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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on December 06, 2024
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Is the caste Census a useful exercise?
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS II - Indian Polity & Governance
Context:
The demand for a caste Census has become a heated political issue, fuelled by calls from opposition leaders, NGOs, and, more recently, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) also adding itself to the cohort. Proponents argue that such a Census would determine the population sizes of various castes and that these numbers can be used to provide a proportionate share to each caste in government jobs, land, and wealth.
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Census
Caste Census
Key takeaways:
The demand for a caste census has become a contentious political issue, driven by appeals from opposition parties, NGOs, and recently, even the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) joining the debate. Advocates believe that such a census would reveal the population distribution of different castes, enabling proportional allocation of resources such as government jobs, land, and wealth.
This article explores why collecting caste data at an individual level is likely to be an ineffective exercise and critiques the concept of caste-based proportional reservations as a regressive approach.
Source: The Hindu
Historical Background of the Caste Census
- India’s caste census dates back to 1871-72, when the first detailed attempt was made to document caste-based information across regions such as the North-Western Provinces (NWP), Central Provinces (CP), Bengal, and Madras.
- The classifications were largely arbitrary, with superficial groupings like "Brahmins, Rajputs, Banias, and other Hindu castes" in the NWP, while the CP grouped individuals into categories like “servants and laborers” or “mendicants and devotees.” Bengal included classifications such as beggars and cooks, whereas Madras introduced terms like “mixed castes” and “outcastes.”
- W. Chichele Plowden, who authored the 1881 Census report, called the caste classification process “confusing” and suggested avoiding such an exercise in the future. However, similar complexities resurfaced during the 1931 caste census, which identified over 4,000 castes. Officials noted that caste identities varied significantly across regions, complicating the process.
- These challenges persist today. For instance, the 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) identified 46.7 lakh castes and sub-castes, with over 8.2 crore reported errors. A more recent example includes the controversy surrounding the inclusion of categories like ‘hijra’ and ‘kinnar’ in the Bihar Census of 2022.
Challenges in Data Accuracy
Upward Mobility in Caste Claims
The caste reported by individuals can be influenced by the perceived prestige of certain social groups. For instance, between the 1921 and 1931 censuses, some communities shifted their reported status within the varna hierarchy. A notable example involves the Sonar community, which identified as Kshatriya or Rajput in 1921 and as Brahmin or Vaishya in 1931.
Downward Mobility in Caste Claims
In some cases, individuals or groups claim affiliation with lower-status castes to access benefits from affirmative action policies. This trend, observed primarily post-independence, includes demands by some upper castes for OBC status and some OBC groups for ST classification.
Caste Misclassification
Misclassification due to similar-sounding surnames is another major issue. For example, in Rajasthan, names like ‘Dhanak,’ ‘Dhankia,’ and ‘Dhanuk’ are listed as Scheduled Castes (SC), whereas ‘Dhanka’ is classified as a Scheduled Tribe (ST). Similarly, the surname ‘Sen’ signifies an upper-caste group in Bengal but denotes an OBC barber community as ‘Sain.’ Enumerators often rely on assumptions, further increasing inaccuracies.
Proportional Representation: A Flawed Concept
- While proportional reservations may seem equitable, implementing them at the individual caste level is impractical. For example, with over 6,000 castes in India and a population of 1.4 billion, each caste would average around 2.3 lakh individuals. For a smaller caste of 10,000 people to secure a single reserved vacancy, an institution would need to advertise 1,40,845 positions.
- Using the UPSC as an example, which offers approximately 1,000 vacancies annually, it would take 141 years for such a caste to secure one position. If the 46.7 lakh castes and sub-castes identified in the SECC 2011 were considered, 46,73,034 vacancies would be needed, and it would take over 7,000 years for the smallest caste to receive even one reserved spot.
This analysis underscores the impracticality and regressive nature of caste-based proportional reservations
Follow Up Question
1.Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India: (UPSC CSE 2019)
1. PVTGs reside in 18 states and one Union Territory.
2. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status.
3. There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far.
4. Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 1, 3 and 4
|
Answer (c)
Given this analysis, the correct statements are 1, 2, and 4 |
- After a one-day delay due to an anomaly, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the European Space Agency's (ESA) PROBA-3 (Project for Onboard Autonomy) mission on Thursday. The mission was carried aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C59 (PSLV-C59), which lifted off at 4:04 p.m. from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, with a thunderous roar.
- ISRO Chairman S. Somanath confirmed the mission’s success, stating, “The PSLV-C59/PROBA-3 mission is successfully accomplished. The spacecraft has been placed in the right orbit.” ISRO announced that the mission objectives were achieved, with the satellites deployed into their designated orbit with high precision.
- ESA Director-General Josef Aschbacher remarked, “The latest addition to ESA’s in-orbit demonstration missions, PROBA-3, includes two spacecraft launched together. Once in orbit, they will separate to perform precise formation flying... Shortly after separation, the Yatharagga station in Australia began receiving signals from the spacecraft, and telemetry is now flowing to ESA’s mission control centre in Belgium.”
- The ESA website highlighted that the PROBA-3 spacecraft pair, launched from India, could revolutionize future space missions. These twin platforms will demonstrate precise formation flying down to a millimetre, functioning as if they were a single spacecraft. As part of their mission, they will create artificial solar eclipses in orbit, allowing extended observations of the Sun’s corona, the outermost layer of its atmosphere.
- Eighteen minutes post-launch, the two satellites stacked together separated from the upper stage and will remain attached during their initial commissioning phase. This phase is being overseen by ESA’s mission control at the European Space Security and Education Centre in Redu, Belgium.
- PROBA-3 mission manager Damien Galano expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Today’s lift-off is a moment we in ESA’s PROBA-3 team and our industrial and scientific partners have been eagerly anticipating for a long time.”
- According to ESA, if the commissioning phase proceeds as planned, the spacecraft will be separated early in the New Year to begin their individual check-outs. The mission's operational phase, including the first corona observations through active formation flying, is expected to commence in approximately four months
PROBA-3, an initiative by the European Space Agency (ESA), is an advanced in-orbit demonstration mission designed to showcase precision formation flying capabilities. This groundbreaking mission involves two spacecraft that operate as a single coordinated unit, achieving control down to the millimetre level.
Mission Objectives:
- Formation Flying: The twin spacecraft will demonstrate precise relative positioning and synchronized movement, simulating the functionality of a single, giant satellite.
- Artificial Solar Eclipses: By flying in a tightly controlled formation, the spacecraft will create artificial solar eclipses, enabling extended observation of the Sun’s corona, which is otherwise challenging due to the Sun’s brightness.
- Technological Validation: PROBA-3 serves as a testbed for advanced autonomous systems that can pave the way for future space missions requiring highly coordinated multi-satellite operations
1.Consider the following statements about the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV):
- PSLV is a four-stage launch vehicle, with alternating solid and liquid stages.
- It is capable of placing satellites only in Sun-synchronous polar orbits.
- PSLV was the vehicle used to launch India’s Chandrayaan-1 mission.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
|
Answer (b)
Let's count the correct statements:
Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are correct. |
-
Ethnicity and Language:
- The Kuki-Zo communities belong to the Chin-Kuki-Mizo ethnic group, with their languages derived from the Tibeto-Burman family.
- Dialects within the Kuki-Zo group vary, but many are mutually intelligible, facilitating communication across sub-groups.
-
Geographical Distribution:
- In India: Primarily located in Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and parts of Assam.
- In Myanmar: They are part of the Chin State.
- In Bangladesh: Found in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region.
-
Socio-Cultural Aspects:
- Clans and Tribes: The Kuki-Zo communities are organized into various clans and tribes, each with unique traditions.
- Agriculture: Traditionally, they rely on jhum (shifting) cultivation, although modern agricultural practices are being adopted.
- Festivals: Celebrations such as Mim Kut, Chapchar Kut, and Kut are significant, marking agricultural cycles and communal unity.
-
Historical Context:
- Colonial Period: The British colonial administration categorized the Kuki-Zo groups alongside other hill tribes in northeast India.
- Role in National Movements: Members of the Kuki-Zo communities participated in movements against colonial rule, such as the Kuki Rebellion (1917–1919).
- Post-Independence Era: Many Kuki-Zo groups have been advocating for greater autonomy and recognition of their distinct identity within India’s federal structure.
-
Contemporary Issues:
- Autonomy and Representation: Demands for separate administrative units or autonomous councils to preserve cultural identity and ensure political representation.
- Ethnic Tensions: Periodic clashes with neighboring communities, such as the Meitei in Manipur, over land rights, political representation, and identity issues.
- Development Concerns: The region faces challenges in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, which impact the Kuki-Zo communities’ quality of life.
1.Which of the following is NOT correctly matched? (UPPSC BEO 2020)
(Revolts) (Years)
A. Neel Rebellion 1859-60
B. Jaintia Rebellion 1860-63
C. Kuki Rebellion 1860-90
D. Kuka Revolt 1870-72
A. ​Neel Rebellion
B. Kuki Revellion
C. Kuka Revolt
D. Jaintiya Rebellion
|
Answer (B)
Thus, the Kuki Rebellion (1860-90) is incorrectly matched in this list |
- Established under Article 280 of the Constitution of India.
- The President of India constitutes it every five years or earlier as needed.
- The Finance Commission consists of a Chairman and four other members, appointed by the President.
- The qualifications and manner of selection are determined by Parliament
- The recommendations of the Finance Commission are advisory and not binding
- Suggests principles for determining grants-in-aid to the States from the Consolidated Fund of India under Article 275
- Recommends the division of the net proceeds of taxes between the Centre and the States.
- Specifies the share of each State in the divisible pool.
- Recommends measures to augment the resources of local bodies, as per the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments
- Recommends steps to correct vertical and horizontal fiscal imbalances between the Centre and States, and among the States
1.Which of the following statements about the Finance Commission of India is/are correct?
- The Finance Commission is a constitutional body established under Article 275 of the Indian Constitution.
- The recommendations of the Finance Commission are binding on the government.
- The Finance Commission recommends the distribution of taxes between the Centre and the States.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
|
Answer (C)
|
-
Geographical Extent:
- The LAC spans about 3,488 km across the northern, eastern, and western sectors, traversing:
- Western Sector: Ladakh region of India and the Aksai Chin area administered by China.
- Middle Sector: Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
- Eastern Sector: Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as "South Tibet."
- The LAC spans about 3,488 km across the northern, eastern, and western sectors, traversing:
-
Historical Background:
- The boundary dispute traces its origins to the colonial era.
- India considers the McMahon Line (agreed upon in the 1914 Simla Convention) as the legal boundary in the eastern sector, while China does not recognize it.
- In the western sector, China's occupation of Aksai Chin during the 1950s, followed by the 1962 Sino-Indian War, led to the establishment of the LAC.
-
Nature of the LAC:
- Unlike a clearly demarcated international boundary, the LAC is ambiguous and often interpreted differently by India and China, leading to frequent confrontations.
-
Border Standoff:
- Tensions flared in 2020 in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh, resulting in the first fatalities in decades.
- The two sides have conducted multiple rounds of military and diplomatic talks to de-escalate tensions, but disputes persist.
-
Infrastructure Development:
- Both nations are building infrastructure like roads, airstrips, and posts to strengthen their positions along the LAC, intensifying strategic competition.
-
Border Agreements:
- Several agreements, such as the 1993 Agreement on Maintenance of Peace and Tranquility, and the 2005 Protocol on Confidence-Building Measures, have been signed to avoid conflicts, but their effectiveness is limited
1.LAC (Line of Actual Control) is an effective border between India and ______. (SSC CHSL 2020)
A.Pakistan
B.Bhutan
C.Sri Lanka
D.China
|
Answer (D)
The Line of Actual Control (LAC) serves as the de facto boundary between India and China, separating their administered territories. It is not a legally demarcated boundary but rather a line based on military control and perception. This line is distinct from the Line of Control (LoC), which separates India and Pakistan
|
- The LAC is a legally defined international boundary between India and China.
- The LAC spans across three sectors: western, middle, and eastern.
- The LAC has been a source of occasional military standoffs and conflicts.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
|
Answer (B)
|
- India's retail inflation is expected to have dropped to approximately 5% in November, down from October's 14-month peak of 6.2%, due to a month-to-month decline in food prices. However, prices for vegetables, pulses, and edible oils remain high compared to November of the previous year, and the cost of a home-cooked vegetarian meal rose by 7%, according to two price-tracking reports.
- The Essential Commodities Index, tracked by Bank of Baroda, showed a 5.5% increase in November compared to October's 7% rise. Dipanwita Mazumdar, an economist at the bank, noted in a report that Consumer Price Inflation is expected to be around 5% for November, with potential downward risks. She pointed out that base effects would help ease inflation, but core inflation, excluding food and energy, might face upward pressure due to festive demand.
- This evaluation is particularly important as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to conclude its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on Friday, following October's inflation spike and a significant economic slowdown, with GDP growth at only 5.4% for the July-September period. Ministers responsible for economic affairs and industry groups such as the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) have advocated for interest rate cuts to stimulate growth and private investment.
- In its previous October review, the MPC shifted its stance from ‘hawkish’ to ‘neutral’, emphasizing its commitment to aligning inflation with the 4% target, although it described the reduction in inflation as slow and uneven.
- While 42 out of 49 economists surveyed by Bloomberg anticipate the RBI will maintain the key repo rate at 6.5%, economists at Nomura believe a 25 basis point rate cut is possible due to weaker growth and a stable one-year inflation forecast. One basis point equals 0.01%.
- Despite some moderation from October's levels, tomato and potato prices were still burdensome for consumers last month, with annual increases of 35% and 50%, respectively, according to Crisil’s monthly food cost tracker. The average cost of a vegetarian meal was ₹32.7 in November, 2% lower than in October, while a non-vegetarian meal cost ₹61.6. These were the second-highest prices for both meal types in 15 months.
- This marked the first instance since August that the cost of a vegetable meal saw single-digit growth, following an 11% rise in September and a 20% surge in October. According to official retail price measures, overall food inflation reached a 15-month high of 10.9% in October, with vegetable inflation soaring to 42.2%
- Retail inflation refers to the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services purchased by households rises, leading to a decrease in purchasing power. It is commonly measured using indices such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks changes in the prices of a basket of essential goods and services, including food, clothing, housing, transportation, and healthcare.
- Retail inflation impacts consumers' daily lives, as rising prices mean that people can buy less with the same amount of money. Central banks, like the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), monitor inflation closely to adjust monetary policies, such as interest rates, to maintain price stability and support economic growth.
- Inflation is expressed as a percentage increase over a specified period, such as monthly or annually. For instance, an annual retail inflation rate of 5% means that, on average, prices have risen by 5% over the past year. Factors influencing retail inflation include demand and supply imbalances, changes in production costs, global commodity prices, and economic policies
| Subject | Topic | Description |
| History | Modern Indian History | Company rule and Crown rule 1773 - 1947 |
| History | Modern Indian History | Fall of Mughals |
| History | Modern Indian History | Establishment of British rule in India |
| History | Modern Indian History | Economic Policies of the British |
|
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