[Insights Secure – 2017] UPSC Mains Questions on Current Affairs: 02 March 2017
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STATIC Syllabus Timetable
General Studies – 1;
Topic: Changes in critical geographical features (including waterbodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes
1) The India Meteorological Department has forecast above-normal temperatures over much of India in the coming summer months. To which factors this phenomenon can be attributed? Examine the policy challenges this phenomenon would give rise to policymakers in India. (200 Words)
The Hindu
General Studies – 2
Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.
2) Discuss the observations made by Amnesty International’s latest annual report on the status of human rights around the world. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Topic: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability
3) In addition to existing anti-corruption institutions at the union level, what other recommendations does the second ARC make to fight corruption effectively in India? Critically comment on these recommendations. (200 Words)
2nd ARC 4th Report Chapter 4
General Studies – 3
Topic: Major crops – cropping patterns in various parts of the country,
4) Recently, the Chief Minister of Kerala met the Prime Minister seeking a greater allocation of rice to the State. Critically examine how and why cropping pattern in Kerala has changed in recent decades. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Topic: Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism; Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate
5) After a spate of terror attacks in Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan has launched a new counter-terrorism offensive, Raddul Fasaad. Critically examine how different is this strategy from its previous Zarb-e-Azb operation. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
6) Examine how antibiotic resistance problem can be fought using Big Data, especially in India. (200 Words)
Livemint
General Studies – 4
Topic: Attitude
7) What is ethical dualism? Comment on its relevance today. (150 Words)
The Hindu
Wikipedia
Topic: Ethics in governance; Challenges of corruption
8) The second ARC mentions that the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) of Hong Kong has produced exemplary results over the last quarter century by strengthening the ability of civil society to question corruption. Examine how has ICAC managed to achieve this feat. (150 Words)
2nd ARC 4th Report Chapter 5
Topic: Citizen charters
9) What is citizen charter? Discuss their importance in public administration. (150 Words)
2nd ARC 4th Report Chapter 5
Topic: Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration; Challenges of corruption
10) Briefly analyse some of systemic reforms needed to fight corruption in India. (150 Words)
2nd ARC 4th Report Chapter 6
