UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 1 : Questions on migration and Battle of Karnal (Week 99)

QUESTION 1

Discuss the role of legal migration pathways in enabling India to harness its demographic dividend. What institutional frameworks are necessary to support this strategy?​

QUESTION 2

Analyse the strategic and tactical factors that led to Nadir Shah’s decisive victory over the Mughal forces at the Battle of Karnal in 1739. How did this battle exemplify the military weaknesses of the Mughal Empire?​

General points on the structure of the answers

Introduction

— The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction.

— It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts.

Body

— It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content.

— The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points.

— Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse.

QUESTION 1: Discuss the role of legal migration pathways in enabling India to harness its demographic dividend. What institutional frameworks are necessary to support this strategy?​

Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.

Introduction:

— The world is experiencing a labour crisis, but India’s riches are in its people. This puts India on the verge of a remarkable opportunity. High-income countries are expected to have a cumulative labour shortfall of 40-50 million workers by 2030, increasing to 120-160 million by 2040.

— This gap affects a variety of industries, including industrial workers, healthcare professionals, teachers, engineers, and researchers. Even now, India’s migrants generate $125 billion or 3% of the country’s GDP in remittances each year, more than any other sector of India’s merchandise exports.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer:

— Migrants account for approximately 1.3% of India’s population, which is significantly lower than Mexico (8.6%), the Philippines (5.1%), or Bangladesh (4.3%), indicating significant untapped potential for India to expand its global workforce footprint and increase its share of global circular migration flows.

— Given India’s high levels of human capital and a young population looking for work, it is time to imagine India as a global talent powerhouse. Combining “Make in India” with a “India for the World” initiative would create jobs and leverage India’s demographic dividend.

— A study of 71 low-income nations found that a 10% increase in remittances reduced poverty by 3.5%. India can limit unauthorised migration pathways by developing a comprehensive temporary abroad employment policy.

— A well-structured system that provides legal avenues, skill development opportunities, short-term visas, and financial assistance will deter people from using hazardous, exploitative channels. Reducing illegal migration will improve our worldwide standing by demonstrating a commitment to responsible and structured migration practices, whilst short-term visas and circular migration patterns will soothe concerns in developed countries about migrants on a road towards citizenship.

— Increasing the number of abroad employees would entail diversifying temporary migration flows across Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, including both white- and blue-collar workers. It would require:

(i) India should create an institutional structure to promote international employment.

(ii) India can consider aligning its skilling and accreditation processes with international standards.

(iii) India might implement financial arrangements to reduce the monetary load on migrants.

(iv) India should consider the best examples of government-to-government agreements. For example, the Philippines has reached agreements with more than 65 countries.

(v) India should create a strong social welfare system to protect migrant workers in the host country.

(vi) India should focus assistance for returning migrants to enable their effective reintegration into society and the economy.

Conclusion:

— Transforming India into a global talent powerhouse is more than an economic imperative; it is also a strategic opportunity to capitalise on its demographic dividend.

— By laying a solid foundation for talent development and mobility, India can establish itself as the world’s leading provider of skilled and semi-skilled workers. This would not only increase remittances, but will also strengthen India’s global influence and reputation.

(Source: India can use the legal migration route to leverage its demographic dividend)

Points to Ponder

What is the difference between internal and external migration?

What is the difference between inter-state and intra-state migration?

Related Previous Year Questions

Globalisation has increased urban migration by skilled, young, unmarried women from various classes. How has this trend impacted upon their personal freedom and relationship with family? (2024)

Why do large cities tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries. (2024)

QUESTION 2: Analyse the strategic and tactical factors that led to Nadir Shah’s decisive victory over the Mughal forces at the Battle of Karnal in 1739. How did this battle exemplify the military weaknesses of the Mughal Empire?​

Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.

Introduction:

— Jadunath Sarkar, a historian, argues that the invasion of Nadir Shah was a clear symptom of the Mughal Empire’s demise rather than the cause.

— Nadir Shah, the founder of Iran’s Afsharid dynasty, defeated the soldiers of Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah ‘Rangila’ in less than three hours. The Shah of Iran then invaded and plundered Delhi, the Mughal capital, and looted the royal treasury, carrying home the legendary Peacock Throne and the Koh-i-noor diamond embedded in it.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer:

— The invasion of Nadir Shah would be the Mughal Empire’s greatest threat to yet. Nadir Shah, a military genius known as the “Napoleon of Persia,” deposed Iran’s reigning Safavid dynasty and assumed power in the country. He not only established control in Persia, but also launched victorious military expeditions against the Ottomans in the west, the Russians in the north, Afghan tribes in the east, and, of course, the Mughals.

— After conquering Kandahar in 1738, Nadir Shah turned his attention to India. He entered the subcontinent via the well-known Khyber Pass, which had previously been used by western invaders ranging from Alexander to Timur. After quickly defeating a number of Mughal satellite states, Nadir Shah marched on Delhi.

— Nadir Shah’s army was substantially smaller, numbering only 55,000. However, it was also more disciplined, had more experience, and used more sophisticated tactics and weapons. This, together with Nadir Shah’s own genius, proved insufficient to defeat the Mughals.

— The Mughal army was routed in only three hours, and Muhammad Shah was eventually apprehended. The Persians then marched to Delhi, plundering the royal riches and slaughtering hundreds of noncombatants in one of the most violent incidents in the city’s history.

Conclusion:

— Nadir Shah eventually returned Rangila’s domains. However, he departed Delhi with the “accumulated wealth of eight generations of imperial Mughal conquest,” as Dalrymple and Anand noted. The Mughal coffers were nearly empty, which meant that Delhi could not, even if it wanted to, rule the land it officially owned.

— Over the next hundred years, the Mughal Empire ceded more and more territory, until the British finally ended Mughal rule for good in 1857.

(Source: How Nadir Shah’s victory in Battle of Karnal ended Mughal power in India)

Points to Ponder

Read about Mughal empire and its architecture

Read about Battle of Panipat

Related Previous Year Questions

The third battle of Panipat was fought in 1761. Why were so many empire-shaking battles fought at Panipat? (2014)

In what ways did the naval mutiny prove to be the last nail in the coffin of British colonial aspirations in India? (2014)

Previous Mains Answer Practice

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 98)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 99)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 98)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 99)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 98)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 97)

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