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Indian Express
5 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
Mains answer practice — GS 1 : Questions on Maratha Military Landscapes and National Education Policy (Week 111)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today's answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-1 to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has introduced multiple measures to bridge the gender gap in education. However, societal norms, infrastructure deficits, and implementation gaps continue to hinder its full potential. Discuss. The recent inscription of the Maratha Military Landscapes—twelve Maratha forts spanning Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu—as a UNESCO World Heritage Site highlights India's assertion of its civilisational identity on the global stage. Discuss. Introduction — The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction. — It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts. Body — It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content. — The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points. — Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse. — Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer. — Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used logically and only where it is required. Way forward/ conclusion — The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction. — You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers. Self Evaluation — It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers. QUESTION 1: The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has introduced multiple measures to bridge the gender gap in education. However, societal norms, infrastructure deficits, and implementation gaps continue to hinder its full potential. Discuss. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — July 12 is celebrated as Malala Day, which honours the bravery of Malala Yousafzai, who has become a symbol of the fight for girls' education. Her story continues to inspire global efforts to ensure equitable and inclusive education. — The NEP, which replaced the National Education Policy of 1986, gives a comprehensive framework for both school and higher education. The objective is to make India's education more inclusive, equitable, holistic, multidisciplinary and flexible. Body: — The NEP underlines India's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and encourage lifelong learning opportunities for all. — It also seeks to rectify existing gender disparities through its measures. This is consistent with SDG 5, which seeks to promote gender equality and empower all women and girls. — The key priority areas of NEP 2020 in terms of gender are access and equity, curriculum and infrastructure development, and gender sensitisation. — When it comes to school education, India has achieved tremendous progress in females' enrolment since the passage of the Right to Education Act in 2009. According to the publication The Indian Economy: A Review, which was released by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in January 2024, the female gross enrolment ratio (GER) in higher education climbed from 6.7% in 2000-01 to 27.9% in 2020-21. According to the same survey, more girls than boys are currently pursuing higher education. — However, school dropout rates remain a worry. According to the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE), in 2021-22, 12.6% of students dropped out of secondary (9-10 class), 3% from upper primary (6-8 class), and 1.5% from elementary education (1-5 class). Notably, the average dropout rate for girls in primary education is 1.4%, followed by 3.3% in upper primary and 12.3% in secondary school. — The NEP 2020 intends to reduce dropout rates by achieving a 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in school education by 2030. As part of this endeavour, the government intends to establish a Gender Inclusion Fund (GIF), which will be accessible to states to build inclusive, safe, and sanitary facilities in schools, such as hostels and bathrooms. Conclusion: — The NEP acknowledges gender sensitivity as a necessary ability for all students and promotes gender equality as an inherent aspect of the curriculum. However, measures such as putting more emphasis on developing a gender-sensitive curriculum, incorporating sex education and menstrual health into school education, and raising awareness among girls, particularly in rural areas, about their legal, financial, and digital rights are critical for empowering them to be self-sufficient. — The NEP also urges governments to take initiatives to improve gender balance in admissions to higher education institutions. To facilitate this, professional social workers, counsellors, and teachers will need to mediate between parents and HEIs, allowing women to continue their education at higher levels. — Gender equality is viewed as a cross-cutting concern to be addressed in the NEP 2020. However, structural resistance to gender equity originates in families and society. As a result, effective implementation of the NEP on the ground would necessitate ongoing collaboration with non-governmental organisations and communities. To read more: Malala Day 2025: How India's NEP seeks to bridge gender gap in education Points to Ponder Read more about NEP Who was Malala Yousafzai? Related Previous Year Questions Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (2021) How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer. (2019) QUESTION 2: The recent inscription of the Maratha Military Landscapes—twelve Maratha forts spanning Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu—as a UNESCO World Heritage Site highlights India's assertion of its civilisational identity on the global stage. Discuss. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — Maratha military landscapes of India have been recently included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. UNESCO described the inscription as including 12 major fortifications, 11 of which are in Maharashtra, and one in Tamil Nadu. — These forts were built, adapted, or expanded by the Marathas between the late 17th and early 19th centuries. The forts are strategically located on coastal and mountainous terrain which formed a complex defence system supporting Maratha military dominance, trade protection, and territorial control. Body: Maratha military landscapes of India 1. Raigad Fort — Raigad fort was formerly the capital of the Maratha Empire due to its strategic location and massive size. It is located in Maharashtra's north Konkan area. The fort is surrounded by deep valleys, and access is only via a steep approach in front. — The fort is significant in Marathi history since it was here in 1674 CE that Shivaji Maharaj was crowned and given the title of Chhatrapati. The Mughals took control of the fort in 1689 CE, followed by the Ahmadnagar Sultanate in 1707 CE, before returning to the Marathas about 1727 CE. The British eventually took over the fort in 1818 CE. 2. Pratapgad Fort — Pratapgad Fort, built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1656, is located in the harsh environment of the Western Ghats, 24 kilometres from Mahabaleshwar. — The fort is well-known for its defensive architecture, which is regarded as a symbol of strategic ingenuity. The Upper Fort at Pratapgad served as an observation point, with strong, tall walls. The Lower Fort, built down the hillside, was critical to defending the fort's buildings. 3. Panhala Fort — Panhala Fort near Kolhapur was designed to be a self-sustaining settlement. Originally built in the 12th century CE by the Shilaharas, a feudatory dynasty of the Rashtrakutas who ultimately founded their independent kingdom, the fort was occupied by the Yadavas of the Deccan, the Bahmani sultanate, the Adil Shahi kingdom of Bijapur, and finally the Marathas. 4. Shivneri Fort — Shivneri Fort, located near Junnar in Pune district, is the birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj. The antiquity of the fort, triangular in shape and surrounded by cliffs, dates back to the 6th century CE, when it was built as a strategic military outpost. 5. Lohagad Fort — The 'Iron Fort' near Lonavala was originally built by the Lohtamia dynasty in the 10th century CE and later passed into the possession of the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Yadavas, Bahmanis, Nizam Shahis, Mughals, and eventually the Marathas. — Shivaji Maharaj captured the fort in 1648, but was compelled to surrender it to the Mughals in 1665. In 1670, the Marathas recovered the fort, which was then utilised as a storage facility for the booty from the Surat expedition. 6. Salher Fort — Salher Fort is located in Satana taluka of Nashik district, near the village of Salher. It is a significant landmark of the Sahayadri mountain range, the highest fort in Maharashtra and one of the highest in the Western Ghats, located at a height 1,567 metres (5,141 feet). 7. Sindhudurg Fort — The fort stands on the island of Khurte in the Arabian Sea, off the Konkan coast. It was constructed in 1664-67 by Hiroji Indulkar, the chief military engineer of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, to provide a secure base for maritime operations against the Portuguese, the British, and the local Siddis. 8. Suvarnadurg Fort — The 'Golden Fortress' is another island fortification erected by Shivaji Maharaj near Harnai port in Ratnagiri district. Suvarnadurg has a sibling stronghold on the mainland called Kanakadurga; the two constructions were once joined by a tunnel, which is no longer operational. — Suvarnadurg, originally established by the Adil Shahi dynasty, was conquered and renovated by Shivaji in 1660. As a key base for the Maratha fleet, it served as both a fortification and a shipbuilding yard. 9. Vijaydurg Fort — One of the oldest of the Maratha forts, the 'Fort of Victory' on the Arabian Sea coast in present-day Sindhudurg district was originally built by the Shilahar dynasty in the late 12th century. It was then known as Gheria. 10. Khanderi Fort — Khanderi, a small island off the coast of Alibaug, was fortified by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1679 to secure Maratha control over the coastal waters. 11. Rajgad Fort — The young Shivaji Maharaj took the 'King of Forts' in 1647 and used it as his capital for 26 years before establishing Raigad. This is where Shivaji Maharaj's son, Rajaram I, was born and his first wife, Saibai, died. It was also the fort where Shivaji Maharaj planned several of his military battles and kept the treasure from the Surat war of 1664. 12. Gingee Fort — Gingee Fort, located in Tamil Nadu's Villupuram district, is regarded as one of Peninsular India's most powerful fortresses. Gingee, like many other forts, has served as a bastion for various dynasties, including the Vijayanagar Nayaks, Bijapur Sultans, Mughals, Marathas, French, and English. (Source: From the Sahyadris to the sea: The 12 Maratha fortresses in UNESCO World Heritage List) To read more: Knowledge Nugget: Why are the Maratha Military Landscapes relevant for the UPSC exam? Points to Ponder Read about other important forts in Maharashtra Read in detail about each of the 12 forts Related Previous Year Question Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss. (2018) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 110) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 111) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 110) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 111) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 110) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 109) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
Indian Express
11-07-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Mains answer practice — GS 1 : Questions on gender gap and threats of glacier melt (Week 110)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today's answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-1 to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Discuss how socio-economic, cultural, and structural gender gaps are shaping reproductive choices and contributing to India's fertility decline. Discuss the dual threats of glacier melt and erratic monsoon patterns to Himalayan river systems. Introduction — The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction. — It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts. Body — It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content. — The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points. — Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse. — Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer. — Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used logically and only where it is required. Way forward/ conclusion — The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction. — You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers. Self Evaluation — It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers. QUESTION 1: Discuss how socio-economic, cultural, and structural gender gaps are shaping reproductive choices and contributing to India's fertility decline. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction — The Global Gender Gap Report relies on the groundwork laid by previous programs such as the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), established in 1984, and the 1995 Beijing World Conference on Women, which have helped promote gender equality. — Gender equality was reinforced as a global goal in 2015 when it was listed as Sustainable Development Goal 5 in the United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development, which is set to be realised by 2030. — The Global Gender Gap Report is significant because policymakers use it to monitor progress towards reducing gender inequality. If one looks at India's performance in the most recent report, the parity score is 64.1%, one of the lowest in South Asia. In the third parameter, health and survival, India has improved its scores for sex ratio at birth and healthy life expectancy. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — There are concerns over the declining fertility rate. India's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) – the average number of children per woman – has dropped to 2.0, according to the United Nations Population Fund's (UNFPA) State of World Population Report 2025. — A TFR of 2 is considered the replacement level as two kids will replace their parents. But since some kids die, the replacement level is considered as 2.1. Hence, India's TFR has fallen below the replacement level of 2.1. — The dropping fertility rate is also linked to India's ranking in the Global Gender Gap Index, demonstrating how external factors influence reproductive freedom and choice. Economic, social, cultural, and political variables all influence couples' choices to have fewer or no children. Fertility is thus a socially manufactured outcome rather than a question of individual choice. — In a survey by the UNFPA and YouGov conducted in 14 countries, including India, 20 per cent of respondents were of the view that they may be unable to have the number of children they want. One in five cited future concerns like climate change, war and pandemics as reasons behind having fewer children. — Furthermore, there are significant geographical variations in fertility rates throughout India. According to the NFHS-5, just five states—Bihar (2.98), Uttar Pradesh (2.35), Jharkhand (2.26), Meghalaya (2.91), and Manipur (2.17)—continue to exceed the replacement rate of 2.1. In comparison, southern and western states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat have fertility rates below replacement norms, ranging from 1.6 to 1.9. TFR has also decreased in both urban (1.6) and rural (2.2) areas. — High fertility rates are frequently related with increased demand on public infrastructure and lower levels of women's education and agency, whereas low fertility rates raise worries about improved economic and social stability. Although the fall in fertility is sometimes viewed as a result of women's choices, the reality is more complicated. The state and society have a vital role in generating enabling conditions for parenthood, particularly motherhood. It includes guaranteeing equal access to healthcare and defending reproductive rights. — According to the NFHS 2019-21, Andhra Pradesh reported a TFR of 1.47 in urban areas and 1.78 in rural areas, both significantly lower than the replacement level of 2.1. However, simply recommending that couples have more children is insufficient. Concrete guarantees that provide economic and social stability would help make motherhood a viable option. — Domestic obligations and parenthood must go beyond gendered norms to address the dropping fertility rate. It is not a 'women's issue,' but one that must be addressed at both the societal and policy levels. After all, caste, religion, and patriarchy all have a strong influence on fertility choices in India. Conclusion: — The dropping birth rate must be viewed in the light of larger socioeconomic and institutional challenges. According to the UNFPA and YouGov poll, men and women's desires for motherhood are changing. Furthermore, in India, women make few reproductive decisions on their own. Social pressure, particularly a preference for male children, influences women's reproductive decisions. (Source: What gender gap lens reveals about declining fertility rate) Points to Ponder Read about Global Gender Gap Report Read about fertility rate Related Previous Year Questions What is regional disparity? How does it differ from diversity? How serious is the issue of regional disparity in India? (2024) Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian society. (2023) QUESTION 2: Discuss the dual threats of glacier melt and erratic monsoon patterns to Himalayan river systems. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — The floods causing havoc in Himachal Pradesh demonstrate the catastrophic potential of climate change-induced weather patterns. Early in the monsoon, torrential rains caused a series of cloudbursts in Mandi, Kullu, and Chamba districts, resulting in landslides, road closures, and fatalities. — The entire economic loss in the region surpasses Rs 700 crore, and the environmental impact is equally serious. Heavy rainfall eroded soil, deposited sediment, and damaged agricultural lands, exacerbating the local community's predicament. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — India's Himalayan provinces, including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and parts of Nepal and Bhutan, have seen an increase in extreme weather occurrences during the previous decade. — This upward tendency is not accidental. Scientists relate it to global climate change, which has a fundamental impact on regional weather systems. The implications are significant. More severe storms, unpredictable rainfall, rapid glacier melting, and increased flooding. — One of the primary consequences of global warming is increased atmospheric moisture. As the Earth's average temperature rises due to increased greenhouse gas concentrations, the atmosphere can contain around 7% more water vapour every degree Celsius increase. This extra moisture means that when conditions are ideal, rainfall becomes heavier and more severe. — In the Himalayas, this means more frequent and intense cloudbursts, which are rapid, localised heavy rains that can dump hundreds of millimetres of water in hours. These events frequently cause flash floods, damaging downstream villages with little notice. — Himalayan glaciers are melting at unprecedented rates, with some shedding up to 30 metres of ice thickness per year. This melting immediately affects river flow levels, particularly during the summer months, raising the risk of floods during severe monsoons. — The proximity of these glaciers, combined with heavy rainfall, increased the volume of water in rivers such as the Beas, Yamuna, and Ganges, which can overflow, eroding banks and flooding communities. Conclusion: — The Himalayan region is especially vulnerable due to its complicated topography. Mountain slopes quickly funnel rainwater into valleys, and unstable slopes make the terrain prone to landslides, exacerbating flood risks. — The repeated relocation and damage put a burden on government resources and pose a challenge to disaster response systems. Many rural villages lack basic infrastructure and early warning systems, leaving them particularly susceptible. — Incorporating local geology and hydrology into planning can greatly reduce vulnerability, ensuring that infrastructure remains operational even during extreme occurrences. Furthermore, adopting sustainable land-use techniques like afforestation and slope stabilisation can help avoid soil erosion and landslides, which are common after severe rains. (Source: Himachal floods: How can Himalayan region safeguard its people, heritage, ecosystems from climate change?) Points to Ponder Read about melting of glaciers Interlinking of rivers Related Previous Year Questions What is the phenomenon of 'Cloudbursts'? Explain. (2024) The groundwater potential of the Gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India? (2024) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 110) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 109) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 110) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 109) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 108) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 109) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
Indian Express
04-07-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Mains answer practice — GS 1 : Questions on significance of the Ambubachi festival and jet streams (Week 109)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today's answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-1 to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Discuss the role of Ambubachi festival in shaping religious tourism and local economies in North-East India. Discuss the formation, characteristics, and seasonal variability of jet streams. How does modern aviation strategically utilises these atmospheric currents, citing their benefits and potential hazards? Introduction — The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction. — It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts. Body — It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content. — The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points. — Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse. — Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer. — Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used logically and only where it is required. Way forward/ conclusion — The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction. — You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers. Self Evaluation — It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers. QUESTION 1: Discuss the role of Ambubachi festival in shaping religious tourism and local economies in North-East India. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — The event takes place during the monsoon season, usually in June, at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, which is a shrine to the Goddess Kamakhya and one of the most prominent Tantrik Shakti centres. — The event is associated with fertility, the beginning of the monsoon season, and the common historical connotation of a fertile woman among nations on Earth. The name 'Ambubachi' literally means 'water flowing.' Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — During Ambubachi, devotees at this spot are said to have access to the creative and nurturing power of mother Earth's'menses' during monsoon rain. During this time, all agricultural activities, including ploughing and sowing, are suspended. — The Kamakhya Temple has a long and complicated history, reaching back at least to the early years of the Common Era, but its beginnings are thought to be far older. It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, most notably in the 16th century by Koch monarch Naranarayana, giving the current edifice a mix of ancient and mediaeval architecture. — 'Ambubachi' means 'spoken with water,' and it signifies that the rains expected this month would make the ground fruitful and suitable for conception. Daily worship is halted at this time. All agricultural activities, including digging, ploughing, sowing, and transplanting crops, are outlawed. — The concept of Ambubachi thus has formative effects, as well as components of agricultural, social, and religious beliefs that have led to the phenomenon's emergence. It is thus symbolic and religiously sanctioned. Conclusion: — The Ambubachi period is thought to correspond to the goddess's annual menstruation, and the shrine is shuttered during this time. At the end of the period, the shrine's doors are ceremonially opened, and devotees flock to see the deity. This year, the shrine remained closed from June 22 to 25, then reopened on June 26. (Source: Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhya temple: Significance of major Assam religious festival, Points to Ponder Read about other important festivals of North-East India Related Previous Year Questions How does Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes taking place in it. (2021) QUESTION 2: Discuss the formation, characteristics, and seasonal variability of jet streams. How does modern aviation strategically utilises these atmospheric currents, citing their benefits and potential hazards? Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — Jet streams are narrow bands of high winds that travel thousands of miles from west to east. Major jet streams are found near the higher regions of the atmosphere, around 9 to 16 kilometres above the earth's surface, and can reach speeds of over 320 kph. — The jet streams move to the north or south depending on the season. During the winter, the wind current is strongest. They are also closer to the equator in the winter. — The three main jet streams are the Polar Front, Subtropical, and Tropical jet streams. In India, the tropical jet stream influences the origin and duration of the summer monsoon. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: Formation of Jet Streams — They are generated because of two key ingredients: rotation and heating. — The earth is unevenly heated due to the disproportionate concentration of solar heating in the tropics and the absence of warmth at the poles. This causes the atmosphere to move, as some particles of air become warmer and more buoyant than others. But the globe also rotates, which limits the resulting fluid flow, notably in the north-south direction. These two elements cause the ensuing flow to spread west-eastward and produce jet streams. Characteristics of Jet Streams — These are narrow bands of strong winds blowing from west to east. — They follow the boundary between hot and cold air. — During the winter months in both the northern and southern hemispheres, jet streams are at their fiercest. Conclusion: How does modern aviation utilise atmospheric currents? — Most commercial flights fly at jet stream altitude, and a strong jet stream can offer a powerful tailwind to a trip heading from west to east, such as the British Airways journey from New York to London. This helps to minimise travel time for such planes by increasing their speeds. — Modern aviation takes advantage of air currents in several important ways: — Jet streams, or high-altitude winds, can considerably cut flight time and fuel consumption when flown with, whereas turbulence, another atmospheric phenomenon, necessitates careful management and mitigation measures. — Airlines intentionally plan routes to use jet streams for eastward trips, decreasing travel time and fuel consumption. They avoid regions of known turbulence to protect passenger comfort and safety. (Source: What is a jet stream, which helped a flight beat speed record?, Points to Ponder Read about polar vortices, and atmospheric rivers What are Rossby waves? Related Previous Year Questions What is the phenomenon of 'Cloudbursts'? Explain. (2024) What is the concept of a 'demographic winter'? Is the world moving towards such a situation? Elaborate. (2024) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 108) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 109) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 108) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 109) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 108) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 107) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
Indian Express
27-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Mains answer practice — GS 1 : Questions on evolution of yoga and Ken-Betwa River Link Project (Week 108)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today's answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-1 to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at The Ken-Betwa River Link Project represents a significant milestone in India's river interlinking initiatives, aimed at addressing water scarcity in drought-prone regions. Discuss its potential benefits and associated ecological and socio-economic challenges. Discuss the evolution of the term 'yoga' in Indian literature—from the Vedas and Upanishads to Patanjali's Yoga Sutra. Introduction — The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction. — It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts. Body — It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content. — The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points. — Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse. — Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer. — Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used logically and only where it is required. Way forward/ conclusion — The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction. — You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers. Self Evaluation — It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers. QUESTION 1: The Ken-Betwa River Link Project represents a significant milestone in India's river interlinking initiatives, aimed at addressing water scarcity in drought-prone regions. Discuss its potential benefits and associated ecological and socio-economic challenges. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — The Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) envisions moving water from the Ken to the Betwa rivers, both of which are tributaries of the Yamuna. — The Ken-Betwa Link Canal will be 221 km long, including a 2-kilometer tunnel. According to the Jal Shakti Ministry, the project will provide yearly irrigation to 10.62 lakh hectares (8.11 lakh ha in MP and 2.51 lakh ha in UP), supply drinking water to about 62 lakh people, and create 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar power. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — The Ken-Betwa Link Project comprises two phases. Phase I will comprise the construction of the Daudhan Dam complex and its component units, including the Low Level Tunnel, High Level Tunnel, Ken-Betwa Link Canal, and power plants. Phase II will include three components: Lower Orr Dam, Bina Complex Project, and Kotha Barrage. — The notion of joining the Ken and the Betwa received a significant boost in August 2005, when the Centre and the two states signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding for the creation of a detailed project report (DPR). In 2008, the Centre designated the KBLP as a National Project. Later, it was added to the Prime Minister's package for the development of the drought-prone Bundelkhand region. — The project is in Bundelkhand, which includes 13 districts in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. According to the Jal Shakti Ministry, the project will greatly assist the water-stressed region, particularly the districts of Panna, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Sagar, Damoh, Datia, Vidisha, Shivpuri, and Raisen in Madhya Pradesh, and Banda, Mahoba, Jhansi, and Lalitpur in Uttar Pradesh. — 'It will pave the way for more river interlinking projects to ensure that scarcity of water does not become an inhibitor for development in the country,' according to a press release from the Ministry. Conclusion: — The river-linking project has come under considerable examination for its possible environmental and socioeconomic impact. The project will involve extensive deforestation in the heart of the Panna National Park and Tiger Reserve. — PM Modi recently laid the foundation stone for the Daudhan Dam. Daudhan Dam is 2,031 metres long, with 1,233 metres being earthen and the remaining 798 metres being concrete. The dam's height will be 77 meters. According to the Jal Shakti Ministry, the project will sink around 9,000 hectares of land, affecting ten communities. — It is the first project under the National Perspective Plan for River Interlinking, which was created in 1980. This plan includes 16 projects under its peninsular component, including the KBLP. Aside from this, 14 linkages are envisioned in the Himalayan Rivers Development Plan. (Source: PM Modi lays foundation stone: What is the Ken-Betwa river linking project, environmental concerns around it by Harikishan Sharma and Nikhil Ghanekar) Points to Ponder Other river linking projects in India What are the project's likely environmental and social impacts? Related Previous Year Questions The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods, and interrupted navigation. Critically examine. (2020) The groundwater potential of the Gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India? (2024) QUESTION 2: Discuss the evolution of the term 'yoga' in Indian literature—from the Vedas and Upanishads to Patanjali's Yoga Sutra. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — Yoga originated in ancient India. However, it is impossible to determine exactly how ancient it is. While the term '5,000-year-old tradition' is frequently used, the existing evidence does not support such specificity. — The term 'yoga' appears in the Vedic corpus (1,500-500 BCE), the oldest (surviving) literature from the subcontinent. However, it appears in a setting that is very different from postural or even meditational exercise, as it is commonly understood today. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — Two key pieces of archaeological evidence are often cited as proof of yoga's antiquity. (i) The first is a tiny staetite seal unearthed from Mojenjodaro, an Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC) site in Pakistan. According to historian Alistair Shearer's book The Story Of Yoga: From Ancient India To The Modern West (2020), the seal from around 2,500-2,400 BCE depicts a seated figure with legs crossed in the mulabandhasana posture, which was later popular among tantric yogis. (ii) The other, more recent, archaeological find is from Balathal, Rajasthan, one of the chalcolithic Banas culture's 90 or so sites. A nearly 2,700-year-old skeleton was excavated from the site 'sitting in the samadhi position,' a stance 'that many yogis adopt for meditation and is also assumed at the time of their burial,' according to Shearer. — The Mahabharata, written spanning six centuries from 300 BCE to 300 CE, is where yoga is employed in the way that we know it today. 'Some of these citations [in the Mahabharata] refer to yoga in a philosophical sense,' whilst others employ it 'when describing arduous physical penances and austerities performed by holy men,' according to Shearer. Contemporary and subsequent writings, such as the Upanishads, use the phrase similarly. — According to one school of thought, yoga has no Vedic beginnings and instead derives from heterodox traditions of the first millennium BCE (and earlier), particularly Buddhism and Jainism. 'The unifying feature of this freelance religious movement was the practice of yoga,' Vivian Worthington asserts in A History of Yoga (1982). Yoga is mentioned in a variety of Buddhist and Jain scriptures. — The Yoga Sutra of Maharishi Patanjali is the most well-known text on the subject, having been written around 350 CE and being the oldest text dedicated completely to it. Most experts agree that this literature affected their current knowledge of yoga. Conclusion: — None of the sources listed above provide definitive, empirical answers about the origins of yoga. This is largely due to the fact that India lacks a history-writing tradition like the West, where a clear distinction is made between history, which is founded on empirical data, and myth, whose credibility stems from its meaning rather than its accuracy. — There are no contemporary sources on yoga that can provide empirical information on its origins. While examining textual evidence can provide insights about the changing meaning of the term and the growth of the practice, it cannot definitively pinpoint when yoga originated. (Source: International Yoga Day: Why is it hard to pinpoint the origin of yoga?) Points to Ponder Read more about Yoga Read about Upanishads and Yoga Sutra of Maharishi Patanjali Related Previous Year Questions Underline the changes in the field of society and economy from the Rig Vedic to the Later Vedic period. (2024) Indian philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss. (2020) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 108) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 107) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 108) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 107) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 106) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 107) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
Indian Express
20-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Mains answer practice — GS 1 : Questions on significance of the triratna and temple architecture (Week 107)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today's answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-1 to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Discuss the major structural and decorative differences between the Nāgara and Drāviḍa temple traditions. Explain the significance of the triratna ('Three Jewels') in the quest of nibbāna. Explain how Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha interact as interconnected underpinnings of the Buddhist path. Introduction — The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction. — It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts. Body — It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content. — The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points. — Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse. — Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer. — Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used logically and only where it is required. Way forward/ conclusion — The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction. — You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers. Self Evaluation — It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers. QUESTION 1: Discuss the major structural and decorative differences between the Nāgara and Drāviḍa temple traditions. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — Indian temple architecture follows two main traditions: Nāgara (northern) and Draviḍa (southern). — In addition to these two, Indian art treatises discuss a third sort of construction tradition known as the 'Vesara' or hybrid. The etymological meaning of the term has led researchers in the past to interpret this category as a synthesis of northern and southern artistic traditions and to identify it with the geographically appropriate Deccan region. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: Nagara or North Indian Temple Style — Nagara is a temple building style that rose to prominence in northern India. In North India, it is typical to construct an entire temple on a stone platform with steps going up to it. — The earliest temples had only one tower, or shikhara, whereas later temples had multiple. The garbhagriha is always situated right beneath the tallest structure. — Nagara temples are divided into various categories based on the shape of the shikhara. The various components of the temple are known by different names in different parts of India; nevertheless, the plain shikhara is the most prevalent. — The phamsana is the nagara order's second primary architectural form. Phamsana buildings are often larger and shorter than Latina buildings. Their roofs are made up of many slabs that slowly rise to a single point above the core of the building, as opposed to Latina roofs, which appear to be sharply rising towering towers. — The third major kind of nagara buildings is known as the valabhi type. These are rectangular structures with roofs that rise into vaulted chambers. The vaulted chamber's edge is rounded, similar to the bamboo or wooden waggons hauled by bullocks in ancient times. They are commonly known as 'wagonvaulted buildings'. Dravida or South Indian Temple Style — The Dravidian temple is encircled by a compound wall. The front wall has an entrance gateway in the centre, known as a gopuram. In Tamil Nadu, the main temple tower, known as vimana, is shaped like a stepped pyramid that rises geometrically, as opposed to North India's bending shikhara. — In South Indian temples, the term'shikhara' refers only to the crowning part at the top of the temple, which is typically formed like a tiny stupika or an octagonal cupola—this is analogous to the amlak and kalasha of North Indian temples. To read more: How Indian temple architecture is rooted in art, religion, and politics Conclusion: — The evolution of Indian temple building is based on a complex interplay of art, religion, politics, and culture. While it began modestly, it grew into a sophisticated tradition that differed by region while maintaining a consistent cultural character. — Temples were frequently visited by powerful monarchs to worship their preferred deity while also asserting, consolidating, and legitimising their rule over an existing or new area. Rajaraja Cola, for example, constructed the Thanjavur Brihadesvara temple to demonstrate his authority over the region. — Kanchipuram, Thanjavur or Tanjore, Madurai, and Kumbakonam are the most well-known temple cities in Tamil Nadu, where temples served more than only religious purposes from the seventh to the twelfth centuries. Temples grew into prosperous administrative centres, governing enormous tracts of territory. (Source: How Indian temple architecture is rooted in art, religion, and politics, Points to Ponder Read more about Indian Temples Read about important temples in news in India Related Previous Year Questions How will you explain that Medieval Indian temple sculptures represent the social life of those days? (2022) Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss. (2013) QUESTION 2: Explain the significance of the triratna ('Three Jewels') in the quest of nibbāna. Explain how Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha interact as interconnected underpinnings of the Buddhist path. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — Buddhism, founded on Siddhartha Gautama's or Buddha's teachings, lays forth the road to nibbana (freedom). The Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha are the three jewels of Buddhism, and they are important to this path. — These three, also known as the tisarana (threefold refuge), are places of sanctuary for Buddhists, both laity (upasakas/upasikas) and monastics. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — The Buddha is the first and most fundamental of the three refuges. He is renowned as an awakened teacher who discovered and spread the road to liberation. — In Buddhism, Dhamma refers to the Buddha's teachings, which are based on the ariya sacchani or four noble truths and the atthanga magga or eightfold way. It describes ethical behaviour, discipline, and wisdom as the pillars of an individual's development. Impermanence (anichcha) is a key concept in the Buddha's teaching in this regard. — In the framework of a person's life and existence, no force in the cosmos can avert the unavoidable. As Siddhartha discovered on his first visit outside the palace, the beginning of old age, disease, and death is unavoidable. As a result, the conceptions of 'I','me', and'self' are ever-changing and comprised of a variety of experiences. — This idea is intimately related to Buddhism's rejection of anything permanent, including the soul or atman. Buddhism offers the doctrine of anattā (non-self), which holds that there is no permanent self or essence within beings or occurrences. This principle is expressed through a discourse between King Milinda and monk Nāgasena from Milindapañhā. — In Buddhist teachings, the Dhamma is sometimes compared to a raft, a powerful metaphor utilised in the Majjhima Nikaya. The book depicts a man who comes across a big river in flood. The shore he stands on is perilous and filled with terror, yet the far shore appears safe. However, there is no bridge or boat to help him cross the river. — After the Buddha and the Dhamma, the Sangha is the third jewel of the triratna. The Sangha is Buddhism's monastic organisation, created during the Buddha's lifetime. It was the central institution for disseminating the Buddha's teachings. — The Sangha's regulations specify aspects of monastic life, such as what its members should eat, how they should speak and walk, what they should dress, and how they should behave. These regulations also establish standards for settling conflicts and establishing the relationship between the Sangha and the laity. The Vinaya Pitaka also details the monks' first travelling lifestyle and ultimate transition to fixed dwelling. (Source: Three jewels that shape Buddhist philosophy and way of life) Points to Ponder Read about Vinaya Pitaka, Milindapañhā Read more about Buddhism Related Previous Year Questions Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate. (2016) Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate. (2020) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 106) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 107) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 106) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 107) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 106) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 105) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
