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  • Analyse the role of local bodies in providing good governance at local level and bring out the pros and cons merging the rural local bodies with the urban local bodies.

    73rd and 74th CAA are the embodiment of grass-root democracy and democratic decentralization in India. They are inspired by Gandhiji’s concept of “Oceanic Circles of Power” and “Swaraj”.

    Role of Local Bodies in Ensuring Good Governance

    Citizen Participation in planning and decision-making through Gram Sabhas and Ward Committees. Eg- Kerala’s people plan campaign

    Transparency- Eg- Social audits under MGNREGA enhance transparency in fund utilization.

    Accountability- Elected representatives are directly answerable to citizens.

    Effectiveness and Efficiency- Proximity to citizens allows timely service delivery in areas like sanitation, water supply, and waste management.

    Equity and Inclusion through reservation for SCs, STs, OBCs, and women. Eg- Women’s Representation at 46.44%

    Responsiveness during Disasters. Eg- COVID-19 management and disaster relief in Kerala.

    Rule of Law- Local bodies function under constitutional and legal mandates of the 73rd and 74th Amendments, ensuring lawful governance.

    Consensus-Oriented Governance- Gram Sabhas and District Planning Committees promote coordination and collective decision-making.

    Sustainability- service delivery in waste recycling and water conservation. Eg- Hiware Bazar Model of watershed development.

    Challenges

    “PRIs exist as over-structured but underpowered organisations.” (2nd ARC)

    No decentralisation of power, rather decentralisation of corruption – Mani Shankar Iyer Committee

    Limited own-source revenue- Poor tax collection efficiency (>1% own tax).

    Incomplete devolution- less than 20% of States have transferred all 29 subjects under 11th Schedule (MoPR, 2022). (​​overall Panchayat Devolution Index is only 43.89% (2021-22))

    Weak Gram Sabhas- Low participation, elite domination, and token meetings.

    Gender and social barriers leading to proxy control. (Sarpanch Pati)

    Pros of Merging Rural and Urban Local Bodies

    Integrated Regional Planning – Addresses rurban challenges and ensures seamless infrastructure and service delivery.

    Uniform Standards of Governance – Streamlines policies, taxation, and land-use planning.

    Efficient Resource Utilization – Shared funding and manpower reduce duplication.

    Better Management of Peri-Urban Areas – Urban expansion can be better planned and regulated.

    Cons of Merging Rural and Urban Local Bodies

    Dilution of Constitutional Intent under 73rd and 74th Amendments.

    Political Resistance – Power redistribution may face bureaucratic and political opposition.

    Administrative Complexity due to different laws, tax systems, and governance mechanisms.

    Urban areas may dominate resource allocation and decision-making.

    Local bodies are the cornerstones of participatory democracy and good governance. A functional convergence, not structural merger, aligns better with India’s constitutional vision of decentralization.

  • “The growth of cabinet system has practically resulted in the marginalisation of the parliamentary supremacy.” Elucidate.

    The Cabinet system, a legacy of the British parliamentary model, is based on the principle of collective responsibility of the executive to the Legislature. However, the growth of the Cabinet system has concentrated power in the hands of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.

    Cabinet System Marginalising Parliamentary Supremacy

    Party Whip curtails independence of MPs, limiting free deliberation.

    Ordinance Power (Articles 123 & 213) bypasses legislative scrutiny.

    Prime Ministerial Supremacy due to centralisation of authority in PMO.

    Decline of Private Members’ Bills – The last such Bill was passed in 1970.

    Weak Legislative Scrutiny – Increasing absenteeism, fewer sittings, and guillotining of Demands for Grants.

    Decline of parliamentary Committees have weakened executive accountability.

    Coalition Politics results in bargaining politics instead of genuine legislative oversight.

    However, parliamentary control over executive can also be seen

    Executive Accountability – collective responsibility to Parliament under Article 75(3).

    Financial Oversight – Finance committees scrutinise government expenditure. Eg- PAC review of GST framework

    Budgetary Control (Art. 112) through Demands for Grants, and Appropriation Acts.

    Opposition’s Role – Eg- Farm Laws withdrawal.

    Role in Foreign Policy – Eg- debate on Civil Nuclear Deal with the US.

    Way Forward

    Publish Annual Parliamentary Calendar (NCRWC)

    Adopt Shadow Cabinet Model of UK, to institutionalise constructive opposition oversight.

    Allocate fixed time for Private Members’ Bills and Questions.

    Mandatory referral of Bill to Committees (UK system)

    “Parliament is the keystone of the democratic arch.” – Harold Laski

    For a resilient democracy, Parliament must function as the centre of deliberation and control, not as a department of the executive.

  • The groundwater potential of the gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India?

    The Indo-Gangetic Valley is home to one of the world’s most prolific alluvial aquifer systems. Yet, according to the United Nations (2025-26) reports, several regions in this basin have crossed the “groundwater depletion tipping point.”

    Declining groundwater potential

    Nationwide, India extracts approximately 247 BCM of groundwater annually, more than China and the US combined.

    Groundwater storage in the Ganga basin is declining at an average rate of 2.6 cm per year. (CGWB)

    In Punjab and Haryana, nearly 78% of assessment units are categorized as “over-exploited.”

    Reasons Behind the Decline

    Green Revolution Legacy-The shift to High-Yielding Varieties (HYV) required 3-4 times more water than traditional seeds.

    Faulty Cropping Patterns-Cultivation of water-guzzling crops like Paddy in semi-arid regions (Punjab/Haryana) where they are not ecologically suited.

    Energy Subsidies-Free or heavily subsidized electricity leads to “blind pumping” in states like Punjab and Haryana.

    Inadequate Regulation-Under the Indian Easements Act 1882, groundwater is tied to land ownership, allowing landowners to extract unlimited water without legal penalty.

    Rapid urban expansion in cities like Delhi, Kanpur, and Patna has reduced the “pervious” area available for natural recharge.

    Climate Change & Monsoonal Shifts-Erratic rainfall patterns mean shorter, more intense bursts of rain that run off rather than seeping into the ground.

    Inefficient Irrigation-Traditional Flood Irrigation methods result in nearly 40% water wastage through evaporation and runoff.

    Deforestation in Catchment Areas-Loss of forest cover in the Himalayan foothills (Shivaliks) has disrupted the natural hydrological cycle that feeds the Gangetic aquifers.

    Industrial Contamination-Discharge of untreated effluents reduces the “potable” potential of the remaining groundwater.

    Population Pressure-With the IGP being one of the most densely populated regions globally, domestic demand has surged, competing directly with agriculture.

    Impact on Food Security

    Yield Reductions-Studies show a 1-meter decline in the water table can lead to an 8% reduction in food grain production.

    Threat to Staples-Punjab and Haryana provide 50% of India’s rice and 85% of its wheat, depletion here directly threatens the National Buffer Stock.

    Increased Cost of Cultivation-Farmers must drill deeper (up to 300-500 ft) and install expensive submersible pumps, leading to rural indebtedness.

    Punjab and Haryana supply a major portion of wheat and rice for the PDS. Reduced grain output affects government stocks.

    Food Inflation-Reduced supply and higher production costs lead to a spike in market prices, making food unaffordable for the poor.

    Quality Degradation (Nutritional Security)-As water levels drop, concentrations of Arsenic and Uranium increase. These enter the food chain, compromising food safety.

    Land Degradation-Excessive groundwater use leads to soil salinization, turning once-fertile alluvial tracts into barren “Usar” land.

    Reduced Cropping Intensity-Farmers who previously grew three crops a year (Zaid, Kharif, Rabi) are being forced to skip seasons due to dry wells.

    Vulnerability of Small Farmers-While wealthy farmers can afford deeper wells, marginal farmers lose access entirely, leading to “de-peasantization” and migration.

    Climate Instability-Without groundwater, Indian agriculture becomes more dependent on the vagaries of the monsoon.

    Way Forward

    Crop Diversification-Aggressively shifting from Paddy to Millets (Shree Anna), pulses, and oilseeds in over-exploited blocks.

    Micro-Irrigation-Scaling up the “Per Drop More Crop” initiative to make drip and sprinkler irrigation mandatory for water-intensive crops.

    Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR)-Utilizing the Mission Amrit Sarovar to rejuvenate 75,000+ local ponds to act as recharge pits.

    Power Reforms-Transitioning from free electricity to Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for electricity.

    Unified Water Governance-Implementing the Mihir Shah Committee recommendations to merge the CGWB and CWC into a single National Water Commission.

    Community-Led Management-Scaling the Atal Bhujal Yojana model where villagers prepare “Water Security Plans” based on their local water budget.

    Legal Reform-Updating the 19th-century Easement Act to treat groundwater as a “Common Pool Resource” rather than private property.

    Aligning agricultural policies with ecological limits and climate resilience can ensure long term food security.

    Indian Geography

  • What is a twister? Why are the majority of twisters observed in areas around the Gulf of Mexico?

    Key Features of a Twister

    Funnel-shaped cloud – Visible condensation funnel extending downward.

    Very high wind speeds – Can exceed 300 km/h (EF5 category).

    Short duration – Typically lasts minutes but causes intense damage.

    Narrow path of destruction – Damage track often a few hundred meters wide.

    Associated with supercell thunderstorms

    Low pressure core – Central pressure drop causes debris uplift.

    Occurs mostly in mid-latitudes – Especially continental interiors.

    Formation Process of a Twister

    Warm, moist air near the surface rises rapidly.

    Cold, dry air above descends below.

    Wind shear develops – Change in wind speed and direction with height.

    Horizontal rotation forms in the lower atmosphere.

    Updraft tilts rotation vertically, forming a mesocyclone.

    Supercell thunderstorm develops.

    A funnel cloud forms and extends to ground, becoming a tornado.

    Reasons for Majority of Twisters Around the Gulf of Mexico

    Continuous supply of warm, moist air – Gulf waters average 25-30°C.

    Collision of contrasting air masses – Warm Gulf air meets cold Canadian air over central U.S.

    No Latitudinal Barriers- Unlike Europe’s Alps, North America has no east-west mountain ranges to block the collision of these contrasting air masses.

    Low-Level Jet Streams from the Gulf provide the necessary wind shear to initiate rotation near the ground.

    Dryline effect – Dry air from Rockies creates a sharp moisture gradient leading to storm development.

    The Great Plains and Mississippi Valley offer a smooth “runway” that prevents the disruption of rotating storm structures.

    Proximity to Tornado Alley – Central U.S. records ~75% of world’s tornadoes.

    The high frequency of thunderstorms in the gulf region creates tornados. 83% of Gulf hurricanes since 1950 have produced at least one tornado.

    As climate variability enhances the frequency and intensity of tornados, advanced radar detection and robust disaster preparedness is needed for disaster risk reduction.

  • What is sea surface temperature rise? How does it affect the formation of tropical cyclones?

    Sea Surface Temperature (SST) rise refers to the increase in temperature of the upper layer of ocean water. It is a critical indicator of the Earth’s climate health

    Causes of sea surface temperature rise

    Greenhouse gas emissions – Eg- Atmospheric CO₂ crossed 425 ppm.

    Global warming trend – Eg- Earth warmed ~1.44°C since pre-industrial levels. (IPCC)

    Marine heatwaves – Persistent abnormal warming events.

    Weakening ocean circulation reduces heat redistribution. Eg- Slowing Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC).

    El Niño events – Periodic warming of Pacific surface waters.

    Declining polar ice cover – Reduced albedo effect increases absorption.

    Ocean Stratification- As surface water warms, it becomes lighter and fails to mix with deeper, cooler water

    Impact of SST rise on formation of tropical cyclones

    Minimum SST of 26.5°C was required for a cyclone to form. Rising sea temperature has led to

    Cyclones in South Atlantic and higher latitudes of the Pacific

    Arabian Sea witnessing more intense storms. Eg- Cyclone Nisarga (2020) near Maharashtra coast.

    Enhanced evaporation – Warmer oceans increase moisture supply. Eg- Rapid moisture buildup before Cyclone Amphan (2020).

    Rapid Intensification (RI)- High SSTs provide an explosive amount of latent heat. Eg- Hurricane Milton (2024) jumped from Category 1 to Category 5 in under 24 hours.

    Greater Storm Size- Eg- Super Cyclone Amphan (2020) covered almost the entire Bay of Bengal during its peak.

    For every 1°C of SST rise, the air holds 7% more water vapor. This leads to greater rainfall during cyclonic activity.

    High SSTs allow storms to carry their moisture further inland before dissipating. Eg- Hurricane Harvey in Texas

    Higher storm surge risk – Combined SST rise and sea-level rise amplify flooding. Eg- Cyclone Idai (2019) caused severe coastal inundation.

    Shift in cyclone tracks and behavior due to altered SST gradients. Eg- Increasing westward shift of North Indian Ocean cyclones.

    Addressing this challenge requires a multi-layered climate and disaster strategy–

    Mitigate greenhouse gas emissions

    Strengthen ocean monitoring systems

    Improve cyclone early warning systems

    Protect natural buffers. Eg- mangroves

  • What is the phenomenon of ‘cloudbursts’? Explain.

    IMD defines cloudburst as an extreme weather event involving very high-intensity rainfall (often >100 mm/hour) over a small geographical area (20-30 sq. km.) within a short duration.

    Orographic Uplift

    Moist air masses are forced to rise abruptly when they encounter steep mountain slopes.

    Rapid ascent causes condensation and release of latent heat, intensifying convection.

    Strong Convective Clouds (Cumulonimbus) up to 12-15 km.

    Moisture Supply from Monsoon Systems enhances instability.

    When updrafts weaken, large volumes of accumulated rainwater are released at once, causing cloudburst-like rainfall.

    Occurrence of cloudburst in the Indian Subcontinent

    Himalayan and Western Ghat Topography – Steep slopes promote rapid vertical uplift.

    Monsoon Dynamics – High atmospheric moisture during June-September.

    Climate Change – Rising temperatures increase atmospheric moisture-holding capacity. Eg- every 1°C rise lets air hold ~7% more moisture.

    Land-Use Changes – Deforestation, slope cutting, and urbanisation increase runoff and disaster impact.

    Mitigation measures

    Structural

    Engineering solutions – Retaining walls, slope drainage, rock bolting, geo-textiles,

    Nature based solutions – Afforestation in himalaya

    Non-Structural

    Expansion of multi-hazard insurance

    Disaster resilient urban planning (Mishra committee on Joshimath crisis)

    The Sendai Framework’s proactive approach is essential for making Bharat a ‘weather-ready and climate-smart’ nation.

    Geomorphology

  • Despite comprehensive policies for equity and social justice, underprivileged sections are not yet getting the full benefits of affirmative action envisaged by the Constitution. Comment.

    The Constitution envisages substantive equality to correct historical injustices faced by vulnerable groups. However, despite being the 4th largest economy, India’s ranking in HDI, 2025 was 130th out of 193 countries.

    Policies for equity and social justice

    Constitutional provisions – Articles 14, 15(4), 15(5), 16(4), 17, 46

    Reservations in education, public employment, and political representation

    Protective legislation – SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act

    Targeted welfare schemes

    Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan

    MGNREGA

    Ayushman Bharat

    PM-JANMAN (for PVTGs)

    SHRESHTA (high-quality residential education for SCs).

    Institutional mechanisms – National Commissions for SCs, STs, OBCs

    UGC Equity Regulations 2026, which mandate anti-discrimination cells in all universities.

    Reasons behind underprivileged sections not getting benefits of affirmative action

    Political factors

    Politicization of affirmative action policies hinders adaptability to changing needs. Eg- high income limit for creamy layer

    Proxy representation – Eg- Sarpanch Pati phenomenon in panchayats

    Short termism and political populism rather than focusing on “empowerment.” Eg- loan waivers, ladli behna etc reduce public investment in health, education etc

    Social factors

    Social Stratification- Caste-based discrimination prevents upward mobility for the marginalized. Eg- 96% manual scavengers are Dalits

    Population Pressure (1.35 billion) strains public infrastructure, housing, and the job market.

    Elite Capture within Beneficiary Groups – Eg- Advanced sections among SCs dominating reserved seats (“class within caste”)

    Regional disparity – Eg- BIMARU states lag behind southern states in human development indicators

    Low Social Capital and Networks – Lack of mentoring and peer support for marginalised students leading to social isolation. Eg- Rohith Vemula

    Glass ceiling effect for women – discrimination and low representation at higher positions

    Economic factors

    Shrinking Public Sector – Eg- Over 90% workforce outside formal government employment where reservation is absent

    Intergenerational Poverty limits health, education outcomes and employment productivity. Eg- stunting and wasting rates among ST children is ~10-15% higher than the national average.

    Economic Inequality – richest 1% control more than 40% of total wealth, while the bottom 50% own merely 3% (Oxfam Report)

    Administrative factors

    Leakages and corruption –

    Inclusion-exclusion errors in PDS (Shanta Kumar committee)

    Ghost beneficiaries in Ayushman Bharat identified by CAG

    Lack of last mile reach due to security issues like naxalism, insurgency etc.

    Poor Social Infrastructure

    Healthcare – low public spending (2.1% of GDP) and high out of pocket expenditure (40%)

    Education – low public investment (2.9% of GDP) lead to “quality crisis” and high dropout rates at secondary and higher levels

    Skill Gap – only about 51.25% of youth are employable.

    Way Forward

    Outcome-Oriented Design – Eg- Aspirational district program

    Better targeting

    Subcategorization within SCs (Davinder Singh case)

    Multi-dimensional Deprivation Index (MDI) for EWS and OBC categories

    Capability Approach- increase expenditure on Health (2.5% of GDP) and Education (6% of GDP)

    Women Empowerment by adopting best practices like Kerala’s Kudumbshree Model

    Focus on Gender-Caste Intersectionality to address the “double burden” of women from underprivileged sections.

    There is need for whole of government and life-cycle approach to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047

  • What are aurora australis and aurora borealis? How are these triggered?

    An aurora is a natural luminous phenomenon seen in high-latitude skies, caused by the interaction between charged particles from the Sun and Earth’s upper atmosphere, producing dynamic light displays in various colors.

    Aurora Australis (Southern Lights)

    Occurs in the Southern Hemisphere – Visible near the Antarctic Circle.

    Observed in countries like – Antarctica, Tasmania (Australia), New Zealand, and the southern tip of Argentina.

    Forms luminous arcs and curtains – Green, red, purple colors dominate.

    Best viewed during the Southern Hemisphere’s winter (May to September) due to the long hours of darkness.

    Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)

    Occurs in the Northern Hemisphere – Visible near the Arctic Circle.

    Observed in countries like – Norway, Sweden, Finland, Canada, Alaska.

    Displays dynamic wave-like patterns – Curtains, spirals, and arcs.

    March and September equinoxes are peak viewing times due to the Russell-McPherron effect, which allows solar energy to enter the atmosphere more easily.

    Triggers of Auroras

    Solar Activity

    The Sun’s corona constantly releases a stream of protons and electrons at speeds up to 900 km/s.

    These particles hit the Magnetosphere (Earth’s magnetic shield), which deflects most of them.

    Magnetic lines guide particles poleward as Earth’s magnetic field lines are weakest and more vertical at the North and South Poles.

    Acceleration (Birkeland Currents)- Particles gain speed as they spiral down the field lines toward the Ionosphere.

    Atmospheric Collision- Charged particles collide with gas atoms (Oxygen and Nitrogen) in the Thermosphere (approx. 100km-400km up).

    The collision transfers energy to the gas atoms, moving their electrons to a higher-energy state.

    These atoms release that energy as a photon (a packet of light).

    Color Differentiation- Oxygen produces green and red, Nitrogen produces blue or purple light.

    They illustrate the protective role of the magnetosphere while producing one of the most visually stunning atmospheric phenomena.

  • In dealing with socio-economic issues of development, what kind of collaboration between government, NGO’s and private sector would be most productive?

    Multi-dimensional nature of developmental issues, require a collaborative governance, where the government, NGO, and the private sector work in synergy.

    Socio-economic issues of development

    Nearly 11% of the population is still living in multidimensional poverty.

    Economic Inequality – richest 1% control more than 40% of total wealth, while the bottom 50% own merely 3% (Oxfam Report)

    Social Stratification- Caste-based discrimination prevents upward mobility for the marginalized. Eg- 96% manual scavengers are Dalits

    Population Pressure (1.35 billion) strains public infrastructure, housing, and the job market.

    Poor Social Infrastructure

    Healthcare – low public spending (2.1% of GDP) and high out of pocket expenditure (40%)

    Education – low public investment (2.9% of GDP) lead to “quality crisis” and high dropout rates at secondary and higher levels

    Skill Gap – only about 51.25% of youth are employable.

    Gender Disparities

    Low FLFPR – 41% in India vs 71% in China

    Glass ceiling effect – discrimination and low representation at higher positions

    Regional disparity – Eg- BIMARU states lag behind southern states in human development indicators

    “Climate Inequality” – women and poor are most vulnerable to climatic shocks like heatwaves or disasters. Eg- “climate induced migration” after floods in Assam

    Urbanization issues – Eg- 17% population living in slums

    Collaboration between government, NGO and private sector

    Public-Private-Community Partnerships (PPCP) – Eg- collaboration between GoI, Akshay patra foundation and infosys foundation in implementing Mid-day meal scheme

    Complementary role

    Policy Leadership by Government

    NGOs as Last-Mile Implementers

    Private Sector for Scale and Innovation

    CSR-Driven Development Partnerships – Eg- tata trust funding support for PRATHAM NGO for education

    Data and Technology Collaboration – Tech firms building dashboards, NGOs collecting field-level data, government monitoring outcomes. Eg- in aspirational districts program

    Capacity Building – NGOs and private sector training frontline workers in healthcare.

    Technology Transfer for Agriculture- Agri-tech firms develop precision tools, the government subsidizes them, while NGOs train farmers in “Climate-Smart Agriculture”.

    Saturation-Based urban Infrastructure- The government provides land, the private sector builds , while NGOs handle the “soft infrastructure” like health and education.

    NGO’s helping the government in ensuring last mile service delivery. Eg- acting as “Arogya Mitras” under Ayushman Bharat scheme

    Strengthening this triangular alliance can ensure inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth.

  • Why do large cities tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries.

    According to the International Organization for Migration, migration is the movement of people away from their usual place of residence. As per PLFS data, the total migration rate in India was around 30 %.

    Factors Behind Greater Migration to Larger Cities

    Push Factors

    Agrarian Distress – Low productivity, land fragmentation, and climate stress push people out. Eg- Migration from drought-prone regions of Bundelkhand and Vidarbha.

    Lack of Non-Farm Employment – Rural areas offer limited livelihood diversification leading to distress migration.

    Underemployment and Disguised Unemployment in agriculture

    Poor Social Infrastructure – Inadequate education and healthcare facilities in rural areas push youth to cities like Pune or Cape Town in South Africa

    Social Constraints – Caste, gender, and kinship-based restrictions. Eg- Dalits migrating to escape rural social control.

    Pull Factors

    Concentration of Employment Opportunities – Eg- Construction, services, IT, gig economy in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru.

    Higher Wage Potential – Urban wages significantly higher than rural wages.

    Large Informal Sector Absorptive Capacity – Eg- Street vending, domestic work, delivery services.

    Better Education and Skill Institutions – Presence of universities and coaching hubs.

    Migrant Networks lead to chain migration to urban slums and peri-urban areas. Eg- Dharavi or Govandi areas in Mumbai, Kerala migrant network in Dubai

    The perception of the city as a land of “dreams” and social freedom attracts the youth. Eg- Mumbai or New York

    Smaller Towns Attract Lower Migration due to

    Weak Industrial Base – Limited manufacturing and service-sector growth.

    Poor Quality of higher education and tertiary healthcare

    Inadequate Urban Infrastructure – Poor housing, transport, and sanitation.

    Limited social mobility compared to metros.

    Policy and Investment Neglect – Concentration of public and private investment in a few metropolitan regions.

    Regional industrialisation, improving urban governance, and “Rurbanization”, is essential to make migration balanced, inclusive, and opportunity-driven rather than distress-led.

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