Mains answer practice — GS 1 : Questions on gender gap and threats of glacier melt (Week 110)
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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)
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Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Mains answer practice — GS 1 : Questions on hydropower development on Yarlung Tsangpo and Monsoon in Indian tradition (Week 112)
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 Discuss the geomorphological features of the Yarlung Tsangpo River Basin. Why is it significant in the context of global hydropower development? Discuss the significance of the monsoon season in classical Indian art traditions. 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 geomorphological features of the Yarlung Tsangpo River Basin. Why is it significant in the context of global hydropower development? Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — The Yarlung Tsangpo is the largest river on the Tibetan plateau, originating from a glacier near Mount Kailash. 'Tsangpo' means river in Tibetan. According to academic Costanza Rampini in the Political Economy of Hydropower in Southwest China and Beyond (2021), the basin spreads over more than 500,000 sq km of land in China, India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, 'though 80% of it lies in China and India.' It runs 2,057 km in Tibet before flowing into India. One fascinating feature of the river is the sharp 'U' turn that it takes, known as the Great Bend, at the proximity of Mount Namcha Barwa near the Indian border. — In India, the Yarlung Tsangpo enters Arunachal Pradesh as Siang. The Siang then gathers more streams and flows down towards Assam where it is joined by the Lohit and Dibang rivers. Further downstream, it is known as the Brahmaputra, which in turn flows through Assam before entering Bangladesh. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — China has constructed several dams along tributaries of the Yarlung Tsangpo, such as the Pangduo and Zhikong dams on the Lhasa River. In 2014, it completed the Zangmu Dam along the main stem of the Yarlung Tsangpo. The Indian government, too, has expedited the clearance of big dams along the YTB and its tributaries. — The river crosses one of the disputed boundaries between India and China — the McMahon Line, which separates the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh from Tibet. The McMahon Line was negotiated in 1914 by representatives of the new Republic of China, the Tibetan government, and the British government. — As the YTB descends from the Himalayan mountains to the plains of Assam, it crosses steep slopes and gathers strong energy, which gets scattered in the form of intense summer floods, especially in India and Bangladesh. 'The energy that the YTB gains throughout its course also puts the river at the centre of China's and India's recent renewable energy development strategies,' says Rampini. For long, both countries have been mobilising their engineering capacities to dam their respective stretches of the river and harness optimal hydropower. — India and the international community continue to recognise it as the legal border between North-east India and the current-day Tibet Autonomous Region of China. However, since gaining control over Tibet in the mid-20th century, China has contested the border, arguing that Tibet was not an independent state at the time of the treaty, making it invalid. Conclusion: — The Brahmaputra, or Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, is counted among the world's ten major rivers; there is also no major international water treaty governing the YTB. Bangladesh, as the lowest riparian country in the basin, feels the most threatened, experts say. — The melting of Himalayan snow and ice has a significant impact on the YTB's flows and flood intensity. As human activities raise surface temperatures, the Himalayas may experience glacier mass losses ranging from 15% to 78% by 2100. As glaciers disappear, glacier-fed rivers like the YTB will see an increase in runoff as more glacial melt fills their flows. — The YTB river system connects the destiny of China, India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. Scholars fear that unregulated dam-building initiatives along the Yarlung Tsangpo, as well as the current mega project, could result in a 'water war' between the nations. (Source: As Beijing prepares to build world's biggest hydropower dam, a look at the Yarlung Tsangpo River) Points to Ponder Read more about Brahmaputra River and its course of flow Read about hydropower electricity generation 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) How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India? (2020) QUESTION 2: Discuss the significance of the monsoon season in classical Indian art traditions. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — The rain element has always been dominant in Indian cultural works. It has inspired poets and artists alike, as well as Vedic hymns sung to appease the rain gods and bring in timely rains. — At first glance, depictions of monsoons in South Asian art appear to be dominated by a certain collection of motifs and symbolic structures—passionate lovers in the rain, young women braving clouds and lightning to meet their loved one, peacocks, lush foliage, and joyful animals. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — In their book, Monsoon Feelings: A History of Emotions in Rain (2018), historians Imke Rajamani, Margrit Pernau, and Katherine Butler Schofield write that although these recurring themes and symbols in Indian art would lead one to assume that the monsoons elicited the same kind of emotions across time and region, that, in fact, was not true. 'Monsoon feelings have a history, which encompasses both continuity and change,' they write. They also point to the rise and decline of the Indus Valley Civilisation, which they write is attributed to changing patterns of monsoons. — Take, for instance, the kingdom of Bikaner, which has historically been one of the driest states of India. However, as noted by art historian Molly Emma Aitken in her article, 'Dark, Overwhelming, yet Joyful: The Monsoon in Rajput Painting', 'the ceilings and walls of its Junagadh Fort burst with monsoon clouds and driving lines of rain, with white cranes flying across wall panels of monsoon black.' Here, monsoon was celebrated for being auspicious and bearing the promise of fertility. — An example is a 16th century folio from the Harivamsa showing Lord Krishna holding up Mount Govardhan to shelter the villagers of Braj. — Abhisarika Nayika, one of ancient Indian aesthetics' eight sorts of heroines, is a popular figure in monsoon art. In art, Abhisarika Nayika is portrayed as a bold woman walking into the stormy night to see her beloved. She is depicted as a pale person in a dark, wet, demon-infested night, unaware of the impediments in her path, including vipers entwined around her legs. The rain and lightning in these paintings represent a hurdle to love, as well as the heroine's bravery and devotion. — The classical Sanskrit poem, Meghaduta, by Kalidasa has lent itself as a theme to artists painting the monsoon. The poem tells the story of a yaksha who longs for his wife and uses a cloud as a messenger. In Kalidasa's poetic description, the beauty of the Himalayan landscape comes to life in the rainy season, with rivers flowing gracefully and elephants playing in the forests. — The monsoons continued to have a significantly more pervasive presence in 17th-century paintings of musical modes known as Ragamala paintings. This type of painting, which started in 17th-century Rajasthan, depicts variants of Indian musical modes or ragas. As a result, in these paintings, each raga is represented by a hue and a mood, as well as the season of the year or time of day when the raga is supposed to be sung. (Source: Painting the rain: How Indian art obsesses with the monsoons) Points to Ponder Read more about Indian Paintings Read more about Monsoon Related Previous Year Questions Why is the South-West Monsoon called 'Purvaiya' (easterly) in Bhojpur Region? How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultured ethos of the region? (2023) What characteristics can be assigned to monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding more than 50 percent of the world population residing in Monsoon Asia? (2017) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 112) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 111) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 112) 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 111) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. 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Time of India
19 hours ago
- Time of India
For 200 yrs, remote U'khand temple has had men & women as priests
Dehradun: A centuries-old Vishnu shrine in a forested Himalayan valley in the upper reaches of Chamoli district has quietly been appointing a man and a woman each year for more thanm two centuries to serve jointly as priests. This year, the Phulanarayan temple in Urgam valley opened its doors last week, marking the beginning of a 45-day ritual calendar that ends on Sept 2, the day of Nanda Ashtami. Rajeshwari Devi and Vivek Singh, selected a year in advance by the local panchayat, have taken on the responsibilities of priesthood for this cycle. Devi, a resident of Bharki village and aged above 55 as required, is in charge of floral arrangements, preparing tulsi garlands, and cooking prasada for the devotees. Singh, from neighbouring Baintha village, leads the main aarti and prayers. Both remain within the temple premises throughout the 45-day period. No official record traces the exact origins of this practice in Phulanarayan. But for the communities of Bharki and Baintha, it simply continues — an annual partnership shaped not by political declarations but by quiet repetition. There is no spectacle or assertion of modernity here. Just a garland of tulsi, handed to a woman, who steps without hesitation into a role still forbidden to many others. "It is an honour for a woman to be given the key responsibility. As the announcement is made in advance, we do not have any problem," said Devi, seated beside baskets of fresh tulsi and wildflowers. Chandra Mohan Panwar, a local who has observed the tradition for over five decades, added, "This is something passed down from the time of our forefathers. Each priest has different but essential tasks." The temple's elevation — close to 3,000 metres above sea level — only adds to its isolation. The approach road from Helang to Kalpeshwar stretches for 13 km and is in utter disrepair. From Kalpeshwar, a steep 4 km trek through deodar and oak forest is required to reach Phulanarayan. Unlike Kalpeshwar Mahadev — a cave shrine nearby that is part of the Panch Kedar circuit and is now accessible year-round with a road reaching within 300 metres — the Phulanarayan temple remains disconnected from motorable routes and entirely off-grid. Savita Devi, the president of the Mahila Mangal Dal of Bharki village, said, "The road from Helang to Urgam village is in poor condition. We demand that the construction of this road be prioritised, as it could boost pilgrimage and tourism activities here." She added that many travellers visit, but there are no facilities for them. Another resident of the same village, Govind Devi, said, "Although our village is quite behind in terms of development, we are ahead in social support and harmony. " Urgam valley itself is steeped in spiritual significance. In addition to Kalpeshwar Mahadev, it hosts several ancient shrines: Dhyan Badri, Urva Rishi, and Bansi Narayan. The last, an 8th-century shrine dedicated to Lord Krishna situated around 3,600 metres, opens only once a year on Raksha Bandhan. On that day, women from nearby villages tie rakhis directly onto the deity — another rare practice that underscores the valley's unusual spiritual rhythms. Brijesh Sati, general secretary of Char Dham Teerth Purohit Mahapanchayat, told TOI, "Right from parliament to the streets, we keep talking about gender equality. This temple, in one of the most difficult terrains, has shown what it looks like in practice." He added that Phulanarayan may well be the only Vishnu temple in India where a female priest serves alongside a male counterpart in full religious capacity.
India.com
20 hours ago
- India.com
Meet woman, a 40-year-old mother of two, cracked UPSC CSE to become IAS with AIR..., she is now...
IAS NIsa Unniranjan (File) IAS Nisa Unniranjan Success Story: The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the toughest recruitment tests in the country and each year there are dozens of inspirational stories of successful aspirants who scratched and clawed their way to crack the formidable exam and realised dream of becoming an IAS officer. However, the heartwarming success story of IAS Nisa Unnirajan is truly unique as she cleared the UPSC CSE at the age of 40, while taking care of her two young daughters, as well as managing her job and her home. Let us find out more about her inspiring journey. Who is IAS Nisa Unnirajan? A resident of Kerala, Nisa Unnirajan decided to take a crack at the UPSC examination at 35, which is rare as most unsuccessful aspirants bid adieu to UPSC dreams after the age of 30. But Nisa's path was far towards success anything but rosy as she had manage her household responsibilities, job, and take care of her two daughters Nandana (11), and Thanvi (7). However, the brave woman did not lose hope, and diligently managed all aspects of her daily life. She would prepare her children for school in the morning, take care of the house, work her day job, and later engross herself in preparation for UPSC at night. Nisa's husband, Arun, a software engineer by profession, and her in-laws, stood behind her like a rock and encouraged her to pursue her dreams. 'My husband and in-laws supported me at every step. This would not have been possible without them,' she says. How Nisa Unnirajan cracked UPSC? Apart from her daily responsibilities, Nisa Unniranjan suffered from a debilitating health condition, a serious hearing issue, which she turned into her strength. In an interview, Nisa revealed that she was inspired by Kottayam's sub-collector Ranjit, who overcame a similar condition to become an IAS officer. Nisa Unniranjan attended coaching classes in Thiruvananthapuram, but it was her unique strategy that ultimately led to success. Detailing her UPSC preparation strategy, Nisa revealed that she used to read success stories about UPSC toppers and watch their motivational videos on YouTube. Additionally, she divided syllabus topics into smaller parts to minutely study them in detail, and made notes which helped quickly revise any given topic she previously studied. Ultimately, Nisa Unniranjan's perseverance and dedication paid off when she cracked the UPSC CSE 2024 in her seventh attempt with a respectable All India Rank (AIR) of 1000. She was 40 at the time. Currently, IAS Nisa Unnirajan is posted as the Assistant Audit Officer at the Principal Accountant General's office in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
