[Insights Secure – 2015] UPSC Mains Questions on Current Events, 30 January 2015

Archives – Secure 2015

30 January 2015

 Tomorrow’s Topic of GS-1: Indian Society, Class 12 Sociology, Revision (Last Three Chapters)

 

General Studies – 1

Topic: Population and associated issues;

1) India is moving towards third stage of demographic transition i.e. replacement-level fertility. Discuss. What measures can be adopted by government to stabilize the population at a faster pace? What are the reasons behind difference in fertility rates across the states? (200 Words) 

http://www.ncert.nic.in/NCERTS/textbook/textbook.htm?lesy1=2-7

 

Topic: Poverty and associated issues;

2)  “Poverty is clearly not a reason for falling sex ratio.” Elucidate. (200 Words) 

http://www.ncert.nic.in/NCERTS/textbook/textbook.htm?lesy1=2-7

 

Topic: Population and associated issues;

3) While the overall sex ratio has improved to 940 as compared to 933 in 2001, the child (0-6 years) sex ratio has shown an unabated decline since 1961. How do you explain this contradiction? (200 Words) 

http://www.ncert.nic.in/NCERTS/textbook/textbook.htm?lesy1=2-7

 

Topic: Social empowerment;

4) When we take land away from tribals, we take their life spirit. Discuss this statement in the light of forceful land acquisition in tribal areas since independence. Highlight the special provisions made for STs in the recent land acquisition act to protect their interests. (200 Words)

http://www.ncert.nic.in/NCERTS/textbook/textbook.htm?lesy1=3-7

 

General Studies – 2

 

Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation;

5)  India has an ambitious target of creating 100 smart cities. What are “Smart cities” and how does it help us to cope with the burgeoning urbanization in the country? (200 Words) 

http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/centre-to-meet-secretaries-on-jan-30-31-of-state-governments-to-finalise-concept-for-smart-cities-115012900600_1.html

 

Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implemention;

6) To what extent has the Consumer protection act succeeded in achieving its intended objective ? Critically analyze the recently proposed amendments to strengthen the act. (200 Words)

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/456083/changes-consumer-protection-act-devil.html

 

General Studies – 3

 

Topic: Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth;

 

7) If GAAR is not implemented properly it may result in “tax terrorism”.Examine how and its impact on Indian’s economy and ease of doing business? (200 Words) 

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/sending-the-right-signal/article6836457.ece

http://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/letters-a-transparent-tax-regime-115012901515_1.html

http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/tax-law-uncertainty-remains-a-concern-for-foreign-investors-115012900300_1.html

 

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation;

 

8) What are the various generation of bio-fuels? Why are the previous generation bio-fuels seen as threat to food security? How do 3rd generation bio-fuels manage to address those problems? (200 Words) 

http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/punjab-govt-plans-to-set-up-asia-s-first-bio-ethanol-refinery-115012901477_1.html

 

General Studies – 4

 

Topic: Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems;

9) As a senior public servant, what techniques would you adopt to influence and persuade your staff to maintain high ethical conduct in your organization? (150 Words)

General

 

Topic: Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information;

10) Recently, we have witnessed the trend of secret information leaks by anonymous persons with in the government to expose malpractices. Debate whether this act done with good intentions be considered as ethical. (150 Words) 

General