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GS Paper: GS1

  • In news: Women Revolutionaries of Bengal 

    Why in the News?

    This newscard is an excerpt from the original article published in the Indian Express.

    Women in Revolutionary Movements:

    Pritilata Waddedar:

    • Early Life: Born on 5 May 1911 in Chittagong. One of the first Bengali women to lead an armed revolutionary group.
    • Education: Graduated in philosophy from Bethune College, Kolkata; became a school teacher.
    • Inspiration: Influenced by revolutionary literature and women’s activism; joined Deepali Sangha.
    • Role: Collected bomb cases, distributed pamphlets, gathered jail intelligence by posing as relatives.
    • Legacy: Left a suicide note explaining her cause; remembered as a fearless martyr.

    Kalpana Datta:

    • Early Life: Born in 1913 in Sripur, Chittagong; studied at Bethune College, joined Chhatri Sangha.
    • Activities: Conducted reconnaissance before the European Club attack; arrested a week earlier.
    • Later Role: Joined bombing attempt to free Surya Sen; sentenced to life, released in 1939.
    • Post-freedom: Became a Communist Party leader, focused on social activism.

    Bina Das:

    • Early Life: At 21, attempted assassination of Governor Stanley Jackson (1932) with a revolver supplied by Kamala Das Gupta.
    • Networks: Part of secret revolutionary student circles.
    • Court Statement: Famous for her passionate resistance plea before Calcutta High Court.

    Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain:

    • Early Life: Born on 9 December 1880; pioneer of women’s rights and education.
    • Writings: Authored “Sultana’s Dream” (1908), envisioning a feminist utopia.
    • Institutions: Founded the first school for Muslim girls in Kolkata; formed Muslim Women’s Association (1916).
    • Activism: Led women’s conferences, challenged purdah, advocated education.

    Kamala Das Gupta:

    • Early Life: Born in Dhaka; completed MA in history at Kolkata. Initially Gandhian, later joined Jugantar.
    • Role: Provided shelter, weapons, and materials; arrested multiple times.
    • Connection: Supplied Bina Das with revolver for her assassination attempt.
    • Legacy: Wrote “Rakter Akshare” and “Swadhinata Sangrame Nari”; led refugee relief and vocational training.

    Nanibala Devi:

    • Early Life: Disguised as a revolutionary’s wife; spied in prisons for intelligence.
    • Sacrifice: Endured brutal police torture (including red chili powder) without revealing secrets.
    • End: Died in poverty but symbolised courage and resilience.

    Labanya Prabha Ghosh:

    • Early Life: Born on 14 August 1897, Purulia.
    • Contribution: Helped establish Shilpashram, hub of revolutionaries like Subhas Bose, C.R. Das.
    • Political Role: First woman MLA from Purulia; wrote and edited nationalist journals.
    • Later Activism: Led movements for land rights, justice for the poor.

    Matangini Hazra (“Gandhi Buri”):

    • Early Life: Born in 1870, Hogla village, Midnapore; widowed young, lived in poverty.
    • Freedom Struggle: Joined Salt Satyagraha, arrested for making salt; resisted chowkidari tax.
    • Repression: Imprisoned and beaten; served the sick during epidemics.
    • Martyrdom: Killed by police firing while leading Quit India procession (1942), holding the tricolour until death.
    [UPSC 2009] During the freedom struggle, Aruna Asaf Ali was a major woman organizer of underground activity in

    Options:

    (a) Civil Disobedience Movement

    (b) Non-Cooperation Movement

    (c) Quit India Movement*

    (d) Swadeshi Movement

     

  • Census 2027 and Urban Area Definition

    Why in the News?

    The Registrar General of India (RGI) has announced that the same definition of “urban area” used in Census 2011 will be retained in Census 2027 to ensure comparability of data and analysis of urbanisation trends.

    Background and Urbanisation Trends:

    • Census 2011 Data: India’s population was 121 crore – 68.8% rural (83.3 crore) and 31.2% urban (37.7 crore).
    • Trend: Urban share grew from 17.3% in 1951 to 31% in 2011, showing rapid urbanisation.
    • Units: 6,40,867 villages and 15,870 urban units recorded in 2011.

    Definition of Urban Area:

    • Statutory Towns: Include municipal corporations, nagar palikas, town panchayats, cantonment boards, and notified town area committees.
    • Census Town Criteria:
      • Minimum population of 5000;
      • Population Density ≥ 400 persons per sq. km;
      • Workforce: ≥ 75% of male workers in non-agricultural activities.
    • District HQs: Headquarters not legally notified as towns will be Census Towns only if they meet criteria.
    • Exclusions: Plantations and orchards outside statutory towns will not be treated as “forests” under this definition.

    Special Features of Census 2027:

    • Caste Data: For the first time, caste enumeration included (approved April 2024).
    • Worker Classification: Male agricultural workers (cultivators, labourers, livestock, forestry, fishing, hunting, plantations) excluded when calculating non-agricultural engagement.
    • Error Correction: Grouping multiple villages into one Census Town discontinued; identification now at village level.

    Preparatory Work and Timelines:

    • Jurisdiction Updates: All changes in villages/towns/wards updated till 31 December 2025.
    • Boundary Freeze: Administrative boundaries fixed on 1 January 2026.
    • Village Review: Villages with 4,000+ population in 2011 re-examined to meet 5,000 threshold by 2027.
    • Phases:
      • Houselisting & Housing Census (HLO) – April 2026.
      • Population Enumeration (PE) – February 2027.
    [UPSC 2002] Consider the following statements about the megacities of India:

    I. Population of each megacity is more than 5 million.

    II. All the megacities are important sea ports.

    III. Megacities are either national or State capitals.

    Which of these statements are correct?

    (a) I, II and III

    (b) I and II

    (c) II and III

    (d) I and III *

     

  • NCERT textbooks introduce Indian Art Forms

    Why in the News?

    For the first time, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced Indian classical music, dance, theatre, and visual arts into primary and middle school textbooks (Classes 3 to 8).

    About Classical Arts in School Textbooks

    • For the first time, NCERT has integrated Indian classical arts (music, dance, theatre, and visual arts) into textbooks for Classes 3 to 8.
    • The reform aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which mandates rooting education in India’s ethos and cultural heritage.
    • Music content includes swar, laya, shabd, Sanskrit shloka recitations, folk songs, ragas from Hindustani & Carnatic music.
    • Dance content covers 8 classical dance forms — Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, and Sattriya.
    • Draws from ancient texts like Natyashastra, Brihaddeshi, Sangita Damodara, Abhinaya Darpanam.
    • Pedagogy: Emphasis on exposure, appreciation, and creativity rather than mastery. Includes storytelling, abhinaya (expressions), theatre, group performances.

    Classical Dance Forms Mentioned:

    Dance Form Details
    Bharatnatyam (Tamil Nadu) Oldest dance form; temple origins; fixed torso, bent legs, intricate footwork; emphasis on abhinaya and mudras; devotional themes (Bhakti rasa).
    Kathak (North India) Storytelling tradition (katha = story); features fast spins (chakkars) and rhythmic footwork; evolved in temples & Mughal courts; uses ghungroo.
    Kathakali (Kerala) Dance-drama with elaborate costumes, makeup, masks; based on Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranas; strong gestures, expressions (navarasas).
    Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh) Blend of dance & drama with dialogue; famous Tarangam item (dance on brass plate); Vaishnav themes (Krishna stories); brisk, graceful movements.
    Manipuri (Manipur) Graceful, devotional form linked to Ras Lila of Krishna; lyrical movements, cylindrical skirt for women; avoids forceful footwork; spiritual style.
    Mohiniyattam (Kerala) “Dance of the enchantress”; soft, feminine style; gentle swaying movements; solo, mostly by women; white-golden costume; mood of lasya (grace).
    Odissi (Odisha) Temple dance linked to Jagannath worship; tribhangi posture and chauka stance; sculptural quality like temple carvings; strong Vaishnava themes.
    Sattriya (Assam) Introduced by Srimanta Sankardev in monasteries (sattras); devotional Vaishnava themes; combines dance, drama, music; recognised as classical in 2000.

     

    [UPSC 2012] How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dances?

    1. Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues is found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatanatyam.

    2. Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Bharatanatyam but Kuchipudi dance does not have such a form of movements.

    Options:

    (a) 1 only*

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

  • Gopal Patha and Direct Action Day

    Why in the News?

    A recent movie depicted the 1946 “Great Calcutta Killing” — four days of communal riots on Direct Action Day (August 16, 1946), spotlighting Gopal Patha’s role in mobilising Hindu youth.

    About Direct Action Day:

    • Declaration: Called by the All-India Muslim League to press for Partition and creation of Pakistan.
    • Bengal Role: Muslim League’s H. S. Suhrawardy (then Bengal Premier) declared 16 August a public holiday.
    • Mass Rally: Nearly 1,00,000 gathered at the Maidan, Calcutta; addressed by Suhrawardy and Khwaja Nazimuddin.
    • Violence: Immediate communal clashes broke out, remembered as the Great Calcutta Killing.
    • Casualties: 5,000–10,000 killed; ~15,000 injured.
    • Spread: Violence lasted four days (16–19 August), army intervention required; later spread to Bombay, Noakhali, Bihar, Punjab.

    Who was Gopal Patha (Gopal Mukherjee)?

    • Background: Born 1916 in Bowbazar, Calcutta; nicknamed Patha (goat) since family ran a College Street mutton shop.
    • Gang Leader: Headed a street group of ~800 men; mobilized masses for defense during riots.
    • Approach: Declared aim was to retaliate against rioters but forbade harm to women, children, or ordinary people.
    • Links: Associated with revolutionary groups like Atma Unnati Samiti; influenced by Subhas Chandra Bose.
    [UPSC 2002] The last opportunity to avoid the partition of India was lost with the rejection of:

    Options: (a) Cripps Mission (b) Rajagopalachari Formula (c) Cabinet Mission* (d) Wavell Plan

     

  • African Union (AU) and the Mercator Map Debate

    Why in the News?

    The African Union (AU) has endorsed the Correct the Map campaign to replace the 16th-century Mercator projection with more accurate maps.

    African Union (AU) and the Mercator Map Debate

    About the African Union (AU):

    • Establishment: Formed in 2002, replacing the Organisation of African Unity (1963).
    • Membership: 55 African countries.
    • Headquarters: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
    • Vision: “An Integrated, Prosperous, and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens.”
    • Agenda 2063: Blueprint for socio-economic growth and continental unity.
    • Main Organs: Assembly, Executive Council, AU Commission, Peace and Security Council.

    What is a Mercator Map?

    • Creation: Designed in 1569 by Gerardus Mercator.
    • Projection: Cylindrical map with straight longitude and latitude lines intersecting at 90°.
    • Purpose: Enabled sailors to plot straight-line courses for compass navigation.
    • Adoption: Became the standard map in schools, atlases, and wall charts by the 19th century.

    Issues with the Mercator Map:

    • Distortion: Enlarges high-latitude regions (Europe, Russia, North America) while shrinking Africa and South America.
    • Example: Greenland appears equal to Africa, though Africa is ~14 times larger.
    • Colonial Bias: Reinforced Western dominance narratives and downplayed Africa’s size and importance.
    • Impact: Supported marginalisation and exploitation during colonialism.
    • Alternatives: Gall-Peters (1970s) and Equal Earth (2018) projections show continents in correct proportion.
    • AU Stand: Advocates replacing Mercator maps to restore Africa’s rightful global image.
    [UPSC 2024] The longest border between any two countries in the world is between:

    Options: (a) Canada and the USA * (b) Chile and Argentina (c) China and India (d) Kazakhstan and Russian Federation

     

  • Young Bengal Movement and Henry Derozio 

    Why in the News?

    This newscard is an excerpt from the article originally published in The Hindu.

    Young Bengal Movement and Henry Derozio 

    Who was Henry Vivian Louis Derozio?

    • Birth–Death: Born 1809, died- 22 in 1831; Indo-Portuguese origin.
    • Identity: Radical thinker, poet, and educator in British India.
    • Recognition: Called the first national poet of modern India; pioneer of Anglo-Indian poetry.
    • Influences: Inspired by Enlightenment ideals and the French Revolution.
    • Career: Became lecturer at Hindu College, Calcutta in 1826 at just 17.
    • Role: Inspired students with rationalism, liberty, and free thought.
    • Writings: Poems (1827), The Fakeer of Jungheera (1828), and To India – My Native Land (first modern patriotic poem in English).
    • Themes: Expressed India’s decline with images of a caged eagle and a broken instrument; advocated freedom and abolition of slavery.
    • Dismissal: Removed from Hindu College in 1831 on charges of spreading atheism.

    The Young Bengal Movement: 

    • Formation: Radical group of his students, also called Derozians.
    • Association: Founded the Academic Association, debating social and political reform.
    • Ideals: Advocated rationalism, women’s rights, freedom of thought; opposed caste, superstition, idolatry.
    • Political Role: In 1843, with George Thompson, formed India’s first political party – Bengal British India Society.
    • Notable Member: Radhanath Sikdar, mathematician who first calculated Mount Everest’s height and openly resisted colonial injustices.
    • Perception: Described by missionary Alexander Duff as a “new race of men”; historian Rosinka Chaudhuri called them India’s “first radicals.”
    • Legacy and Intellectual Impact:
      • Awakening: Though short-lived, the movement sparked Bengal’s intellectual revolution.
      • Seeds of Reform: Laid foundation for later reformist and nationalist currents.
      • Independence of Mind: Marked a sharp break from Macaulay’s vision of Anglicised Indians — Derozians were assertive and original.
    [UPSC 2021] Who among the following was associated as Secretary with Hindu Female School which later came to be known as Bethune Female School?

    Options: (a) Annie Besant (b) Debendranath Tagore (c) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar * (d) Sarojini Naidu

     

  • The path to ending global hunger runs through India

    UPSC Mains Relevance

    [UPSC 2017] Hunger and Poverty are the biggest challenges for good governance in India still today. Evaluate how far successive governments have progressed in dealing with these humongous problems. Suggest measures for improvement.

    Linkage: India’s recent success in reducing undernourishment by 30 million people and transforming its PDS shows definite progress in tackling hunger and poverty, aligning with welfare-driven governance. Yet, challenges of affordability, malnutrition, and nutrition security highlight that while gains are visible, deeper reforms in agrifood systems and social protection are still required.

    Mentor’s Comment

    The world is finally seeing a decline in hunger after years of setbacks. At the centre of this shift is India, whose food security programmes have reduced undernourishment at an unprecedented scale. For UPSC aspirants, this story reflects governance, technology, and welfare delivery working together.

    Introduction

    The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2025 report shows undernourishment fell to 673 million people globally in 2024, down from 688 million in 2023. India has been decisive in this progress, reducing hunger for nearly 30 million people in just two years. The Public Distribution System (PDS) alone supports over 800 million beneficiaries with digital efficiency unmatched in scale. This progress stands in sharp contrast with the bleak COVID-era surge in hunger and makes India a global anchor in the journey towards SDG 2 – Zero Hunger.

    India’s Pathway to Ending Hunger:

    Transformation of the Public Distribution System (PDS)

    1. Digital shift: Aadhaar-based targeting, real-time tracking, and biometric authentication improved delivery.
    2. Portability: One Nation One Ration Card enabled migrants and vulnerable households to access entitlements anywhere.
    3. Rapid Scale of support: Over 800 million people received subsidised food grains during the pandemic.

    Shifting of Focus from Calories to Nutrition

    1. High Cost of Healthy Diets: Over 60% of Indians cannot afford nutrient-rich foods due to inflation, poor cold chains, and weak market linkages.
    2. Nutrition-Centric Schemes: PM POSHAN (2021) and ICDS are addressing dietary diversity and nutrition sensitivity.
    3. Dual Challenge: Even as hunger declines, malnutrition, obesity and micronutrient deficiencies are rising.

    Need for Agrifood System Structural Reforms

    1. Boosting Production of Nutrient-Rich Foods: Pulses, fruits, vegetables, and animal products must be scaled for affordability.
    2. Reducing Post-Harvest Losses: About 13% of food is lost between farm and market due to weak cold storage and logistics.
    3. Supporting Women-Led Enterprises and Farmer Producer Organization: Promoting climate-resilient crops enhances both nutrition and livelihoods.

    Digital governance drives agrifood transformation

    1. AgriStack & e-NAM: Enhance planning, digital logistics, and market access for farmers.
    2. Geospatial Tools: Enable better agricultural mapping and nutrition-sensitive targeting.
    3. Data-Driven Agriculture: Improves service delivery and strengthens supply-demand alignment.

    Why is India’s success globally significant?

    1. Leadership in Global South: India’s digital and governance innovations can be replicated in developing nations.
    2. Global SDGs: With only five years left for 2030 SDGs, India’s example shows that hunger reduction is possible with political will and smart investments.
    3. Symbol of Hope: FAO calls India’s progress not just a national achievement but a contribution to global food security.

    Conclusion

    India’s recent performance marks a historic pivot in the fight against hunger. The country has shown that scale, digital governance, and targeted welfare can turn crisis into opportunity. Yet, the journey forward must emphasise nutrition, resilience, and inclusivity not just calories. If sustained, India will not only feed itself but also light the path for global hunger eradication.

    Value Addition

    Reports & Indices

    • State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2025 (SOFI Report) – Global undernourishment fell from 688 million (2023) to 673 million (2024); India reduced undernourishment from 14.3% to 12% (30 million fewer hungry people).
    • FAO Food Loss Report – Around 13% of food is lost between farm and market in India, affecting affordability.

    SDG Linkage

    • SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) – Ending hunger by 2030.
    • SDG 3 (Good Health & Wellbeing) – Tackling malnutrition, obesity, micronutrient deficiencies.
    • SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production) – Reducing food loss and wastage.

    Keywords with UPSC Relevance

    • Calorie-to-Nutrition Shift – Moving beyond staple food security to nutrient-rich diets.
    • Hunger Paradox – Coexistence of undernourishment and obesity/micronutrient deficiency.

    Examples for Enrichment in Answers

    • COVID-19 Response – India’s rapid PDS scale-up fed 800+ million people, one of the largest welfare interventions globally.
    • Digital Governance – ONORC portability cited as a global best practice by the World Bank and FAO.
    • Women-led FPOs – Strengthening climate-resilient crops while improving local nutrition outcomes.

    Microtheme Mapping:

    • GS Paper I – Hunger and poverty, demographic vulnerabilities.
    • GS Paper II – Governance, digital welfare, social justice, schemes.
    • GS Paper III – Agrifood systems, logistics, cold chains, technology in agriculture.

  • In news: Gugga Naumi Festival

    Why in the News?

    The Gugga Naumi festival was widely celebrated across northern states of India on 17th August.

    About Gugga Naumi Festival:

    • Festival: Folk religious celebration in Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and northern states.
    • Timing: Observed on the ninth day of Krishna Paksha in Bhadrapad month, usually after Janmashtami.
    • Deity: Dedicated to Gugga (Gugga Pir / Gugga Zahir Pir / Guaaji), a Chauhan Rajput prince believed to control snakes.
    • Tradition: Reflects syncretic worship by Hindus and Muslims, showcasing folk religiosity beyond formal religion.

    Key Features:

    • Duration: Begins on Rakhi and lasts nine days, with pilgrimages to Gugga Medi village in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan.
    • Rituals: Garudas (snake charmers and healers) carry Gugga Pir’s Chahad (standard).
    • Devotion: Pir ke Sole (songs) sung, fairs organised at shrines (Marhis).
    • Depiction: Gugga shown riding a blue horse, with blue and yellow flags.
    • Belief: Worshipped by mothers for children’s health, and by barren women for fertility blessings.
    [UPSC 2018] Consider the following pairs: Tradition State

    1. Chapchar Kut festival — Mizoram

    2. Khongjom Parba ballad — Manipur

    3. Thong-To dance — Sikkim

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2* (c) 3 only (d) 2 and 3

     

  • In news: British Conquest of Sindh

    Why in the News?

    The British conquest of Sindh in the 1840s was a key step in colonial expansion, reminding us that regions like Sindh, Punjab, and Bengal came under British rule long before the 1947 partition of India and Pakistan.

    British Conquest of Sindh:

    • Sindh was annexed by the British in 1843 after the battles of Miani and Dubbo.
    • The resistance was led by Hosh Muhammad Sheedi, a general of the Talpur army and member of the African-origin Siddi community.
    • His defiance symbolised the first major armed resistance to British expansion in northwest India.

    Political Background in Sindh:

    • Kalhora Dynasty (1701–1779): Founded by Mian Yar Muhammad Kalhoro, recognised by Mughals; ruled northern and central Sindh. Prosperous period but weakened by internal disputes.
    • Talpur Dynasty (1779–1843): Baloch Talpurs overthrew Kalhoras; consolidated Sindh under clan rule at Hyderabad and Khairpur.
    • Geopolitical Context: Sindh lay at the crossroads of British–French–Russian rivalry (The Great Game). Britain feared Russian advances through Iran and Afghanistan.
    • British Entry: East India Company forced treaties on Talpurs; captured Karachi (1839) after bombarding Manora fort.

    British Advance and the Fall of Sindh:

    • Battle of Miani (17 Feb 1843): British under Sir Charles Napier defeated Mir Nasir Khan Talpur near Hyderabad.
    • Battle of Dubbo (24 Mar 1843): Hosh Muhammad Sheedi allied with Mir Sher Muhammad Talpur of Mirpur Khas. Sheedi raised the war cry “Marvesoon par Sindh na desoon” (I may die but will not give up Sindh). He was killed in action.
    • British Annexation: After Dubbo, Sindh was annexed into the Bombay Presidency. Talpur rule ended.
    • Aftermath: Within a decade, Punjab too was annexed (1849), bringing all of northwest India under British rule.

    Legacy of Hosh Muhammad Sheedi:

    • Born into the household of Talpur rulers; of African-Siddi descent.
    • Valour acknowledged by both Indian and British chroniclers.
    • Became a folk hero of Sindh, remembered by Hindus and Muslims alike.
    • His legacy is central to the cultural memory of Sindh and highlights the role of the Siddi community in resisting colonialism.
    [UPSC 2007] The ruler of which one of the following States was removed from power by the British on the pretext of misgovernance?

    Options: (a) Awadh* (b) Jhansi (c) French (d) Satara

     

  • Red Fort as the Venue for Independence Day

    Why in the News?

    On August 15, 2025, Prime Minister delivered the longest Independence Day speech (103 minutes) from the Red Fort, continuing a tradition started by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947.

    The fort’s choice as the venue reflects its historic role as Delhi’s seat of power and symbol of sovereignty.

    About the Red Fort:

    • Construction: Built in 1648 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as the palace fort of Shahjahanabad, his new capital.
    • Material: Enclosed by massive red sandstone walls with royal pavilions and apartments.
    • Water Feature: Contained the Nahr-i-Behisht (“Stream of Paradise”), a continuous water channel.
    • Architectural Value: Prime example of Mughal architecture, blending Islamic traditions with Indian craftsmanship.
    • Recognition: Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.

    Historical Significance of Delhi and Red Fort:

    • Delhi’s Role: Seat of power for nearly a thousand years, regarded as “capital of all Hindustan” by Babur.
    • Shahjahanabad: Inaugurated in 1648 with the Red Fort at its centre.
    • Symbol of Sovereignty: Even after Mughal decline, Delhi remained central; East India Company minted coins in the emperor’s name.

    1857 Revolt and British Authority:

    • Revolt Centre: Bahadur Shah Zafar was declared leader by sepoys in Delhi.
    • Aftermath: Fall of Delhi ended Mughal rule; Zafar was exiled.
    • Fort Damage: British converted Red Fort into a military garrison, destroying ~80% of interiors.
    • Imperial Authority: Delhi Durbars (1877, 1903, 1911) asserted British control before capital shifted from Calcutta to Delhi in 1911.

    Significance of Red Fort for Independence Day:

    • INA Trials: Held in Red Fort in 1946, igniting nationalist fervour.
    • 1947 Ceremony: Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the national flag on 15 August 1947 and gave the first Independence Day address.
    • Tradition: Since then, every Prime Minister hoists the flag and addresses the nation from its ramparts.
    • Symbolism: Site once stamped with colonial dominance, now reclaimed as a symbol of India’s sovereignty.
    [UPSC 2021] What was the exact constitutional status of India on 26th January, 1950?

    Options: (a) A democratic Republic (b) A Sovereign Democratic Republic* (c) A Sovereign Secular Democratic Republic (d) A Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic