soon as you enroll in the program. You can also access the link in the Curriculum section above.

All the discussions, video lectures, PDFs of notes, and worksheets will be shared in the Habitat club.

Program inclusion

1. 10+ Memory techniques and their application for UPSC IAS exam
2. Video lectures
3. 10 days Habitat workshop
4. Worksheet and notes (PDF)
5. Membership to the exclusive Stashed club on Habitat
6. Support and mentorship by Poorti ma’am

 

Important Announcement:  Topics to be covered on 22nd February

GS-1  Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc. 

GS-4 Attitude.

Question 1)

Up to what extent India’s rural region will play a crucial role in fuelling India’s economic growth? Critically analyse. 10 marks

Question 2)

Examine the innovative approach adopted by the Fifteenth Finance Commission for the devolution of funds to panchayats and municipal bodies.10 marks

Question 3)

Indian institutional lenders and investors are simply not demanding enough on sustainability from the companies. Rarely do they go beyond rule-based compliances and implement environment, social and governance or ESG goals with purpose and passion like their European counterparts. In light of this, suggest the measures to nudge the businesses to act on their environmental responsibilities. 10 marks

Question 4)  

Multisport mega-events like Commonwealth Games are arranged by governments of a nation. It involves huge sums of money, numerous public-private contracts and enormous public procurement. What are the possible ethical issues that may arise and how can we prevent corruption by government servants in these scenarios? 10 marks

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Reviews will be provided in a week. (In the order of submission- First come first serve basis). In case the answer is submitted late the review period may get extended to two weeks.

*In case your answer is not reviewed in a week, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*. If Parth Sir’s tag is available then tag him.

For the philosophy of AWE and payment, check  here: Click2Join