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Subject: Indian Society

  • Examine the role of ‘Gig Economy’ in the process of empowerment of women in India. (150 words)

    Gig Economy refers to a labor market characterized by the prevalence of short-term contracts or freelance work as opposed to permanent jobs.

    Role of Gig Economy in Women Empowerment

    Work-Life Integration- Gig work offers flexible hours, allowing women to balance the “Double Burden” (41% of Indian women are primary caregivers).

    Economic Autonomy- It provides a direct source of income for women in Tier-II and Tier-III cities where formal job opportunities are scarce.

    Formalizing Informal Skills- Platforms like Urban Company have professionalized domestic skills. Eg- beauticians, cleaning.

    Bypassing Social Gatekeepers- Digital platforms allow women to access work directly, reducing dependence on male family members.

    Financial Inclusion- Gig platforms mandate digital payments into personal bank accounts, enabling women to build a “credit history” for small business loans.

    Safety through Technology- Features like real-time GPS tracking, SOS buttons provide a sense of security for women working in transit-heavy roles. Eg- zomato delivery

    Upskilling Opportunities- Many platforms provide vocational training.

    Re-entry into Workforce- Gig work provides a low-barrier entry point for women returning from “maternity breaks”.

    Global Market Access- High-skill gig workers serve international clients via platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.

    Collective Bargaining- rise of unions like the Gig and Platform Services Workers Union (GIPSWU). Eg- Diwali ‘digital strike’ by female gig workers in 2024

    Challenges for Women in the Gig Economy

    Digital Divide- 51.6% of women aged 15 years and above in rural areas do not own a mobile phone (NSO)

    Lack of Social Security- Eg- excluded from the Maternity Benefit Act and paid sick leaves.

    Wage Disparity- 40% of gig workers earn below ₹15,000/month, and women often earn less due to an inability to work “high-incentive” late-night hours.

    Occupational Segregation- women confined to beauty and care while men dominate higher-paying delivery and ride-hailing sectors.

    Safety Risks- Women in home-service gigs face risks of harassment and customer misconduct

    Gig platforms classify women as ‘independent contractors’ – excluded from protections under POSH Act

    Way Forward

    Adopting global best practices – Eg- Platform Work Directive (EU)

    Skill Diversification- Government-led missions to train women in sectors like EV-cab driving and tech-maintenance to break occupational silos.

    Algorithmic Accountability– Transparency and fairness in digital management systems that control job assignments, worker ratings, and payouts.

    A multi-stakeholder approach is necessary to turn the gig economy from a place of exploitation to one of opportunity for women.

  • Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge system when compared with mainstream knowledge and cultural systems. (150 words)

    According to Census 2011, Tribals constitute 8.6% of India’s population. Their knowledge systems are rooted in local ecology, collective life, and cultural continuity.

    Features of Mainstream Knowledge and Cultural Systems

    Text-based and codified knowledge

    Anthropocentric- Nature is viewed as a “resource”

    Institutional and formal transmission (schools, universities, laboratories)

    Specialisation and compartmentalisation of disciplines

    Market-oriented and productivity-driven approach

    Intellectual property regimes

    Universalist- Aims for “one-size-fits-all” solutions

    Uniqueness of Tribal Knowledge Systems

    Ecology-Centred Knowledge – Eg- Baiga tribe (Madhya Pradesh) practising bewar (shifting cultivation) with long fallow cycles that allow forest regeneration.

    Sustainability and Conservation Ethic – Resource use governed by restraint and regeneration. Eg- Sacred groves.

    Oral Transmission of Knowledge through folklore, rituals, and practice. Eg- Santhal songs encoding agricultural seasons and crop cycles.

    Community Ownership of Knowledge rather than individual control. Eg- Seed sharing by Maliya Kondh tribe in Odisha during Burlang Yatra

    Holistic Worldview – No rigid separation between nature, religion, economy, and culture. Eg- Dongria Kondh (Odisha) worship Niyamgiri hills as a living deity.

    Indigenous Medical Systems – Plant-based, preventive, and locally adapted healthcare. Eg- Irula tribe (Tamil Nadu) using forest herbs for snakebite treatment.

    Climate and Weather Prediction Skills – Eg- Bhils predicting monsoon patterns through bird migration and flowering cycles.

    Low-Cost, Locally Available Technologies – Eg- Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya

    Cultural sanctions regulate exploitation of resources. Eg- Hunting restrictions during breeding seasons among Gonds.

    Cultural Continuity – Eg- Tribal festivals like Sarhul among Mundas reinforcing ecological and social values.

    Measures taken to preserve tribal knowledge systems in India

    Tribal Health Care Research Programme (THCRP) for collecting information on folk medicines / traditional practices

    Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) – to create digital knowledge repository

    PM Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PM-JVM) to promote “forest-based livelihoods.”

    UNDPs North-East India Biocultural Initiative (NEBI) for revitalizing traditional knowledge and promoting ecosystem-based solutions

    Adi Sanskriti – “world’s first digital university to preserve and promote the culture and knowledge of tribal communities.”

    In an era of climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainability crises, integrating tribal knowledge is essential for achieving inclusive and sustainable development.

  • What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect global society? Has it been affecting Indian society also? (250 words)

    Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency designed to function as a medium of exchange. Unlike traditional money , it does not exist in physical form and is not issued by the central bank.

    Key Features of Cryptocurrency

    Decentralization- Operates on a peer-to-peer network, no need for intermediaries like banks.

    Blockchain Technology- A distributed ledger that records all transactions

    Cryptography- Uses advanced mathematical protocols to secure transactions.

    Immutability- Once a transaction is recorded on the blockchain, it cannot be altered or deleted.

    Limited Supply- Most cryptos (like Bitcoin) have a mathematical cap on their total supply.

    Pseudonymity- Transactions are tied to digital “wallet addresses” rather than personal identities.

    Global Accessibility- Can be accessed by anyone with an internet connection

    Eg- Bitcoin, Ethereum, stablecoins, and central-bank-linked digital assets (CBDCs as a response).

    Positive Impacts

    Financial Inclusion- Provides banking services to the “unbanked” in developing nations.

    Lower Remittance Costs- Enables migrants to send money home with negligible fees compared to traditional services like Western Union.

    Hedge Against Inflation- Citizens in economies with hyperinflation (e.g., Venezuela, Argentina) use stablecoins to preserve their wealth.

    Innovation in Digital Economy – Growth of DeFi, NFTs, and Web3.

    Portfolio diversification for investors. Eg- crypto trading apps like Binance

    Transparency and Traceability – Public blockchains enable transaction audits.

    Tech Innovation and Employment – Eg- Bengaluru has solidified its position as a global Web3 Hub

    Boost to Digital Literacy – Awareness of encryption, wallets, and cyber hygiene.

    Catalyst for Regulatory Innovation – Eg- Introduction of Reserve Bank of India’s Digital Rupee (CBDC).

    Institutional Efficiency- Major global banks (e.g., JP Morgan) now use blockchain for near-instant cross-border settlements.

    Negative Impacts

    Extreme Volatility- Sudden price crashes can lead to catastrophic financial losses for uninformed retail investors. Eg- 2022 Terra-Luna collapse

    Environmental Concerns- “Proof of Work” mining consumes massive electricity. Eg- Bitcoin mining consumes more energy than mid-sized countries like Norway.

    Illicit Activities- Used by cybercriminals for money laundering, terror funding, and ransomware payments.

    Lack of uniform global laws leads to “regulatory arbitrage.” Eg- FTX exchange collapse revealing massive gaps in jurisdictional oversight.

    Security Risks- Sophisticated hacking of exchanges has resulted in the theft of millions in user funds. Eg- 2024 WazirX breach

    Psychological Stress- The 24/7 nature of the market has led to “crypto-addiction” and increased anxiety among younger Gen-Z investors.

    Speculative Bubble Behaviour – Prices driven by hype rather than fundamentals. Eg- Sharp rises and falls in meme-based tokens.

    Digital Divide – Benefits skewed towards urban, tech-savvy populations.

    Widespread use of private crypto can weaken a central bank’s control over inflation.

    The way forward lies in balanced regulation, public awareness, and responsible integration, ensuring that innovation serves economic development and social welfare, not unchecked speculation.

  • Explore and evaluate the impact of ‘Work From Home’ on family relationships.

    The Work From Home (WFH) model, accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, has reconfigured the interface between work and family.

    Positive Impacts of WFH on Family Relationships

    Increased Family Time and financial stability due to reduced commuting time and cost

    Strengthening of Emotional Bonds – Eg- Shared meals and daily conversations improving marital and parent-child relationships.

    Improved value transmission and greater “parent watch” over children.

    Opportunity for renegotiation of gender roles. Eg- Increased involvement of men in childcare and household responsibilities.

    Support for Elderly Care – Easier supervision and emotional support for ageing parents.

    Improved Work-Life Balance – Flexibility in scheduling family and work commitments.

    Greater flexibility in work led to an increased number of women entering the workforce.

    Negative Impacts of WFH on Family Relationships

    Blurring of Work-Family Boundaries – Eg- Extended work hours causing stress and irritability.

    Constant proximity–

    Reduction in personal space and time leading to conflicts as reflected in increasing divorce rates

    Rise in cases of domestic violence during COVID

    Dual Burden on Women – paid work + disproportionate housework and care duties.

    Mental Health Strain – Isolation from colleagues leading to isolation and loneliness.

    Sedentary Family Habits- Parents and children transitioning directly from work/school screens to leisure screens without leaving the house.

    Lower-income households face stress due to cramped living conditions and unstable jobs.

    Way Forward

    Clear work-hour norms to protect family time

    Gender-sensitive workplace policies

    Mental health support for employees

    Hybrid work models offering flexibility

    The right to disconnect Bill needs to be passed to ensure work life balance in the WFH context.

  • How is the growth of Tier 2 cities related to the rise of a new middle class with an emphasis on the culture of consumption?

    Tier 2 cities are urban centers with a population between 50,000 and 100,000. Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities house over 51% of MSMEs and are witnessing a 20-25% annual growth in organized retail.

    Reasons for Growth of Tier 2 Cities

    Infrastructure Push- Projects like Bharatmala and PM Gati Shakti. Eg- Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway

    Increasing industrialization and urbanization – 37% population living in cities

    Regional Air Connectivity under UDAN Scheme increasing accessibility.

    IT Decentralization- Companies moving to “Spoke-and-Hub” models in cities like Kochi.

    Reverse Migration among skilled professionals due to work from home culture and increasing cost of living in Tier-1 cities

    Lower Cost of Operations for startups.

    Educational Hubs-expansion of IITs, IIMs, and private universities in cities like Jodhpur and Bhubaneswar.

    Smart Cities Mission- Digital and civic upgrades in 100 cities improving “Ease of Living.”

    Linkages between growth of tier-2 cities and the new consumption-oriented middle class

    Economic Decentralisation – Movement of industries and services beyond metros has generated stable salaried employment.

    Rising Disposable Incomes due to rising incomes and lower cost of living allows higher discretionary spending.

    Real Estate Boom – Growth of housing, malls, multiplexes, and gated communities reshape lifestyles.

    Expansion of organised retail, food chains, and lifestyle services cater to aspirational consumers. Eg- Zudio, McDonald in tier-2 cities

    E-commerce Penetration- Deep logistics networks by Amazon and Flipkart

    Digital Penetration – Internet, smartphones, and OTT platforms diffuse global consumer culture. Eg- Online shopping and influencer-driven consumption.

    Cultural Shift from Necessity to Lifestyle Consumption – Travel, dining out, fitness centres, and entertainment becoming routine expenses. Eg- fitness chains like Cult.fit

    Credit Expansion – Easy access to loans and EMIs fuels consumption. Eg- Buy Now, Pay Later option.

    Changing Social Values – Individualism and aspiration replace frugality and traditional restraint.

    Ensuring that consumption-led growth is inclusive and sustainable is needed to make Tier-2 cities as engines of equitable urban development.

  • Elucidate the relationship between globalization and new technology in a world of scarce resources, with special reference to India.

    Thomas Friedman defines globalization as the inexorable integration of markets, nation-states, and technologies, making it farther, faster, deeper, and cheaper. It has accelerated the diffusion of technology thereby enabling efficient use, substitution, and management of scarce resources.

    Relationship between globalisation and new technology

    New technologies reduce the constraints of distance, time, and cost.

    Efficient Resource Utilisation– Eg- Precision agriculture using satellite data and sensors to reduce water and fertiliser use.

    Shift from Resource-Intensive to Knowledge-Intensive Growth– Eg- India’s IT-ITeS sector generating exports with minimal material input compared to manufacturing.

    Global Diffusion of cleaner and resource-efficient technologies. Eg- Solar and wind technologies.

    Integration into Global Value Chains (GVCs) – Technology enables countries to specialise in specific stages of production. Eg- India as the pharmacy of the world.

    Resource constraints stimulate technological innovation for low-cost solutions for energy, healthcare, and mobility. Eg- telemedicine under eSanjeevani

    The Circular Economy- Globalization facilitates the trade of “waste-as-resource” across borders.

    Exposure to global markets compels efficiency and innovation. Eg- Indian manufacturing adopting automation and Industry 4.0 to remain competitive.

    Technology for Resource Governance– GIS, remote sensing, and digital dashboards used for water management and climate action in India.

    Collaborative R&D- globalization pools global intellect. Eg- ITER project for nuclear fusion involving the EU, US, India, and China.

    Negative Impacts

    Unsustainable Extraction of mineral resources- Eg- Massive Lithium mining in South America to fuel the global EV boom.

    E-Waste Accumulation- Eg- Humanity produces 62 million tonnes of electronic waste every year.

    Technological Imperialism- Eg- Disputes over “Intellectual Property Rights” (IPR) for high-efficiency carbon-capture tech.

    Carbon Footprint of Logistics- Eg- global shipping and aviation account for ~10% of CO2 emissions.

    Digital Divide- Access to tech itself becomes a “scarce resource.” Eg- Only 40% of the Global South having access to 5G.

    Global competition for resources leading to conflicts

    China’s weaponization of rare earth supply chains.

    US attempt to take over Greenland

    Obsolescence by Design- Tech firms globally produce short-lived products to drive sales, wasting minerals. Eg- Smartphones designed with non-replaceable batteries.

    Labor Exploitation for Resources- Eg- Child labor in Cobalt mines in the DRC.

    Impact on India

    For India, the path forward lies in “Frugal Innovation” to ensure that the digital revolution does not come at the cost of the environment.

  • Are tolerance, assimilation and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of secularism? Justify your answer.

    Secularism in the Indian context implies a “principled distance”, ensuring freedom of conscience while upholding constitutional morality, equality, and public order.

    Key Elements of Indian Secularism

    Tolerance

    Historical coexistence of faiths – Eg- Coexistence of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism over centuries.

    Constitutional protection – Freedom to profess, practice, and propagate religion under Articles 25 reflects tolerance towards different religious practices

    Sarva Dharma Sambhava remains the philosophical bedrock of Indian secularism, ensuring no single religion is prioritized.

    Article 51A (f)- Mandates a Fundamental Duty to “value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.”

    India’s history of sheltering persecuted communities (Parsis, Jews, Tibetans) highlights civilizational tolerance.

    Assimilation

    Cultural assimilation through syncretism – Eg- Bhakti-Sufi traditions blending devotional practices.

    Rejection of forced assimilation – Eg- protection to cultural practices of tribals under 6th schedule

    Linguistic Assimilation- Eighth Schedule reflects an assimilation of Sanskrit, and regional dialects.

    Architecture and Art- The Indo-Islamic style (Taj Mahal, Red Fort) is a physical manifestation of the assimilation of two distinct cultural worlds.

    Only practices violating equality and dignity are reformed. Eg- Abolition of untouchability under Article 17.

    Pluralism as the core principle

    Recognition of diversity as intrinsic – Eg- Legal recognition of multiple personal laws.

    Indian secularism emphasizes principled distance (Rajeev Bhargava) rather than equidistance. Eg- State support for pilgrimages.

    Article 29 & 30- Provides the “Right of Minorities” to establish and administer educational institutions, protecting their distinct language, script, or culture.

    Religious Denominations (Article 26)- Grants every religious group the right to manage their own affairs in matters of religion.

    National holidays on festivals of all religions. Eg- diwali, eid etc

    Other Aspects of Indian Secularism

    Reformatory Justice- state can intervene in religion to ban harmful practices like Sati, or Triple Talaq.

    State Funding to religious schools as long as they meet secular educational standards.

    Substantive Equality- It focuses on equality between religious groups as much as equality within them.

    Practiced as principled neutrality with respect for pluralism, Indian secularism protects both cultural practices and constitutional values.

  • Given the diversities among tribal communities in India, in which specific contexts should they be considered as a single category ?

    India’s 110 million tribal population (8.6%) comprise over 705 distinct ethnic groups. However, they are legally and politically unified under the category of “Scheduled Tribes” (STs).

    Diversities Among Tribal Communities in India

    Ethnic and Racial – Negrito (Andamanese) and Proto-Australoid (Central Indian tribes) to Mongoloid (Northeast tribes).

    Modes of Subsistence- Hunter-Gatherers (Sentinels), Pastoralists (Toda), Shifting Cultivators (Jhumias of Mizoram), Settled Agriculturists (Meenas of).

    Geographical Dispersion- arid deserts of Rajasthan (Bhils), high Himalayas (Gaddis), tropical rainforests of the Andamans.

    Social Organization- Matrilineal societies of Meghalaya (Khasis, Garos), Patrilineal systems of Central India.

    Religious Beliefs- Sarnaism (nature worship), Christianity (Northeast), Buddhism (Ladakh), or Hinduism (Central India).

    Demographic Scale- Gonds and Bhils number in millions, PVTGs like the Great Andamanese fewer than 50 members.

    Educational Attainment- nearly 90% in Mizoram to less than 30% among PVTGs in Chhattisgarh.

    Specific contexts where tribes can be considered as a single category

    Political Representation and Voice – limited representation in “cabinet” as well as in administration. Eg- less than 5% SC/ST at secretary level

    Constitutional and Legal Safeguards – Unified recognition as Scheduled Tribes for protective discrimination. Eg- Fifth and Sixth Schedule, reservations in education, employment, and legislatures.

    Administrative Planning and Resource Allocation – Eg- Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP)

    Historical Experience of Marginalisation – Shared legacy of colonial forest policies, land alienation, and erosion of autonomy.

    Structural Economic Deprivation – Common patterns of poverty, livelihood insecurity, and dependence on primary resources.

    Human Development Deficits – Similar disadvantages in nutrition, health, and education indicators at the aggregate level.

    Vulnerability to Displacement and Development Projects – Disproportionate impact of mining, dams, and conservation projects on tribal regions.

    Social Exclusion and Discrimination – Limited access to education, healthcare, markets, and political institutions across regions.

    Ecological and Livelihood Linkages – Shared dependence on forests, land, and commons for survival. Eg- shifting cultivation

    Implementing SC judgment on sub-categorization (Davinder Singh case) can help avoid over-homogenisation and one-size-fits for all approach

  • Analyse the salience of ‘sect’ in Indian society vis-a-vis caste, region and religion.

    In Indian society, sect refers to a religious-spiritual subgroup organised around a shared doctrine, deity, guru, or ritual practice. Unlike caste, region, and religion, which are largely ascriptive identities, sects are voluntary and belief-based.

    Salience of Sect in Indian Society

    Sect vis-a-vis Caste

    Transcending caste boundaries – Eg- Bhakti sects like Kabir Panth rejecting caste distinctions.

    Alternative social identity – Provides dignity to marginalised castes. Eg- Ravidassia sect among Dalits.

    Avenue for Social Mobility- Eg- Many lower-caste groups in North India joined the Arya Samaj to gain social respectability through Vedic education.

    Sects bridge the divide between different castes by focusing on a shared devotion to a guru or deity.

    However, caste infiltration persists. Eg- Vaishnava sects dominated by upper castes in leadership roles.

    Sect vis-a-vis Religion

    Sub-religious pluralism – Sects allow diversity within a single religion.

    Shaiva, Vaishnava, Shakti and Smartism within Hinduism

    Sunni-Shia within Islam.

    Himayana, Mahayana, Vajrayana within Buddhism

    Digambara and swetambara within Jainism

    Personalised spirituality – Emphasis on devotion rather than dogma. Eg- Bhakti and Sufi sects focusing on bhakti and ishq.

    Instrument of reform – Challenges orthodoxy and ritualism. Eg- Buddhism and Jainism emerging as sect-like reform movements.

    Charismatic Leadership (Guru-Cults) – sects are often centered around a living or historical spiritual guide. Eg- Raja Rammohan Roy (Brahmo Samaj)

    Sectarian identity can sometimes create friction. Eg- Friction between Thenkalai and Vadakalai sects over the prayers offered at the Sri Devarajaswamy Temple in Kanchipuram.

    Modern “New Age” sects help urbanites reconnect with their religion in a contemporary, simplified way. Eg- ISKCON (Hare Krishna movement)

    Sect vis-a-vis Region

    Regional localisation of sects – Sects adapt to local languages and cultures. Eg- Varkari sect in Maharashtra, Lingayat sect in Karnataka.

    Cultural integration – Sect strengthens regional identity while retaining pan-Indian appeal. Eg- Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s Vaishnavism in Bengal.

    Sect builds social cohesion and strong community bonds within a region. Eg- Sikh Panth.

    Sect as a tool of political and social mobilization within a specific region. Eg- Lingayat movement seeking minority religion status.

    The sect occupies a unique intermediate position in Indian society, less rigid than caste, more flexible than religion, and more fluid than region. It has played a crucial role in spiritual democratisation and social cohesion.

  • Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children.

    Socialization is the process through which children internalize values, norms, emotions, and social skills. Increasing substitution of physical affection with mobile phones is reshaping this process.

    Impact on the Socialization of Children

    Negative Impacts

    Excessive digital mediation risks creating “emotionally under-nurtured but digitally over-stimulated” children.

    Weakening of Emotional Bonding – Reduced physical affection hampers secure attachment formation.

    Delayed Emotional Development as screens cannot reciprocate emotions. Eg- Children struggle to recognise empathy, affection, and emotional cues.

    Impaired Language and Communication Skills due to limited verbal interaction.

    Excessive screen use affects self-regulation. Eg- Short attention span and impulsive behaviour.

    Erosion of Family Interaction – Eg- Children engaged with phones during meals instead of conversation.

    Reduced Moral and Value Transmission – Informal teaching through interaction declines. Eg- absence of grand parents in nuclear families

    Social Isolation – Digital engagement replaces real-world relationships.

    Early Consumerist Socialization – Eg- Desire for gadgets and branded products influenced by online media.

    Decline in physical activities lead to health issues. Eg- Roughly 188 million children (1 in 10) are living with obesity in 2025 (UNICEF)

    Positive Impacts

    Early Cognitive Stimulation – Eg- Storytelling and alphabet-learning apps supporting early literacy.

    Digital Social Skills – Familiarity with digital interaction norms prepares children for digital future. Eg- emojis

    Bridging Physical Distance and maintaining emotional bonds with distant family. Eg- Video calls with grandparents.

    Encourages curiosity and self-directed learning. Eg- Interactive games requiring problem-solving.

    Cultural Awareness- Apps expose children to diverse languages and social norms. Eg- learning about Indian history through an educational YouTube series.

    Healthy socialization requires balanced parenting, where human touch and attention remain central, and screens are used sparingly and purposefully.