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Q.1) What is Special 301 report? Why is India kept in the Priority Watch List, in
this report? Discuss the various IPR issues and their role in promoting foreign
investment in India.
Background: IPR issue is one of the most trending segments of World news in contemporary
times especially between India and USA. Apart from Pharma issues, there are other areas to
look upon
Theme of the Question:
First two parts are very easy and direct. You shouldnt waste more than 80 words there. Second
part is the most important one. When we talk about IPR issues, here in Indian context, most of
you have written only about ongoing issues.
This is a simple question to answer, as the structure of the answer can be found in the question
itself. Just answering one paragraph on each sub-question will bring out a very logical, coherent
structure to the answer.
Start off with what the Special 301 report is and who makes it. And then explain what the
Priority Watch List is all about, after which explaining why India is a part of it.
Then the report gives a list of IPR issues regarding India. Discussing about those issues and then
commenting if that would be a problem for the foreign investment should suffice for this
question.
For India, there is no National IPR Policy or Law for addressing IPR other than Patent Law. And
hence many other domains falling under TRIPS gets unaddressed due to lack of clarity on
technical issues. One line conclusion regarding a robust national law to deal with IPR issues
would be very good.
The Top Answer for this question is written by Somesh
Ans) Special Report 301 is prepared annually by the Office of US Trade Representative
reviewing IPR laws in various economies. India is in the Priority List because US observes that
Indian Patent Law is inadequate, hindering entry of US companies relying on innovation.
Various IPR issues highlighted by the Report:
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Audio-Visual content piracy over wireless, cable, media devices and CDs
Section 3(d) of Patent Law says, mere innovation of new drugs not patent-worthy unless
there is significant enhancement of efficacy (Glivec/Novartis)
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Does not take into account various vulnerable groups such as women and senior citizen
and low castes.
Does not address the concerns of population marginally above the poverty line.
Not revised at regular intervals to take care of changing trends in consumption basket.
Eg: As per UNDPs Multi Dimensional Poverty Index, approximately 52% of the Indians would be
poor.
Is the controversy justified? Not entirely
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Dandekar and Rath Committee 1971: First calorie based poverty line. Uniform for rural
and urban areas.
Alagh Committee 1979 : calorie based. Separate for rural and urban areas.
Tendulkar committee- 2009 : uniform poverty line. Reduced the weightage given to
calories. Updated the consumption basket. Which increased the number of poor falling below
poverty line.
Q.3) Discuss the major weaknesses in agricultural price policy of India. Suggest
suitable remedial measures.
This is a direct question. Two parts. But then again, if you point of 5 weaknesses then remedial
measures should address them for sure. You shouldnt mention A as weakness and the then
give remedy for Z which was not at all your point of discussion. Take care of these small writing
tricks.
The Top Answer for this question is written by BS
Ans) Indias agricultural pricing policy have two-fold objective: supporting farmers through MSP
and ensuring affordable price for consumers by providing food grains through PDS.
Major weaknesses and their consequence:
MSP:
It does not take into consideration the fact that cultivation cost vary from region to
region: For example they are higher in Punjab, Haryana due to high wage, land value & end up
creating dissatisfaction among farmers.
PDS:
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Fuels inflation.
Price subsidies can distort markets in ways that ultimately hurt the poor as pointed out
by Economic survey.
Remedial measures:
Reforms in agricultural policy that is making it more market oriented based on supply-demand
logic will not only avert market distortion but also provide us with more capital to reinvest in
ensuring food security, high yield and framer prosperity.
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Q.5) Critically evaluate the utility of the JAM initiative in facilitating financial
inclusion.
Direct Question- Evaluation is the key here. What is Evaluation?
It means to estimate or determine the nature, value, quality, ability, extent, or significance of
anything.
Now here the crux is JAM Trinity and that too critically Break the theme of evaluation into
Nature, Value, Quality, Ability, Extent and significance associated with JAM trinity. When you
talk about JAMs Value (positive), at the same time talk about its negative value. This is critical
evaluation. Same for others like ability, extent and significance and there is your answer
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Q.7) How is the multi-brand FDI relevant from food-processing point of view?
Critically comment.
The Top Answer for this question is written by Sepoy No. 1446
Ans) Introduction of Multi-brand FDI in retail has been a topic of debate in India. The term
retail is closely related to food processing. Majority of Indians buy agro-processed products
like packaged milk, pickles, vegetables, fruits, jam, breads etc from local vendors and kirana
shops. Loss of employment to such people remains central to the given debate.
Other concerns of multi-brand FDI are: monopolistic market tendencies, higher prices in future,
unfavorable competition for small and medium enterprises etc.
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Q.8)What are the roles of skill development, training and entrepreneurship for
both post-harvest management and food processing industry? Examine.
The Top Answer for this question is written by Rahul Agarwal
Ans) Post harvest management are the set of activities from the harvest of crops to their
placement for marketing to final consumers eg sorting and grading, cold storages, cold chain
etc. On the other hand food processing means any activity to boost the value of food product.
This may be to increase shelf life like pickles, enhancing taste like pulpy juices or ease of
cooking like ready made batters
In face of wastage of almost 25% of food products in transit to markets and lowering incomes
from farm produce, it is imperative to boost the post harvest management and food processing
activities .For this, skill development, training and entrepreneurship plays a key role.
Role of skill Development:
Most of the workers in these two sectors have shifted from the agricultural sector. Thus, they
lack the basic skiils for effective harvest management and food processing. There are institutes
like NIFTEM to augment the skills of such people
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Q.9) Although India is the second largest producer of food in the world, but its
share in worlds expots is very low despite its inherent strength in tea, spices
and rice. Why?
The Top Answer for this question is written by Harshit Ladva
Ans) India has made significant progress in achieving food security after green revolution but
Indian Food exports are far from being significant due to following reasons
1) Domestic Demand : Indias first priority is meeting domestic demands and hence exports are
given second priority.
2) Packaging and Processing Indias sub-standard packaging industry and few scattered
processing industries restricts Value-added food exports. Ex Banana and other fruits are
exported to Bangladesh and Myanmar from Assam & Arunachal Pradesh but re-enter in India as
canned foods.
3) Less Productivity of Farm-lands Indian farms are less productive comparatively due to
fragmented holding , rain-fed irrigation , low mechanisation and pest infestation. This limits
farm produces.
4) Policy measures Govs policy to increase export duties to combat domestic food inflation.
eg :- hike in export duties for Onion and Pulses.
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Q.13) Has the Drugs and Cosmetics Act been stretched far beyond its breaking
point? Suggest a way forward for its much-needed overhaul.
It is a direct question dealing with the issues still present as a patch on the bill and the various
lacunae that it still hosts.
You should mention about the efficacy and effectiveness, Clinical trials, Challenges of the
Fixed Dose Combination Drugs (number of approvals + WHO guidelines).
The much needed overhaul requires one to provide inputs to strengthen the countrys drug
regulatory system.
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Given the increasing size and scope of the Pharma sector, there is a need to revamp it in tune
with changing times.
Q.14) Is green the colour of growth? Comment in the light of the US-India
energy relationship.
One should write about Green being the present colour of growth as the central THEME, in
the first part of the question as it will help one stick to the question asked and will help provide
a proper framework to the question.
In the conclusion, a short analysis of how does the world see this cooperation or how important
it holds for the other States to follow the same should be written to give it a complete picture.
While commenting, you need to bring the other side of this as well. Whether Green is the color
of growth? Hint- Indias major energy dependency is still on the non-green side.
The relationship grew from a normal energy dialogue in 2005 to promotion of clean
energy
A joint R&D center has been established to research on clean energy and connect policy
makers and industrialists in both countries.
A clean energy promoting fund called PACE setter fund has been established.
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US vowed to reing its emmission and we are trying to come up with workable figures of
INDC to be adhered to
The above ind0-US energy relationship definitely makes a case for clean and greene nergy.But
on the downside our growth cannot be all the green because
We are still a developing country and green growth I costly.This would deter out process
of development.
US is developed and it can afford green growth whereas india cannot.SO US-India
relationship in energy and their emphasis on less pollution should be taken with a pinch of salt.
Overall though green definitely is the colour of growth,it should occur gradually for India.
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Q.15) India has been attempting to promote high technology industries. What
do you mean by high technology industries? Examine with the help of recent
examples if India is capable of walking down this path.
Features should be written about High-tech industries as it forms the base of this question.
This question has to be answered with the examination of the recent strides taken by India and
so one needs to restrict oneself with the deficiencies which can just be lightly put in the
conclusion, as issues to be worked upon to achieve the same.
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2.
3.
Indias traditional PSU model to promote high tech industries has largely failed to deliver good
results. But recent examples have given a more optimistic view in this regard:
1.
ISRO With the emphatic success of its Mars Mission and rapidly improving satellite
launch technology has become the cynosure of all eyes. It is now launching satellites for other
advanced countries
2.
Pharmaceutical Industry Indian generic drug makers showcase our skills in frugal
reverse engineering. They have huge demands in African countries where drug delivery is scare.
Additionally, India has strong core engineering skills that have huge scope in semiconductor
chip design, computing etc. To illustrate, 1/4th of all engineers at Intel are Indian. But the
positive signs arent without certain caveats:
1.
Capital investment is hard to come by domestically. Advanced countries attach
conditionalities to their funding with an aim to derail Indias attempts at high tech industries. A
clear policy and tough stand at WTO is needed on Indias part to prevent cases like dumping of
cheap mobiles by China into India markets.
2.
Retention of local talent and promoting to original R&D work to prepare a strong
domestic base.
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Q.16) Discuss the modernization initiatives that will help the Indian Navy to
become a Blue Water Navy.
The Top Answer is written by Ashish Tiwari
Ans) Blue water navy has the capability to conduct military operations in deep sea which
conventional green water navy is unable to perform due to lower capacity of warships and
submarines. It implies force protection from sub-surface, surface and airborne threats and a
sustainable logistic reach. An Array of modernization initiatives is required to realize the true
potential of blue water navy.
1.
Aircraft Carrier: Currently India operates INS Vikramaditya and INS Viraat, while INS
Vikrant is expected to be commissioned in 2018. However, it is imperative for a blue water navy
to manufacture its own aircraft carrier. This ensures the quick availability of components in war
times.
2.
Submarines: Indigenously built Nuclear powered submarines INS Arihant is a major
achievement however indigenization efforts should be strengthened to minimise dependence
on key imported equipments.
3.
Amphibious transport dock: Necessary for carrying troops to distant warzones. India
currently has INS Jalashwa (Imported).
4.
Battleships: Can perform short term operations in Deep Ocean and can support aircraft
carrier by supplying logistics.
5.
Expediting procurement process: Long procurement cycle results in delivery of obsolete
equipment.
FDI in defense, Make in India, Skill India program, New Defense procurement plan,
Improvement in bilateral relation with US, Israel, France are other areas through which India
can become an effective global Blue Water Navy.
Q.17) Gene Therapy offers a wide range of prospects for humans. Comment.
The Top Answer for this question is written by Maari
Ans) Gene therapy is a form of therapy that involves inserting one or more corrective genes
that have been designed in the laboratory, into the genetic material of a patients cells to cure a
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Huge Talent Pool: Visible from the number of Indians working in NASA, Microsoft, etc
Challenges:
1.
Although some institutes are among top 200 universities, higher educational system is
not very conducive.
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4.
Initiatives like Make in India, Skill India are good but the cuts in education budget and
lack of resources in R&D needs attention.
With more research centric initiatives and policy reforms, India can surely become the
knowledge capital of the world.
It will reduce import dependence, contain fiscal deficit and provide the fiscal space.
2.
3.
Help achieve Indias international commitments and strengthen its global image
4.
Cleaner air helps in various other fronts : reduce health vulnerability, social security
strengthened, a healthy demography will certainly contribute more to GDP.
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The way forward should be a gradual shift to these alternates by infrastructure development
and R&D.
Some suggestions are augmentation of implementing BS5 norms, taxing the diesel guzzling
SUVs and reducing taxes on hybrid fuel efficient cars, linking insurance with vehicular pollution,
charging cess to upgrade technical capabilities of refineries, increase ethanol blending
(committee recommends 20% blending by 2017), replicate CNG success story across the
country. Energy security and environment degradation for India are alarming issues and
immediate effective steps has to be taken to tackle them.
Q.22) Conservation is best achieved by those who know the forest. In the light
of the statement, critically discuss the present status and issues related with
Forest Right Act.
The Top Answer for this question is written by Sepoy No 1446
Ans) Forest rights Act 2006 was an attempt to compensate for the historical injustices done
to to tribal people by recognizing their rights over forest land and conserve forests at the same
time.The act recognizes two type of land rights:
1.
2.
Once the rights are granted, no unauthorized development can take place. This way it provides
livelihood security to indigenous people which in turn ensure conservation of forests.
However the implementation of acts has been less than satisfactory. Major reasons can be
attributed to lack of awareness about FRA rights, bureaucratic resistance, political and
corporate lobbying and procedural complexities. Under the act CFR claims first go to Gram
Panchayat which has been given authority to examine and approve such claims. After GP
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Environment vs Development
The committees differ fundamentally on their recommendations. As the recommendations
were debated as an environment vs development issue; Gadgil report is viewed as pro
environment and anti development; on the other hand Kasthurirangan report is viewed as pro
development and anti environment.
Gadgil committe demarcate The entire Western Ghat as Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) by
severely restricting developmental and other livelihood activities. where as Kasthurirangan
committee demarcates only 37% as ESA and restricting only highly damaging activities. This is
the fundamental difference. Which makes the latter a diluted version of the former.
Environment vs People
Environment protection is undoubtedly of prime importance but the ground reality should also
be considered. Abandoning power projects will be counter productive if alternatives are not in
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Though CZMAs have been performing well in taking actions against violations but its
performance is affected by factors like
1) Members have been mostly working part-time, with their role in the CZMA being an
additional responsibility.
2) Low inter-departmental coordination.
3) Lack of public interface for redressing grievances of coastal communities.
4) Low allocation of funds.
5) Irregular conduct of meetings.
CZMA can play an important role in balancing Indias quest for development and environmental
concerns.
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Q.26) Liberty requires both security and privacy. Critically evaluate the scope
of Internet governance in ensuring the same.
The Top Answer for this question is written by Sepoy No 1446
Ans) Absolute liberty creates chaos and hence no state can allow it. In the era of internet and
digital revolution, the concept of liberty has become more fragile, complicated and challenging.
Two important aspects of this liberty needs to be analyzed:
Digital privacy: Impersonal nature of interactions in digital world acts as an incentive for third
party to hack the data and look into private, sensitive information. Individual privacy can be in
form of blackmail with compromising data exchanged over chats and email
exchanges.Corporate privacy can be related to leakage of patented technology and crucial
company data which can put companies at a loss
Digital security: It includes cyber hacking, virus attack, controlling government websites,
breakdown of the national defence servers etc. These have wider security implications.
Hence, internet governance needs to ensure both. Internet governance includes these aspects.
For examples:
Companies like Google, Facebook, twitter and their privacy policy will come under the
purview.
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1.
2.
National Defense University and Think Tank for knowledge and training in
defense and for policy formulations on internal security.
3.
6.
7.
Setup Special Forces: Under the command of CoSC to enhance special warfare
capabilities, on the lines of US Navy Seals.
In the wake of recent attacks, like the one in Manipur, it is of paramount importance to revisit
our defense capabilities and strengthen it to tackle future strategic threats.
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Q.31) What are the components and functions of NDMA? Discuss the structural
and functional bottlenecks of NDMAs work in the past few years.
The Top Answer for this question is written by Ranjeeth
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Q.32) Write a short note on Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
The Top Answer for this question is written by Ravi
Ans) Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction is the first major agreement of the post
2015 development agenda adopted by the Third UN World Conference which consists of four
priorities for actions to achieve seven broad global targets.
It not only reemphasizes the principles of Good Governance that State has a primary role in
reducing the disaster risk and gearing up all sections of society in disaster management but also
emphasizes that other stakeholders like private sectors to be involved in response
preparedness.
Four priorities for Action :
1)Understanding the risk
2)Strengthening governance to manage Disaster risk
3) Investing for resilience from disaster risk
4) Enhancing Disaster preparedness for rehabilitation and reconstruction
Global Targets include reducing mortality, economic and infrastructural loss,damage due to
disaster and international cooperation to developing countries.
India has declared to implement the framework where it includes integrated and inclusive
institutional measures to work towards
1) Preventing vulnerability to disasters
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Q.33) What is a disaster? Examine the aspect of National Calamity and the
reason for it being in news.
The Top Answer for this question is written by SK
Ans) Disaster A disaster is a natural hazard that causes great loss to human life and economy.
It could be man-made or natural. It may include mishap, catastrophe, calamity or any grave
occurrence.
National Calamity The Disaster Management act do not define anything as National
Calamity. But the idea was developed when Tenth Finance Commission recommended setting
up of a national fund for calamity of rare severity. Central govt is supposed to fund the state
for rehabilitation purposes, when such calamities of rare severity occurred. This has been
modified as national calamity over time.
The National Calamity was recently in news because of Hudhud cyclone that hit the eastern
coastal states in 2014. There was a demand to declare the calamity as national calamity.
If it were declared, then the central govt has to fully fund the state for rehabilitation. This can
be done by imposing surcharges on corporate tax and income tax to fill the gaps in National
Disaster Response Fund. Citizens are expected to oblige the measures of govt to raise funds,
since it is their Fundamental Duty to render service to the nation when called upon to do so.
Hence, there is a need to insert national calamity provision into Disaster Management act, so
that there can be a guaranteed assistance to states in times of severe natural calamities.
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Way Forward:
Diversification into specialized cells for the NDMA and SDMA to improve response times
Stringent steps for approvals of new constructions and strengthening of existing building
codes
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a) Ham Radio
The Top Answer for this question is written by Manpreet Kaur Mankoo
Ans) Ham radio is a reliable, effective two way communicating mode that can be used across
the globe (even in space) wirelessly and inexpensively.
It can be of great benefit during emergencies and communication blackouts. It played a
significant role during the Quit India Movement. It has also been used voluntarily for
downloading, decoding and issuing weather satellite signals on internet.
It was recently used by Indian hams to connect with hams in Nepal during the Nepal
earthquake.
However, involved policies and lengthy procedures hinder the growth of ham radio that needs
to be made online for hastening the license process.
1.
1.
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4.
Inward FDI in India focuses more on horizontal expansion (market seeking), rather than
vertical expansion (export seeking)
5.
1991 LPG reforms could liberalize product market policies, but factory market policies
related to land and labour are still rigid and restrictive
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Q.38) In the present scenario, what are the challenges faced by India in the area
of Skill Development? How can we overcome these challenges?
The Top Answer for this Question is written by Maari
Ans) In India,Skill Development plays a crucial role in tapping the demographic dividend.The
challenges faced in the present scenario in this area are:
1)Quantitative dimension :Population entering in to the labour force(12.8 million per annum) is
much greater than availability of training institutes(4.3 million per annum) and also lack of
certified trainers.
2)Qualitative dimension:Demand-supply mismatch, the shortage of skilled workforce results in
loss of productivity.
3)Lack of Vocational Training:Just over 1 in 10 adults received training.89.2% of the target
population did not receive any training(NSSO data)
4)Lack of Private Investment: In spite of private sector showing interest ,its investment is not in
proportionate to its potential.
5)Social Status:Social status applied to white collar jobs (eg: like IT,Banking) is making young
population averse to blue collar jobs eg(Plumber, carpenter) leaving huge gaps in this sector.
The measures need to be taken to overcome this challenges are
1)Modification in the education curriculum and certifications to make it inline with industry
demands.
2)Emphasis on vocational training,MSME,entrepreneurship
3)WIth more Infrastructural support and optimum use of technology to access the left out
areas.
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Q.39) How will the National Agriculture Market contribute to the minimum
export prices?
The Top Answer for this Question is written by DPT
Ans) National Agricultural Market which would integrate all the existing Agricultural Produce
Market Committees (APMCs) across the country through an online platform.
Minimum export price is the minimum price fixed by the government for exporting a good, this
tool protects national interests and checks domestic inflation.
Advantages:
1) The online platform would allow the bulk buyers, processor and exporters to participate
directly in trading at the local mandi- which would reduce cost of transaction.
2) IT would ensure timely delivery and settlements of payment.
3) It would increase transparency and break the nexus between Mandi and APMC which was
long restricting any reforms.
4) Improve supply chain and reduced wastages will further contribute to less minimum export
prices.
5) Private markets will also be allowed access thereby enhancing its outreach.
6) The producer will have improved access to market related information and competitive
marketing platform.
7) It would also increase his access to markets through warehouse based sales.
8) It will check fragmentation of State into multiple market areas and multiple levy of mandi
fees resulting in acceleration of prices.
9) The real time change in price of produce through an online National market will help
government check food based inflation by fixing the minimum export price at higher level
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Q.40) Should India use both the indices, CPI and WPI, for inflation measurement
and inflation targeting? Give your arguments and substantiate.
The Top Answer for this Question is written by Jeandreze
Ans) Inflation remains a major parameter to determine the economic wellness of the nation. Of
various indices, CPI and WPI have been widely used for the following advantages:WPI
The index does not fluctuate often therefore is a stable parameter for policy making.Moreover,
the index has Pan India approach.The index helps to understand the issues faced by industry as
the sales tax etc are exluded from it
CPI
The daily economic fluctuations vary from region to region . Moreover, they hit the different
sections of the society in different manner.Therefore, CPI is calculated as per rural, urban ,
industrial workers and labour. Food, fuel prices may vary continuously therefore they are more
of concern to the consumers.
But these indices suffer from some shortfalls. The services sector is not included in WPI index
and is partially represented in CPI. When this sector is a major contributor of the GDP then
excuding it will not give us the real picture. The imported goods are also not included in CPI
India can use both the indices depending on the purpose it serves.Urjit Patel Committee has
however suggested to target CPi to 4% as they are directly hitting the consumers.But other
indices eg GDP deflator, PPI are also useful to reflect other inflation components.
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Q.42) The global crude oil prices are on downturn due to shale exploration and
other geo-political factors. How will it affect rural economy of India?
The Top Answer for this Question is written by Annapurna Garg
Ans) Crude oil prices have seen an unprecedented fall in prices in recent time driven by various
factors such as shale exploration, economic slowness in Europe and China, increase in crude
production by Saudi Arabia and recently concluded pact with Iran. It is a major event in global
platform which has important ramifications for India rural economy.
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Thus, international events have affected many lives in varied ways. National policy should aim
at leveraging the opportunity and minimising the adverse affects.
Q.43) The condition of farm sector and farmers is stubbornly stagnated despite
several support measures. What could be the possible reasons for it? Analyze
each reason and suggest alternative, if any.
The Top Answer for this Question is written by Monk Who Sold His Nano
Ans) Despite employing highest share of workforce, agriculture is the slowest growing sector.
The following reasons may be cited for stagnationHistorical
1.
a) British exploitation of farmers due to cash crops and famines of 60s made
government averse to commercial farming and only cereals were targeted under green
revolution. Having resolved the hunger problem cereals still remain the priority of our
agricultural production
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2.
b) electricity, internet and in some cases even telecom networks dont reach villages.
3.
Institutional
1.
2.
b) lower yields of farms due to promotion of unscientific practices and poor
infrastructure
3.
c) the disparity based approach (growth pole approach) adopted during Green
revolution is being persisted
4.
Alternate solutions1.
a) financial inclusion (JAM trinity + post offices as small banks + kisan credit cards +
insurance cover)
2.
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5.
e) initiating contract farming for commercial crops + NAM (reduce hegemony of APMCs)
Q.44) Few economists have argued that the frequent policy cut by RBI will
further draw chasm between rich and poor. Do you agree?
The Top Answer for this Question is written by The Rock
Ans) Policy cuts by RBI promote private investments and consumer spending , which may cause
inflation. Thus, arguments that frequent policy cuts by RBI will further draw chasm between
rich and poor needs consideration
Arguments for policy cuts
1.
2.
Increases government revenues via taxation , thus reducing fiscal deficit and increases
spending on welfare schemes and subsidies
3.
Cheaper credit to farmers and MSMEs , where most of the poor are employed
4.
Higher growth has led to reduction in poverty from 37 to 22% since 1991
Arguments against
1.
Inflation impacts the poor most adversely because of limited consumer spending
choices
2.
Excessive borrowing increases Non performing assets of banks, thus reducing credit flow
towards poor
3.
Decreases savings rate in banks, which is the only source of investment for poor
4.
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Q.45) Payments banks are the new buzzword in the banking sector. Comment
on its need, objective and potential.
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fertiliser subsidy has helped farmer to reduce input costs. But after the decontrol
except urea, it has led to skewed nutrient levels in soil.
o
electricity subsidy has led to power wastage and lowered water levels.
MSP has worked well mostly for rice and wheat farmers at the expense of
others.
interest subvention on loans and loan waivers provides much relief to farmers.
But it causes the banks reluctant to lend to farmers.
o
3.
Infrastructural improvements like irrigation through schemes like Accelerated irrigation
benefits program have increased the area under irrigation but only partly.
4.
APMC was intended to benefit farmer, but it has proved opposite. Recent national agri
market is the hope.
5.
Kisan call centre has helped improve farmer knowledge but it needs more manpower to
facilitate more farmers. Similarly Kisan tv is a recent announcement.
Followng steps can be further taken:
1.
2.
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5.
Agruculture holds the key to national economic growth and thus should not be left ignored.
Q.48) India is largest producer of pulses in theworld. Still India imports large
quantities of pulses. Critically examine the reasons for low productivity of
pulses in India.
The Top Answer for this Question is written by Monk Who Sold His Nano
Ans) Indias socio-cultural ( and now political) aversion to meat eating makes pulses the primary
source of protein in the normal diet. With ever increasing middle class population, the demand
for pulses has soared but supply hasnt been able to keep up. Thats the reason why despite
being the largest producer of pulses, and pulses being the natural fertilizers, India needs to
import them to feed its people. The probable reasons for mismatch.
1) Due to hunger and famines of the 60s, green revolution targeted cereals productivity for
sorting out the crisis. The hunger problem though resolved, practice still continues as seen
through the MSP pricing mechanism.
2) Apart from distinctiveness of MSP and profits(not as productive as cereals, but more energy
intensive) pulses are a dicey crops which attract pests and weed making farmers more averse to
growing pulses
3) Theres not much research done on pulses to evolve HYV or GM pulses with higher
productivity. Though now ICAR has taken up initiatives in t his field.
With increasing cases of protein energy malnutrition (and increasing militancy of beef ban
activists), the government has undertaken initiatives to increase pulse production by increasing
the MSPs, extending irrigation into pulse producing areas, and even encouraging pulse
processing units. But, simultaneously alternative protein sources like eggs, milk, soybean, and
meat should also be encouraged.
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Q.50) What are the different types of irrigation methods practiced in India?
Evaluate each method on its merits and demerits.
The Top Answer for this Question is written by Vidhu
Ans) Irrigation methods used in India are just as multi-dimensional as the country itself. The
geographical, cultural diversity of the country brings about diversity in irrigation methods. The
different types of irrigation methods are:
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There is greater need for public investment in Railways along with institutional and structural
reforms (viz. Bibek Debroy Committee). Following points strengthens the above viewpoint:
1.
Railways are one of the efficient freight movement system which is essentially cheaper
and productive.
2.
Transit time as compared to roadways, which face octrois, blockades etc., is on the
lower side.
3.
Railways provide efficient forward and backward market integration, thereby enhancing
the economic activity.
4.
A large number of manufacturing hubs could be commissioned in the railway corridors
(such as proposed DMIC) thereby boosting manufacturing output.
5.
These combined with less intensity of environmental pollution could actively support
the concept of sustainable economic growth.
The feasibility of railway freight movements in India has remain stunted since independence
due to various socio-political reasons such as low fare of passenger railways are compensated
from the freight charges rather being compensated by government. These affect the business
sentiments and needs to be adequately looked into. The Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC) and
DMIC appears promising step in order to revive railways and accelerate growth.
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Considering these challenges, five year transition period provided by the committee must be
used to address challenges effectively and bring in necessary changes to transform railways.
Q.53) Dedicated Freights Corridors are aimed at bringing speed with efficiency
in transport sector. Discuss the challenges in laying out planned DFCs in India.
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Getting environmental clearance and go for 100 percent green will be very tough.
4.
Dependence on International funding of the project . Negotiation takes time due to
which cost of the project is rising.
5.
plan to promote Special Purpose Vehicles to take up individual projects along the
corridor on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis, could surely emerge as a model.But its
experience with railway and Industries is incipient and evolutionary stage in India.
6.
Gestation period is longer and return in terms of inclusion of common people is
doubtful. It seems it will a booster to business lobby. Such a huge investment but on proposal
of fast train passenger corridor for common man is exlclusionary.
7.
Railway manufacturing is not at advanced stage in India as compared to Japan and
China. The whole import without indigenisation it will very costly affair and dependable on
foreign entity. Both are cause of concern.
Q.54) Critically analyze the role of University Grant Commission in light of higher
education in India.
The Top Answer for this Question is written by Alok Sharma
Ans) UGC is the authoritative body- statutory organization -set up in our country by the Central
Government
in 1956 to control, coordinate, determine and maintain the standards of Higher education.
Universities can start functioning only after getting the prior sanction and recognition of the
UGC.
But, off-late, UGC is not able to maintain high standard of teaching, research and education in
higher education in India.
(a) UGC is the only one which is functioning without the support of full-time executive members
(b No Indian university figures even in top 200 universities.
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