BPSC (Mains) General Studies Paper - II with Solutions 2021 | BPSC Previous Year Papers - BPSC (Bihar) PDF Download

Q1: “The role of the President of India is like an old man in family who has all the uthorities, however, he cannot do anything effective if the naughty-young members of family do not listen him.” Evaluate.
Ans: The executive power of the Government of India is vested in the President, who serves as the formal head of state and a symbol of the nation. While the Constitution grants authority and respect to the office, it does not equip the President with substantial powers to govern. Instead, the President’s role is mostly ceremonial, with the real governance being carried out under the advice and assistance of the Prime Minister.
The Indian presidency stands apart from most others worldwide. Unlike other presidential systems, the President of India does not directly wield executive powers; instead, they perform their duties based on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
Article 53 of the Constitution outlines the President's executive powers, which are categorized into ordinary and emergency powers. The ordinary powers encompass executive, legislative, financial, and judicial responsibilities. Additionally, Article 75 mandates that the Prime Minister must keep the President informed about decisions made by the Union Council of Ministers, while Article 77 specifies that all executive actions of the Union government are carried out in the President's name.
Despite holding significant powers, the President’s role is often criticized for being merely ceremonial. The office is sometimes referred to as a "rubber stamp" since the President must approve almost all government decisions, often without much discretion.
There are several criticisms directed at the office, such as:

• Ceremonial Head: The President is largely seen as a symbolic figure with no real executive authority.
• Unnecessary Office: The position is often regarded as superfluous, with the President needing to approve all executive decisions without much autonomy.
• Pardoning Power (Article 72): The President’s power to grant pardons is sometimes misused by the government to gain political favor, particularly in cases involving capital punishment.
• Nominations: Presidential candidates are sometimes nominated to cater to specific political communities, which is seen as an attempt to gain political advantage.
• Election Process: The election of the President involves a significant cost to the public exchequer.
• Indirect Representation: Unlike other positions, the President is not directly elected by the people of India, which limits their democratic mandate.
• Financial Burden: The President’s office incurs substantial expenses, including those for staff, international travel, and security.

While the office is often viewed as one of symbolic power, the President of India holds significant discretionary powers, which must be exercised with caution and balance. The President must avoid being a passive figurehead or an overly aggressive interventionist to maintain the dignity of this high constitutional post.
In India’s parliamentary system, the President’s position mirrors that of a ceremonial head of state, much like in the British Commonwealth. Though the President is seen as having little real power, the office does play a crucial role in the unique governance system of India.
The President serves as the protector of secularism, acting as an impartial figure without attachment to any political party or ideology. In times of religious tension, the President’s neutral stance can help ensure fairness and balance.
As the defender of federalism, the President has a significant role in the federal structure, including the appointment of governors and overseeing the imposition of President’s Rule in states (Article 356). This helps maintain a fair and balanced federal system.
The President is also the protector of democracy. Under Article 60, the President is bound by the Constitution to safeguard its principles and ensure that the governance process follows democratic norms. In situations such as a hung parliament or a coalition government, the President's role is crucial, as they have wide-ranging powers to make decisions that could shape the nation’s future.
Ultimately, the President of India holds a prominent position, ranking first in the table of precedence. While the office may appear ceremonial, it can serve a meaningful role by representing fairness, balance, and serenity, as emphasized by renowned economist Amartya Sen.

Q2: Indian federal structure is constitutionally oriented towards the Central Government. Explain.
Ans: Federalism is a system of government where political power is shared between different levels of government. In this system, sovereignty is divided among the central government, the states, and local units such as panchayats or municipalities. The central government is also referred to as the Union government.

According to Article 1 of the Indian Constitution, India is described as a "Union of States." The term “Union” was used intentionally because, as Dr. Ambedkar explained, the federation in India was not the result of an agreement between states to form a federation, but rather a union that does not allow the states to secede.

Key features of India’s federal structure include:

• Dual Polity: The Constitution creates a dual polity consisting of the Union at the Centre and the states at the periphery. Both levels of government have their own sovereign powers, which they exercise in areas defined by the Constitution.
• Written Constitution: The Indian Constitution outlines the structure, organization, powers, and functions of both the Centre and the states, setting clear limits to their actions. This helps in preventing misunderstandings and disputes between the two.
• Division of Powers: The Constitution divides the powers between the Centre and the states through three lists in the Seventh Schedule: the Union List, the State List, and the Concurrent List. These lists specify which areas each level of government can legislate on.
• Supremacy of the Constitution: The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. All laws passed by both the Centre and the states must comply with its provisions. The organs of government—legislative, executive, and judicial—must function within the boundaries set by the Constitution.
• Independent Judiciary: An independent judiciary, headed by the Supreme Court, has been established to settle disputes between the Centre and the states, or between states themselves.

India’s federal structure, however, is tilted towards the Central Government for several reasons:

• Strong Centre: The division of powers favors the Centre, as the Union List contains more subjects than the State List, and more critical subjects are placed under the Union List. Additionally, the Centre has overriding authority over the Concurrent List. The residuary powers, which cover any matter not listed in the Union or State Lists, also rest with the Centre.
• States Not Indestructible: The states in India do not have the right to territorial integrity. The Parliament can unilaterally alter the area, boundaries, or name of any state.
• Flexibility of the Constitution: A large portion of the Constitution can be amended by Parliament acting alone, either by a simple or special majority. Only the Centre has the authority to initiate constitutional amendments.
• No Equality in State Representation: States are represented in the Rajya Sabha based on population, not on an equal basis.
• Emergency Provisions: During an emergency, the central government becomes extremely powerful, and the states come under the direct control of the Centre. This changes the federal structure into a unitary one without the need for a formal constitutional amendment.
• Parliament's Authority Over State List: The Parliament can legislate on matters in the State List if the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution stating that it is in the national interest. This allows the central government to extend its legislative powers without amending the Constitution.
• Veto Over State Bills: The Governor has the power to reserve certain types of bills passed by state legislatures for the President's consideration. The President can withhold assent to such bills, either initially or after a second passage in the legislature.

In summary, while India follows a federal structure, the power dynamics are skewed in favor of the Centre, with several provisions that enhance the Centre's control over the states.

Q3: The uneven development of Indian States has created many socio-economic and political problems."Critically analyse the statement with special reference to Bihar.
Ans: India follows a federal system of governance, where both the central and state governments share responsibility for the country's overall development. The policies at both levels of government significantly impact regional variations in economic conditions.
However, regional development in India has been notably uneven, even when compared to other developing countries. Since the 1960s, India's regional growth has been divided into two broad categories: a high-income group and a low-income group. States like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Punjab, and Haryana, along with more recent additions like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, belong to the high-income group. On the other hand, states such as Orissa, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh fall into the low-income group.

Reasons for Uneven Development:

• The uneven development across India can largely be explained using the core-periphery model. The core areas are typically industrialized and urbanized, driving economic growth, while the periphery refers to rural, underdeveloped regions with limited economic progress and fewer job opportunities.
• States like Gujarat and Maharashtra on the western coast are industrial powerhouses, with a major share of their products being exported. Punjab and Haryana, on the other hand, are the nation's agricultural heartland, contributing more than half of India's rice and wheat production.
• In contrast, states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Orissa, along with the sub-Himalayan regions in the far east, have some agricultural activity but contribute very little to India's overall GDP. Without a strong economic growth engine, these states struggle to benefit from the economic spillover effects seen in more prosperous areas.

Factors Behind Poor Economic Growth in Bihar:

• Bihar’s slow economic growth, despite its relatively rich natural resources, can be traced to several factors. It is not the result of a single issue, but rather a combination of social, economic, and political challenges rooted in structural, historical, and macroeconomic factors.
• Bihar's economic decline began during the colonial period, when an exploitative landlord class was established that hindered economic and social development. This resistance to progress persisted even after India's independence in 1947.
• The situation was further worsened by the federal government’s ‘freight equalization’ policy, which undermined Bihar’s natural resource advantages. By subsidizing the transportation costs of bulk industrial materials such as coal, iron ore, steel, and cement, this policy reduced Bihar's competitive edge.
• In addition, the relatively low financial resources allocated to Bihar in successive plan periods limited the state's ability to invest in crucial sectors like health, education, and infrastructure. This has contributed to a low level of human development.
• The poor economic performance of Bihar can also be attributed to low human capital, weak institutions, and poor infrastructure. Moreover, political instability and social conflict, fueled by caste, class, and ethnic divisions, have further hindered the state’s growth potential.

Q4: The Parliament of India is an effective forum of national integration. Discuss.
Ans: The Parliament of India consists of two Houses: the Rajya Sabha, also known as the Upper House, and the Lok Sabha, which is the Lower House. The Rajya Sabha represents the states of India, while the Lok Sabha, often referred to as the "popular House," represents the people of India. The President, though not a member of either House, is an essential part of Parliament. Parliament plays a crucial role in promoting national integration through its various functions.

• Functions of Parliament: Legislative Functions: Parliament is primarily responsible for making laws. The Constitution divides the subjects of legislation into three lists: the Union List, the State List, and the Concurrent List. Parliament has the exclusive power to legislate on matters in the Union List. It can also make laws on subjects in the Concurrent List, along with the state legislatures. If there is a conflict between a central and state law on a Concurrent List subject, the central law prevails. Any matter not listed in any of these lists, known as residuary powers, is under the jurisdiction of Parliament.
  Thus, Parliament’s law-making authority is extensive, covering the Union and Concurrent Lists, and, in certain cases, even the State List.
• Executive Functions: In India’s parliamentary system, there is a close connection between the legislature and the executive. The executive, headed by the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, is accountable to Parliament for its actions. Parliament can remove a ministry by passing a vote of no-confidence or by rejecting a confidence motion. For instance, in 1999, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government lost a confidence vote in the Lok Sabha by a single vote, leading to its resignation.
  Parliament also monitors the executive through motions like "calling attention notices" or "adjournment motions" to address urgent public issues. Such motions hold the government accountable, as they can severely critique the government's policies and their potential impact on voters. If a motion is passed, it serves as a censure of the government.
• Financial Functions: Parliament holds significant financial powers. It is the custodian of public funds and has control over the central government’s finances. No expenditure can be made without its approval, either before or, in rare cases, after the expenditure occurs. Each year, Parliament must approve the national budget.
• Electoral Functions: Members of Parliament form part of the Electoral College for the Presidential election and participate in electing the President of India. They also elect the Vice-President and choose the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha, while the Rajya Sabha elects its Deputy Chairman.
• Miscellaneous Functions: While the President has the authority to declare an Emergency, Parliament must approve all such Proclamations. Both Houses of Parliament must consent to the Emergency declaration.
• Parliament also has the power to create new states by separating territories from existing ones or merging states. In 2000, for instance, the states of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Uttarakhand were formed. It can also admit new states into the Union, such as the admission of Sikkim in 1975. Additionally, Parliament can abolish or create Legislative Councils in states, but this can only be done at the request of the concerned State Assemblies.

In conclusion, although the Indian Parliament’s powers are shaped by the federal structure of the country, it performs a wide range of functions. It must reflect the aspirations and needs of the Indian people, resolve socio-political conflicts, and build consensus on crucial national issues, such as foreign policy.

Q5: In Economic Survey of Bihar Government for 2019-20, it has been mentioned that Bihar has registered higher growth rate than the growth rate of India in last three years. Which sectors of economy have contributed to this progress? Discuss.
Ans:

• According to the Economic Survey of Bihar (2019-20), the state recorded a growth rate of 10.5% in 2019-20, which is significantly higher than the national growth rate of 4.2% in the same period. In terms of Gross State Value Added (GSVA), the share of various sectors is as follows: the Primary Sector contributes 21.3%, the Secondary Sector accounts for 19.7%, and the Tertiary Sector makes up 59.0%.
• The share of the tertiary sector in GSVA has seen a notable increase, rising from 57.3% in 2013-14 to 60.2% in 2019-20. Within the tertiary sector, two subsectors have experienced a significant rise in their contribution to GSVA between 2013-14 and 2019-20. These include Road Transport, which increased from 4.4% to 5.9%, and Other Services, which grew from 10.5% to 13.8%.
• In 2017-18, agricultural and allied sectors contributed 21% to Bihar's GSVA, with the crop sector alone accounting for 12.1%. The state also achieved a high cropping intensity of 144% in 2017-18, and registered a record foodgrain production of 163.80 lakh tonnes in 2019-20.
• Agriculture, forestry, and fishing were the leading employment sectors for males in Bihar, accounting for 44.6% of employment. Other key sectors included construction (17.1%), wholesale and retail trade (12.3%), and manufacturing (9.3%). According to the survey, 57.6% of male workers in Bihar were self-employed, while only 9.7% held regular wage or salaried jobs, the lowest proportion among all states in India.
• The survey also highlighted that Bihar’s Credit Deposit (CD) ratio is quite low. The CD ratio of scheduled commercial banks in Bihar increased slightly from 34% in 2018-19 to 36.1% in 2019-20, but it remains well below the national average of 76.5%. This low ratio suggests that banks in the state are not fully utilizing their resources to promote economic activity in the region from which they collect deposits.

Q6: What are the main causes of disparity in economic and social development prevalent in Bihar? Critically evaluate the measures taken by the Government to reduce these inequalities.
Ans:

• Bihar, with an estimated population of 94.5 million, is considered one of the more underdeveloped states in India. Its per capita net state domestic product (NSDP) is the lowest among major states, being only a third of the national average. Social development indicators such as education and health progress at a slower pace compared to other states. The state's socio-economic backwardness is rooted in a semi-feudal structure that dates back to the colonial era, where the upper castes held dominant economic and political power.
• While Bihar’s economic growth has improved, especially in sectors like construction, hotels, restaurants, communication, and trade, this growth is primarily driven by the non-agricultural and urban sectors. The agricultural sector, where around 70% of the workforce is employed, and the rural areas, which house 90% of the population, have seen less progress.
• The state faces significant challenges related to governance and the inefficiencies in the implementation of public programs. Bihar also has a very high poverty rate compared to other states, with persistent poverty and widespread migration. According to the latest Planning Commission estimates, 33.7% of Bihar’s population lives below the poverty line, the fifth-highest among Indian states, compared to the national average of 21.9%.
• Although public investment has increased and helped improve rural infrastructure and services, disparities remain across districts, blocks, and villages. The effectiveness of development programs varies from village to village, with those closer to towns or with better infrastructure, like nearby hospitals or electricity, being more likely to implement such programs successfully. The presence of tractors in households, reflecting the wealth of a village, also plays a crucial role in the success of these programs. More developed and accessible villages are often the ones where rural development initiatives are most effectively carried out.
• The uneven distribution of benefits from public investment and development efforts at the village level mirrors the existing socio-economic structure. This suggests that public investment, while intended to drive progress, may inadvertently reinforce the existing rural socio-economic disparities if development strategies do not adequately address inequality.
• Furthermore, if development and poverty alleviation programs are not implemented efficiently, transparently, and accountably at the grassroots level, Bihar risks continuing to be a source of labor for the rest of India rather than seeing meaningful progress in its own development.

Q7: W hat do you understand by demographic dividend? According to the UNFPA Report, up to what time India specially Bihar w ill have opportunity to reap its benefit? Throw light on the steps taken by Bihar in this respect.

Ans:

• Demographic dividend refers to the economic growth that occurs as a result of changes in a country's population age structure. This change is typically triggered by declines in fertility and mortality rates. While many countries have seen improvements in child survival rates, high birth rates still persist in many, especially in less developed nations. As a result, these countries often miss out on the economic benefits associated with demographic dividend.
• For a country to benefit from a demographic dividend, it must undergo a demographic transition, shifting from a predominantly rural agrarian economy with high fertility and mortality rates to an urban industrial society with lower fertility and mortality rates. In the early stages of this transition, falling fertility rates lead to a growing workforce that outpaces the dependent population. As a result, per capita income tends to grow more rapidly during this period. This initial economic benefit is considered the first dividend for countries that have undergone this transition.
• According to the United Nations Population Fund, India’s demographic dividend window will remain open for five decades, from 2005-06 to 2055-56—longer than any other country. However, this demographic dividend is available at different times across states, due to variations in population trends. Each state has had different population dynamics in the past and is expected to experience them differently in the future.
• The Sample Registration System-2018 report indicates that Bihar’s working-age population (15-59 years) grew from 57.2% to 59.7% between 2013 and 2018. In 2021, Bihar’s population reached approximately 124.8 million (12.48 crore). While a growing population can offer significant potential, it also puts immense pressure on the state’s natural resources, which are already under stress. Bihar has one of India’s youngest populations, which could provide a greater demographic dividend in the future compared to older states in peninsular India.
• However, Bihar has not been able to fully tap into this demographic dividend due to a lack of adequate opportunities for its youth. The government should have focused on providing skills training, reducing reliance on government jobs, and creating more opportunities for local youth, especially in sectors like healthcare, nursing, and paramedics.

To capitalize on its demographic dividend, the government should prioritize the following actions:

• Provide quality education and skill-building programs, creating more employment opportunities for young people, particularly women.
• Strengthen sexual and reproductive health programs with a focus on human rights, delay the age of marriage, and ensure access to family planning methods, especially for young couples.
• Address gender discrimination by continuing efforts to improve the sex ratio at birth and ensure the safety of girls and women in public spaces.
• Offer life skills education for both boys and girls and ensure secondary education for all.
• Prepare for an aging population and small families, fostering intergenerational bonding.
• Develop support systems for migrants, ensuring access to healthcare, housing, transportation, decent working conditions, and crisis support, especially for migrant women.

By focusing on these areas, Bihar can better leverage its demographic dividend and provide opportunities for its youth to thrive.

Q8: How is human development measured? What are seven commitments of Bihar Government for achieving human development agenda? Explain the schemes of the Government for achieving these goals.

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite index that evaluates key aspects of human development. It focuses on three main dimensions:

• A long and healthy life – measured by life expectancy at birth.
• Access to education – measured by expected years of schooling for children of school-entry age and mean years of schooling for adults.
• A decent standard of living – measured by Gross National Income (GNI) per capita, adjusted for the country's price levels.

HDI is calculated as the geometric mean of these three normalized indices. As of the latest report, India ranks 131st out of 189 countries on the HDI scale.

India’s Performance:

• Life Expectancy: In India, life expectancy at birth is 69.7 years, which is slightly lower than the South Asian average of 69.9 years. Between 1990 and 2019, life expectancy in India increased by 11.8 years.
• Education: The expected years of schooling in India stand at 12.2 years. Between 1990 and 2019, the mean years of schooling increased by 3.5 years, while expected years of schooling grew by 4.5 years.
• Standard of Living: India's Gross National Income (GNI) per capita is USD 6,681, which represents a significant rise of about 273.9% from 1990 to 2019.

Human Development Initiatives in Bihar:

The Bihar state government has outlined a comprehensive human development agenda, known as the Saat Nischay (Seven Commitments), which aims to foster socio-economic growth and improve the quality of life for its residents. Here’s an overview of the key initiatives:

• Arthik Hal, Yuvaon Ka Bal (Economic Empowerment of Youth): To empower youth economically, the state government has introduced several programs aimed at making young people self-reliant through education, skills development, and improved job opportunities.
  Key schemes include:
  1. Bihar Student Credit Scheme: Provides education loans of up to Rs. 4 lakh to students who have passed class 12, enabling them to pursue higher education.
  2. Mukhyamantri Nishchay Swayam Sahayta Bhatta Yojana: Offers Rs. 1,000 per month for up to two years to unemployed youth (ages 20-25), with mandatory training in language, communication, basic computer skills, and soft skills.
  3. Kushal Yuva Program: Provides training in language (Hindi/English), communication, basic computer skills, and soft skills to youth aged 15-28 who have passed class 10.
• Aarakshit Rozgar, Mahilaon Ka Adhikar (Reserved Employment, Women’s Rights): Ensures 35% reservation for women in all government jobs in Bihar, promoting women’s empowerment.
• Har Ghar Bijli (Electricity for Every Household): This initiative aims to provide electricity to all households, both rural and urban, through the Mukhyamantri Vidyut Sambandh Nishchay Yojana, which ensures metered electric connections for rural households.
• Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal (Clean Drinking Water for Every Household): This initiative focuses on providing safe drinking water to all households in Bihar. Several schemes are in place, including:
  1. Mukhyamantri Gramin Peyjal Nishchay Yojana: Aimed at providing safe drinking water in rural areas.
  2. Mukhyamantri Gramin Peyjal (Gunvatta Prabhavit Kshetra) Nishchay Yojana: Targets areas affected by contaminated water due to iron, fluoride, or arsenic.
  3. Mukhyamantri Gramin Peyjal (Gair Gunvatta Prabhavit Kshetra) Nishchay Yojana: Focuses on providing clean drinking water in areas where water quality is not significantly affected.
• Ghar Tak Pakki Gali-Naliyaan (Concrete Roads and Drains in Every Village): The government aims to ensure all weather road connectivity and drainage facilities in rural and urban areas. Schemes include:
  1. Gramin Tola Sampark Nishchay Yojana: Ensures all-weather road connectivity for villages with populations of 250 or more.
  2. Mukhyamantri Gramin Gali-Naali Nishchay Yojana: Focuses on providing road and drainage facilities in all rural wards.
  3. Mukhyamantri Shahri Naali Gali Nishchay Yojana: Ensures road and drainage facilities in urban wards.
• Shauchalav Nirmaan, Ghar Ka Saniman (Toilet Construction, Clean Homes): This initiative aims to make Bihar free of open defecation. The government is working towards constructing toilets for the 1.68 crore families that currently lack them.
• Awsar Badhe, Aage Padhe (Opportunities for Growth and Education): This initiative focuses on enhancing educational opportunities, especially for youth, and developing skilled workers through the establishment of integrated technical and professional education institutions at the district and sub-division levels.

These comprehensive initiatives reflect the Bihar government's commitment to human development and its efforts to improve the living standards and opportunities for its residents.

Q9: India is the second worst affected Covid-19 nation in the world. A fast vaccination process along with social distancing and mask use is the only solution to overcome the deadly virus. Describe the role played by our nation in countering Covid-19 situation keeping in view the Make in India concept propounded by the Prime Minister.
Ans:  Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and it has become a global health crisis. The Government of India has been taking numerous steps to ensure that the nation is prepared to tackle the challenges posed by the pandemic.
India's Role in Combating COVID-19:
India has faced the COVID-19 crisis with resilience and a strong sense of self-reliance.

• Personal Protection Equipment (PPE): Before March 2020, India had no domestic production of PPE kits. However, today, the country has established the capacity to produce around 2 lakh PPE kits daily, with production continuing to grow.
• Ventilator Production: India has turned challenges into opportunities, as shown by the automobile industry repurposing its manufacturing capacity to produce life-saving ventilators, contributing to the country's preparedness.
• International Aid: In the early days of the pandemic, India sent 15 tons of medical supplies to China, including 100,000 masks, 500,000 gloves, 75 infusion pumps, and 30 internal feeding pumps, transported by an Indian Air Force jet.
• Assistance to Neighboring Countries: India allocated $9.8 million (₹74 crore) as a COVID-19 Emergency Fund to SAARC countries. Additionally, India sent a medical team of 15 doctors and healthcare professionals to Kuwait to support their efforts against the virus.
• Global Medical Support: India sent 85 million hydroxychloroquine tablets and 500 million paracetamol tablets to 108 countries, along with 1,000 tons of paracetamol granules to help in tablet production.
• Naval Aid: The Indian Navy played a crucial role by dispatching INS Kesari, which carried medical teams, essential medicines, and food supplies to the Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros, and Seychelles, based on their requests for help in managing the pandemic.
• Vaccine Production: India has been producing vaccines at an unparalleled scale, contributing significantly to the global fight against COVID-19.

India's response to the pandemic highlights the country's ability to mobilize resources and assist not only its own citizens but also the global community during a time of crisis.

Q10: At present, search of life on another planet has been one of the objectives of scientists of several nations around the world. Discuss the developments of India in space research tow ards this objective particularly in the 21st ccnturv.
Ans: 

• India’s economic growth has significantly boosted its space programme, making it more prominent and active as the country strives for greater self-reliance in space technology. In 2008, India launched a total of eleven satellites, including nine from foreign countries, and achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first nation to launch ten satellites in a single rocket.
• India’s journey into space research began in 1962, with the establishment of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) by India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Vikram Sarabhai, often referred to as the ‘father of the Indian space programme’. INCOSPAR was placed under the Department of Atomic Energy. The Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) was set up in Thiruvananthapuram in 1963 for conducting upper atmospheric research. In 1969, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) replaced INCOSPAR with the goal of using space technology to drive national development and to advance space science and planetary exploration.
• The Department of Space (DOS) and the Space Commission were formed in 1972, and ISRO came under DOS on June 1 of that year. The first Indian satellite, Aryabhata, was built by ISRO and launched with Soviet assistance on April 19, 1975. India’s second satellite, Bhaskara Sega-I, was also launched with Soviet help. In 1980, Rohini became the first Indian satellite to be successfully placed in orbit using SLV-3, an indigenous launch vehicle developed by India.

ISRO’s Contributions to India’s Space Research:

• Self-Reliant Space Applications: India has worked hard to develop self-reliant space technologies. ISRO has successfully created a cost-effective and reliable satellite launch system in the form of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), which is now used by several countries and fosters international collaboration in space research.
• Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV): ISRO also developed the GSLV to launch heavier and more complex geosynchronous communication satellites, further strengthening its space capabilities.
• Space Research Centers: India now has numerous space research centers and autonomous institutions focused on remote sensing, astronomy, astrophysics, atmospheric sciences, and general space sciences. These institutions operate under the Department of Space and contribute significantly to global space research.
• Lunar and Interplanetary Missions: ISRO's lunar and interplanetary missions continue to provide valuable scientific data that are highly regarded by the international scientific community.
• Future Space Research: ISRO is advancing into the future with the development of heavy-lift launchers, human spaceflight projects, reusable launch vehicles, semi-cryogenic engines, single and two-stage to orbit (SSTO and TSTO) vehicles, and the use of composite materials for space applications. These projects mark ISRO's continuous progress in the global space race.

Q11: ‘lndia has augered its defence system through inclusion of variety of arsenals under Make in India programme for its safety and security.'9 Justify this statement on the basis of scientific developments in defence technology.

Ans:

• India ranks among the top five countries globally in terms of military spending as of 2019. With the second-largest standing army in the world, India has made substantial investments in its defense sector. For the financial year 2020-21, the Union Budget allocated around USD 62.85 billion for defense, with approximately a quarter of this amount earmarked for capital expenditure.
• The Indian Armed Forces are well-equipped and continue to grow stronger, thanks to the scientific and technical support of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). DRDO’s primary goal is to make India self-reliant in the technologies needed for defense. Through its well-planned scientific and technological projects, DRDO not only strengthens national defense capabilities but also saves foreign exchange by focusing on indigenization of armament technologies.

Key Achievements in DRDO's Scientific Advancements in Defense:

• Flagship Projects: DRDO has pioneered significant projects like the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, the unmanned aerial vehicles Nishant and Lakshya, and cutting-edge avionics and lighter-than-air systems. These developments have introduced crucial technologies such as fly-by-wire digital flight control systems, unstable configuration control laws, open architecture mission computers, and composite structures. These advancements have played a vital role in enhancing India’s standing in the global arena and gaining recognition from technologically advanced countries.
• Missile Development: DRDO has developed a comprehensive range of missiles, from strategic missiles like Prithvi and Agni to tactical systems such as the Trishul (a low-level quick-reaction surface-to-air missile), Akash (a medium-range air defense missile), and Nag (a top-attack anti-tank missile). This diverse missile family covers multiple platforms—ship, underwater, ground, and air-launched—and showcases India’s technological capability.
• Electronic Warfare (EW) Systems: DRDO has also designed a wide range of Electronic Warfare systems, including land-based and naval EW systems, along with command, control, and communication systems. The organization has developed radars, from the portable Battlefield Surveillance Radar to more sophisticated target acquisition and fire control radar for missile systems.
• Armament and Combat Vehicles: DRDO has made significant strides in armament and combat vehicle development, notably with the MBT Arjun, one of the few indigenous main battle tanks developed globally. Other innovations include the multi-barrel rocket launching system Pinaka, various engineering and bridging systems, and key technologies like composite armor, hydrogas suspension, flow-formed rocket motors, mobile launchers, and composite propellant technology.
• Naval Applications: DRDO operates numerous laboratories focusing on naval applications, such as underwater sensors and weapons, special materials, fleet support systems, and oceanographic studies in the Indian Ocean Region. Technologies developed in this sector include transducer arrays, advanced signal processing techniques for sonar systems, propulsion batteries, homing systems, and onboard computers for torpedoes.

Through these various advancements, DRDO continues to enhance India’s defense capabilities, making the country more self-sufficient and technologically advanced in the global defense sector.

Q12: Floods and drought in Bihar has been the major hurdles over the years which have constantly affected its grow th and prosperity. Discuss the role of science and technology in this kind of disaster management with typical examples.
Ans: 

• Bihar is the most flood-prone state in India, with about 76% of the population in North Bihar constantly living under the threat of flood destruction. The state accounts for 16.5% of India’s flood-affected area and 22.1% of its flood-affected population. Nearly 73.06% of Bihar’s total geographical area is vulnerable to flooding. Each year, floods claim thousands of lives and cause massive damage to livestock and property worth millions.
• The North Bihar region is especially at risk, being affected by at least five major rivers that cause floods during the monsoon season: the Mahananda, Koshi, Bagmati, Burhi Gandak, and Gandak rivers, all of which originate in Nepal. Additionally, some districts in South Bihar, such as those along the Son, Punpun, and Phalgu rivers, also experience frequent flooding.
• In contrast, South and South-West Bihar face a different challenge, as these areas are prone to severe drought conditions. Districts like Munger, Nawada, Rohtas, Bhojpur, Aurangabad, and Gaya are particularly known for their vulnerability to drought.

Role of Science and Technology in Disaster Mitigation:

• To mitigate such disasters, access to accurate information is critical. Real-time hydro-meteorological data, satellite images, and remote sensing data are essential for monitoring and assessing flood risks. By applying science and technology effectively, authorities can better manage water resources, improve flood forecasting, provide timely disaster warnings, and manage droughts. Advances in climate modeling and weather forecasting also enhance the ability to predict long-term weather patterns.
• To combat flooding, several structural measures are commonly employed, including the construction of embankments, floodwalls, dams, reservoirs, natural detention basins, channel improvements, drainage systems, and the diversion of floodwaters.
• Technological innovations, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, are playing an increasingly important role. These technologies help scientists process and analyze vast amounts of data, making weather prediction more accurate and helping assess the potential impact of floods on communities. AI, in particular, can assist in creating automated forecasting models that alert authorities to impending disasters, enabling quicker and more effective responses to flood threats caused by natural factors like heavy rainfall or storms.