UPSC_CS MAINS 2018 Paper III

What do you mean by Minimum Support Price (MSP)? How will MSP rescue the farmers from the low-income trap?

Points to Remember: Definition and calculation of Minimum Support Price (MSP). Mechanisms through which MSP aims to alleviate farmer distress. Limitations and challenges associated with the MSP system. Suggestions for improving the effectiveness of MSP. Introduction: Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a crucial agricultural policy intervention implemented by the Government of India to ensure a … Read more

Describe various measures taken in India for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) before and after signing âSendai Framework for DRR (2015-2030)â. How is this framework different from âHyogo Framework for Action, 2005â?

Points to Remember: Pre-Sendai Framework DRR measures in India Post-Sendai Framework DRR measures in India Key differences between Sendai Framework and Hyogo Framework Introduction: Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) involves systematic efforts to analyze and reduce the risks posed by natural hazards and human-induced disasters. India, a country highly vulnerable to a wide range of disasters … Read more

Sikkim is the first âOrganic Stateâ in India. What are the ecological and economic benefits of Organic State?

Points to Remember: Sikkim’s organic farming transition. Ecological benefits (soil health, biodiversity, water quality). Economic benefits (premium prices, market access, tourism). Challenges in maintaining organic status. Policy implications and future prospects. Introduction: Sikkim, a small Himalayan state in India, achieved the remarkable feat of becoming India’s first fully organic state in 2016. This involved a … Read more

How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act,2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna?

Points to Remember: India’s biodiversity is exceptionally rich due to its varied climates and geographical features. Biodiversity varies significantly across different regions of India. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002, aims to conserve, sustainably use, and share the benefits of biological resources. The Act establishes mechanisms for access and benefit-sharing (ABS). Introduction: India is one of … Read more

What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment?

Points to Remember: Magnitude of the problem: The sheer volume of solid waste generated globally is overwhelming existing infrastructure and disposal methods. Types of waste: Solid waste includes biodegradable, recyclable, and hazardous materials, each requiring different handling techniques. Environmental impact: Improper disposal leads to soil, water, and air pollution, impacting human health and ecosystems. Economic … Read more

What is wetland? Explain the Ramsar concept of âwise useâ in the context of wetland conservation. Cite two examples of Ramsar sites from India.

Points to Remember: Definition of wetlands and their ecological importance. The Ramsar Convention and its “wise use” concept. Application of “wise use” in wetland conservation. Examples of Ramsar sites in India. Introduction: Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present either at or near the surface of the soil all year or … Read more

Indiaâs proximity to two of the worldâs biggest illicit opium-growing states has enhanced her internal security concerns. Explain the linkages between drug trafficking and other illicit activities such as gunrunning, money laundering and human trafficking. What countermeasures should betaken to prevent the same?

Points to Remember: India’s geographical location increases its vulnerability to drug trafficking from Afghanistan and Myanmar. Drug trafficking is intricately linked to other transnational crimes. Effective countermeasures require a multi-pronged, coordinated approach. Introduction: India shares borders with Afghanistan and Myanmar, two major opium-producing regions. This proximity significantly increases India’s vulnerability to illicit drug trafficking, posing … Read more

Data security has assumed significant importance in the digitized world due to rising cyber-crimes.The Justice B. N. Sri krishna Committee Report addresses issues related to data security. What, in your view, are the strengths and weaknesses of the Report relating to protection of personal data in cyber space?

Points to Remember: Key aspects of the Justice B.N. Srikrishna Committee Report on data protection. Strengths of the Report in safeguarding personal data. Weaknesses and shortcomings of the Report. Recommendations for improvement. Introduction: The digital revolution has ushered in an era of unprecedented data generation and exchange. This has, however, been accompanied by a surge … Read more

The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of Chinaâs larger âOne Belt One Roadâ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same.

Points to Remember: CPEC’s scope and objectives. India’s concerns regarding CPEC. Geopolitical implications of CPEC for India. Economic implications of CPEC for India. Security concerns related to CPEC for India. Introduction: The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is a network of infrastructure projects connecting China’s Xinjiang … Read more

Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of the country. Briefly explain the Government of Indiaâs approach to counter the challenges posed by LWE.

Points to Remember: Defining Left Wing Extremism (LWE) and its current status in India. Key components of the Government of India’s multi-pronged approach to counter LWE. Successes and limitations of the government’s strategy. The importance of a holistic approach involving development, security, and reconciliation. Introduction: Left Wing Extremism (LWE), also known as Naxalism, is a … Read more