Daily subject-wise quiz : Environment and Geography MCQs on Marine Protected Areas, Miombo woodland and more (Week 109)
🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for April 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at manas.srivastava@indianexpress.com🚨
Consider the following statements about Nature Restoration Law:
1. It is the first continent-wide, comprehensive law of its kind released by Europe.
2. It sets non-binding targets to restore degraded ecosystems.
3. It is part of the EU's European Green Deal.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
Explanation
— European Union countries gave final approval to a major and long-awaited plan to better protect nature in the 27-nation bloc. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
— The Nature Restoration Plan, which aims to restore ecosystems, species, and habitats in the EU, was finally adopted at a meeting of environment ministers in Luxembourg after receiving support from a qualified majority of 15 of the 27 member states and 65% of the EU population.
— The Nature Restoration Law is the first law of its sort to apply to the entire continent. It is an important component of the EU Biodiversity Strategy, which establishes binding targets for restoring damaged ecosystems, particularly those with the greatest potential to collect and store carbon, as well as preventing and mitigating the effects of natural disasters. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
— The Nature Restoration Plan is part of the EU's European Green Deal, which aims to establish the world's most ambitious climate and biodiversity targets while also positioning the bloc as the global point of reference on all climate concerns. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
— The plan requires member states to reach restoration targets for various habitats and species, with the goal of covering at least 20 per cent of the region's land and sea regions by 2030.
Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.
(Other Source: environment.ec.europa.eu)
Consider the following pairs with reference to Marine Protected Areas and their region:
1. Dugong Conservation Reserve – Tamil Nadu
2. Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary – Kerala
3. Gahirmatha – Andhra Pradesh
4. Haliday Island – Maharashtra
How many of the pairs given above are correct?
(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) Only three pairs
(d) All four pairs
Explanation
— A marine protected area (MPA) is essentially a zone in the ocean where human activities are more rigorously regulated than the surrounding waterways, akin to land-based parks.
— Local, state, territorial, native, regional, or national authorities have designated these areas as special protection zones for natural or historic marine resources.
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.
(Source: wii.gov.in)
Salal and Baglihar Dams were in the news. These dams are both constructed on:
(a) Jhelum
(b) Chenab
(c) Sutlej
(d) Beas
Explanation
— The Chenab River nearly dried up in Jammu and Kashmir's Akhnoor sector near the Line of Control when the sluice gates of two big dams, Salal and Baglihar, were closed.
— According to the IWT, the Chenab is one of three 'Western Rivers' that Pakistan controls, along with the Indus and Jhelum.
— However, India has restricted access to the waters of the three Western Rivers for residential, non-consumptive, agricultural, and hydroelectric power generation purposes.
— India is permitted to construct run-of-river facilities on the three Western Rivers in order to create hydroelectric power. A run-of-the-river plant generates electricity from the natural flow of water. Salal and Baglihar on the Chenab are run-of-the-river projects.
Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
With reference to the slender loris, consider the following statements:
1. They are nocturnal mammals.
2. They act as a biological predator to pests of agricultural crops.
3. It is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Explanation
— Slender lorises are small nocturnal mammals and are arboreal in nature, as they spend most of their life on trees. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
— They are commonly found in the tropical scrub and deciduous forests as well as the dense hedgerow plantations bordering farmlands of Southern India.
— These species are listed as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
— They act as a biological predator to pests of agricultural crops and benefit farmers. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
— The sanctuary would play an important role in conservation of slender loris and yet another milestone in conservation efforts.
Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
Miombo woodland is a
1. Dryland forest ecosystem
2. It comprises tropical and subtropical grasslands, bushlands, and savannahs.
3. found in Northern Africa
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1 and 2 only
Explanation
— The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) have signed two agreements to conduct initiatives aimed at safeguarding the miombo forest and enabling trade along Mozambique's border with Zimbabwe.
— The Miombo biome comprises tropical and subtropical grasslands, bushlands, and savannahs.
— Miombo woodland is a huge African dryland forest ecosystem spanning almost 2.7 million square kilometres in southern Africa, encompassing Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.
(downtoearth.org.in)
Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 108)
Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 109)
Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 109)
Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 109)
Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 108)
Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 108)
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Indian Express
3 days ago
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise static quiz: History and Culture MCQs on popular literary works on India's freedom struggle (Week 122)
Are you preparing for UPSC CSE Prelims? UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of daily subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on History and Culture to check your progress. Note: Today's history and culture quiz is based on popular literary works related to India's freedom struggle. The questions have been curated from two articles by Mohammad Asim Siddiqui, written for the UPSC Specials column in UPSC Essentials by The Indian Express. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Consider the following statements: 1. Vande Mataram, India's national song that was very popular during the freedom struggle, is from Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's Bengali novel Anandmath 2. The famous song 'Vijayi Vishwa tiranga pyara/jhanda uncha rahe hamara', often sung during important events, was written by Hasrat Mohani. Which of the above given statements is/are true? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Vande Mataram, India's national song that was very popular during the freedom struggle, is from Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's Bengali novel Anandmath (1882). The famous song 'Vijayi Vishwa tiranga pyara/jhanda uncha rahe hamara', often sung during important events, was written by Hindi poet Shyamlal Gupta in 1924 and was later adopted by the Indian National Congress. Therefore, a is the correct answer. (For more, refer – Ye Jung hai Jung-e Azadi: lyrical echoes of India's freedom struggle by Mohammad Asim Siddiqui, UPSC Specials, The Indian Express.) Which of the following literary works is a collection of poems inspired by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's Bardoli Satyagraha in Gujarat – the agitation against the excessive taxation imposed on farmers by the colonial government? (a) Poos ki Raat (b) Khooni Vaisakhi (c) Vijay Sandesh (d) Bharat Bharti Ramdhari Singh Dinkar (1908-1974), another important poet known for taking up the themes of nationalism and patriotism in his poetry, wrote Vijay Sandesh (1928), a collection of poems inspired by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's Bardoli Satyagraha in Gujarat – the agitation against the excessive taxation imposed on farmers by the colonial government. Therefore, c is the correct answer. (For more, refer – Ye Jung hai Jung-e Azadi: lyrical echoes of India's freedom struggle by Mohammad Asim Siddiqui, UPSC Specials, The Indian Express.) Consider the following pairs: Literary Works : Author/Poet 1. Khooni Vaisakhi : Nanak Singh 2. In Gokhale's Garden : Sarojini Naidu 3. To India- My Native Land : Henry Louis Vivian Derozio 4. Bharat Bharti : Maithilisharan Gupt Which of the above mentioned pairs are not correctly matched? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 2 and 4 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 In Bharat Bharti (1912), a book of social awakening, Maithilisharan Gupt contrasts India's greatness in education, art and civilisation in the past with the decline he perceived in his time. Henry Louis Vivian Derozio (1809-1831) clearly expressed his patriotism and love of freedom in his poetry. His famous poem 'To India: My Native Land' mourns the loss of India's ancient glory and laments its 'chained' state and misery under British rule. Sarojini Naidu described Gopal Krishna Gokhale as 'steadfast, serene, dauntless, supremely wise' in her poem In Gokhale's Garden. Nanak Singh (1897-1971), who participated in the protest against the Rowlett Act and miraculously survived the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, wrote a moving account of the tragedy in his long poem Khooni Vaisakhi: A Poem from the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre 1919. Therefore, d is the correct answer. (For more, refer – Ye Jung hai Jung-e Azadi: lyrical echoes of India's freedom struggle by Mohammad Asim Siddiqui, UPSC Specials, The Indian Express.) Consider the following statements: 1. Ram Prasad Bismil , a freedom fighter and poet, wrote the ghazal 'Sarfaroshi ki tamanna' in 1921 after the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy. 2. 'Inquilab Zindabad', the patriotic war cry of revolutionaries during the freedom movement, was coined by freedom fighter and Urdu poet Hasrat Mohani in 1921. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Bismil Azimabadi, a freedom fighter and poet, wrote the ghazal 'Sarfaroshi ki tamanna' in 1921 after the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy. This ghazal became very popular after Ram Prasad Bismil (1897-1927), a freedom fighter and one of the founders of Hindustan Socialist Republican Association, recited it while facing his execution in 1927 for the Kakori train robbery. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. Therefore, b is the correct answer. (For more, refer – Ye Jung hai Jung-e Azadi: lyrical echoes of India's freedom struggle by Mohammad Asim Siddiqui, UPSC Specials, The Indian Express.) Naya Qanoon, 1919 ki ek Baat and Tamasha, exploring events of the freedom movement, were written by: (a) Saadat Hasan Manto (b) Premchand (c) Mulk Raj Anand (d) Khwaja Ahmad Abbas Among the stories exploring events of the freedom movement, Saadat Hasan Manto's 'Naya Qanoon', '1919 ki ek Baat' and 'Tamasha' stand out as iconic stories. 'Naya Qanoon' indirectly refers to the Government of India Act 1935. 'Tamasha' and '1919 ki ek Baat' were written against the backdrop of the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy. Therefore, a is the correct answer. (For more, refer: Stories of India's freedom struggle through Tagore, Premchand and Manto by Mohammad Asim Siddiqui, UPSC Specials, The Indian Express.) Many of Premchand's writings demonstrate his patriotism and anti-colonial stance. Which of the following literary works was not penned by him? (a) Soz-e Watan (b) Karmabhumi (c) Karbala (d) Kanthapura Raja Rao's famous novel Kanthapura (1938) is as much known for his use of de-anglicised English as for his treatment of many Gandhian ideas in the novel. Therefore, d is the correct answer. (For more, refer: Stories of India's freedom struggle through Tagore, Premchand and Manto by Mohammad Asim Siddiqui, UPSC Specials, The Indian Express.) Ghare Baire ( translated into English as Home and the World ), set against the backdrop of the Swadeshi movement in Bengal, is written by: (a) Chittaranjan Das (b) Sarat Chandra Chatterjee (c) Rabindranath Tagore (d) Bankim Chandra Chatterjee Rabindranath Tagore's novel Ghare Baire (1916), translated into English as Home and the World, engages creatively with Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's Anandmath (1882). Tagore's novel is critical of the western idea of nationalism, advanced by a character called Sandip. Set against the backdrop of the Swadeshi movement in Bengal, the novel presents a nuanced view of the movement through Nikhilesh's and Sandip's different perspectives. Therefore, c is the correct answer. (For more, refer: Stories of India's freedom struggle through Tagore, Premchand and Manto by Mohammad Asim Siddiqui, UPSC Specials, The Indian Express.) Which of the following literary works, written in the context of Gandhiji's Satyagraha and Dandi March, shows the impact of the movement on a village and the enthusiasm of ordinary villagers in welcoming the Satyagrahis and supporting their cause? (a) Nil Darpan (b) Dasher Katha (c) Bharat Bharti (d) Samar Yatra Premchand's story 'Samar Yatra', written in the context of Gandhiji's Satyagraha and Dandi March, shows the impact of the movement on a village and the enthusiasm of ordinary villagers to welcome the Satyagrahis and their cause. The story also presents an old and ailing woman, Nohari, who welcomes the freedom fighters, overcoming her physical limitations. Therefore, d is the correct answer. (For more, refer: Stories of India's freedom struggle through Tagore, Premchand and Manto by Mohammad Asim Siddiqui, UPSC Specials, The Indian Express.) 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
3 days ago
- Indian Express
UPSC Mains Exam 2025 Special Expert Talk: How to master Social Issues in General Studies papers?
UPSC CSE Mains Exam 2025: As the UPSC Civil Services Mains 2025 exam approaches, this special Expert Talk of UPSC Essentials zeroes in on one of the most overlooked yet crucial areas of the syllabus — Social Issues. Far from being confined to GS Paper 1, social issues span across all GS papers, Ethics, Essay, and even the Interview. The challenge isn't a lack of content, but the right approach to tackling these questions. In conversation with The Indian Express' Manas Srivastava, UPSC educator and mentor Pranay Aggarwal shares key strategies to master this segment, introducing the 7Cs and FRIENDS frameworks. Since tips alone aren't enough without real-world application, Pranay breaks down one of the most important and recurring themes — Women's Issues — offering tips for best answers and 'way forward' insights to help you craft high-impact responses in the exam. Approaching social issues in the right way is increasingly important in the UPSC Mains exam. Social issues and society-related portions in GS remain among the most neglected at the stage of preparation. This despite the fact that their weightage has been consistently increasing over the years in the GS papers and now constitutes a substantial portion of the total marks. One of the reasons why social issues are neglected is that they may seem too vast or too generic to be able to offer any specific insights. But the truth is that social issues should be prepared separately and it can give you an edge in the GS papers, especially GS 1 and 2. Students should remember that scoring well in the society and social issues portion is not as much about cramming a lot of data and putting it out there, but in developing sound analytical frameworks and writing well-informed and balanced answers to address the issues. Here is how you should approach social issues questions: 1. Get the Basics right: While preparing, make sure that you understand some basic terms and concepts correctly. In the previous year's papers, you will notice that several terms are recurrently used in social issues related questions. These include terms like discrimination, social justice, equality, social exclusion, equity, and empowerment. Try to understand these terms correctly and attempt the question accordingly. Also, try to develop a nuanced understanding in the sense that you understand the minute differences between seemingly related or similar terms. For example, you should know how equity and equality are different, or that sex and gender are not the same thing. If you understand these nuances, you avoid giving too generic answers, and you come across as an intelligent reader to the examiner. 2. Use Frameworks: While both preparing as well as writing answers on social issues, having readymade frameworks ensures holistic coverage of topics, and that you spend less time thinking and structuring the answer in the exam hall. So, here are two frameworks I propose. 7Cs framework: One framework that I can suggest is the 7Cs framework, You can use this framework to evaluate any social phenomena or social issue while preparing as well as while writing answers. The 7Cs are: Causes: What has led to this development or this problem and its historical evolution. Current status: Highlight what is the present nature of the social problem, how grave it is, whom it affects, which segment of society it affects. Consequences: What are the adverse or other effects of the problem at hand. Constitutional and legal provisions: This segment should include various Articles of the Constitution that have a bearing on the problem being discussed, specific laws which have been passed—particularly at the national level—to address it, and any institutional mechanisms and government schemes to tackle it. Challenges: The challenges that are faced in tackling the issue, which will include any roadblocks, difficulties or lacunae because of which the constitutional and legal provisions remain ineffectively implemented. Correctives: This should include suggestions for reforms, any possible solutions that you can offer, steps that can be taken, what students love to call 'way forward.' Conclusion: A closing statement which offers hope and looks towards a more equitable future. This framework of 7Cs holistically covers the various aspects of the problem and ensures that we do not leave out any aspect while preparing a topic or while writing an answer. FRIENDS framework: Another framework which can be used in some of the questions can be the FRIENDS framework. FRIENDS framework means that one looks at how the social phenomena is related to the various major social institutions, where: F refers to Family and kinship R is Religion I is for Inequality (of caste, class, gender, etc) E is for Education and Economy N is for NGOs and civil society D is for Digital / Technology S is for Systems (of governance) – which includes the laws, implementation mechanisms and schemes. So, this will ensure that no social issue is looked at or understood narrowly. For example, if you're looking at violence against women: Family: Violence against women takes place within families in the forms of female infanticide, wife beating and marital rape. Religion: Does religion in any way legitimize it? One can quote Manusmriti, which urges even weak men to exert control over their wives. Inequality: Dalit women face violence due to the combined effects of patriarchy as well as casteism at the hands of upper caste men. Education: In schools and colleges, a girl child may have to face violence and abuse, particularly if the educational institution has few female teachers and staff. Economy: Women face violence in family due to financial dependence on men, because female labour force participation rate is low. NGOs and civil society: Women's organizations have been trying to create awareness about laws and women's rights on the issue. Digital and technology: In public spaces, like cabs, women may be subject to sexual violence because of lack of safety provisions. Systems of governance: You should be aware of the various laws, like the Domestic Violence Act, the laws against dowry, sexual harassment, etc. So, the FRIENDS approach can also give us a ready framework to analyze social issues. This framework is particularly helpful because, you see, social issues are rarely unidimensional. They are linked with various aspects of society or various social institutions, like family and religion and economy. So, the FRIENDS framework helps us to address the multidimensionality of social issues. 3. Use data and examples: Also, it is advisable to quote recent reports, mention current examples, and give data in support of your arguments. Particularly, one can quote government reports like the National Family Health Survey, Census reports, Economic Survey, etc., or reports of reputed organizations like ILO, UNICEF, and World Bank. For instance, while writing about violence against women; one can quote from NFHS-5 that 29% female respondents had experienced physical or sexual violence. Or, one can quote recent incidents like the sexual assault on a woman in R.G. Kar Medical College in Kolkata, or how women were subjected to violence and degradation during the Meitei-Kuki conflict in Manipur. One may quote UN Women that during COVID-19, there was an increase in incidents of domestic violence across the globe, what is termed as a 'shadow pandemic.' These make your answer more topical, and therefore more marks-fetching. A word of caution – While doing so, make sure that any statistics that you quote are correct. If you do not remember the data, it is better to not quote any than mention wrongly. 4. Also, it is advisable that your answers on social issues reflect compassion and sensitivity. You must recognize the diversity of Indian society, the need for dignity and the specific concerns of different social groups, and the need for inclusive governance. This is particularly while writing answers about the disadvantaged sections of the society, such as women, tribals, or the sexual minorities. 5. Finally, write with clarity. This means that you should use simple language in your GS answers. Avoid using jargons, flowery phrases, or unnecessarily long-winded sentences. Keep it simple, direct, and to the point. Your communication should be very clear and easy to understand. Use headings and bullet points wherever it helps to bring greater clarity in the answer. Ensure there is a clear articulation of your arguments and a logical flow from one paragraph to the next. Keep your answer copy neat and your handwriting legible. Using this approach should help you to maximize your score in the society and social issues portions of the GS Mains papers. Well, given that women constitute half of India's population, women's issues are very important from the exam point of view. Also, given the patriarchal nature of our society and lack of women's participation in various domains like the economy and the political system, there are several issues related to women that need to be prepared. Now, to prepare for questions on women's issues, aspirants will have to be selective. They should focus on those areas that are most relevant for the exam. In this regard, a thorough analysis of PYQs (previous years' questions) comes in handy. If we look at previous year's GS papers, we can identify some recurrent themes from which UPSC is regularly asking questions related to women. Students are advised to focus on these specific areas for the exam preparation. These areas are: 1. Gender-based discrimination: Students should understand the nature of gender-based inequalities in education, employment, political participation, and social status. Students should be aware of gender gaps in labour force participation rate, health outcomes, and adverse sex ratio and child sex ratio. 2. Violence against women: A holistic understanding of the topic should be developed (covered in detail in a subsequent answer). 3. Health and reproductive rights: Students should focus on preparing about maternal health, menstrual hygiene, access to health care services, and malnutrition. 4. Economic empowerment: Students should understand issues related to women's participation in the labour force, barriers that they encounter like the glass ceiling and exclusion from male-dominated trade unions, women entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion. 5. Education and skill development: Topics like female literacy, dropout rates, and women's participation in STEM fields. 6. Social and cultural norms: Practices like female feticide, child marriage, dowry, and the recently in the news Hijab; and their impact on women's status. 7. Policies and programs: Government schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Ujjwala Yojana, Mahila Shakti Kendras, and Droni Didi. Thought process: Factor in the following during the selection process: 1. PYQs: As already pointed out, PYQs are the holy grail and the best indicator of what kind of issues UPSC frequently asks about. 2. Current affairs: Identify those topics which have recently been in the news or have received the attention of the administration or the courts. For example, hijab has been in the news because it was banned in educational institutions in Karnataka, and also because there were protests against mandatory hijab in Iran. Similarly, women's political participation has been in the news because of the recently passed Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Be aware of important court judgments; for example, the one related to women's entry into the Sabarimala temple. 3. Government schemes and policies: Go to the websites of government ministries and departments like, say, the central Ministry of Women and Child Development. You will see the various government initiatives. Focus on the more recent ones. For example, government has launched Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 for improved nutrition, and Mission Shakti for women safety and security. Other ministries may also take steps that benefit women. For example, the Ministry of Petroleum has launched Ujjwala Yojana to distribute LPG connections to all households, in order take care of indoor pollution that women face leading to adverse health outcomes. Government has been trying to increase women's participation in STEM fields. Be aware of schemes like Drone Didi and Lakhpati Didi. These topics indicate what areas the government is focusing on and they should be prepared well. 4. Multidimensionality: Choose topics that allow you to explore various dimensions in your answer, such as social, economic, legal, administrative, and cultural. Well, an understanding of gender equality and gender discrimination is, I would say, pertinent to all women-related questions that may be asked in the Mains papers. One can begin with developing a clarity on some basic concepts, as follows: 1. Gender vs. Sex: Students should appreciate that sex refers to the biological differences between the male and the female body, while gender is a social construct related to different behaviors and social roles which are attributed to men and women. 2. Gender equality: Gender equality means equal rights and opportunities for all genders. Though typically understood in the context of women empowerment, let me clear some misconceptions. Gender equality is not just about equality between men and women, but all genders. So, it includes equality for men, women, and what are called the third gender. Efforts towards gender equality aim to remove the structural barriers that prevent women and other genders from exploring their full potential. 3. Gender stereotypes: Stereotyping means that the society portrays a very fixed set of traits with all persons belonging to a certain gender category. For example, women as a social category are assumed to be submissive, docile, fragile, passive, and dependent. Men, on the other hand, are stereotyped as aggressive, dominating, assertive, career-oriented, and rational. Gender stereotypes are an outcome of patriarchal structures and reinforcement of prevailing prejudices through media portrayal, social media discourse, and family upbringing. 4. Patriarchy: Patriarchy refers to social arrangements characterized by male dominance. In patriarchal societies, men and boys are considered as more worthy, more valued, and more important members of the society than girls and women. 5. Gender discrimination: Gender-based discrimination means that women are recipients of fewer opportunities, resources, and possibilities than men. Systemically, women are deprived of an equal chance in educational, economic, and political domains. Not surprising that there is a gender gap in pay, that women's political representation is less than proportional, and women also lag behind men in educational accomplishment. 6. Feminism: Feminism is an ideology and a movement that strives for gender equality. In recent times, the term feminism has come under sort of an attack and has been misunderstood. To clarify, feminism does not seek to replace male dominance in society by women's domination. The ultimate objective of feminism is quite clear: it strives to replace patriarchy or male dominance with gender equality. So, feminism as a movement and ideology seeks to expose patriarchal biases in society. It challenges gender stereotyping and strives to attain equal access to resources and opportunities for all genders and equal rights and dignity for all genders. Once you have understood these basic terms and concepts, you need to explore various dimensions of gender discrimination. Dimensions of gender discrimination Some of the most important dimensions of gender discrimination are as follows: 1. Economic: Women are faced with several problems which limit their full participation in the economy. The lack of full participation by women is reflected in the form of gender-based wage gap, underemployment, women being more concentrated in the informal sector of the economy, and significant gender-based gap in labour force participation rates. The problems that women encounter in the economy range from glass ceiling, sexual harassment at the workplace, exclusion from male dominated trade unions, and pink collarization—that is, women being concentrated in what are seen as 'women's jobs' like nurses and receptionists. 2. Educational: Though there has been a significant rise in female literacy, there are several disparities which remain for girls and women regarding access to the education system. For instance, despite improvements, there continues to remain a 17% gender gap in literacy rates as per Census 2011. Also, women face problems like absence of female teachers in educational spaces, physical and sexual abuse in the education system, gender stereotypes being promoted in the school curriculum, lack of representation in STEM fields, and issues relating to retention and access. 3. Health: Women encounter problems in accessing healthcare services. They suffer from malnutrition, particularly maternal malnutrition. Women do not enjoy full reproductive rights and bodily autonomy. They disproportionately bear the burden of contraception during family planning. 4. Political: Women's representation in politics and decision-making places remains abysmally low. Though women are enthusiastic voters and vote in very large numbers, there are very few women leaders in positions of importance. Women's issues are also rarely taken up by the political system as a whole and do not become issues on which voting takes place. 5. Social and cultural: Practices like female foeticide, dowry, ghoonghat, and hijab also seek to limit women's mobility, autonomy, and reduce their perceived value in society. Next, get a grip on the causes of gender discrimination. Some of the causes will be: 6. Patriarchal social structures: There is deep-rooted male dominance across social structures. In our families and kinship networks, men control property and dominate decision-making. The political system as a whole, political parties, and even the bureaucratic machinery, are largely manned by and controlled by men. The major decision-makers in the economy, like top CEOs and boards of directors of big corporations, are also mostly men. 7. Cultural norms: Several patriarchal practices like dowry, child marriage, and restrictions on women's movement outside the homes and in public spaces have strong sanctions from culture and religion. 8. Financial dependence: Given that women are not equal participants in the economy, they remain financially dependent on male members of the family, such as their brothers, fathers, and husbands. This significantly affects or compromises their ability to take independent decisions. 9. Gaps in implementation of pro-women laws: Though there are numerous pro-women laws that exist, legal awareness, sincere implementation, and effective enforcement are lacking. This seriously compromises the ability of these laws to create a more equitable and gender-equal society. Next will be the existing mechanisms to address various women's issues. These include the Constitutional provisions and laws for women in India, which are quite comprehensive. The Constitution itself provides for equality and non-discrimination through provisions such as Article 14, which guarantees equality before law, Article 15, which prohibits discrimination, and Article 16, which ensures equality of opportunity. Further, several Directive Principles of State Policy promote women's welfare. In addition to these constitutional safeguards, a number of pro-women legislations have been enacted, including laws against dowry, domestic violence, and sexual harassment. There also exists an institutional framework to safeguard women's rights, such as the National Commission for Women, along with mechanisms like gender budgeting that are aimed at promoting gender equity in public policy and governance. Well, the topic of violence against women is extremely important from the exam point of view. Even though it is a perennial issue confronting women, it is also very topical. You are absolutely right, it frequently grabs headlines. Social media also nowadays draws much-needed attention to the issue of violence against women. As a UPSC aspirant, I'd say that you have to provide a comprehensive and sensitive analysis of the issue. Let's begin by defining violence against women. It can be described as any act of gender-based violence, which results in physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, or economic harm or suffering to women. Such violence includes threats, coercion, and deprivation of liberty. Next, consider the different forms of violence against women. It may be expressed in the form of: 1. Domestic violence: This is physical, emotional, or economic abuse within the family. 2. Marital rape: It includes sexual intercourse without a woman's consent by her spouse in the institution of marriage. 3. Sexual violence: It may be rape, sexual harassment, or sexual exploitation in institutions like widows' homes, at the workplace, and in public places. 4. Dowry deaths: Violence and abuse due to persistent dowry demands resulting in mental agony and even death of the victim. 5. Female infanticide: Killing of female infants based on fetal sex determination because of strong male child preference. 6. Honor killings: When girls are targeted for breaking societal norms of caste, religion, or for interfaith marriages. 7. Violence in public spaces: This can take the form of eve-teasing, stalking, and acid attacks. 8. Cyber violence in the form of online harassment, cyber stalking, and revenge porn. Having understood the various dimensions of violence against women, I'd say contextualize the issue, explain why women face violence in various forms. It is misogyny, patriarchal norms, power imbalances, and gender stereotypes which together contribute to violence against women. Use credible sources of data such as National Crime Records Bureau or National Family Health Survey, and reports from UN Women to showcase the scale of violence that women face. Next, in your answer, discuss the legal and institutional framework to combat violence against women. This includes legislation like the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005, Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act of 2013, Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961, and Criminal Law Amendment Act of 2013, which introduced stricter penalties for sexual offences after the brutal gang rape of Nirbhaya in Delhi in 2012. Mention institutional mechanisms like the National Commission for Women, One-Stop Centres, and Fast-Track Courts. Highlight government schemes and programs like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao; Selfie with Daughter campaign, Nirbhaya Fund, and Women Helpline Numbers. Discuss the challenges in implementation of these laws and mechanisms. Some of the key challenges are social stigma and victim blaming, which is widely prevalent in the contexts of domestic violence and rape. The low rate of conviction and long-drawn periods of trial make access to justice harrowing. Police insensitivity, lack of legal awareness, are other problems, to name a few. When you mention these challenges, it will highlight why violence against women persists, despite several laws and policies. Now, this is often a somewhat tricky portion of an answer. Often, candidates feel that the government is already doing a lot, so what new can one recommend? Well, frankly, that's a wrong way of looking at an issue. While suggesting a way forward, aspirants should advocate a multi-pronged strategy that addresses gaps in implementation, foresees any future issues (such as wider prevalence of revenge porn using AI and deepfakes), and involves various stakeholders, including governments, women's organizations, and, crucially, men and boys. You see, addressing violence against women is not just about having laws. It is equally about societal transformation through education, and community engagement. While the numerous pro-women laws do reflect administrative intent, sustainable change in this regard hinges on changing people's mindsets. Some specific measures that one can suggest to address violence against women are: strengthening legal enforcement, sensitization of the police force and judiciary, improving victim support systems including counseling and rehabilitation, and enhancing data collection and research for evidence-based policymaking. Also important steps are to promoting gender sensitivity in the education system right from the primary school level, community participation and mindset change, and using technology for women's safety, like CCTV surveillance in public areas and apps that connect to police control rooms for emergency situations. In their answers, aspirants should present violence against women as a complex phenomenon rooted in social structures and cultural norms, support their arguments with data and reports, be mindful of pro-women laws as well as the gaps in their implementation, and be able to suggest practical solutions. EXPRESS INPUT: Here are a few suggestions you can explore on Gender Issues. These articles are part of a special series by UPSC Essentials, written by subject experts. UPSC Mains 2025 Revision: Top 15 Polity and Governance topics aspirants shouldn't miss UPSC Mains 2025 Revision Checklist: Top 15 International Relations topics aspirants shouldn't miss UPSC Mains 2025 Revision Checklist: Top 15 Economy topics aspirants shouldn't miss UPSC Mains 2025 Revision Checklist: Top 15 Science and technology topics aspirants shouldn't miss What are 'directive words' in a UPSC Mains question paper and how do they help in scoring well? How to write effective answers for UPSC Mains Exam : 3 steps and 5 FAQs About our Expert: Pranay Aggarwal is an educator and mentor for aspirants preparing for UPSC Civil Services exam. With more than 10 years of experience guiding civil service aspirants, he is acknowledged as an expert on civil service exam preparation, especially on subjects like Social Issues and Sociology. He is the India representative on the Research Committee on Education, Religion and Political Sociology for UNESCO's International Sociological Association and a committee member of Indian Sociological Society and its committee on social movements. He is also the Convenor of Indian Civil Services Association, a think tank of senior bureaucrats. 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 – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. For your queries and suggestions write at
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Mains answer practice — GS 1 : Questions on Chola empire and relationship between extreme rainfall, landslides, and flash floods (Week 115)
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 strategies adopted by the Chola rulers to consolidate political control on land and assert dominance across maritime trade networks. Explain the factors that make the relationship between extreme rainfall, landslides, and flash floods in the Himalayan region complex. 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 strategies adopted by the Chola rulers to consolidate political control on land and assert dominance across maritime trade networks. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — The Chola empire is known to have reached its peak under Rajaraja I and his son and successor Rajendra Chola I. The doyen of South Indian history, Nilakanta Sastri, has written in his book The Cholas (1955) that under Rajaraja I and his successors, the Chola empire had reached the capacity of 'Byzantine royalty', 'with its numerous palaces, officials and ceremonials and its majestic display of the concentrated resources of an extensive empire'. — Rajaraja I was born to King Parantaka II in 947 CE. Records from copper plate inscriptions have revealed that upon his birth, he was named Arulmozhivarman. Upon accession to the throne in 985 CE, he adopted the regnal title 'Rajaraja' or king of kings. At the time he came to power, Rajaraja I had inherited a tiny kingdom centred around the Thanjavur-Tiruchirapalli region that was still recovering from the disasters of the Rashtrakuta invasions. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — The first military achievement of Rajaraja I's reign was the campaign in the Kerala region. Under his rule, the Chola Empire expanded all along the eastern coast, up to Kalinga in the north. The Cholas soon gained the upper hand over the Pandyas, who were another great dynasty in the Tamil region at the time and one of their biggest rivals. Consequently, the Cholas emerged as the primary power in the northern and eastern parts of the Tamil country. — The rule of Rajaraja I was the predominance of maritime trade. 'Rajaraja Chola understood that domination of lucrative trade routes was a sure way to distinguish himself and his court from the other fragmented polities of the Tamil country,' writes public historian Anirudh Kanisetti in his book, Lords of the Deccan: Southern India from the Chalukyas to the Cholas (2022). — Rajaraja I established himself as one of the most smart and sharp political leaders to emerge from South India. He conquered all Pandya territories before moving to Sri Lanka, where he plundered several Buddhist Viharas and rebuilt Shiva temples to establish the Cholas' empire. — Rajaraja I's personal abilities paved the way for the successes of his son and successor, Rajendra Chola, commonly known as Rajendra the Great. The Chola kingdom rose to its pinnacle and expanded its reach beyond the seas during his reign. — Rajendra Chola first seized royal power in 1012 CE as his father's co-regent, and he became king after Rajaraja I died in 1014 CE. Rajendra inherited his father's vast kingdom, which included all of present-day Chennai and Andhra Pradesh, as well as parts of Mysuru and Sri Lanka. He had profited from a well-established, powerful administration, a robust army, and a thriving trading system. — Rajendra became one of the few Indian monarchs to conquer land beyond the Indian subcontinent. In 1025 CE, he sent a naval expedition to Indochina, the Malay Peninsula, and the Srivijaya Empire, which is today's Indonesia. The expedition attempted to capture vital trade routes in the Indian Ocean region, which had previously been controlled by the Srivijaya Empire. Conclusion: — Chola emperors Rajaraja I and Rajendra Chola I will soon have statues erected in honour of their rich legacy. Recalling the glorious contribution of the 10th-century Chola empire in South India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently said that the statues 'would serve as modern pillars of India's historical consciousness' and hailed the two rulers as 'synonymous with India's identity and pride'. (Source: Rajaraja I and Rajendra Chola: The 2 emperors who made the Cholas one of the greatest South Indian powers) Points to Ponder Read more about Chola Empire Read about contribution of Chola towards architecture Related Previous Year Questions Though the great Cholas are no more yet their name is still remembered with great pride because of their highest achievements in the domain of art and architecture. Comment. (2024) Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss. (2013) QUESTION 2: Explain the factors that make the relationship between extreme rainfall, landslides, and flash floods in the Himalayan region complex. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — Flash floods are usually triggered by extreme rainfall events that lead to landslides or mudslides with large amounts of debris ending up in streams or rivers. The debris flows down steep slopes with the surging water, its great force sweeping away buildings, vegetation, and roads in its path. — For instance, the Dharali incident indicates the rising risk of such disasters in these ecologically fragile regions, and the increasing uncertainty around their occurrence. This is making the task of installing early warning systems and taking mitigation measures even more difficult. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — A cloudburst has a specific definition in meteorology. The IMD categorises an extreme rainfall event as a cloudburst if a small area, roughly 10 km x 10 km in size, receives at least 100 mm of rain in about an hour. — During a cloudburst occurrence, extremely heavy rainfall raises the likelihood of a landslip. Cloudburst-like phenomena, even if they do not meet the exact definition of a cloudburst, are frequently responsible for flash floods in hill states. Many recent instances in Himachal Pradesh were caused by cloudburst-like events. — Heavy rains, landslides, and flash floods have no direct cause-and-effect link. — Not every cloudburst-like event causes a flash flood or calamity. Not all flash floods are caused by heavy rainfall. — A flash flood-like situation requires a number of factors to come together. In most situations, significant rainfall is followed by landslides or mudslides, which cause runoff into rivers. However, significant rainfall events do not always cause landslides, and even when they do, the debris does not necessarily end up in a river or stream. — Furthermore, the location where this occurs may not necessarily be on a steep enough slope to allow the collected material to descend forcefully. — But, again, landslides are not required to generate flash flooding. In certain circumstances, severe rainfall alone can accomplish this. Conclusion: — The Himalayas are comparatively young mountains. The rocks are not totally cemented, and there are many rather weak geological formations. The region is hence more vulnerable to landslides and flash floods than, instance, the older Aravali highlands. — The Himalayas are also earthquake prone. Continuous seismic activity increases the region's vulnerability to extreme rainfall events. Large-scale construction activities and heavy motor traffic are also major causes. — Certain mitigation measures can certainly be implemented. These might include avoiding construction activity near riverbanks, relocating villages and people away from rivers, and storing and disposing of huge rocks and construction waste in a way that prevents them from being carried into rivers. (Source: Dharali disaster: the complex, uncertain relationship between extreme rain, landslides & flash floods) Points to Ponder Read about cloudburst and flash floods How sustainable construction can be done in the Himalayan region? Related Previous Year Questions What is the phenomenon of 'Cloudbursts'? Explain. (2024) Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats. (2021) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 114) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 115) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 114) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 115) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 114) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 113) 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.
