February 10, 2016 by INSIGHTS

[Insights Secure – 2016] UPSC Mains Questions on Current Events: 10 February 2016

[Insights Secure – 2016] UPSC Mains Questions on Current Events: 10 February 2016

Archives – Secure 2015

Archives – Secure 2016

Click on EACH question to post/read answers.

General Studies – 1;

Topic:Role of women; Social empowerment

1) “Women are active agents of change. Real development is only possible with their economic empowerment.” Discuss any three areas where and why women empowerment is most needed to bring economic development in India. (200 Words)

General Studies – 2

Topic:India and its neighborhood- relations.

2) In the light of Pakistan’s active participation in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), TAPI gas pipeline, its improved relations with Iran and its role in Afghanistan peace process, it is argued that India is being bypassed in the region. Do you agree? What should be India’s approach to these regional issues? Critically comment. (200 Words)

Business Standard

Topic:Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure

3) “Unless the Supreme Court completes its unfinished agenda of limiting the scope for partisan federalism through the strong enforcement of neutral constitutional rules on the appointment of Governors and the exercise of their powers, there is little possibility that cooperative federalism can define Centre-State relations in India.” What do you understand by this statement? Explain. (200 Words)

Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health

4) Recently the Finance Ministry withdrew customs duty exemptions for 76 life-saving drugs. How will this decision affect patients and pharma companies in India? Examine. (200 Words)

General Studies – 3

Topic: Awareness in biotechnology

5) Recently government deferred decision on allowing commercial cultivation of GM mustard – DMH-11 (Dhara Mustard Hybrid 11) in India. Do you see merit in the arguments made against cultivation of GM food crops? Is Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) to be blamed for apprehensions on GM food crops? Critically comment. (200 Words)

Business Standard

Topic: Economic growth; Resource mobilization

6) “The Percy Mistry Committee (2007), the Raghuram Rajan Committee (2008) and the B.N. Srikrishna Committee (2013) add up to a full plan for structural banking regulation reforms, and need to be implemented.” Briefly discuss the recommendations of these committees and why it has become imperative to reform banking sector in India. (250 Words)

The Indian Express

Topic: Awareness in IT

7) Critically analyse the merits and demerits of zero rating policy. (200 Words)

The Indian Express

General Studies – 4

Topic:Lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders;

8) In your opinion, what are the essential qualities of a good leader? Illustrate through examples of past and present leaders. (200 Words)