[Insights Secure – 2015] UPSC Mains Questions on Current Events: 19 December 2015

Archives – Secure 2015

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General Studies – 1;

Topic:World History

1) It is said that the student and workers protest across South African universities has highlighted the inequitable growth and racism that still exists even after 21 years of democratic rule. Critically examine the roots of apartheid, the movement against it and reasons why it still persists. (200 Words)

EPW

Topic: Indian culture, Globalisation

2) What do you understand by indigenous knowledge systems? Why do you think a gamut of local health traditions remained “local”, while Ayurveda that drew from them and formalised it became global? What are the characteristics that differentiate the local from the global? Analyse. (200 Words)

EPW

Topic: Population issues

3) In recent months a debate is going on claiming one religious community is outstripping other in terms of population growth. To what extent can religious or cultural differences explain differences in population growth? And to what extent can differences in incomes explain differences in fertility rates. Discuss. (200 Words)

Livemint

General Studies – 2

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

4) India has one of the lowest diffusion rates for broadband among the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa grouping, or BRICS. India has also been very slow in terms of the diffusion of mobile phone services. Examine recent trends and policy challenges that exist in increasing diffusion rate. (200 Words)

EPW

Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; Devolution of powers

5) “Apart from its aversion to understanding and confronting discrimination, the Rajbala vs State of Haryana, judgment suggests an underlying current of distrust towards democracy itself.” Critically analyse. (200 Words)

EPW

General Studies – 3