The Gupta period (circa 320–550 CE) is often hailed as the Golden Age of Indian civilization, marked by remarkable progress in science, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and metallurgy. The patronage of Gupta rulers fostered a climate of intellectual inquiry and innovation that laid the foundation for many modern scientific principles. Major Developments in Science During the …

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The early Vedic Aryans, who settled in northwestern India around 1500 BCE, laid the foundational framework for Indian civilization. Their legacy is deeply embedded in India’s religious, linguistic, social, and cultural traditions, many of which continue to influence modern society. Key Legacies of the Early Vedic Aryans: Religious Foundations: Composition of the Rigveda, the oldest …

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Rural poverty in India remains a persistent challenge despite economic growth and policy interventions. It is shaped by a complex interplay of structural, social, and economic factors that limit opportunities and access to basic services for millions living in villages. Causes of Rural Poverty: Agricultural Dependence: Majority of rural households rely on subsistence farming, which …

Discuss some important causes of rural poverty. Discuss some of the poverty alleviation programmes which have been launched by the Government of India for the rural poor. Read More »

Odisha is one of the most tribal-rich states in India, known for its diverse and culturally vibrant indigenous communities. These tribes contribute significantly to the state’s heritage, yet many continue to face developmental challenges. Types of Tribals in Odisha: Odisha officially recognizes 64 Scheduled Tribes, spread across various districts and ecological zones. These include major …

How many types of tribals are there in Odisha? What are the issues and problems of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups? Read More »

Population ageing refers to the increasing proportion of elderly individuals in the total population, typically defined as those aged 60 years and above. This shift is driven by declining birth rates, improved healthcare, and rising life expectancy. In India, population ageing is emerging as a critical demographic trend with profound social, economic, and governance implications. …

What do you understand by population ageing? Discuss its various dimensions in the context of India. Read More »

Regionalism refers to the loyalty or strong identification with a specific geographic region, often based on shared language, culture, ethnicity, or historical experience. While it can pose challenges to national unity, regionalism also plays a nuanced role in shaping social cohesion by fostering community bonds and localized governance. Positive Role of Regionalism in Social Cohesion: …

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A Strait is a narrow water channel that connects two larger bodies of water, while an Isthmus is a narrow strip of land connecting two larger landmasses and separating two water bodies. Though both serve as connectors, their physical nature and strategic roles differ significantly. Key Differences: Strait: A water passage between two landmasses. Facilitates …

Differentiate between ‘Strait’ and ‘Isthmus’. Describe the significances of ‘Strait’ and ‘Isthmus’ in international trade. Read More »

Although Chennai and Mangalore are located near the same latitude, their rainfall distribution varies significantly due to differences in coastal orientation, topography, and the influence of seasonal monsoons. Mangalore experiences heavy rainfall during the Southwest Monsoon, while Chennai receives most of its precipitation during the Northeast Monsoon. This variation is largely a result of the …

Chennai and Mangalore approximately lie on the same latitude, yet both places receive different amount of rainfall in different months. Why? How do you foresee the role of Arctic Sea in India’s monsoon system? Discuss. Read More »

The economy of Odisha presents a paradoxical situation—despite being rich in natural resources and showing high growth rates, the state continues to face widespread poverty, regional disparities, and underdevelopment in key sectors. Reasons for the Paradox Odisha has abundant mineral wealth (coal, iron ore, bauxite), yet many districts, especially tribal and rural areas, remain economically …

“Economy of Odisha reflects a paradoxical situation.” Briefly discuss the reasons for this and suggest some important steps that can be taken for proper development of the State. Read More »

The concepts of Generative City and Smart City represent two distinct paradigms in urban development, though both aim to enhance livability, sustainability, and efficiency. A Smart City is primarily driven by technology and data to improve urban services. It integrates ICT (Information and Communication Technology), AI, and IoT to optimize transportation, waste management, energy use, …

Differentiate between ‘Generative city’ and ‘Smart city’. Describe the feasibility of the best smart city of Odisha. Read More »