Challenges of National Integration

National integration has been a very serious and prominent challenge in all the developing countries including India. For a proper analysis of the concept of national integration it is necessary to know the meaning of certain concepts. The first and foremost concept is the term integration itself which may be defined as “a process of becoming whole.”  In other words, “an integrated whole is one in which all structural aspects and parts, fit together with at least some minimal amount of unity or mutual compatibility.”  Furthermore, “integration is the name for the state of relationship between parts of the system.”  It “has to do with the interrelations of units.”  Thus, “an integrated society is one in which established institutions and rights and values associated with them are generally accepted.”  These definitions generally present the static character of integration with its main focus at maintenance of the system. But in reality while concerned with the process of becoming whole, integration is also directed towards an orderly change within the system.

Various Challenges to National Integration are:-

The term national integration tends to be obscure in the light of varying definitions of nation and nationalism. The minimum requisite for nationhood is considered to be the people living in a compact geographical area with general cultural unity. They form a nation by accepting a particular political order and forming a state. Language, race, religion and history are additional factors which generally strengthen the bond of nationhood. According to J. P. Narayan  nationhood is made up of tangible and intangible elements, the latter constituting much the larger part of it.

The most essential tangible elements of nationhood are:

 

  1. A well-defined territory
  2. Political unity represented by a constitution, common citizenship and a government
  3. A workable medium of communication.

The intangible elements are:

  1. An attitude of mind which makes it natural and normal for every citizen to regard loyalty to the nation as being above sectional and group loyalties
  2. An attitude of mind which makes it natural and normal for every group and section of the nation to subordinate its interest to national interests;
  3. An attitude of mind which makes it natural and normal for the nation to think of the interests of every citizen and of every group and section of the nation.

Problem of National Integration in Post-Independence India

 

The main challenges to national integration in post-independence India are

linguism, communalism, casteism and regionalism.

 

  • Language

 

India is a multi-linguistic nation with several well developed languages

which are rich in grammar, expression and literature and have their own distinct

script. Multi-linguism is, therefore, one of the primordial facts of the Indian

polity.

 

Despite the acceptance of Hindi as the official language of the Republic by

the Constituent Assembly of India and its further recognition by the Hindi-

speaking states, the language issue has remained unsettled. In post-independence

India the language issue took a different turn. Now instead of the Hindi-Urdu

conflict what emerged was a conflict between Hindi and English on the one hand

and Hindi and regional languages on the other hand, particularly those spoken in

the South India like Tamil and Telugu. Till 1960, the language issue mainly

revolved round Hindi and English. So long as the memory of the

freedom struggle

and its commitments were fresh in the minds of leaders of different parts of India,

there was no sharp public reaction or mass mobilisation against Hindi. The non-

Hindi speaking people were taking interest in Hindi, especially in the Hindustānī

form of Hindi, even in the pre-independence period. The leaders from non-Hindi

areas had been emotionally committed to replacing English by an Indian

language. Moreover, after independence, for three successive elections the

Congress party had won overwhelming majority in most of the states. Congress

leadership convinced the anxious non-Hindi speaking people and their leadership

that the promotion of Hindi would not take place at their cost.

 

 

To make a compromise between the supporters and the opponents of Hindi

the ‘Three Language Formula’ was accepted as a middle path. However, the issue

was finally settled by the Official Languages (Amendment) Act, 1967, and it was

decided that English will continue to be the Associate Official Language of the

Union for all the non-Hindi states till the time they themselves opt for Hindi.

 

 

 

 

  • Religion

 

Religion is a very crucial factor as far

as the national integration of India is

concerned. There are six major religious communities in India accounting for a

substantial population in the country as a whole.   Historically, religion has never

played a predominant role in the governance of the state in India. Whenever

attempts were made to introduce religion as a principle of administration, it failed.

 

Still, religion directly or indirectly, influences our politics to some extent and in

its accentuated form, it leads to communalism and violence and then poses a

serious threat to national integration.

 

 

 

  • Communalism

 

A sense of blind loyalty towards the community that may go to the extent of subordinating one’s higher loyalty to his or her nation or society as a whole. Instead of having an attitude towards a particular religion enlightened enough so as to circumvent any possible feeling of orthodoxy, it leads to the inculcation of wrong orientations that have their manifestation in the form of fanaticism or religious orthodoxy. As such, communalism refers to the attitude of the people and their groups when they “place their loyalty to the community above loyalty to the body politic to which they belong, or else when they develop active hostility towards communities

living within the same body politic.”

 

 

  • Regionalism

Regionalism is one issue that has apparently caused the greatest threat to

national integration.  Regionalism  is  defined  as  politicisation  of  regional

sentiment. To have a conceptual understanding of the term regionalism, let us first

see the meaning of the term region.

 

Region generally means a large tract of land, a more or less defined portion

of the earth’s surface specifically distinguished by certain natural features and

climatic conditions. The essential point is that a region is characterised, more than

anything else, by a widely shared sentiment of ‘togetherness’ in the people,

In  India the  most  important factor responsible for the  growth of

regionalism has been regional imbalance and regional disparity. The unequal

development of different regions of India owes its genesis to the colonial past.

The British did not have much interest in India’s development, least be said of

equal development of all the regions.

 

internalised from a wide variety of sources  and, what is more, a ‘separateness from others.’ The concept of regionalism draws sustenance from the factors of

geography, topography, religion, language, culture, economic life, customs,

political traditions and shared historical experiences. The term regionalism has its

wider and narrower connotations. In the former sense, it covers the case of a

movement directed against ‘centralism’; in the latter sense, it refers to the

attachment of the people with interests of a local significance and in that respect it

becomes analogous to localism or sectionalism

Population, environment and development

 

The rapid pace of population growth has led to the excessive utilization of natural resources. Huge population also leads to huge production of wastes. The resultant outcomes are

loss of biodiversity, pollution of air, water and soil and increased pressure on arable land. All these have been putting great stress on the environment. If you take the case of India, it supports 17 percent of world population on just 2.4 per cent of the world land area.

The earth’s carrying capacity in terms of its food resource is approaching its limits. Oceanic supply of fish, rangelands which support livestock, and the hydrological cycle to produce freshwater are strained. The backlog of unused agricultural technology is shrinking in industrial and developing countries alike, slowing the rise in cropland productivity. At the same time, soil erosion, air pollution, soil compaction, aquifer depletion, the loss of soil organic matter, and the waterlogging and salting of irrigated land are all slowing food production. At present, it appears that nothing can reverse the

worldwide decline in grain output per person. The bottomline is that the world’s farmers can no longer be counted on to feed the projected additions to the present population. Attaining a humane balance between food production and population growth now depends more on family planners instead of farmers.

Mazor impact of popuatlion growth on Environment are:

  • Resource Scarcity:

– Food

– Energy (coal, oil, uranium)

– Raw materials (iron, copper, wood, water)

  • Environmental Impacts

– Soil degradation

– Deforestation

– Global Warming

Population growth would not be sustainable if it has important negative impacts that will jeopardize the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

FUNCTIONS OF MANAGEMENT – ORGANIZING

 

 

Organizing is the process of identification and grouping of activities, assigning duties and delegating authority to the managers, allocating necessary resources and establishing coordination among individuals and department of an organization with a view to attain its objectives.

 

PROCESS OF ORGANIZING :

 

The process of organising consists of the following steps –

 

  1. Identification of activities: Every enterprise is created with a specific purpose. Based on this, the activities involved can be identified. For example, in a manufacturing firm, producing goods and selling them are the major activities in addition to routine activities like, paying salary to employees; raising loans from outside, paying taxes to the government etc. and these activities vary when the organisation is a service concern or a trading firm.

 

  1. Grouping of activities: Once activities are identified, then they need to be grouped. They are grouped in different ways. The activities which are similar in nature can be grouped as one and a separate department can be created. For example – activities undertaken before sale of a product, during the sale of the product and after the sale of the product can be grouped under the functions of a marketing department. Normally, all activities of a manufacturing unit can be grouped into major functions like purchasing, production, marketing, accounting and finance, etc. and each function can be subdivided into various specific jobs.

 

 

  1. Assignment of Responsibilities: Having completed the exercise of identifying, grouping and classifying all activities into specific jobs, they can be assigned to individuals to take care of.

 

  1. Granting authority: On the basis of responsibilities given to specific individuals, they are also to be given the necessary authority to ensure effective performance.

 

  1. Establishing relationship: This is a very important job of management as everybody in the organisation should know as to who he/she is to report, thereby establishing a structure of relationships. By doing so, relationships become clear and delegation is facilitated.

 

ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE

 

Organization structure is a network of formal authority relationships among people within which behaviour and activities of people are regulated for the accomplishment of organizational objectives.

 

Forms of Organizational Structure

 

  • Line Organization

 

  • Pure Line: – Activities at a particular level are same, every employee performs by & large the same type of work.

 

  • Departmental Line: – Whole work divided into functional Departments. Each Department works as a self-sufficient unit under the supervision & direction of a department manager who himself work under the immediate boss.

 

  • Line and Staff Organization

 

It is one that has line managers with direct vertical relationships between different levels in the organization in addition to the specialist responsible for advising and assisting the line managers.

 

  • Functional Organization

 

According to this, Line authority is channelized through the staff specialists. In such an organizational structure, Line authority runs through many functional experts who have authority to issue orders in their respective areas of specialisation.

 

  • Project Organization

 

It is a temporary structure designed to accomplish a specific task or project with the help of specialists drawn from different functional departments within the organization.

 

 

  • Matrix OR Grid Organization

 

It is permanent Organizational Structure designed to accomplish specific project or result by using using teams of specialists drawn from different functional departments within the organization.It is a combination of project organization and functional organization.

 

 

It is a group of 2 or more appointed, nominated or elected persons to consider, discuss decide, recommend or report on some issue or matter assigned to it.

 

 

Informal & Formal Organization

 

Formal organisation refers to the officially established pattern of relationships among departments, divisions and individuals to achieve well-defined goals and is a consciously designed structure of roles.

 

Informal organisations on the other hand, refers to relationship between individuals in the organisation based on personal attitudes, likes and dislikes and originates to meet their social and emotional needs and develops spontaneously.

 

Delegation

 

The active process of entrustment of a part of work or responsibility and authority to another and the creation of accountability for performance is known as delegation. Thus, there are three elements of delegation as follows-

 

  • Assignment of Responsibility: This is also known as entrustment of duties. Duties can be divided into two parts: one part, that the individual can perform himself and the other part, that he can assign to his subordinates to perform.

 

  • Granting Authority: Authority refers to the official powers and position required to carry on any task. When duties are assigned to subordinates then the required authority must also be conferred to him

 

  • Creating Accountability: The delegatee is fully answerable to his superior for performance of the task assigned to him. Thus, the superior ensures performance through accountability by his subordinate.

 

 

Decentralization

 

Decentralisation refers to a systematic effort to delegate authority at all levels of management and in all departments. This shifts the power of decision making to lower level under a well considered plan.

Decentralisation has number of benefits. Firstly, it reduces the workload of the top level management. Secondly, it motivates the employees and gives them more autonomy. It promotes initiative and creativity. It also helps employees to take quick

and appropriate decisions. In this process, the top management is freed from the routine jobs and it enables them to concentrate on crucial areas and plan for growth.

 

Distinction between Delegations and Decentralisation

 

Decentralisation is not same as delegation. The points of differences are –

  • While delegation is the process of assigning responsibility and authority and thereby creating accountability; decentralisation is the ultimate outcome of planned delegation.
  • Delegation of authority takes place between the manager and his subordinates while decentralisation involves the entire organisation, and is between top management and divisions/departments.
  • Delegation is done to speed up the work and is essential in trace; while decentralisation is optional and is usually done in large scale organisations.
  • In case of delegation the responsibility and authority delegated may be withdrawn by the delegator; which is not so easy in case of decentralisation.

 

The Gupta Empire

The Gupta Empire stretched across northern, central and parts of southern India between c. 320 and 550 CE. The period is noted for its achievements in the arts, architecture, sciences, religion, and philosophy. Chandragupta I (320 – 335 CE) started a rapid expansion of the Gupta Empire and soon established himself as the first sovereign ruler of the empire. It marked the end of 500 hundred years of domination of the provincial powers and resulting disquiet that began with the fall of the Mauryas. Even more importantly, it began a period of overall prosperity and growth that continued for the next two and half centuries which came to be known as a “Golden Age” in India’s history. But the seed of the empire was sown at least two generations earlier than this when Srigupta, then only a regional monarch, set off the glory days of this mighty dynasty in circa 240 CE.

GUPTA PERIOD – EARLY DAYS TO THE ZENITH

Not much is known about the early days of this Gupta dynasty. The travel diaries and writings of Buddhist monks who frequented this part of the world are the most trustworthy sources of information we have about those days. The travelogues of Fa Hien (Faxian, circa 337 – 422 CE), Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang, 602 – 664 CE) and Yijing (I Tsing, 635 – 713 CE) prove to be invaluable in this respect. The Gupta Empire during the rule of Srigupta (circa 240 – 280 CE) comprised only Magadha and probably a part of Bengal too. Like the Mauryas and other Magadha kings who preceded him, Srigupta ruled from Pataliputra, close to modern day Patna. Srigupta was succeeded to the throne by his son Ghatotkacha (circa 280 – 319 CE).

CHANDRAGUPTA I

From the Kushans, the Gupta kings learned the benefit of maintaining a cavalry and Chandragupta I, son of Ghatotkacha, made effective use of his strong army. Through his marriage with Licchhavi Princess Kumaradevi, Chandragupta I received the ownership of rich mines full of iron ore adjacent to his kingdom. Metallurgy was already at an advanced stage and forged iron was not only used to meet the internal demands, but also became a valuable trade commodity. The territorial heads ruling over various parts of India could not counter the superior armed forces of Chandragupta I and had to surrender before him. It is conjectured that at the end of his reign, the boundary of the Gupta Empire already extended to Allahabad.

SAMUDRAGUPTA

Samudragupta (circa 335 – 375 CE), Chandragupta I’s son who ascended the throne next, was a military genius and he continued the growth of the kingdom. After conquering the remainder of North India, Samudragupta turned his eyes to South India and added a portion of it to his empire by the end of his Southern Campaign. It is generally believed that during his time the Gupta Empire spanned from the Himalayas in north to the mouth of Krishna and Godavari rivers in the South, from Balkh, Afghanistan in the west to the Brahmaputra River in the east.

Samudragupta was very attentive to rajdharma (duties of a king) and took special care to follow Kautilya’s (350 – 275 BCE) Arthashastra (an economic, social and political treatise that has clear instructions about how a monarchy should be governed) closely. He donated large sums of money for various philanthropic purposes, including the promotion of education. Besides being a courageous king and able administrator, he was a poet and musician. The large number of gold coins circulated by him showcases his multifaceted talent. An inscription, probably commissioned by subsequent Gupta kings, known as the Allahabad Pillar is most eloquent about his humane qualities. Samudragupta also believed in promoting goodwill among various religious communities. He gave, for example, Meghavarna, king of Ceylon, permission and support for the construction of a monastery in Bodh Gaya.

CHANDRAGUPTA II

A short struggle for power appears to have ensued after the reign of Samudragupta. His eldest son Ramagupta became the next Gupta king. This was noted by 7th century CE Sanskrit author Banbhatta in his biographical work, Harshacharita. What followed next forms a part of Sanskrit poet and playwright Visakh Dutta’s drama DeviChandra Guptam. As the story goes, Ramagupta was soon overcome by a Scythian king of Mathura. But the Scythian king, besides the kingdom itself, was interested in Queen Dhruvadevi who was also a renowned scholar. To maintain peace Ramagupta gave up Dhruvadevi to his opponent. It is then Ramagupta’s younger brother Chandragupta II with a few of his close aides went to meet the enemy in disguise. He rescued Dhruvadevi and assassinated the Scythian king. Dhruvadevi publicly condemned her husband for his behaviour. Eventually, Ramagupta was killed by Chandragupta II who also married Dhruvadevi sometime later.

Like Samudragupta, Chandragupta II (circa 380 – 414 CE) was a benevolent king, able leader and skilled administrator. By defeating the satrap of Saurashtra, he further expanded his kingdom to the coastline of the Arabian Sea. His courageous pursuits earned him the title of Vikramaditya. To rule the vast empire more efficiently, Chandragupta II founded his second capital in Ujjain. He also took care to strengthen the navy. The seaports of Tamralipta and Sopara consequently became busy hubs of maritime trade. He was a great patron of art and culture too. Some of the greatest scholars of the day including the navaratna (nine gems) graced his court. Numerous charitable institutions, orphanages and hospitals benefitted from his generosity. Rest houses for travellers were set up by the road side. The Gupta Empire reached its pinnacle during this time and unprecedented progress marked all areas of life.

POLITICS & ADMINISTRATION

Great tact and foresight were shown in the governance of the vast empire. The efficiency of their martial system was well known. The large kingdom was divided into smaller pradesha (provinces) and administrative heads were appointed to take care of them. The kings maintained discipline and transparency in the bureaucratic process. Criminal law was mild, capital punishment was unheard of and judicial torture was not practised. Fa Hien called the cities of Mathura and Pataliputra as picturesque with the latter being described as a city of flowers. People could move around freely. Law and order

reigned and, according to Fa Hien, incidents of theft and burglary were rare.

The following also speaks volumes about the prudence of the Gupta kings. Samudragupta acquired a far greater part of southern India than he cared to incorporate into his empire. Therefore, in quite a few cases, he returned the kingdom to the original kings and was satisfied only with collecting taxes from them. He reckoned that the great distance between that part of the country and his capital Pataliputra would hinder the process of good governance.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS

People led a simple life. Commodities were affordable and all round prosperity ensured that their requirements were met easily. They preferred vegetarianism and shunned alcoholic beverages. Gold and silver coins were issued in great numbers which is a general indicative of the health of the economy. Trade and commerce flourished both within the country and outside. Silk, cotton, spices, medicine, priceless gemstones, pearl, precious metal and steel were exported by sea. Highly evolved steelcraft led everyone to a belief that Indian iron was not subject to corrosion. The 7 m (23 ft) high Iron Pillar in Qutub complex, Delhi, built around 402 CE, is a testimony to this fact. Trade relations with Middle East improved. Ivory, tortoise shell etc. from Africa, silk and some medicinal plants from China and the Far East were high on the list of imports. Food, grain, spices, salt, gems and gold bullion were primary commodities of inland trade.

RELIGION

Gupta kings knew that the well-being of the empire lie in maintaining a cordial relationship between the various communities. They were devout Vaishnava (Hindus who worship the Supreme Creator as Vishnu) themselves, yet that did not prevent them from being tolerant towards the believers of Buddhism and Jainism. Buddhist monasteries received liberal donations. Yijing observed how the Gupta kings erected inns and rest houses for Buddhist monks and other pilgrims. As a pre-eminent site of education and cultural exchange Nalanda prospered under their patronage. Jainism flourished in northern Bengal, Gorakhpur, Udayagiri and Gujarat. Several Jain establishments existed across the empire and Jain councils were a regular occurrence.

LITERATURE, SCIENCES & EDUCATION

Sanskrit once again attained the status of a lingua franca and managed to scale even greater heights than before. Poet and playwright Kalidasa created such epics as Abhijnanasakuntalam, Malavikagnimitram, Raghuvansha and Kumarsambhaba. Harishena, a renowned poet, panegyrist and flutist, composed Allahabad Prasasti, Sudraka wrote Mricchakatika, Vishakhadatta created Mudrarakshasa and Vishnusharma penned Panchatantra. Vararuchi, Baudhayana, Ishwar Krishna and Bhartrihari contributed to both Sanskrit and Prakrit linguistics, philosophy and science.

Varahamihira wrote Brihatsamhita and also contributed to the fields of astronomy and astrology. Genius mathematician and astronomer Aryabhata wrote Surya Siddhanta which covered several aspects of geometry, trigonometry and cosmology. Shanku devoted himself to creating texts about Geography. Dhanvantri’s discoveries helped the Indian medicinal system of ayurveda become more refined and efficient. Doctors were skilled in surgical practices and inoculation against contagious diseases was performed. Even today, Dhanvantri’s birth anniversary is celebrated on Dhanteras, two days before Diwali. This intellectual surge was not confined to the courts or among the royalty. People were encouraged to learn the nuances of Sanskrit literature, oratory, intellectual debate, music and painting. Several educational institutions were set up and the existing ones received continuous support.

ART, ARCHITECTURE & CULTURE

What philosopher and historian Ananda Coomaraswamy said in The Arts & Crafts of India & Ceylone, about the art of the region must be remembered here,

The Hindus do not regard the religious, aesthetic, and scientific standpoints as necessarily conflicting, and in all their finest work, whether musical, literary, or plastic, these points of view, nowadays so sharply distinguished, are inseparably united.

The finest examples of painting, sculpture and architecture of the period can be found in Ajanta, Ellora, Sarnath, Mathura, Anuradhapura and Sigiriya. The basic tenets of Shilpa Shasrta (Treatise on Art) were followed everywhere including in town planning. Stone studded golden stairways, iron pillars (The iron pillar of Dhar is twice the size of Delhi’s Iron Pillar), intricately designed gold coins, jewellery and metal sculptures speak volumes about the skills of the metalsmiths. Carved ivories, wood and lac-work, brocades and embroidered textile also thrived. Practicing vocal music, dance and seven types of musical instruments including veena (an Indian musical stringed instrument), flute and mridangam (drum) were a norm rather than exception. These were regularly performed in temples as a token of devotion. In classic Indian style,

artists and litterateurs were encouraged to meditate on the imagery within and capture its essence in their creations. As Agni Purana suggests, “O thou Lord of all gods, teach me in dreams how to carry out all the work I have in my mind.”

DECLINE OF THE EMPIRE

After the demise of his father Chandragupta II, Kumaragupta I (circa 415 – 455 CE) ruled over the vast empire with skill and ability. He was able to maintain peace and even fend off strong challenges from a tribe known as Pushyamitra. He was helped by his able son Skandagupta (455 – 467 CE) who was the last of the sovereign rulers of the Gupta Dynasty. He also succeeded in preventing the invasion of the Huns (Hephthalites). Skandagupta was a great scholar and wise ruler. For the well being of the denizens he carried out several construction works including the rebuilding of a dam on Sudarshan Lake, Gujarat. But these were the last of the glory days of the empire.

After Skandagupta’s death the dynasty became embroiled with domestic conflicts. The rulers lacked the capabilities of the earlier emperors to rule over such a large kingdom. This resulted in a decline in law and order. They were continuously plagued by the attacks of the Huns and other foreign powers. This put a dent in the economic well-being of the empire. On top of this, the kings remained more occupied with self-indulgence than in preparing to meet with the challenges of their enemies. The inept ministers and administrative heads also followed suit. Notably, after the defeat and capture of Mihirakula, one of the most important Hephthalite emperors of the time, Gupta King Baladitya set him free on the advice of his ministers. The Huns came back to haunt the empire later and finally drew the curtains on this illustrious empire in circa 550. The following lines of King Sudraka’s Mricchakatika (The Little Clay Cart) aptly sum up the rise and fall in the fortune of the Gupta Dynasty.

Population growth, distribution and density

 

India is the second most populous country in the world next only to China. On March 1, 2011 the total population of India was at 1.247 billion. This accounted for 17.5% of the world’s total population. In other words, about every sixth person in

the world there is an Indian. China, the most populous country of the world, is a step ahead of us as every fifth person in the world there is a Chinese. While India possesses only 2.42% of the world’s total land area, she is required to sustain almost 17.5% of the world’s population.

Two components of population growth are: Natural growth: It is analysed by assessing the crude birth and death rates. Induced growth: It is assessed by the volume of inward and outward movement of people in any given area. There are four phases of population growth in India. The period from 1901-1921 is referred to as a period of stagnant growth of India’s population. The high birth rate was counterbalanced by high death rate. The decades 1921-1951 are referred to as the period of steady population growth. The mortality rate started showing downward trend as a result of improvement in general health and sanitation conditions after 1921.

The density of population is expressed as the number of persons per square kilometre. According to 2011 census, the density of population in India is 382 persons per square kilometre. Over the last 100 years density has increased more than four times.

Density and its variation across states can be accessed by the following table:-

State Area Sq. Km Density 2011 Density 2001 Density

2011

India (Average) 3,287,240 382 324
1 Delhi 1,483 11,320 9,340
2 Chandigarh 114 9,258 7,900
3 Puducherry 490 2,547 2,034
4 Daman and Diu 111 2,191 1,413
5 Lakshadweep 30 2,149 1,895
6 Bihar 94,163 1,106 881
7 West Bengal 88,752 1,028 903
8 Kerala 38,852 860 819
9 Uttar Pradesh 240,928 829 690
10 Dadra and Nagar Haveli 491 700 449
11 Haryana 44,212 573 478
12 Tamil Nadu 130,060 555 Join Our Telegram Channel width="102">480
13 Punjab 50,362 551 484
14 Jharkhand 79,716 414 338
15 Assam 78,438 398 340
16 Goa 3,702 394 364
17 Maharashtra 307,713 365 315
18 Tripura 10,486 350 305
19 Karnataka 191,791 319 276
20 Gujarat 196,244 308 258
21 Andhra Pradesh 275,045 308 277
22 Orissa 155,707 270 236
23 Madhya Pradesh 308,252 236 196
24 Rajasthan 342,239 200 165
25 Uttarakhand 53,483 189 159
26 Chhattisgarh 135,192 189 154
27 Meghalaya 22,429 132 103
28 Manipur 22,327 128 103
29 Himachal Pradesh 55,673 123 109
30 Nagaland 16,579 119 120
31 Sikkim 7,096 86 76
32 Jammu and Kashmir 222,236 56 46
33 Mizoram 21,081 52 42
34 Andaman and Nicobar Islands 8,249 46 43
35 Arunachal Pradesh 83,743 17 13

 

 

 

 

 

Indian monsoon, mechanism, onset and retreat

 

The word “monsoon” comes from the Arabic word mausim, meaning season.Monsoons refer to a system of winds in the tropical regions under which the direction of winds is reversed completely between the summer and the

winter seasons. Under this system, the winds blow from land to sea in winter and from sea to land in summer. Therefore, most of the rainfall in the regions influenced by the monsoons is received in the summer season while winter season is generally dry.

Due to a higher temperature over the land in summer, a low pressure area develops over the continents and the winds blow from neighbouring oceans towards the land. These winds are of maritime origin and hence cause ample rainfall in summer. On the other hand, the continents become colder than the neighboring oceans in winter. As a result a high pressure area is developed
over the continents. Therefore, winds blow from land to sea in winter. These winds, being of continental origin, are dry and do not cause rain.

Role of Jet streams, Tibet Plateau and atmosphere-ocean circulation is of prime importance for the origin of Indian Monsoon.During this summer season the vertical sun rays at tropic of cancer ,the circum polar whirl along with westerly jet stream weakened and shifted northward of the Himalayas and southern branch of this jet stream disappeared by 6-10 June. This removal of westerly jet stream to the north of Tibet plateau leads to reversal of curvature of flow of free air to the north and northwest of the subcontinent. It further leads to development of dynamic depression overlying the thermal depression already established at the surface of northwest Indian subcontinent which ultimately help to trigger the burst of Indian monsoon along with it vigorous advance over the Indian subcontinent.

As long as the position of upper air jet stream is maintained above the surface low pressure to the south of the Himalayas the dynamic anticyclonic conditions persist in the northwestern part of Indian subcontinent which obstruct the ascent of air from the surface low as the air is continuously descending from the above. This is the reason why the months of April, May and June are dry inspite of high temperature and evaporation while upper air low pressure in the east of the Himalayas over Myanmar, Assam and Bangladesh helps in ascend of air and produce rainfall.

During October and November, the high pressure over northern lndia, the winds start blowing from northeast as retreating monsoons. Clear skies and the increase in mercury northern plains is observed which is termed as ‘October heat’. At this time, the low pressure conditions shift to the Bay of Bengal giving rise to cyclonic depressions. These cyclonic depressions often results in the destruction of life and property generally on the eastern coast and the southern coast. Most of the rainfall of the Coromandel Coast is derived from depressions and cyclones.

Miscellaneous Facts:

Miscellaneous Facts:

 

  1. India’s GDP per Capita 622 (US $ PPP). It is 684 US $ for Pakistan.

 

  1. The top 3 countries with external debt are Brazil (235 billion $), China (193 billion $) & Russia (175 billion $). India is 9th with 112 billion $.

 

  1. Functional employment occurs when people change from one job to another & there is an interval. This can happen even in a situation of full employment. Structural employment happens when jobs exist for qualified persons but the unemployed do not have the matching qualifications. It also occurs when labour is available, but factors of production are missing. Cyclical unemployment arises out of cycles of recession. Disguised unemployment is when people are employed but their marginal productivity is zero.

 

  1. The CSO is responsible for estimating the national income. It is assisted by the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) which conducts large scale surveys.

 

  1. The tenth plan has taken the figure of 26% population below poverty line for planning purposes. Out of the total 75% are in rural areas & 25% in urban areas. Orissa (47.5%) has the highest proportion followed by Bihar (42.6%), M.P & Assam.

 

  1. WPI is a weighted average of indices covering 477 commodities & is a measure of inflation on an economy wide scale. Services do not figure in this. Base year is 1993-94. CPI is computed separately for three groups viz industrial workers (260 commodities), Urban non-manual employees (180 commodities) & agricultural labourers (60 commodities).

 

  1. The GDP deflator is arrived at by dividing the GDP at current prices by GDP at constant prices in terms of base year prices (1993-94). This indicates how much growth in GDP is due to price rise & how much due to increase in output.

 

  1. In WTO terminology, subsidies in general are identified by “boxes” which are given the colours of traffic lights: green (permitted), amber (slow down — i.e. be reduced), red (forbidden). For agriculture, all domestic support measures considered to distort production and trade (with some exceptions) fall into the amber box. In order to qualify for the “green box”, a subsidy must not distort trade, or at most cause minimal distortion. It includes amount spent on research, disease control, infrastructure & food security. Blue box subsidies are held to be trade distorting & include direct payment to farmers to limit production & certain government assistance to encourage agriculture & rural development in developing countries.

 

  1. Tobin tax is the suggested tax (within 0.1% to 0.25%) on all trade of currency across borders intended to put a penalty on short-term speculation in currencies leading to crisis (Eg. Asian Crisis).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. In 1972, 107 companies operating in the general insurance business were nationalized into four groups – NIC, United India Insurance Company, Oriental Insurance Company & New India Insurance Company with GIC as the holding company. These companies can compete against each other in all areas except aviation & crop insurance which are the monopoly of GIC.

 

  1. IRDA act 1999 has ended the monopoly of LIC/GIC in the insurance sector.

 

  1. The only two national stock exchanges of India are NSE & OTECI (Over the counter exchange of India). BSE is a regional stock exchange.

 

  1. At present the value of SDR is fixed in relation to a basket of five currencies – US dollar, German mark, British pound, French frank & Japanese yen.

 

  1. Current Account Convertability – the holders of domestic currency have the right to convert the currency into foreign exchange for any current account purpose such as travel, tourism, trade. Transactions like those in assets are not permissible unless there capital account convertability.

 

  1. Ceteris Paribus – ‘Other things remaining equal’. ‘Ad Valorem’ means as per value. Laffer Curve – hypothesis that when the tax rate is raised the revenue realized tends to fall. Monopsony – single buyer as opposite of monopoly where there is a single seller. Lorenz curve shows graphical representation of income distribution. The Phillips curve illustrates the relationship between inflation and unemployment.

 

  1. Bretton Woods Agreement led to the establishment of World Bank & IMF. More developed a country greater would be its dependence on direct tax.

 

  1. MODVAT (modified value added tax) was introduced in India in 1986 (MODVAT was re-named as CENVAT w.e.f. 1-4-2000). Increase in RBI credit to the government during a year represents Monetised deficit.

 

  1. A high fiscal deficit leads to adverse effects on BoP, rise in interest rates & a high cost economy.

 

  1. The reverse repo rate is the rate at which banks park their short-term excess liquidity with the RBI, while the repo rate is the rate at which the RBI pumps in short-term liquidity into the system

 

  1. PNB is the oldest existing commercial bank in India. India’s short term debt is less than 10 % of India’s total debt.

 

  1. The title of World Development Report 2005 is “A Better Investment Climate For Everyone”.

 

  1. The 12th financial commission recommendation would be applicable for the period 2005-2010. Minimum Alternate Tax is a tax on zero tax companies.

 

  1. Press Note 18 requires that a foreign company in a joint venture with an Indian company cannot get into other wholly owned ventures without the domestic partner’s permission.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Domestic Commercial Banks contribute to the Rural Infrastructure Development fund to the extent of their shortfall in their lending to the priority sector lendings.

 

  1. Capital adequacy ratio affects assets of banks, its share capital & its investment. International Finance Corporation essentially provides loans to boost private sector investment of member countries.

 

  1. Zero-based Budgeting requires that a program be justified from the ground up each fiscal year. ZBB is especially encouraged for Government budgets because expenditures can easily run out of control if it is automatically assumed what was spent last year must be spent this year

 

  1. The main source of revenue for the Union government in ascending order of importance are income tax, custom duties, corporate tax & excise duties.

 

  1. Prevention of Money Laundering act is applicable to drug trafficking, mafia, gun running etc. Maintaining its increasing trend since 1990-91, except in 1998-99, the share of direct taxes in central tax revenues increased from 19.1 per cent in 1990-91 to 43.3 per cent in 2004-05 (RE) and further to 47.9 per cent 2005-06 (BE).

 

  1. Trade Related Investment measures (TRIMS) under WTO apply that no restrictions will be imposed on foreign investment in any sector; all restrictions on foreign companies will be scrapped; Imports of raw materials by foreign companies are to be allowed freely.

 

  1. Participatory Notes (P-Notes) refers to investment in Indian securities by unregulated FIIs & Hedge funds. NCLT will replace the role of Company law board, BIFR & High courts. Fiduciary issue is the paper currency not backed by gold or silver.

 

 

Essential Extra Reference:

 

  • Various Schemes launched by the government

 

  • Capex in various sectors- telecom etc.

 

  • Export Import Value with trade in Merchandise

Development of Industries : Types of Industries;factors of industrial location, distribution and changing pattern of selected industries [iron and steel, cotton textile, sugar and petro- chemicals); Weber’s theory of industrial location-lts relevance in the modern world.

 

Types of Industries

Based on the value addition and tangibility broadly we can have three types of industries – primary industries,secondary industries and tertiary industries.

  • Primary industries are usually very simple industries involving processing of raw materials to give input goods for secondary industries.
    Here value addition is usually minimal and they are
    usually material oriented.Scale of operation may be small or may be very large.Examples are: coal mining and washing, oil-refining,flour milling, metal smelting, stone crushing, etc.
  • Secondary industries are very complex and diversified which took input from primary industries and add significant value to it in different processing stages.
    The value additions are so significant that they may have a locational preference in favour of market.Secondary industries may again divided into heavy industries, light industries, footloose industries, etc.
  1. a) Heavy industries are identified by nature of their bulkyproduct or very high capital inputs or units which mayhave high capacity to influence environment adversely.Examples are: heavy chemical, heavy machinery,locomotive, shipbuilding, heavy electrical, etc.
  2. b) Light industries are less capital intensive and moreinclined to consumer products.
    Products are usually lighter in weight, require lesspower, less polluting and can be established in small areas.
  3. c) Footloose industries are those industries which nearly remain indifferent with locational aspects of plant.Their products are having very high value addition and smaller in size and so transportation cost is only a small fraction of total cost.These industries usually requires a very small production space, are usually less polluting and butrequires highly skilled workers.Examples are: watch, camera, diamond cutting,precision electronics, etc.

Tertiary industries are not related to production process.They are basically trade and services providing industries.The scale of operation is so large that it is regarded as an industry.Examples are: banking industry, insurance industry, consultancy industry, etc.

Factors of industrial location

The factors affecting the location of industries are :-

  • the availability of raw material,
  • the availability of land,
  • the availability of water,
  • the availability of labour,
  • the availability and consistency of power supply,
  • the availability of capital,
  • the availability of transport network and market.
  •  Sometimes, the government provides incentives like subsidised power, lower transport cost and other infrastructure so that industries may be located in backward areas.
Distribution and changing pattern of iron and steel industry

Although iron and steel manufacturing activity in India is very old, modern iron and steel industry started with the establishment of ‘Bengal Iron and Steel Works’ at Kulti in West Bengal in 1817. Tata Iron and Steel company was established at Jamshedpur in 1907. This was followed by ‘Indian Iron and Steel plant’ at Burnpur in 1919. All the three plants were established in the private sector. The first public sector iron and steel plant, which is now known as ‘Visvesvarayya Iron and Steel works’, was established at Bhadrawati in 1923.

After independence a great focus was given for self dependence and investments were made in heavy industries. Three new integrated steel plants were established at Rourkela, Bhilai and Durgapur. Bokaro steel plant was established under public sector in 1964. Bokaro and Bhilai plants were

set up with the collaboration of the former Soviet Union. Durgapur steel plant was set up in Collaboration with United Kingdom while Rourkela plant was established with the help of Germany.

The change in the spatial pattern of this industry is linked to the change in patterns of consumption, production and exchange of goods and services. This is dependent on the spatial organization and location of economic, transportation and communication systems that produce and facilitate the trade of the concerned commodities.

Distribution and changing pattern of Cotton textile industry

The industrial development in India began with the establishment of first successful modern cotton textile mill at Mumbai in 1854.Traditional cotton textile industry could not face the competition from the new textile mills of the West, which produced cheap and good quality fabrics through mechanized industrial units. Majority of cotton textile mills are still located in the cotton growing areas of the great plains and peninsular India.

The Muslins of Dhaka, Chintzes of Masulipatnam, Calicos of Calicut and Gold-wrought cotton of Burhanpur, Surat and Vadodara were known worldwide for their quality and design. But the production of hand woven cotton textile was expensive and time consuming. Hence, traditional cotton textile industry could not face the competition from the new textile mills of the West, which produced cheap and good quality fabrics through mechanized industrial units.

Distribution and changing pattern of Sugar industry

India is the second largest producer of sugar in the world after Brazil and is also the largest consumer. Today Indian sugar industry’s annual output is worth approximately Rs.80,000 crores.Most of the sugar mills are concentrated in six states, namely Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

Over the period, sugarcane industry is gradually shifting from north Indian states to states in Peninsular India. Some of the important reasons are as follows:

1) The production of sugarcane per hectare is higher is Peninsular India. In fact, sugarcane crop grows well in the tropical climate of south India.

2) The sucrose contents is higher in the tropical variety of sugarcane grown in the south.

3) The crushing season in south India is longer than in north India.

4) In south India most of the mills have modern machinery.

5) Most of the mills in Peninsular India are in cooperative sector, where profit maximization is not the sole objective

Distribution and changing pattern of Petro- chemicals industry

Petro-chemicals are derived from petroleum or natural gas.Products such as Toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, hairpins, soap cases, plastic mugs, garments, radiocaes, ball point pens, detergents, electric switches, lipstick, insecticides, bags, bed covers, and foam are some of the goods made from petro-chemicals. The share of offshore crude oil production was about 50.2%. The remaining crude

oil production was from 6 States viz., Andhra Pradesh (0.7%), Arunachal Pradesh (0.2%), Assam (12.1%), Gujarat (12.5%), Rajasthan (23.7%) and Tamil Nadu (0.6%).

Besides Vadodara, Gandhar, and Hazira in Gujarat and Nagathone in Maharashtra are other important centres of petro-chemical industry. India is self sufficient in the production of petrochemicals.

Weber’s theory of industrial location-its relevance in the modern world.

Weber’s main point was that the cost of transport (another theory on this) determined the location of industry. Therefore, he uses Von Thunen’s idea (that the cost of transport determines crop selection) and applies it to industry. Similar to Von Thunen, the weight of the raw materials and the weight of the end product (this difference is known as the material index) will determine the site of production depending upon how much the industry is willing to pay to get its product to the market (connecting to Christaller’s ideas of market area). Weber’s theory rest primarily on four such sites, what he calls industrial orientations

  • Material orientation
  • Labor orientation
  • Transport orientation
  •  Market orientation

He analyzed the factors that determine the location of industry and classified these factors into two divisions. These are:

(i) Primary causes of regional distribution of industry (regional factors)

(ii) Secondary causes (agglomerative and deglomerative factors) that are responsible for redistribution of industry.

The three locational factors explained by weber in his theory of industrial location are:-

  • Transport cost
  • labour cost
  • agglomeration economies

Weber uses the location triangle within which the optimal is located based on the three locational factors.

 

National Parks and Sanctuaries in Rajasthan

 

S.No Name of National Parks/ Wild Life Sanctuary District Area(Sq.km.)
National Parks
1 Keoladeo National Park Bharatpur 28.73
2 Ranthambore National Park Sawai Madhopur 392.50
Sub Total 421.23
Sanctuaries
1 Bandh Baratha WL Sanctuary Bharatpur 199.50
2 Bassi WL Sanctuary Chittorgarh 138.69
3 Bhensrodgarh WL Sanctuary Chittorgarh 229.14
4 Darrah Game Sanctuary Kota, Jhalawar 274.41
5 Desert WL Sanctuary Barmer, Jaisalmer 3,162.00
6 Fulwari ki Nal WL Sanctuary Udaipur 492.68
7 Jaisamand WL Sanctuary Udaipur 52.34
8 Jamwa Ramgarh WL Sanctuary Jaipur 300.00
9 Jawahar Sagar WL Sanctuary Kota 153.41
10 Keladevi WL Sanctuary Karoli,Sawai Madhopur 676.40
11 Kesarbagh WL Sanctuary Dholpur 14.76
12 Kumbalgarh WL Sanctuary Udaipur,Rajsamand,Pali 608.57
13 Mount Abu WL Sanctuary Sirohi 112.98
14 Nahargarh WL Sanctuary Jaipur 50.00
15 National Chambal WL Sanctuary Kota, S.Madhopur, Bundi, Dholpur, Karauli 280.00
16 Ramgarh Vishdhari WL Sanctuary Bundi 252.79
17 Ramsagar WL Sanctuary Dholpur 34.40
18 Sajjangarh WL Sanctuary Udaipur 5.19
19 Sariska WL Sanctuary Alwar 557.50
20 Sawai Manshingh WL Sanctuary Sawai Madhopur 127.76
21 Shergarh WL Sanctuary Kota 98.70
22 Sitamata WL Sanctuary Chittorgarh,Udaipur 422.94
23 Tal Chappar WL Sanctuary Churu 7.19
24 Todagarh Rawali WLSanctuary Ajmer,Pali,Rajsamand 463.03
25 Van Vihar WL Sanctuary Dholpur 25.60
Sub Total 8,739.98
Grand Total 9,161.21

 

  1. The term ecosystem was coined by                                                                                          A. Bennett. J.W.              B.  Odum. E.R                                                                                          C. Tansley                         D.  Walter, H.

 

  1. The term ecology was coined by:                                                                                               a. Eton                                  b. HaeckeL       c. Odum, E.P .                     d. Thomas. D.S.G.

 

  1. Consider the following statements and select the correct answer using the code given below:
  2. The web that links all organisms with their physical environment is known as biosphere.
  3. The biosphere extends from the bottom of the ocean trenches up to 8 km above the sea level.
  4. Biosphere is synonymous with ecosphere
  5. Biosphere is found only on Earth in the Solar System.

 

Code:

  1. 1,2 and 3 arc correct, b. 1,3 and 4 are correct,
  2. 2, 3 and 4 are correct. d. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct.

 

  1. Consider the following statements and select the correct answer using the code given below
  2. The scientific study of the interaction between organisms and environment is known as ecology.
  3. The term ecology was coined by Odum, E.R

Code:

  1. Only 1 is correct. b. Only 2 is correct.
  2. Both 1 and 2 are correct. d. Neither 1 nor 2 is correct.

 

  1. Consider the following statements and select the correct answer using the code given below:

1 Phosphorus is abundant in nature                           .

  1. Phosphorus is an excretory product.
  2. Phosphorus cycle can be disrupted by the use of chemical fertilizers.
  3. Phosphates in the soil are taken into the plant for protection.

 

Code:

  1. 1,2 and 3 are correct. b. 1,3 and 4 are correct
  2. 2, 3, and 4 are correct. d. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct.
  3. The mean productivity is highest in which of the following?
  4. Grassland b. Continental shelf
  5. Cultivated land d. Fresh water
  6. Consider the following statements and select the correct answer using the code that follows:
  7. A food chain is the sequence of energy transfer from the low er levels to the higher trophic levels.
  8. All animals depend on plants for their food.
  9. Fox may eat grass.

Code:

  1. 1 and 2 arc correct. b. 1 and 3 are correct
  2. 2 and 3 are correct. d. 1, 2 and 3 are correct.

 

  1. Which one of the following is not a primary consumer:
  2. Buffalo b. Goat
  3. Lizard d. Rabbit

 

  1. Which one of the following is not a tertian- consumer?
  2. Frog b. Leopard
  3. Lion d. Vulture
  4. Arrange the following animals in a sequential trophic level and select the correct answer using the code given below:
  5. Eagle 2. Frog
  6. Insect 4. Plant
  7. Snake

Code:

  1. Plant, insect, frog,eagle and snake
  2. Plant, insect, frog, snake and eagle
  3. Plant, frog,insect, snake and eagle
  4. Plant,insect,frog, eagle and snake

 

Classification of climates, (Koppen and Thornthwaite)

 

Climatic Regions of India : Koeppen’s Classification
Climate Type Climatic Region Annual Rainfall in the Region
Amw
(Monsoon type with shorter dry winter season)
Western coastal region, south of Mumbai over 300 cm
As
(Monsoon type with dry season in high sun period)
Coromandel coast = Coastal Tamil Nadu and adjoining areas of Andhra Pradesh 75 – 100 cm

[wet winters, dry summers]
Aw
(Tropical Savanah type)
Most parts of the peninsular plateau barring Coromandel and Malabar coastal strips 75 cm
BShw
(Semi-arid Steppe type)
Some rain shadow areas of Western Ghats, large part of Rajasthan and contiguous areas of Haryana and Gujarat 12 to 25 cm
BWhw
(Hot desert type)
Most of western Rajasthan less than 12 cm
Cwg
(Monsoon type with dry winters)
Most parts of the Ganga Plain, eastern Rajasthan, Assam and in Malwa Plateau 100 – 200 cm
Dfc
(Cold, Humid winters type with shorter summer)
Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and parts of Assam ~200 cm
Et
(Tundra Type)
Mountain areas of Uttarakhand

The average temperature varies from 0 to 10°C

Rainfall varies from year to year.
E
(Polar Type)
Higher areas of Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh in which the temperature of the warmest month varies from 0° to 10°C Precipitation occurs in the form of snow

 

 

 

 

 

Climatic Regions of India : Trewartha’s Classification

Climate Type Climatic Region Other Cliamatic Condtions
Am
(Tropical Rain Forest)
Western coastal region, Sahayadris and parts of Assam 200 cm annual rainfall  &

18.2 C to 29 C temperature

Aw

(Tropical Savanna)

Peninsular India except the semi arid zone 150 cm annual rainfall &  18 C-32 C temperature
Aw
(Tropical Savanah type)
Most parts of the peninsular plateau barring Coromandel and Malabar coastal strips 75 cm
BS
(Semi-arid Steppe type)
Runs southwards from central Maharashtra to Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh 40-75 cm annual rainfall & 20-32 C temperature
BSh
(Tropical and subtropical Steppe)
Ranges from Punjab to Kutch Annual temperature 35 C & 30-60 cm annual rainfall
BWh
(Tropical Desert)
Western parts of Barmer, Jaiselmer and Bikaner and parts of Kutch Annual Temperature 35 C & annual rainfall 25 cm
Caw

(Humid Subtropical Climate with dry winters)

It ranges from Punjab to Assam Rainfall from 100-150 cm
H (Mountain Climate) Mountain areas of Himalayas including Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh The average temperature varies from 0 to 10°C.