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The members of Lok Sabha are elected by the people. All adult citizens unless disqualified for other reasons have the right to select their representatives. Qualifications to become the members are must be a citizen of the country and must have attained the minimum age fixed by the constitution. The term of office is five years. Speaker is the presiding officer. He is elected from among the members of the house.

The powers and functions of Lok Sabha are as follows:

1. Legislative functions: The power of Loksabha extends to all subjects falling under the Union list and the Concurrent list. In case of emergency in operation, its power also extends to State list as well. No bill can become a law without the consent of Loksabha. The Loksabha has equal powers of law making with Rajyasabha except on financial matters where the supremacy of Loksabha is total.

 In case of disagreement between the two houses on a matter of legislation, it is resolved by a Joint Sitting of both the houses presided over by the Speaker. In a Joint Sitting, Loksabha would emerge triumphant because the decisions are taken by a majority of the total number of members of both the house present and voting in which the numerical superiority of Loksabha prevails.

2. Financial functions: On financial matters, the supremacy of the Loksabha is total and complete. “One, who holds purse, holds power” said James Madison. By establishing its authority over the national purse, Loksabha establishes its authority over the Rajyasabha.

It is expressly stated that Money bill can originate only in the house of people. Regarding budget, Loksabha being a representative house enjoys total authority. Loksabha’s position on financial matters is such that the demands for grants are placed only before the Loksabha.

3. Control over the executive: The Loksabha enjoys direct control over the executive because; executive is directly responsible to the lower house and stays in office as long as it enjoys the confidence of the house. The Loksabha not only makes laws but also supervises the implementation. The lower house being a debating house, the members are free to seek information from the executive and raise questions and seek clarifications.

The members can effectively seek information from the government by way of discussions and debates during the Question Hour (seek clarification), the Adjournment Motion (raises issues of national importance), the Zero Hour, the Cu motion, the Call-attention motion, etc. The soundest way of controlling the executive is by way of moving the No-confidence motion, if the executive fails to win the support of Lok sabha, they must step down.

4. Constituent functions: The Loksabha shares equal powers in regard to amending provisions of the constitution. An amendment may be initiated either in the Rajyasabha or Loksabha and must be passed by a 2/3 majority in both the houses present and voting. The agreement of Rajyasabha is compulsory for the success of constitutional amendment. 

5. Electoral functions: The Loksabha and Rajyasabha elect the highest constitutional functionaries such as the President and the Vice-president. The President is elected by the members of Loksabha and Rajyasabha along with the members of Legislative Assemblies of the states. The Vice-president is elected by members of Loksabha and Rajyasabha.

6. Judicial functions: The Loksabha acts as a judge in the impeachment of the President. Either house can prefer the charge of impeachment. If. Rajyasabha prefers the charge, Loksabha investigates the charge and if it passes a resolution by a 2/3 majority of the total membership of the house. President stands impeached from the office. 

The Loksabha also sits in Judgement, along with the Rajyasabha, in removing high constitutional functionaries such as the Comptroller and Auditor General, The Chief Vigilance Commissioner, the Chief Election Commissioner, etc.

Keral state of India Hindu People are in Minority Section.

Caste-based trade among the Nakarattars of Tamil Nadu banking system resembled an Economist’s model of Western-style banking systems … the Nakarattars loaned and deposited money with one another in caste-defined social relationships based on business, residential location, descent, marriage, and common cult membership.

The Nakarattar banking system was a caste-based banking system. Individual Nakarattars organized their lives around participation in and management of various communal institutions adapted to the task of accumulating and distributing reserves of capital.

The Nattukottai Chettiars (Nakarattars) of Tamil Nadu, provide an interesting illustration of how these indigenous trading networks were organized and worked. A study of this community during the. colonial period shows how its banking and trade activities were deeply embedded in the social organization of the community.

The structures of caste, kinship, and family were oriented towards commercial activity, and business activity was carried out within these social structures. As in most ‘traditional’ merchant communities, Nakarattar banks were basically joint family firms, so that the structure of the business firm was the same as that of the family.

Similarly, trading and banking activities were organised through caste and kinship relationships. For instance, their extensive caste-based social networks allowed Chettiar merchants to expand their activities into Southeast Asia and Ceylon.

Gond Tribes are most populated tribes of India .

“Joint family is a group of kins of several generations, ruled by a head, in which there is a joint residence, common kitchen and property, where members are bound with each other by natural obligation”.

1. Iravati Karve (Kinship Organization in India): “A joint family is a group of people who ‘ generally live under one roof, who eat food cooked at one hearth, who hold property in common, participate in common family worship and are related to each other as some particular type of kindred”. 

2. K.M. Kapadia (Marriage and Family in India):“Joint Family is a group formed not only of a couple and their children but also other relations either from father’s side or from mother’s side depending on whether the joint family is patrilineal or matrilineal.”

1. Depth of Generations: Joint family consists of people of three or more generations including grandparents, parents, and children. Sometimes, other kins such as uncles, aunts, cousins and great grandsons also live in a joint family.

2. Common Roof: Henry Maine called the joint family a ‘Greater Home’. Members of the joint family normally reside together under the same roof. It is a place to uphold the family Heritage. It is a place for Socio, Economic, Religious, Entertainment, etc. Due to the scarcity of accommodation, members of the joint family may reside separately. Still, they try to retain regular contacts and the feeling of belonging to the same family. They have emotional and economic links with the original family.

3. Common Kitchen: Members eat the food prepared jointly at the; common kitchen. Normally, the eldest female member of the family (the wife of the Karta) supervises the work at the kitchen. Rest of the female members are engaged in different kitchen duties. A single kitchen under a common roof is a unique element of joint family.

4. Common Worship: Joint family derives its strength from religion. Hence, it is associated with various religious rituals and practices. Every family may have its own deity or ‘Kula devata’ and its own religious traditions. Members of the family take part in common worship, rites and ceremonies. At least once a year, they join other members to take part in festivals, feasting, marriage ceremonies and so on.

5. Common Property: The members hold a common property. As O’ Malley writes: “The joint family is a co-operative institution similar to a joint stock company in which there is a joint property”. The total earnings of the members are pooled into a common purse of the family and family expenses are met out of that.

6. Exercise of Authority: In the patriarchal joint family usually the eldest male member known as ‘Karta’ exerscises authority. The super-ordination of the eldest member and the subordination of all the other members to him is a keynote of the joint family. His commands are normally obeyed by others. Karta ruled his family by love and affection. Similarly, in the matriarchal joint family the eldest female (matriarch) member exercises the supreme authority.

7. Arranged Marriages: In the joint family, the elders consider it as their privilege to arrange the marriages of the members. The individual’s right to select his/her life-partner is neglected. The younger members rarely challenge their decisions and arrangements. But now-adays, selecting a life partner to a family member is more democratic in nature.

8. Identification with Mutual rights and obligations towards the Family: Every member has his own duties and obligations towards the family. The family in turn, protects the interests, and promotes the welfare of all. The senior members of the family act as the guide for junior members.

9. Self-Sufficiency: Joint family is relatively self-sufficient. It used to meet the economic, recreational, medical, educational and other needs of the members. Today no other type of family is self-reliant that way today.

West Bengal state land reform is more successful.

The backward Class movement in Karnataka is a desire of the underprivileged people to develop their own potentialities and contribute to the economic development of the nation. In every society, some groups of people are higher and some are lower due to the opportunities they have in general. By such opportunities, well-off people equip themselves and pursue careers which giver them prestige and profit.

By contrast, the lower or other backward classes have no opportunities to equip themselves. A new awareness arose among the non-Brahmins in the princely state of Mysore. Vokkaligas, Lingayats, and Muslims of Mysore had realized their position of relative deprivation as against the Brahmins.

By 1917, these groups form an alliance called Prajamitra Mandali in 1918, this mandali pleaded Maharaja of Mysore for the representation in legislature, reservation in posts of public services and educational institutions. In 1918, a committee of six non-official members presided over by Sir Leslie Miller.

Miller committee recommended the acceptance, of all the demands. Sirtoe then Backward Classes in princely Mysore state have availed benefits in the field erf education, employment, and political arena.

1. Naganna Gowda Commission: The Karnataka Government appointed a backward class commission in 1960 under the Chairmanship of Dr. Naganna Gowda. It is the First Backward Class Commission off Karnataka, The commission has submitted its report on 1961, which recommends 15% for SCs, 3% for STs and 50% OBCs, providing total 68% of reservation, The government attempted to implement the report was stayed by the Supreme Court. However, in 1963 the government issued an order guaranteeing 15% of reservation to SCs, 3% STs and 30% to OBCs.

2. L. G Havanoor Commission: In 1972 the government has appointed the second backward class commission headed by Sri L. G Havanoor. This commission in its report submitted in 1975 stated that though more than 75% of the people in the state belonged to backward classes and deserved reservation facilities. There was no constitutional provision for giving it. Hence, it made provision for up to 50% reservation. Government made provision for 58% reservation. However it was challenged in Supreme Court and govt, gave a submission to court stating to initiate a new commission.

3. Venkataswamy Commission: In 1983, the government has appointed the Venkataswamy Commission, which gave its report in 1986. The report created widespread dissatisfaction. The government decided not to implement the report but to establish a new commission to find an amicable settlement to this problem.

4. Chinnappa Reddy Commission: The government instituted the Chinnappa Reddy commission in 1990, which has been comparatively more widely welcomed. The commission seems to have tried its best to uphold social justice. In Karnataka, the SCs and STs together enjoyed 18% while the OBCs, quota is 32%.

Based on the Mandal commission’s report, the supreme court of India gave directions to establish a permanent Backward Classes Commission in the centre as well as in states and union territories. Accordingly, a permanent backward classes commission was set up in Karnataka Sri K. Narayana Rai (1994- 1997), Prof, Ravi Verma Kumar (1997-2000), Sri Muniraju (2001- 2003), Sri Siddalingaih. (2003-2006), Dr. C. S. Dwarakanath (2007-2010) N. Shankarappa (2011 – 13) headed the Backward Classes Commission in Karnataka.

At present, H. Kantharaj is the chairman of Karnataka state Back word-class commission. The commission recommends for inclusion or exclusion of a caste in the backward class list. In Karnataka 101 and 51 Triber are enlisted as scheduled caster and scheduled tribes Respectively.

L.G. Havanour Commission.

Keral state 'Nayar' named caste is found .

Bihar is related with high density of population.

1. Rituals: Inspite of the Theoretical existence of certain restrictions, the low castes or other groups did manage to imitate the customs and ites twice-born’ (DWIJAS) castes. This is the best way of claiming higher position in the caste hierarchy.

2. Marriage: According to a strict rule of Brahminism, pre-puberty marriages were commonly practiced. It was the foremost duty of a Brahmin father to give his daughter in marriage before she attains puberty, otherwise, he would be committing a great sin. Marriages among the Brahmin was indissoluble.

On the other hand, among the lower Hindu castes, post-puberty marriages were very common and the dissolution of marriage was possible. Now, in order to rise up in the caste hierarchy, the lower Hindu castes started practicing pre-puberty marriages and marriages also became indissoluble.

3. Treatment of Widows: The normal existence of a brahmin widow was very pathetic. For instance, a Brahmin widow was not allowed to re-marry and got a miserable, treatment. She was required to shave off her head rind not allowed wearing ornaments. She was regarded inauspicious, and not allowed to attend any important functions.

On the other hand, among the low castes, marriages are dissoluble and widow re-marriages are permitted. Widows are not required to shave their heads. The codes which regulate sexual behaviour are not as strict as those among the higher castes. In the imitation process, these groups also banned widowremarriages and started treating the widows in the same way like ‘High’ Hindus.

4. Treatment of Women: Comparatively, women among the high caste Hindus receive bad treatment and hold a secondary position. Virginity in brides and chastity in wives is preferred. A wife is expected to treat her husband as God. Women perform a number of ‘Vratas’ or Religious vows with the aim of ensuring a long life for the husbands.

During menstruation and childbirth, women from the high castes were treated as untouchables, and their presence was considered as inauspicious. Hence they are not allowed to attend important religious functions. Women among the lower castes generally receive a better treatment and occupy a good position. In order to imitate the higher castes, they too started treating their women in a bad manner and put them in a secondary position.

5. Kinship: According to M.N. Srinivas, “In the sphere of kinship, sanskritization stresses the importance of the patrilineal lineage, and it results in increasing the importance of sons.” The members of higher castes prefer sons to daughters, whereas among the lower castes both boys and girls are equally preferred. For instance, among non-Brahmins though a son is preferred, a daughter is also in demand. The treatment that a girl child receives is not as harsh as that of a Brahmin girl. Nowadays, even lower castes prefer sons to daughters.

6. Ideology: Sanskritization has also resulted in the use of certain ideas and values which have been frequently expressed in Sanskrit literature, such as Karma, Dharma, Papa, Punya, Maya, Samskara, Moksha, etc. The Twice-born castes use these ideas in their conversation. Through the process of Sanskritization, lower caste groups are getting exposed to these ideas and values and use them in their conversation.

7. Food Habits: Brahmins in India are by and large strict vegetarian except Kashmiri, Saraswath and Bengali Brahmins. The lower castes usually are non-vegetarian. Sanskritization results in the change of food habits in the direction of high, frequently twice-born castes. Some of the lower cashes have become strict vegetarians and practice teetotalism in order to raise the caste hierarchy.

8. Dress Habits: As has already been pointed out, Dwijas are entitled to wear the sacred thread ‘yagnopaveeta’ after the vedic rites of upanayana, while Shudras are not eligible for that. Some lower castes do wear the sacred thread and also imitate the dress style of the upper caste such as wearing dhoti, shalya, turban, Kachchi, panache, etc.

9. Nomenclature: Many of the low castes started giving names to their new borns names normally associated with the higher castes. For example, in place of the traditional and typical names such as Kariya, Kempa, Kempi, Kala, Honni, Thimmi, etc., they have started giving names such Rama, Krishna, Shankara, Madhava, Gowri, Parvathi, Lakshmi, Shobha, Radha and so on to their kids.

In The Family planning’ was renamed as ‘family welfare”. The Government of India adopted the UNPF (United Nations Population Fund) guideline of delaying the -first child and spacing the subsequent birth(s). The Primary health Centres that are engaged in family planning programmes, perform two specific functions: providing services to the people and disseminating information about these services in an effective manner in order to motivate the people to accept family planning.

The major objective of family planning is “To increase individual happiness and to enhance health of the society”. National Population Policy 2000 [NPP-2000]: is the latest in the series. It reaffirms the commitment of the government towards administering family planning services. The object of NPP-2000 is to bring the total fertility rate (TFR) to replacement levels by 2010. It contains the goals and the target to be achieved by 2010 as given below.

1. Reduce infant mortality rate. 

2. Reduce maternal mortality rate. 

3. Achieve universal immunisation of children against all preventable diseases. 

4. Achieve institutional deliveries by trained persons. 

5. Achieve 100% registration of births, deaths, marriages, and pregnancy. 

6. Prevention and control of communicable diseases. 

7. Promote vigorously small family norms to achieve TIoL 

8. Contain the spread of AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome). 

9. Address the unmet needs for basic reproductive and child health services, supplies, and infrastructure.

10. Make school education up to age 14 free and, compulsory and reduce drop-outs at primary and secondary school levels. 

11. Achieve universal access to information/counseling and services for fertility regulation and contraception. 

12. To take appropriate steps to make family welfare programme a people-centred programme.

The election/voter identity card is necessary for voting purpose. The identity card contains a person’s photograph along with his name, his father’s name, gender (sex), birthdate and address. The residence of a person is decided on the basis of it. The election identity card is considered an authentic document for citizenship. This identity card is useful when the proof of a person’s identity is needed. An Indian citizen gets the election identity card after completion of 18 years.

The backward class movement in Karnataka is desire of the under-privileged people to develop their own potentialities and contribute to the. economic development of the nation. In every society, some groups of people are better off and some are not so due to the opportunities they get. By such opportunities people who are already well – off equip themselves and pursue careers which give them prestige and profit. By contrast, the lower or other backward classes have no opportunities to equip themselves.

A new awareness arose among the non-Brahmins in the princely state of Mysore. Vokkaligas, Lingayats and Muslims of Mysore had realized their position of relative deprivation as against the Brahmins. By 1917, these groups formed an alliance called Prajamitra Mandali. In 1918, this mandali pleaded with Maharaja of Mysore for representation in legislature, reservation in posts of public services and educational institutions.

In 1918, a committee of six non-official members presided over by Sir Leslie Miller was formed to study this. Miller committee recommended the acceptance of all their demands. Since then, Backward classes in Mysore state have availed benefits in the field of education, employment and political arena.

A. Naganna Gowda Commission: The Karnataka Government appointed a Backward class commission in 1960 under the Chairmanship of Dr. Naganna Gowda, It is the First Backward Class Commission in Karnataka. The Commission submitted its report in 1961, which recommends 15% for SCs, 3% for STs and 50% OBCs, providing total 68% of reservation. The government’s attempt to implement the report was stayed by the Supreme Court. However in 1963 the government issued an order guaranteeing 15% of reservation to SCs, 3% STs and 30% to OBCs.

B. L. G Havanoor Commission: In 1972, the government appointed the second backward class commission headed by Sri L. G. Havanoor. This commission in its report submitted in 1975 stated that though more than 75% of the people in the state belonged to backward classes and deserved reservation facilities, there was no constitutional provision for giving it. Hence, it made provision for up to 50% reservation.

Government made provision for 58% reservation. However it was challenged in Supreme Court and govt, gave a submission to court stating to initiate a new commission.

C. Venkataswamy Commission: In 1983, the government appointed the Venkataswamy Commission, which gave its report in 1986. The report created wide spread dissatisfaction. The government decided not to implement the report but to establish one more commission to find an amicable settlement to this problem.

D. Chinnappa Reddy Commission: The government instituted the Chinnappa Reddy Commission in 1990, which has been comparatively more widely welcomed. The commission seems to have tried its best to uphold social justice. In Karnataka, the SCs and STs together enjoyed 18% while the OBCs quota is 32%. Based on the Mandal Commission’s report, the Supreme Court of India gave directions to establish a permanent Backward Classes Commission at the centre as well as in states and union territories.

Accordingly, a permanent Backward Classes Commission was set up in Karnataka. Sri K. Narayana Rai (1994-1997), Prof, Ravi Verma Kumar (1997-2000), Sri Muniraju (2001-2003), Sri Siddalingaih (2003-2006), Dr. G. S. Dwarakanath (2007-2010) N. Shankarappa (2011 – 13) headed the Backward Classes Commission in Karnataka. At present H. Kantharaj is the Chairman of Karnataka State Backward class Commission. The commission recommends for inclusion or exclusion of a caste in the backward class list. In Karnataka 101 and 51 Tribes are enlisted as Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes respectively.

Tamilnadu state backward class movement started.

Jawaharlal Nehru and Chinese PM Zhou-en-Lai signed Panchasheel on 29^th April 1954.

The EPIC was introduced by the then Chief Election Commissioner, T.N Sheshan (1990 1996) to conduct free and fair elections and to remove evil practices like corruption, impersonation (bogus voting), etc., It was introduced in India in 1993. The arrangements were made to issue EPIC to prevent impersonation of electors.

Initially, it was difficult to issue identity cards to all the voters due to some technical problems. But during the term of M.S.Gill, the possession of EPIC by the voters was made compulsory. It is an official document issued by the Election Commission to all the eligible voters. It consists of all the information like voters’ age, name, photo, gender, address, constituency, date of issue, etc.

1. Social discrimination: These communities faced social discrimination like superior and inferior throughout the years. They were not allowed to come to the mainstream. Hence they started agitation to get the facilities and their due share in the post-independence period.

2. Economics Exploitation: Exploitation leads to economic inequality among the backward classes. Many of these communities were Below Poverty Line (BPL) and were poverty-stricken. To get these facilities, they united together and started agitation.

3. Educational backwardness: Upper caste monopolised the field of education and denied access to these communities. As education is fundamental for self-development these backward communities are against the upper caste and organised agitation.

4. Denial of Political representation: A few communities dominated political field and other backward classes were totally neglected. During 1920, the agitation started in Mysore Province by Backward classes to get political participation to Non-Brahmins led by Sri Kantharaje Urs.

5. Unification: It is difficult to achive anything without any unity and integrity. Hence Backward classes who are more than 350 in number were unorganised and scattered. To unit them and to fight for their cause, movement was started.

Features of Civil Services:

1. Professional body: As Herman Finer puts it, Civil Service is a professional body of officials who are, permanent, paid and skilled. It is a whole time job and career service.

2. Hierarchy: As per the scaler system, each civil servant has to obey his immediate superior, where higher ranking administrative officers with discretionary powers supervise their subordinates. The authority runs from above and helps to make administration stable.

3. Political Neutrality: Civil Servants refrain always from political activities. They perform their duties without being aligned to any one political regime.

4. Anonymity: Civil servants work behind the screen and remain anonymous even though they work for the Government. Recognition for good work or censure for any omission goes only to the concerned minister and not to. the civil servants.

5. Impartiality: The Civil Servants have to apply the laws of the state while performing the duties without showing any favour, bias or preference to any groups or sections of the society.

6. Service motto: They have to work for the welfare of society. They must be humble and service minded towards the public and not authoritative.

7. Permanent: Civil Servants are called permanent executives. They discharge duties until they attain the age of superannuation. Both at the central and in Karnataka State Services, the age of retirement is sixty years. Even though disciplinary action is taken as per rules, there is security of service.

8. Jurisdiction of Law: Every Civil Servant has to function within the prescribed jurisdiction of law. If they cross the limit, they are met with disciplinary actions.

9. Special Training: Once the candidates are selected for top civil services, they are deputed to in-service training to acquire special skills in administration, like the Lai Bahadur Shastry Academy of Administration located in Mussoorie for the training of the newly appointed IAS officers. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police Academy located in Hyderabad trains the newly appointed IPS officers.

The Domestic Violence Act came into force in 2005.

The term civil service refers to the permanent executive which means Head of State and cabinet and includes large number of administrative officials. Features of civil service is as follows:

Features of Civil Services:

1. Professional body: As Herman Finer puts it, Civil service is a professional body of officials who are, permanent, paid and skilled. It is a whole time job and career service.

2. Hierarchy: As per the staler system, each civil servant has to obey his immediate superior, where higher ranking administrative officers with discretionary powers supervise their subordinates. The authority runs from above, and helps to makeadminis tration stable.

3. Political Neutrality: Civil Servants always refrain from political activities. They perform their duties without being aligned to any one political regime.

4. Anonymity: Civil servants work behind the screen and remain anonymous even though they work for the Government. Recognition for good work or censure for any omission goes only to the concerned minister and not to the civil servants.

5. Impartiality: The Civil Servants have to apply the laws of the state while performing the duties without showing any favour, bias or preference to any groups or sections of the society.

6. Service motto: They have to work for the welfare of society. They must be humble and service-minded towards the public and not authoritative.

7. Permanent: Civil Servants are called permanent executives. They discharge duties until they attain the age of superannuation. Both at the central and in Karnataka State Services, the age of retirement is sixty years. Even though disciplinary action is taken as per rules, there is security of service.

8. Jurisdiction of Law: Every Civil Servant has to function within the prescribed jurisdiction of law. If he crosses the limit, he is met with disciplinary action.

9. Special Training: Once the candidates are selected for top civil services, they are deputed to in-service training to acquire special skills in administration, like the Lai Bahadur Shastry Academy of Administration located in Missouri for the training of the newly appointed IAS officers. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police Academy located in Hyderabad trains the newly appointed IPS officers.

Women shoulder the entire household responsibilities like rearing and caring of children, domestic work and the related tasks. They become the victims of domestic violence because of irresponsible, illiterate and drunkard husbands who lack discretion. This may take the form of physical, mental, sexual harassment and finally, it may take the women’s life as toll.

Human Rights are those rights which are inherent to human beings and entitled to enjoy without distinction of race colour, religion, language, gender, birthplace, social, economic, political and another status.

The main causes for Human Rights Movements are:

1. To protect civil liberty: All men are born equal and they have the liberty to shape their lives. Constitution of India guaranteed these rights in the part in, to all citizens. But in actual practice, Dalits, women and children are being suppressed and exploited. To avoid such atrocities, human rights activists are struggling hard to create awareness.

2. To remove slavery: Slavery is constitutionally banned but is active in many parts of the country. Instance like child labour, bonded labour etc., are seen frequently. Hence agitations become inevitable.

3. To protect family life: Every citizen has the right to family life. Due to modernisation youth are heading towards intercaste and inter honour religious marriages. Elders of families to maintain family and values go even to the extent of Maiyada hatye. Dowry harassment many times ends up in either suicide or murder.

4. To protect the rights of Dalits: Dalits are subject to injustice, atrocities, social ostracism, madesnana etc., Dalits are forced to carry night soil, by upper castes. This is a clear violation of, human rights.

5. Refusal to file cases: Though the aggrieved dalits approach the authorities to file the cases against upper caste people, it does not get filed due to the interference of some politically dominant castes. Even when physically abused, medical aid and police protection are denied.

The atmosphere inside Mr. Gessler's shop was very relaxing. The shop was always empty. The author felt as if he had entered a church. There were wooden stools in the shop. It was very dark and smelt soothingly of leather. It was full of peace and quiet.

The correct answer is Kaamya Karthikeyan.

• Kaamya Karthikeyan became the world’s youngest girl to scale Mt. Aconcagua.
• She is 12 years old.
• She set a record of becoming the youngest in the world to summit mount Aconcagua.
• Mount Aconcagua is the highest peak of Andes Mountain in Argentina.
• She scaled the height of 6962 metre.
• After reaching the top of the Mountain, she unfurled the Indian flag.

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• Malavath Purna became the youngest Indian and the youngest female in the world to have reached the highest peak of Mount Everest and, aged 13 years and 11 months.
• Swarnalata Dalai, a 20-year-old tribal girl from Odisha's Kalinganagar is all set for her Mount Everest expedition.
• Arunima Sinha is world's 1st female amputee to climb Mt Everest.

Discriminations made on the basis of gender, denying equal opportunities to the fairer sex are called gender based inequalities. It is the result of gender bias favouring male throughout the ages. The prevalence of gender based inequality in family, economic, cultural, educational and political fields are seen.

Causes:

1. Manu Smriti: Earlier the Hindu society followed ‘Manu Smriti’ which asserted that women should always be under the guardianship of men at different stages of her life. He wanted her to be within the four walls, restricting her from the happenings of the society.

2. Male domination: The society is based on physical strength of man where he dominates the female. He does not want that female should take over his responsibility and authority at home as well as in society.

3. Denial of education: Male domination is reflected in the field of education too. Denying education for girls for many centuries has made them incapable in many fields. Men occupied major jobs and secured well and dominating positions in the entire society.

4. Dowry system: The practice of dowry system contributes for inequality of gender. Boys are treated as assets and girls as burden. The attitude also intensifies the discrimination between men and women.

5. Inadequate representation: Women constitute 50% of the total population. They ate inadequately represented in the field of politics and economics. Even though women are as capable as men, they are not allowed in these fields. Women have little or no opportunities in participating in public life.

Promotion of secularism and National Integration as remedies for communalism are a must.

1. Secularism: The constitution makers adopted secularism in order to create sense of security and equality among different religious groups. The state also follows a policy of neutrality in religious matters. Article 26 provides that every religious denomination or any section has the right to establish religious institutions and manage their affairs.

In December 2013 the Central Cabinet approved the Prevention of Communal violence (Access to Justice and Reparations) Bill to punish the offenders who instigate and indulge in communal riots. It is yet to be passed by Parliament.

2. National Integration: It is the process of uniting the people emotionally and politically. India is a land of diversity. It makes only a limited sense to call it a nation because it has various religions, languages, caste and culture etc. So for the success of Indian democracy, promotion of national integration is necessary. To preserve and sustain national integration, many provisions have been adopted in the constitution. Like National integration Council, Zonal Councils, National Security Council and Armed forces play a great role in the protection of National integration.

3. Neighbourhood Peace Committees: The aftermath of Babri Masjid demolition and subsequent communal riots and social tensions in different places and ineffective Governmental measures has made it vital to establish Neighbourhood Peace Committees with eminent or prominent people as its members. These members must be nominated from each community in riot prone or communally sensitive areas.

The main objectives are arresting and containing social tensions which may flare up communal riots in the neighbourhood areas taking precautionary measures to prevent the eruption of communal clashes. In the aftermath of conflict, restoring normalcy and pacifying affected people. Establishing harmonious relationship between the communities and extending all possible help to affected people.

Life is bitter because it is full of pain and difficulties. That is why the poet compares life with a liquid medicine which has a bitter taste. 

Promotion of secularism and National Integration as remedies for communalism are a must.

1. Secularism: The constitution makers adopted secularism in order to create sense of security and equality among different religious groups. The state also follows a policy of neutrality in religious matters. Article 26 provides that every religious denomination or any section has the right to establish religious institutions and manage their affairs.

In December 2013 the Central Cabinet approved prevention of Communal Violence (Access to Justice and Reparations) Bill to punish U the offenders who instigate and indulge in communal riots. It is yet to be passed by Parliament.

2. National Integration: It is the process of uniting the people emotionally and politically. India is a land of diversity. It makes only a limited sense to call it a nation because it has various religions, languages, caste and culture etc. So for the success of Indian democracy, promotion of national integration is necessary.

To preserve and sustain national integration, many provisions have been adopted in the constitution. Like National integration Council, Zonal Councils, National Security Council and Armed forces play a great role in the protection of National integration.

3. Neighbourhood Peace Committees: The aftermath of Babri Masjid demolition and subsequent communal riots and social tensions in different places and ineffective Governmental measures has made it vital to establish Neighbourhood Peace Committees with eminent or prominent people as its members. These members must be nominated from each community in riot prone or communally sensitive areas.

The main objectives are arresting and containing social tensions which may flare up communal riots in the neighbourhood areas taking precautionary measures to prevent the eruption of communal clashes. In the aftermath of conflict, restoring normalcy and pacifying affected people. Establishing harmonious relationship between the communities and extending all possible help to affected people.

India is committed to assist the UN by providing military troops for the maintenances of interna¬tional peace and security to the UNPKF. India has deputed more than one lakh troops to participate in plenty of Peacekeeping Missions since 1950. eg. Korea (1950-54), Middle East (1956-67), Congo (1960-64).

Somalia (1993-94), Afghanistan (1993), Haiti (1993), Angola (1989-1999), Ethiopia-Eritrea (2006-08), Lebanon (1998), Ivory Coast (UNOCI) (2004), Liberia (2007), South Sudan (2013-14). The high standards of performance maintained consistantly by the Indian troops and policeman deployed on UN Missions under challenging circumstances have won them high regard worldwide.

India is a vast country with 1.2 billion population. Being the seventh-largest country geographically, it can just be described as a mini continent. Universal Adult Franchise is provided for both men and women belonging to all castes, colors, regions, languages, religions, etc., In spite of presence of several hurdles like poverty, illiteracy, inequality, communalism, and terrorism.

India has crossed several other hurdles and milestones and proved to be a vibrant democracy. Registration of new voters is a continuous process. As franchise brings a voice to voters in democracy due care must be taken to the enrolment of women and youth. As per 61^st Amendment to the constitution, the voting age reduced to 18 years from 21 during 1986 when Sri Rajiv Gandhi was the Prime Minister.

With the reduction in voting age the size of the electorate increased heavily providing an opportunity to the younger generation to participate in choosing their representatives. The country that respects its youth can bring new thinking in all walks of life including politics. Youth have the energy to liberate and purify the political arena of the country as they normally do not accept traditional caste barriers.

Usually, leaders of older generations do not prefer youth in politics as they are revolutionary and reject the traditional mindset. “ Youth have the courage and the capacity to understand burning issues like boundary, language, river, water, ethnic disputes.

Increase in number of youth in politics enhances the credibility of democracy. The honest involvement of youth in politics being away from violence is the need of the hour to strengthen the system. Recent development shows a large number of youth participating and winning both Loka Sabha and Assembly elections.

Panchsheel continues to be another fundamental principle of Indian foreign policy. An agreement signed between Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Chinese Prime Minister Zhow-enLai on April, 29th 1954, sought to govern the relationship between India and China on the basis of five principles.

1. Mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. 

2. Mutual non-aggression. 

3. Mutual noninterference in each other’s internal affairs. 

4. Equality and mutual benefits.

It is a principle of peaceful co-existence with other countries, it guided the basis of relationship between 1954-57 marked by numerous visits and exchanges. This period is described as SinoIndian honeymoon.

For a happy life, we need both money and contentment. To buy basic things money is needed but contentment is essential for happy life. 

The correct answer is Arunachal Pradesh.

• Ponung folk dance is a popular dance of Arunachal Pradesh.
  • It belongs to the Adi tribe. This tribe is known for many of its traditional folk dances.
  • Ponung dance is an important religious celebration for the Adi tribe.
    
•  The word “So-lung” has been derived from two words, E (so) – Bros frontalis/Mithun, main animal sacrificed during the festival, and a (lung) meaning group (herds of Mithun) of Esos.
  • It is celebrated from 1st to 3rd September and is the most important festival of the Adis.
  • Esos (Mithun's) are sacrificed and ponung (folk dance) is performed by unmarried girls wherein the Miri (shaman) recites all about the origin of the adis and animals etc. comes into the universe.

The correct answer is art.

• Channulal Mishra belongs Banaras Gharana.
• He has been conferred with the highest civilian award of the country, Padma Vibhusan in 2020 along with 6 other.
• He was also one of the ‘Navratnas’ nominated by the PM for Clean India Campaign in 2015.
• He has also been awarded the honours like the 'Shiromani Award' of Sur Singar Sansad
• He won Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi Award; Naushad Award of U.P. Govt; Yash Bharti Award of U.P Government and the Bihar Sangeet Shiromani Award.
• India’s third largest civilian honour, Padma Bhusan was conferred to him in 2005.
• He was born in the Azamgarh district of Uttar Pradesh.

The correct answer is Vindhyasakti.

• The Vakataka dynasty was a Brahmin dynasty. Little is known about Vindhyashakti ( c. 250 – c. 270 CE), the founder of the family.
  
• His name is derived from the name of the goddess Vindhya.
•  The Satavahanas in peninsular India were succeeded by the Vakatakas (local power) who ruled the Deccan for more than two and a half centuries.
  • The Vakatakas were the contemporaries of the Guptas in northern India.
  • In the Puranas, the Vakatakas are referred to as the Vindhyakas.
  • The Vakatakas belonged to the Vishnuvriddha gotra of the Brahmanas and performed numerous Vedic sacrifices.
  • A large number of copperplate land grant charters issued by the Vakatakas to the Brahmans have helped in reconstructing their history.
  • They were Brahmins and promoted Brahmanism, however, they also patronized Buddhism. 

21^st century is known as the era of democratic movements. These movements in Afro-Asian nations started to overthrow despotic, autocratic and other authoritarian governments. Nepal is a small landlocked kingdom in Southern Asia, lying between India to the south and Tibet to the North. Monarchy was prevalent in Nepal since the 18^th century.

During the rule of Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, democratic Maoist movements started mainly because of the influence of India and China. Nepal’s democratic experiment suffered a serious setback in December 1960, when the first elected government led by National Congress leader Koirala was dissolved and the whole party activities were banned in Nepal in later parts of the decade which continued till 1979.

In 1980, limited democracy resulted in the creation of a multiparty parliamentary monarchy. The political war was launched by the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) in 1996, with the overthrow of the Nepalese monarchy and establishing a people’s Republic. Maoist insurgency began in 1996 and ended with the Communist victory in 2001. The comprehensive Peace Accord was signed on 21^st November 2006.

The crown prince killed king Birendra and the royal family members, bringing the unpopular Gyanendra to the throne. Nepal witnessed a popular movement in 2006. The movement was aimed at restoring democracy. At the same time, the king reinstated the old Nepal house of Representatives, with an assurance of permanent peace and the multiparty democracy.

The king called upon the seven party alliance (SPA) to bear the responsibility of taking the nation on the path of national unity and prosperity. The popular Government assumed office on 18^th May 2006, and withdrew all the privileges given to the king unanimously.

The bill included the following:

1. Imposing tax on the royal family and its assets. 

2. Ending the Raj Parishad, a Royal Advisory Council. 

3. Eliminating Royal references from army and Government titles. 

4. Declaring Nepal a secular country and not a Hindu kingdom. 

5. Scrapping the national anthem until a new one is composed.

6. Eliminating the king’s position as the supreme commander of the army.

This is popularly known as the “Nepalese Magna Carta”.

Identity politics is defined by one’s own identity based on race, ethnicity, gender, language religion. It is the politics of recognition and a movement to claim recognition. A person may have multiple identities but he perceives only a single identity at a time. Movements of lesbians, black civil rights, wave of feminists etc., have brought legitimacy to identity politics.

Causes for the rise of identity politics are as follows:

1. Maladministration leads to the poor economic growth of a particular region or geographical backwardness of the people of a particular ethnic identity. 

2. The rise of regional parties has created the local awareness of language or region.

3. Extreme poverty, exploitation, lack of opportunity and threat to existing group privileges to the ethnic groups. 

4. Ethnic groups’ fear of assimilation resulting in cultural dilution. 

5. Rise in standard of living, literacy and aspiration, sociopolitical awareness have led to identity politics. 

6. Lack of share in natural resources, fear of loss of land, political power and economic growth. 

7. Fear of losing scope in educational employment fields. 

8. Fear of losing ethnic identities like language and culture.

In the rapidly changing global environment, regional integration in South Asia has assumed a new strategic significance. As a largest economy of the South Asian region, it is imperative and right time for India to inculcate an environment of trust among SAARC partners. India stands to gain substantially from greater economic integration in the region.

1. Summit level cooperation: India has participated in all the summit level meetings. During the 16th SAARC summit held in New Delhi on 3^rd and 4^th April 2007, the leaders recognized collectively in fulfilling this in a better way with the rest of the world. The Prime Minister of India Mr. Rajiv Gandhi attended the first SAARC summit held in Bangladesh in 1985. He emphasized the core issue of economic development in the South Asian region with joint efforts.

India is committed to fastening the sense of a South Asian Identity through the SAARC process, enhancing mutual confidence in multiple areas in trying to leverage India’s rapid economic growth into win-win arrangements with her neighbors.

The change perhaps started in about 2002 in India, has gained momentum since India acquired the Chairmanship of SAARC in April 2007. Among several factors that are perhaps responsible for this positive movement, the more important one is the acceleration in economic growth in all major regional economics especially India.

2. SAARC regional Centres:

India is having two regional centers:-

1. SAARC Documentation center (SDC) in New Delhi. 

2. SAARC Disaster Management Centre (SDMC) in New Delhi. 

3. SAARC Development Fund (SDF):

India has been 6ne of major contribution to the SAARC Development Fund. The Fund has the areas of action social, economic and infrastructure. India has offered US $100 million for the SAARC fund to be utilized for projects in other SAARC countries.

4. Economic co-operation: The Agreement on SAARC Preferential Trading Arrangement (SAPTA) was signed in 1993 and four rounds of trade negotiations have been concluded. The Agreement on South Asian Free Trade Area (S AFTA) was signed. Creation of Export Promotion Zones and Special Economic Zones in each SAARC member country as’ pointed out by industrial bodies which enhances investment and will thus encourage Intra-SAARC investments.

5. People-to-people Countries: For strengthening cooperation in information and media related activities of the Association, the heads of National Television and Radio Organisations of member countries meet annually. The SAARC Audio-Visual exchange (SAVE) Committes disseminates information both on SAARC and its member States through regular Radio and TV programme.

6. Educational Cooperation: India proposed to create a center of excellence in the form of a South Asian University (SAU), which can provide world class facilities and professional faculty to students and researchers drawn from each country of the region. The south Asian university is established in India.

It is important to note that BRICS is the acronym for an Association of five major emerging national economies like Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The grouping was originally known as “BRIC” before the inclusion of South Africa in 2010.

The BRICS members arc either developing or newly industrialized. They are distinguished by their large fast growing economies and significant influence on regional and global affairs. All five are G-20 members. Presently, South Africa holds the chair of the BRICS group.

Summit level , meetings: The leaders of RIC Countries. Russian President Valdmir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chinese President Hu-Jintao-held the first summit in St.Petersburg on July 17, 2006, as part of the G-8 Summit conference program. Later, Brazil jointed the summit meeting.

The Foreign Minister of the initial four BRIC states met in New York in September 2006. They singled out agriculture, prevention of natural calamities and elimination of their aftermath and promotion of healthcare as the promising areas.

A full fledged diplomatic meeting was held in Yekaterinburg Russia. The summit focussed on the means of improving the global economic situation and reforming financial institutions. In the aftermath of the Yekaterinburg summit, the BRIC nations announced the need for a new global reserve currency, which would have to be “diversified, stable and predictable”.

Features of Civil Services:-

1. Professional body: As Herman Finer puts it, Civil Service is a professional body of officials who are, permanent, paid and skilled. It is a whole time job and career service.

2. Hierarchy: As per the scaler system, each civil servant has to obey his immediate superior, where higher ranking administrative officers with discretionary powers supervise their subordinates. The authority runs from above and helps to make administration stable.

3. Political Neutrality: Civil Servants refrain always from political activities. They perform their duties without being aligned to any one political regime.

4. Anonymity: Civil servants work behind the screen and remain anonymous even though they work for the Government. Recognition for good work or censure for any omission goes only to the concerned minister and not to. the civil servants.

5. Impartiality: The Civil Servants have to apply the laws of the state while performing the duties without showing any favour, bias or preference to any groups or sections of the society.

6. Service motto: They have to work for the welfare of society. They must be humble and service minded towards the public and not authoritative.

7. Permanent: Civil Servants are called permanent executives. They discharge duties until they attain the age of superannuation. Both at the central and in Karnataka State Services, the age of retirement is sixty years. Even though disciplinary action is taken as per rules, there is security of service.

8. Jurisdiction of Law: Every Civil Servant has to function within the prescribed jurisdiction of law. If they cross the limit, they are met with disciplinary actions.

9. Special Training: Once the candidates are selected for top civil services, they are deputed to in-service training to acquire special skills in administration, like the Lai Bahadur Shastry Academy of Administration located in Mussoorie for the training of the newly appointed IAS officers. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police Academy located in Hyderabad trains the newly appointed IPS officers.

From the mid 1950s to early 1980s, there was hardly any dispute between the two countries on matters of security and sovereignty. There had been negotiated settlement of bilateral issues e.g. the question of jurisdiction over Kachathivu Island in the middle of the Palk Straits. One of the main disputes between India and SriLanka has been regarding the political status of Tamil people of Indian origin taken to SriLanka by the british as plantation labourers. 

There are four groups of Sri Lankan Tamil population,

• ancient Tamils in the Jaffna peninsula, 
• professional elite Tamil in urban areas 
• non-Hindu Tamils and 
• Tamil immigrant labour.

The long standing problem of accepting the Tamil speaking population of Sri Lanka as its citizens and giving them regional autonomy could not be solved. The majority of Sinhalese demanded that Tamils should return to India. They denie citizenship to Tamils by enacting the Ceylon Citizenship Act of 1948. This has disentitled them franchise and others rights.

In 1965 Indian Prime Minister Lai Bahadur Shastri and Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mrs. Sirimao Bandaranaike signed an agreement about Tamils citizenship, but in vain. In 1981, agreement between Indira Gandhi and Sirimao Bandaranaike was not implemented due to the Tamil people’s refusal to return to India.

The correct answer is Dalai Lama.

• This gorgeous book by the Dalai Lama brings together profound, accessible teachings by his Holiness on living a joyful life with extraordinary images that offer insight into the rich cultural heritage of Tibetan Buddhism.
  
• Tenzin Gyatso is the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibetan Buddhism.
• He was born on July 6, 1935, to a farming family, in a small hamlet located in Taktser, Amdo, northeastern Tibet.
• The Dalai Lama belongs to the Gelugpa tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, which is the largest and most influential tradition in Tibet.
• The institution of the Dalai Lama is a relatively recent one. There have been only 14 Dalai Lamas in the history of Tibetan Buddhism, and the first and second Dalai Lamas were given the title posthumously.

The correct answer is 1527.

India became Independent on August 15^th 1947.

The correct answer is ​The Brahmaputra River and its tributaries provided cheap and convenient means of communication.

• Magadha is the ancient kingdom of India and situated in west-central Bihar state, in northeastern India.
• It was the nucleus of several larger kingdoms or empires between the 6^th century BCE and the 8^th century CE.
• In ancient India from the 6^th century BCE onwards, the kingdom of Magadha made a mark for itself.
• Along with Bimbisara, the main Magadha actors who screamed war were his son Ajatashatru (492 BCE - 460 BCE) and the kings Shishunaga (c. late 5th century BCE) and Mahapadma Nanda (about mid-4th century BCE).
• The Magadhan armies under these aggressive rulers fought pretty much like any other kingdom's army in ancient India, using the prevalent four-fold army system (chariots, infantry, cavalry, and elephants), personally led by kings or princes.
• In many cases, intrigue was used as a means of war.
• The able royal leadership and the drive to expand territorially was the main reason for Magadhan success as it impacted heavily on its military system and modes of warfare.

1. Youth against Terrorism: Terrorism is used in various forms like international terrorism, domestic terrorism, economic terrorism, cultural terrorism, cyber terrorism etc., Terrorism means deliberately and violently targetting civilians by inflicting physical or mental agony, wound or death that creates fear psychosis, for political gains.

2. Role of youth against terrorism: The concept of minority leads to fear of attack and results in religious fundamentalism. Hence, both the youth and the society have to pressurise the Government concerned, to create awareness and educate those who are indulging in anti-national and inhuman terrorist activities. Particularly for the youth priority should be given to peace and security of the inhabitants of the country.

Youth have to develop patriotism that is national feeling and involve themselves in constructive activities like nation-building by helping the Government against terrorist and militant activities taking place in their neighbourhood which is their prime duty.

Youth have to take the initiative within the Jurisdiction of law, to fight against terrorism as it happened in Naxalite prone states like Bihar, Jharkhand and Chattisgarh, where Salwajudum (village army) fought against the Naxalites. Youth must understand the complicated and multi faceted terrorism rationally. They have to isolate the terrorism and inoculate their potential recruits.

A successful counter terrorism action requires a combination of coercive and conciliatory policies. It is the responsibility of the youth to spread the importance of education that saves the younger generation from the clutches of terrorism and communalism as it happened in the case of Ms Malala Yusufa Zai of Pakistan, who survived the terrorist attack.