Examine how the Indian Constitution balances between rigidity and flexibility. Does this balance help or hinder governance?

 1. Introduction

The Indian Constitution, enacted in 1950, balances rigidity and flexibility through a structured amendment process (Article 368), allowing adaptability while preserving core principles.

2. Sub-Part 1: Features Supporting Rigidity

• Basic Structure Doctrine prevents amendments that alter the Constitution’s fundamental principles [e.g., Kesavananda Bharati case, judicial independence].
• Special Majority Requirement mandates a higher voting threshold for significant amendments [e.g., 42nd Amendment, 44th Amendment].
• Federal Provisions Protection ensures state powers are preserved by requiring state ratification [e.g., GST amendment, territorial changes].
• Judicial Review allows the judiciary to nullify unconstitutional amendments [e.g., Minerva Mills case, IR Coelho case].
• Entrenched Clauses maintain specific provisions that need strict procedural changes [e.g., Articles 31B, 32].

3. Sub-Part 2: Features Supporting Flexibility

• Ordinary Legislative Process enables amending certain provisions with a simple majority [e.g., citizenship laws, parliamentary procedures].
• Adaptability facilitates changes based on emerging needs and evolving values [e.g., Right to Education, Right to Privacy].
• Emergency Provisions allow flexible governance during crises, enabling immediate action [e.g., financial emergency, president’s rule].
• Decentralized Amendments ensure local governance adaptability through state-specific amendments [e.g., state autonomy, local reforms].
• Incremental Amendments accommodate gradual reforms while maintaining stability [e.g., 73rd and 74th amendments on Panchayati Raj].

4. Conclusion
The balance of rigidity and flexibility in the Indian Constitution enhances effective governance, ensuring adaptability while safeguarding foundational principles. This balance supports SDG 16, fostering just, inclusive, and resilient institutions for sustainable governance.

5. Additional Data, Committees, Examples for Value Addition

• Committees: Sarkaria Commission recommended federal balance between center and state [e.g., center-state relations].
• Judicial Decisions: Landmark cases affirming flexibility [e.g., Golaknath case, SR Bommai case].
• Amendment Examples: Flexibility demonstrated in the 86th Amendment on Right to Education and rigidity in the Basic Structure Doctrine.

Analyze the significance of the Preamble in setting the ideological foundation of the Indian Constitution.

 1. Introduction

The Preamble of the Indian Constitution, found in the opening section, serves as a guiding principle outlining the Constitution's core values and is crucial to its ideological foundation. It aims to secure justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for Indian citizens (Article 39A, Part IV).

2. Sub-Part 1: Ideals of the Preamble

• The Preamble promotes Justice in social, economic, and political dimensions [e.g., right to fair trial, labor rights].
• Liberty is guaranteed in thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship, ensuring personal freedoms [e.g., freedom of speech, religious choice].
• Equality advocates equal opportunity without discrimination [e.g., gender equality, reservation policies].
• Fraternity fosters unity and integrity among diverse communities [e.g., unity in diversity, communal harmony].
• Secularism emphasizes no state religion, promoting religious neutrality [e.g., secular policies, religious freedom].

3. Sub-Part 2: Function of the Preamble in Shaping Governance

• The Preamble acts as a moral guide for judicial interpretation, reflecting constitutional aspirations [e.g., Kesavananda Bharati case, Minerva Mills case].
• It sets an ethical standard for legislative actions, mandating welfare-oriented laws [e.g., education rights, welfare schemes].
• As an introductory statement, it defines India's character and governance [e.g., democratic, socialist state].
• It reflects people’s sovereignty, empowering citizens as the ultimate source of authority [e.g., electoral democracy, public participation].
• The Preamble shapes social policies, ensuring welfare for marginalized groups [e.g., affirmative action, tribal welfare].

4. Conclusion
The Preamble of the Indian Constitution is integral to establishing its ideological direction, fostering unity, justice, and equality in society. This aligns with SDG 16, promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions, essential for sustainable development.

5. Additional Data, Committees, Examples for Value Addition

• Committees: Constituent Assembly, chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, shaped the Preamble’s ideals [e.g., Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights].
• Judicial Interpretation: Landmark judgments have upheld Preamble principles [e.g., Berubari case, Golaknath case].
• Amendment Examples: The 42nd Amendment (1976) included “socialist,” “secular,” and “integrity” in the Preamble.

GS MAINS SYLLABUS PAPER-2

 (a) India and the World :

This part is intended to test candidate’s awareness of India’s relationship with the

world in various spheres, such as the following;

1. Foreign Affairs

2. External security and related matters

3. Nuclear policy

4. Indians abroad

(b) Indian Economy :

1. This part will include the following;

I Planning, economic development, economic reforms and

development of the Corporate Sector in India

II Economic and Trade issues

III Foreign trade

IV Role and functions of IMF, World Bank and WTO V Reserve

Bank of India – its role and functions

2. I. Odishan Economy : Development during the post Reform Period.

II. Regional disparity

(c) International Affairs & Institutions :

This part will include the following;

1 . Important events in world affairs

2. International institutions like UN, ILO, EU, SAARC, WHO, ICJ

(d) Developments in the field of science & technology, communications and space :

In this part questions will test the candidate’s awareness of the developments in

the field of science and techonology, communications and space and also on basic ideas

of computer;

(e) Statistical Analysis, Graphs & Diagrams :

This part will include exercises to test the candidates ability to draw common

sense conclusions from information presented in graphical, statistical or diagrammatical

form and to point out deficiencies, limitations or inconsistencies therein. The candidates

should also be aware of techniques of counting and elementary probability.

GS MAINS SYLLABUS PAPER 1

 Paper-I

(a) History of Modern India and Indian Culture1) The History of Modern India will cover the following :

* History of India since 1857

* Important personalities who shaped the Freedom Movements in Odisha

and India

* Social Reform Movements

2) Indian culture will cover the following;

* Indian culture from ancient times to modern times

* Temple architecture of Odisha.

* Socio-cultural developments in Odisha

(b) Geography of India will cover the following-

* Physical, economic and social geography of India.

* Odisha’s Physiography and Drainage system

* Odisha’s Natural Resources – Water, forest and minerals.

(c) Indian Polity will include the following-

* Constitution of India

* Political system of India

* Government and politics in Odisha

* Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in Odisha.

(d) Current National issues and topics of social relevanceThis part is intended to test the candidate’s awareness of current national issues

and topics of social relevance in the present day India such as;

1. Demography & Human Resource Development

2. Behavioural & Social issues and Social Welfare problems : Child labour,

gender inequality, adult literacy, rehabilitation of the handicapped and other deprived

segments of society, drug abuse, public health, education and unemployment.

(e) Legal and environmental issues -

1. Human Rights

2. Corruption in public life

3. Communal harmony

4. Protection of minorities

5. Internal security and related issues

6. Environment and ecological issues;

ecological preservation, conservation of natural resources and national

heritage.

7. Role of national institutions, their relevance and need for change

World History Previous Year Questions

 World History Pyqs

1. Capitalism depended on the order established by Absolutism. 20

2. The Slave-Sugar Complex was the bridge over which European Civilization crossed from the old World to the New for the first time. 20

3. Bismark is a man who ranks in history as a statesman and diplomat. 20

4. The colonial revolution of the twentieth century was much more than a colonial revolt. 20

5. The discovery of American contients, started a process of colonial expansion whose repercussions on the economies of Western Europe were considerable. 60

6. Indicate the main stages of the Scramble for Africa. 60

7. Explain the emergence of the two Blocs duirng cold war and its results on the world history. 60

8. The Renaissance was the discovery of the World and of Man.

9. The American Revolution was a natural and even expected event in the history of a colonial people who had come of age.

10. The roots of rise of Fascism lay in Peace Treaties.

11. It was now obvious that Mao Ze Dong's victory in China was a big victory for Soviet Union and a corresponding set back to the USA.

12. Nepolean kindled the national sentiment but German Unity was achieved Bismarck. Explain this statement.

13. Discuss the circumstances leading to the Chinese Revolution of 1949 and analyze its significance.

14. Review the factors of the Collapse of the Soviet Union.

15. Regarding Napolean's rise to power, it looks as if everyone had been waiting for me. A while back would have been too soon. Tomorrow would have been too late. I have coma at right moment.

20m

16. For a tired and timid generation, Mottemich was a necessary man and it was his misfortune that he survived his usefullness and failed to recognize that while he himself was growing old and feeble, the world was renewing its youth. 20m

17. Germany is looking not to Prussia's liberalism, but to her power. The great questions of the day will not be decided by speeches and majority resolutions(that was the blunder of 1848 and 1849), but by blood and iron. 20m

18. As the father of the Bolshevik revolution and the creator of new Russia Lenin will ever occupy a prominent places in the pages of history. He had driving force, Iron will and a fanatical faith in Communism, combined with a keen sense of a political expediency. 20m

19. The French revolution attacked privilege not property. Discuss how did the French Revolution sought to realize the idea of equality. 60m

20. In your opinion the Socialist Industrialization of Soviet was successful. Was it possible to avoid it, if yes how.

21. Examine the causes responsible for the quick collapse of the Soviet Union. Describe about its effects on the World order. 60m

22. The Reneissance and the Reformation are the two sprngs of modern history, rival sources of the intellectual and moral freshening of modern life. 20m

23. The industrial Revolution put mobility in the place of stability. 20m

24. Bismarck created a new Germany with the polciy of blood and iron. 20m

25. The Security Council is the heart of the UNO. 20m

26. Discuss the political circumstances in China in the years 1945-1949 leading to the establishment of the Communist rule in the land. How did United States seek to resolve the conflict between the Nationalists and Communists in the period. 60m

27. Write a critical note on the process of decolonizaton acceleated by the Second World War.

28. Analyse the factors for the collapse of Soviet Communism and Soviet Union during 1985-1991.

29. Rousseau's Political Philosophy contains the seeds of Socialism, Absolutism and Democracy.

30. The Russian Revolution(1917) was an economic explosion hastened by the stupidities of the autocratic government. 20m

31. Until December 1941 the field of the Second World War was exclusively European and Atlantic; thereafter it became also Asiatic and Pacific. 20m

32. The Brussels Treaty of 17th March, 1948 paved the way for the formation of North Atlantic Treaty Organization(NATO). 20m

33. Critically Analyze the Industrial Revolution brought about great changes in the social and Economic life of Europe. 60m

34. Explain the main strands in the Egyptian nationalist movement in the first half od the 20th century and describe the role played in it by Zaghul Pasha. 60m

35. Describe the various dimensions and phases of the Cold War between 1947 - 1962.

Look West Policy

 New Quad in West Asia:

The Foreign Ministers of India, the United States, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates met virtually recently. The summit is a clear manifestation of shifts in West Asian geopolitics and the creation of a new Quad-like organisation in the Middle East.

India's participation in this new group signals a shift in its foreign policy.

Factors Contributing to the Formation of New Groups:

·        Abraham Accord: It allows for the formation of a new grouping following the reopening of formal diplomatic relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates.

·        Tackling Turkey's Regional Dominance: The new Quad arose from a convergence of interests between India, the United Arab Emirates, and Israel, despite Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's forceful claims to the Islamic world's leadership.

·        China’s challenge: China’s influence in the Middle East, predominantly in Israel and the UAE, had been growing despite the fact that both are close U.S. security partners. While concerns about China's military threat are relevant, other facets of China's strength have received less attention, despite the fact that they are equally crucial.

·        US Pivot to Asia: As part of its pivot to East Asia to counter China's ascent, which is redrawing West Asia's historic equations, the US is plainly attempting to reduce its footprint in the Middle East.

Significance of New QUAD for India:

·        Moving towards Regional Policies: The new minilateral suggests India is now ready to move from bilateral relations conducted separately towards an integrated regional policy.

·        India's Westward Shift: In the same way that the "Indo-Pacific" has changed the way India views the east, the concept of a "Greater Middle East" has the potential to boost India's interaction with its western neighbours.

·        Utility of Regional Coalitions: Like in the Indo-Pacific, even in the Middle East also, regional coalitions will widen India’s reach and deepen its impact.

·        Strengthening Indo-US relations: The new Quad also points to ever-widening strategic cooperation of Indians with USA.

·        To tackle China: India's participation in the new Middle Eastern quartet demonstrates that New Delhi recognises that the China challenge must be addressed not only to India's north and east, but also to India's west. (Galwan and Dokhlam Clash)

·        Tackling Pakistan: Pakistan's growing alignment with Turkey, as well as its alienation from its traditionally strong supporters in the Arab Gulf - the UAE and Saudi Arabia - has fueled the formation of the new coalition.

·        Complementarities: Combining India’s scale with Israeli innovation and Emirati capital could produce immense benefits to all three countries. Add American strategic support and we would see a powerful dynamic unfolding in the region.

Quads are a type of multiateral engagement that is dependent on certain circumstances. More multilaterals should be expected, even if they aren't all quads. The issues with traditional multilateralism are leading to a fresh concentration on multlateralism, as I previously stated, and the new quad is another example of that.

West Asia
Growing interests of Asian economies

• As net importers of crude oil, these Asian economies rely heavily on the West Asian states for their supplies.
• Have increased stakes in the safety and security of the region from the perspective of political and economic stability.
• Protection of vital sea lanes in areas such as the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea stretching out into the Arabian Sea and the wider Indian Ocean.

Way Ahead

• The idea of Asian nations having to band together to protect their energy interests in West Asia is not new.
• An idea equitable to an ‘importers OPEC’, or Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, led by Asian states which today have a much larger stake in West Asia’s oil than the West.
• India’s security footprint in West Asia has seen a steady increase, and energy security and safe passage of sea routes are one of the main driving factors.
• The Indian Navy has made multiple port calls from the UAE and Kuwait to Iran and Qatar in recent years.

Conclusion

• This trend of an increasing Asian security interest and footprint is expected to only magnify in the years to come as the nature of security in West Asia changes itself.
• Regional states will become more responsible for their own security, and as Asian economies become stronger stakeholders, their geopolitics will become more visible across this geography.

India and West Asia

India’s ‘Look West’ Policy 

1) Introduction  

India seeks to pursue a multi-dimensional engagement with West Asia. 

 While much focus is often given to India’s ‘Act East’ policy, India’s ‘Look West’ policy too is evolving rapidly.  Sustained high-level engagements have ensured that India’s voice is becoming an important one in the region.

2) Recent Developments  PM Modi’s Palestine visit was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister.  With New Delhi’s policy of trying to build capacity of Palestine, India signed six agreements worth around $50 million with Palestine.  A landmark pact awarding a consortium of Indian oil companies a 10% stake in offshore oil concession is the first Indian investment in the UAE’s upstream oil sector.  There is growing convergence between India and UAE on tackling terrorism.  New alignments have allowed India to de-hyphenate ties with Israel and Palestine.  India has established independent links with estranged players in the region such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Iran.  The relations traditionally were based on energy and Indian Diaspora, but now India seeks to maintain relations to be a significant power in the world as well.  Oman has been a long-standing partner of India in West Asia, where Indians constitute the largest expatriate community.  With the Indian Ocean becoming a priority focus area for New Delhi, Oman’s significance is likely to grow.  Naval cooperation has already been gaining momentum with Muscat giving berthing rights to Indian naval vessels to fight piracy in the Gulf of Aden.  India and Oman are enhancing cooperation in the field of health, tourism and peaceful uses of outer space. 

3) Significance  India is in the good position of being trusted by all the major factions in the Middle East; it has good relations with Iran, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Iraq, and the Gulf States.  The numbers on trade between India and the Gulf countries are impressive.  There are large Indian communities in the Gulf States.  The remittances sent by Indian labour migrants have added to the economic relationship.  West Asia is crucial for stability and economic growth in India because around 65% of our oil and more than 80% of our gas supplies come from this region.

4) India's Role  Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called for a potential Indian role in the West Asian peace process.  Palestine, which has turned away from a US-led mediation, now counts on India to realise the twostate solution. Insights Mindmaps www.insightsonindia.com Page 2 www.insightsias.com  India remains strongly committed to the establishment of a viable Palestinian state, living at peace with Israel.  India is looking for renewed alignments, investment opportunities and diaspora outreach in the region.  India acts as an important market for the Gulf oil economies, their aviation companies, a provider of technology and human resources.  Joint military exercises to control “non-State actors”.  Today, New Delhi is building infrastructure in Iran while also sharing intelligence with Saudi Arabia.

5) Containing China  China and India, as two emerging powers, are yet to articulate a clear road map for the region.  With China’s expanding footprint in the Indian Ocean Region, India must strengthen security ties with littoral states. 

6) Concerns / Challenges  ASEAN has been the vehicle for India’s expanding partnership with South East Asia, but there is no similar forum in the Middle East.  Ideological, political and religious divisions in India over the Middle East have long complicated Delhi’s thinking of the region.  Instability in the region due to ISIS.  Growing rivalry between the Sunni Arabs and Shia Iran.

7) Way Forward  India’s West Asia engagement must focus on delivering on its commitments and strengthening its presence as an economic and security partner.  This is crucial for India as America’s stakes in the region is declining.  India as an emerging power need to articulate a clear road map for the region.  With growing conflicts between countries in the region, India will have to be more pragmatic in its approach towards the region.

Adi Shankaracharya

 

Introduction

·       Shankracharya was a Nambudari Brahmin born in Malabar(Kaladi) in early 8^th century CE.

·       Persecute by Jainism he took a triumphant visit to north India, where he worsted his opponents in debates.

Philosophy

·       Knowledge: God and created are one, and differences were not real but apparent and arose due to ignorance.

·       Salvation: The way to salvation is devotion to God(bhakti), strengthened by the knowledge that the God and created are same.

·       How to Achieve Salvation: At the deepest level of meditation (’निर्विकल्प समाधि’) the complete identity between God and created is realized and all the suffering of life ceases and that state is called (सच्चिदान्द ब्राह्मण).

Efforts and Impact

How did Sankaracharya seek to integrate the different religions cults in India?

Contemporary Conditions:  At this time, the expression of Hinduism which is sourced from the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta of Upanishad was under threat.

1.       Different Sects: A multitude of sects, each adhering to different scriptural interpretations had arisen

2.       Mimansa: Reliance on elaborate rituals of Mimansa school had become a common practice.

3.       Band J: In addition Buddhism and Jainism had become quite strong.

Writing: He wrote extensive commentaries on Upanishad, Brahma Sutra and Gita.

·       Consistent System in Upanishad: By able use of logical argument and figurative interpretation of some phrases he reduced all the self-contradictory argument of the Upanishads to a consistent system.

·       Shanmata system: This not only revitalized the philosophical system but also united different sects into a common framework of Shanmata system.

·       Framework: This framework advocated that various Hindu paths were all valid ways of approaching the supreme non-duality and the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta stood over and above all the other forms of Hinduism and encapsulated them.

Tour: In addition to this voluminous writings the other strategy he adopted to integrate different sects was to tour the Indian subcontinent. On tour he would meet religious personalities of different schools, engage them in debate and win over them to Advaita Vedanta. He took three such tours of India.

Disciple Scholars: Adi Shankara had a number of disciple scholars during his travels, who authored their own literature on Shankara and Advaita Vedanta and led to further integration.

Monasteries: Another step which led to integration of different sects was the founding of monastic centers (matha), with each matha having its own Shankracharya chosen from amongst his closest disciples. These mathas were set up at cardinal points of the country(4- Jagannathpuri, Shringeri, Dwarka and Badrinath) and resulted in the whole of sub-continent linked with teachers of Advaita Vedanta. These institutes led to physical and spiritual unification of the country.

Other Efforts and Impact

·       Influence on different It was only after Shankara that the theologians of the various sects of Hinduism utilized Vedanta philosophy to a greater or lesser degree to form the basis of their doctrines, while the Nath-tradition established by him, led "its theoretical influence upon the whole of Indian society became final and definitive”.

·       Difference between Buddhism and Jainism: He also explained the key difference between Hinduism and Buddhism, stating that Hinduism asserts "Atman (Soul, Self) exists", while Buddhism asserts that there is "no Soul, no Self".

·       Challenge to Buddhism and Jainism: He posed the most serious challenge to Buddhism and Jainism after he reformulated the Hindu philosophy.

·       Importance of Monastic Life: He established the importance of monastic life as sanctioned in the Upanishads and Brahma Sutra, in a time when the Mīmāṃsā school established strict ritualism and ridiculed monasticism. He is reputed to have founded four mathas  ("monasteries").

·       Panchayatana: He introduced the Pañcāyatana form of worship, the simultaneous worship of five deities – Ganesha, Surya, Vishnu, Shiva and Devi. Shankara explained that all deities were but different forms of the one Brahman, the invisible Supreme Being.

Criticism

The path of knowledge put forward by him could be understood by few and thus could not influence the masses.