[Insights Secure – 2015] UPSC Mains Questions on Current Events, 06 February 2015

Archives – Secure 2015 06 February  2015  Tomorrow’s Topic of GS-1: India – People and Economy, Class 12 Geography, Unit – III (Chapter – 7 and 8)   General Studies – 1;  Topic: Distribution of key natural resources across the world; changes in critical geographical features (including water bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects …

10) The true measure of a democracy is the way it treats its minorities. Why do you think so? Analyse the statement in the context of recent attacks on Churches across the country.

Topic: Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity;  10) The true measure of a democracy is the way it treats its minorities.  Why do you think so? Analyse the statement in the context of recent attacks on Churches across the country. (200 Words) http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/church-attacks-rajnath-promises-impartial-probe/article6862724.ece

9) “The difference between the fourth estate (media) and real estate is blurring.” Why should media be held to higher ethical standards in a democracy? How can we fight the ills that have crept into Indian media? Analyse.

Topic: Information sharing and transparency in government; 9) “The difference between the fourth estate (media) and real estate is blurring.” Why should media be held to higher ethical standards in a democracy? How can we fight the ills that have crept into Indian media? Analyse. (200 Words) General

8) What are E-cigarettes? What are the potential health risks involved by smoking them ? How do these differ from the conventional cigarettes? Explain.

Topic:  Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life; 8) What are E-cigarettes? What are the potential health risks involved by smoking them ? How do these differ from the conventional cigarettes? Explain. (200 Words) http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/policy-and-issues/who-wants-regulation-on-ecigarettes/article6362889.ece http://www.bbc.com/news/health-31146418 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/E-cigarettes-found-to-be-harmful-for-immune-system/articleshow/46130704.cms

7) Solid Waste Management (SWM) requires a comprehensive approach from waste collection to disposal. What are the problems associated with SWM in the country? Give innovative solutions on to tackle the problems.

Topic:  Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life; 7) Solid Waste Management (SWM) requires a comprehensive approach from waste collection to disposal. What are the problems associated with SWM in the country? Give innovative solutions on to tackle the problems. (200 Words)  http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/residents-forced-to-leave-waste-in-plastic-bags-as-collectors-do-not-carry-containers/article6863715.ece

6) A Draft Civil Aviation policy by the central government aims to free the aviation sector from its ills. What are the problems plaguing the Civil Aviation Sector? How does the policy initiative aim to liberate the aviation sector? Examine.

Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc. 6) A Draft Civil Aviation policy by the central government aims to free the aviation sector from its ills. What are the problems plaguing the Civil Aviation Sector? How does the policy initiative aim to liberate the aviation sector? Examine. (200 Words) http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/civil-aviation-policy-to-get-delayed-again-as-industry-awaits-consensus-115020501144_1.html http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/government-framing-new-draft-civil-aviation-policy-safety-security-air-traffic-nda-upa/1/399858.html

5) Attempts to deflect serious criminal investigations undertaken by CBI, the country’s highest law enforcement agency, have to be dealt with seriously by the executive. What are the problems affecting the CBI and what are the institutional reforms needed to empower it?

Topic: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive. 5) Attempts to deflect serious criminal investigations undertaken by CBI, the country’s highest law enforcement agency, have to be dealt with seriously by the executive. What are the problems affecting the CBI and what are the institutional reforms needed to empower it? (200 Words) http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/the-price-of-indiscretion/article6862719.ece

4) “The India-US arrangement, although claimed to be “squarely within our [Indian] law,” constitutes “a risk-transfer mechanism and despite India’s latest yielding, the nuclear deal is unlikely to be operationalised any time soon.“ Critically analyse.

Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests; 4) “The India-US arrangement, although claimed to be “squarely within our [Indian] law,” constitutes “a risk-transfer mechanism and despite India’s latest yielding, the nuclear deal is unlikely to be operationalised any time soon.“ Critically analyse. (200 Words) http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/tangibles-and-imponderables-of-a-visit/article6862717.ece http://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/the-liability-risks-in-india-us-nuke-deal-have-been-transferred-to-indian-taxpayers/article1-1312969.aspx

3) Highlight the main features of Inter-linking of rivers (ILR) project while throwing light on the advantages it can incur to India. Also add a note on grounds which it is being opposed.

Topic: Distribution of key natural resources across the world; changes in critical geographical features (including water bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes; 3) Highlight the main features of Inter-linking of rivers (ILR) project while throwing light on the advantages it can incur to India. Also add a note on …

2) What is watershed management? Do you think it can play an important role in sustainable development? Discuss.

 Topic: Distribution of key natural resources across the world; changes in critical geographical features (including water bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes; 2) What is watershed management? Do you think it can play an important role in sustainable development? Discuss. (200 Words)  http://www.ncert.nic.in/NCERTS/textbook/textbook.htm?legy2=6-12