Contemporary India

The Himalayas act as a barrier to the cold winds from Central Asia, keeping India warmer than other regions at similar latitudes. They also trap the monsoon winds, forcing them to shed their moisture content within the subcontinent, leading to heavy rainfall. This geographical feature significantly influences India's climate, agriculture, and water resources.

The Western Ghats are a continuous mountain range running parallel to the western coast of India, known for their high biodiversity and as a major source of rainfall in the region. The Eastern Ghats, on the other hand, are discontinuous and lower in height, running parallel to the eastern coast, and receive less rainfall. Both ranges are crucial for the ecological balance and water supply in their respective regions.

The Indian Constitution guarantees equality before the law and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion, ensuring secularism. It allows every citizen the freedom to profess, practice, and propagate any religion. The state does not have an official religion, maintaining a neutral stance towards all religions, which upholds the secular fabric of the nation.

The Indian monsoon is characterized by seasonal reversal of wind direction, bringing most of the country's annual rainfall during June to September. It is highly unpredictable, with variations in onset, duration, and intensity, affecting agriculture and water resources. The monsoon is crucial for India's economy, as a large portion of agriculture is rain-fed.

The Indian economy is described as a mixed economy because it combines elements of both capitalism and socialism. The government and private sector coexist, with the government controlling key sectors like defense and railways, while the private sector operates in others. This model aims to achieve balanced economic growth and social welfare.

The Planning Commission was responsible for formulating five-year plans to promote equitable economic growth and development across India. It assessed resources, allocated funds, and set targets for various sectors to ensure balanced regional development. In 2015, it was replaced by the NITI Aayog to foster cooperative federalism and innovative thinking.

The caste system historically divided Indian society into hierarchical groups, affecting social mobility and access to resources. Although the Constitution prohibits caste-based discrimination, it still influences marriage, occupation, and social interactions in many parts of India. Affirmative action policies aim to reduce inequalities, but challenges remain in achieving social integration.

Indian agriculture faces challenges like dependence on monsoon, small and fragmented landholdings, outdated farming techniques, and lack of access to credit and markets. Soil degradation, water scarcity, and climate change further exacerbate these issues. Addressing these challenges requires technological innovation, better infrastructure, and sustainable practices.

The service sector is the largest contributor to India's GDP, encompassing IT, banking, tourism, and healthcare. It has been the main driver of economic growth, employment, and foreign exchange earnings, especially through IT and software services. The sector's expansion reflects India's transition towards a more modern and diversified economy.

The Indian government has implemented laws like the Right to Education Act and the Maternity Benefit Act to promote gender equality. Initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao aim to improve female literacy and reduce gender discrimination. Reservation for women in local governance has also been a significant step towards empowering women politically.