[Insights Secure – 2017] UPSC Mains Questions on Current Affairs: 8 September 2017
Click on EACH question to post/read answers.
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) It is said that the many environmental concerns and massive price tag of the river-interlinking project may outweigh its projected benefits. Do you agree? Discuss critically. (200 Words)
Livemint
General Studies – 2
Topic: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure
2) Can the Centre take recourse to Article 256, which empowers it to issue directions to the States, to put an end to the activities of vigilantes? Examine. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Topic: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability; E-governnce
3) Can the combination of the PMJDY, the JAM and the BHIM be called as social revolution? Critically examine. (200 Words)
The Hindu
General Studies – 3
Topic: Infrastructure; Economic growth
4) China has achieved some four decades of rapid economic growth. Is urbanization its source of growth? Compare with sources of India’s growth. (200 Words)
Livemint
Topic: Infrastructure – Railways
5) Why is Indian Railways (IR) not able to safely carry trains at 100 to 130 km/hr when railways elsewhere are carrying trains at a much higher speeds of 160 to 200 km/hr with the infrastructure and rolling stock based on the same technologies as IR’s? Also suggest measures to prevent railway accidents. (200 Words)
The Indian Express
Topic: Basics of cyber security
6) Recently, the government set up a five-member committee chaired by former Supreme Court judge, Justice (retd.) B.N. Srikrishna, to draw up a draft Data Protection Bill. Examine the significance of the Bill and the salient features on which its recommendations would be based. (200 Words)
The Hindu
General Studies – 4
70 Days ETHICS PLAN
Topic: Probity in Governance:
7) Why probity in public life is sine qua non these days? Discuss.(150 Words)
The Hindu
Topic: Probity in Governance:
8) In your opinion, what measures are required to be taken for ensuring probity in governance? Examine. (150 Words)
Reference
Note: Day after tomorrow there will be Case Study on the topic Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.
