| [UPSC 2020] National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goals-4 (2030). It intended to restructure and re-orient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement.
Linkage: NEP 2020 broadly supports SDG-4 through its focus on universal access, equity, and quality, but faces implementation challenges due to India’s socio-cultural diversity and federal structure. The NEP 2020’s emphasis on multilingualism aligns with SDG-4 goals of inclusive and equitable quality education, but the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka cases show that its three-language policy faces resistance where it clashes with local linguistic and cultural priorities. This highlights the challenge of balancing national education reforms with state-specific needs while still aiming for SDG-4 targets |
Mentor’s Note:
India’s language debate tests the balance between national policy goals and state linguistic autonomy, a key aspect of federalism. While NEP 2020’s three-language formula aims at unity through multilingualism, southern states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka favour a two-language model to protect cultural identity and shape education on their own terms. This is as much about governance and diversity as it is about language. This issue is highly relevant for UPSC GS Paper 2 – Governance, Constitution, Federalism, and Education Policy.
Introduction:
India’s education system is shaped not only by pedagogy but also by its multilingual and multicultural character. The NEP 2020 recommends a three-language policy, with at least two being native to India, aiming to promote linguistic diversity and national integration. However, Tamil Nadu’s State Education Policy (SEP) and Karnataka’s proposed SEP prioritize local languages + English over Hindi or any other third compulsory language, reflecting deep-rooted socio-political contexts. This ongoing debate exemplifies the delicate balance between national policy frameworks and state-specific educational priorities.
The Two-Language Policy in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka:
Tamil Nadu’s Approach
- Continues the two-language policy: Tamil + English.
- Makes Tamil compulsory up to Class 10 across all boards.
- Promotes critical thinking, digital literacy, climate education, and social justice.
- Focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) education and special support for tribal, disabled, and first-generation learners.
- Seeks uniform, high-quality public education as a priority.
Karnataka’s Proposed Approach
- Kannada (or mother tongue) + English as compulsory languages.
- Medium of instruction: Kannada or mother tongue up to Class 5, preferably till Class 12.
- Discontinuation of the three-language policy (Hindi as third language removed).
- Development of state-specific curriculum, moving away from NCERT textbooks.
- Bilingual teaching methods for better learning outcomes.
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Three-Language Policy
NEP’s Recommendation:
- Three-language formula at school level.
- Two local languages (mother tongue/regional language).
- One other Indian language (often Hindi, though not mandatory).
- Based on the Kothari Commission (1968) suggestion to encourage multilingualism.
Intended objectives:
- Promote national unity by encouraging communication across linguistic regions.
- Preserve linguistic diversity by ensuring regional languages remain central to education.
- Enhance linguistic versatility to prepare students for mobility within India.
- Strengthen early learning through mother tongue instruction in primary classes, as supported by UNESCO research.
Criticism and Challenges:
- Perceived Hindi Imposition:
- In non-Hindi speaking states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the inclusion of Hindi as the third language is seen as a political and cultural imposition.
- Historical background: Tamil Nadu’s anti-Hindi agitations (1960s) shape continued resistance.
- Demand for English as a Medium:
- Parents and students increasingly prefer English-medium education for global competitiveness.
- Concerns that a strong emphasis on Hindi may reduce the focus on English proficiency, which is linked to employment and higher education abroad.
- Federalism Concerns:
- Education is in the Concurrent List; States argue they should have autonomy to design curricula and decide language policy.
- Central guidance seen as overreach into state cultural identity.
- Implementation Gaps:
- Shortage of qualified teachers for multiple languages.
- Logistical difficulty in providing quality instruction in three languages, especially in rural schools.
Constitutional & Federal Dimensions:
- Education is a subject in the Concurrent List.
- Article 345: States can adopt any one or more languages for official use.
- Article 351: Directive for development of Hindi.
- 8th Schedule: Recognizes 22 languages, protecting linguistic diversity.
- Cooperative Federalism: Centre and States must align education policy without overriding local aspirations.
Critical Issues Beyond Language:
- Equity in Public Education: Need to strengthen government schools for uniform quality.
- Access & Inclusion: Support for marginalized communities.
- Curriculum Modernization: Integrating digital skills, climate education, and critical thinking.
- Resource Allocation: Pending ₹2,152 crore education funds for Tamil Nadu highlight fiscal federalism concerns.
Conclusion:
Language policies should respect India’s diversity and focus on improving education quality. The Centre must work with states, not over them, to improve schools, modernize curriculum, and ensure equal opportunities.
Value Addition:
|
Examples for Enrichment
- Kothari Commission (1968) – promoted three-language formula but warned against imposition.
- Sri Lanka’s language policy conflict – example of risks in linguistic dominance.
- World Bank Learning Poverty Index – shows importance of mother tongue teaching.
- ASER 2023: Mother tongue learning helps early literacy.
- UNESCO 2023 Report: Supports teaching in the local language for better outcomes
|
Mapping Micro-Themes:
| GS-I |
Cultural diversity, linguistic identity, regionalism
- Cultural Identity: Language as a marker of state pride
|
| GS-II |
Federalism, education policy under Concurrent List, Centre–State relations, Constitutional provisions on language
- Federalism: Illustrates cooperative federalism challenges
- Equity in Education: Inclusion for marginalized groups
- Policy Dispute: Example of Centre–State tension on education
|
| GS-III |
Human capital development, role of education in economic growth |
| GS-IV |
Ethics in policy: respect for diversity, fairness, inclusion |
Practice Mains Question
“Language in education is both a cultural right and a tool for development. Discuss the recent shift of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka towards a two-language formula in the context of federalism and inclusive education.” (250 words)
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PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2023] Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does Al help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of Al in healthcare?
Linkage: Artificial Intelligence (AI) simulates human intelligence to perform tasks like analysis, prediction, and decision-making, and in healthcare, it aids clinical diagnosis through rapid image interpretation, predictive analytics, and early disease detection. Linking to India’s evolving IT sector, AI’s role in data management and compliance can ensure safe healthcare adoption, but risks such as data breaches, misuse of personal health records, and algorithmic bias highlight the need for strong privacy safeguards and ethical standards. |
Introduction:
The Indian IT industry, valued at $280 billion and employing over 5.8 million people, has been the backbone of India’s digital economy for decades. However, the rise of AI is reshaping business models, altering talent requirements, and compelling firms to rethink their role in the global technology ecosystem. Far from being a simple “job killer,” AI is redefining the industry’s competitive advantage.
Why is the IT Industry in Restructuring Mode?
- Beyond the “AI kills jobs” narrative:
- The shake-up is not merely about replacing human workers with AI, but about re-engineering processes for efficiency and scale.
- AI is driving transformation across the entire software lifecycle — from coding to testing and maintenance.
- The TCS trigger:
- TCS’s freeze on experienced hires and planned removal of 12,000 employees has been interpreted as a signal to markets, clients, and employees:
- Markets: Cost optimisation and forward-looking adaptation.
- Clients: AI-powered efficiency.
- Employees: Need for continuous upskilling.
Why is AI Gaining Momentum Now?
- Cost-optimisation as a driver:
-
- AI-led productivity boosts (30%+) are critical in a cost-sensitive, investor-driven market.
- Examples: AI-powered coding assistants, intelligent debuggers, automated testing.
-
- In 2025, $1 trillion+ expected global spending on AI infrastructure, training, and applications.
Impact on Jobs and Skills
- Job contraction in some areas:
- Automation, low-code platforms, and AI reduce the need for large teams in certain roles.
- Example: U.S. firms openly using workforce attrition to streamline operations.
- Skills that remain resilient:
- Core coding in C++ (OS, gaming, security systems), robotics, embedded systems.
- High-value areas: product management, UI/UX, tech architecture.
- Traits that will rule: math skills, imagination, problem-solving.
Opportunity for India’s IT Sector
- Addressing global AI adoption barriers:
-
- Legacy systems, poor data quality, and compliance requirements are major bottlenecks abroad.
- Indian firms can: Modernise systems, Organise and clean data and Build compliant AI solutions (aligning with laws like EU’s AI Act).
- Moving from “back office” to “AI innovation partners”:
-
- Future advantage lies with small, lean AI-native teams solving complex domain-specific problems (healthcare, defence, fintech, sustainability, education).
From Scale to Specialisation:
- The traditional “IT park with thousands of coders” model is declining.
- A 50-member AI-focused team can outperform a 5,000-member legacy services team.
- Requires cultural shift in Indian IT firms from scale efficiency to innovation agility.
Conclusion:
AI is not the end of India’s IT story, but a call for reinvention. By leveraging its talent pool, improving innovation culture, and addressing global AI adoption barriers, India can position itself not just as a participant but as a shaper of the AI era. The challenge lies in embracing the shift from large-scale coding work to lean, high-value, AI-driven problem solving.
Value Addition:
|
Thinkers & Scholars on AI:
Andrej Karpathy
- Background: Former Director of AI at Tesla, known for his work on deep learning and computer vision.
- View: Describes the shift to Software 2.0 and 3.0, where AI models themselves become the primary source code, reducing the advantage of large coding teams.
- Relevance: Highlights why India’s IT sector must shift from scale-based operations to innovation-focused, AI-native solutions.
V. Balakrishnan
- Background: Chairman, Exfinity Ventures; former CFO at Infosys.
- View: AI is becoming the fabric of enterprise operations, shaping everything from customer service to boardroom decision-making; Indian IT firms can become enablers of global AI adoption.
- Relevance: Emphasises India’s opportunity in data cleaning, system modernisation, and AI compliance.
Extra Mile:
AI Capitalism – Concept: It refers to an economic and social order where artificial intelligence technologies become a core driver of capital accumulation, market power, and social influence. In this system, AI is not just a tool but a means of consolidating wealth and control in the hands of a few global tech giants, venture capital firms, and AI infrastructure providers.
Scholars and Thinkers
- Shoshana Zuboff (The Age of Surveillance Capitalism) – Warns that AI capitalism commodifies human behaviour through constant data extraction.
- Nick Srnicek (Platform Capitalism) – Argues AI platforms centralise power and reshape markets in ways that undermine competition.
- Kate Crawford (Atlas of AI) – Highlights the environmental, political, and ethical costs of AI capitalism.
|
Mapping Micro-themes:
| GS PAPER II |
Governance in technology adoption, regulation, Tech policy & regulation, India as a global technology partner:
- Regulatory dimension: Global AI governance (EU AI Act) influencing Indian compliance services.
- Geopolitical angle: India’s role as a trusted AI partner amid U.S.-China tech tensions.
|
| GS PAPER III |
Economic growth, employment (AI & automation impact on employment ), AI innovation ecosystem (Innovation-driven economy), Start-up ecosystem in AI
- Economic implications: Job losses in low-skilled IT roles vs. high-skilled job creation in AI.
|
| GS PAPER IV |
Ethical AI (fairness, transparency, bias mitigation)
Examples:
- TCS workforce restructuring as a market signal
- EU AI Act influencing compliance-driven service demand
- AI-native teams in healthcare and defence as future growth hubs
|
Practice Mains Question
- Discuss how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping India’s information technology sector. In your answer, highlight both the challenges and opportunities this transition presents. (250 words)
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| [UPSC 2023] Enumerate the National Water Policy of India. Taking river Ganges as an example, discuss the strategies which may be adopted for river water pollution control and management. What are the legal provisions of management and handling of hazardous wastes in India?
Linkage: The National Water Policy emphasises pollution prevention, water quality monitoring, and restoration of contaminated water bodies. Strategies for river pollution control, such as those for the Ganga, parallel the approach in the Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025, which involve identification, assessment, remediation, and polluter accountability. Legal provisions for hazardous waste management include the Environment Protection Act, 1986 and the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016, under which contaminated site rules now operate. |
Introduction
India has identified 103 contaminated sites across states, caused by historical dumping of hazardous wastes. These sites often lie abandoned, with polluters defunct or unable to pay for clean-up. The newly notified Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025 under the Environment Protection Act provide the first legal, institutional, and procedural framework to identify, assess, and remediate such locations, addressing a long-standing regulatory gap.
What are Contaminated Sites?
- Defined by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) as areas where past dumping of hazardous wastes has likely contaminated soil, groundwater, and surface water, posing risks to human health and ecosystems.
- Examples: Landfills, waste storage/treatment sites, spill-sites, and abandoned chemical handling facilities.
- Out of 103 identified sites, only 7 have begun remediation.
Background – Why New Rules Were Needed:
- 2010 Capacity Building Program for Industrial Pollution Management Project initiated by the Environment Ministry aimed to:
- Create an inventory of probable contaminated sites.
- Develop guidance for assessment and remediation.
- Establish a legal, institutional, and financial framework — the missing final step until 2025.
- Previous absence of legal codification led to delays, inconsistent responses, and lack of accountability.
Key Provisions of the 2025 Rules
Identification & Assessment Process:
- District Administration: Submits half-yearly reports on suspected sites.
- State Board/Reference Organisation:
- Preliminary assessment within 90 days.
- Detailed survey within another 90 days to confirm contamination.
- Establish levels of hazardous chemicals (189 listed under Hazardous and Other Wastes Rules, 2016).
Public Notification & Restrictions
- Sites exceeding safe chemical levels are publicly listed.
- Access restrictions imposed to safeguard health.
Remediation Planning
- Expert body drafts remediation plan.
- Polluters identified within 90 days; responsible parties bear clean-up costs.
- If polluters cannot pay, State/Centre funds the remediation.
Legal Accountability
- Criminal liability under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 if contamination leads to loss of life or damage.
Exemptions
- Radioactive waste
- mining waste
- marine oil pollution
- municipal solid waste dumps; governed by separate legislations.
Key Gaps & Challenges
- No fixed remediation deadline post-identification.
- Capacity limitations in expert bodies.
- Financial constraints for large-scale clean-ups.
- Coordination issues between Centre, States, and Local Bodies.
Conclusion
The 2025 Rules mark a significant policy milestone in India’s environmental governance. While they close a crucial legal gap, their success will depend on timely implementation, strong enforcement, and adequate funding. Integrating strict timelines, expanding technical expertise, and ensuring polluter accountability will be essential to safeguard public health and restore ecological balance.
Value Addition:
|
Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025 are Applicable on:
- ‘Radioactive waste’ as defined under the Atomic Energy (Safe Disposal of Radioactive Wastes) Rules, 1987
- ‘Mining operations’ as defined under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957
- Pollution of the sea by oil or oily substance as governed by Merchant Shipping Act of 1958 and the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution of the Sea by Oil) Rules, 1974
- ‘Solid waste dump’ as defined under Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
- In case contamination of a site is due to a contaminant mixed with radioactive waste/ mining operations/ oil spill/ solid waste from dump site, and if the contamination of the site due to the contaminant exceeds the limit of response level specified in these rules, then remediation of the site would be covered under these rules.
Extra Mile:
- Case Linkage: Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984) – absence of strict site remediation frameworks
- Environmental Principles:
- Polluter Pays Principle
- Precautionary Principle
- Sustainable Development
- Global Context: Comparable frameworks exist in the USA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act – CERCLA), EU’s Environmental Liability Directive.
- Policy Linkages: National Environmental Policy 2006, SDG-3 (Health), SDG-6 (Clean Water), SDG-15 (Life on Land).
|
Mapping Micro-themes
| GS PAPER I |
Environmental degradation and public health impacts |
| GS PAPER II |
Centre-State coordination in environmental regulation; constitutional provisions (Art. 21, 48A, 243W) |
| GS PAPER III |
Pollution management, hazardous waste rules, environmental governance, technology in remediation |
| GS PAPER IV |
Corporate ethics, polluter responsibility, environmental stewardship, intergenerational equity |
Practice Mains Question
Q: The Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025, represent a long-awaited legal framework for chemical contamination in India. Discuss their significance, key features, and challenges in the context of sustainable environmental governance. (250 words)
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Why in the News?
Researchers used the COCO (Center for Climate System Research Ocean Component) 4.9 ocean model to predict how tritium from Fukushima’s 30-year wastewater release will spread across the Pacific under current and future climates.
Tap to read more about the Fukushima Disaster.
About COCO 4.9 Ocean Circulation Model:
- Purpose: Computer-based ocean simulator to study how seawater moves, mixes, and changes over time.
- Method: Divides oceans into layers and grids; calculates current flows and mixing patterns.
- Resolution: Can run in low detail (large grid blocks) or high detail (small swirling eddies).
- Climate Link: Can model impacts of warming oceans, altered currents, and changing circulation.
- Fukushima Application: Created a “virtual Pacific Ocean” to track tritium spread over decades.
Utility in Nuclear Waste Disposal:
- Predicts where, how fast, and how much nuclear contaminants will disperse.
- Maps dispersion pathways for radioactive materials like tritium.
- Estimates arrival times to different ocean regions.
- Models long-term concentrations under various climate scenarios.
Key Findings – Fukushima Study
- Tritium levels projected well below natural background radiation across the Pacific.
- Global warming may speed up some currents, but levels remain undetectable.
- Tritium’s natural 12-year half-life ensures minimal long-term impact.
|
| [UPSC 2024] With reference to radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), consider the following statements:
1. RTGs are miniature fission reactors. 2. RTGs are used for powering the onboard systems of spacecrafts. 3. RTGs can use Plutonium-238, which is a by-product of weapons development.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only* (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
Walter Kauzmann’s 1959 idea that protein folding relies on water-loving and water-avoiding parts has now been challenged by new research showing protein cores are more flexible than once believed.
Protein and Protein Folding – Overview
- Proteins: Biological macromolecules made of 20 amino acids in specific sequences.
- Folding: Sequence dictates 3D shape, essential for function.
- Water Interaction:
- Hydrophilic (e.g., lysine) → outer surface.
- Hydrophobic (e.g., tryptophan) → buried in core.
- Kauzmann Hypothesis (1959): Proteins have a hydrophobic core and hydrophilic surface, guiding folding.
- 1960s X-ray Evidence: Confirmed hydrophobic residues inside, hydrophilic outside.
- Earlier Belief: Core was highly sensitive—small changes could destabilize protein.
Recent Research:
- Study Design: Tested 78,125 amino acid combos at 7 sites in cores of 3 proteins:
- Human SH3 domain (FYN tyrosine kinase)
- Barley CI-2A protein
- E. coli CspA protein
- Findings:
- Many changes harmful, but thousands stable (e.g., SH3-FYN had 12,000+ stable conformations).
- Machine learning accurately predicted stability even with <25% sequence similarity.
Implications:
- Protein Engineering: Core modifications may be possible without losing stability—beneficial for therapeutics.
- Evolutionary Insight: Protein cores may have been more adaptable during evolution than once thought.
| [UPSC 2010] Which one of the following processes in the bodies of living organisms is a digestive process?
(a) Breakdown of proteins into amino acids * (b) Breakdown of glucose into CO2 and H2O (c) Conversion of glucose into glycogen (d) Conversion of amino acids into proteins. |
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Why in the News?
In 2025, India reported a 32.2% rise in its Asiatic lion population, from 674 in 2020 to 891 in 2025, as per the 16th Lion Population Estimation.
| World Lion Day is observed annually on August 10 to promote awareness and action for the conservation of lions worldwide. |
About Asiatic Lion:
- Scientific Name: Panthera leo leo — subspecies found only in India.
- Historical Range: Once across West Asia & Middle East; now extinct outside India.
- Physical Trait: Slightly smaller than African lions; has a unique belly fold.
- Current Range: Gir National Park & surrounding Saurashtra areas, Gujarat.
- Past Range in India: Extended to West Bengal and central India (Rewa, Madhya Pradesh).
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN – Endangered
- CITES – Appendix I
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 – Schedule I
2025 Census Highlights:
- Population: 891 lions (+32.2% from 2020).
- Decadal Growth: +70.36% since 2015 (from 523 lions).
- Adult Females: 330 (+26.9% from 2020).
- Satellite Populations: 497 lions in 9 locations — new groups in Barda WLS, Jetpur, Babra-Jasdan.
- Corridor Records: 22 lions sighted for the first time.
- Regional Growth: Mitiyala WLS (+100%), Bhavnagar Mainland (+84%), South Eastern Coast (+40%).
- Declines: Girnar WLS (-4%), Bhavnagar Coast (-12%).
| [UPSC 2019] Consider the following statements:
1. Asiatic lion is naturally found In India only.
2. Double-humped camel is naturally found in India only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only * (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) informed the J&K High Court that the Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) can nominate five members to the J&K Legislative Assembly without the aid and advice of the elected government.
About Nominations in State Assemblies:
- Election Mode: Members are mainly directly elected from single-member constituencies.
- Assembly Size: Ranges from 60–500 members; smaller States/UTs like Sikkim, Goa, Mizoram, and Puducherry have fewer by parliamentary approval.
- Anglo-Indian Nomination (Abolished): Governors earlier nominated 1 Anglo-Indian member if under-represented; abolished by 104th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 (effective Jan 2020).
- Rights of Nominated Members: Same rights/duties as elected members, except in matters needing a direct electoral mandate.
- Prevalence: Most States have no nominated members; allowed only under special constitutional/legal provisions.
- Parliamentary Nomination Abolition: Anglo-Indian nomination in Lok Sabha (2) and State Assemblies (1) also removed by the 104th Amendment.
- Legislative Council Difference: In Vidhan Parishads, Governors nominate 1/6th members from literature, science, art, co-operatives, and social service.
Exceptions for Jammu & Kashmir:
- Special Provision: Under J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019 (amended 2023), the Lieutenant-Governor can nominate:
- Women: 2 women if under-represented.
- Migrants: 2 Kashmiri migrants (including 1 woman).
- PoJK Community: 1 member from Pakistan-occupied J&K community.
- Seat Structure: Nominated members are in addition to elected members; Assembly = 114 elected + nominated (24 PoJK seats vacant).
Legal Basis in J&K:
- Statutory Provision: Sections 15, 15A, 15B of J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019 (amended 2023) grant L-G nomination powers.
- MHA Clarification:
- Nature of Power: Statutory function at L-G’s discretion, without elected government’s aid/advice.
- Precedent: Similar powers under Union Territories Act, 1963 (e.g., Puducherry).
- Counting Rule: Nominated members are part of sanctioned Assembly strength.
- Purpose: To ensure representation for displaced communities, marginalized groups, and women.
| [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements in respect of election to the President of India:
1. The members nominated to either House of the Parliament or the Legislative Assemblies of States are also eligible to be included in the Electoral College.
2. Higher the number of elective Assembly seats, higher is the value of vote of each MLA of that State.
3. The value of vote of each MLA of Madhya Pradesh is greater than that of Kerala.
4. The value of of vote of each MLA of Puducherry is higher than that of Arunachal Pradesh because the ratio of total population to total number of elective seats in Puducherry is greater as compared to Arunachal Pradesh.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Options: (a) Only one* (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four |
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Why in the News?
In recent years, community member few activists have emerged documenting and preserving Dard-Shin heritage.
About the Dard-Shin Tribe:
- Origin: Ancient Indo-Aryan group from migrations (2000–1500 BCE).
- Historical Mentions: Herodotus, Pliny, Ptolemy, Kalhana’s Rajatarangini.
- Homeland: Dardistan – Chitral, Yasin, Gilgit, Chilas, Bunji, Gurez Valley, Ladakh, N. Afghanistan.
- Political History: Chak dynasty ruled Kashmir for 25+ years in the 16th century before Mughal takeover.
- Current Location: Gurez (Bandipora, J&K), smaller clusters in Drass, Tulail, Chanderkote.
- Status & Language: Scheduled Tribe; speak Shina, distinct from Kashmiri.
- Population: ~48,440 (2011 Census).
- Livelihood: Farming, pastoralism, forest produce, handicrafts; tourism rising.
Cultural Significance:
- Heritage: Among the last Indo-Aryan groups in the Himalayas, preserving language and traditions.
- Historic Role: Gurez Valley – Silk Route link between Kashmir, Central Asia, Tibet.
- Traditions: Rich marriage customs, wool attire, juniper leaf burning for land purification.
- Architecture: Mix of ancient wooden style and modern influences; tools suited for mountain climate.
- Oral History: Migration legends, e.g., families from Gilgit to Ladakh.
- Religion: Islam, Buddhism, remnants of animism from cultural exchanges.
| [UPSC 2014] With reference to ‘Changpa’ community of India, consider the following statements:
1. They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand.
2. They rear the Pashmina goats that yield a fine wool.
3. They are kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only* (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 only |
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