The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the formation of a composite Financial Inclusion Index (FI-Index) to capture the extent of financial inclusion across the country.
Financial Inclusion Index
The FI-Index will be published in July every year.
The index captures information on various aspects of financial inclusion in a single value ranging between 0 and 100, where 0 represents complete financial exclusion and 100 indicates full financial inclusion.
It has been conceptualized as a comprehensive index incorporating details of banking, investments, insurance, postal as well as the pension sector in consultation with the government and respective sectoral regulators.
It has been constructed without any ‘base year’ and as such it reflects cumulative efforts of all stakeholders over the years towards financial inclusion.
Parameters of the index
The FI-Index comprises three broad parameters viz.,
Access (35%),
Usage (45%), and
Quality (20%)
These parameters are the identification of the customer, reaching the last mile, and providing relevant, affordable and safe products.
The index is responsive to ease of access, availability and usage of services, and quality of services for all 97 indicators.
This year’s highlight
The annual FI-Index for the period ended March 2021 stood at 53.9 compared with 43.4 for the period ended March 2017.
India has been promoting 2G bioethanol to achieve its E20 target.
What is Bioethanol?
Biomass has always been a reliable source of energy.
Cultivated biomass has begun to be used to generate bioethanol.
They are categorised as first (1G), second (2G) and third-generation (3G), based on the source of raw material used for bioethanol production.
Its types
1G bioethanol: Raw materials required are corn seeds and sugarcane; both are food sources. There is not enough food for everyone; so the use of 1G is a major concern. However, some countries have enough raw materials to manufacture 1G.
2G bioethanol: It can be produced using inedible farm waste left over after harvest. Corn cobs, rice husks, wheat straw and sugarcane bagasse can all be transformed into cellulose and fermented into ethanol that can then be mixed with conventional fuels.
3G bioethanol: Algae grown in wastewater, sewage or saltwater can be used to produce bioethanol. Water used for human consumption is not required. The benefit of 3G is that it does not compete with food. Nevertheless, economic viability remains a critical issue.
Ethanol blending in India
India currently blends approximately 8.5 per cent ethanol with petrol.
It is estimated that ethanol production in India will triple to approximately 10 billion litres per year by 2025.
The 2G plant will play a major role in making bioethanol available for blending.
In addition to reducing agricultural waste incineration, it can also help meet the goal of converting waste into energy.
Moves for production
The first 2G ethanol biorefinery is being set up at Bathinda, Punjab.
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) plans to set up four 2G ethanol plants that will convert agricultural waste into biofuel, reducing toxic air pollution in northern India.
Additionally, HPCL has plans to build four plants to produce ethanol using grains, such as surplus maize, surplus rice and damaged grain.
Innovations in this field
An Indian company has filed a patent for loop reactor technology.
It is a long, serpentine tubular reactor, in which fermentable sugars are converted to ethanol with the help of brewer’s yeast.
This sparked an idea to come up with reactive pipeline technology, wherein the pipeline connects the sugar factories where the ethanol is produced to the blending depot at the closest oil manufacturing companies.
Reactive pipeline technology is poised to be a game-changer for sugar factories and grain-based distilleries since uninterrupted raw material supply is a major challenge.
Benefits offered by ethanol blending
(1) Energy security
The Union government has emphasized that increased use of ethanol can help reduce the oil import bill.
India’s net import cost stands at $551 billion in 2020-21. It is estimated that the E20 program can save the country $4 billion (Rs 30,000 crore) per annum.
(2) Emission reduction
Use of ethanol-blended petrol decreases emissions such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), the expert committee noted.
Higher reductions in CO emissions were observed with E20 fuel — 50 per cent lower in two-wheelers and 30 per cent lower in four-wheelers.
Some issues to be addressed
(1) Fuel efficiency
There is an estimated loss of six-seven per cent fuel efficiency for four-wheelers and three-four per cent for two-wheelers when using E20, the committee report noted.
These vehicles are originally designed for E0 and calibrated for E10.
(2) Recalibrating engines
The use of E20 will require new engine specifications and changes to the fuel lines, as well as some plastic and rubber parts due to the fuel’s corrosive nature.
The engines, moreover, will need to be recalibrated to achieve the required power, efficiency and emission-level balance due to the lower energy density of the fuel.
Conclusion
The country’s target of 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol (E20) by 2025 can play a key role in reducing crude oil imports and bolstering India’s energy independence.
But India may miss an earlier goal set by him in 2015 — of reducing crude oil import dependency 10 per cent by 2022.
The target is far from being met and the country’s import dependency is only increasing.
The country’s target of 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol (E20) by 2025 can play a key role in reducing crude oil imports and bolstering India’s energy independence.
Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme was launched in January 2003 for the supply of 5% ethanol blended petrol.
The programme sought to promote the use of alternative and environment-friendly fuels and to reduce import dependency for energy requirements.
OMCs are advised to continue according to priority of ethanol from 1) sugarcane juice/sugar/sugar syrup, 2) B-heavy molasses 3) C-heavy molasses and 4) damaged food grains/other sources.
The Centre has notified the rates and norms for the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme asserting that it would put ‘direct cash in the pockets of exporters’ soon.
RoDTEP Scheme
RoDTEP is a scheme for Exporters to make Indian products cost-competitive and create a level playing field for them in the Global Market.
It has been kicked in from January 2021, replacing the earlier Merchandise and Services Export Incentive Schemes (MEIS and SEIS) that were in violation of WTO norms.
The new RoDTEP Scheme is a fully WTO compliant scheme.
It will reimburse all the taxes/duties/levies being charged at the Central/State/Local level which are not currently refunded under any of the existing schemes but are incurred at the manufacturing and distribution process.
Answer this PYQ:
Q.With reference to the international trade of India at present, which of the following statements is/are correct?
India’s merchandise exports are less than its merchandise imports.
India’s imports of iron and steel, chemicals, fertilizers and machinery have decreased in recent years.
India’s exports of services ye more than its imports of services.
India suffers from an overall trade/current account deficit.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only
Post your answers here (You need to sign-in for that).
Why need such a scheme?
The scheme was announced last year as a replacement for the Merchandise Export from India Scheme (MEIS), which was not found not to be compliant with the rules of the World Trade Organisation.
Following a complaint by the US, a dispute settlement panel had ruled against India’s use of MEIS as it had found the duty credit scrips awarded under the scheme to be inconsistent with WTO norms.
Coverage of the scheme
It covers about 75% of traded items and 65% of India’s exports.
To enable zero-rating of exports by ensuring domestic taxes are not exported, all taxes, including those levied by States and even Gram Panchayats, will be refunded under the scheme.
Steel, pharma, and chemicals have not been included under the scheme because their exports have done well without incentives.
Back2Basics: Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS)
MEIS was launched with an objective to enhance the export of notified goods manufactured in a country.
This scheme came into effect on 1 April 2015 through the Foreign Trade Policy and was in existence till 2020.
It intended to incentivize exports of goods manufactured in India or produced in India.
The incentives were for goods widely exported from India, industries producing or manufacturing such goods with a view to making Indian exports competitive.
The MEIS covered almost 5000 goods notified for the purpose of the scheme.
The federal government in the US has declared a water shortage for the Colorado river basin due to a historic drought.
Try this PYQ
Q. Consider the following pairs
River – Flows into
Mekong — Andaman Sea
Thames — Irish Sea
Volga — Caspian Sea
Zambezi — Indian Ocean
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?(CSP 2020)
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2 and 4 only
Post your answers here (you need to sign-in for that).
Colorado River
The Colorado River flows from the Rocky Mountains into the southwestern US and into Mexico.
The river is fed by snowmelt from the Rocky and Wasatch mountains and flows a distance of over 2,250 km (river Ganga flows through a distance of roughly 2,500 km) across seven states and into Mexico.
The Colorado River Basin is divided into the Upper (Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and northern Arizona) and Lower Basins (parts of Nevada, Arizona, California, southwestern Utah and western New Mexico).
In the Lower Basin, the Hoover Dam controls floods and regulates water delivery and storage.
Apart from the Hoover dam, there is the Davis Dam, Parker Dam and the Imperial Dam that regulate the release of water from the Hoover Dam.
Major lakes in its basin
Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the US in terms of volume and was formed in the 1930s by the Hoover Dam in Southern Nevada.
Its main source of water is obtained from the Rocky Mountain snowmelt and runoff.
The other is Lake Powell, the reservoir created by the Glen Canyon Dam in Arizona.
Reasons for shortage
Since the year 2000, this river basin has been experiencing a prolonged drought.
This persistent drought has led to a lowering down of the water levels in the basin’s reservoirs to meet the demand over the years.
But even with great water storing capacity, over the years the demand for water from the basin has increased whereas supply is restricted.
A bronze statue of the first ruler of the Sikh Empire, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, was vandalized in Pakistan.
Who was Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Maharaja Ranjit Singh (13 November 1780 – 27 June 1839), popularly known as Sher-e-Punjab or “Lion of Punjab”, was the first Maharaja of the Sikh Empire.
He survived smallpox in infancy but lost sight in his left eye.
Prior to his rise, the Punjab region had numerous warring misls (confederacies), twelve of which were under Sikh rulers and one Muslim.
Ranjit Singh successfully absorbed and united the Sikh misls and took over other local kingdoms to create the Sikh Empire.
He repeatedly defeated invasions by outside armies, particularly those arriving from Afghanistan, and established friendly relations with the British.
Empirical expansion
Ranjit Singh’s trans-regional empire spread over several states. His empire included the former Mughal provinces of Lahore and Multan besides part of Kabul and the entire Peshawar.
The boundaries of his state went up to Ladakh — Zorawar Singh, a general from Jammu, had conquered Ladakh in Ranjit Singh’s name — in the northeast.
His empire extended till Khyber pass in the northwest, and up to Panjnad in the south where the five rivers of Punjab fell into the Indus.
During his regime, Punjab was a land of six rivers, the sixth being the Indus.
His legacy
Ranjit Singh’s reign introduced reforms, modernization, investment into infrastructure, and general prosperity.
His Khalsa army and government included Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims, and Europeans.
His legacy includes a period of Sikh cultural and artistic renaissance, including the rebuilding of the Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, Takht Sri Patna Sahib, Bihar, and Hazur Sahib Nanded, Maharashtra under his sponsorship.
GS-1 Urbanization, their problems and their remedies
GS-2 Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora.
GS-3 Issues related to Direct and Indirect Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices; Public Distribution System – Objectives, Functioning, Limitations, Revamping; Issues of Buffer Stocks and Food Security; Technology Missions; Economics of Animal-Rearing.
GS-4 Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.
HOW TO ATTEMPT ANSWERS IN DAILY ANSWER WRITING ENHANCEMENT(AWE)?
Daily 4 questions from General studies 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be provided to you.
A Mentor’s Comment will be available for all answers. This can be used as a guidance tool but we encourage you to write original answers.
You can write your answer on an A4 sheet and scan/click pictures of the same.
Upload the scanned answer in the comment section of the same question.
Along with the scanned answer, please share your Razor payment ID, so that paid members are given priority.
If you upload the answer on the same day like the answer of 1st August is uploaded on 1st August then your answer will be checked within 72 hours. Also, reviews will be in the order of submission- First come first serve basis
If you are writing answers late, for example, 1st August is uploaded on 3rd August, then these answers will be evaluated as per the mentor’s schedule.
We encourage you to write answers on the same day. However, if you are uploading an answer late then tag the mentor like @Staff so that the mentor is notified about your answer.
*In case your answer is not reviewed, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*.
While we cheer and celebrate our 75th independence day, we cannot lose focus on what’s coming next! Yes, the dates for the UPSC exam 2022 are out and we have less than 10 months or 300 days to prepare.
But do not worry, we are here to help!
Becoming an IAS officer is your personal tryst with destiny and we want to make sure that your dreams do come true. And in the spirit of Independence Day, you can access all of our resources at a discount of 15%.
You can have your own dedicated mentor to guide you through the entire process of the exam, you can access our exclusive videos, and any course that you buy is now available with a 15% discount IF YOU REGISTER NOW!
In a country as culturally and regionally diverse as India, it has often been noticed that a considerable number of bright students are either sceptical or don’t opt for the Engineering degree in college for the fear and apprehension of not understanding the English language effortlessly.
Who are Engineers, btw?
Engineers are people who solve problems and focus on making things work more efficiently and effectively.
They apply the theories and principles of science and mathematics to research and develop economical solutions to technical problems.
Their work is the link between perceived social needs and commercial applications.
Engineering in Regional Languages
In total14 Engineering Colleges in the country will now begin to offer various courses in regional languages.
These colleges have secured permission from the All-India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) to collectively admit over 1,000 students in UG programmes that will be taught in regional languages.
Why debate this issue?
It’s been a subject matter of debate ever since the proposal was made for technical education in regional languages.
We shall talk about the potential challenges that students of these courses could face in their education ahead and careers.
Regional languages for the courses
At least half of them, four from Uttar Pradesh, two from Rajasthan and one each from Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand will teach in Hindi.
The remaining colleges from Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu will offer the programme in Telugu, Marathi, Bengali and Tamil, respectively.
Criteria for the colleges
The AICTE has put very stringent conditions on those aiming to launch the courses.
The colleges need to be accredited by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) and should be among top ranked in their respective states.
They can start with either the batch size of 30 or 60. The priority would be granted to autonomous institutions fulfilling all the criteria.
They would have an option to either appoint another set of teachers who can teach in regional languages or train the existing ones, which would be much easier.
Benefits offered by the move
Language promotion: This move will promote regional language as the mode of delivering education.
Breaking the regional divide: High school dropout has been mainly caused by consistent failure to clear English language paper in India. The move would help aspirants, particularly from rural and tribal areas, to realize their dreams.
Better learning: Learning in their mother tongue helps the students to grasp the fundamentals more readily. It improves the cognitive abilities of students and also boosts their self-confidence.
Ensuring equal opportunity: This step will ensure that no students face discrimination in higher education institutes due to the language barrier.
Skill development: Vernacular language when combined with skill development helps develop professionals who can transform the country from the grassroots.
Technology solutions: At job level the engineers often have to deal with the workers in regional languages so it will be an added advantage.
Major challenges
Imparting technical education in one’s mother tongue can be a challenging task at the initial stage because of multiple reasons.
Strict criteria: The criterion laid by the AICTE are somewhat difficult for institutions to acquire in short span of time.
Curriculum translation: Making study material available in regional languages is toughest challenge. There had been no attempt in the past to translate engineering subjects (quiet often authored by foreign authors).
Faculty issues: The teachers must have a strong command over their mother tongue and must have the ability to easily communicate in the same language that they are teaching. This cannot be achieved overnight at such a short notice.
Limited domain: The option, however, would be available for undergraduate courses and is limited for traditional branches like mechanical, engineering, civil, electrical and others. It is impossible to practice software coding in regional languages.
Employability challenges: There is a big question that arises regarding their employability in the era of globalization. It has been observed that many companies prefer hiring individuals with English speaking skills irrespective of their academic performance.
Various moves by AICTE
AICTE has been constantly putting in all the necessary efforts to make this move successful and hassle-free for students and institutions.
They are offering course materials in all the above-mentioned regional languages and are translating courses taught under the Swayam platform.
They are also appointing a new set of teachers who have a stronghold in regional languages and can teach in the same without difficulty.
It has also been decided that the examinations will be conducted in the language preferred by the student.
The institutions have also been advised to make the necessary provisions for compulsory graded courses in English to make sure that the students are good with the language before they enter the corporate world.
Feasibility check: Good or Bad Decision?
(1) English offers more ease
Countries like Germany, Japan, China are homogenous societies (speaking one language mostly) and secondly, India cannot be equated with them. India is entire Europe.
Even in these homogeneous societies, many institutions have started moving to English now, seeing the disadvantages they are facing.
They are learning from us. Not sure if there is an equivalent of India in the world. India is Europe, roughly in terms of languages or land area.
(2) English no more a barrier
India has produced C V Ramans, J C Boses, Meghanad Sahas earlier. It has also produced institution builders such as Bhabhas, Ramannas and Bhatnagars.
Why aren’t we producing people of this calibre right now? Evolution wise, people are only becoming better.
We have brought in so much of bureaucracy into our systems and almost all leadership and Innovation gets scuttled at every stage.
(3) Limits of the knowledge pool
IIT education involves integration of a lot of research and open study materials.
Students have to read various other books and reference materials which come in English.
Offering complete BTech and masters courses in local languages will deprive the students of a vast amount of resource material available in English.
(4) Reforms in vernac school education are long overdue
Many state run primary , secondary and higher schools are on the edge of their perish.
This is equally true in terms of the quality of education imparted in such schools.
It is ironical and distant to dream for UG courses in local languages where the state of school educations is poor.
Way forward
The move offers everyone an equal opportunity.
Every child who does schooling in local languages must have an opportunity to take JEE Main and JEE Advanced in their local language.
JEE Advanced must be conducted in all local languages, where there is a demand.
We need to free up our educational institutions from bureaucratic controls and create competition among them by also providing them autonomy.
Autonomy and Competition need to go hand in hand.
Need of the hour: Curriculum transformation
One of our problems is that, we have never connected our institutions and never engaged them to solve problems of the society/country.
The less practical syllabus has to do away for more real life applications of engineering.
So it’s the overall system in the country to blame for our plight and not our educational institutions or instruction in English.
Conclusion
Overall, it’s a welcome step that is going to enhance the learning outcome which is very important as per the vision of new education policy.
Dr A P J Abdul Kalam truly believed that science education should be imparted to students in vernacular language to nurture creativity and help them understand the subject easily.
However, multidisciplinary institutions and autonomy, as articulated in NEP, are the need of the hour.
Note: In GS Paper 2, 17 out of 20 Questions asked in UPSC 2020, were already covered at Samachar Manthan. And the entire GS paper 3 was covered in Samachar Manthan that makes for an approximate 85% Success rate.
Current Affairs is the heart and soul of the UPSC exam. UPSC ties dynamic Current Affairs topics with static knowledge to test aspirants at all three stages of the exam. A thorough grasp of CA is, therefore, extremely crucial to your success. That is why we, at CivilsDaily, have consolidated all the important aspects of CA in Samachar Manthan so that you don’t have to browse through thousands of study materials to be on top of your game. Samachar Manthan is the essence of all you need, in one place. Right here!
For any clarification and queries please CONTACT us at hello@civilsdaily.com OR +91 8929987787
3. Membership to Samachar Manthan Habitat club – doubts, discussion, and mentorship session.
4. Weekly Current Affairs based Mains Test (10 Questions) and Evaluation
5. Current Affairs Monthly Prelims Test package
6. Marathon Revision sessions on Habitat before Prelims and Mains
7. Frequent Google meet Sessions to check on Student’s Preparation status
8. Micro notes to help you make your notes.
Now, let’s take a look at the below-mentioned GS Paper 2 paper of 2020, question by question.
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) “Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have a profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission”. Discuss
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Right to Information Act is considered one of the milestones in Indian democracy. In the context of real representation that RTI provided to the public authorities, examine how far the recent amendments may breach the actual contention of the RTI Act?
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) Which steps are required for the constitutionalization of a commission? Do you think imparting constitutionality to the National Commission for Women would ensure greater gender justice and empowerment in India? Give reasons. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Seeing the Patriarchal nature of society the Indian Parliament came up with the legislation in the form of the National Commission for Women to work for the betterment of the female section of the society. In such a context, critically analyse the effectiveness of NCW at present. Also, suggest measures to make it work effectively.
UPSC Mains Questions
Q.) How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer (Answer in 150 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Explain the difference between Competitive vs Cooperative federalism. In the Indian context, what have been the hindrances in achieving competitive federalism. What should be the solution?
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a ‘useless Stepney tyre’ to the most useful supporting organ in the past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas in which this transformation could be visible. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) How far do you agree with the view that Rajya Sabha has done nothing exceptional in the last 70 years except stalling work and therefore it should be abolished? (10 Marks)
UPSC Mains question
Q.) Indian constitution exhibits centralising tendencies to maintain the unity and integrity of the nation. Elucidate in the perspective of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897; The Disaster Management Act, 2005 and recently passed Farm Acts. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) The Centre has got more powers to raise the resources and states were given more responsibilities. Examine how this dichotomy came under serious scrutiny in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. (10 marks)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) Judicial Legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian Constitution. This context justifies the filing of a large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) How far do you agree that the recent judgements pronounced by the supreme court of India border on Judicial overreach. Elaborate with Examples
UPSC Mains Questions
Q.) The strength & sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their formative phase of ‘Functions, Functionaries and Funs’ to the contemporary stage of ‘Functionality’. Highlight the critical challenges faced by local institutions in terms of their functionality in recent times. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) “Panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) are simultaneously a remarkable success and a staggering failure”. Critically analyze. (10 marks)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) “Once a speaker, Always a speaker’! Do you think the practise should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India? (Answer in 150 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Discuss the controversies surrounding the office of the speaker in India. Suggest measures to make the office of speaker impartial and independent. Should it be modelled on the lines of the office of a British speaker? (15)
UPSC Mains question
Q.) The judicial systems in India and the UK seem to be converging as well as diverging in recent times. Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the two nations in terms of their judicial practices. (Answer in 150 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Topic Was discussed in the third week of December in our Samachar Manthan lecture
Q.) “Micro-Finance as an anti-poverty vaccine, is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in India”. Evaluate the role of Self-Help Groups in achieving the twin objectives along with empowering women in rural India. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) In the context of SHGs in India, explain how they can benefit the ongoing pandemic. Also, suggest measures to make them more effective and empowered. (10 marks)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) “Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance”. This context suggests reforms in Civil Service for strengthening democracy.
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Despite being the pivot of Indian democracy, the civil services have performed rather poorly when it comes to administering the routine. Discuss.
Q.) National Education Policy 2020 conforms with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) “The New Education Policy is an old wine in a new glass”. Do you agree with this view? Examine. (15 marks)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of the government”. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Digitising India could accelerate its progress towards development but certain factors must be addressed before India could reap the benefits of digitising. Examine such factors and suggest ways to deal with the issues in digitising the country. (10)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) “The incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty based on income alone”. In this context analyze the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Multidimensional Poverty Index is a measure to assess acute poverty in multiple dimensions. In this respect, state how poverty is leading to a loss in Human development and thus making the population a liability than an asset. (15 marks)
UPSC Mains question
Q.) To enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Discuss how marriage age and women’s health are linked with each other?
UPSC Mains questions
Q.) ‘Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)’ is the transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times – Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) A revival and re-invigoration of the Quad are called for to maintain peace and tranquillity in the Indo-pacific region. Examine. (10)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Answer in 150 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) The global institutional architecture of the 1940s cannot help humanity face the challenges of the 2020s. Discuss. (10)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) India is witnessing increased variety in its bilateral/multilateral defence partnerships. Despite this, Russia remains an important ally. Analyse. (15 marks)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) ‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples. (Answer in 150 words)
Extensively discussed and covered as Burning Issue and SM weekly Video Classes.
16/20 Questions asked in UPSC 2020 GS paper 3 were covered in Samachar Manthan. (85 per cent success rate)
UPSC Question
Q.) Define potential GDP and explain its determinants. What are the factors that have been inhibiting India from realizing its potential GDP? (Answer in 150 words)10
SM Weekly test
Q.) Among several factors for India’s potential growth, at this moment, government expenditure is the most effective one. Do you agree? What are the impediments to increasing Government expenditure? (10 marks)
UPSC Question
Q.) Explain the meaning of investment in an economy in terms of capital formation. Discuss the factors to consider while designing a concession agreement between a public and a private entity. (Answer in 250 words) 15
SM weekly test
Q12. What are the different models of PPP? How has been India’s experience so far with PPP? What are the changes required to make it more efficient? (15)
UPSC Question
How CivilsDaily IAS made an evidence-based content selection, which resulted in an 85 per cent alignment of the actual mains paper with the Samachar Manthan course? Presenting GS Mains II Paper Analysis.
Current Affairs is the heart and soul of the UPSC exam. UPSC ties dynamic Current Affairs topics with static knowledge to test aspirants at all three stages of the exam. A thorough grasp of CA is, therefore, extremely crucial to your success. That is why we, at Civils Daily, have consolidated all the important aspects of CA in Samachar Manthan so that you don’t have to browse through thousands of study materials to be on top of your game. Samachar Manthan is the essence of all you need, in one place. Right here!
In GS Paper 2, 17 out of 20 Questions were asked in UPSC 2020. And the entire GS paper 2 was covered in Samachar Manthan that makes for an 85% Success rate. Let’s take a look at the below mentioned GS Paper 2 paper of 2020, question by question.
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) “Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have a profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission”. Discuss
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Right to Information Act is considered one of the milestones in Indian democracy. In the context of real representation that RTI provided to the public authorities, examine how far the recent amendments may breach the actual contention of the RTI Act?
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) Which steps are required for the constitutionalization of a commission? Do you think imparting constitutionality to the National Commission for Women would ensure greater gender justice and empowerment in India? Give reasons. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Seeing the Patriarchal nature of society the Indian Parliament came up with the legislation in the form of the National Commission for Women to work for the betterment of the female section of the society. In such a context, critically analyse the effectiveness of NCW at present. Also, suggest measures to make it work effectively.
UPSC Mains Questions
Q.) How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer (Answer in 150 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Explain the difference between Competitive vs Cooperative federalism. In the Indian context, what have been the hindrances in achieving competitive federalism. What should be the solution?
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a ‘useless Stepney tyre’ to the most useful supporting organ in the past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas in which this transformation could be visible. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) How far do you agree with the view that Rajya Sabha has done nothing exceptional in the last 70 years except stalling work and therefore it should be abolished? (10 Marks)
UPSC Mains question
Q.) Indian constitution exhibits centralising tendencies to maintain the unity and integrity of the nation. Elucidate in the perspective of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897; The Disaster Management Act, 2005 and recently passed Farm Acts. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) The Centre has got more powers to raise the resources and states were given more responsibilities. Examine how this dichotomy came under serious scrutiny in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. (10 marks)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) Judicial Legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian Constitution. This context justifies the filing of a large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) How far do you agree that the recent judgements pronounced by the supreme court of India border on Judicial overreach. Elaborate with Examples
UPSC Mains Questions
Q.) The strength & sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their formative phase of ‘Functions, Functionaries and Funs’ to the contemporary stage of ‘Functionality’. Highlight the critical challenges faced by local institutions in terms of their functionality in recent times. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) “Panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) are simultaneously a remarkable success and a staggering failure”. Critically analyze. (10 marks)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) “Once a speaker, Always a speaker’! Do you think the practise should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India? (Answer in 150 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Discuss the controversies surrounding the office of the speaker in India. Suggest measures to make the office of speaker impartial and independent. Should it be modelled on the lines of the office of a British speaker? (15)
UPSC Mains question
Q.) The judicial systems in India and the UK seem to be converging as well as diverging in recent times. Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the two nations in terms of their judicial practices. (Answer in 150 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Topic Was discussed in the third week of December in our Samachar Manthan lecture
Q.) “Micro-Finance as an anti-poverty vaccine, is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in India”. Evaluate the role of Self-Help Groups in achieving the twin objectives along with empowering women in rural India. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) In the context of SHGs in India, explain how they can benefit the ongoing pandemic. Also, suggest measures to make them more effective and empowered.
Q.) “Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance”. This context suggests reforms in Civil Service for strengthening democracy.
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Despite being the pivot of Indian democracy, the civil services have performed rather poorly when it comes to administering the routine. Discuss. (10)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) National Education Policy 2020 conforms with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) “The New Education Policy is an old wine in a new glass”. Do you agree with this view? Examine. (15 marks)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of a government”. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Digitising India could accelerate its progress towards development but certain factors must be addressed before India could reap the benefits of digitising. Examine such factors and suggest ways to deal with the issues in digitising the country. (10)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) “The incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty based on income alone”. In this context analyze the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Multidimensional Poverty Index is a measure to assess acute poverty in multiple dimensions. In this respect, state how poverty is leading to a loss in Human development and thus making the population a liability than an asset. (15 marks)
UPSC Mains question
Q.) In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Discuss how marriage age and women’s health are linked with each other?
UPSC Mains questions
Q.) ‘Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)’ is the transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times – Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) A revival and re-invigoration of the Quad are called for to maintain peace and tranquillity in the Indo-pacific region. Examine. (10)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Answer in 150 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) The global institutional architecture of the 1940s cannot help humanity face the challenges of the 2020s. Discuss. (10)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) India is witnessing increased variety in its bilateral/multilateral defence partnerships. Despite this, Russia remains an important ally. Analyse. (15 marks)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) ‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples. (Answer in 150 words)
Extensively discussed and covered as Burning Issue and SM weekly Video Classes.
16/20 Questions asked in UPSC 2020 GS paper 3 were covered in Samachar Manthan. (85 per cent success rate)
UPSC Question
Q) Define potential GDP and explain its determinants. What are the factors that have been inhibiting India from realizing its potential GDP? (Answer in 150 words)10
SM Weekly test
Q) Among several factors for India’s potential growth, at this moment, government expenditure is the most effective one. Do you agree? What are the impediments to increasing Government expenditure?
UPSC Question
Q) Explain the meaning of investment in an economy in terms of capital formation. Discuss the factors to consider while designing a concession agreement between a public and a private entity. (Answer in 250 words) 15
SM weekly test
Q) What are the different models of PPP? How has been India’s experience so far with PPP? What are the changes required to make it more efficient?
UPSC Question
Q.) Explain the rationale behind the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Act of 2017. How has COVID-19 impacted the GST compensation fund and created new federal tensions? (Answer in 250 words) 15
SM Weekly test
Q.) The Goods and Service Tax has been a grand bargain in cooperative federalism. But the issue of GST compensation to the States in the aftermath of lockdown threatens this achievement in federalism. In light of this, explain the issue of compensation and suggest the ways to deal with it.
UPSC Question
Q) What are the main constraints in the transport and marketing of agricultural produce in India? (Answer in 150 words)10
SM Weekly test
Q.) The APMC Act has been blamed for poor price realisation by the farmers. Recently announced reforms promise to do away with such issues in the APMC Act. In light of this, examine the issues with APMC Acts and how the promised reforms are expected to resolve such issues.”
UPSC Question
Q) What are the challenges and opportunities of the food processing sector in the country? How can the income of the farmers be substantially increased by encouraging food processing? (Answer in 150 words)10
SM Weekly test
Q) India is one of the biggest food producing hubs in the world but recently the food processing industry in India is not showing the desired results. Write a note on the challenges being faced by the food processing industry in India. Also, suggest the measures needed to revamp the food processing sector?
UPSC Question
Q) Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under depleting scenarios. (Answer in 250 words) 15
SM Weekly test
Q) What do you understand by micro-irrigation? Discuss its importance to a country like India?
UPSC Question
Q) Discuss different types of cybercrimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace
Q) As “Digital India” grows, cybersecurity vulnerabilities will increase too. In this context, critically analyse India’s cybersecurity capabilities. (15 marks)
UPSC Question
Q) What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in the Eastern part of India? What strategy should the Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas? (Answer in 250 words) 15
SM weekly test
Q.) The Government of India has adopted an integrated and holistic approach to deal with the Left Wing Extremist (LWE) insurgency. In this context, discuss the challenges while dealing with this internal security in India. Critically analyse the steps are taken by India to curb this menace. (15)
UPSC Question
Q) What do you understand about nanotechnology and how is it helping in the health sector? (Answer in 150 words)10
Q) Nanotechnology is a pathbreaking technology that can create many new materials and devices with a wide range of applications, such as in nanomedicine, nanoelectronics etc. Discuss? (10)
UPSC Question
Q) How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture triggered off by science-based technologies? (Answer in 150 words)10
SM Weekly test
Q.) Examine how India should use breakthroughs in biotechnology and genetic engineering for achieving the goal of low-input, high-output agriculture which is a prerequisite for doubling farmers’ income.
UPSC Question
How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006? (Answer in 150 words)10
SM Weekly test
Q.) The debate around development and environmental conservation has always been more tilted towards the development side at the cost of the environment. In such a scenario, critically analyse the amendments in the Environment Impact Assessment.
UPSC Question
Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our Government for this purpose? (Answer in 250 words) 15
SM Weekly test
Q.) What are the advantages of Lithium-ion batteries that make them most suitable for e-vehicles and other devices? Examine India’s technological and manufacturing capabilities in this crucial product.
UPSC Question
Q) What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India? (Answer in 250 words) 15
SM Weekly test
Q) Discuss key features of the National clean air program? Will it be able to solve the problem of air pollution in India. Critically examine?
UPSC Question
Q) What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? (Answer in 150 words)10
SM Weekly test
Q.) In a world driven by climate change, water has become crucial as a public resource. In the light of this, discuss how Jal Jeevan Mission will bring some respite in the lives of people in general and rural areas in particular.
SM Weekly test
Q.) The Goods and Service Tax has been a grand bargain in cooperative federalism. But the issue of GST compensation to the States in the aftermath of lockdown threatens this achievement in federalism. In light of this, explain the issue of compensation and suggest the ways to deal with it.
UPSC Question
Q.) What are the main constraints in the transport and marketing of agricultural produce in India? (Answer in 150 words)10
SM Weekly test
Q.) The APMC Act has been blamed for poor price realisation by the farmers. Recently announced reforms promise to do away with such issues in the APMC Act. In light of this, examine the issues with APMC Acts and how the promised reforms are expected to resolve such issues.”
UPSC Question
Q.) What are the challenges and opportunities of the food processing sector in the country? How can the income of the farmers be substantially increased by encouraging food processing? (Answer in 150 words)10
SM Weekly test
Q.) India is one of the biggest food producing hubs in the world but recently the food processing industry in India is not showing the desired results. Write a note on the challenges being faced by the food processing industry in India. Also, suggest the measures needed to revamp the food processing sector?
UPSC Question
Q.) Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under depleting scenarios. (Answer in 250 words) 15
SM Weekly test
Q) What do you understand by micro-irrigation? Discuss its importance to a country like India?
UPSC Question
Q) Discuss different types of cybercrimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace?
SM Weekly Test
Q) As “Digital India” grows, cybersecurity vulnerabilities will increase too. In this context, critically analyse India’s cybersecurity capabilities.
UPSC Question
Q) What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in the Eastern part of India? What strategy should the Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas? (Answer in 250 words) 15
SM weekly test
Q.) The Government of India has adopted an integrated and holistic approach to deal with the Left Wing Extremist (LWE) insurgency. In this context, discuss the challenges while dealing with this internal security in India. Critically analyse the steps are taken by India to curb this menace. (15)
UPSC Mains Question
Q) What do you understand about nanotechnology and how is it helping in the health sector? (Answer in 150 words)10
Q.10) Nanotechnology is a pathbreaking technology that can create many new materials and devices with a wide range of applications, such as in nanomedicine, nanoelectronics etc. Discuss? (10)
UPSC Question
Q) How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture triggered off by science-based technologies? (Answer in 150 words)10
SM Weekly test
Q.) Examine how India should use breakthroughs in biotechnology and genetic engineering for achieving the goal of low-input, high-output agriculture which is a prerequisite for doubling farmers’ income.
UPSC Question
Q) How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006? (Answer in 150 words)10
SM Weekly test
Q.) The debate around development and environmental conservation has always been more tilted towards the development side at the cost of the environment. In such a scenario, critically analyse the amendments in the Environment Impact Assessment.
UPSC Question
Q) Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our Government for this purpose? (Answer in 250 words) 15
SM Weekly test
Q.) What are the advantages of Lithium-ion batteries that makes it most suitable for e-vehicles and other devices? Examine India’s technological and manufacturing capabilities in this crucial product.
UPSC Question
Q) What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India? (Answer in 250 words) 15
SM Weekly test
Q) Discuss key features of the National clean air program? Will it be able to solve the problem of air pollution in India. Critically examine?
UPSC Question
Q) What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? (Answer in 150 words)10
SM Weekly test
Q) In a world driven by climate change, water has become crucial as a public resource. In the light of this, discuss how Jal Jeevan Mission will bring some respite in the lives of people in general and rural areas in particular.
For any clarification and queries please CONTACT us at hello@civilsdaily.com OR +91 8929987787
