Q.1) Agricultural exports are key to transforming Indian agriculture and doubling farmer’s income. Comment (15 marks - 250 words)
Why this question? - The High Level Group (HLEG) on Agricultural Exports set up by the Fifteenth Finance Commission has submitted its report.
Intro - Give the status of Indian agriculture along with agriculture exports.
Body -
- Problems faced by Indian agriculture.
- Potential of agricultural exports - estimated investments, job creation, farm productivity etc.
Way ahead - Suggest measures to promote agri exports - Demand driven approach: Focus on value addition, Create a State led export plan, Role of Private Sector: Should play an anchor role, Role of Centre: Should be an enabler, Robust institutional mechanism: To fund and support implementation.
Conclusion - Summarize based on above discussion.
Q.2) The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019 has strengthened “self-reliance, self-respect and self-confidence” of the Muslim women of the country. Critically examine. (15 marks - 250 words)
Why this question? - National Commission for Minorities organised a virtual conference on the occasion of Muslim Women Rights Day, celebrated on August 1st.
Intro - A brief about the background in which the act was enacted.
Body -
- Salient features of the act.
- Impact of the act in ensuring self-reliance, self-respect and self-confidence of the Muslim women.
- Challenges faced in the effective implementation of the act.
Way ahead - Suggest measures to overcome above challenges.
Conclusion - Summarize based on above discussion.
Q.3) A good land records system is a necessity for any harmonious and progressive society. In this context, critically analyze the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP). (15 marks - 250 words)
Why this question? - The Union Ministry of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj has released a booklet on “Best Practices in Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP)”.
Intro - Highlight the importance of good land records in bringing land reforms.
Body -
- Salient features of DILRMP
- Achievements of DILRMP since its inception.
- Shortcomings of DILRMP.
Way ahead - Steps to overcome the above mentioned shortcomings.
Conclusion - Summarize based on above discussion.
Q.4) “India has special and time-tested military ties with Nepal”. Analyze.
Why this question?
Foreign Minister of Nepal recently said that the 1947 agreement among India, Nepal, and the United Kingdom that deals with the military service of Gorkha soldiers has become redundant.
Intro:
Mention bad phase of India’s relations with Nepal
Body:
- Mention the origin of India’s military ties with Nepal
- Battalion of the Gurkha Regiment
- First World War
- Britain–India–Nepal Tripartite Agreement
- Current provisions
- Currently, a large number of Nepalese Gorkhas serve in the Indian military.
- The Gorkha Regiments of the Indian Army are raised partly by recruitment from hill districts of Nepal.
- Also, the Indian Army Chief is granted the honorary post of a General in the Nepal Army.
- Soldiers from Nepal enjoy the same benefits as the Indian troops both during service and after retirement. They get the same medical facilities as the Indian soldiers. They can avail of healthcare facilities in India as well.
- Mention how military ties can be used to improve the relations with Nepal
Conclusion:
Mention the way to convene formal diplomatic dialogue.
Q.5) The big takeaway for India from the divergent GDP growth trends of the US and China is that the government’s effectiveness in getting an economy back on track is dependent on its success in controlling the spread of the virus. Discuss. (15 M, 250 Words)
Why this question?
The United States contracted by 33 per cent in the second quarter making it the sharpest GDP decline in its history. While China’s 3.2 per cent year-on-year GDP growth announced by China’s National Bureau of Statistics on July 22 showed a clear recovery in consumption trends.
Introduction to the answer:
Provide brief information about divergent economic recoveries bin USA and China.Highlight the contrast between them
Body:
Discuss the
- Difference in recovery packages of USA and China
- Effects of recovery packages in USA and China
- Their similarities and differences with India’s economic recovery like consumption driven economy high number of cases, low consumption, fear of recession
- Takeaways for India: In the USA there was an initial delay in responding to the spread of the disease, and uncertain state government policies prevailed. So India has to avoid the pitfalls in order to sustain its economy.
Conclusion: While the share of consumption to GDP, at 57 per cent in India, is closer to that of China, uncertainties are preventing people from spending despite unlocking. So the government should focus on controlling the number of cases and putting money directly into the hands of people to boost consumption.
