[Insights Secure – 2015] UPSC Mains Questions on Current Events, 19 January 2015

Archives – Secure 2015

19 January 2015

Monday’s Topic for GS-1: Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Class – XI, Units Four (Chapters 3 and 4)

General Studies – 1

Topic: geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including water bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes

1. Discuss the mechanism by means of which the atmosphere is able to maintain its heat-balance. Is the atmosphere getting progressively hotter, and if so, why? (200 Words)

NCERT

Topic: changes in critical geographical features (including water bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes

2. “ The chemistry of the Antarctic polar vortex has created severe ozone depletion “. What is  Polar Vortex ? How does it explain the absence of An Arctic Hole as compared to a more prominent  Antarctic Hole? (200 Words)

Reference

Reference

Reference

Topic: geographical features

3. Write short notes on the following in 100 words each:-

• Inversion of Temperature
• Mountain & Valley Breezes

NCERT

General Studies – 2

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

4. Women empowerment is not possible without involving them in decision-making at all levels. Suggest measures to achieve the same. (200 Words)

Business Standard

The Hindu

Topic: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies

5. Autonomy of censor board has its direct bearing on the protection of freedom of speech and expression in the country. Elucidate. Suggest measures to improve the functioning of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in the light of recent controversies. (200 Words)

The Hindu

Topic:  Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests;

6. Highlight the importance of United States to the Indian growth story. What are the irritants in the relationship between two countries? Comment on them. (200 Words)

Business Standard

The Hindu

General Studies – 3 

Topic:  Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment; Disaster & Disaster Management

7. Modern India has a lot to learn from the traditional water management from the past. Explain in what ways this can be done with special focus on water harvesting and disaster management. (200 Words)

Business Standard

Reference

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.

8. The finance minister of India called GST as the biggest tax reform measure since independence. Analyse the benefits that can incur to the Indian economy with its introduction. (200 Words)Business StandardReference

The Hindu

General Studies – 4

Topic:- Human Values-Lessons from the lives of great leaders, reformers & Administrators

9. Given below are quotations and for each of these bring out what it means to you in present context in about 150 words each:(a) “When a man assumes a public trust, he should consider himself as public property” – Thomas Jefferson.(b) “Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws.” – Plato

General

Topic:- ethical issues in international relations

10. Do you think it is ethical to spy a friendly country to serve one’s national interests ? Substantiate your stance with suitable examples. (150 Words)

The Hindu