Model Answer

India has witnessed a significant reduction in poverty, with 24.82 crore people emerging out of multidimensional poverty between 2013-14 and 2022-23, according to NITI Aayog. This progress has led to the emergence of a newly non-poor population, who, while above the poverty line, remain vulnerable to economic shocks. To address these evolving challenges, India must reform its social protection system to cater to both chronic poverty and the vulnerabilities of the newly non-poor.

1. Shifting from Protective to Preventive Measures

India’s social protection system must move beyond protective instruments (like safety nets) to include preventive and promotional measures. These focus on enhancing the capacity of families to withstand economic shocks. By investing in human capital development—such as providing access to job opportunities and income generation—India can reduce the risk of individuals falling back into poverty. Preventive measures can cushion families against shocks before they occur, making them more resilient in the long term.

2. Expanding Insurance Coverage

Currently, only 4% of Indians benefit from government social insurance programs. Expanding insurance coverage can prevent households from relying solely on safety nets during crises, which often leads to long-term poverty and debt. Expanding contributory pension schemes, for example, can reduce the need for state welfare transfers in old age, ensuring more financial security for individuals as they grow older.

3. Engaging the Private Sector

To overcome the limitations of government resources, engaging the private sector through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) is essential. These collaborations can attract additional investments, thereby strengthening the financial resources available for social protection programs. PPPs can also help expand and improve the reach of safety nets, benefiting a wider population.

4. Portability of Benefits for Migrants

To ensure economic stability and social security for migrant populations, India should introduce portability of benefits. By allowing individuals to access their entitlements regardless of their location, such as a migrant worker in Delhi being able to access health benefits from Bihar, the country can provide greater stability and reduce disparities caused by migration.

By incorporating these reforms, India can build a social protection system that addresses both chronic poverty and the vulnerabilities of the newly non-poor, ensuring inclusive growth and social security for all.

Model Answer

The resource curse, also known as the paradox of plenty, refers to the phenomenon where countries rich in natural resources often experience slower economic growth, weaker development outcomes, and higher poverty levels than countries with fewer natural resources. This paradox occurs due to various factors, as explained below.

Economic Volatility

Countries dependent on a single resource are vulnerable to fluctuations in global commodity prices. This overreliance can expose the economy to external shocks. For example, Venezuela‘s heavy dependence on oil exports led to severe economic instability, including hyperinflation, food shortages, and a collapsing economy, as global oil prices dropped dramatically.

Neglect of Other Sectors

Overdependence on one resource can lead to a neglect of other sectors, reducing overall economic diversification. Zambia, heavily reliant on copper exports, ranks near the bottom in the Global Economic Diversification Index (EDI) 2023, indicating limited diversification. This lack of variety in the economy makes the country vulnerable to downturns in the global copper market.

Governance and Corruption

In resource-rich nations, governments may misuse resource wealth, leading to corruption and inefficiency. For instance, Sierra Leone, despite being a major diamond producer, suffers from poverty and inequality due to mismanagement and corrupt practices surrounding diamond revenues. This weak governance reduces the potential for resource wealth to improve development outcomes.

Effective Resource Management and Development

However, if resources are managed well, they can drive significant economic growth and development. Norway serves as a prime example, having invested oil revenues into the Government Pension Fund Global, ensuring long-term economic stability and development. Similarly, Botswana has used diamond revenue to invest in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, improving the country’s overall development.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while excessive reliance on a single resource can hinder development, it does not necessarily condemn a country to poor outcomes. Effective governance, strategic economic policies, and investment in human capital are key to overcoming the challenges posed by the resource curse.

Model Answer

Complex Topography

The Mediterranean region’s diverse geography, including mountain ranges, valleys, and coastal areas, significantly influences wind patterns. For instance, winds like the Mistral are channeled through valleys, gaining speed due to the funneling effect between mountain ranges like the Alps and the Central Massif. These geographical features facilitate the development of strong local winds.

Air Circulations

The interaction of various atmospheric systems, such as cyclones from the Atlantic, anticyclones from the north, and cold air masses from continental interiors, is disrupted by the region’s relief features. This causes the formation of local winds such as the Mistral and Bora, which influence the regional weather.

Mediterranean Sea

The Mediterranean Sea’s differential heating compared to land leads to the creation of winds like the Etesian, which are strong northerly winds that provide a cooling effect during the hot summer months, especially in areas like the Aegean Sea.

Sahara Desert

The Sahara Desert contributes to the development of hot, dry winds like the Sirocco. These winds, originating from the desert, carry dust across the Mediterranean, influencing both the climate and air quality in the region.

Impact on Regional Climate and the Daily Lives of the People

1. Climatic Influence:
   • Temperature: Winds such as the Mistral can significantly lower temperatures, intensifying winter cold.
   • Precipitation: Local winds like the Gharbi can lead to fog, heavy dew, and rainfall, affecting moisture distribution in the region.
2. Air Quality:
   Winds like the Sirocco carry dust particles from the Sahara, reducing air quality and potentially causing respiratory problems for the people.
3. Economic and Social Impact:
   • Agriculture: Winds like the Mistral can dry out soil, hindering crop growth, but also help control pests.
   • Health: Winds such as the Sirocco can aggravate respiratory issues due to dust exposure.
   • Infrastructure: Strong winds like the Sirocco can cause abrasion to buildings and machinery, leading to increased maintenance costs.

Understanding these local winds is essential for adapting to their effects, ensuring sustainable living and economic stability in the Mediterranean region.

Model Answer

The Indian National Movement was instrumental in shaping modern India’s political values, laying the foundation for the civil liberties enjoyed by citizens today. The experiences and ideals of the movement are reflected in the Indian Constitution and legal framework. Key areas of influence are as follows:

1. Foundations of Democratic Polity

• Grassroot Democracy: Gandhi emphasized decentralization and Panchayati Raj, inspiring the 73rd Amendment (1992) that institutionalized local self-governance.
• Civil Libertarian Traditions: The movement ingrained a culture of accountability and inclusiveness, vital for India’s democratic setup.

2. Religious Freedom

• Secular Principles: The Karachi Session (1931) of the Indian National Congress passed a resolution affirming religious freedom. This aligns with Articles 25-28 of the Constitution, ensuring religious liberty and prohibiting discrimination.

3. Advocacy for Social Justice

• Elimination of Untouchability: The efforts of Gandhi and Ambedkar against caste discrimination influenced Articles 14-18, ensuring equality and abolishing untouchability.
• Inclusive Citizenship: The movement championed equal rights for marginalized groups, creating a foundation for justice.

4. Legacy of Peaceful Protests and Non-Violence

• Gandhi’s non-violent campaigns, like the Salt March (1930), demonstrated the power of peaceful protests, reflected in Article 19(1)(b), guaranteeing the right to peaceful assembly.

5. Universal Adult Suffrage

• Advocacy for Voting Rights: Organizations like the Women’s Indian Association and proposals in the Nehru Report (1928) set the stage for Article 326, granting equal voting rights to all adults.

6. Conclusion

• The Indian National Movement instilled a commitment to democracy, equality, and secularism, forming the backbone of India’s civil liberties. Its vision continues to guide India’s democratic journey, ensuring rights for all citizens.

Model Answer

India maintained contact with the outside world since the middle of the third millennium BCE, enabling the dissemination of its culture to regions like Central Asia, Southeast Asia, China, Japan, and Korea. The modes of cultural expansion were diverse and significant:

1. Indian Traders

Indian traders were instrumental in cultural exchanges as they sought opportunities abroad.

• Around the 1st century BCE, traders ventured to Indonesia and Cambodia in search of gold, introducing Indian practices and beliefs to these regions.

2. Foreign Travellers

Indian universities, like Nalanda, were global hubs for learning, attracting international scholars.

• Hiuen Tsang, a Chinese traveller who studied at Nalanda, played a key role in spreading Buddhism across East Asia.

3. Indian Scholars

Scholars and teachers of Brahmanism and Buddhism shared Indian philosophies globally.

• Personalities like Kashyapa Martanga and Bodhidharma introduced Indian religious thought to China and Japan.

4. Migration of People

Indian migrants enriched foreign lands with their culture.

• Gypsies, originally Indian, became famous in Europe for their music and dance traditions.

5. Emissaries of Kings

Kings actively promoted cultural exchange through emissaries.

• Emperor Ashoka sent Mahendra and Sanghamitra to Sri Lanka to spread Buddhism.

6. Conquests

Military campaigns also facilitated cultural dissemination.

• Chola kings, such as Rajendra Chola, conquered Sri Lanka and built temples, embedding Indian culture there.

Conclusion

The spread of Indian culture abroad led to a vibrant exchange of ideas, benefiting both India and the recipient regions. India, for instance, adopted silk-making techniques from China and learned betel cultivation from Indonesia.