Themes in Prelims or Frequently asked Topics in OPSC

1. Headquarters of Important Organizations(UN, International, Environmental)

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/3259669016998086826/1128418672128703564

2. IUCN  Status of animals and their important habitats

Refer. Laexcellence Book

3. Themes of Important Days

https://www.bankexamstoday.com/2018/02/list-of-important-days-with-themes.html

4. Sports related news(Host countries, important appointments, Champions)

GK Today

5. Important National Awards

GK Today

6. Important Acts, laws

7. Important International Organizations(year, role, headquarter)

8. Founders of Important Companies

9. Bharat Ratna Awardees

10. Current CMs

11. Books and Authors

12. Major Producers of Important Minerals

13. Habitat of Important Tribes

14. Emergency Provisions

15. Supreme Court, High Courts

16. Center-State Relations (Different Lists)

17. Political Part System of Different Countries

18. Amendment

19. DPSP

20. Writs

21. Important Acts

22. Sustainable Development Goals

23. National Income

24. Green House Gases

25. Indexes or Reports by International Organizations

26. Constitutional Bodies(articles, terms)

27. Salient Features of Constitution

28. Niti Ayog

29. Important National Organizations

30. Important Govt Schemes

31. SEZs

32. Important Health Sectors Schemes

32. Employment

33. Important Committees

34. FDIs

35. Nobel Prizes

36. Soils

37. Important Terms in Ecology or Environemnt

38. Important Pollutants, their source and their impacts

39. Important Environmental Protocols or Conventions

40. 73rd Amendment

41. Govt of India Acts

42. State Reorganization Committee

43. Constituent Assembly

44. Majorities in Parliament

45. Important Industries or Plants of India

46. Greatest or largest producer in India

47. Important Mines In India

48. India Rivers and Associated Projects

49. Tropical Cyclones

50. Vitamins

51. Important days

52. First in India

53. Common Diseases and their sources

54. Important Targets or Visions

55. RBI

56. Five year Plans

57. Human Development Index

58. GST

59. President

60. Governor

61. Types of Bills in Parliament

62. Fundamental Rights

63. International Industrial Corridors or Cities and famous for

64. Farming and their types

65. Ocean Currents

66. Atmospheric Layers

67. Physiography of world and India

68. INA Trials

69. Vijaynagara Empire

70. Mauryan Dynasty

71. Delhi Sultanate

72. Ashokan Inscriptions

73. Defense related procurements or agreements

74. Different types of curves or laws in economy

75. Poverty

76. Special Provisions related to some states

77. River System

78. Geomorphology(different types of landforms)

79. Socio-religious movements

80. Author of important books during ancient and medieval period

81. Important terms related to administration during Delhi sultanate 

82. Important terms related to administration during Mughals and Marathas

83. Important journals or newspapers published in modern India and their place, authors

84. Important Wildlife Sancturies

85. Important Commissions during British

86. Statutory and Non Statutory Bodies

87. Important Persons who recently passed away

88. Important recent appointments

89. Important mobile or web applications launched by Govt

90. Vegetation of India

91. Rank of India in recently released important reports or indexes

92. Important defense exercises between countries and India

93. Foreign Travelers to India

Fundamental Rights: Probable Questions

 

1. What are fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution?
2. Discuss: Right to Equality under the Constitution.
3. Discuss in what manner “Right to Equality” is guaranteed under Indian Constitution.
4. What is “discrimination”? State the provisions in the Constitution with regard to “prohibition of discrimination on certain grounds.”
5. Write short note on abolition of titles.
6. How is the “Right to Freedom” guaranteed under the Indian Constitution?
7. Discuss the provisions in the Constitution forbidding retrospective criminal legislation and double punishments for the same offence.
8. “No person shall be divided of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.” Comment.
9. “Article 22 of the Constitution makes provision for protection against arrest and dentition in certain cases.” Explain fully (a) the scope of and (b) the limitation of this protection.
10. Write short note on “Right against exploitation”.
11. Discuss right to freedom of religion guaranteed under the Constitution.
12. Discuss right to education guaranteed under the Constitution.
13. “No person shall be deprived of his property save by authority of law”. Comment.
14. Discuss right to property guaranteed under the Constitution.
15. Explain the writs of habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto and certiorari. Under what circumstances they are available?
16. Write short notes on : Certiorari and Prohibition.
17. Write short notes on Prerogative writs.
18. Mention and briefly explain the various writs issuable under the Indian Constitution. Who may issue them?
19. What are the remedies for the enforcement of fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution?
20. Write short note on Quo Warranto.

Revolutionary Movements : Rise of Revolutionaries , activities

 Reasons-

 It took shape in two phases- First decade of 1900 and after 1920.

 It created a void in the nationalist movement which made the youth restless. The Moderates had already lost the steam while Extremists became dead after Surat Split 1907

 In spite of this, official arrogance continued unabated.

 This led to establishment of Secret Societies, anti-establishment journals, etc.

 In 1920s, the calling off of Non coooeration movement had crushed the hopes of many. The youth found nothing wrong with Chauri Chaura. Similarly, constructive work of no-changers and legislative propaganda of Swarajists did not appeal to them.

 The ideals of Russian Revolution also impressed them to believe that socialism will triumph against imperialism and exploitation.

 The youth now began to think of violent measures like killing British officers, attacking offices as a measure to instill fear. The Baraisal Conference in 1906 triggered the youth to counter force with force, using bombs!

Ideology-

 The cult of violence, bomb and pistol was central ideal. It was used to asassinate unpopular officials and carry out loots

 The intention was to strike terror in minds of British and raise the patriotic sentiments among the people

 The assumption was that by striking terror and using force, British could be driven out.

 Secret societies gave impetus to training, organising activities and preparation of bombs and pistols.

 In the earlier phases, religion was a source of power and mysticism while in 1920s, the organizations and movements were secular in nature.

 In 1920s, the orgs got a socialistic tinge. Thus, they also worked against exploitation and imperialism. They were convinced that British was a class rule. Eg- HRA became HSRA

 Revolution was the basic idea- it stood for change, progress and order. It was a dynamic spirit of every society to change for good

 Focus was on youth as their restlessness, boiling blood and energies can be used for nation’s benefit.

 A special feature is the participation of women - Kalpana Dutt, Preetilata Wadedar, etc

 Organization of activities from abroad- Shyamji Krishnavarma and his India House in London that housed Veer Savarkar, Madanlal Dhingra, Lala Hardayal, etc.

Weakness-

 Wedded to idealism than pragmatism

 In theory, they planned mass action but ended up in individual terrorist activities. Their social base never increased

 Very little political work. Masses remained cut off

 In 1920s, they stood against Gandhian leadership but failed to provide a substitute

 They lacked organizational structure.

 Religious symbolism in early phase made Muslims awry.

 They didn't get support from both Moderates and Extremists. Examples - Early Phase - Prafulla Chaki and Khudiram Bose assassinated judge at Muzaffarpur in 1907, Ghose brothers tried in Alipore conspiracy case 1908, Chaphekar brothers 1897, Madanlal Dhingra killed Curzon Wylie in 1909

 1924- Hindustan Republican Association was established to pursue revolutionary activities.

 1925 - Kakori raid wherein Ramprasad Bismil and Ashfaqulla hanged, 17 others imprisoned.

 1927- The extremism grew because of Simon Commission and subsequent killing of Lala Lajpat Rai during a protest. Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev killed Sanders in Lahore in 1928.

 1929 – Bombing in the Central Legislative Assembly to oppose the passing of Trades Disputes Bill and Public Safety Bill that would have reduced civil liberties.

 April 1929 – Chittagong armory raid by Surya Sen and accomplices.

 1931 – Jatin Das heroic 64 day hunger strike. Bhagat Singh, et al hanged on 23rd March.

Sir Charles Napier said, "We have no right to seize Sind, yet we shall do so, and a very advantageous, useful, humane piece of rascality it will be.''

Demand of the Question:

There are two aspects in the question- first why British have no right to seize Sind? and other why British seize Sind? Major stress should be to highlight the advantages associated with annexation of Sind for the British. 

Introduction:

Annexation of the territory of an eternal friend ( Treaty of eternal friendship,1809 ), commercially beneficial friend ( Commercial Treaty of 1832 ) and partner in Anglo-afghan war , although reluctant, was indeed an immoral act, as admitted by British Resident at Sind- Sir Charles Napier himself, But it was driven by broader North-west frontier policy of British as well as an opportunity to regain the prestige after Afghan debacle.

Body:

Why no right to seize Sind?

● Sind was in ‘eternal friendship’ with British since the treaty of 1809. They have provided safe passage to british merchants and goods through the Commercial Treaty of 1832 . So annexation of Sind was an immoral act as you conquered the friend.

● As Sind had abided by all the treaties they had signed with English East India Company. Even to its reluctance they supplied the army and money in support of British during Afghan war.

● It was the manufactured charges by Charles Napier against the amirs which he used as a pretext to seize Sind.

Although the Commercial Treaty of 1832 provided free passage to British merchants and goods but the increasing disturbances in Sind was a threat to the commercial benefits of British, which resulted in complete annexation of Sind in 1843.

4. Case of Victorian Imperialism

The British policy of territorial expansion came to its peak after queen victoria sat at throne in 1837 and Seize of Sind should be seen as a part of this bigger scheme which culminated with Doctrine of Lapse under Lord Dalhousie and resulting ‘First war of Indian Independence’ in 1857.

Conclusion:

Thus the British annexation of Sind in 1843 should be seen as a result of change in both internal and external situation. The external factors like Russophobia and Victorian Imperialism and the internal factors like Afghan debacle forced the direct control over Sind and the internal instability provided the opportunity.

Causes of Annexation Of Sind

 View 1: For the safety and integrity of Anglo-Indian Empire or Frontier

In the background of Russo-phobia and failure in Afghan adventure the British found Sind as an important part of their north-west frontier policy. This is visible in the communications between Governor General Auckland and the British Residents at Sind- Pottinger.

● The British were gradually increasing their control over Sind against the threat from north-west. For example the fear of French design forced Lord Minto to sign a treaty of ‘perpetual friendship’ with Sind in 1809 which eliminated the chances of French alliance with Sind.

● The British kept eliminating the possibility of European and American alliances with Sind and through the forced Treaty of 1839 they gained comprehensive control over Sind. The British forces were stationed at Bukkar and Sikarpur with Amir's money. They annexed Karachi in 1839 itself and used both the money and auxiliary force of Sind against the Afghans.

● After the failure of Afghan adventure, Sind became even more crucial in British scheme of north-west frontier security as can be seen in Lord Ellenborough letter to the Duke of Wellington in March, 1843. On one hand it increased Russian influence in Afghan and on the other it intensified the fear of Russo-Persian attack on India, thus a strong British presence in Sind was required which forced the complete annexation of Sind in 1843.

View 2: Fight to regain Prestige

● It was a fight to regain Prestige which the British lost after their debacle in Afghan war. The revolts against British rule in different parts of India like that in Bundelkhand and Madras soon after Afghan war was a sign of breaking up of the myth of British invincibility and her prestige.

● Thus to re-establish her superiority and prestige in the minds of native people they need to win a war, as argued by historian Ronald Hyam . Under this background Lord Ellenborough sanctioned the Annexation of Sind.

View 3: Commercial and navigational importance of Indus

● Historians like V.A. Smith has argued that the commercial and maritime importance of the Indus River , more so at the time of Afghan hostility, was an important cause for increasing control of British in Sind. With control on river Indus the British got a direct commercial way to Central Asia.

● The signing of a Commercial Treaty of 1832 between Sind and the British Company shows the commercial angle of Anglo-Sind relations. The treaty clause, like free passage of British merchants and travellers, does support this view.

View 4: The Conquest of Sind was morally and politically the sequel of the Afghan war- P.E. Roberts

Charles Napier believed that the Sindian War was not an isolated vent but “the tail of the Afghan storm”.

Points in support:

1. Englishmen believed that Afghan war made it expedient, although unjust, to coerce the Amirs of Sind. They wanted to use the weakness and richness of the Amirs in Afghan war.

● They were coerced to provide finances for Afghan adventure through the Treaty of 1839.

● The Treaty of 1839 forced the Amirs to provide the Auxiliary force against Afghans.

● Sind provided the safe passage for the troops and supplies of war which demanded greater control of British over Sind.

2. It was a fight to regain Prestige which the British lost after their debacle in Afghan war. The revolts against British rule in different parts of India like that in Bundelkhand and Madras soon after Afghan war was a sign of disbelief in British invincibility and her prestige and thus to re-establish her superiority and prestige in the minds of native people they need to win a war. Under this background Lord Ellenborough sanctioned the Annexation of Sind.

3. The strategic value of Sind made her an important province. The British, who were preoccupied with the Russo-Phobia , needed a stable frontier which supported them against any possible Russo-Persian design in India. After the defeat by Afghans and a stronger Punjab army, Sind was seen as an easy target to pursue the English design of the north-west Frontier. Also the failure of Afghan adventure put the British under the necessity of greater vigilance about the frontier problem as on one hand it increased Russian influence in Afghanistan and on the other intensified the fear of Russo-Persian attack on India, thus a strong British presence in Sind was required which forced the complete annexation of Sind in 1843.

Rise of extremists, Radical revolutionaries, Left wing extremism

 1. Discuss the nature, methods and activities of the Terrorist Revolutionary Movement and assess its place in India’s Freedom Struggle. [1979, 60m]

2. Examine the causes of the rise and progress of revolutionary movements in India from 1905 to 1931. [2003, 60m]

3. Describe the changing nature of revolutionary activities in India between 1905 - 1946. [2008, 60m]

4. “The very idea of the bomb and the secret society, and of propaganda through action and sacrifice were import from the West.” Critically examine. [2015, 10m]

5. Trace the origin of the Ghadar movement and discuss its impact on the revolutionaries in India. [2017, 20m]

The Left; The Left within the Congress: Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, the Congress Socialist Party; the Communist Party of India, other left parties.

1. Assess the role of the Left Wing within the Indian National Congress between 1920 and 1947. [1981, 60m]

2. Account for the rise and growth of Left-wing within the Congress. Did Jawaharlal Nehru believe in a socialistic approach to Indian and world problems and if so why? [1986, 60m]

3. ‘The National Movement has shown concern for problems other than the constitutional one.’ Discuss the factors that helped the rise of a left wing in the Indian National Congress. [1990, 60m]

4. Account for the rise and growth of leftism in the Congress movement. What impact did it have on contemporary Indian politics? [1997, 60m]

5. Discuss the nature of the leadership and programme of the Congress Socialist party. [2002, 60m])

6. “The ideology of Subhash Chandra Bose was a combination of nationalism, fascism and communism.” Comment. [2002, 20m]

7. Account for the emergence of the left-wing within the congress. How far did it influence the programme and policy of the congress? [2006, 60m]

8. The emergence of left-wing group in the congress redicalized its social economic agenda." Critically evaluate. [2011, 20m]

9. A powerful left-wing group developed in India in the late 1920s and 1930s, contributing to the radicalization of national movement.” Critically Examine. [2015, 10m]

10. Underline the growth of various forms of Socialist ideologies in the Indian National Movement between World War I and II. [2018, 20 Marks]

11. Assess the role of Subas Chandra Bose in India's struggle for independence.

OPSC

1. Examine the causes of the rise and progress of revolutionary movements in India from 1905 to 1931.(60)

2. Account for the rise and growth of leftism in the Congress movement. (40)

3. How would explain the growth of the militant nationalism in the beginning of the 20th century ? In what way did the militant nationalists differ from the moderates.

4. Trace the growth of militant nationalism in the freedom struggle of India between 1906 and 1920.

Formation and Evolution of INC

 1. Discuss ‘the safety valve’ theory. Does it satisfactorily explain the foundation of the Indian National Congress? [60m]

2. To what extent was the emergence of the Congress in 1885 the culmination of a process of political awakening that had its beginning in the 1870s? [60m]

3. “The ‘safety-valve thesis’ does not adequately explain the birth of the Indian National Congress in 1885.” Critically examine.

4. Describe briefly the ideals and programme of the Indian National Congress between 1885 and 1905 and assess official response to it. [1980, 60m]

5. Trace the factors which led to a split in the Indian national Congress in 1907. What was its impact on the course of the nationalist movement? [2003, 60m]

6. Analyze the social composition of the early Congress leadership. [30m]

7. “Politics remained for the bulk of the Moderates very much a part-time affair. The Congress was not a political party, but an annual three-day show…” Elucidate. [20m]

8. Review the aims of the moderates in the Congress. Do you believe because of their approach Extremism appeared at the national level.  [60m]