upsc

Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Do they entertain civil as well as criminal cases?

Start with alternative dispute resolution and define Lok Adalat and Arbitration Tribunal. Alternate dispute resolution (ADR) refers to the means by which disputes are settled outside the traditional court system. In India, modes of ADR include arbitration, negotiation, mediation, and...

Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to the “one nation – one election” principle.

Introduction The concept of One Nation, One Election proposes simultaneous elections for all state assemblies and the Lok Sabha, to streamline and synchronise the Indian election cycle. Recently, the Prime Minister called for the need of simultaneous elections which was...

What is regional disparity? How does it differ from diversity? How serious is the issue of regional disparity in India?

Regional disparities refers to the differences in the equality and uneven distribution of economic, social, and infrastructural development between different geographic regions within a country. This leads to a situation whereby there is a creation of islands of prosperity in...

What is a twister? Why are the majority of twisters observed in areas around the Gulf of Mexico?

A twister is a violent windstorm, often land based, characterised by a twisting funnel-shaped cloud. In the United States, twister is used a colloquial term for tornadoes. While they occur in many parts of the world,  the United States experiences...

What are aurora australis and aurora borealis? How are these triggered?

Introduction:  Start with Definition Auroras are stunning natural light displays that occur in polar regions. Aurora Borealis: Also known as the Northern Lights, visible in the northern hemisphere,  primarily near the Arctic Circle. (e.g., Alaska, Norway, Canada). Aurora Australis: Also...

The groundwater potential of the Gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India?

Introduction: The Gangetic Valley, part of the Indo-Gangetic Plains, is one of India's most fertile regions, contains vast alluvial tracts with huge shallow aquifers, densely populated and agriculturally productive regions crucial for food production.  Can Add Map Showing Gangetic Valley...

How far was the Industrial Revolution in England responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India?

Introduction:  You can start your answer with the Industrial revolution which began in England in the late 18th century, revolutionised manufacturing processes and economic structures.  Its impact reached far beyond England, significantly affecting colonial economies, particularly India, where traditional handicrafts...

How far is it correct to say that the First World War was fought essentially for the preservation of balance of power?

Introduction: The First World War (1914-1918) was a complex conflict, and while it had multiple causes, one of the central motivations was the desire of European powers to maintain or shift the balance of power in their favour. The balance...

“Though the great Cholas are no more yet their name is still remembered with great pride because of their highest achievements in the domain of art and architecture.” Comment

Introduction Give timeline of the period discussed and overview of their Art and Architecture The Chola Dynasty (850-1250 CE). The Dravidian style of art and architecture reached its perfection under the Cholas. Their legacy lives on in the numerous temples...

In dealing with socio-economic issues of development, what kind of collaboration between government, NGOs and private sector would be most productive?

Introduction Addressing socio-economic issues of development requires a multi-stakeholder approach involving the government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the private sector. Each player has unique strengths, and a collaborative model that can maximise social impact and tackle complex issues like poverty,...