Q.1) At present a growth-inflation conundrum is clearly visible in the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) monetary policy stance. In this context, discuss the shortcomings of monetary policy. (15 marks - 250 words)
Why this question? - The Reserve Bank of India has kept interest rates unchanged, seeking to contain a rise in retail inflation even as growth remains a concern.
Intro - Highlight the status of Indian economy at present and the dilemma faced by the RBI.
Body -
- A brief about RBI’s monetary policy and its objectives.
- Shortcomings of RBI monetary policy and its impact on Indian economy.
Way ahead - Need to reform RBI’s monetary policy to make it more relevant in the current scenario.
Conclusion - Summarize your answer based on the above discussion.
Q.2) Inter-State River Water Disputes in India need a new mechanism for resolution. Discuss. (15 M, 250 Words)
Why this question?
- Punjab Chief Minister asked the Central government to be cautious on the contentious Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue.
Introduction: Mention few interstate water disputes and constitutional provisions for sunject ‘water’
Body:
- The Present Mechanism to resolve the inter-state river water disputes in India: Inter-State Water Disputes (Amendment) Act, 2017
- Concerns: Extra Ordinary Delays in the execution and implementation
- Lack of data sharing on river basins
Conclusion: Provide a way forward for resolving the disputes using the Inter State council.
Q.3) Electronics sector has a key role towards realizing the ambition of self-reliance and a momentous stride towards “Atmanirbhar Bharat”. Comment. (10 M, 150 words)
Why this question?
Union Minister of Law & Justice, Communications and Electronics & Information Technology, launched “Swadeshi Microprocessor Challenge- Innovate Solutions For #Aatmanirbhar Bharat” to provide further impetus to the strong ecosystem of Start-up, innovation and research in the country.
Introduction: Mention Atma Nirbhar Bharat
Body:
- Sectors heavily depend on imports: Electronics equipment such as smartphones and computers are a key part of India’s import bill.
- The Indian AC industry, with an estimated Rs 12,000 crore market and sales of over 5.5 million units, is largely dependent on imported compressors — which accounts for 60-65 percent of an AC’s production value.
- Significance of Electronics sector: It has been already identified by the Department of Promotion for Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) for self-reliance scheme.
- Govt. initiatives for the sector
Conclusion: We need an industrial policy and an innovation policy and you need to look at what the industries need in terms of making their infrastructure more efficient.
Q.4) In the light of recent landslide in Kerala’s Idukki district, Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation. (250 words)
Why this question?
The landslide happened at 10:45 pm on August 6 at Pettimudi, a hamlet in the Rajamala ward under Munnar village panchayat in Kerala’s Idukki district.
Intro:
- Mention the havoc caused by the recent landslide
Body:
- Details of landslide in Kerala
- Location
- Vulnerability
- Slope
- High content of sand
- About landslides in India
- Landslide hazard map of India etc
- Mitigation measures
- Restriction on the construction and other developmental activities such as roads and dams
- Limiting agriculture to valleys and areas with moderate slopes, and
- Control on the development of large settlements in the high vulnerability zones. etc
Conclusion:
Mention the need to adopt area-specific measures to deal with landslides
