[Insights Secure – 2016] UPSC Mains Questions on Current Events: 13 May 2016
Archives – Secure 2016
Click on EACH question to post/read answers.
General Studies – 1;
Topic: Communalism; Social empowerment
1) According to 2014 NCRB data, Muslims have the highest non-convict to convict prisoner ratio in the country and in most states. Do Muslims in India suffer a bias when it comes to imprisonment and conviction? Analyse. (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) Briefly discuss the history of the Supreme Court’s decision in the S.R. Bommai v. Union of India case (1994). In your opinion, how should the President handle matters related to Article 356 of the Indian Constitution? Critically comment. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education, Human Resources.
3) Direct intervention in schools by ensuring that children have access to safe, hygienic and regularly maintained toilets is said to increase their attendance and engagement. How it can be done? What are other benefits of such interventions? Discuss. (200 Words)
Business Standard
General Studies – 3
Topic: Disaster management
4) Examine how the Disaster Management Act, 2005 can be useful in drought mitigation as well as in assessment, planning and relief in drought hit regions. Recently, the Supreme Court directed the Centre to formulate a National Plan on mitigation and crisis management, and standardise the methodology for declaring a drought. Do you think it’s an act of judicial overreach? Comment. (250 Words)
The Hindu
Topic: Environmental pollution; Infrastructure
5) India has committed to “intended nationally determined contributions” (INDCs) to limit or reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by 2030. What are the challenges it faces in achieving INDCs? Does opting only for renewable sources help achieve this goal? Examine. (200 Words)
Livemint
Topic: Infrastructure – telecommunications
6) Recently, the Supreme Court struck down the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s decision asking service providers to compensate subscribers for dropped calls. Why penalty is regarded as not a solution to the call-drop problem? Examine. (200 Words)
Business Standard
General Studies – 4
Topic: Ethics and Human Interface
7) “The health ministry’s draft Bill permitting passive euthanasia, or withholding medical treatment or a life support system required to keep a terminally ill patient alive, should be broadly welcomed.” Discuss why, especially on what ethical and moral grounds. (150 Words)
Business Standard
