IAS PCS Mission 2026: Daily Study Material – 3 Jan 2026
NCERT History: Class 6 Chapter-3 (From Gathering to Growing Food)
The transition from a nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle to a settled agricultural life marked a major turning point in human history.
1. The Beginnings of Farming and Herding
- Becoming Farmers: As the world’s climate changed, humans observed edible plants and how seeds sprouted into new plants. They began protecting these plants from birds and animals, eventually becoming farmers.
- Becoming Herders: People tamed animals by leaving food near their shelters. The first animal to be tamed was the wild ancestor of the dog. Later, they reared gentle animals like sheep, goats, and cattle that ate grass and lived in herds.
- Domestication: This is the process where humans grow plants and look after animals. Domesticated varieties became different from wild ones; for example, wild animals usually have much larger teeth and horns.
2. A New Way of Life
Growing crops required people to stay in one place for a long time to water, weed, and protect plants until the grain ripened.
- Storage: Grain was stored for both food and seed. Early humans created large clay pots, wove baskets, or dug pits into the ground for storage.
- Animals as ‘Store’ of Food: Rearing animals provided a continuous supply of milk and meat, acting as a living “store” of food.
3. Finding Out About Early Farmers & Herders
Archaeologists find evidence of early settlements through burnt grain and animal bones across the subcontinent.
| Evidence (Grains & Bones) | Major Neolithic Site |
| Wheat, barley, sheep, goat, cattle | Mehrgarh (Present-day Pakistan) |
| Rice, fragmentary animal bones | Koldihwa (Present-day Uttar Pradesh) |
| Wheat and lentil, dog, cattle, sheep, buffalo | Burzahom (Present-day Kashmir) |
| Wheat, green gram, barley, buffalo, ox | Chirand (Present-day Bihar) |
| Millet, cattle, sheep, goat, pig | Hallur (Present-day Andhra Pradesh) |
4. Towards a Settled Life
- Dwellings: In Burzahom, people built pit-houses dug into the ground with steps. Cooking hearths found both inside and outside suggest people cooked where the weather permitted.
- Neolithic Tools: Unlike Palaeolithic tools, these were polished for a fine cutting edge. Mortars and pestles were developed for grinding grain.
- Pottery: Earthen pots, sometimes decorated, were used for cooking and storing grains like rice, wheat, and lentils.
- Weaving: The cultivation of cotton allowed people to begin weaving cloth.
5. A Closer Look: Tribal Life and Key Sites
- Tribes: Early farmers and herders lived in groups called tribes. They shared land, forests, and water as collective wealth, with no sharp differences between rich and poor.
- Mehrgarh: Located near the Bolan Pass, this is one of the earliest known villages. Findings include rectangular houses with compartments and burial sites where the dead were buried with goats (likely as food for the afterlife).
- Daojali Hading: A site in the Brahmaputra Valley near routes to China. Finds include jadeite (likely from China) and tools made of fossil wood.
📅 Important Dates to Remember
- Beginnings of Domestication: About 12,000 years ago.
- Settlement at Mehrgarh: About 8,000 years ago.
From Gathering to Growing Food
🐕 Domestication Process
Began ~12,000 years ago. First tamed animal was the ancestor of the dog. Earliest crops were Wheat & Barley. Animals acted as a living ‘store’ of food.
⚒️ Neolithic Technology
Tools were polished for fine edges. Introduction of Mortars & Pestles for grinding. Growth in pottery for cooking and weaving using cotton.
🏠 Notable Settlements
Burzahom
Famous for Pit-houses dug into the ground with steps.
Famous for Pit-houses dug into the ground with steps.
Mehrgarh
Square/Rectangular houses with 4 or more compartments.
Square/Rectangular houses with 4 or more compartments.
Daojali Hading
Finding of Jadeite stone suggests possible links with China.
Finding of Jadeite stone suggests possible links with China.
⚰️ Social Life & Beliefs
People lived in Tribes with shared customs. Burials at Mehrgarh (with goats) show a firm belief in life after death.
Class-6 History Chapter-3 PDF
Complete Study Notes: From Gathering to Growing Food
⚖️Indian Polity: Key Terms of the Preamble
1. Democratic
The Preamble envisions a Democratic polity based on the doctrine of popular sovereignty (power in the hands of the people).
- Representative Democracy: India follows an indirect democracy where the executive is responsible to the legislature for all its policies and actions.
- Broader Scope: In the UPSC context, “democracy” in the Preamble includes not just political democracy, but also social and economic democracy.
- Key Elements: Universal adult franchise, periodic elections, rule of law, and independence of the judiciary.
2. Republic
The term Republic indicates two specific things:
- Elected Head: Unlike a monarchy (e.g., Britain), the head of the Indian state (the President) is elected for a fixed tenure.
- Political Sovereignty: Vests in the people rather than a single individual. It also means the absence of any privileged class; all public offices are open to every citizen without discrimination.
🎯 The Objectives of the Constitution
3. Justice
The Preamble seeks to secure Justice in three distinct forms, secured through various provisions of Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles:
- Social Justice: Equal treatment of all citizens without any social distinction based on caste, color, race, religion, or sex.
- Economic Justice: Non-discrimination between people on the basis of economic factors (wealth/income).
- Political Justice: All citizens have equal political rights, equal access to all political offices, and equal voice in the government.
Note: The ideal of justice (social, economic, and political) was taken from the Russian Revolution (1917).
4. Liberty
Liberty means the absence of restraints on the activities of individuals and, simultaneously, providing opportunities for the development of individual personalities.
- Specific Liberties: The Preamble secures liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship.
- Qualified, Not Absolute: Liberty does not mean “license” to do anything. It is exercised within the limits mentioned in the Constitution.
5. Equality
Equality implies the absence of special privileges to any section of the society and the provision of adequate opportunities for all individuals without any discrimination. It embraces three dimensions:
- Civic: Articles 14 to 18 (Equality before law, prohibition of discrimination, etc.).
- Political: No person is ineligible for inclusion in electoral rolls (Art. 325) and elections based on adult suffrage (Art. 326).
- Economic: Directive Principles (Art. 39) secure equal right to an adequate livelihood and equal pay for equal work.
6. Fraternity
Fraternity means a sense of brotherhood. The Constitution promotes this through the system of Single Citizenship.
- Individual Dignity: The Preamble declares that fraternity has to assure the dignity of the individual.
- National Unity: It also ensures the unity and integrity of the nation. The word “integrity” was added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act (1976).
💡 UPSC Strategy Tip
When studying these terms from Laxmikanth, always remember the source of inspiration:
- Justice: Russian Revolution.
- Liberty, Equality, Fraternity: French Revolution.
Preamble: Philosophical Pillars
Justice
Covers Social, Economic, and Political aspects. Secured via FRs & DPSPs. Inspired by the Russian Revolution.
Liberty
Freedom of Thought, Expression, Belief, Faith, and Worship. Note: It is not absolute and has reasonable restrictions.
Equality
Absence of special privileges. Ensures Civic, Political, and Economic equality for every citizen.
Fraternity
A sense of brotherhood. Assures Individual Dignity and national unity (Integrity added by 42nd CAA).
PRO TIP: The term ‘Republic’ in our Preamble signifies that the Head of State (President) is elected, not a hereditary monarch.
“The Hindu” Editorial Analysis (03-January-2026)
Here is a detailed analysis of the The Hindu Editorials for January 3, 2026, categorized by syllabus relevance for UPSC preparation.
1. An Ancient Range Battered by Machinery
- Syllabus: GS Paper 3 (Environment & Ecology; Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation).
- Context: A detailed report on the ecological destruction of the Aravalli Range due to illegal mining and industrial activities.
- Key Points:
- Ecological Buffer: The Aravallis act as a barrier against the desertification of the Indo-Gangetic plains.
- Loss of Biodiversity: Habitats of leopards and other wildlife are being destroyed.
- Groundwater Depletion: Mining has disrupted the natural aquifers that recharge the Delhi-NCR region.
- UPSC Relevance: Critical for questions on “Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA),” “Sustainable Development,” and “Judicial Activism (NGT’s role).”
- Detailed Analysis:
- The Crisis: The report highlights that despite Supreme Court bans, “mountain-crushing” machinery continues to operate. This has led to the disappearance of several hills in Haryana and Rajasthan.
- The Human Cost: Local communities face respiratory issues due to stone dust and a severe water crisis as the hills no longer hold rainwater.
- Policy Requirement: There is an urgent need for a “Green Wall” project and stricter enforcement of the ‘Forest Conservation Act.’
2. Liberalizing Open Schooling & AI in Education
- Syllabus: GS Paper 2 (Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education).
- Context: The Centre’s plan to relax norms for the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) and integrate Artificial Intelligence in teaching.
- Key Points:
- Flexibility: Easing rules to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in secondary education.
- AI Integration: Using AI for personalized learning and drafting technical education standards.
- Employability: A shift from rote learning to skill-based technical standards to ensure jobs for graduates.
- UPSC Relevance: Important for “National Education Policy (NEP) 2020” implementation and “Digital India.”
- Detailed Analysis:
- Digital Leap: The government aims to use AI to identify learning gaps in students automatically. This aligns with the ‘DIKSHA’ platform’s expansion.
- Democratizing Education: Liberalizing open schooling will help dropouts and working professionals complete their education, supporting the “Life-long Learning” goal of NEP.
- Standardization: The drafting of new technical standards aims to solve the “degree-job mismatch” in India, where many graduates are technically qualified but practically unemployable.
3. India’s Right to Self-Defense against Terrorism
- Syllabus: GS Paper 3 (Internal Security; External State/Non-state actors) & GS Paper 2 (International Relations).
- Context: A strong policy statement by the External Affairs Minister regarding India’s stance on cross-border terrorism.
- Key Points:
- Sovereign Right: India asserts that self-defense is not just a policy but a sovereign right under International Law.
- Counter-Terror Framework: Reiteration of the “Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism” (CCIT) which India has been pushing at the UN.
- Pre-emptive Action: The discourse hints at a shift from ‘reactive’ to ‘pro-active’ security measures.
- UPSC Relevance: Important for topics like “India-Pakistan Relations,” “UNSC Reforms,” and “National Security Strategy.”
- Detailed Analysis:
- Legal Foundation: The Minister’s speech invokes Article 51 of the UN Charter, which allows nations the right to self-defense. This provides a legal shield to India’s potential “Surgical Strikes” or “Air Strikes” in the future.
- Diplomatic Messaging: By stating this on an international platform, India is warning its neighbors (specifically Pakistan) that the “Rules of Engagement” have changed. Terrorism can no longer be a “low-cost war” for the perpetrator.
- Strategic Autonomy: India is signaling that it will prioritize national security over international pressure, similar to how major powers like the US or Israel operate against terror threats.
4. Electronic Parts Manufacturing: Boosting ‘Make in India’
- Syllabus: GS Paper 3 (Indian Economy; Changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth).
- Context: The Centre has approved 22 new projects under the SPECS (Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors).
- Key Points:
- Reducing Imports: Aimed at making India self-reliant in the electronics supply chain, reducing dependence on China and Vietnam.
- Job Creation: These projects are expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs in the high-tech sector.
- Ecosystem Building: Focus on moving beyond just “assembly” to “component manufacturing.”
- UPSC Relevance: Vital for topics like “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” “Semiconductor Mission,” and “Manufacturing Sector.”
- Detailed Analysis:
- Strategic Shift: For years, India has been a hub for assembling smartphones, but the high-value components (PCBs, sensors) were imported. These 22 projects target that “value-addition” gap.
- The SPECS Scheme: It provides a financial incentive of 25% on capital expenditure. This is crucial for small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to enter the high-stakes electronics market.
- Global Competition: Amidst the “China Plus One” strategy of global firms, this move positions India as a stable alternative for global electronics giants.
5. Bullet Train Milestone: First Mountain Tunnel Completed
- Syllabus: GS Paper 3 (Infrastructure: Railways; Investment Models).
- Context: The completion of the first mountain tunnel in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor.
- Key Points:
- Engineering Marvel: Use of the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) for the first time on such a scale in India.
- Time Efficiency: Once operational, the bullet train will reduce travel time from 6 hours to 2 hours.
- UPSC Relevance: Useful for answers on “Infrastructure as a multiplier for growth” and “Japan-India Strategic Partnership.”
- Detailed Analysis:
- Technology Transfer: This project is not just about speed; it’s about the transfer of Shinkansen technology from Japan to Indian engineers.
- Economic Impact: The corridor will connect major economic hubs, creating a “mega-region” that can boost the GDP of both Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Editorial Analysis
Jan 03, 2026
GS-3 Environment
🌲 Aravalli Aquifer Crisis
Illegal mining disrupting vital aquifers. Solution: Rapid scaling of the Green Wall Project and stricter FCA enforcement to preserve this ecological buffer.
GS-2 Education
🤖 NEP 2020: AI Integration
Personalizing learning via DIKSHA platform. Focus on liberalizing open schooling (NIOSH) to tackle the growing degree-job mismatch.
GS-3 Security
🛡️ Sovereign Self-Defense
Leveraging Article 51 (UN Charter) for proactive security. A doctrinal shift from reactive response to a deterrent cross-border terror stance.
GS-3 Economy
🏭 SPECS: Electronics Boom
22 new projects approved for domestic component manufacturing. Aim: Radical reduction in Import Dependency on China/Vietnam.
Mapping:
Today’s study material highlights specific geographical locations that are crucial for your map-pointing practice:
1. The Aravalli Range (Ecological Barrier)
- Geographical Extent: It spans approximately 670 km across four states: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi.
- Strategic Importance: It serves as a vital ecological buffer, preventing the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert into the fertile Indo-Gangetic plains.
- The Crisis: Illegal mining and “mountain-crushing” have led to the disappearance of several hills, disrupting natural groundwater recharge for the Delhi-NCR region.
2. Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR)
- Infrastructure Milestone: The completion of the first mountain tunnel marks a major engineering feat in this corridor.
- NATM Technology: The use of the New Austrian Tunnelling Method is a significant technology transfer from Japan to India.
- Mapping Task: Identify the route connecting the financial capital (Mumbai) to the textile hub (Ahmedabad), passing through the sensitive terrains of Maharashtra and Gujarat.
3. Internal Security: IB and LoC
- Strategic Context: Following the policy statement on the Right to Self-Defense, the geography of the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC) becomes critical.
- Focus Area: Mapping sensitive launch pads and counter-terror nodes along the J&K and Punjab borders.
Mapping
Environmental
📍 Aravalli Range Focus
Extends across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, & Delhi. It functions as a strategic Ecological Buffer against Thar desertification and is vital for NCR aquifer recharge.
Task: Mark the ‘Green Wall’ stretch and identify major peaks like Guru Shikhar.
Infrastructure
🚅 MAHSR (Bullet Train) Corridor
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad route. Landmark: Completion of the first mountain tunnel using NATM Technology in the Palghar-Zaroli hilly stretch.
Task: Map the tunnel location near the Maharashtra-Gujarat border.
Internal Sec.
🛡️ IB & LoC Strategic Nodes
Critical border belts in J&K and Punjab. Mapping focus on sensitive zones in alignment with India’s Sovereign Right to Self-Defense policy.
Task: Visualize the Gurdaspur-Pathankot-Jammu strategic axis.