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November 2nd Current Affairs

Home / UPSC / Current affairs / UPSC Current Affairs – November 2nd

Table of Contents

Cyclone Murasu – Strengthens into a Severe Cyclonic Storm

Why is it in the news?

A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into Cyclonic Storm Murasu on November 1, 2026. By November 2, it had strengthened into a Severe Cyclonic Storm.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone is expected to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur during the night of November 2 and early hours of November 3.

  • Expected wind speed: 100–110 kmph.
  • Wind gusts: Up to 120 kmph.
  • Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in parts of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and neighbouring regions.
  • Authorities have initiated preparedness measures, including evacuation and disaster-response arrangements.

What is a Tropical Cyclone?

A tropical cyclone is an intense low-pressure system that develops over warm tropical oceans and is characterised by strong winds, heavy rainfall and a rotating circulation.

Conditions necessary for cyclone formation

  1. Warm ocean water: Sea-surface temperature generally around 26.5°C or higher, extending to sufficient depth.
  2. Low-pressure area: Warm, moist air rises, creating a low-pressure zone.
  3. High humidity: Moisture supports cloud formation and releases latent heat.
  4. Coriolis force: Helps the system develop rotation. Cyclones rarely form very close to the Equator.
  5. Low vertical wind shear: Allows the storm to develop a vertically organised structure.

Structure of a tropical cyclone

  • Eye: Central region characterised by relatively calm conditions and low pressure.
  • Eyewall: Ring of intense thunderstorms with the strongest winds and rainfall.
  • Spiral rain bands: Bands of clouds and thunderstorms surrounding the cyclone.

Classification of cyclones in India

The IMD classifies cyclonic disturbances over the North Indian Ocean according to maximum sustained wind speed.

Category

Wind speed

Depression

31–49 kmph

Deep Depression

50–61 kmph

Cyclonic Storm

62–88 kmph

Severe Cyclonic Storm

89–117 kmph

Very Severe Cyclonic Storm

118–166 kmph

Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm

167–221 kmph

Super Cyclonic Storm

222 kmph or more

Important: Murasu is reported as a Severe Cyclonic Storm. Its forecast wind speed of 100–110 kmph falls within this category.

Why is the Bay of Bengal vulnerable to cyclones?

The Bay of Bengal experiences frequent and intense cyclonic activity due to several geographical and climatic factors:

  • High sea-surface temperatures: Warm waters provide energy for cyclone development.
  • High moisture content: The Bay receives substantial moisture from surrounding tropical regions.
  • Shallow coastal regions: Certain coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to storm surges.
  • Coastal geography: The funnel-shaped northern Bay can amplify storm surges.
  • Seasonal conditions: Pre- and post-monsoon periods are particularly favourable for tropical cyclone development.

Bay of Bengal vs Arabian Sea

Bay of Bengal

Arabian Sea

Historically experiences more frequent cyclones

Historically experiences fewer cyclones

High moisture availability

Relatively different ocean-atmosphere conditions

Vulnerable eastern coastline

Vulnerable western coastline

Note: Arabian Sea cyclone activity has increased in recent decades, so this historical difference should not be treated as an absolute rule.

Impacts of Cyclone Murasu

Economic impacts

  • Damage to agricultural crops, especially paddy and cotton.
  • Damage to electricity poles, roads, bridges and communication networks.
  • Disruption of fishing, transportation and coastal economic activities.

Social impacts

  • Displacement of people living in low-lying coastal areas.
  • Risk of injuries and loss of human lives.
  • Disruption of schools, healthcare and essential services.

Environmental impacts

  • Coastal erosion due to strong waves.
  • Saline water intrusion into agricultural land and freshwater sources.
  • Damage to mangroves and coastal ecosystems.
  • Flooding and waterlogging due to intense rainfall.

Cyclone naming system

  • Tropical cyclones in the North Indian Ocean are named under the regional naming system coordinated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).
  • The Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC), New Delhi, operated by IMD, assigns names to cyclones in the North Indian Ocean.
  • Thirteen countries contribute names to the regional list.
  • India is one of the participating countries.

Why are cyclones named?

  • To facilitate easy identification.
  • To improve communication between meteorological agencies.
  • To make public warnings easier to understand.
  • To avoid confusion when multiple cyclones occur.

Disaster management measures in India

India has developed institutional mechanisms to manage cyclone-related disasters.

Institution

Major role

IMD

Weather forecasting and cyclone warnings

NDMA

National-level disaster management policies

NDRF

Search, rescue and relief operations

SDMA

State-level disaster management

INCOIS

Ocean information and tsunami-related early warnings

State Disaster Response Forces

State-level emergency response

Important initiatives:

    • National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP).
    • Early Warning Dissemination Systems.
    • Cyclone shelters in vulnerable coastal regions.
    • Coastal evacuation and community awareness programmes.
    • Mangrove restoration as a nature-based protective measure.

Even as Unemployment Falls, Lack of ‘Decent Work’ in India

Why is it in the news?

India’s unemployment rate has declined from 6.1% in 2017–18 to 3.2% in 2023–24. Female workforce participation has also increased.

However, an important concern remains: the availability of jobs does not necessarily mean that people have access to secure, well-paid and dignified employment.

A large proportion of Indian workers are employed in informal jobs without:

  • Written employment contracts.
  • Regular and adequate wages.
  • Paid leave.
  • Provident Fund (PF) benefits.
  • Health insurance and social security.

The central argument is that India must move from measuring only the number of jobs created to measuring the quality of employment generated.

What is Decent Work?

The International Labour Organization (ILO) defines decent work as opportunities for productive employment that provide:

  1. Fair and adequate income.
  2. Workplace rights and equality.
  3. Social security.
  4. Human dignity.
  5. Safe and healthy working conditions.

Example:

Consider two workers:

  • Worker A: Works as a daily-wage construction labourer without a written contract, paid leave or insurance.
  • Worker B: Works in a registered company with a regular salary, health insurance, paid leave and retirement benefits.

Both are employed, but Worker B has greater access to decent work.

Decent Work Index (DWI): Key findings

The article analyses employment quality using two rounds of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS): 2017–18 and 2023–24.

The researchers constructed a multidimensional Decent Work Index (DWI) using three dimensions:

  • Employment status.
  • Employment opportunities.
  • Social security.

Sector-wise performance

Sector

DWI 2017–18

DWI 2023–24

Manufacturing

0.324

0.411

Transport

0.285

0.350

Agriculture

0.211

0.267

 

Analysis:

  • Manufacturing: Improvement due to gradual formalisation and digitalisation.
  • Transport: Growth in urban logistics and platform-based work has contributed to improvement, although social security remains a concern.
  • Agriculture: Continues to record the lowest decent-work outcomes because of self-employment, unpaid family work and unstable earnings.

Major problems affecting decent work in India

  1. Informalisation of employment
  • Nearly 90% of India’s workforce is informally employed, according to the ILO–Institute for Human Development India Employment Report 2024.
  • Informal workers often lack written contracts and employment protection.
  • They have limited access to pension, insurance and paid leave.
  • Informality also exists within organised industries through outsourcing and contractual employment.
  1. Growth of the gig economy

The gig economy refers to a labour market characterised by short-term, task-based or freelance work rather than traditional permanent employment.

Examples:

  • Food delivery partners.
  • App-based taxi drivers.
  • Online freelancers.
  • E-commerce delivery workers.

Challenges:

  • Uncertain income.
  • Lack of guaranteed working hours.
  • Limited health and accident insurance.
  • Dependence on digital platforms and algorithms.
  • Lack of traditional employer–employee protections.
  1. Gender inequality
  • Women are disproportionately engaged in informal and unpaid family work.
  • Lack of childcare facilities affects women’s employment opportunities.
  • Safety concerns and unequal wages restrict participation.
  • Women from marginalised caste and tribal communities face additional disadvantages.
  1. Educational and skill gaps
  • Lack of industry-oriented skills.
  • Mismatch between education and labour-market requirements.
  • Limited access to vocational training.
  • Technological changes create new skill requirements.
  1. Social inequality

Decent-work opportunities differ according to caste, gender, education, geographical location and type of employment.

The article highlights declining decent-work outcomes for women belonging to Scheduled Tribe and Other Backward Class communities between the two survey rounds.

PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana – Promoting Rooftop Solar Energy in India

Why in News?

The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is India’s flagship residential rooftop solar programme. It aims to encourage households to generate their own electricity using solar panels installed on rooftops.

The scheme is significant because it seeks to:

  • Reduce household electricity bills.
  • Increase renewable energy generation.
  • Reduce dependence on conventional electricity sources.
  • Promote decentralised electricity generation.
  • Strengthen India’s energy security.

The scheme has gained importance as India expands its renewable energy capacity and works towards its clean-energy commitments.

Recent development: By September 2026, the programme had reached approximately 59.47 lakh households, with 17.56 GW of installed residential rooftop solar capacity.

What is PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana?

  • Launched: 13 February 2024.
  • Approved by: Union Cabinet on 29 February 2024.
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
  • Total financial outlay: ₹75,021 crore.
  • Target: Installation of rooftop solar systems in one crore households.
  • Scheme period: Up to March 2027.
  • Main objective: Provide households with the benefit of up to 300 units of free electricity per month through rooftop solar generation.

The scheme provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to eligible residential households for installing rooftop solar systems.

How does rooftop solar work?

Rooftop solar systems convert sunlight into electricity through photovoltaic (PV) cells.

Working mechanism:

  1. Solar panels absorb sunlight and generate Direct Current (DC).
  2. An inverter converts DC into Alternating Current (AC).
  3. The generated electricity is used by household appliances.
  4. Excess electricity can be supplied to the electricity grid, subject to applicable net-metering regulations.
  5. When solar generation is insufficient, households draw electricity from the grid.

What is net metering?

Net metering is a system in which electricity exported to the grid is adjusted against electricity imported from the grid, according to applicable state regulations.

Example:

  • Solar electricity generated: 300 units.
  • Household consumption: 250 units.
  • Surplus electricity: 50 units.

The surplus 50 units may be exported to the grid and adjusted according to the applicable net-metering arrangement.

Subsidy structure under PM Surya Ghar

The scheme provides Central Financial Assistance for residential rooftop solar installations.

Solar capacity

General states

Special-category states

1 kW

₹30,000

₹33,000

2 kW

₹60,000

₹66,000

3 kW or above

₹78,000

₹85,800

Important points:

  • 60% of the benchmark cost is provided for the first 2 kW.
  • 40% of the additional benchmark cost is provided for the next 1 kW.
  • Subsidy is capped at 3 kW.
  • Special-category states receive higher assistance.
  • Subsidies are transferred directly to beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Major components of the scheme

  1. Residential Rooftop Solar

Encourages individual households to install rooftop solar systems.

  1. Model Solar Villages
  • One Model Solar Village is planned in each district.
  • Encourages renewable energy adoption in rural areas.
  • Provides financial support of ₹1 crore to the selected village.
  1. DISCOM incentives

Distribution companies are encouraged to facilitate rooftop solar installations and improve implementation.

  1. Financial assistance

Households can access collateral-free, concessional loans for eligible residential rooftop solar installations.

  1. National Portal

Households can apply, select registered vendors, track installation and claim subsidies through the official portal.

Benefits of the PM Surya Ghar Scheme

  1. Economic benefits
  • Reduces monthly electricity expenditure.
  • Provides opportunities to earn from surplus electricity.
  • Reduces the subsidy burden on State DISCOMs over time.
  • Creates employment in solar manufacturing, installation and maintenance.
  1. Environmental benefits
  • Reduces dependence on coal-based electricity.
  • Helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Promotes clean and renewable energy.
  • Reduces transmission losses through decentralised electricity generation.
  1. Energy security
  • Reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels.
  • Promotes local electricity generation.
  • Strengthens India’s long-term energy independence.



Challenges in implementing rooftop solar

Despite its potential, the scheme faces several challenges:

  1. High initial investment: Even after subsidies, the initial cost may be unaffordable for low-income households.
  2. Lack of awareness: Many rural households are unaware of the benefits and application process.
  3. DISCOM-related challenges: Delays in approvals, grid connectivity and net-metering procedures can discourage consumers.
  4. Roof availability: Households living in rented accommodation or apartments may not have individual rooftop access.
  5. Maintenance issues: Solar panels require regular cleaning and maintenance to maintain efficiency.
  6. Energy storage: Solar generation is intermittent and does not always match household electricity demand.
  7. Regional disparities: Adoption varies across States due to differences in infrastructure, awareness and implementation capacity.

Government initiatives related to solar energy

Initiative

Main objective

National Solar Mission

Promote solar energy generation in India

PM Surya Ghar

Residential rooftop solar adoption

PM-KUSUM

Solar energy for farmers and agricultural activities

International Solar Alliance (ISA)

Promote global solar energy cooperation

Solar Parks Scheme

Develop large-scale solar power projects

PLI Scheme for High-Efficiency Solar PV Modules

Encourage domestic solar manufacturing

PM Surya Ghar vs PM-KUSUM

PM Surya Ghar

PM-KUSUM

Residential households

Farmers and agricultural sector

Rooftop solar

Solar pumps and decentralised solar plants

Reduces household electricity bills

Reduces dependence on conventional agricultural electricity

MNRE

MNRE

India's renewable energy targets

India has committed to major clean-energy goals under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Important targets:

  • Achieve about 50% cumulative installed electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.
  • Reduce the emissions intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 from the 2005 level.
  • Achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
  • Work towards 500 GW of non-fossil electricity capacity by 2030.

Important institutions

Institution

Role

MNRE

Nodal ministry for renewable energy

SECI

Solar Energy Corporation of India; supports renewable energy development

NTPC

Power generation and renewable energy projects

DISCOMs

Electricity distribution and grid connectivity

National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE)

Solar energy research, testing and training

Way forward

  • Expand rooftop solar access to economically weaker households.
  • Simplify subsidy disbursement and installation procedures.
  • Improve coordination between State governments and DISCOMs.
  • Promote domestic manufacturing of solar cells and modules.
  • Encourage battery energy storage systems.
  • Strengthen technical training and maintenance services.
  • Promote community solar projects for households without suitable rooftops.

Project 18A – India's Next-Generation Stealth Guided-Missile Destroyers

Why in News?

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has given in-principle approval to Project 18A, an Indian Navy programme to develop next-generation stealth-guided missile destroyers.

The programme is estimated to cost approximately ₹80,000 crore.

The project aims to strengthen India’s maritime combat capabilities amid growing naval activities by China and Pakistan in the Indian Ocean Region.

Key points:

  • Development of next-generation stealth destroyers.
  • Larger and technologically more advanced warships.
  • Advanced weapons, sensors and surveillance systems.
  • Greater indigenous defence manufacturing.
  • Estimated delivery period: 5–10 years after the contract is signed.

What is Project 18A?

Project 18A is a proposed Indian Navy programme for developing a new generation of large, stealth-guided missile destroyers.

A destroyer is a heavily armed, fast and highly manoeuvrable warship designed to protect naval fleets and conduct offensive and defensive operations.

Main objectives:

  1. Strengthen India’s maritime defence capabilities.
  2. Improve naval surveillance and threat detection.
  3. Enhance air defence and missile interception capabilities.
  4. Counter surface and underwater threats.
  5. Promote indigenous warship design and manufacturing.

Important distinction: Project 18A is a next-generation destroyer programme. It should not be confused with Project 17A, which concerns the Nilgiri-class stealth frigates.

What is a Destroyer?

A destroyer is a large, fast and heavily armed naval warship designed to protect naval fleets against multiple threats.

Major roles of a destroyer:

    • Air defence: Protects naval ships from enemy aircraft, drones and incoming missiles.
    • Anti-submarine warfare: Detects and counters enemy submarines.
    • Anti-surface warfare: Attacks enemy warships and surface vessels.
    • Maritime surveillance: Monitors naval movements and potential threats.
    • Fleet protection: Provides protection to aircraft carriers and other naval assets.

What is Stealth Technology?

Stealth technology refers to techniques used to reduce the detectability of military platforms by enemy surveillance systems.

In naval warfare, stealth features include:

  1. Reduced Radar Cross Section (RCS): Special ship designs reduce the amount of radar energy reflected towards enemy radar systems.
  2. Acoustic signature reduction: Reduces underwater noise to make detection by enemy submarines more difficult.
  3. Infrared signature reduction: Reduces heat emissions that can be detected by infrared sensors.
  4. Electromagnetic signature management: Reduces unnecessary electronic emissions.

Important details of Project 18A

Feature

Details

Project

Project 18A

Platform

Next-generation guided-missile destroyers

Estimated cost

₹80,000 crore

Indigenous content

Nearly 75%

Design agency

Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau

Approval

In-principle approval by DAC

Expected delivery

5–10 years after contract signing

Industry participation

Defence Public Sector Undertakings and private companies

The proposed destroyers are expected to have systems significantly more advanced than those of the existing Visakhapatnam-class destroyers.

 

What is the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)?

The Defence Acquisition Council is the apex decision-making body of the Ministry of Defence for capital acquisitions.

  • Established in: 2001.
  • Chairperson: Union Defence Minister.
  • Objective: Facilitate modernisation of the Armed Forces.
  • It considers major defence procurement proposals and grants approvals at different stages.

Important: DAC is chaired by the Defence Minister, not the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

What is Acceptance of Necessity (AoN)?

Acceptance of Necessity is an initial approval under the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP), 2020.

It indicates that the defence forces have a requirement for a particular weapon system or military platform.

The procurement process generally involves:

    • Identification of operational requirements.
    • Acceptance of Necessity.
    • Preparation and approval of procurement proposals.
    • Request for proposals and evaluation.
    • Contract negotiations and signing.
    • Manufacturing, delivery and induction.

Difference between Indian Navy's major destroyer and frigate projects

  • Project

    Warship class

    Category

    Project 15B

    Visakhapatnam class

    Guided-missile destroyers

    Project 17A

    Nilgiri class

    Stealth frigates

    Project 18A

    Next-generation destroyers

    Proposed guided-missile destroyers

    Difference between destroyer and frigate:

    • Destroyers are generally larger and have greater combat capabilities.
    • Frigates are generally smaller and are used for escort, surveillance and multi-role naval operations.
    • Both can undertake anti-aircraft, anti-surface and anti-submarine missions, depending on their design.

Why is Project 18A important for India?

  1. Maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region

The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is strategically important because it connects major international trade routes and energy supply routes.

India needs a strong naval presence to protect:

  • Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs).
  • International maritime trade.
  • Offshore energy infrastructure.
  • Strategic maritime choke points.
  1. China’s growing naval presence

China has expanded its naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region and strengthened its submarine capabilities.

Project 18A can contribute to India’s ability to monitor and respond to changing maritime security challenges.

  1. Pakistan’s naval modernisation

Pakistan is also strengthening its naval capabilities, including its submarine fleet.

India needs to maintain credible maritime deterrence and protect its maritime interests.

  1. Aatmanirbhar Bharat

The project aims for nearly 75% indigenous content.

This can:

  • Reduce dependence on foreign defence suppliers.
  • Strengthen Indian shipyards.
  • Promote domestic defence research.
  • Encourage private-sector participation.
  • Generate skilled employment.
  1. Strategic autonomy

Indigenous warship construction reduces external dependence and gives India greater control over its defence requirements, maintenance and future upgrades.

Challenges associated with indigenous warship construction

  • Technological dependence: Certain advanced propulsion systems, sensors and specialised components may continue to require foreign technology.
  • Cost escalation: Large defence projects can experience cost overruns.
  • Long construction period: Advanced warships require extensive design, testing and integration.
  • Supply-chain limitations: Domestic industries need to develop reliable supply chains for specialised components.
  • Technology integration: Integrating advanced radar, communication, weapons and combat-management systems is complex.
  • Shipyard capacity: Timely construction requires adequate infrastructure, skilled workers and industrial capacity.

Other important defence initiatives

 

Initiative

Objective

Aatmanirbhar Bharat

Defence indigenisation

Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020

Streamlining defence procurement

Make in India

Domestic defence manufacturing

Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)

Encouraging defence innovation and startups

Positive Indigenisation Lists

Promoting domestic procurement

Defence Industrial Corridors

Strengthening defence manufacturing ecosystems

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel – Architect of India's National Integration

Why is it in the news?

India observed the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on 31 October 2026, commemorating his contribution to India’s freedom struggle and the integration of princely states after Independence.

The occasion is celebrated as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) every year.

The recent observance highlighted:

  • Patel’s contribution to the political integration of more than 560 princely states.
  • His role as independent India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister.
  • His contribution to strengthening India’s administrative structure.
  • His vision of national unity, integrity and sovereignty.

The 2026 celebrations included tributes at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat and the organisation of the Run for Unity.

Who was Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel?

  • Full name: Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel.
  • Born: 31 October 1875.=
  • Birthplace: Nadiad, Gujarat.
  • Popular title: Iron Man of India.
  • Political organisation: Indian National Congress.
  • Profession: Lawyer.
  • Died: 15 December 1950, Mumbai.
  • Award: Bharat Ratna (posthumously, 1991).
  •  

Patel's role in the integration of princely states

Historical background

At the time of India’s Independence in 1947:

  • British India consisted of directly administered provinces and princely states.
  • There were more than 560 princely states.
  • Princely states were ruled by local rulers under British paramountcy.
  • With the end of British rule, the princely states had to decide their future relationship with India or Pakistan, subject to the circumstances of the transfer of power.

This created a major challenge to India’s territorial and political unity.

What did Sardar Patel do?

Sardar Patel, along with V.P. Menon, played a decisive role in integrating princely states into the Indian Union.

Their strategy involved:

  1. Diplomatic negotiations: Persuading rulers to join the Indian Union.
  2. Instrument of Accession: Obtaining formal acceptance of accession.
  3. Standstill Agreements: Maintaining existing administrative arrangements temporarily.
  4. Political negotiations: Addressing the concerns of princely rulers.
  5. Firm action where necessary: Using appropriate political and military measures in exceptional cases.

The Instrument of Accession initially allowed the Government of India to exercise authority over three major subjects:

  • Defence
  • External Affairs
  • Communications

Other subjects could be included through additional arrangements.

Important cases of princely-state integration

Princely state

Major development

Junagadh

Accession to Pakistan was announced by its ruler despite the predominantly Hindu population. India intervened; a plebiscite in February 1948 supported accession to India.

Hyderabad

The Nizam initially sought independence. Police Action (Operation Polo) in September 1948 resulted in its integration into India.

Jammu and Kashmir

Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession to India on 26 October 1947 following the tribal invasion.

Travancore

Initially expressed an intention to remain independent but subsequently joined India.

UPSC important distinction:

  • Hyderabad – Operation Polo (1948).
  • Junagadh – Plebiscite (1948).
  • Jammu and Kashmir – Instrument of Accession (1947).

These cases demonstrate that the integration process involved different political and historical circumstances.

Sardar Patel and the All India Services

Sardar Patel strongly supported the establishment and continuation of All India Services.

He believed that an efficient, impartial and unified administrative structure was essential for maintaining national unity.

He is popularly associated with describing civil servants as the steel frame of India.

What are All India Services?

Under Article 312 of the Indian Constitution, Parliament can create new All India Services if the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of members present and voting, declaring it necessary in the national interest.

Present All India Services include:

  1. Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
  2. Indian Police Service (IPS).
  3. Indian Forest Service (IFoS).

Key feature: All India Services are recruited at the national level, but officers serve under both the Union and State governments.

National Unity Day – Rashtriya Ekta Diwas

  • Observed on: 31 October every year.
  • First observed: 31 October 2014.
  • Occasion: Birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
  • Objective: Promote national unity, integrity and security.

Major activities

  • Run for Unity.
  • Unity Pledge.
  • March past by police and paramilitary forces.
  • Cultural programmes.
  • Awareness activities in educational institutions.

Statue of Unity

  • Location: Ekta Nagar, Narmada district, Gujarat.
  • Height: 182 metres.
  • Inaugurated: 31 October 2018.
  • Dedicated to: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
  • It is the world’s tallest statue.

The statue is situated near the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River.

Role in the Indian freedom struggle

  1. Kheda Satyagraha (1918)
  • Organised under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel.
  • Farmers faced crop failure and were unable to pay land revenue.
  • Patel mobilised farmers to resist revenue collection.
  • The movement strengthened the peasants’ struggle against colonial policies.
  1. Bardoli Satyagraha (1928)
  • Took place in Bardoli, Gujarat.
  • Farmers protested against an increase in land revenue.
  • Patel led the movement successfully.
  • Following the success of the movement, he received the title Sardar, meaning leader.
  1. Non-Cooperation Movement (1920)

Patel actively supported Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement and encouraged people to boycott British institutions and promote Swadeshi.

  1. Karachi Session of Congress (1931)

Patel presided over the Karachi Session of the Indian National Congress.

Important UPSC fact: The Karachi Session adopted resolutions on Fundamental Rights and the National Economic Programme.

Important comparison: Sardar Patel and V.P. Menon

 

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

V.P. Menon

Political leadership

Senior civil servant

First Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister

Secretary in the States Department

Led political negotiations with rulers

Played a major role in drafting and implementing integration arrangements

Provided strategic direction

Assisted in the administrative and constitutional process

Both played crucial roles in the integration of princely states.

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