APSC MAINS 2020 Paper-1

Points to Remember: The Neo-Vaishnavite movement in Assam. Its impact on Assamese society. Socio-cultural transformation. Religious and political implications. Limitations and criticisms. Introduction: The statement “The Neo-Vaishnavite Movement played the most significant role in laying the foundation of a broader society in the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam” requires an analytical approach. It necessitates examining the … Read more

Points to Remember: Interdependence of urban and rural development in India. Challenges faced by both smart cities and smart villages. Synergies between smart city and smart village initiatives. Role of technology, infrastructure, and governance. Importance of inclusive and sustainable development. Introduction: The concept of “smart cities” in India, driven by initiatives like the Smart Cities … Read more

Points to Remember: Rise of regionalism in India: Historical, socio-economic, and political factors. Regionalism’s impact on Indian federalism: Both strengthening and weakening aspects. Need for a balanced approach: Recognizing regional aspirations while upholding national unity. Introduction: Regionalism, the assertion of regional identities and interests within a larger political entity, has been a significant feature of … Read more

Points to Remember: Challenges in Integration: Difficulties in persuading rulers to accede, varying levels of administrative development, diverse populations, and potential for conflict. Sardar Patel’s Role: His diplomatic skills, firm stance, and effective use of persuasion and pressure in achieving integration. Methods Employed: Negotiation, persuasion, pressure tactics (including military threat), and the creation of the … Read more

Points to Remember: Challenges: Identify specific problems faced by Assam’s bell-metal industry (e.g., raw material sourcing, marketing, competition, skill gaps). Measures: Propose concrete solutions for revitalizing the industry (e.g., government support, skill development programs, marketing strategies). Sustainability: Emphasize long-term viability and environmental considerations. Introduction: Assam’s bell-metal industry, a traditional craft with a rich cultural heritage, … Read more

Points to Remember: Join Our Telegram Channel Water scarcity in India Interlinking of rivers: concept and methodology Potential benefits of interlinking Potential drawbacks and environmental concerns Socio-economic impacts Alternative solutions and integrated water resource management Introduction: India faces significant water stress, with uneven distribution across regions and seasons. The Central Water Commission reports that several … Read more

Points to Remember: Definition and characteristics of extreme precipitation events. Impacts of extreme precipitation on various sectors (environmental, economic, social). Underlying causes of increased frequency: climate change, urbanization, deforestation. Mitigation and adaptation strategies. Introduction: Extreme precipitation events, characterized by unusually high rainfall intensity or total amounts over a short period, are becoming increasingly frequent and … Read more

Points to Remember: Uneven distribution of benefits from natural resources. Role of governance, infrastructure, and technology. The “resource curse” phenomenon. Importance of diversification and value addition. Need for inclusive development strategies. Introduction: India possesses significant natural resource wealth, including minerals, forests, and fertile agricultural land. However, a paradox exists: regions abundant in these resources often … Read more

Points to Remember: The Partition’s immediate impact on Assam’s economy: refugee influx, disruption of trade, and infrastructure damage. Long-term economic consequences: demographic shifts, resource allocation challenges, and industrial development patterns. The role of government policies in shaping Assam’s post-partition economy. The uneven distribution of economic benefits and the persistence of regional disparities. Introduction: The partition … Read more

Points to Remember: Syncretism in architecture refers to the blending of different architectural styles and traditions. The medieval period in India saw significant interaction between various cultures, leading to architectural syncretism. Examples should highlight the fusion of indigenous styles with those of invading or interacting groups. The impact of religious beliefs and patronage on architectural … Read more