Model Answer: 

India’s Gondwanaland Heritage and Mining Industry’s GDP Contribution

India’s connection to Gondwanaland, an ancient supercontinent, suggests significant mineral wealth. However, the mining industry’s contribution to India’s GDP remains relatively low. This paradox warrants examination.

Geological Background and Mineral Resources

• India’s Gondwana heritage endowed it with diverse mineral deposits.
• Notable resources include:
– Coal (Jharkhand)
– Iron ore (Odisha)
– Bauxite (Madhya Pradesh)

Current State of India’s Mining Industry

• Mining sector contributes approximately 2% to India’s GDP.
• This is lower compared to other Gondwana-derived nations like Australia (~10%) and South Africa (~8%).

Factors Contributing to Lower GDP Share

1. Regulatory challenges:
– Complex licensing processes
– Frequent policy changes (e.g., coal block allocations)

2. Environmental concerns:
– Stricter regulations in ecologically sensitive areas
– Balancing development with conservation (e.g., Western Ghats mining restrictions)

3. Infrastructure limitations:
– Inadequate transportation networks
– Underdeveloped processing facilities

4. Technological gaps:
– Limited use of advanced exploration techniques
– Lower mechanization in small-scale mining

5. Economic diversification:
– Rapid growth in services sector
– Focus on manufacturing (e.g., “Make in India” initiative)

Potential for Growth in Mining Industry

• Vast unexplored mineral reserves
• Recent policy reforms to attract investment
• Emphasis on sustainable mining practices

Conclusion

Despite Gondwana heritage, India’s mining sector faces multifaceted challenges. Balanced approach needed for sustainable growth and increased GDP contribution.

Model Answer: 

Landslides in the Himalayan Region and Western Ghats: A Comparison

Landslides, a common geohazard in mountainous regions, occur frequently in both the Himalayas and Western Ghats. However, their causes differ significantly due to distinct geological, climatic, and anthropogenic factors.

Causes of Landslides in the Himalayan Region

• Geological factors:
– Young, tectonically active mountains prone to instability
– Frequent seismic activity (e.g., 2015 Nepal earthquake)
– Presence of weak and fractured rock structures
• Climatic factors:
– Heavy rainfall during monsoons
– Glacial melt due to climate change (e.g., Kedarnath disaster, 2013)
• Anthropogenic factors:
– Deforestation leading to soil erosion
– Unplanned construction activities
– Extensive road cutting on steep slopes (e.g., Char Dham project)

Causes of Landslides in the Western Ghats

• Geological factors:
– Ancient, highly weathered rock formations
– Deep soil profiles susceptible to saturation
• Climatic factors:
– Intense monsoon rainfall (e.g., Kerala floods, 2018)
– High humidity accelerating rock weathering
• Anthropogenic factors:
– Extensive mining activities (e.g., Goa iron ore mines)
– Changes in land use patterns
– Deforestation and agricultural practices on steep slopes

Differentiating Landslide Causes: Himalayas vs Western Ghats

1. Geological setting: Himalayas are young, unstable mountains, while Western Ghats are old, weathered formations.
2. Trigger mechanisms: Seismic activity plays a significant role in the Himalayas, whereas rainfall is the primary trigger in Western Ghats.
3. Scale and frequency: Himalayan landslides are often larger and more frequent due to the region’s high seismicity and ongoing tectonic activity.

Conclusion

Understanding these regional differences is crucial for developing effective, location-specific landslide mitigation and management strategies.

Model Answer: 

Integration of Indian Princely States: Administrative Issues and Socio-Cultural Problems

The integration of over 560 Princely States into the Indian Union after independence presented significant administrative and socio-cultural challenges. These issues required careful negotiation and strategic planning to ensure a smooth transition.

Administrative Issues in Princely States Integration

• Diversity in administrative systems: Each state had unique governance structures and laws (e.g., Hyderabad’s Nizam rule), complicating uniformity.

• Resistance from rulers: Many princes were reluctant to cede power, necessitating diplomatic negotiations and occasional use of force (e.g., Operation Polo in Hyderabad).

• Uneven development levels: States varied greatly in economic and infrastructural progress, making integration into a unified system complex.

• Integration of bureaucracies: Merging diverse administrative machineries into a cohesive national framework posed logistical challenges (e.g., different revenue systems).

Socio-Cultural Problems in Princely States Integration

• Linguistic and cultural differences: The states represented a wide array of languages and cultural practices, challenging communication and unity (e.g., Travancore’s distinct culture).

• Religious diversity: Managing the integration of states with different religious majorities required sensitive handling to prevent communal tensions (e.g., Muslim-majority Junagadh).

• Social hierarchies and customs: Traditional social structures in various states often conflicted with the modern, democratic principles of the new nation (e.g., feudal systems in Rajputana).

• Education and modernization disparities: Varying levels of education and exposure to modern ideas across states created challenges in implementing uniform policies (e.g., Kerala’s high literacy vs. others).

Conclusion: Impact of Princely States Integration

The integration process, despite its complexities, laid the foundation for India’s unity in diversity, though some challenges persist today.

Model Answer: 

Trace the Rise and Growth of Socio Religious Movement

Socio-religious reform movements in 19th century India emerged as a response to colonial rule and Western influences. This answer will trace the rise and growth of two significant movements: Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj.

Young Bengal Movement:

• Origins: Founded in late 1820s by Henry Louis Vivian Derozio
• Rise:
– Gained popularity among students of Hindu College, Calcutta
– Challenged traditional Hindu practices and beliefs
• Growth:
– Spread of rationalist and free-thinking ideas
– Publications like “Parthenon” and “Hesperus”
– Debates and discussions in public forums
• Impact: Questioned social norms (e.g., caste system)

Brahmo Samaj:

• Origins: Established in 1828 by Raja Ram Mohan Roy
• Rise:
– Initially focused on religious reform and monotheism
– Gained support from educated Bengali elite
• Growth under different leaders:
– Debendranath Tagore (1843): Formalized doctrines
– Keshab Chandra Sen (1857): Expanded social reform agenda
• Evolution:
– 1866: Split into Adi Brahmo Samaj and Brahmo Samaj of India
– 1878: Further division led to Sadharan Brahmo Samaj
• Expansion:
– Spread beyond Bengal to other parts of India
– Established schools, journals, and social welfare initiatives

Both movements:

• Contributed to the Indian Renaissance
• Influenced later reform movements and nationalist thought
• Faced opposition from orthodox sections of society

Conclusion: These movements evolved from religious reform to broader social change, significantly impacting Indian society and thought.

Model Answer: 

Nature of Bhakti Literature

Bhakti literature, flourishing between the 6th and 18th centuries, represents a profound spiritual and cultural movement in Indian history. Its nature can be characterized by:

• Devotional essence: Emphasizing personal, emotional connection with the divine (e.g., Mirabai’s love for Krishna)

• Vernacular expression: Composed in regional languages, making spiritual ideas accessible to the masses

• Diverse forms: Including dohas (Kabir), abhangas (Tukaram), and kirtans (Chaitanya)

• Inclusive themes: Promoting equality, rejecting rigid rituals, and challenging caste barriers

• Syncretic approach: Blending elements from various religious traditions, fostering interfaith harmony

Contributions of Bhakti Literature to Indian Culture:

1. Religious reform:
– Challenged orthodox practices and Brahmanical dominance
– Promoted inclusive spirituality beyond caste and gender
– Introduced new modes of worship, like congregational singing (e.g., Sikh kirtan)

2. Social impact:
– Advocated for equality and social justice
– Criticized discrimination (e.g., Ravidas’ critique of untouchability)
– Empowered marginalized groups, including women and lower castes

3. Linguistic development:
– Enriched regional languages with new vocabulary and literary styles
– Fostered growth of vernacular literature (e.g., Tulsi’s Ramcharitmanas)
– Contributed to the development of modern Indian languages

4. Cultural synthesis:
– Bridged gaps between different religious traditions
– Promoted harmony between various belief systems
– Facilitated cultural exchange between regions (e.g., Kabir’s influence across North India)

5. Artistic influence:
– Inspired diverse art forms, including painting and sculpture
– Influenced classical and folk music traditions (e.g., Thyagaraja’s compositions)
– Contributed to the evolution of dance forms like Bharatanatyam

Conclusion: Bhakti literature’s emphasis on devotion, equality, and vernacular expression profoundly shaped Indian cultural and spiritual landscape, leaving an enduring legacy.

Model Answer:

a) In this situation, as Dr. Srinivasan, I would:

b) Options and consequences:

c) Data ethics and drug ethics can save humanity by:

Model Answer:

The District Collector faces a complex situation balancing water conservation, agricultural needs, and industrial interests.

a) Options available to the District Collector:

• Implement equitable water rationing for both agriculture and industry.
• Negotiate with industries to reduce water consumption and adopt efficient practices.
• Explore alternative water sources such as rainwater harvesting and wastewater treatment.
• Mediate between farmers and industries to find a mutually acceptable compromise.
• Seek state government support for additional resources or policy interventions.
• Intensify awareness campaigns on water conservation among all stakeholders.

b) Suitable actions considering stakeholders’ interests:

• Establish a fair water allocation system based on critical needs and usage efficiency.
• Incentivize water-saving technologies in both agriculture and industry.
• Promote crop diversification to less water-intensive varieties.
• Form a multi-stakeholder committee for transparent decision-making on water management.
• Invest in long-term water management infrastructure to enhance storage and distribution.
• Conduct regular audits of industrial water use to ensure compliance with agreed-upon limits.

c) Administrative and ethical dilemmas:

• Balancing economic interests of agriculture and industry with overall public welfare.
• Addressing corruption allegations while maintaining administrative integrity and public trust.
• Managing the immediate water crisis while planning for long-term water security.
• Upholding legal responsibilities while considering social justice and equitable resource distribution.
• Navigating political pressures and public expectations in a high-stakes situation.
• Deciding on punitive measures for non-compliance while maintaining social harmony.
The District Collector must prioritize impartial decision-making, considering both immediate needs and long-term sustainability. Transparent communication with all stakeholders is crucial to build trust and cooperation.

Conclusion: The situation demands a balanced approach prioritizing public welfare, equitable resource distribution, and long-term water security through collaborative efforts.

Model Answer:

Sneha’s ethical dilemma stems from the conflict between personal interest and professional responsibility in her role as head of the procurement committee for a new super specialty center.

a) Sneha’s course of action should be:

• Recuse herself from the decision-making process for this particular procurement.
• Disclose the conflict of interest to the hospital management and procurement committee.
• Request an independent evaluation of all bids, including her brother’s.
• Ensure complete transparency throughout the procurement process.

b) Justification for her actions:

• Maintaining ethical integrity and upholding professional standards.
• Avoiding potential charges of favoritism or nepotism, which could tarnish her reputation.
• Preserving the trust placed in her by the hospital management.
• Ensuring fair competition and best value for the hospital’s investment.

c) Compromise of medical ethics with vested personal interest:

• Quality of equipment might be compromised if the decision is based on personal relations rather than merit, potentially affecting patient care.
• The hospital may face financial risks if the chosen supplier experiences difficulties, impacting its ability to provide optimal healthcare.
• Public trust in the healthcare system could erode if such practices become known, undermining the institution’s credibility.
• The principle of beneficence (doing good for patients) may be violated if decisions are not based on ensuring the best medical outcomes.
Ethical principles to consider include integrity, transparency, accountability, and fairness. A stakeholder analysis reveals that patients, hospital management, other suppliers, and Sneha herself would be affected by her decision.

Conclusion: Ethical decision-making in healthcare management is crucial for maintaining institutional integrity and prioritizing patient welfare over personal interests.

Model Answer:

a) Available options:

b) Ethical dilemmas:

c) Most appropriate option and justification:

d) Precautionary measures for dealing with women protesters:

Model Answer:

a) Options available to Raman:

b) Measures to strengthen existing set-up:

c) Action plan for enhancing intelligence gathering: