IAS PCS Mission 2026: Daily Study Material – 5 Feb 2026
NCERT History: Class 8 Chapter-9 (Women, Caste and Reform)
This chapter, “Women, Caste and Reform”, explores the social conditions of 19th and 20th-century India and the movements led by reformers to challenge deep-seated inequalities.
1. Social Conditions Two Hundred Years Ago
In the early nineteenth century, Indian society was marked by deep-seated gender and caste inequalities.
The Plight of Women
- Early Marriage: Most children were married off at a very young age.
- Polygamy: Both Hindu and Muslim men were permitted to marry more than one wife.
- Practice of Sati: In some regions, widows were praised as “virtuous women” (sati) for burning themselves on their husbands’ funeral pyres.
- Educational Barriers: Access to education was virtually non-existent for women; many believed that an educated woman would soon become a widow.
- Property Rights: Women’s rights to own or inherit property were severely restricted.
Caste Hierarchies
- Upper Castes: Brahmans and Kshatriyas occupied the highest status.
- Middle Castes: Traders and moneylenders (Vaishyas) followed, then peasants and artisans like weavers and potters (Shudras).
- Untouchability: At the lowest level were those whose work was considered “polluting”. They were barred from temples, shared water sources, and ponds used by upper castes.
2. The Dawn of Social Reform
The development of new forms of communication, such as the printing of cheap books, newspapers, and pamphlets, allowed social issues to be debated by a wider public for the first time.
Raja Rammohun Roy and the Brahmo Samaj
- Brahmo Sabha: Founded by Rammohun Roy in Calcutta (later known as the Brahmo Samaj), this association aimed to remove unjust practices.
- Abolition of Sati: Roy used his knowledge of Sanskrit and other languages to show that widow burning had no sanction in ancient sacred texts.
- Legal Success: His efforts influenced British officials, leading to a formal ban on sati in 1829.
Widow Remarriage
- Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar: He cited ancient texts to argue that widows should be allowed to remarry.
- Legislation: In 1856, the British passed a law permitting widow remarriage based on his suggestions.
- Spread of the Movement: Similar reform efforts were led by Veerasalingam Pantulu in the Madras Presidency and Swami Dayanand Saraswati, who founded the Arya Samaj in 1875.
3. The Expansion of Women’s Education
Reformers believed education was the primary tool to improve women’s lives, though they faced significant social opposition.
- Opposition and Fear: Many feared that schools would take girls away from domestic duties or that traveling through public spaces would have a “corrupting” influence.
- Home Education: Because of these fears, many women were taught at home by liberal relatives or, like Rashsundari Debi, taught themselves in secret.
- Muslim Reformers: Mumtaz Ali reinterpreted Koran verses to argue for women’s education. The Begums of Bhopal and Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain founded influential schools for Muslim girls.
4. Women Reformers and Their Critical Voices
By the late nineteenth century, women began to actively write about and challenge their social position.
- Tarabai Shinde: Published Stripurushtulna (A Comparison between Women and Men), which criticized the social differences and the double standards applied to the two genders.
- Pandita Ramabai: A Sanskrit scholar who wrote about the oppression of upper-caste Hindu women and established a widows’ home in Poona to provide shelter and vocational training.
- Political Pressure: By the early twentieth century, women formed groups to demand suffrage (the right to vote), better healthcare, and legal equality.
5. Caste Inequality and Movements for Equality
The nineteenth century also saw a rise in movements challenging the injustices of the caste system.
Jyotirao Phule and Gulamgiri
- Attack on Aryan Superiority: Phule argued that Brahmans were “Aryan” foreigners who had subjugated the indigenous “low-caste” people.
- Satyashodhak Samaj: This association, founded by Phule, propagated the ideal of caste equality.
- International Link: In his book Gulamgiri (1873), Phule dedicated his work to the American movement to end slavery, linking the conditions of Indian “lower” castes to black slaves in America.
Twentieth-Century Leaders
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: Born into a Mahar family, he experienced severe discrimination in school. He led three temple entry movements between 1927 and 1935 to expose the depth of caste prejudice.
- E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker (Periyar): Founded the Self Respect Movement in the south. He was a fierce critic of Hindu scriptures like the Codes of Manu, arguing they were used to establish Brahmanical and male dominance.
6. Key Reform Organizations
- Brahmo Samaj (1830): Prohibited idolatry and sacrifice; drew on both Hindu and Christian ideals.
- Young Bengal Movement: Led by Henry Derozio, it encouraged students to question all authority and campaign for freedom of expression.
- Ramakrishna Mission: Named after Swami Vivekananda’s guru, it emphasized salvation through social service and selfless action.
- Aligarh Movement: Led by Sayyid Ahmed Khan, it established the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College in 1875 to provide modern education to Muslims.
- Singh Sabha Movement: Worked to rid Sikhism of superstitions and caste distinctions while promoting modern education.
Women, Caste and Reform
Gulamgiri
1873 book by Phule meaning ‘Slavery’, dedicated to the American abolitionist movement.
Arya Samaj
Founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in 1875 to reform Hinduism and support education.
Temple Entry
Movements led by Ambedkar to challenge the exclusion of Dalits from sacred public spaces.
⚖️Indian Polity: Parliament – Legislative Procedure (Ordinary, Money, Financial Bills)
In the Indian Parliament, bills are classified into four types: Ordinary, Money, Financial, and Constitutional Amendment bills.
Here is the detailed breakdown of the first three, which govern the majority of legislative work.
Legislative Procedure: Types of Bills
1. Ordinary Bills (Articles 107 & 108)
These bills deal with any matter other than financial subjects.
- Introduction: Can be introduced in either House (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha).
- Introduction By: Either a Minister (Government Bill) or a Private Member.
- Passage: Must be passed by both Houses by a Simple Majority.
- Deadlock & Joint Sitting (Art 108): If the two Houses disagree, the President can summon a Joint Sitting to resolve the deadlock.
- Rajya Sabha Power: Can delay an ordinary bill for a maximum of 6 months.
2. Money Bills (Articles 110 & 109)
Article 110 defines a Money Bill as one that deals only with matters like taxation, borrowing of money, or the Consolidated Fund of India.
- Certification: Only the Speaker of Lok Sabha can certify if a bill is a Money Bill. Their decision is final and cannot be questioned in court.
- Introduction (Art 109): 1. Can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha.2. Requires the prior recommendation of the President.
- Rajya Sabha’s Limited Role: 1. Rajya Sabha cannot reject or amend it; it can only make recommendations.2. It must return the bill within 14 days.3. If the Rajya Sabha does not act within 14 days, it is deemed to have been passed by both Houses.
- President’s Assent: The President can give assent or withhold it, but cannot return it for reconsideration (because it was introduced with his prior permission).
3. Financial Bills (Article 117)
All Money Bills are Financial Bills, but not all Financial Bills are Money Bills. There are two types:
A. Financial Bill (I) – Article 117(1)
- Contains matters of Article 110 plus other general legislative matters.
- Similarity to Money Bill: Can only be introduced in Lok Sabha with the President’s recommendation.
- Difference: Once introduced, it is treated like an Ordinary Bill (can be rejected/amended by Rajya Sabha and is subject to a Joint Sitting).
B. Financial Bill (II) – Article 117(3)
- Contains provisions involving expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India but does not include any matter mentioned in Article 110.
- Procedure: Treated exactly like an Ordinary Bill. It can be introduced in either House, and the President’s recommendation is not required for introduction (only required at the stage of consideration).
Comparison Table
| Feature | Ordinary Bill | Money Bill (Art 110) | Financial Bill (I) |
| House of Origin | Either House | Lok Sabha only | Lok Sabha only |
| President’s Recommendation | Not Required | Required | Required |
| Rajya Sabha’s Power | Can Amend/Reject | Cannot Amend/Reject | Can Amend/Reject |
| Deadlock Solution | Joint Sitting | No Joint Sitting | Joint Sitting |
| Max Delay by RS | 6 Months | 14 Days | 6 Months |
4. The 5 Stages of a Bill
Every bill must pass through these stages in both Houses:
- First Reading: Introduction and publication in the Gazette.
- Second Reading: General discussion and clause-by-clause consideration (the most important stage).
- Third Reading: Final voting on the bill (no amendments allowed here).
- Bill in the Second House: The same three readings occur.
- Assent of President: Becomes an “Act” after the President signs it.
Classification of Bills
Financial Bill (I)
Introduced only in LS with recommendation; once introduced, treated as an Ordinary Bill (Art. 117(1)).
Financial Bill (II)
Involves Consolidated Fund expenditure. Treated entirely as an Ordinary Bill (Art. 117(3)).
Assent Power
President cannot return a Money Bill for reconsideration, as it is introduced with his prior consent.
“The Hindu” Editorial Analysis (5-February-2026)
Here is a detailed analysis of the The Hindu Editorials for February 5, 2026, categorized by syllabus relevance for UPSC preparation.
1. Joining Hands: Internal Unity and Regional Discord in Manipur
Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (Important aspects of governance; Centre-State relations; Federalism) and GS Paper 3 (Internal Security).
Context: The revocation of President’s Rule in Manipur and the swearing-in of Yumnam Khemchand Singh as the 13th Chief Minister.
Key Points:
- Revocation of President’s Rule: The order was revoked nearly a year after it was imposed to facilitate the return of a popular government and avoid a mandatory Constitutional Amendment Bill to extend it.
- Coalition Leadership: The new government includes two Deputy CMs—Nemcha Kipgen (Kuki-Zo) and Losii Dikho (Naga People’s Front)—intended to signal inclusivity.
- Ongoing Displacement: Only 9,000 of the estimated 60,000 displaced persons have returned home, reflecting a persistent trust deficit between communities.
- Ethnic Friction: Despite internal BJP unity, major Kuki-Zo organizations (KZC and KIM) have warned their MLAs against joining the government, maintaining their demand for a “separate administration.”
UPSC Relevance: Essential for “Security Challenges in Northeast India,” “Role of the Governor and President’s Rule,” and “Ethno-Political Conflicts.”
Detailed Analysis:
- Transition of Leadership: A coalition of internal BJP critics successfully lobbied for a leadership change due to the “disastrous second tenure” of former CM N. Biren Singh.
- Security vs. Reconciliation: While security forces have recovered many looted weapons, the execution of a Meitei man in a Kuki-Zo area in January highlights that radical groups still hold significant sway.
2. The Budget and the Imperative of Fiscal Consolidation
Syllabus: GS Paper 3 (Indian Economy; Government Budgeting; Fiscal Policy).
Context: An analysis by C. Rangarajan and D.K. Srivastava on the structural shifts in expenditure and the slowing pace of fiscal consolidation in the 2026-27 Union Budget.
Key Points:
- Revenue Restructuring: The share of revenue expenditure has fallen from 88% in 2014-15 to 77% in 2026-27, primarily driven by a 7% reduction in central subsidies.
- Static Capex: While nominal capital expenditure (capex) is budgeted to grow by 11.5%, it remains nearly static as a percentage of GDP (3.1%) compared to the previous year.
- Interest Burden: Interest payments now consume nearly 40% of revenue receipts, severely squeezing the fiscal space for primary developmental expenditures.
- Finance Commission (FC16): The 16th Finance Commission has retained the 41% share for states but discontinued revenue deficit grants, leading to an overall reduction in transfers.
UPSC Relevance: Vital for “Macroeconomic Stability,” “Fiscal Federalism,” and “Resource Mobilization.”
Detailed Analysis:
- Slow Consolidation: The annual reduction in the fiscal deficit-to-GDP ratio has dwindled to just 0.1% point for 2026-27 (BE).
- Private Investment Risk: If the combined deficit of the Centre and States stays at 8%-9% of GDP, it will strongly crowd out investible resources for the private sector.
3. A Turning Point for Nuclear Deterrence
Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (International Relations; Effect of policies of developed countries; Bilateral relations).
Context: The expiration of the New START treaty on February 5, 2026, and the breakdown of trust within NATO under the Trump administration.
Key Points:
- End of Arms Control: New START was the last remaining treaty limiting the nuclear arsenals of the U.S. and Russia; its expiry signals a return to Cold War-era stockpiling.
- Modernization Race: China (adding 100 warheads annually since 2023), Russia, and the U.S. are all ambitiously modernizing their nuclear stockpiles.
- Strategic Shift: The rupture between Europe and the U.S. over Greenland has irreparably broken the trust in the U.S. as the ultimate security guarantor.
- Ukraine Lesson: The conflict has shown that a non-nuclear country can defend itself against a nuclear adversary if provided with robust conventional support.
UPSC Relevance: Critical for “Global Security Architecture,” “Nuclear Non-Proliferation,” and “U.S.-EU-Russia Geopolitics.”
Detailed Analysis:
- European Autonomy: Europe is now forced to consider a new security architecture that may involve a British and French “nuclear umbrella” or an ad hoc “Coalition of the Willing.”
- Taboo vs. Reality: While a nuclear weapon hasn’t been used since 1945, the development of “useable” tactical nukes is blurring the lines of deterrence.
4. UGC Regulations 2026: The Equity Debate
Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (Polity; Social Justice; Higher Education).
Context: The Supreme Court stayed the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity, 2026) regulations, citing ambiguity and potential misuse.
Key Points:
- Definitional Friction: The controversy centers on the new definition of “caste-based discrimination,” which focuses exclusively on members of SC, ST, and OBC communities.
- Perpetrator Presumption: Unreserved category members allege the rules unfairly presume they would always be the perpetrators of discrimination.
- Lack of Safeguards: The 2026 rules removed earlier provisions intended to punish “false” or “motivated” complaints.
- Judicial Ultimatum: The Court has stayed the 2026 rules while keeping the older 2012 regulations in force, framing questions on whether a separate definition for caste is constitutional.
UPSC Relevance: Significant for “Social Justice in Education,” “Fundamental Rights (Articles 14, 15),” and “Judicial Review.”
Detailed Analysis:
- Substantive Equality: The government argues it has the right to recognize specific subsets of discrimination, as caste-based prejudice is asymmetric and more detrimental to underprivileged groups.
5. Data Point: The Persistence of Contractual Labor in Schools
Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (Issues relating to Education; Human Resources) and GS Paper 1 (Social Issues).
Context: Over 1.5 lakh schools in India have a teaching workforce that is at least 50% contractual or part-time.
Key Points:
- Workforce Share: Teachers employed on a contractual basis (para-teachers, guest teachers) currently make up 16% (over 16 lakh) of India’s school workforce.
- Wage Disparity: A World Bank report noted that contractual teachers often earn one-fourth or less than regular teachers despite doing similar work.
- Northeast Concentration: Reliance on contractual staff is highest in northeastern states like Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya.
- Private Sector Heavy: Approximately 21% of private schools have workforces that are at least half contractual, the highest share among all management types.
UPSC Relevance: Key for “Challenges in Quality Education,” “Labor Law Violations,” and “Social Security for Workers.”
Detailed Analysis:
- Misuse of Labels: The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently ruled that administrations cannot “misuse” contractual labels to deny permanent status to teachers serving over 10 years.
- Persistent Protests: Recent demonstrations in Puducherry highlight a national struggle for job regularization that spans multiple states including UP, Bihar, and Jharkhand.
Editorial Analysis
FEBRUARY 05, 2026Interest payments consume 40% of Revenue Receipts. Subsidies reduced by 7% as revenue expenditure share drops to 77%.
Expiry of New START treaty signals end of limits. China adding 100 Warheads Annually as deterrence shifts toward “usable” tactical nukes.
1.5 lakh schools have a 50% Contractual workforce. Para-teachers earn 1/4th the Salary of regular staff despite identical duties.
Justice & Policy
Mapping:
Todays mapping notes focus on Ecological Junctions, Scientific Infrastructure, and Sacred River Geography.
1. Geological Junction: Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve (DKTR)
Mapping this reserve is critical as it sits at a unique intersection of two of India’s oldest mountain systems.
- The Junction: Located at the geological meeting point of the Vindhyan and Aravalli hill ranges in Rajasthan.
- Topographic Highlight: Characterized by the extensive and rugged ravines of the Chambal River basin.
- Mapping Context: The reserve spans approximately 1,111 sq. km and serves as a vital corridor for tiger movement between Ranthambore and the northern habitats.
2. Scientific Mapping: Mega Telescopes in Ladakh
High-altitude infrastructure is a recurring theme for 2026. Two major “Mega Science” facilities are now being mapped in the Trans-Himalayas.
- National Large Solar Telescope (NLST): Being established near Pangong Lake, Ladakh. Its location is strategically chosen for high-altitude solar research.
- 30-metre National Large Optical Telescope: A key point for global scientific collaboration, enhancing India’s standing in deep-space observation.
3. River Geography: The Phalgu River (Bihar)
On February 5, 2026, the unique “hidden” geography of the Phalgu River was highlighted for its cultural and hydrological significance.
- Confluence & Course: Formed by the meeting of the Lilajan and Mohana rivers near Gaya. It eventually joins the Punpun River, a tributary of the Ganga.
- “Gupta Ganga” (Hidden Ganga): It is mapped as a “hidden” river because it flows beneath a wide sandy bed, appearing dry on the surface for most of the year.
- Mapping Point: The river is historically known as the Niranjana River, where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment.
4. Conservation Update: Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary (Gujarat)
A significant census update (February 2026) showed a 21% jump in bird population, making it a key ecological mapping point.
- Census Data: Recorded over 5 lakh birds across 200 species.
- Geographic Feature: Spans 120.82 sq. km; the population increase is attributed to the total ban on boating and reduced noise pollution over the last two years.
Summary Mapping Checklist
| Category | Mapping Highlight | Key Location |
| Mountain Junction | Vindhyan-Aravalli Link | Dholpur-Karauli, Rajasthan |
| Hidden River | Phalgu (Niranjana) | Gaya, Bihar |
| Solar Science Hub | Pangong Lake | Ladakh |
| Wetland Success | Nalsarovar Census | Gujarat |
Mapping Brief
ECOLOGICAL JUNCTIONS & SACRED RIVERSFormed by the confluence of Lilajan and Mohana near Gaya, the river (ancient Niranjana) flows beneath a sandy bed, remaining “hidden” surface-dry most of the year.
Strategically mapping the National Large Solar Telescope near Pangong Lake and the 30-metre Optical Telescope for advanced deep-space observation.
Mapping the Ranthambore–DKTR axis is essential for understanding feline dispersal patterns across Rajasthan’s rugged ravine topography.