Wednesday 15 January 2014

Current Affairs

Dear All,

 Though we have a lot to do and we need to cover a lot for the test series that we have enrolled, but still we cannot ignore the importance of Hindu and daily answer writing practice. I will be updating impotant questions from Hindu on fortnightly basis. and we can keep on posting answers here. As we all know the importance of writing articles but it will be best if we could write in our own words and remember things in a simplified way. 

  1. Write a critical note on the advantages and disadvantages of GM foods.  (200 Words) Hindu
  2.Write a short note on following dance forms (50 Words each)
    Sangrai Mog
   Margam Kali
   Chakri
  Panthi Nritya
  Dollu Kunitha
  Silambattam   Hindu
3.What do you understand by economic reforms?  Compare and contrast India’s and China’s approach towards economic reforms in the past twenty years. (200 Words) Hindu
4. “The empowerment of women empowers the society.” Critically comment in the Indian context. (200 Words) Hindu
5. “It is imperative that the government reviews the methods of gathering data on poverty estimates without further delay and significantly retool its development schemes.” Comment. (200 Words) Hindu
6. What is subsidy? Explain the rationale behind providing subsidy to petrol, diesel and kerosene in India? Why is there an opposition to continuation of subsidies? (200 Words) Hindu
7. Write a critical note on the functioning of the speaker in Loksabha and state assemblies. (200 Words) Hindu
8. Critically analyze the roles and responsibilities of CAG in India. (200 Words) Hindu 1 Hindu 2
9. Recent study has shown that a good majority of the wild tiger deaths in the country was the result of poaching. Discuss the threat of  poaching to wildlife and the measures taken by the government in wildlife conservation. (200 Words) Hindu
10. What is the difference between PSLV and GSLV? Why GSLV is important? (200 Words) Hindu
11. Write a note on PURA model. (200 Words) Hindu
12. Explain what is fiscal deficit and current account deficit? (200 Words) Hindu
13. Write a note on the National Nutrition Mission (200 Words) Hindu
14. What is GPS? Explain the technology involved in it. What are its uses? (200 Words) Hindu
15. What is the difference between CNG, PNG and LPG? Explain (200 Words) Hindu Reference
16. Write a not on Cryosphere (150 Words) Hindu
17. Assess the impact of climate change on societies. (200 Words) Hindu
18. Throw light on use of e-technology in the aid of farmers. Give examples. (200 Words) Hindu
19. What is civil society? Do you think it should actively involve in power politics to achieve the development agenda? Critically comment. (200 Words) Hindu 
20. Write a note on Power System Development Fund (PSDF)  (200 Words) Hindu
21. What were the recommendations of  the Naresh Chandra Committee on defence reforms? (200 Words) Hindu
22. Write a note on India’s  Mega Power Projects Policy  (200 Words) Hindu
23. What measures has government of India taken to ensure safety of nuclear reactors in India post-Fukushima nuclear disaster? Do you think nuclear energy is a safe option? Substantiate. (200 Words) Hindu 
24. It appears that strong laws do not act as deterrent to crimes. In you opinion, what government and society can do to stop crimes like rape and harassment of women? (200 Words) Hindu
25. What is endosulfan? What were the effects of use of endosulfan on the human population? (200 Words) Hindu 
26. What factors cause winter in northern and southern hemispheres?! Also it is said that Australians celebrate Christmas in summer. Why?(200 Words)(basics) Hindu
27. What are the environmental and health problems involved in gold mining? Explain with examples. (200 Words) Hindu
28. Critically comment on the influence of consumerism and high economic growth on the health of the society. (200 Words) Hindu
29. What is time zone and how is it determined? Does India need another time zone? Explain why. (200 Words) Hindu
30. “Neoliberalism has failed the vast majority of India’s people. But the spirit that gave the nation independence is stirring.” Comment. (200 Words) Hindu 
31. What do you understand by electoral reforms? What were the recommendations of the Election Commission on electoral reforms? Analyze. (200 Words) Hindu
32. Some argue that Indian youth, especially vast majority of engineering graduates lack necessary skills to work in innovation industries. Do you agree with the view? Substantiate. (200 Words) Hindu
33. Explain the locational factors that made Bangalore software hub of India. (200 Words) Hindu
34. What were the consequences of Korean war? Explain. (200 Words) Hindu
35. Write a note on the Indian Regional Navigational Satellites System (IRNSS) How well is ISRO placed in terms of commercialization of its space missions? Analyze. (200 Words) The Hindu Hindu Hindu 
36. Write a note on  The Nalanda University (Amendment) Bill 2013 (200 Words) Hindu
37. What causes cold waves in Northern part of India during winters? Explain (200 Words) Hindu 
38. What efforts have been made by UN and its agencies to protect children and women in war affected countries like Afghanistan? Examine (200 Words) Hindu
39. Write a note on the structure and causes of volcano. (200 Words) Hindu
40. What is social audit? How effective is social audit in effective implementation of many government schemes? Explain with examples. (200 Words) Hindu 
41. What measures has government of India taken to protect wildlife from illegal trade and poaching. Give examples. (200 Words) Hindu 
42. What is Environment Impact Assessment? Do you think India’s EIA process is free from weaknesses? Comment. (200 Words) Hindu
43. Examine how India managed to eradicate polio in the country. (200 Words) Hindu
44. Critically comment on the influence of economic liberalization on the nature of social movements in India in the last two decades. Hindu
45. Why is the success of GSLV mission so important for India? Explain. (200 Words) Hindu
46. Write a note on the defence cooperation between India and japan. Do you think it is in India’s interest to forge stronger strategic ties with Japan? Comment. (200 Words) Hindu
47. What were the important findings and recommendations of Sachar committee report? (200 Words) Hindu 
48. What is financial inclusion? What measures have been taken by the government and the RBI to bring financial inclusion? Do you think they have succeeded? Examine. (200 Words) Hindu
49. Do you think protests against setting up of nuclear projects in India are justified? Substantiate. (200 Words) Hindu 
50. What are the economic, cultural and sociological reasons behind lack of proper toilets in the majority households in India? Do you think ‘Nirmal Bharat Abhiyaan (NBA) Scheme’ would eradicate the open defecation practice? Comment. (200 Words) Hindu
51. Write a note on the measures taken to reform taxation in India. (200 Words) Hindu
52. Uttarayan festival (50 Words) Hindu
53. What is Sethusamudram project? Why is is being opposed? (200 Words) hindu 
54. Write a not on the importance of stratosphere for the Earth and its inhabitants. (200 Words) Hindu
55. What is geothermal energy? How is it produced? Explain the world distribution of this energy resource. (200 Words) Hindu
56. Write a not on the distribution of coal in India. Explain the significance of coal to India’s economy. (200 Words) Hindu
57. Do you think common school system should be introduced in India to improve the quality of education? Comment. (200 Words) hindu
58. What are the important provisions of Right to Education act? Do you think it would improve the ‘quality’ of the education in India? Discuss. (200 Words) Hindu
59. “The purpose of enacting the Biological Diversity Act is to ensure that communities and local people who have worked hard for generations, reap the benefits of conservation.” Critically examine. (200 Words) Hindu
60. Do you think the New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP) has helped India in increasing hydrocarbon production? What are the issues involved in implementation of this policy? Examine. (200 Words) Hindu
61. Improving Access to Affordable & Quality TB Tests (IPAQT)  (200 Words)Hindu
62. Efficient and transparent allocation of resources is must to boost growth and investment in the country. In the light of recent scams on the allocation of major resources, comment on the issues involved and their effect on governance and growth. (200 Words) Hindu
63. Write a note on  Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP) scheme. (200 Words) Hindu
64. Cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification testing (CBNAAT) equipment (150 Words) Hindu
65. In your opinion how does a peaceful Kashmir help the Indian economy? Comment. (200 Words) Hindu
66. “Overcrowding in hospitals, malnutrition, unhygienic tropical environs heighten problem of fungal infection in India.” Highlight the magnitude of the problem, its causes and measures that need to be taken to improve the situation. (200 Words) Hindu
67. Write a note on the contribution of Sufi tradition to the culture of India. (200 Words) Hindu
68. In your opinion, what are the advantages and disadvantages of direct cash transfer to beneficiaries of various schemes? Should PDS continue in its present form? Explain why. (200 Words) Hindu
69. Analyze why India needs a comprehensive new disability rights legislation. (200 Words) Hindu
70. Write a note on the important hydrocarbon reserve regions of India. Highlight their significance. (200 Words) Hindu
71. Write a note on the Nuclear Materials Security Index (200 Words) Hindu
72. What are the possible applications of 3-D printing in the health and defence sector? Explain (200 Words) Hindu
73. What are the causes of high infant mortality rate (IMR) in India? Examine the measures taken by the government in reducing IMR. (200 Words) Hindu
74. Does DRDO need a separate commission like Atomic Energy Commission and Space Commission to make its laboratories more efficient and autonomous? Examine. (200 Words) Hindu
75. Is development becoming the victim in the fight for environment protection in India? In the light of recent controversies against mining in forest and tribal areas, critically analyze the question. (200 Words) Hindu
76. What are neutrinos? Why is there a keen interest on them? Explain. (200 Words) Hindu
78. Write a note on Technology Mission On Oilseeds, Pulses and Maize. Explain why India needs to increase the production of pulses. (200 Words) Hindu
79. Examine the causes of recent civil war in South Sudan. What has been the international response to the crisis? Explain with special reference to India’s response. (200 Words)  Hindu
80. What is the bone of contention between China and surrounding countries in the South China Sea? Explain the response of concerned regional multilateral organizations on the dispute. (200 Words) Hindu
81. “When the state responds to political violence in an indiscriminately heavy-handed manner, members of extremist groups will only harden their positions and hesitate to join the democratic mainstream.” Comment on the statement in the light of spreading left wing extremism. (200 Words) Hindu 
82. What is Western Disturbance? Discuss its significance to northern India. (200 Words) Hindu
83. Comment on the nature of economic relations between India and Nepal. (200 Words) Hindu
84. What are the reasons behind conflict between man and animal in the wildlife  regions? Explain with any recent examples. (200 Words) Hindu
85. “A democracy like India with a healthy tradition of debate on nuclear issues needs to balance transparency with the need to protect its citizens against terrorism.” Comment on the statement in the light of recent report placing India  at 23rd position out of 25 countries in terms of securing its nuclear stockpile from non-state actors. (200 Words) Hindu
86. Examine why Kerala has a more successful Panchayati Raj system compared to other states. (200 Words) Hindu
87. Write a note on the role of SEBI with special reference to its role in ensuring corporate governance. (200 Words) Hindu
88. What is  Index of Industrial Production (IIP)? Explain its significance. (200 Words) Hindu
89. Compare and contrast India’s relationship with South Korea and North Korea. (200 Words) Hindu
90. Comment on the role of health sector in addressing violence, particularly against women and girls. (200 Words) Hindu
91. Write a note on the composition and mandate of CRPF. (200 Words) Hinddu
92. What is cross-subsidisation? Do you think it is feasible in India to adopt cross-subsidisation and help the poor? Critically comment. (200 Words) Hindu
93. “It is said that  what is good for the U.S. will be good for other economies as well.” Elaborate. (200 Words) Hindu Hindu
94. What are the advantages and disadvantages of allowing FDI in retail sector in India? Do you think arguments made against it are justified? Comment. (200 Words) Hindu
95. Discuss the causes of river pollution in India and highlight with examples the threats posed by polluted rivers to environment and people . (200 Words) Hindu
96. What were the circumstances that led to the 1962 Indo-China war? Write a critical note on India’s preparedness in its borders to avoid 1962 like situation. (200 Words) Hindu
97. Write a note on the objectives and components of National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) (200 Words) Hindu
98. “ Pluralism is the keystone of India’s civilisation and culture.” Comment. Hindu
99. “It is misleading to cast environmental safeguards and development as conflicting imperatives when they are vitally interlinked.” Do you agree with the statement? Elaborate. (200 Words) Hindu
100. Write a note on the beginning of India’s peaceful nuclear program? What are the challenges India is facing in setting up more reactors to meet the increasing demand for electricity? Discuss. (200 Words) Hindu
101. What is judicial activism? Do you think it is good for democracy? Justify.  Hindu 1 Hindu 2
102.  Write a note on climatological seasons of India. (200 Words) Hindu
103. What is biosafety? How has Indian government addressed this issue? (200 Words) Hindu
104.  Critically examine the problems that are being faced in the implementation of  the Right To Education (RTE) Act. (200 Words) Hindu
105. What is insurgency? Critically analyze the effectiveness of insurgencies as strategy to achieve political goals in India. How has India traditionally dealt with such insurgencies? (200 Words) Hindu
106. “The terrorist insurgency in Russia has its roots in wars fought between separatist Chechen rebels and Russian forces.” Comment. (200 Words) Hindu Reference BBC
107. Critically assess the democratic transition process that is taking place in Myanmar. (200 Words) Hindu
108. What are the objections raised by Pakistan to India’s hydroelectric projects in Kashmir? How has India addressed these objections? (200 Words) Hindu Hindu
109. “ A stable new government would be positive for the economy.” Explain how? (200 Words) Hindu
110. What is an Ecologically Sensitive Zone? Name such zones in India and the threats they are facing. (200 Words) Hindu
111. What is the difference between gas-based  and coal based thermal power plants? Highlight the advantages of each plants. (200 Words) Hindu
112. How did Communism spread to China? Explain how it affected China during and after the World War-II? (200 Words) Hindu
113.  What are the important provisions of the ILO’s Domestic Workers Convention 2011 (189)? In your opinion, does India truly adheres to these provisions? Comment. (200 Words) Hindu
114. What is quantitative easing (QE)? When and why does QE is done? (200 Words) Hindu
115. What is Globalization? Critically comment on its influence of the youth of India. (200 Words) Hindu
116. What measures would you suggest to Railway authorities in India to improve safety measures in trains? Comment. (200 Words) Hindu
117.  Explain the importance of ports to the Indian economy and throw light on the problems being faced by them. Hindu
118.  In your opinion why is it important to save Western Ghats? What measures would you propose to bring a balance between ecology and livelihood in these ecologically sensitive regions? (200 Words) Hindu
119. What is the difference between Geo-synchronous and geostationary orbit? What are the applications of Geo-synchronous satellites? (200 Words) Hindu
120. What are the limitations of National Pension Scheme? How these limitations can be addressed? (200 Words) Hindu
121. Define honesty and integrity. Explain the importance of these qualities for a public servant. (200 Words) Hindu
122. What is the composition and functions of proposed Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) ? Explain why is it being introduced. (200 Words) Hindu
123. What  are the objectives of NRLM?  (200 Words) Hindu
124. What is census? What is the rationale behind conducting the socio-economic caste census? (200 Words) Hindu
125. Paullins maps  (50 Words) Hindu
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28 comments:

  1. Unknown15 January 2014 at 09:48

    Genetically modified (GM) foods are foods derived from organisms whose genetic material (DNA) has been modified in a way that does not occur naturally, e.g. through the introduction of a gene from a different organism. Currently available GM foods stem mostly from plants, but in the future foods derived from GM microorganisms or GM animals are likely to be introduced on the market. Most existing genetically modified crops have been developed to improve yield, through the introduction of resistance to plant diseases or of increased tolerance of herbicides. Commercial sale of genetically modified foods began in 1994, when Calgene first marketed its Flavr Savr delayed ripening tomato. To date most genetic modification of foods have primarily focused on cash crop in high demand by farmers such as soybean, corn, canola, and cottonseed oil. These have been engineered for resistance to pathogens and herbicides and better nutrient profiles. GM livestock have also been experimentally developed, although as of November 2013 none are currently on the market.
    Potential benefits of genetically engineered food include:
    • More nutritious food
    • Tastier food
    • Disease- and drought-resistant plants that require fewer environmental resources (water, fertilizer, etc.)
    • Decreased use of pesticides
    • Increased supply of food with reduced cost and longer shelf life
    • Faster growing plants and animals
    • Food with more desirable traits, such as potatoes that absorb less fat when fried
    • Medicinal foods that could be used as vaccines or other medications
    Potential risks include:
    • Modified plants or animals may have genetic changes that are unexpected and harmful.
    • Modified organisms may interbreed with natural organisms and out-compete them, leading to extinction of the original organism or to other unpredictable environmental effects.
    • Plants may be less resistant to some pests and more susceptible to others.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown15 January 2014 at 09:49

      GM foods are developed – and marketed – because there is some perceived advantage either to the producer or consumer of these foods. This is meant to translate into a product with a lower price, greater benefit (in terms of durability or nutritional value) or both. Initially GM seed developers wanted their products to be accepted by producers so have concentrated on innovations that farmers (and the food industry more generally) would appreciate.

      The initial objective for developing plants based on GM organisms was to improve crop protection. The GM crops currently on the market are mainly aimed at an increased level of crop protection through the introduction of resistance against plant diseases caused by insects or viruses or through increased tolerance towards herbicides.

      Insect resistance is achieved by incorporating into the food plant the gene for toxin production from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (BT). This toxin is currently used as a conventional insecticide in agriculture and is safe for human consumption. GM crops that permanently produce this toxin have been shown to require lower quantities of insecticides in specific situations, e.g. where pest pressure is high.

      Virus resistance is achieved through the introduction of a gene from certain viruses which cause disease in plants. Virus resistance makes plants less susceptible to diseases caused by such viruses, resulting in higher crop yields.

      Herbicide tolerance is achieved through the introduction of a gene from a bacterium conveying resistance to some herbicides. In situations where weed pressure is high, the use of such crops has resulted in a reduction in the quantity of the herbicides used.

      Delete
    2. Unknown15 January 2014 at 10:15

      http://www.technologyreview.com/featuredstory/522596/why-we-will-need-genetically-modified-foods/

      Just go through the advantages!

      Delete
  2. Unknown15 January 2014 at 10:29

    Sangrai Mog

    Sangrai is a special festival of Tripura. During this three-day festival, the younger members of the Mog community move from one house-to-house carrying the pious Wish Yielding Tree (Kalpataru) on their heads. This ceremony features singing as well as dancing. Water is carried in an auspicious pitcher and the elders of the community bathe with this water. Fragrant sandalwood paste is applied to the entrances of the houses in the village and the water of green coconuts is sprinkled on every house. In a grand ceremony fragrant water is poured on the roots of the ‘Bodhi Vriksha’. The dance is performed to the accompaniment of a traditional Khouyang.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Unknown15 January 2014 at 10:38

    Margam kali

    Margamkali is a very ancient and the most popular artistic performance prevalent among the Syrian Christians of Kerala. The word 'margam' means 'path' and it was meant for the propagation of Christian religious ideas. Margamkali is performed mainly by men on festive occasions, especially during the time of marriage. The dance is performed by 12 members moving in a circle around a lighted oil lamp. The oil lamp denotes Christ and the dancers symbolizes his disciples.

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  4. Unknown15 January 2014 at 10:46

    Chakri

    As the name resembles, Chakri, means ‘Chakkar’ (Circle) rotation in hindi lang. Chakri is one of the most popular folk dance of KanjaChakri dance is performed exclusively by the womenfolk of Kanjar tribe and it is also their main source of livelihoodChakri dance is believed as same as the Raai dance of ‘Beriyas’ tribe of Madhya Pradesh. It is also found in nerby places of Chhipa Barod etc.Chakri dance involves a series of fast and vigorous spinning movements with the beats of the Dholak. Chakri dance is accompanied by traditional songs where male performer produces robust rhythm on the Dholak. tribe.

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  5. Unknown15 January 2014 at 10:51

    Panthi Nritya

    Panthi dance is the most popular ritual of the Satnami community of Chhattisgarh. Followers of Guru Ghasidas, the Satnamis instal the idol of Jaitkham on special occasions or festivals, and sing and dance in praise of “the true name of the Guru.” Groups of men dance in different formations to various rhythmic tunes played on the mandar drum and the jhanjh. The dancing commences with slow movements to the accompaniment of a song led by the leader of the group, while the rest follow the refrain. The tempo increases gradually, climaxing with vigorous quick-paced movements interspersed with occasional characteristic pyramid-like formations made by the dancers

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  6. Unknown16 January 2014 at 02:26

    Answer to Question no.25 :
    Earth has two important movements associated to it.First is the rotation on its axis and second one is the revolution around the sun.Earth's axis of rotation is also tilted wrt the orbital plane.Both these factors are responsible for diffetent seasons that occur on Earth.As Earth revolves around Sun with a tilted axis of rotation, its Northern and Southern Hemispheres both come close towards Sun alternately thereby causing opposite seasons in both the hemispheres at same time of the year.During winter in Northern hemisphere Earth is tilted opposite to Sun .Similar case is for southern Hemisphere in Winter season .
    Hence, Australia which is in the Southern Hemisphere faces summer during winter season in Northern Hemisphere and Australians celebrate Christmas in summer season .

    ReplyDelete
  7. Unknown20 January 2014 at 04:13

    Dollu Kunitha

    Dollu Kunitha is one of the ancient & famous folk dance forms of South India especially in Karnataka and Andra Pradesh. This dance form is known as the masculine art, with vigour. Dollu Kunitha is a popular drum dance accompanied by singing. It is performed during the pooja at the temples of Beereshwara as a part of a custom.

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  8. Unknown20 January 2014 at 04:26

    Silambattam

    Silambattam is an Indian martial art from Tamil Nadu, but also practised by Tamil community of Sri Lanka and Malaysia. It has close resemblance to Kalaripayat from Kerela and Angampora of Sri Lanka. Silambattam is performed for combat or purely demonstration.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Unknown20 January 2014 at 05:40

    Q3. What do you understand by economic reforms? Compare and contrast India’s and China’s approach towards economic reforms in the past twenty years. (200 Words)

    The economic reforms refers to policies directed to achieve improvements in economic efficiency, either by eliminating or reducing distortions in individual sectors of the economy or by reforming economy-wide policies such as tax policy and competition policy with an emphasis on economic efficiency. Economic Reforms in China and India have been aimed at making their economies strong through privatisation and allowance of foreign capital. However, as China and India both have different forms of economies and so is their approach towards adopting economic reform.
    The goal of Chinese economic reform was to generate sufficient surplus value to finance the modernization of the mainland Chinese economy. Chinese since 1978 have helped lift millions of people out of poverty, bringing the poverty rate down from 53% of the population in 1981 to 8% by 2001. The initial challenge of economic reform was to solve the problems of motivating workers and farmers to produce a larger surplus and to eliminate economic imbalances that were common in command economies. As per the new economic reforms policy of Chinese, the fundamental purpose of the reform is to make the country rich and strong, the society fair and just and people’s lives better. While Indian economists did away with investment, industrial and import licensing and ended many public monopolies, allowing automatic approval of foreign direct investment in many sectors.
    Reforms in China and India were similar in terms of privatisation and allowance of foreign Capital. However China’s FDI policy is far more controlled and regulated than India’s. Also both the economies have clocked higher economic growth than the pre- liberation times. Inspite of the similarities there are differences in the reform process of both the countries. India privatised all but certain sensitive industries like defence etc.. However Chinese public sector enterprises still enjoy monopoly in banking and petroleum. Unlike in India Chinese state owned enterprises still possess a lot of clout and create massive market distortions. Also Chinese economy was export oriented and mainly run on Govt investments. On the contrary India was more domestic consumption based and relied on significant private investments.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Unknown20 January 2014 at 06:23

    4. “The empowerment of women empowers the society.” Critically comment in the Indian context. (200 Words)
    A woman is strong and she empowers her family, her children and her society. She is over coming different kinds of obstacles every day. She is strong and she doesn’t need support but the kind of atrocities she is facing is not letting her do what she wants. In India, glaring and brutal gang rapes occur frequently in a state that is headed by a woman Chief Minister. Gender discrimination, domestic violence, acid throwing dowry, harassment and all sorts of astonishing and grim variety of violence against women is being witnessed here. According to a global survey India has been voted the fourth most dangerous country for women in the world and the worst among the G20 countries. Targeting these issues will directly benefit the empowerment of women in India and thereby strengthen the society.
    Empowering women and giving them the freedom to do what they want will bring a change in our society. We see violence against women in India, but there are a lot of campaigns and schemes launched by NGOs and GoI to overcome these socioeconomic problems. Education has played a major role in improving the level of women workforce participation and thereby improving the economic status of women. Women have been given land and property rights through laws passed by Government of India. Bhartiya Mahila Bank is a great leap towards giving women an economic independence as they will focus predominantly the emphasis will be on funding for skills developments to help in economic activity.

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  11. Unknown20 January 2014 at 07:04

    Q5.“It is imperative that the government reviews the methods of gathering data on poverty estimates without further delay and significantly retool its development schemes.” Comment.

    Counting conundrum has emerged from a survey conducted by National Sample Survey Office, in which a huge difference in the number of slum households in the country has come to front. Census figures themselves tend to be underestimations. On this NSSO has remained silent and revised the approach and believes it to be better. However these differences raise the serious concern on the soundness of the policies that are being formulated for slum improvement since enumeration is a critical step towards devising the slum improvement schemes, fixing priorities and allocation funds.
    Till now various commities like Alagh committee which suggested calorie norm as poverty estimation, Lakdawala Committee furthered Alagh committee and included health and education facilities to be provided by the State Govt, later Tendular committee which revised this by taking monthly expenditure for health, education, electricity and transport for uniform poverty basket line, all of them have made recommendations after estimating the households below the poverty line.
    Despite multitude of committees, the results are varied which resulted in disagreement over extremely low threshold level, variation over poverty threshold, HCR(Head Count Ratio), and again over rural and urban estimates. Irony is some estimates resulted in urban poverty worse than rural poverty in some states.
    To realise the goal of socialist country as prescribed by the Constitution, a coherent strategy need to be devised. As poverty is multidimensional, there is need to evolve a coherent strategy based on “Development as freedom” concept of Amatya Sen. Hence, it is imperative that the government reviews the methods of gathering data on poverty estimates without further delay and significantly retool its development schemes

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  12. Unknown20 January 2014 at 07:50

    6. What is subsidy? Explain the rationale behind providing subsidy to petrol, diesel and kerosene in India? Why is there an opposition to continuation of subsidies?

    Subsidy is the converse of a tax, is an instrument of fiscal policy. Subsidies are often aimed at inducing higher consumption/ production, offsetting market imperfections including internalisation of externalities and achievement of social policy objectives including redistribution of income, population control, etc. With the intent of welfare subsidy given by the Government is trying to help the sectors such as transportation and irrigation. These sectors are highly dependent on Petrol and petroleum products. Costly fuel will result in higher inflation which in turn is not good for the economic growth. And also the rise in Kerosene prices affects the poorer section of the society who are dependent on it for preparing food. To check the adverse effects of the increase in the prices on the poorer sections of the country the government allows subsidies on petroleum products. However, the subsidies thus provided makes up a fat bills on government accounts and thus widens the Cad as well as the fiscal deficit of the country. Kelkar Committed also recommended abolition of subsidies.
    Thus, thought the Subsidy has a welfare tone attached to it, it hampers the fiscal growth of the country and therefore subsidies need to be reduced.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Unknown20 January 2014 at 08:24

    7. Write a critical note on the functioning of the speaker in Loksabha and state assemblies.

    The office of the Speaker occupies a pivotal position in our parliamentary democracy. It has been said of the office of the Speaker that while the members of Parliament represent the individual constituencies, the Speaker represents the full authority of the House itself. The Speaker is looked upon as the true guardian of the traditions of parliamentary democracy. Her unique position is illustrated by the fact that she is placed very high in the Warrant of Precedence in our country, standing next only to the President, the Vice-President and the Prime Minister. The Constitution of India provides that the Speaker's salary and allowances are not to be voted by Parliament and are to be charged on the Consolidated Fund of India. It is always the Speaker's task to ensure that parliamentary decorum is maintained under all circumstances. On the one hand, she strives to give adequate opportunities to all sections of the House to ventilate their views and on the other she has to preserve the dignity of the House. The Speaker has to see to it that Parliament functions the way that it is intended to under the Constitution. All in all, it is always a tight-rope walk for the Speaker. The Speaker has certain other functions to perform as the head of the Lok Sabha. She is the ex officio President of the Indian Parliamentary Group (IPG), set up in 1949, which functions as the National Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Main Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). The speaker of the state assembly perform similar functions as the speaker of Loksabha. The office of the Speaker in India is a living and dynamic institution which deals with the actual needs and problems of Parliament in the performance of its functions. The Speaker is the constitutional and ceremonial head of the House. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, one of the chief architects of India's freedom and a moving force behind its Constitution, placed the office of the Speaker in India in the proper context when he said:
    The Speaker represents the House. He/she represents the dignity of the House, the freedom of the House and because the House represents the nation, in a particular way, the Speaker becomes a symbol of nation's freedom and liberty. Therefore that should be an honoured position, a free position and should be occupied always by persons of outstanding ability and impartiality.

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  14. Unknown27 January 2014 at 00:50

    8. Critically analyse the roles and responsibilities of CAG in India. (200 Words)
    In a huge democratic setup like ours, where finances for Government’s performance are provided mainly by the general masses in form of taxes, a frequent inspection regarding the correct use of this money becomes a significant process. For these purposes related to all the central and state governments’ monetary transactions, an auditing team is formed headed by a chief auditor known as the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India. The CAG of India is established and recognized by the Constitution of India and is given a certain degree of independence related to the designing of rules and regulations for the provisions relating to the audit.
    CAG is an office under the constitution which promotes transparency, accountability and good governance through high quality and provides independent assurance to the stakeholders, the Legislature, the Executive and the Public, that public funds are being used efficiently and for the intended purposes.
    In recent times, CAG has taken various audits of government bodies unearthing scams of gargantuan size. Since then it has been criticized for political vendetta and putting monetary value to the scams. Instead of putting value to notional losses, it should have mentioned the wrong policy formulation strategy in its report. Its report were incidentally leaked to media before even being put before Parliament has created a hype and have slowed down bureaucratic decision making leading to policy paralysis.

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  15. Unknown28 January 2014 at 05:29

    9. Recent study has shown that a good majority of the wild tiger deaths in the country was the result of poaching. Discuss the threat of poaching to wildlife and the measures taken by the government in wildlife conservation. (200 Words)
    According to the recent studies it has been brought to the notice that the tiger deaths in India is due to the illegal poaching, unlike the earlier estimates that the tiger death due to the loss of environment. The trade in tiger skin and tiger bones is the main reason behind the poaching of tigers. Tiger bones are in a huge demand in Chinese Oriental Medicine industry, and now they are targeting Indian Tigers to fulfil their needs. Mostly the killings are done by the tribal people as they know the forest better than no one else. Methods adopted by the poachers include poisoning, steel traps, firearms and electrocution. Poaching is particularly prevalent in the States of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Assam.
    The Government of India has taken few steps towards the conservation of the critically endangered species of Indian Tigers. A general offence under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, attracts a maximum sentence of three years imprisonment or a fine which may extend to Rs. 25,000 or both. An offence involving a species listed in Schedule I or Part II of Schedule II, or an offence committed within a sanctuary or natural park, attracts a mandatory prison term of three years, which may extend to seven years. There is also a mandatory fine of at least Rs. 10,000. For a subsequent offence, the prison term remains the same, while the mandatory fine is at least Rs.25,000.

    An offence committed inside the core area of a Tiger Reserve, attracts a mandatory prison term of three years, extendable to seven years and a fine of Rs. 50,000 extendable to Rs. 2 lakhs. In case of a subsequent conviction of this nature, there is an imprisonment term of at least seven years and a fine of Rs. 5 lakhs which may extend to Rs. 50 lakhs. Despite these penalties the laws have not been implemented properly. In 2013 according to an article printed in The Hindu, 63 tiger deaths were reported due to poaching.

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  16. Unknown28 January 2014 at 05:47

    Ans. 10 The PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) and GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) are two rocket launch systems developed by the Indian Space Research Organization, or ISRO, to launch satellites into orbit. The PSLV is the older of the two and the GSLV even inherits some of the technologies of the former in its design.
    The main reason behind the advent of the GSLV is the capability to lift greater loads into space. While the PSLV can only lift slightly over a ton of payload to GTO (Geostationary Transfer Orbit), the GSLV is capable of lifting more than double that with a rated capacity of 2 to 2.5 tons. One of the main reasons why the GSLV has such an increased load is its utilization of a cryogenic rocket engine for its last stage. The cryogenic rocket engine provides more thrust than conventional liquid rocket engines but the fuel and oxidizer needs to be super cooled in order to keep them in a liquid state.
    GSLV is important because it is being launched the indigenously built cryogenic. GSLV- D5 developed by ISRO was launched on 5th January 2014 which faced its acid as to succeed in placing GSAT-14, a two-tonne-class satellite, in the planned orbit. This launch was extremely important for the organisation because its first bid failed in April 2010 and second in August 2013 when an hour before the launch fuel leak was detected. This was a refurbished vehicle which undergo an acid test.

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  17. Unknown28 January 2014 at 06:05

    Ans 11. “Holistic and accelerated development of compact areas around a potential growth centre in a Gram Panchayat (or a group of Gram Panchayats) through Public Private Partnership (PPP) framework for providing livelihood opportunities and urban amenities to improve the quality of life in rural areas".
    This is the mission statement of PURA Model which stands for Providing Urban Amenities to Rural Areas. This concept was given by former president Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. The vision of transformation to a 'developed' India can only be realised if a mega mission for empowering the rural people is launched. Creation of Physical, electronic and knowledge connectivities leading to economic connectivity in villages. Such a model of establishing a circular connectivity among the rural village complexes will accelerate rural development process by empowerment. The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Government of India has re-launched the scheme Provision of Urban Amenities in Rural Areas (PURA) as a Central Sector scheme during the remaining period of the eleventh five-year plan. MoRD, with support from Department of Economic Affairs and the Asian Development Bank , intends to implement the PURA scheme under a Public Private Partnership between Local executive bodies like the Gram Panchayat(s) and private sector partners. The vision of the scheme in particular is providing dual benefits like rural infrastructure development coupled with economic re-generation activities; it is the first attempt of the government in this direction of delivering basic amenities and infrastructure through this model to people in remote rural areas. All the efforts are directed to obtain dual benefits, provide a different framework for the efficient implementation of rural infrastructure development schemes and benefit from the private sector efficiencies in the management of assets and delivery of services. The main purpose and scope of the scheme is to involve private players who will use their expertise and select them to develop livelihood opportunities, urban amenities and infrastructure facilities to prescribed service levels and to be responsible for maintenance of these services for a period of ten years in select Panchayat(s)/cluster of Panchayats.

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  18. Unknown28 January 2014 at 06:59

    Ans 12. When a government's total expenditures exceed the revenue that it generates (excluding money from borrowings). Deficit differs from debt, which is an accumulation of yearly deficits. A fiscal deficit is regarded by some as a positive economic event. For example, economist John Maynard Keynes believed that deficits help countries climb out of economic recession. On the other hand, fiscal conservatives feel that governments should avoid deficits in favor of a balanced budget policy.
    A measurement of a country’s trade in which the value of goods and services it imports exceeds the value of goods and services it exports. The current account also includes net income, such as interest and dividends, as well as transfers, such as foreign aid, though these components tend to make up a smaller percentage of the current account than exports and imports. The current account is a calculation of a country’s foreign transactions, and along with the capital account is a component of a country’s balance of payment. A country can reduce its current account deficit by increasing the value of its exports relative to the value of imports. It can place restrictions on imports, such as tariffs or quotas, or it can emphasize policies that promote exports, such as import substitution industrialization or policies that improve domestic companies' global competitiveness. The country can also use monetary policy to improve the domestic currency’s valuation relative to other currencies through devaluation, since this makes a country’s exports less expensive.

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  19. Unknown28 January 2014 at 07:16

    Ans 13. National Nutrition Mission has been set up for policy direction and effective coordination of nutrition programmes being implemented by the Government. It Mission aims to achieve optimal nutrition of vulnerable segments of population such as women of reproductive age, children, adolescent girls and elderly. The Mission will have two tier- supervisory structure. It will be headed by the Prime Minister and will include concerned union ministers, chief ministers by rotation, academicians, technical experts and NGOs.
    The mission was recommended by Prime Minister’s National Council on India’s Nutrition Challenges in 2010 and it will be implemented in 200 high burden districts. It is a centrally sponsored scheme with the centre-state cost sharing of 90:10 and 75:25 for state and UT. The National Mission Steering Group and the Empowered Programme Committee constituted for Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Mission will be the highest administrative and technical bodies for ensuring effective planning, implementation, monitoring and supervision.

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  20. Unknown30 January 2014 at 09:32

    For rest of my answers please refer to the shared link

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B55HMwMMvIHpNHdJcmVWdVliZjg/edit?usp=sharing

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  21. Unknown30 January 2014 at 10:03

    25. What is endosulfan? What were the effects of use of endosulfan on the human population? (200 Words)

    Endosulfan is a chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide of the cyclodiene subgroup which acts as a contact poison in a wide variety of insects and mites. It can also be used as a wood preservative. It is used primarily on food crops like tea, fruits, vegetables and on grains. Commercial names for the product include Thiodan, Endocide, Beosit, Cyclodan, Malix, Thimul and Thifor. Endosulfan is a highly toxic substance and carries the signal word DANGER on the label. Toxicity is partly dependent on the manner with which the pesticide is administered. Undiluted endosulfan is slowly and incompletely absorbed into the body whereas absorption is more rapid in the presence of alcohols, oils and emulsifiers. Stimulation of the Central Nervous System is the major characteristic of endosulfan poisoning . Symptoms of acute exposure are indistinguishable from symptoms from other cyclodienes . They include incoordination, even a loss of the ability to stand. Other signs of poisoning include gagging, vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, convulsions and loss of consciousness. Blindness has been documented for cows which grazed in a field sprayed with the compound. The animals completely recovered after a month following the exposure. In an accidental exposure, sheep and pigs grazing on a sprayed field suffered a lack of muscle coordination and blindness. In humans endosulfan leads to deformities, cancers, birth disorders and damages to brain and nervous system, mental retardation, cancer and infertility in the victims.

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  22. Wild Wild Wings31 January 2014 at 06:19

    101. What is Judicial Activism? Do you think its good for Democracy? Justify.
    Judicial Activism implies going beyond the normal constraints applied to jurists and the constitution, which gives jurists the right to strike down any legislation or rule against the precedent if it goes against the constitution.

    The following are some of the well accepted reasons which compel a court or a judge to be active while discharging the judicial functions assigned to them by a constitution or any other organic law.
    i. Near collapse of responsible government
    ii. Pressure on Judiciary to step in aid
    iii. Judicial enthusiasm to participate in social reform and change
    iv. Legislative vacuum left open.
    v. The constitutional scheme
    vi. Authority to make final declaration as to validity of a law.
    vii. Role of judiciary as guardian of fundamental rights
    viii. Public confidence in judiciary etc.

    Judicial Activism is good for Democracy:-

    Detractors of Judicial Activism charge that it usurps the power of the elected branches of government or appointed agencies, damaging the rule of law and democracy.

    However, the power of "Judicial Review" is regarded as part of the basic structure of both American and Indian Constitution, in which the activist role of the judiciary is implicit.

    Judicial Activism is a sine qua non of democracy because without an alert and enlightened judiciary, the democracy will be reduced to an empty shell; for the courts are the only forum for those wronged by administrative excesses and executive arbitrariness.

    Examining in the Indian context, today it has touched almost every aspect of life starting from corruption to pollution, to do positive justice to common men. Initiating with the famous Golak Nath Case which safeguarded the Fundamental rights from amendment by parliament and the Keshavanand Bharti Case from which evolved the "Doctrine of Basic Structure"; it has helped to secure "Fundamental rights as a living reality" for the socially and economically downtrodden ranging from under-trial prisoners to children working in hazardous occupations and from workers treated as slaves in quarries and kilns to women sexually harassed at workplace. Even administrative and policy matter like Police Reforms, auctioning of public resources and assets to highest bidders(as in 2G Licence Case) etc. couldn't escape the vigil eyes of Supreme Court. According to an article published in "The Hindu"; "for Supreme Court, 2013 will go down as a watershed year in which it sought to end the criminalisation of politics, disqualified convicted legislators, ordered electoral reforms and asserted its supremacy and authority in all spheres.

    Hence, Judicial Activism is not an aberration, rather it is an essential aspect of the dynamics of a constitutional court. It is a counter-majoritarian check on democracy.

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  23. Wild Wild Wings31 January 2014 at 07:39

    102. Write a note on climatological seasons of India.
    Answer Source- NCERT-XI Indian Physical Geography, Ch-4, p- 40

    Meteorologists recognise four seasons in India's annual cycle of seasons.

    i. The Cold Weather Season:-

    a. Sets in by mid-November in Northern India; December and January being the coldest months. 3 main reasons for excessive cold in North India-
    1. Away from Sea
    2. Snowfall in Himalayas
    3. Cold wind from Caspian Sea and Turkmenistan

    b. However, due to moderating influence of the sea and the proximity to equator; peninsular region of India does not have any well-defined cold weather season.

    c. Winter monsoon do not cause rainfall ase they move from land to sea. Exception these being North-Western India, Arunachal and Assam, Central India and Northern part of southern peninsula, Tamil Nadu coast, southern A.P, southern Karnataka and southern Kerala.

    ii. Hot Weather Saesons:-

    a. With the apparent northward movement of Sun towards the Tropic of Cancer in March, temperature starts increasing in northern India. April, May, June are months of Summer in north India.

    b. Again, due to the moderating effects of oceans, Summer in Southern India is milder.

    c. Because of the heating of the Sub-Continent, the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone moves northwards occupying a position centered at 25 degree North in July. At the heart of the ITCZ in the northwest, the dry and hot winds known as "Loo", blow in the afternoon.

    iii. South-West Monsoon Season:-

    a. By early June, the low pressure condition developed over northwestern plains get powerful enough to attract the trade winds of Southern Hemisphere coming from the Indian ocean.

    b. Laden with moisture as it passes over the equitorial warm currents, it crosses the equator and follow the southwesterly direction.

    c. Modified by relief and thermal low pressure over northwest India, it gets divided into two branches; the Arabian Sea branch and the Bay of Bengal branch causing rain throughout the country except in Tamil Nadu coast.

    d. It lasts upto the end of September.

    iv. Retreating Monsoon Season:-

    a. By the end of September, the Southwest monsoon becomes weak, as the low pressure trough of the Ganga plain starts moving southward in response to the southward march of the sun.

    b. The season is marked by clear skies and rise in temperature. Weather is dry in North-India but it is associated with rain in eastern part of the peninsula. Here, October and November are the rainiest months of the year.

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  24. Sandeep1 February 2014 at 22:08

    1. Uttarayan festival (50 Words)
    It is also known as international kite festivals and biggest among all the Gujarat festivals. It is celebrated on 14th February which mark the starting of harvest season for farmers. Kite competition are held in all cities of Gujarat in which international citizens also participate.

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  25. Sandeep1 February 2014 at 22:08

    2. What is Sethusamudram project? Why is being opposed? (200 Words)
    It envisages a navigational route around southern tip by breaching the Ram Setu which made up of limestone shoals connecting palk bay and Gulf of Mannar approved by government of India.
    This project from starting opposed by various group of people on the ground of religious, environment and economic viability. Later on R.K.Pachauri committee also opposed this project.
    1. It is sacred for Hindus so various Hindu organisation opposing it.
    2. Various environmental activist are opposing it owing to its negative impact on marine biodiversity, threat to Gulf of Mannar national park situated in close vicinity and coral reefs and loss of protective barrier for southern Kerala form Tsunami waves. It is also believed that precious thorium reserve would be negatively affected.
    3. Various economic expert reported economic unviability of this project due to very high investment as compare to benefits from it through tariff rates and inability of ships more than 60,000 tonnes form canal. It would also negatively affect surrounding fisherman community as this project invariably would deplete already scarce fish resources.

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  26. Sandeep1 February 2014 at 22:43

    54. Write a note on the importance of stratosphere for the Earth and its inhabitants. (200 Words)
    Ans. Stratosphere is second layer of atmosphere just above the troposphere which is situated from 18 km to 50 km at equator and from 8 km at poles. Role of stratosphere in sustaining life on earth is paramount owing to presence of ozone layer. It also provide medium for stable flights of aeroplanes.
    Presence of ozone in stratosphere prevents UV rays to enter lower atmosphere which is one of the measure cause of skin cancer and mutation. Chlorofluorocarbon compounds destroy the ozone layer and in past resulted in the thinning of ozone layer however complete ban on the use of CFCs has prevented it.
    Lower layer of stratosphere is also used for flight path because it has low temperature and very minimal turbulence which serve two function. On one hand low temperature help in efficient fuel utilization while on the other hand low air density helps in reducing parasitic drag and minimal turbulence prevents airplane from harsh weather.
    In all way stratosphere with ozone layer is very essential for continue life on planet earth and its importance cannot be overlooked

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