Globalisation and Indian Society — Practice Questions
UPSC-pattern practice questions on globalisation and Indian society: concepts, thinkers, the gig economy, livelihood rights and Mains answer frameworks.
Questions
These are original UPSC-pattern practice questions. Attempt each one before revealing the answer.
In which one of the following cases did the Supreme Court hold that the right to livelihood is an integral part of the right to life under Article 21?
Solution
Olga Tellis (1985) — the pavement dwellers case. Maneka Gandhi (1978): procedure must be fair, just and reasonable. Francis Coralie Mullin (1981): the right to live with human dignity. Vishaka (1997): sexual harassment at the workplace.
Answer: B
Which one of the following best describes the informalisation of the workforce?
Solution
Informalisation is the growth of work without formal protections — written contracts, paid leave, social security — including contract and gig work inside formal enterprises. Option B is structural transformation; C is the opposite trend; D is reverse migration.
Answer: A
With reference to the International Day of Yoga, consider the following statements:
- It was proclaimed by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly.
- It is observed on 21 June.
- It was first observed in 2015.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Solution
All three are correct. The UN General Assembly adopted the resolution in December 2014; the day is observed on 21 June; the first observance was in 2015. It is a standard example of globalisation carrying Indian culture outward.
Answer: D
Consider the following pairs:
| Term | Associated thinker |
|---|---|
| 1. McDonaldisation | George Ritzer |
| 2. Glocalisation | Roland Robertson |
| 3. Global village | Anthony Giddens |
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
Solution
Pairs 1 and 2 are correct. Pair 3 is incorrect — “global village” is Marshall McLuhan’s phrase. Giddens described globalisation as the intensification of worldwide social relations.
Answer: C
Mains
How has globalisation affected the family and the position of the elderly in India? Discuss.
Solution
Introduction: Globalisation has changed where and how Indians work — through migration, service jobs and digital technology — and this has reshaped the family.
Body:
- Family structure: more nuclear and dual-career households; transnational families with members abroad; later marriages.
- Elderly — gains: remittances, better medical technology, financial products, digital connection with children.
- Elderly — costs: out-migration of the young leaves “left-behind” parents; weakening joint-family care; loneliness; rising health costs; most elderly lack pensions.
- Responses: Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007; NSAP pensions; PM-JAY; community and day-care centres.
Conclusion: Globalisation has loosened family structures without yet building public care systems. A care economy and social security for the old are the necessary complements.
The platform economy offers flexibility but not security. Examine the social implications of the rise of gig work in India and suggest measures to protect gig workers.
Solution
Introduction: NITI Aayog (2022) estimated about 77 lakh gig workers in 2020-21 and projected about 2.35 crore by 2029-30. Platform work is a direct product of globalised technology and capital.
Body:
- Opportunities: low entry barriers; flexible hours for students, women and second earners; income for urban migrants; formal digital payment trails.
- Social implications: income volatility; no paid leave, pension or health cover by default; algorithmic control and rating pressure; road-safety risks for delivery riders; weak collective bargaining; blurred line between “partner” and “employee”.
- Legal developments: Code on Social Security, 2020 defines gig and platform workers; Rajasthan’s 2023 Act sets up a welfare board; Union Budget 2025-26 announced e-Shram registration and PM-JAY cover.
- Measures: portable social security funded by platform contributions; minimum earnings and transparency in algorithms; grievance redress; accident insurance; skilling pathways to stable jobs.
Conclusion: The goal is to keep the flexibility of platform work while adding a floor of security — consistent with Article 21’s right to livelihood and Article 43’s promise of decent conditions of work.