BPSC (Mains) General Studies Paper - I with Solutions 2020 | BPSC Previous Year Papers - BPSC (Bihar) PDF Download

Q1: What were the causes of the Revolt of 1857? What effect did it have on Bihar?
Ans: The Revolt of 1857 marked the first major resistance against British colonial rule in India. It began on May 10, 1857, in Meerut as a sepoy mutiny and quickly spread across the country, involving not just the soldiers but also the common people. This revolt is known by many names, including the Sepoy Mutiny (by British historians), the Indian Mutiny, the Great Rebellion (by Indian historians), the Revolt of 1857, the Indian Insurrection, and most notably as the First War of Independence, a term popularized by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.

• Causes of the Revolt of 1857: While the issue of greased cartridges and military grievances is often highlighted, the revolt was caused by a combination of social, religious, political, and economic factors.
• Social and Religious Causes: The British had abandoned their policy of non-interference in India's social and religious practices. Laws like the Abolition of Sati (1829), the Hindu Widow Remarriage Act (1856), and the Religious Disabilities Act (1850), which allowed converts to inherit property, angered many Indians. Additionally, Christian missionaries were allowed to preach, further disturbing the local population.
• Political Causes: The British policy of expansion, particularly through the Doctrine of Lapse and direct annexations, contributed significantly to the unrest. Indian rulers, including Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi, were dethroned, leading to fear among other ruling families that they could face a similar fate. The annexations of states like Satara, Nagpur, Jhansi, and Awadh, the latter under the pretext of misrule, angered the local nobility and soldiers, who lost their jobs and livelihoods. This increased resentment against British rule.
• Economic Causes: The British policies were detrimental to Indian farmers and peasants. Heavy taxes and loans forced many to lose their lands to British officials. Additionally, British-made goods flooded the Indian market, crippling traditional Indian industries, especially handicrafts.
• Military Grievances: The conditions of service for Indian sepoys deteriorated with the extension of British rule. They were forced to serve far from home without extra allowances, and the General Service Enlistment Act of 1856 required them to serve overseas, which was against their religious beliefs. The Post Office Act of 1854 also stripped them of free postage, further increasing dissatisfaction.
• Immediate Cause: The immediate spark for the revolt was the introduction of the ‘Enfield’ rifle. The cartridges, which had to be bitten before loading, were rumored to be greased with either pig or cow fat. This deeply offended both Hindu and Muslim sepoys, leading to widespread discontent. This issue became the flashpoint that triggered the rebellion.

Impact of the Revolt on Bihar:

• In Bihar, the revolt took on a largely feudal character but with some nationalist elements. It marked the beginning of widespread resistance in the region, and many prominent figures, such as Kunwar Singh, Pir Ali, and Amar Singh, took part in the struggle, garnering significant popular support.
• The rebellion exposed the weaknesses of the British East India Company’s rule. Realizing the need to retain control over India, the British government decided to abolish the Company’s rule and directly administer the country through the British Crown. The office of Governor-General was replaced by that of the Viceroy, who would act as the representative of the Queen. The Board of Control, created under the 1784 Pitt's India Act, was abolished, and a new ministry, ‘India House,’ was set up, headed by the Secretary of State for India.
• The Revolt of 1857 was a crucial event in Indian history. Though it started as a mutiny by sepoys, it was the culmination of widespread discontent across different sections of Indian society, united in their opposition to British colonial rule.

Q2: Describe the spread of Western Education in Bihar between 1858-1914.
Ans: Bihar has a rich and ancient history of organized education and intellectual development. From the earliest times, this region has played a pivotal role in shaping educated and civilized societies. During the Vedic period, Mithila, a region in Bihar, was well-known for its contributions to Vedic education and the scholars it produced. Alongside traditional Vedic teachings, Buddhist and Jain education also began to flourish in the state around the 5th century B.C.

Spread of Western Education in Bihar (1858-1914):

• Initially, the British had little interest in the educational system of India. However, over time, they recognized the value of the region’s rich knowledge and traditions, which led them to begin interfering in the education system to serve their own interests.
• A significant change came in 1835 with the introduction of Macaulay's Minutes on Education. This document had a lasting impact on the content, teaching methods, and the language of instruction in Indian education. The Governor-General, Lord William Bentinck, approved this resolution, which undermined the traditional educational system in India. However, in Bihar, where there were very few English schools and colleges, the impact was somewhat less pronounced.
• In 1854, another important development in Indian education came with the introduction of Wood's Dispatch. The main goal of this initiative was to promote the teaching of English, science, and European languages. One key recommendation was the establishment of a university in each of the three presidencies—Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras. As a result, the first university in India was founded in Calcutta in 1857.
• Since Bihar was under the jurisdiction of Calcutta University, the decision was made to open a college in Patna. Consequently, Patna College was established on January 9, 1863, and the first batch of students graduated in 1868. From 1863 to 1917, Patna College remained affiliated with the University of Calcutta.
• Following the establishment of Patna College, the need for professional education was recognized. In 1886, a Survey Training School was set up, which was later transformed into the Bihar School of Engineering in 1900.
• A major milestone in the history of higher education in Bihar came in 1917 with the establishment of Patna University. Between 1917 and 1940, numerous institutions were created to promote both professional and general education.
• In 1927, a graduate-level curriculum was introduced at the Bihar School of Engineering, which was renamed Bihar College of Engineering in 1932. To promote science education, the science department at Patna College was established in 1927 and later became Patna Science College in 1928 under the patronage of the Viceroy, Lord Irwin. In 1940, Patna Women’s College, the first college exclusively for women in Bihar, was established.

Critical Analysis:

• Despite these efforts, education during the British period remained largely confined to cities and towns, leaving the rural population of Bihar excluded from modern Western education, particularly English education.
• Even after more than 70 years of independence, the situation has not changed much. According to the 2011 Census, only 51.5% of women in Bihar are literate, the lowest rate in India.
• The British period universities were mainly located in major cities, creating an educated elite while the majority remained illiterate. Despite the growth in the number of colleges and universities in Bihar, the state’s higher education system continues to struggle, plagued by issues like irregular classes, poor management of colleges and universities, delayed exams, and widespread cheating and fraud in examinations.
• In terms of scientific, medical, and technical education, the situation was also lacking during the pre-independence era. There were only a few institutions in Bihar compared to other regions of the country.
• The education policies of the British government, combined with social taboos in the early 20th century, significantly impacted girls’ education, especially in rural areas. The absence of schools in villages and the societal norms of the time made it difficult for girls to pursue education, particularly in cities.
• Even today, many students from Bihar continue to migrate to other states for professional education in fields like medicine, engineering, and other specialized areas due to the lack of quality institutions within the state.

Q3: Write a note on Swarni Sahajanand and the Kisan Sabha Movement.
Ans:

• Swami Sahajanand Saraswati, born in 1889 into a poor Brahmin family in rural Bihar, rose to become one of the most prominent peasant leaders in pre-independence India. An ascetic, nationalist, and revolutionary, Swamiji’s early work primarily focused on Bihar, although his influence spread across India, particularly through the formation of the All India Kisan Sabha. He established an ashram at Bihta, near Patna, where much of his later work was carried out. Sahajanand was not only an intellectual and prolific writer but also a social reformer committed to change.
• Living in an era of nationalist fervor and the struggle for control over the peasant movement, Swamiji engaged in debates on rural poverty, class divisions within the peasantry, and the role of peasants in revolutionary change—issues that continued to spark debate into the 1990s. Despite lacking formal education in English, he wrote and campaigned in Hindi, reaching a large audience. His writings from jail reveal the enduring relevance of his views, as he remains one of the key intellectual figures of India’s largest mass movements.
• Following Mahatma Gandhi’s success in Champaran, Sahajanand took up the cause of economic rights for the masses in Bihar, organizing movements to unite the people against British rule and strengthening the Non-Cooperation Movement. He also worked toward modernizing social and cultural practices.
• Sahajanand founded the Bihar Provincial Kisan Sabha (BPKS) in 1929 to address peasant grievances, particularly against the exploitation of their land rights by zamindars. Under his dynamic leadership, the Sabha expanded across Bihar, challenging the ‘Permanent Settlement’ system. His efforts to secure the economic rights of farmers, including advocating for the waiving of loans and securing better incomes for farmers, earned him recognition as the founder of the All India Kisan Sabha.
• The Kisan Sabha grew rapidly, gaining momentum through key political events such as the Civil Disobedience Movement, the Great Depression, and the push for Provincial Autonomy. But the Sabha’s strength came largely from the struggles it led at the grassroots level, including movements against tenancy laws, and other peasant uprisings in Gaya, Barahiya, and Majiawana, among others. Notable among these struggles was the Bakasht movement in Barahiya tal, which persisted for several years and led to a significant victory for the tenants, establishing a strong foundation for the Communist Party in Bihar.
• Through these efforts, Sahajanand not only became the voice of the farmers of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh but also protected them from exploitation under British rule. His legacy continues to inspire millions who dream of an inclusive society, with the welfare of farmers at its heart.

Q4: Explain the social and economic ideas of Ram Manohar Lohia and Jayaprakash Narayan.
Ans:
Ram Manohar Lohia

• Ram Manohar Lohia was born on March 23, 1910, in the village of Akbarpur in Uttar Pradesh, into a Marnari family. His father, Hiralal, was a committed freedom fighter and a follower of Gandhi, deeply influencing Lohia’s early years. It was through his father’s guidance and Mahatma Gandhi’s ideology that Lohia developed an interest in nationalist politics.
• Lohia was a man of action, always driven by his vision for social change. He stayed well-informed about the latest global developments in political thought. He articulated his ideas through what he called the Seven Revolutions: equality between men and women, the fight against political, economic, and spiritual inequality based on race, the abolition of caste-based discrimination, the removal of foreign domination in all its forms, economic equality, planned production, and the dismantling of capitalism. Lohia also opposed unjust invasions of personal privacy, advocated for non-violent defense, and emphasized Satyagraha as a crucial method of protest.
• A prominent figure in the socialist movement in India, Lohia blended Gandhian ideals with socialist principles, pushing for democratic socialism as a path to improve the economy of a developing country. He was a proponent of the "cyclical theory of history" and envisioned socialism as a new civilization, which Marx would describe as socialist humanism. He believed India’s path to socialism had to be framed within its unique cultural, historical, and social contexts. For Lohia, the eradication of the caste system was central to India’s socialist agenda.
• Lohia also championed the idea of permanent civil disobedience, a form of peaceful rebellion against injustice, and advocated for a balance of action, organization, and constructive militancy in the social revolution. He saw male domination and the caste system as fundamental flaws in India's social fabric and called for their removal at all levels of society. Through his activism and thought, Lohia carved out a distinctive place in the history of India’s socialist movement.

Jayaprakash Narayan (JP)

• Jayaprakash Narayan, commonly known as JP or Lok Nayak, was born on October 11, 1902, in Sitabdiara, a village in Bihar’s Saran district. After completing his studies, he returned to India in 1929 and joined the Indian National Congress upon the invitation of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Mahatma Gandhi soon became his mentor.
• JP strongly believed that the nature of a revolution determined its long-term impact. He was convinced that violent revolutions would not lead to true empowerment of the people. His vision of revolution was deeply rooted in spirituality and the well-being of society. In 1969, he introduced his idea of Total Revolution, which was a holistic concept encompassing social, economic, political, cultural, ideological, intellectual, educational, and spiritual reforms. He emphasized that these revolutions could be grouped according to the needs of different social structures.
• JP was highly critical of the corruption in India’s political system and the decline of moral standards in public life. He feared that this trend would prevent the development of a just society, and that without corrective action, the nation could lose its sense of unity and purpose. He wanted to empower people at every level of decision-making, arguing that elected representatives should be accountable to their constituents not just every five years but throughout their term. If a representative was unsuitable, they should be removed promptly.
• JP’s focus on electoral reforms was aimed at reducing the influence of black money and ensuring that India’s democracy remained robust and transparent. He wanted to make the political system more accountable and participatory, believing that these changes were vital for the survival of socialism, national unity, and justice in India.

Q5: Discuss the features of Pala art and architecture and its relationship with Buddhism.
Ans: The Pala Dynasty and Its Artistic Achievements

• The Pala dynasty ruled from the 8th to the 12th century CE, primarily in the regions of Bihar and Bengal. The artistic developments that had flourished during the Mauryan and Gupta periods were further advanced by the Palas.
• The distinctive achievements of the Palas can be seen in various art forms such as architecture, sculpture, terracotta, painting, and wall painting.

Main Features of Pala Art

• Architecture: The Palas constructed several significant religious structures, including mahaviharas, stupas, chaityas, temples, and forts. The first two hundred years of their rule were marked by Buddhist art, while the last two hundred years saw a shift towards Hindu art. Notable mahaviharas of this period include Nalanda, Vikramashila, Somapura, Traikutaka, Devikota Pandita, and Jagaddala. These were planned as residential complexes for monks and featured advanced architectural designs. At these centers, manuscripts on palm-leaves, often depicting Buddhist deities, were produced and workshops for casting bronze images were also established. Somapura Mahavihara, built by Dharmapala at Paharpur, is one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in the Indian subcontinent. Its architectural design influenced buildings in Myanmar and Indonesia.
• Painting: The Pala period is also known for the earliest examples of miniature painting in India, particularly in the form of illustrations accompanying religious texts on Buddhism. These paintings were often done on palm leaves and depicted scenes from the life of Buddha, along with gods and goddesses of the Mahayana sect. The influence of Tantrism is evident in these works, with bold primary colors like red, blue, black, and white used prominently. Pala paintings are characterized by graceful, sinuous lines, delicate details, sensuous elegance, and a naturalistic style. They bear similarities to the bronze and stone sculptures of the time and reflect the classical art forms of Ajanta, with a sensuous Eastern Indian influence. Wall paintings have been discovered in places like Saradh and Sarai Sthal in Nalanda, where intricate geometric patterns, animals, and human figures are depicted at the base of granite platforms.
• Sculpture: Sculpture was another key feature of the Pala period, particularly the creation of bronze sculptures, which rivaled those of the Chola dynasty in South India. Pala sculptures were largely inspired by Gupta-era art and can be divided into two categories: bronze and stone. Bronze sculptures, known for their ornamental detailing, are considered the most notable among Pala idols. Stone statues, often made from basalt sourced from places like Munger and Santhal Parganas, were also common, featuring finely detailed depictions of the human form. In addition to these, clay sculptures and pottery were also developed, often used for decorative purposes.
• Terracotta: Terracotta art flourished during the Pala period, with its primary purpose being decoration. Terracotta plaques found at Paharpur demonstrate the excellence of this form, with scenes depicting religious and everyday life. These artistic forms were commonly used on the walls of temples and other structures.
• Temples: The temples of the Pala period reflect the regional Vanga style. An example of early Pala architecture is the Siddheshvara Mahadeva temple in Barakar, built in the 9th century, which features a tall, curving shikhara crowned by a large amalaka. The rock cave temple at Kahalgaon (9th century) also shows the gabled vault roof characteristic of South Indian architecture.
• Pala Art and Its Relationship with Buddhism:
  The early Pala period, especially the first two centuries, was dominated by Buddhist art. The last two centuries, however, saw the rise of Hindu art. Somapura Vihara and Vikramashila Vihara were two major centers of Buddhist learning between the 9th and 12th centuries. Vikramashila, in particular, has the remains of a temple and stupa. Numerous manuscripts on palm leaves, focusing on Buddhist themes and often illustrated with images of Buddhist deities, were created at these centers, which also housed workshops for the casting of bronze statues. The Odantpuri Mahavihara, built between 750 and 770, was so impressive that it later served as a model for the first monastery built in Tibet. The remains of Bodh Gaya and Nalanda offer a magnificent view of monasteries, stupas, and temples. Nalanda, in particular, was renowned for its Buddhist architecture and was a prominent place of study during the Pala period.

Q6: Write short notes on any two of the following: 
(a) Dr. Rajendra Prasad and the National Movement
(b) Gandhiji's views on caste and religion
(c) The Dalit Movement in Bihar
Ans:
(a) Dr. Rajendra Prasad: Contribution to India’s Independence and Growth

• Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first President of independent India, but his contribution to the country extends far beyond that role. A prominent freedom fighter, he also gave up his legal profession to join the struggle for India's independence. Apart from being an Indian freedom activist and scholar, he was a staunch supporter of Mahatma Gandhi and hailed from Bihar. Following the 1946 elections, Dr. Prasad served as the Food and Agriculture Minister in the central government and was also the President of the Constituent Assembly of India.

Dr. Rajendra Prasad's Role in the Nationalist Movement

• Dr. Prasad entered politics quietly but with purpose. He began his political journey by volunteering at the 1906 Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress and formally joined the party in 1911. He was later elected to the All India Congress Committee (AICC).
• Dr. Prasad was deeply inspired by Gandhi's principles of non-violence, dedication, and selfless service. When Gandhi launched the Champaran Satyagraha, Dr. Prasad offered his full support to the cause.
• In 1921, he founded the National College in Patna and actively promoted the Swadeshi movement, encouraging people to boycott foreign goods, spin their own clothes, and wear khadi. When Gandhi called for the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920, Dr. Prasad gave up his thriving legal career to dedicate himself completely to the cause of India's freedom.
• He became a leader of the Non-Cooperation movement in Bihar, touring the state to organize public meetings and rally support for the movement. Dr. Prasad also raised funds to sustain the cause and encouraged people to boycott government schools, colleges, and offices.

(b) Gandhi's Views on Caste and Religion
Caste System:

• Mahatma Gandhi's views on the caste system were rooted in traditional Hindu beliefs, where he accepted the legitimacy of the Varna system. However, he emphasized certain reforms to bring dignity and respect to all occupations. He strongly advocated that no occupation should be considered superior or inferior to another. Gandhi fought against the harsh practices of untouchability, establishing the All India Harijan Sabha to campaign against its evils.
• His understanding of caste was linked to the concept of a well-ordered society where different roles coexist for the greater good. Gandhi's ideas about caste also align with his broader vision of Swaraj (self-rule) and skill development. According to his Wardha Scheme of education, he emphasized learning through activity, which mirrored the traditional practice of passing down skills within families through generations.
• Gandhi's economic model also called for self-sufficient villages where various occupations would thrive together. Therefore, his thoughts on caste must be viewed alongside his other ideas of social and economic development, either to be appreciated or critiqued in this broader context.

Religion:

• Gandhi believed that religion was essential to life and that man could not live without it. He once said that "man without religion is man without roots," emphasizing that religion is the foundation of life. For Gandhi, religion wasn't just about rituals but also a moral guide for solving national and international problems.
• Gandhi's religion was based on truth, love, and non-violence, and these values formed the core of his philosophy of life. He believed that religion could foster friendship and unity among all people, as it teaches mutual respect rather than enmity. Gandhi was an advocate of Sarvadharma Samanatva, which means respecting all religions equally, though he clarified that this didn’t mean adopting another’s religion, but rather understanding and appreciating different religious beliefs while remaining true to one’s own.

(c) The Dalit Movement in Bihar

• Historically, the Dalits, or Scheduled Castes (SCs), have been the most marginalized and oppressed community in India, and Bihar has been no exception. They have faced discrimination, exploitation, and segregation due to their low caste status, which has severely hindered their socio-economic, educational, political, and cultural progress.
• In Bihar, the Dalit population largely consisted of people from artisan backgrounds, who were traditionally involved in non-agricultural work. These included the Nai (barbers), Mallah (fishermen), Kumhars (potters), and Barhai (carpenters). Unlike the upper backward castes like Koeris, Kurmis, and Yadavs, these communities were more disenfranchised and suffered the worst forms of caste-based violence, especially in rural areas after independence.
• The Dalits later became active in the political landscape, with the rise of Maoist groups mobilizing them to assert their rights in the agrarian economy. As Mandal politics emerged, Dalits began supporting Lalu Yadav's social justice movement. However, they later shifted their support to the Lok Janshakti Party led by Ram Vilas Paswan, a popular Socialist leader, who championed their cause in the political arena.

Q7: Discuss the pattern of global spread of Covid-19 pandemic w ith reference to the international migRatio and trade. 38
Ans: COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is an infectious disease primarily transmitted through small droplets from person to person or by contact with contaminated surfaces. The disease originated in Asia but quickly spread, especially across Europe and the Americas, leading to a global pandemic. The resulting economic downturn from the pandemic is expected to be more severe and widespread than the great recession following the 2008-2009 financial crisis.

• COVID-19 Spread and International Migration
  The spread of COVID-19 has been significantly influenced by population movement. Particularly, the travel of tourists and business professionals has played a major role in the global spread of the virus. The disease first spread from China to its neighboring countries, then to the United States and Europe. As the virus continued to spread, it eventually reached other parts of the world, with many of the wealthiest and most connected countries bearing the brunt of the early health impacts.
• Income inequality and marginalization have also shaped local patterns of COVID-19 prevalence. For instance, while New York City recorded positive cases across various neighborhoods, the highest concentration of cases was in lower-income areas, where access to testing was limited. Migrants, in particular, have been at higher risk, often due to a lack of awareness of local prevention measures, reliance on informal communication, or cultural practices that may increase their vulnerability to transmission. Additionally, national and local authorities often lack accurate data on the migrant population, making it difficult to include them in public health efforts and track the progress of the outbreak.

COVID-19 Spread and International Trade

• The pandemic has disrupted international trade, especially exports and imports. With the rapid spread of the disease and the global rise in connectivity due to improved transport and a growing population, trade has been severely impacted. Major exporting countries have seen a decline in their export volumes, and industries worldwide came to a halt due to lockdown measures. Since many industries are deeply integrated into the global trade network, the disruption has led to significant supply chain issues.
• Foreign direct investment (FDI) also suffered as a result of the pandemic, with FDI expected to drop even further in 2021 before a potential recovery in 2022. Cross-border mergers and acquisitions decreased by 15 percent during the first three quarters of 2020 compared to the previous year. In developed economies, which rely heavily on such transactions, the decline was 21 percent. However, in developing economies, the value of these transactions rose by 12 percent, thanks to a 60 percent increase in Asia. This rise, however, did not make up for the sharp declines seen in regions like Africa (-44 percent) and Latin America and the Caribbean (-73 percent).

Q8: What are the variables of the World Happiness Report-2020? Give reasons why the Nordic countries arc considered as the top ranking countries in the world.
Ans:

Q9: Examine the recent disasters like ‘Bushfire’in Australia and Amazon Burn'in Brazil with their causes and impacts on local ecological and global atmospheric conditions.
Ans: A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire that burns in natural areas like forests, grasslands, or prairies. These fires are often triggered by human actions or natural events such as lightning, and they can occur at any time and in any location. In about 50% of recorded wildfires, the exact cause remains unknown. Examples of major wildfires include the Bushfire in Australia and the Amazon Fires in Brazil.
Causes of Wildfires:
For a wildfire to ignite and spread, three elements need to be present:

1. Fuel in the form of trees, vegetation, and other organic matter (both live and dead),
2. Oxygen in the air,
3. Heat from sources like lightning or human activity.

Natural Wildfires:

• The majority of naturally occurring wildfires are sparked by lightning. A lightning strike generates enough heat to ignite trees or other vegetation, and in an average year, lightning causes about 60% of wildfires in regions like British Columbia. While it's impossible to prevent lightning strikes, the severity of wildfires can be reduced through land management practices like fuel management, prescribed burns, and landscape fire management planning.
• While lightning is the primary natural cause, other events like rockfalls, meteorite impacts, or volcanic activity could also theoretically ignite wildfires. However, these non-lightning natural causes are extremely rare in places like British Columbia.

Human-Caused Wildfires:
Many wildfires are caused by human activities, either unintentionally or deliberately. Around 40% of wildfires in regions like British Columbia are human-caused, often due to actions like open burning, using engines or vehicles, dropping burning objects like cigarettes, or other activities that create heat or sparks. The key thing about human-caused fires is that they are preventable.

Impacts on Local Ecosystems and Global Climate:

• Australia's climate has warmed by over one degree Celsius in the past century, which has led to more frequent and intense heatwaves and droughts. As a result, average summer temperatures across the country have risen, contributing to some of the hottest weather on record, including the exceptionally hot summer of 2019.
• Wildfires in tropical forests can be devastating, especially to trees and the understory. While trees suffer significant damage, plants and animals living closer to the ground are also highly vulnerable.
• The smoke from these fires contains fine particulate matter, a pollutant linked to respiratory and cardiovascular problems, as well as premature death. Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with existing heart or lung conditions are particularly at risk.
• The 2019-2020 bushfires in Australia were projected to contribute around 2% to the increase in global greenhouse gases, with atmospheric carbon dioxide levels expected to rise to 417 parts per million, one of the largest annual increases ever recorded.
• Ecological impacts are also severe, with a decline in species like butterflies, specialist forest ants, and other ground-dwelling invertebrates, along with some bird species, small mammals, and snakes, particularly in areas that have been recently burned.

Q10: Explain the socio-economic and ecological implications of Covid-19 lockdown in India with examples.
Ans:

• COVID-19, caused by a new strain of the coronavirus, emerged from Wuhan, China in December 2019 and was later declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. This global health crisis has led to significant disruptions, including the loss of lives, economic instability, business shutdowns, and widespread job losses. As the world’s economies are closely interconnected through global supply chains, the pandemic has had a profound impact on international trade and commerce.
• Countries in South Asia, like India, have faced even more severe challenges due to their large populations, inadequate healthcare systems, high poverty rates, and poor socio-economic conditions. These issues, compounded by limited access to clean water, sanitation, and proper living spaces, made it especially difficult to implement physical distancing and other necessary measures to control the pandemic.

Socio-Economic Implications:

• Before the pandemic, India was already grappling with major macroeconomic challenges, including a slowdown in GDP growth, which had dropped to 4.7% in 2019, its lowest since 2013. Unemployment was high, industrial output had declined, and there was stagnation in private sector investments. For the first time in decades, consumption expenditure also fell.
• From December 2019 to April 2020, employment among upper castes dropped from 39% to 32%, a decline of 7 percentage points. The fall for Scheduled Castes (SCs) was much sharper, from 44% to 24%, a drop of 20 percentage points, nearly three times the rate seen among upper castes. Other backward classes (OBCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) also faced significant employment losses, with declines in employment rates of up to 15 percentage points in some cases. Thus, SCs and STs experienced far greater losses in employment compared to other groups.
• Farmers also faced significant challenges due to transport constraints, mobility restrictions, and a shortage of labor caused by the reverse migration of workers to their home villages during the lockdown. The MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) sector was heavily impacted by reduced cash flows, disruptions to supply chains, labor shortages, and reduced demand.
• The service sector, especially industries like aviation, transport, travel, and tourism, was among the hardest hit, both in India and globally.
• The pandemic has also had a disproportionate impact on men and women in the workforce. The drop in employment has been more severe for men due to the pre-existing large gender gap in employment opportunities. In addition, there has been a sharp increase in domestic violence cases during the lockdown. According to a report from the National Commission for Women (NCW), the number of domestic violence cases increased by 45% within just 25 days of the lockdown, with the most significant rise occurring in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, and Punjab.
• The rural economy has been severely affected in both the short and long term, especially due to reverse migration, which has placed additional strain on agriculture and rural communities. This has led to a sharp rise in poverty and pushed many people into extreme poverty.
• Beyond economic and social struggles, the lockdown, mass unemployment, business closures, and rising inequality have taken a toll on mental health. People of all ages, backgrounds, and social classes have experienced increased anxiety, stress, depression, and other emotional challenges during this period.

Ecological Implications:

• While COVID-19 has caused significant harm to the economy and people's lives, it has also brought some positive environmental changes. For example, during the lockdown in India, the Ganga River showed signs of improvement. The reduction in human activity allowed the river to recover from pollution.
• In cities like Delhi, air quality significantly improved during the first few weeks of the lockdown starting March 24, 2020. Air pollutants such as PM10, PM2.5, CO, and NO showed a noticeable decline. The National Air Quality Index (NAQI) recorded a 43% reduction in pollution levels between March 24 and April 14, 2020, compared to the first three weeks of March.
• These positive environmental changes highlight the potential for improving air quality and reducing pollution if human activity is reduced, even temporarily. However, these improvements also come with the understanding that they are the result of a public health crisis, not a sustainable environmental policy.

Q11: “With ‘Mission Shakti’, India becomes the fourth largest space power in the world’'. Discuss this statement. 38
Ans: