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GS Paper: GS1

  • Why September 12 is observed as Saragarhi Day?

    Saragarhi

    Why in the News?

    127th Anniversary of the Battle of Saragarhi was observed on September 12.

    About the Battle of Saragarhi

    • The Battle of Saragarhi occurred on September 12, 1897, between 21 Sikh soldiers of the then 36th Sikh Regiment and around 8,000 Afridi and Orakzai tribals.
    • The soldiers defended a communication post at Saragarhi, connecting Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan in the North West Frontier Province (now Pakistan).
    • Led by Havildar Ishar Singh, the Sikhs fought to the last man, marking one of the greatest last stands in military history.
    • Despite their bravery, the soldiers were eventually outnumbered and killed.
    • Their sacrifice gave the British time to strengthen positions at Fort Lockhart and Gulistan, halting enemy advances.

    Implication of the Battle

    • The Sikh soldiers showed extraordinary courage, fighting against overwhelming odds.
    • The 21 soldiers killed around 200 militants and injured 600, holding the enemy for seven hours.
    • The British Government posthumously awarded all 21 soldiers the Indian Order of Merit.
    • The battle highlighted the importance of discipline, leadership, and sacrifice, and underscored the role of Sikh regiments in the British Indian Army.

    PYQ:

    [2020] Wellesley established the Fort William College at Calcutta because:

    (a) He was asked by the Board of Directors at London to do so

    (b) He wanted to revive interest in oriental learning in India

    (c) He wanted to provide William Carey and his associates with employment

    (d) He wanted to train British civilians for administrative purpose in India

  • Who was Sakthan Thampuran (1751-1805)?

    On Saturday, September 7, Minister of State for Tourism and Thrissur MP Suresh Gopi has pledged to replace the statue of Sakthan Thampuran, which was damaged by a state transport bus in June, with a new bronze statue if the Kerala government fails to do so within 14 days.

    Why in the News?

    Ministry of Tourism has pledged to replace the Sakthan Thampuran statue that was knocked over by a state transport bus in Thrissur.

    Who was Sakthan Thampuran?

    • Sakthan Thampuran, born Raja Rama Varma IX in 1751, was a powerful ruler of the Cochin kingdom from 1790 to 1805.
      • He was raised by an aunt who nicknamed him Sakthan, meaning powerful, reflecting his strong personality and leadership.
    • The title Thampuran is derived from the Sanskrit word samrat, meaning emperor.
    • The Cochin kingdom, a part of the Late Chera Empire, spanned regions from Ponnani (Malappuram) to Thottappally (Alappuzha) in modern-day Kerala.
    • At age 18, in 1769, he became heir apparent, advising the king to maintain friendly relations with both the Dutch and the English, who were competing for control of trade in the region.
    • He orchestrated the Mysore invasion of Travancore, which eventually led to the Powney treaty.
    • This treaty freed the Cochin kingdom from its allegiance to Mysore and formalized its relations with the British East India Company.
    • He ended the institution of the Yogiatirippads, spiritual heads of key temples. He shifted temple management to the government, earning a reputation as a fearsome leader who rid his kingdom of crime.

    Sakthan and the Thrissur Pooram Festival

    • Sakthan relocated the capital of his kingdom from Thrippunithura to Thrissur.
      • He developed Thekkinkadu Maidanam and the surrounding Swaraj Round, which became the foundation for Thrissur’s infrastructure.
    • He invited merchants from all religions and British officials to settle in Thrissur, and personally managed the kingdom’s finances.
    • In 1797, he started the Thrissur Pooram as an alternative to Arattupuzha Pooram, uniting major temples in Thrissur to pay respects to Lord Shiva, the deity at Vadakkumnathan Temple.
      • It is held every year on the Pooram day – the day when the moon rises with the Pooram star in the Malayalam Calendar month of Medam.

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] With reference to Indian history, which of the following statements is/are correct?​

    1. The Nizamat of Arcot emerged out of Hyderabad State.​

    2. The Mysore Kingdom emerged out of Vijayanangara Empire.​

    3. Rohilkhand Kingdom was formed out of the territories occupied by Ahmad Shah Durrani.​

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only​

    (b) 2 only​

    (c) 2 and 3 only​

    (d) 3 only ​

  • Policy paralysis, a weakened public health sector

    Why in the News?

    Primary care remains underdeveloped, while the private sector has seen significant growth in secondary and tertiary care.

    What are the major necessities in Public Health? 

    • Diseases of Poverty: This includes health issues predominantly affecting the poor and vulnerable populations, such as tuberculosis, malaria, undernutrition, maternal mortality, and illnesses caused by food and water-borne infections like typhoid and diarrheal diseases. 
      • Addressing these needs is critical not only from a health perspective but also as a matter of human rights.
    • Middle-Class Health Concerns: The second category focuses on health issues related to environmental pollution, including air and water quality, waste management, and food safety. 
      • These issues are often exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure and poor market regulations, leading to chronic illnesses and road traffic accidents.
    • Curative Care Needs: The most visible public health needs are those related to curative care, which is divided into three levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary care. 
      • The poor often rely on public primary health care for affordable services, while secondary care remains historically neglected. 
      • Tertiary care is primarily addressed through government schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) under Ayushman Bharat, aimed at providing coverage for serious health issues.

    How do the private hospitals become a real beneficiary in present times? 

    • Limited Coverage: India’s health insurance primarily covers only hospitalisation expenses, leaving out outpatient and primary care services. This benefits private hospitals as they can monopolise high-cost medical treatments, while the larger uninsured population faces commercialised care at market rates.
    • Weakening of Public Health Sector: The government’s shift in focus from strengthening public sector health care to outsourcing via insurance schemes like PMJAY indicates a failure to build adequate secondary and tertiary public health services.  

    Threats to Public Healthcare:

    • Neglect of Secondary and Tertiary Care: The inadequate investment in strengthening secondary- and tertiary-level health care in the public sector, leads to a reliance on private hospitals.
    • Transformation of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Sub-centres: The conversion of sub-centres and PHCs into Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) has undermined their original role in preventive and promotive health care.  
    • Loss of Trust in Public Healthcare: Due to overcrowding, poor infrastructure, and inadequate funding, public health institutions are losing credibility. Coupled with the commercial interests of private providers, this creates a dual crisis of access and quality in the healthcare system.
    • Rebranding of Health Centres: The recent renaming of HWCs as “Ayushman Arogya Mandirs” raises concerns about cultural relevance and secularism in public health institutions, especially for non-Hindi-speaking populations, further undermining trust in the system.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Public Healthcare Infrastructure: Invest in enhancing secondary and tertiary care facilities in the public sector to reduce dependence on private hospitals.  
    • Integrate Health Insurance and Primary Care: Expand health insurance coverage to include outpatient and primary care services, and ensure that public health centers retain their focus on preventive and promotive care.  

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Public health system has limitation in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (UPSC IAS/2015)

  • Ancient India Temple Music: Haveli Sangeet

    Why in the News?

    Haveli Sangeet is a unique form of classical music rooted in ancient temple traditions in India.

    About Haveli Sangeet:

    Details
    Origin Linked to the Pushti Margiya temples of the Vaishnava Tradition; rooted in ancient temple music traditions.
    Historical Background Revived during the Bhakti movement; declined during the medieval period due to socio-political changes.
    Founder Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya, 16th century, founder of Pushti Marg and proponent of devotional worship (Bhakti).
    Key Elements Involves Raga (melody), Bhog (offering), and Shringar (adornment) as part of sewa (service) in temples.
    Musical Styles Includes Prabandh, Dhrupad, Dhamar, Khyal, Kirtana, and Bhajan; not limited to Dhrupad style alone.
    Languages Used Songs are performed in Brij Bhasha, Sanskrit, Punjabi, and Marwari.
    Significant Figures Vallabhacharya, Shri Vitthalnathji (Shri Gusaiji), Astachaps poets (e.g., Kumbhandas, Surdas), Pandit Jasraj.
    Role in Vaishnavism Serves as a vehicle for Kirtan Bhakti, focusing on collective singing and emotional devotion to Lord Krishna.

     

    PYQ:

    [2014] A community of people called Manganiyars is well-known for their:

    (a) Martial arts in North-East India

    (b) Musical tradition in North-West India

    (c) Classical vocal music in South India

    (d) Pietra dura tradition in Central India

  • Why gold nuggets are found in quartz veins?

    Why in the News?

    Researchers have been curious about why the majority of gold nuggets discovered throughout history have been found in orogenic quartz veins.

    Location and distribution of Gold:

    • Orogenic gold systems are commonly found in mountainous regions where large-scale geological processes, such as the collision of tectonic plates, have occurred.
    • For example, the Himalayas, the Canadian Shield, and the Western Australian goldfields.
    • Large gold nuggets are often found in orogenic quartz veins formed during the tectonic processes that create mountains.
    • These nuggets form because, during earthquakes, the stress on quartz crystals causes a reaction that deposits gold on their surfaces. This process happens repeatedly, leading to the accumulation of gold nuggets.

    Note: 

    • Gold nuggets are naturally occurring pieces of gold that have formed into lumps or chunks. They are typically found in riverbeds, streams, or within rock formations, often in quartz veins.
    • Orogenic quartz veins are quartz veins that form in mountainous regions.

    Findings by Researchers:

      • Piezocatalytic Effect and Gold Accumulation: Researchers discovered that the piezocatalytic effect of quartz under seismic stress causes the accumulation of gold in quartz veins.
        • The piezoelectric quartz crystal generates an electric field when subjected to stress. 
        • This field can drive electrochemical reactions at the interface between the quartz and a surrounding aqueous solution containing dissolved gold. These reactions cause gold to be deposited on the quartz surface. 
      • Seismic Activity and Localized Gold Deposits: The study suggests that gold nuggets in orogenic systems are formed through repeated piezocatalytic reactions over time, driven by natural seismic activity. This process explains the highly localized and interconnected nature of gold deposits within quartz veins.
      Conclusion: Researchers have found that gold nuggets in orogenic quartz veins form through piezocatalytic reactions caused by seismic stress on quartz. This process drives gold deposition on quartz surfaces, explaining the concentration and localization of gold in mountainous regions.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Craze for gold in Indian has led to surge in import of gold in recent years and put pressure on balance of payments and external value of rupee. In view of this, examine the merits of Gold Monetization scheme. (UPSC IAS/2015)

  • World Heritage City of Jaipur

    Why in the News?

    The Walled City of Jaipur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019, is set for heritage conservation and development with a budget of ₹100 crore.

    About the World Heritage City of Jaipur:

    • Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur was designed as a commercial capital with a grid layout that reflects Vedic architectural principles. 
    • Unlike many other Indian cities built in hilly terrains, Jaipur was established on a plain, allowing for a systematic urban design characterized by wide streets and public squares known as chaupars.

    Architectural Significance

    • Jaipur’s urban planning is notable for its geometric structure, which integrates traditional Hindu concepts with modern Western influences.
    • The city is divided into nine blocks, with two reserved for state buildings and the remaining for public use. Known for its distinctive pink-colored buildings, which give it the nickname “Pink City.”
    • The architecture features uniform facades along the main streets. Key monuments include:
      • Hawa Mahal: A palace known for its intricate façade and numerous windows.
      • City Palace: A royal residence that blends Mughal and Rajput architecture.
      • Jantar Mantar: An astronomical observatory built by Jai Singh II.
      • Govind Dev Temple: A significant religious site reflecting the city’s cultural heritage.

    Jaipur’s (Pink City) Criteria for UNESCO Recognition

    • Criterion (ii): Exhibiting an important interchange of human values in architecture and urban planning.
    • Criterion (iv): Representing a significant example of a planned city that reflects the cultural traditions of its time.
    • Criterion (vi): Being directly associated with events or living traditions of universal significance, particularly in the context of its festivals and cultural practices.

     

    Other Important Places Contributing to World Heritage Status

    Amber Fort (Amer Fort)
    • A majestic fort known for its artistic Hindu and Mughal architectural style, located on a hill overlooking Maota Lake.
    • Famous for its intricate carvings, mirror work, and expansive courtyards.
    City Palace
    • A complex of palaces, courtyards, and museums in the heart of Jaipur, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.
    • Combines Rajput and Mughal architectural styles, showcasing royal artifacts, costumes, and weapons.
    Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)
    • A five-story palace with 953 small windows (jharokhas), designed to allow royal women to observe street activities while remaining unseen.
    • An iconic example of Rajput architecture with intricate latticework and unique design.
    Jantar Mantar
    • An astronomical observatory with 19 large instruments, including the world’s largest stone sundial.
    • A separate UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting the scientific achievements of the 18th century.
    Nahargarh Fort
    • Built in 1734, located on the Aravalli Hills, offering panoramic views of Jaipur city.
    • Served as a retreat and defensive structure for the royal family, showcasing the military architecture of the period.

  • Study confirms the existence of a Dockyard at Lothal

    Why in the News?

    A recent study by the Indian Institute of Technology-Gandhinagar (IITGn) has presented new evidence supporting the presence of a dockyard (222 x 37 metres) at Lothal, which was earlier debated.

    Evidence of Lothal’s Dockyard

    • The discovery of Lothal, located in the Bhal region of Gujarat during the 1950s, initiated debates among archaeologists about the existence of a dockyard.
    • The IITGn study reveals that the Sabarmati River once flowed close to Lothal during the Harappan period, contrasting its current course, which is 20 km away.
    • The study suggests a trade route linking Ahmedabad, through Lothal, Nal Sarovar, and the Little Rann, to Dholavira, another prominent Harappan site.
    • Satellite imagery and multi-sensor data analysis have uncovered the ancient channels of the Sabarmati River, confirming Lothal’s strategic location on a significant riverine route.
    • The study also suggests that traders might have arrived in Gujarat via the Gulf of Khambhat, collected materials from Ratanpura, and transported them to Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq).

    About Lothal:

    Details
    Location Bhal region, Gujarat, India
    Historical Significance Built around 2200 BC; major trade centre for beads, gems, and ornaments
    Name Meaning “Lothal” means “the mound of the dead” in Gujarati (Similar to Mohenjodaro)
    Discovery Discovered by S.R. Rao; excavated from 1955 to 1960
    Port City Evidence Earliest known dock; connected to the ancient Sabarmati River
    Key Features Tidal dockyard, marine microfossils, and a basin for sailing boats
    Heritage Status Nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014; only port-town of the Indus Valley Civilization

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelling water into connected reservoirs?

    (a) Dholavira

    (b) Kalibangan

    (c) Rakhigarhi

    (d) Ropar

  • What is the Munich Agreement and the role it played in starting World War II?   

    Why in the News?

    On September 1, 1939, German troops invaded Poland, sparking World War II. Britain and France declared war on Germany two days later, on September 3.

    The Sudeten crisis 

    • Background: The Sudeten crisis emerged from Hitler’s demand that the German-majority regions of Czechoslovakia, known as Sudetenland, be ceded to Germany. These regions, with a population of over three million German-speaking people, were part of Czechoslovakia after the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire post-World War I. Hitler aimed to incorporate Sudetenland into his vision of a “Greater Germany.”
    • German Occupation: Following the Munich Agreement, German troops occupied Sudetenland from October 1 to October 10, 1938. This occupation was part of Hitler’s broader plan for territorial expansion.

    About the Munich Agreement and changes after that 

    • Signatories: The Munich Agreement was signed on September 29-30, 1938, by Germany, France, Italy, and Great Britain. Czechoslovakia was not a party to the agreement but was pressured into accepting it by the signing powers.
    • Terms: The agreement allowed Germany to annex Sudetenland in exchange for a promise of peace. Great Britain’s Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, who supported the agreement, famously declared it as “peace with honour” after returning from Munich.
    • Terms and Implementation:
      • Plebiscite: Some regions within Sudetenland were subject to a plebiscite for determining their fate.
      • Military Withdrawal: The Czechoslovak government was required to withdraw its military and police forces from Sudetenland and release Sudeten German prisoners within four weeks of the agreement.
    • Aftermath: Despite the Munich Agreement, Hitler violated the terms within six months by invading the rest of Czechoslovakia.
      • The Munich Agreement, intended to appease Hitler and maintain peace, ultimately failed and was seen as a significant misjudgment of dealing with expansionist totalitarian regimes.

    Conclusion: The Munich Agreement, meant to appease Hitler by ceding Sudetenland to Germany, failed disastrously. Within six months, Hitler violated the agreement by invading the rest of Czechoslovakia, highlighting the dangers of appeasing expansionist totalitarian regimes.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two World Wars.” Evaluate the statement. (2021)

  • In news: Thanjavur Veena

    Why in the News?

    Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, is renowned for making the Veena, the first musical instrument in India to receive a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

    About Thanjavur Veena:

    Details
    Type Saraswati Veena (a classical stringed musical instrument)
    GI Tag Received in 2012.
    Crafting Materials Jackfruit wood, known for its resonance and tonal quality.
    Production Process – Wood is cut, carved, shaped, and assembled.
    – Takes 15-20 days to complete.
    – Involves three parts: resonator (kudam), neck (dandi), and tuning box.
    Other Types of Veena – Saraswati Veena (used in Carnatic classical music)
    – Rudra Veena and Vichitra Veena (used in Hindustani classical music)
    – Chitra Veena (used in Carnatic classical music)

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] With reference to India, the terms ‘Halbi, Ho and Kui’ pertain to​:

    (a) Dance forms of Northwest India​

    (b) Musical instruments​

    (c) Pre-historic cave paintings​

    (d) Tribal languages​

  • Major Dhyan Chand (1905-1979): India’s first sporting superstar

    Why in the News?

    National Sports Day is celebrated on August 29 in India to honor the memory of “Major Dhyan Chand”, widely regarded as the first superstar of Indian hockey and arguably India’s first sporting superstar.

    About Major Dhyan Chand:

    Details
    Birth Born on August 29, 1905, in Allahabad, India
    Olympic Achievements Led India to three Olympic gold medals in 1928 (Amsterdam), 1932 (Los Angeles), and 1936 (Berlin).
    Career Goals Scored 33 goals in 12 Olympic matches, nearly averaging a hat-trick per game.
    Signature Skill Renowned for his exceptional dribbling and ball control.
    Anecdotes
      • Famous for his stick work so effective that his hockey stick was checked for magnets;
    • Declined an offer from Adolf Hitler to change nationality after the 1936 Olympics.
    National Recognition
    • In honour of his contributions, August 29 is celebrated as National Sports Day in India.
    • Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award was renamed the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021.
    • It is the highest sporting award given by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for the spectacular and most outstanding performance in the field of sports by a sportsperson over four years.
      • The award comes with a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh.
    • The Khel Ratna Award was instituted in 1991-1992 and the first recipient was Chess legend Viswanathan Anand.
      • Winners: Leander Paes, Sachin Tendulkar, Dhanraj Pillay, Pullela Gopichand, Abhinav Bindra, Anju Bobby George, Mary Kom and Rani Rampal in 2020.
    Legacy Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi is named after him, underscoring his impact on Indian sports infrastructure.