High role of current affairs in UPSC Mains (Sociology), 2018

Regular Sociological analysis of current events is IMPORTANT – here is why!

Paper 2

Almost every question in UPSC Sociology, 2018 (Paper 2) was influenced by current affairs.
If we are not able to related a couple of questions to some current event, let us accept our limitation with humility. Even those couple of questions must be having some contemporary relevance. Just that we are not able to establish the relation. UPSC question setters start thinking where our thought process ends.
This shows that regular Sociological analysis of current events is IMPORTANT.

1 (a). Write a note on G.S.Ghurye’s Indological perspective of understanding Indian society.

It’s time to debate the modalities of the next Census, given the earlier confusion over caste data https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/the-tools-for-counting/article24249091.ece

1 (b). Give a critical analysis of Andre Beteille’s study of Tanjore village.

There is a lot of emphasis on village development recently. ADARSH GRAM YOJANA, RURBAN MISSION, RURAL ELECTRIFICATION etc.

1 (c). Media is the fourth pillar of democracy. Discuss.

Media, also, includes SOCIAL MEDIA. There were a lot of discussions about role of social media in violence, mob lynching etc. Whatsapp has changed some of its features. https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/the-gods-on-social-media/article23936790.ece

1 (d). Write a note on the changing roles of middle-class women in India.

Every year UPSC asks atleast one question on WOMEN.

1 (e). Discuss the growth of religious sects in India.

LINGAYATS were in news:
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/scs-of-veerashaiva/lingayat-sect-to-lose-reservation-if-separate-religion-tag-given-union-minister/articleshow/63382717.cms

2 (b). Examine sociological dynamics of Champaran Peasant Movement in colonial India.

100 years of Mahatma Gandhi’s Champaran Satyagraha: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/champaran-satyagraha-how-indias-first-civil-disobedience-movement-began/articleshow/63680575.cms

2 (c). How do the recommendations of Swaminathan Commissions (2004-2006) ensure food and nutrition security for the Indian masses?

New MSP: Govt fails to meet Swaminathan standards, yet again:
https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/agriculture/new-msp-govt-fails-to-meet-swaminathan-standards-yet-again-61031

3 (a). What do you understand by discrete castes and muddled hierarchies? Substantiate your answer with suitable illustrations.

There are talks about unifying all castes in Hindu religion.

3 (b). Discuss development induced displacement in the context of tribal uprising in India. Substantiate your answer with any one detailed illustration from India.

Displacement due to Pollavarm project was in news:
http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2018/jul/31/polavaram-telangana-state-raises-concern-over-displacement-of-people-1850988.html

3 (c). Illustrate the importance of ‘Kanyadan’ and ‘Kulabadhu’ in changing institution of marriage and family.

Please note: The question does not ask to debate or critically anaylse. It asks you mention the importance – the point is – this questions signals a beginning of the trend in which we should look at our cultural aspects through Indian lens, not western lens. Such questions may increase in future.

4 (a). How has the New Economic Policy (1991) affected the lifestyle and life changed in new middle class in India.

Those who were born in/after 1991 have become voters for the first time.

4 (b). Write a critical narrative on the concerns of religious minorities in India.

There have been reports of mob lynching, changing names of places etc. The question asks to present a CRITICAL narrative. You should also mention whether the concerns are genuine. Always end on a positive note.

4 (c). Discuss the issues relating to the entitlement of transgender in Indian society.

Section 377 was in news.
https://www.huffingtonpost.in/2018/07/09/indias-queer-community-has-fought-an-long-battle-against-sec-377-and-its-supreme-courts-turn-to-do-the-right-thing_a_23476074/

Also, there were reports of transgenders facing issue with Aadhar:
http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/mar/29/supreme-court-steps-in-as-transgenders-face-trouble-with-aadhaar-pan-linking-1794028.html

5(a). Elaborate the concept of constitutional morality as given by B.R.Ambedkar.

Will uphold constitutional morality while deciding on Sec 377, says SC
https://www.livemint.com/Politics/pdRbc2JRi1PLZaatSUOrLM/Will-uphold-constitutional-morality-while-deciding-on-Sec-37.html

5 (b). Construct a sociological narrative on the increasing trend of child abuse in India.

Centre approves death penalty for rape of children below 12 years:
https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/centre-approves-death-penalty-for-rape-of-children-below-12-years-under-pocso-amendment-1217116-2018-04-21

5 (c). Explain the dynamics of neo-farmers movement in contemporary India.

Remember the Farmers’ march in Maharashtra. Farmers marched hundreds of kilometers on bare foot.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/farmers-have-lit-the-torch-now-its-up-to-urban-india-to-carry-it/articleshow/63351932.cms

5 (d). Assess the role of the State in promoting education of girl child.

Katrina roped in as brand ambassador of ‘Educate Girls’
http://www.uniindia.com/katrina-roped-in-as-brand-ambassador-of-educate-girls/india/news/1173510.html

5 (e). Elaborate the ‘Me Too’ Movement and its impact in India.

It is a hot topic. Bumble Sociologist Reflects On #MeToo And Women’s Movement History
https://nowthisnews.com/videos/her/bumble-sociologist-reflects-on-metoo-and-womens-movement-history

6. (a) How do you relate the growth of development of metropolis and its impact on the mental and social life of people in India?

Mental health is gaining coverage in Indian society. NATIONAL HEALTH POLICY has a provision for mental health.
BLUE WHALE SYNDROME | DEPRESSION | MASS SUICIDE (Burari, New Delhi)
http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2018/jul/17/government-unveils-mental-health-programme-1844364.html

‘Gaming Disorder’ Is Officially Now A ‘Mental Health Condition’ Says WHO
https://www.indiatimes.com/health/buzz/gaming-disorder-is-officially-now-a-mental-health-condition-says-who-and-it-s-stirring-up-people-across-social-media-347705.html

6 (b). Has Green Revolution led to the formation of new power elite in rural India? Elaborate your answer.

Cabinet approves continuation of Umbrella Scheme ‘Green Revolution – Krishonnati Yojana’ in Agriculture Sector
https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-cm/cabinet-approves-continuation-of-umbrella-scheme-green-revolution-krishonnati-yojana-in-agriculture-sector-118050200798_1.html

6 (c). Write a note on Basic Services to Urban Poor (BSUP) and Integrated Housing and Slum Development (IHSD) programme provided for the urban poor.

BSUP scheme- new hope for BPL families in Mizoram
https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/bsup-scheme-new-hope-for-bpl-families-in-mizoram-118072100599_1.html

Integrated Housing and Slum Development (IHSD)
25% of Affordable Houses Built With Govt. Loans Still Lie Vacant

Q 7. (a) Has caste system hindered democracy and adult franchise in India. Discuss.

https://www.firstpost.com/india/democracy-in-india-part-3-caste-and-politics-continue-to-collide-sometimes-violently-in-a-cyclical-struggle-for-power-4430079.html

Caste-based atrocities have remained a hot topic in 2018.

7 (b).Elaborate various forms of Dalit assertions in contemporary India? Discuss.

Bhima-Koregaon was in news
https://thewire.in/caste/beyond-bhima-koregaon-tale-dalit-maratha-relations-modern-maharashtra

7 (c).With increase in education and economic development is Indian society becoming more secular?

Hindu group says ‘secular’ must be removed from Constitution:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/hindu-group-sanatan-sanstha-says-word-secular-must-be-removed-from-constitution-union-minister-says-no-way/articleshow/65570396.cms

8.(b) Western patriarchy which surrenders feminine principles is the development project in India. Do you agree with this view? Why?

This questions is also related to #meToo movement
https://www.thestatesman.com/opinion/metoo-exposes-wests-underbelly-1502568382.html

8 (c).Assess the impact of ban on ‘Triple Talak’ on marriage and divorce among the Muslim community in India.