UPSC_CS MAINS 2015 Paper III

To what factors can be the recent dramatic fall in equipment cost and tariff of solar energy be attributed? What implications does the trend have for thermal power producers and related industry?

Points to Remember: Cost reduction drivers: Technological advancements, economies of scale, policy support, and increased competition. Implications for thermal power: Reduced competitiveness, potential for stranded assets, need for diversification and adaptation. Related industry impact: Job displacement in some sectors, new opportunities in solar manufacturing and installation. Policy considerations: Need for a just transition to support … Read more

There is a clear acknowledgement that Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are a tool of industrial development, manufacturing and exports. Recognising this potential, the whole instrumentality of SEZs require augmentation. Discuss the issue plaguing the success of SEZs with respect to taxation, governing laws and administration.

Points to Remember: SEZs as a tool for industrial development, manufacturing, and exports. Issues hindering SEZ success: taxation, governing laws, and administration. Need for augmentation of the SEZ instrumentality. Introduction: Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are geographically demarcated areas within a country that offer businesses incentives such as tax breaks, simplified regulations, and streamlined customs procedures … Read more

“Success of make in India program depends on the success of Skill India programme and radical labour reforms.” Discuss with logical arguments.

Points to Remember: The interdependence of “Make in India,” “Skill India,” and labor reforms. The role of skilled labor in manufacturing competitiveness. The impact of labor laws on ease of doing business. Challenges and opportunities in implementing these programs. Introduction: The “Make in India” initiative, launched in 2014, aims to boost domestic manufacturing and transform … Read more

What are the impediments in marketing and supply chain management in developing the food processing industry in India? Can e-commerce help in overcoming this bottleneck?

Points to Remember: Impediments in marketing and supply chain management for India’s food processing industry. Role of e-commerce in mitigating these challenges. Balanced discussion of benefits and limitations of e-commerce. Policy recommendations for improvement. Introduction: India possesses immense potential in its food processing sector, driven by a large agricultural output and growing consumer demand. However, … Read more

In what way could replacement of price subsidy with direct benefit Transfer (DBT) change the scenario of subsidies in India? Discuss.

Points to Remember: Price subsidies vs. Direct Benefit Transfers (DBTs) Impact on beneficiaries, government expenditure, and market efficiency Challenges in implementation and potential solutions Constitutional implications and social justice considerations Introduction: India’s extensive subsidy regime, aimed at providing social safety nets and boosting specific sectors, has faced criticism for inefficiencies and leakages. Price subsidies, where … Read more

How can the Digital India program help farmers to improve farm productivity and income? What step has the government taken in this regard?

Points to Remember: Improved Farm Productivity: How digital tools enhance efficiency in farming practices. Increased Farm Income: The link between technology adoption and higher earnings for farmers. Government Initiatives: Specific schemes and programs under Digital India aimed at farmers. Challenges and Limitations: Obstacles to successful implementation and their solutions. Introduction: The Digital India program, launched … Read more

Livestock rearing has a big potential for providing non-farm employment and income in rural areas. Discuss suggesting suitable measures to promote this sector in India.

Points to Remember: High potential of livestock rearing for rural employment and income generation. Challenges hindering the sector’s growth in India. Suitable measures for promotion, including policy interventions and technological advancements. Emphasis on sustainable and inclusive growth. Introduction: Livestock rearing plays a vital role in India’s rural economy, providing livelihoods for millions. It contributes significantly … Read more

In the view of the declining average size of land holdings in India which has made agriculture non–viable for a majority of farmers should contract farming and land leasing be promoted in agriculture? critically evaluate the pros and cons.

Points to Remember: Declining average land holdings in India. Non-viability of agriculture for many farmers. Contract farming. Land leasing. Pros and cons of both approaches. Policy recommendations. Introduction: The average size of land holdings in India has been steadily declining, leading to the marginalization of a significant portion of the farming community. This shrinking land … Read more

Craze for gold in Indian has led to surge in import of gold in recent years and put pressure on balance of payments and external value of rupee. In view of this, examine the merits of Gold Monetization scheme.

Points to Remember: Gold Monetization Scheme (GMS) aims to utilize idle gold holdings in India for productive purposes. GMS impacts balance of payments, rupee value, and domestic gold prices. The scheme’s success depends on participation rates and government policies. Potential benefits include reduced gold imports, increased foreign exchange reserves, and economic growth. Challenges include attracting … Read more

The nature of economic growth in India in recent times is often described as a jobless growth. Do you agree with this view? Give arguments in favour of your answer.

Points to Remember: Job creation vs. GDP growth rates Impact of technological advancements Role of informal sector Skill mismatch and education Government policies and initiatives Introduction: India has experienced significant economic growth in recent decades, achieving impressive GDP growth rates. However, this growth has been accompanied by a persistent debate regarding its “jobless” nature. The … Read more