UPSC Mains Previous Year Questions 2022: GS1 Indian Society | Indian Society for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Q1: Explore and evaluate the impact of ‘Work From Home’ on family relationships (Indian Society)
Ans: 
Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Work Culture in India: With the rapid surge of Covid-19 cases in India, businesses across the nation adopted widespread 'work from home' measures. This shift became essential to sustain economic activities while mitigating the virus's spread.

Effects of Work from Home on Family Dynamics:

• Strengthened Family Ties: The increased time spent at home has facilitated stronger connections among family members.
• Quality Time with Children: 'Work from home' arrangements have allowed parents to engage more with their kids, bolstering parent-child relationships.
• Enhanced Elderly Care: The younger generation can now offer better care and attention to their elderly family members.
• Concerning Trends: The National Commission for Women reported a significant rise, about 2.5 times, in domestic violence cases during the lockdown period.
• Challenges in Marital Harmony: Prolonged cohabitation during the pandemic has heightened tensions in some marital relationships.
• Conflicts within the Household: Sharing workspace and resources, such as internet or computer, with family members can lead to disagreements, especially if schedules overlap.
• Increased Stress Levels: The absence of a formal work environment and necessary facilities has caused frustration for some individuals.
• Impact on Household Chores: Synchronized work timings between spouses have sometimes resulted in overlooked domestic responsibilities, causing strain in the relationship.

Q2: How is the growth of Tier 2 Cities related to the rise of a new middle class with an emphasis on the culture of consumption? (Indian Society)
Ans: 
Definition and Criteria of Tier 2 Cities in India: According to government standards, cities with populations ranging from 50,000 to 1,00,000 are classified as Tier 2 cities in India.

Understanding the Middle Class: The middle class represents individuals and households that occupy a socio-economic position between the working class and the upper class. In Western societies, middle-class members often possess higher educational qualifications, enjoy a more significant disposable income, and may own assets. Many in this class work as professionals, managers, or in government roles.

Interplay between the New Middle Class and Tier 2 Cities:

• Rise in Entrepreneurship: The liberalization, privatization, and globalization (LPG) era in India witnessed a surge in white-collar jobs in Tier 2 cities, largely due to increased entrepreneurial ventures. This period also saw the service sector, which now constitutes over half of India's GDP and a majority of jobs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, flourish.
• Government Initiatives: Programs such as Make in India, Stand up India, Startup India, MUDRA Yojana, JAM Trinity, and UDAN have bolstered consumption patterns by enhancing disposable incomes.
• Factors Driving Tier 2 Cities' Growth:
  • Appeal to Corporate Entities: Cities like Jaipur, Patna, Indore, and Surat have witnessed economic growth rates exceeding 40%.
  • Projected Middle-Class Growth: By 2030, an estimated 80% of Indian households will fall within the middle-class income bracket, leading to a surge in disposable incomes and altered consumer behaviors.
  • E-commerce Influence: India boasts over 15 million traditional retail stores, with families frequently purchasing fresh produce every few days.
  • Employment Opportunities: Tier 2 cities offer employment avenues, attracting talent from rural areas.
  • Affordability: The relatively lower living costs in Tier 2 cities promote increased consumer spending and improved lifestyles.

Q3: Given the diversities among tribal communities in India, in which specific contexts should they be considered as a single category? (Indian Society)
Ans: 
Government of India Act 1935: The Act, in its provisions, categorized forest-dependent communities as Scheduled Tribes (STs).

Diversity Among Tribals: India's tribal communities exhibit vast diversity. For instance, the matrilineal Khasis of Meghalaya contrast with the patriarchal tribes of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Origin-wise, tribes range from the African-origin Siddis in Gujarat to the indigenous tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, such as the Sentinels.

Reasons Binding Tribals as STs:

• Geographical Isolation: They often live in secluded areas.
• Religious Practices: Similarities include tattoos, amulets, and beliefs in magic.
• Common Ancestral Worship: Many tribes venerate shared ancestors and emphasize nature worship.
• Dependence on Forests: Their livelihoods are intertwined with the forest, emphasizing harmony with nature.
• Simple Social Structure: Their societal structures are less hierarchical compared to caste systems.
• Animistic Beliefs: Many tribes adhere to animistic belief systems.
• Territorial Loyalties: They are often dedicated to their tribes and traditions.
• Primitive Occupations: Many engage in traditional occupations like shifting cultivation.
• Indigenous Political Systems: Tribes often have elder councils reminiscent of ancient sabhas and samitis.
• Self-Sufficient Societies: Their communities typically exhibit self-reliance and sufficiency.
• Distinct from Mainstream: They often have distinct practices setting them apart from mainstream society.
• Dr. Ambedkar's Advocacy: Dr. Ambedkar emphasized the distinct socio-cultural identities of these tribes, advocating for their distinct categorization.

Definition of Tier 2 Cities: The government classifies cities with populations between 50,000 and 1,00,000 as Tier 2 cities.

Middle Class Definition: The middle class represents individuals and households positioned between the working class and upper class. They typically possess higher educational qualifications, enjoy more disposable income, and often hold professional or managerial positions.

Interplay between the Middle Class and Tier 2 Cities:

• Entrepreneurial Growth: The liberalization period saw a surge in white-collar jobs in Tier 2 cities, driven by entrepreneurial ventures and the expanding service sector.
• Global Influences: Factors like increased wages, digital advancements, and globalization have shaped this class's consumption habits and popular culture.
• Government Initiatives: Schemes such as Make in India, Stand up India, and others have bolstered consumption by enhancing disposable incomes.
• Factors Boosting Tier 2 City Growth:
  • Corporate Appeal: Cities like Jaipur, Patna, Indore, and Surat have seen impressive economic growth.
  • Future Middle-Class Expansion: By 2030, an estimated 80% of Indian households are expected to have middle-class incomes, influencing consumer behaviors.
  • E-commerce Landscape: India's vast retail market includes over 15 million traditional stores, with families frequently purchasing fresh produce.
  • Employment Opportunities: Tier 2 cities attract talent from rural areas, offering diverse job prospects.
  • Affordability: The cost-effective living standards in Tier 2 cities encourage enhanced consumer spending and improved lifestyles.

Q4: Analyse the salience of ‘sect’ in Indian society vis-a-vis caste, region and religion.(Indian Society)
Ans: Sects and Cults represent smaller religious factions, either stemming from established religions or forming distinctively.

Sects are divisions within recognized religions like Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, among others. They can also emerge as splinter groups from existing religious practices.

In contrast, a cult denotes a community adhering to unique religious or philosophical beliefs, often pursuing shared objectives.

Relevance of 'Sect' in Relation to Caste:

• Sects foster a collective vision emphasizing unity, equality, and shared objectives, especially during societal shifts.
• In India, sub-castes like Gujjjar, Jats, and Patidhar are gaining prominence in socio-political realms, although traditional norms persist.

Relevance of 'Sect' in Relation to Region:

• Geographical factors also influence sect formations; for instance, the nomadic practices of hill tribes like the gaddis or the Muslim Shaikh community in North India, which comprises subgroups like siddiqi and usmani.
• In Maharashtra, sects arose due to religious disparities, Muslim invasions, and political dominance of Muslim rulers over Hindus.

Relevance of 'Sect' in Relation to Religion:

• Hinduism encompasses four main sects: Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Smartism, and Shaktism, differing in deity worship and associated traditions.
• Muslims are segmented into Sunni and Shia sects based on interpretations of Islamic law and history.
• Buddhism is categorized into Mahayana and Hinayana sects, while Christianity is divided into Catholics and Protestants, primarily based on church authority beliefs.

The trajectory of Indian society from the Indus Valley civilization to contemporary globalization is marked by numerous shifts, both external and internal. Remarkably, while adapting various influences, India has retained its rich heritage.

Q5: Are tolerance, assimilation and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of secularism? Justify your answer. (Indian Society)
Ans: In Western countries, secularism often means a clear separation between the state and religion, with the state maintaining a neutral stance. However, India follows a distinct form of secularism, emphasizing equal respect for all religions. Citizens are free to express their religious beliefs publicly, and India does not endorse any specific religion.

Secularism in India is deeply embedded in its Constitution, reflecting the nation's enduring values of tolerance, assimilation, and pluralism.

Tolerance as a Pillar of Indian Secularism:

• Indian religions like Buddhism and Jainism, originating in the country, have long emphasized peace and tolerance.
• Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, championed the principles of international brotherhood and tolerance.
• Historically, most indigenous rulers respected religious diversity, with notable figures like Akbar and Ashoka promoting religious tolerance.
• The Hindu scripture Maha Upanishad encapsulates the idea of global unity with the phrase 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbaka' (the world is one family).
• Constitutional articles (25 to 28) affirm every individual's right to practice any religion, further highlighting the nation's commitment to religious tolerance.

Assimilation in Indian Secularism:

• India has been a melting pot of religions, with the birth and coexistence of major religions like Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism alongside Islam, introduced by invaders.
• Over time, religious communities have influenced one another's art, architecture, and culture, as seen in the fusion of Persian and Indian styles during the Mughal era.

Pluralism as a Cornerstone of Indian Secularism:

• India's rich history showcases its pluralistic ethos, with a diverse representation of global religions and their subgroups.
• From the advent of Buddhism and Jainism to the rapid growth of Islam and the emergence of Sikhism, India's history is a testament to its pluralistic nature.
• Historically, rulers largely refrained from interfering in religious practices, often supporting and facilitating religious activities, reinforcing India's secular essence.

 Q6: Elucidate the relationship between globalization and new technology in a world of scarce resources, with special reference to India.(Indian Society)
Ans:  Globalization refers to the increasing interconnectedness and integration of global economies, societies, and cultures, driven by cross-border trade, technology exchange, investments, and human migration.

In the context of human society, a resource is any asset that satisfies our needs. Often, certain resources are abundant in some regions but scarce in others, leading to collaborative efforts between nations.

Benefits of the relationship between globalization, new technology, and scarce resources:

• Natural Resources: Global collaboration promotes efficient resource utilization. For instance:
  • India's International Solar Alliance (ISA) seeks to harness solar energy, addressing the challenge of diminishing fossil fuels.
  • Entities like the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) fostered by India aim for sustainable infrastructure development globally.
  • Strategic defense partnerships, such as with Israel, Philippines, and Russia, enhance security measures.
  • Collaborations in space technology with nations like Russia, France, and the US ensure optimal utilization of resources.
  • Transport and communication partnerships with countries like Japan and the EU drive technological advancements.

Challenges posed by this relationship include:

• The phenomenon of Brain Drain where skilled Indian professionals migrate to developed nations for better opportunities.
• The potential risk of technological dominance by major corporations under the guise of data privacy and freedom of expression.
• Allocation of limited resources towards specific technologies, such as high-speed trains, potentially reducing funds for essential developmental projects.
• Reliance on imported advanced technologies can strain foreign exchange reserves and diminish local research initiatives. For example, the lack of a prominent Indian smartphone brand in the domestic market.
• Reliance on a few providers for critical technologies can pose security risks, as seen with incidents like the power outage in Mumbai linked to Chinese equipment.

In light of these advantages and challenges, it's essential for India to strive for self-reliance while strategically leveraging global partnerships to enhance its capabilities.