UPSC_CS MAINS 2019 Paper III – Page 2

How can biotechnology help to improve the living standards of farmers?

Points to Remember: Increased crop yields Improved crop quality Reduced reliance on chemical inputs Enhanced disease and pest resistance Increased income for farmers Sustainable agricultural practices Introduction: Biotechnology, encompassing the application of biological systems and organisms to develop or make products, holds immense potential for revolutionizing agriculture and significantly improving the living standards of farmers … Read more

How was India benefited from the contributions of Sir M. Visvesvaraya and Dr. M. S. Swaminathanin the fields of water engineering and agricultural science respectively?

Points to Remember: Sir M. Visvesvaraya’s contributions to water engineering. Dr. M. S. Swaminathan’s contributions to agricultural science. The impact of their contributions on India’s development. Introduction: India’s progress in the 20th and 21st centuries has been significantly shaped by the contributions of visionary leaders in various fields. Two such individuals stand out: Sir Mokshagundam … Read more

Elaborate the policy taken by the Government of India to meet the challenges of the food processing sector?

Points to Remember: Government policies aimed at boosting the food processing sector in India. Challenges faced by the food processing sector. Initiatives to address infrastructure, technology, and market access. Role of private sector and foreign investment. Sustainability and export promotion. Introduction: India’s food processing sector is a vital component of its agricultural economy, employing millions … Read more

What are the reformative steps taken by the Government to make food grain distribution system more effective?

Points to Remember: Increased Transparency: Measures to enhance accountability and reduce corruption. Improved Targeting: Mechanisms to ensure food reaches the most vulnerable. Technological Integration: Use of technology to streamline processes and improve efficiency. Strengthened Infrastructure: Investments in storage, transportation, and distribution networks. Empowerment of Beneficiaries: Involving beneficiaries in the process to improve ownership and accountability. … Read more

Elaborate the impact of National Watershed Project in increasing agricultural production from water-stressed areas.

Points to Remember: National Watershed Development Project (NWDP): Aims to improve water conservation and enhance agricultural productivity in water-stressed regions. Impact on Agricultural Production: Focus on increased yields, cropping intensity, and diversification. Challenges: Implementation hurdles, sustainability concerns, and regional variations in impact. Success Factors: Community participation, appropriate technology, and effective monitoring. Introduction: India faces significant … Read more

How far is Integrated Farming System (IFS) helpful in sustaining agricultural production?

Points to Remember: Definition and components of Integrated Farming Systems (IFS). Economic, environmental, and social benefits of IFS. Challenges and limitations in implementing IFS. Policy recommendations for promoting sustainable IFS adoption. Introduction: Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) represent a holistic approach to agriculture, integrating crop production, livestock rearing, aquaculture, forestry, and other enterprises on the same … Read more

The public expenditure management is a challenge to the Government of India in context of budget making during the post liberalization period. Clarify it.

Points to Remember: Challenges in Public Expenditure Management (PEM) post-liberalization. Increased complexity of the Indian economy. Need for efficient resource allocation. Fiscal deficit concerns. Transparency and accountability issues. Policy recommendations for improved PEM. Introduction: Post-liberalization, India’s economy underwent a significant transformation, shifting from a centrally planned to a more market-oriented system. This transition presented new … Read more

It is argued that the strategy of inclusive growth is intended to meet the objectives of inclusiveness and sustainability together. Comment on this statement.

Points to Remember: Inclusive growth aims to benefit all segments of society, not just the wealthy. Sustainability focuses on meeting present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their own. The synergy between inclusiveness and sustainability is crucial for long-term development. Challenges exist in balancing the two goals. Introduction: The statement that the strategy … Read more

Enumerate the indirect taxes which have been subsumed in the goods and services tax (GST) in India. Also, comment on the revenue implications of the GST introduced in India since July 2017.

Points to Remember: Key indirect taxes subsumed under GST in India. Revenue implications (both positive and negative) of GST since its implementation. Impact on different sectors and states. Government’s efforts to address revenue challenges. Introduction: The Goods and Services Tax (GST), implemented in India on July 1, 2017, was a landmark tax reform aimed at … Read more

Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments.

Points to Remember: Steady GDP growth signifies economic expansion and increased national income. Low inflation indicates price stability, benefiting consumers and businesses. However, other economic indicators beyond GDP growth and inflation are crucial for assessing overall economic health. Inclusive growth, unemployment levels, income inequality, and external sector vulnerabilities need consideration. Introduction: The assertion that steady … Read more