The Big Picture – The New Economic Roadmap

Summary: In the upcoming budget, the Finance Minister is expected to announce subsidy cuts while allocating more for infrastructure. The government is willing reduce subsidies, estimated at around 2% of GDP, and transfer funds to other sectors. Falling oil prices have reduced the fuel subsidy bill and the government has roughly halved expenditure growth this …

Insights Daily Current Events, 24 January 2015

Insights Daily Current Events, 24 January 2015 Joint Declaration India and United States have signed a Joint Declaration of Intent for cooperation in the field of Information & Communications Technology and Electronics (ICTE). Details: This Joint Declaration of intent made for a period of next five years would help in strengthening industrial, technological, research & …

[Insights Secure – 2015] UPSC Mains Questions on Current Events, 24 January 2015

Archives – Secure 2015 24 January 2015 . Monday’s Topic of GS-1: Indian Society, Class 12 Sociology, Chapter 1 and 2 General Studies – 1 Topic: political philosophies like Communism, Capitalism, Socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society 1) “After the World War 2, the strategy of the West towards Soviet block crystallised as a ‘Policy of …

9) “Merely announcing Citizen’s charter will not change the way we function.Its important to create conditions for a responsive climate. “ Discuss the above statement in the context of Indian Administration.

Topic: Citizen’s Charter 9) “Merely announcing Citizen’s charter will not change the way we function.Its important to create conditions for a responsive climate. “ Discuss the above statement in the context of Indian Administration. (200 Words) General

8) “Market reform, investment subsidies, and better overall public service provision and good governance are the key to tap the huge potential of the Food processing industry in India.” In light of statement discuss the problems faced by the industry. Also suggest ways to address them.

Topic: Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.   8) “Market reform, investment subsidies, and better overall public service provision and good governance are the key to tap the huge potential of the Food processing industry in India.” In light of statement discuss the …

7) According to the latest NSSO survey data, about 52% of the agricultural households are in debt, which has increased over the past decade. What are the major reasons for the high indebtedness of the Indian Farmers? What initiatives are required to be taken in order to improve the situation at ground level?

Topic: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; 7) According to the latest NSSO survey data, about 52% of the agricultural households are in debt, which has increased over the past decade. What are the major reasons …

6) “The fact that Section 498-A is a cognizable and non-bailable offence has lent it a dubious place of pride amongst the provisions that are used as weapons rather than shield by disgruntled wives.” Critically analyse in the light of recent Supreme Court judgement.

Topic: Structure, organization and functioning of the Judiciary   6) “The fact that Section 498-A is a cognizable and non-bailable offence has lent it a dubious place of pride amongst the provisions that are used as weapons rather than shield by disgruntled wives.” Critically analyse in the light of recent Supreme Court judgement. (200 Words) http://www.epw.in/system/files/pdf/2014_49/52/Fallacies_of_a_Supreme_Court_Judgment.pdf

5) The state government’s inability to effectively enforce liquor prohibition in Manipur over the last two decades and its need for additional revenue has compelled it to mull over the option to lift the ban on alcohol in the state. How will such a decision impact the people and the state? Analyse the pro and cons of such a move keeping in mind the ground realities which exist in the state.

Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.   5) The state government’s inability to effectively enforce liquor prohibition in Manipur over the last two decades and its need for additional revenue has compelled it to mull over the option to lift the ban on alcohol …

4) ‘The politics of exclusion of a number of states by putting restrictions on people aspiring to contest local elections is unconstitutional and should be re-looked.’ In the light of recent laws passed by states, analyse how they affect the democratic nature of our polity.What should be done to achieve the desired objectives?

Topic: issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein. 4) ‘The politics of exclusion of a number of states by putting restrictions on people aspiring to contest local elections is unconstitutional and should be re-looked.’ In the light of recent laws passed by states, analyse how they affect the …

3) “The end of the political blockade by the United States allows Cuba a rare opportunity to renew socialism.” What had led to the Cuban Missile crisis? How will the recent developments towards thawing of mutual animosity impact the Geo-political and Economic interests of both the nations.

Topic: political philosophies like Communism, Capitalism, Socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society 3) “The end of the political blockade by the United States allows Cuba a rare opportunity to renew socialism.” What had led to the Cuban Missile crisis? How will the recent developments towards thawing of mutual animosity impact the Geo-political and Economic interests …

2) “The story of “Bhopal” – of the 30 years of disaster – is not that of corporate crime alone but also that of the nexus between national governments and transnational corporations; of state and capital.” Discuss

Topic: Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country. 2) “The story of “Bhopal” – of the 30 years of disaster – is not that of corporate crime alone but also that of the nexus between national governments and transnational corporations; of state and capital.” Discuss (200 Words) http://www.epw.in/commentary/parent.html