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    (The Gist of PIB) Cabinet clears pension scheme for traders [JUNE-2019]

Cabinet clears pension scheme for traders

• India has a rich tradition of trade and commerce. Our traders continue to make a strong contribution to India’s economic growth.
• In a decision that will benefit the trading community, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved a new scheme that offers pension coverage to the trading community.
• This is a part of the Prime Minister’s vision to provide a robust architecture of universal social security.

How the scheme works:

• Under this scheme all shopkeepers, retail traders and self-employed persons are assured a minimum monthly pension of Rs. 3,000/- month after attaining the age of 60 years.
• All small shopkeepers and self-employed persons as well as the retail traders with GST turnover below Rs. 1.5 crore and age between 18-40 years, can enrol for this scheme. The scheme would benefit more than 3 crore small shopkeepers and traders.
• The scheme is based on self-declaration as no documents are required except Aadhaar and bank account. Interested persons can enrol themselves through more than 3,25,000 Common Service Centres spread across the country.
• The Government of India will make matching contribution in the subscribers’ account. For example if a person with age of 29 years contributes Rs. 100/- month, then the Central Government also contributes the equal amount as subsidy into subscriber’s pension account every month.

Delivering a major promise on Day 1:

• By imitating a pension architecture for the trading community, the Prime Minister and his team have fulfilled a major promise made to the people of India. Shri Modi had spoken about the need of proving pension for traders, that would assure them a life of dignity and financial security especially when during their old age.
• This decision can also be seen in the light of several other steps taken for the welfare of traders, small and medium business.
• The GST underwent significant simplification after taking feedback of the trading community. In the same way, Mudra loans gave wings to the entrepreneurial zeal of young India. Loans upto Rs. 1 crore are now easily available.
• These, and many more efforts would help the trading community.

Study Material for UPSC General Studies Pre Cum Mains

    (The Gist of PIB) PM Modi fulfils a major promise to farmers [JUNE-2019]

PM Modi fulfils a major promise to farmers

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved that the ambit of the Pradhan Mantri KisanSamman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) would be comprehensively extended. With this decision, all land holding eligible farmer families (subject to the prevalent exclusion criteria) would avail of the benefits under this scheme.

More beneficiaries, greater progress:

• The revised Scheme is expected to cover around 2 crore more farmers, increasing the coverage of PM-KISAN to around 14.5 crore beneficiaries, with an estimated expenditure by Central Government of Rs. 87,217.50 crores for year 2019-20.

Speed, scale and a major promise delivered:

• Today’s Cabinet decision pertaining to xpanding the ambit PM-KISAN marks the fulfilment of a major promise made by the Prime Minister to the people of India in the run-up to the 2019 Parliamentary elections. The BJP manifesto too mentioned this major policy decision.
• It may also be noted that certain operational issues like lack of updated land records in Jharkhand and lack of Aadhaar penetration in states of Assam, Meghalaya and J&K have also been resolved. PM-KISAN: A path-breaking support incentive for farmers:
• The genesis of the PM-KISAN Yojana dates back to the interim Budget for the year 2019-2020.
• The key element of PM-KISAN is income support of Rs. 6000/- to the small and marginal landholder farmer families with cultivable land holding upto 2 hectare across the country. (This has been expanded today)
• The amount is being released in three 4-monthly instalments of Rs.2000/- each over the year, to be credited into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries held in destination banks through Direct Benefit Transfer mode.
• The scheme was launched in a record time of 3 weeks, on 24th February at a huge programme in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh where the first rounds of instalments was paid to several farmers.
• So far, 1st instalment to 3.11 crore beneficiaries and 2nd instalment to 2.66 crore beneficiaries have been credited directly to the bank accounts of the farmer families.

Serving India’s Annadatas with renewed vigour:

• PM Narendra Modi has spoken with great reverence for India’s farmers.
• He has described India’s farmers as our Annadatas who undertake great efforts to feed 1.3 billion Indians.
• Between 2014 to 2019, numerous measures were taken to empower the hardworking farmer.
• This includes increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 22 crops, Soil Health Cards, PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana, PM KisanSampada Yojana, e-NAM for better markets and more. These steps have made agriculture more prosperous and ensured greater productivity for farmers.
• They will go a long way in fulfilling the Prime Minister’s dream of doubling farmer incomes by 2022, when India marks 75 years of freedom.

Study Material for UPSC General Studies Pre Cum Mains

    (The Gist of PIB) Dr K. Kasturirangan Committee submits the Draft National Education Policy to the Union HRD Minister [JUNE-2019]

Dr K. Kasturirangan Committee submits the Draft National Education Policy to the Union HRD Minister

• Dr K. Kasturirangan Committee submitted the Draft National Educational Policy to the Union Human Resource Development Minister to replace the extant National Policy on Education, 1986 modified in 1992.

Recommendations on School Education:

• The Committee also recommends Extension of Right to Education Act 2009 to cover children of ages 3 to 18.
• It proposes a 5+3+3+4 curricular and pedagogical structure based on cognitive and socio-emotional developmental stages of children:
• Foundational Stage (age 3-8 yrs): 3 years of pre-primary plus Grades 1-2;
• Preparatory Stage (8-11 years): Grades 3-5;
• Middle Stage (11-14 years): Grades 6-8; and
• Secondary Stage (14-18 years): Grades 9-12.
• Schools will be re-organized into school complexes.
• It also seeks to reduce content load in school education curriculum.

Recommendations on Higher Education:

• A restructuring of higher education institutions with three types of higher education institutions is proposed –
• Type 1: Focused on world-class research and high quality teaching;
• Type 2: Focused on high quality teaching across disciplines with significant contribution to research;
• Type 3: High quality teaching focused on undergraduate education.
• A new apex body Rashtriya Shiksha Ayog is proposed to enable an integrated implementation of all educational initiatives and to coordinate efforts between the Centre and States.

The National Research Foundation

• The National Research Foundation, an apex body is proposed for creating a strong research culture and building research capacity across higher education.
• The four functions of Standard setting, Funding, Accreditation and Regulation to be separated and conducted by independent bodies:
• National Higher Education Regulatory Authority as the only regulator for all higher education including professional education;
• Creation of accreditation eco-system led by revamped NAAC;
• Professional Standard Setting Bodies for each area of professional education and
• UGC to transform to Higher Education Grants Commission (HEGC).

Other recommendations:

• The Committee has proposed to rename MHRD as Ministry of Education (MoE).
• The 4-year integrated stage-specific B.Ed. programme will eventually be the minimum degree qualification for teachers.
• The private and public institutions will be treated on par and Education will remain a ‘not for profit’ activity.

Study Material for UPSC General Studies Pre Cum Mains

    (The Gist of PIB) Pension scheme to secure lives of 5 crore farmers in three years This scheme, in addition to PM-KISAN monetary support will ease economic burden and lead to greater efficiency [JUNE-2019]

Pension scheme to secure lives of 5 crore farmers in three years This scheme, in addition to PM-KISAN monetary support will ease economic burden and lead to greater efficiency

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved a new Central Sector Scheme, a historic decision that will empower farmers across India.
• This is a path breaking scheme that will provide pension cover to our industrious farmers who toil day and night to keep our nation fed.
• It is also for the first time since independence that such a pension coverage has been envisioned for farmers.
• It is estimated that 5 crore small and marginal farmers will benefit in the first three years itself.
• The Central Government would spend Rs. 10774.50 crore for a period of 3 years towards its contribution (matching share) for providing social security cover as envisaged under the scheme.

The salient features of this scheme are:

• A voluntary and contributory pension scheme for all Small and Marginal Farmers (SMF) across the country.
• Entry age of 18 to 40 years with a provision of minimum fixed pension of Rs.3,000/- on attaining the age of 60 years.
• For example, a beneficiary farmer is required to contribute Rs 100/ – per month at median entry age of 29 years. The Central Government shall also contribute to the Pension Fund an equal amount as contributed by the eligible farmer.
• After the subscriber’s death, while receiving pension, the spouse of the SMF beneficiary shall be entitled to receive 50% of the pension received by the beneficiary as family pension, provided he/she is not already an SMF beneficiary of the Scheme.
• If, the death of the subscriber happens during the period of contribution, the spouse shall have the option of continuing the Scheme by paying regular contribution.

Synergy between schemes, prosperity for farmers:

• An interesting feature of the Scheme is that the farmers can opt to allow his/her monthly contribution to the Scheme to be made from the benefits drawn from the Pradhan Mantri KisanSAmman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme directly.
• Alternatively, a farmer can pay his monthly contribution by registering through Common Service Centres (CSCs) under MeitY. Fulfilling core promises, empowering the agriculture sector:
• For seventy years after Independence, such a coverage for farmers was never thought.
• It was in the run up to the 2019 Parliamentary elections that PM Narendra Modi first mooted such an idea, which gradually found resonance across the length and breadth of India.
• Such a plan was mentioned in the BJP manifesto and in the first Cabinet meeting after the formation of a new Government, it has become a reality.

Study Material for UPSC General Studies Pre Cum Mains

UPSC परीक्षा ​: समसमायिकी वस्तुनिष्ठ प्रश्न, Hindi Current Affairs MCQ - 26 June 2019

Q1 . ‘द इंडिया सोशल डेवलपमेंट रिपोर्ट 2018’ ने आर्थिक समृधि और सामाजिक विकास पर एक रिपोर्ट जारी की है| निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा कथन सही नही है?

(a) केरल, मिजोरम, हिमांचल प्रदेश, जम्मू – कश्मीर और मेघालय जैसे राज्य उन राज्यों में आते हैं जहाँ समाजिक विकास तो है लेकिन प्रति व्यक्ति आय बहुत कम है |
(b) गरीबों को वित्तीय सुरक्षा प्रदान करने के लिए बनाई गई केंद्र और राज्यों की नीतियों को पुर्णतः असफल बताया गया है|
(c) रिपोर्ट के अनुसार वर्ष 2011 की जनगणना के अनुसार भारत के 40% लोगों के पास प्राथमिक शिक्षा से भी कम ज्ञान है| 20% लोग ऐसे हैं, जिन्होंने प्राथमिक कक्षाएँ पास की है तथा 18% लोगों के पास प्राथमिक शिक्षा से भी कम ज्ञान है|
(d) इस रिपोर्ट में 6 आयामों और 28 सूचकों के आधार पर एक सामाजिक विकास सूचकांक तैयार किया गया है |

Q2 . रावन-1 उपग्रह के बारे में नम्नलिखित में से कौन सा कथन सत्य है ?

1. 24 जून को श्रीलंका का पहला उपग्रह रावन – 1 अन्तिरिक्ष में सफलतापूर्वक स्थापित कर दिया गया|
2. इसका प्रक्षेपण अंतराष्ट्रीय अंतरिक्ष स्टेशन ने जापान और नेपाल के उपग्रह के साथ किया|
3. रावन – 1 का वजन मात्र 2.10 किलोग्राम है|

कूट:
(a) केवल 1
(b) केवल 2
(c) केवल 3
(d) उपरोक्त सभी

Q3 . भारतीय महिला हॉकी टीम के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें:-

1. भारत की महिला हॉकी टीम ने जापान को हराकर FIH महिला सीरीज प्रतियोगिता जीत ली है.
2. भारतीय महिला हॉकी टीम की कप्तान रानी रामपाल है |
3. इस प्रतियोगिता के सेमीफाइनल में चिली को हराकर भारत ने वर्ष 2020 में टोक्यो में आयोजित होने वाले ओलम्पिक खेलों के लिए क्वालीफाई कर लिया है |

निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा कथन सत्य है?
(a) 1 एवं 2
(b) 1 एवं 3
(c) 2 एवं 3
(d) उपरोक्त सभी

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UPSC परीक्षा ​: समसमायिकी वस्तुनिष्ठ प्रश्न, Hindi Current Affairs MCQ - 23 June 2019

Q.1 फाइनेंशियल एक्शन टास्क फोर्स (FATF) के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनो में से कौन सा कथन सत्य है ?

1. यह एक वित्तीय संस्था है, जो काले धन को वैध बनाने को रोकने से संबंधित नीतियाँ बनाने के लिए स्थापित की गई थी |
2. इसकी स्थापना 1989 में की गई थी
3. इसका सचिवालय पेरिस स्थित आर्थिक सहयोग और विकास संगठन के मुख्यालय में है |

a. केवल 1
b. केवल 2
c. केवल 3
d. उपरोक्त सभी

Q.2 सेव द चिल्ड्रेन संस्था (Save The Children) के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनो में कौन सा कथन सत्य नहीं है ?

a. यह 1919 में स्थापित एक गैर - सरकारी संस्था है।
b. यह संस्था वर्ष 2008 में भारत में अपने कार्य की शुरुआत के लिए किया था।
c. 2018 तक यह भारत में 25 राज्यों में लगभग 12.03 लाख बच्चो के जीवन में बदलाव ला चूका है।
d. सेव द चिल्ड्रेन संस्था लगभग 80 देशो अपनी सेवाएँ दे रहा है।

Q.3 मिल्क फोर्टिफिकेशन प्रोजेक्ट (Milk Fortification Project) के बारे में निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा कथन सत्य है ?

1. इस परयोजना की शुरुआत 5 सितंबर 2017 को राष्ट्रीय डेयरी विकास बोर्ड ने विश्व बैंक और टाटा ट्रस्ट के साथ मिलकर की थी
2. इस परियोजना के लिए निर्धारित अवधि 23 माह है।
3. यह परियोजना रिज़र्व बैंक ऑफ़ इंडिया के द्वारा प्रशासित है।

a. 1 और 2
b.1 और 3
c. 2 और 3
d. उपरोक्त सभी

UPSC सामान्य अध्ययन प्रारंभिक एवं मुख्य परीक्षा (Combo) Study Kit

Current Affairs MCQ for UPSC Exams - 23 June 2019

Q1. Which of the following statements regarding India’s forest cover are true ?

1) India’s forest cover was up by 5% in the last one year and for one tree chopped for development work, three to four were planted either in the same area or elsewhere.
2) According to a latest report, over 24.39% of the country’s geographical area now constitutes of green cover and further 125 crore trees would be planted along highways to increase green cover.
3) The main reasons for the decrease are shifting cultivation, other biotic pressures, rotational felling, diversion of forest lands for developmental activities, submergence of forest cover, agriculture expansion and natural disasters.

a) 1 & 2 only
b) 2 & 3 only
c) 1 & 3 only
d) all of the above

Q2. Which of the following countries comprise of the so called “Horn of Africa “ region lying south of the strait of Hormuz ?

1) Niger
2) Ethiopia
3) Somalia
4) Chad
5) Djibouti

a) 1,2 & 4 only
b) 3,4 & 5 only
c) 2,3& 5 only
d) all of the above

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the NAFTA (North American free Trade Agreement ) deal :

1) North American free Trade Agreement is an agreement signed by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, creating a trilateral trade bloc in North America.
2) In September 2018, the United States, Mexico, and Canada reached an agreement to replace NAFTA with the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA). NAFTA will remain in force, pending the ratification of the USMCA.
3) India is an active supporter of USMCA and opposed NAFTA during its formation in the late eighties.

Which of the above statements are true ?
a) 1 & 2 only
b) 2 & 3 only
c) 1 & 3 only
d) all of the above

Q4. National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) signs MoU with Commom Service Centres– eGovernance Services India for enhancing new offerings for the MSME sector.
Which of the following statements regarding the same are true ?

1) The MoU will have special focus on providing services to village level entrepreneurs (VLEs) and would to lead to exponential growth of Village Entrepreneurs in the country.
2) CSC will facilitate VLEs and MSMEs through digital empowerment in accessing NSIC integrated support services encompassing Marketing, Finance, Technology and other offerings.
3) The MoU will aim at enhancing new offerings for the MSME sector by synergizing each other’s competence.

a) 1 & 2 only
b) 2 & 3 only
c) 1 & 3 only
d) all of the above

Q5. Which of the following countries is the largest producer of sugar in the world ?

a) India
b) Brazil
c) China
d) Thailand

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UPSC परीक्षा ​: समसमायिकी वस्तुनिष्ठ प्रश्न, Hindi Current Affairs MCQ - 22 June 2019

Q1. विश्वविद्यालय अनुदान आयोग(UGC) के बारे में निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा/से कथन सत्य नहीं है ?

a. 28 दिसंबर 1953 को तत्कालीन शिक्षा मंत्री मौलाना अब्दुल कलाम आजाद ने UGC की नींव रखी थी।
b. UGC विश्व विद्यालयी शिक्षा के मापदंडो के समन्वय, निर्धारण और अनुरक्षण हेतु 1956 में संसद के अधिनियम द्वारा स्थापित एक स्वायत संगठन है।
c. इसका मुख्यालय बैंगलोर में है।
d. इसके 6 क्षेत्रिए कार्यालय पुणे, भोपाल, कोलकाता, हैदराबाद, गुवाहाटी एवं बैंगलोर में है।

Q2. राष्ट्रीय नागरिक रजिस्टर (NRC) के बारे में कौन सा/से कथन सत्य है ?

1. विदेशी (Tribunal) आदेश 1964 के अनुसार यह केंद्र सरकार को शक्ति प्रदान करता है कि वह प्राधिकरण से यह प्रश्न कर सकती है कि कोई व्यक्ति विदेशी अधिनियम, 1946 के अंतर्गत विदेशी है या नहीं है।
2. 31 जुलाई को NRC की अंतिम रिपोर्ट के प्रकाशन से पूर्व अवैध प्रवासियों की जांच करने के लिए असम में लगभग 1000 ट्रिब्यूनल्स स्थापित करने की मंजूरी दे दी है।
3. ये प्राधिकरण अर्ध-न्यायिक निकाय होते है।

कूट
a. केवल 1
b. केवल 2
c. केवल 3
d. उपयुक्त सभी

Q3. मिथाइल ब्रोमाइड (Methyl Bromide) के बारे में निम्नलिखिय में कौन सा कथन सत्य नहीं है?

a. दुनिया के सभी देश मिथाइल-ब्रोमाइड का इस्तेमाल करने के लिए स्वतंत्र है
b. मिथाइल ब्रोमाइड का प्रयोग किये बिना खाद्य उत्पादों के निर्यात करने वाले देशो पर भारत द्वारा आर्थिक दंड अधिरोपित किया जाता है।
c. फ्यूमिगेंट/धूमक का उपयोग भारतीय बंदरगाह पर दूसरे देशो से आयातित अनाज और दालो की कीटों से सुरक्षा करने के लिए किया जाता है।
d. वैश्विक स्तर पर CFC का उपयोग प्रतिबंधित है।

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UPSC परीक्षा ​: समसमायिकी वस्तुनिष्ठ प्रश्न, Hindi Current Affairs MCQ - 21 June 2019

Q1. शंघाई सहयोग संगठन (SCO) के बारे में निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा/से कथन सत्य है?

1. शंघाई सहयोग संगठन (SCO) की स्थापना चीन, कजाखिस्तान, रूस, उज़्बेकिस्तान तथा भारत द्वारा 15 जून 2001 को शंघाई में की गई थी |
2. वर्ष 2005 में भारत और पाकिस्तान इस संगठन में पर्यवेक्षक के रूप में शामिल हुए थे|
3. भारत और पाकिस्तान को वर्ष 2017 में इस संगठन के पूर्ण सदस्य देश का दर्जा प्राप्त हुआ था|

कूट:
(a) केवल 1
(b) केवल 2
(c) 1 और 2
(d) 2 और 3

Q2. चीन – पाकिस्तान इकॉनोमिक कोरिडोर (CPEC) के बारे में निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा कथन सत्य है?

(a) यह कोरिडोर पाकिस्तान के ग्वादर से लेकर चीन के शिनजियांग प्रांत के कोरिडोर तक लगभग 1442 किलोमीटर लम्बी परियोजना है|
(b) इस परियोजना की कुल लागत 50 अरब डॉलर के लगभग है|
(c) इस परियोजना का मुख्य उद्देश्य रेलवे और सड़क हाइवे के माध्यम से तेल और गैस का कम समय में वितरण करना है|
(d) उपरोक्त में से कोई नहीं |

Q3. जी -20 मंत्रिस्तरीय बैठक के बारे में निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा /से कथन सत्य है?

1. 2019 में G–20 शिखर सम्मलेन का आयोजना जापान के टोक्यो शहर में 9 जून को किया गया था|
2. G-20 समूह में ऑस्ट्रेलिया, भारत, चीन, जापान, फ़्रांस, संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका जैसे देश शामिल हैं|
3. G-20 सम्मेलनों में संयुक्त राष्ट्र, IMF एवं विश्व बैंक भी भाग लेते हैं|

कूट:
(a) केवल 1
(b) केवल 2
(c) केवल 3
(d) उपरोक्त सभी

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Geography (Paper-2)

Exam Name: UPSC IAS Mains Geography (Paper-II)

Marks: 250

Time Allowed: 3 Hours

SECTION "A"

Q.1 (a) On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of all of the following. Write in your QCA Booklet the significance of these locations, whether physical/commercial/economic/ecological/environmental/cultural, in not more than 30 words for each entry:

1. Shyok River
2. Mawlynnong
3. Shravasti
4. Kori Creek
5. Amarkantak
6. Ghatshila
7. Tawang
8. Neyyar
9. Dandeli
10. Mulshi Lake

b) Explain the unusual intensity of dust storms and thunderstorms across India in the pre-monsoon period of year 2018.
c) Why setting up of Water Management Boards is a controversial issue in India.
d) Keeping the recent developments in view, how can the energy crisis of India be circumvented by harnessing non conconventional energy resources?

Q.2 a) Distinguish the geographical aspects of North-Western lava plateau and Chotanagpur Plateau of Peninsular India.
b) Explain the contemporary agricultural scenario in the context of rapid urbanizations in India.
c) Assess the suitability of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for the sustainable economic development in India.

Q.3 a) Examine the ongoing process of agricultural diversification and its implications for food security in India.
b) Account for the persisting negative trade balance of India.
c) Critically assess the vanishing ethnic linguistic plurality of India.

Q.4 a) Examine the driving forces of changing urban morphology of millionplus cities of India with suitable examples.
b) Discuss the emerging geo-political scenario of Indian Ocean realm.
c) Give a critical account of region specific constraints of sustainable tourisms in India.

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UPSC परीक्षा ​: समसमायिकी वस्तुनिष्ठ प्रश्न, Hindi Current Affairs MCQ - 20 June 2019

Q1. निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा कथन किम्बर्ले प्रक्रिया प्रमाणन योजना के लिए सही है/ हैं?

1. वर्तमान में किम्बर्ले प्रक्रिया प्रमाणन योजना (KPCS) के 55 सदस्य देश हैं।
2. वर्ष 2019 में रुसी संघ को किम्बर्ले प्रक्रिया प्रमाणन योजना की अध्यक्षता का कार्यभार सौंपा गया है।
3. किम्बर्ले प्रक्रिया हीरे के दुरुपयोग को रोकने के लिए कई देशो, उद्योगों और नागरिक समाजो की संयुक्त पहल है।

कूट :
a. 1 एवं 2
b. 1, 2 एवं 3
c. 1 एवं 3
d. 2 एवं 3

Q2. विश्व मरुस्थली करण और सूखा रोकथाम दिवस 2019 के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनो में कौन सा/से कथन सत्य हैं ?

1. प्रत्येक वर्ष 17 जून को इसका आयोजन किया जाता है।
2. वर्ष 2019 में इसकी थीम लेट्स ग्रो द फ्यूचर टुगेदर (Let’s Grow The Future Together) है।
3. इस बैठक का आयोजन 29 अगस्त से 14 सितम्बर तक दिल्ली में किया जाएग।

कूट :
a. 1 एवं 3
b. 2 एवं 3
c. 1 एवं 2
d. 1, 2 एवं 3

Q3. प्रधानमंत्री मुद्रा योजना के बारे में निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा/से कथन सत्य नहीं है ?

1. इस योजना की शुरुआत अप्रैल 2016 में प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी के द्वारा की गई थी।
2. इस योजना के तहत सिर्फ 50,000 से 5 लाख तक का ऋण मिलता है।
3. 2018-2019 में इस योजना के तहत लगभग 60 मिलियन ऋण प्रदान किये गए थे।

कूट :
a. केवल 1
b. केवल 3
c. केवल 1 एवं 2
d. उपयुक्त सभी

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Geography (Paper-1)

Exam Name: UPSC IAS Mains Geography (Paper-I)

Marks: 250

Time Allowed: 3 Hours

SECTION "A"

Q.1 Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

(a) “Landscape is a function of structure, process and stage.” Critique the statement.
(b) Explain the role of evaporation in the hydrologic cycle.
(c) Describe the causes and consequences of sea level changes.
(d) Distinguish between intrazonal and azonal soils. Describe in brief the characteristics and importance of azonal soils.
(e) Explain the natural and anthropogenic causes and mitigation measures of frequent flooding in Mumbai.

Q.2 (a) Evaluate how far Kober's geosynclinals theory explains the mountain building process.
(b) Critically examine the basis and scheme of climatic classification proposed by G.T.Trewartha.
(c) Discuss the objectives and principles of environmental education. Describe the basic concerns of formal and non-formal environmental education in India.

Q.3 (a) Explain the origin, progress and retreat of the Indian monsoon and discuss its impact on the Indian economy.
(b) “Geomorphological changes are largely responsible for environmental hazards in the Himalayan region.” Comment with relevant examples.
(c) “Controlling population growth is the sustainable solution to environmental problems.” Express your views with suitable arguments.

Q.4 (a) Describe the potential marine energy resources with reference to their benefits, harvestibility and environmental impacts.
(b) Explain the ecosystem approach to environmental management and highlight its advantages and disadvantages.
(c) Discuss the causes of degradation of tropical rainforests and suggest remedial measures for their prevention, conservation and development.

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SOCIOLOGY (Paper-2)

Exam Name: UPSC IAS Mains SOCIOLOGY (Paper-II)

Marks: 250

Time Allowed: 3 Hours

SECTION "A"

Q 1. Write short answers with a sociological perspective of the following questions in about 150 words each.

(a) Write a note on G.S.Ghurye’s Indological perspective of understanding Indian society.
(b) Give a critical analysis of Andre Beteille’s study of Tanjore village.
(c) Media is the fourth pillar of democracy. Discuss.
(d) Write a note on the changing roles of middle-class women in India.
(e) Discuss the growth of religious sects in India.

Q 2. (a) Analyse A.R. Desai’s views on India’s path of development.
(b) Examine sociological dynamics of Champaran Peasant Movement in colonial India.
(c) How do the recommendations of Swaminathan Commissions (2004-2006) ensure food and nutrition security for the Indian masses?

Q 3. (a) What do you understand by discrete castes and muddled hierarchies? Substantiate your answer with suitable illustrations.
(b) Discuss development induced displacement in the context of tribal uprising in India. Substantiate your answer with any one detailed illustration from India.
(c) Illustrate the importance of ‘Kanyadan’ and ‘Kulabadhu’ in changing institution of marriage and family.

Q 4. (a) How has the New Economic Policy (1991) affected the lifestyle and life changed in new middle class in India.
(b) Write a critical narrative on the concerns of religious minorities in India.
(c) Discuss the issues relating to the entitlement of transgender in Indian society.

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SOCIOLOGY (Paper-1)

Exam Name: UPSC IAS Mains SOCIOLOGY (Paper-I)

Marks: 250

Time Allowed: 3 Hours

SECTION "A"

Q 1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

(a) The focal point of sociology rests on interaction. How do you distinguish it from common sense?
(b) Distinguish between fact and value in Weber's Protestant Ethic ad Spirit of Capitalism.
(c) Do you think T and Me are central terms in Mead's work.
(d) What is the difference between natural and social inequality examples from caste and class dimensions.
(e) What are the new forms of family in developed societies? Discuss.

Q 2. (a) Is non-positivistic methodology scientific? Illustrate.
(b) Explain Durkheim's basic arguments on suicide. Can you analyse high suicide rates of contemporary Indian society with Durkheim's theory?
(c) Evaluate if social stratification is functional for society.

Q 3. (a) Does collapse of functionalism and bankruptcy of Marxism coincide with the rupture of modernity? Discuss.
(b) Define patriarchy. How does patriarchy manifest in interpersonal relations?
(c) What is the difference between anomie in Merton and Durkheim? Explain.

Q 4. (a) According to Marx, how are human beings alienated from their human potential and what does he suggest to change this?
(b) Schooling does not ensure upward mobility of all members of this society. Discuss with reference in class societies.
(c) Discuss the challenges thrown by religious revivalism to a secular nation-state.

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UPSC Mains General Studies Study Kit

1. “Distinction between quasi-judicial and administrative functions is no longer the exclusive criterion for deciding whether or not the rule of natural justice apply.” Critically examine the above statement. (94/I/1a/20)
2. “A quasi-judicial authority cannot make any decision adverse to any party without giving him an effective opportunity of meeting any relevant allegations against him.” Examine. (95/I/1b/20)
3. The Transport Commissioner is the Director, ex-officio of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) which is responsible for the operation and management of the transport undertakings of the Corporation. The Transport Commissioner is simultaneously Chairman of the KSRTC Authority which has power to grant/ refuse stage carriage permits. In this case, private bus operators had applied for renewal of their stage carriage permits in respect of various routes. At the same time, KSRTC also applied for fresh stage
   carriage permits in respect of the same routes.Examine with reference to the relevant provisions of the Administrative Law, whether the Commission can be restrained from exercising his power. Give reasons for your answer. (00/I/4a/30)
4. ‘Judicial review is one of the basic features of the Constitution.’ Do you agree with the view? Cite relevant case laws. (08/I/2b/30)
5. “By evolving the concept of jurisdictional facts, the Courts have broadened the power of judicial review of administrative action.” Discuss this statement and compare the extent of judicial review of administrative action over jurisdiclional facts and ordinary facts. (09/I/2a/30)
6. Right to life has been extended to a clean human environment by the Courts in India. Discuss the development of law in this regard. (11/I/2c/20)

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PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (Paper-2)

• Exam Name: UPSC IAS Mains Public Administration (Paper-II)
• Marks: 250
• Time Allowed: 3 Hours

SECTION "A"

Q1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

a. “A government next-door is the government that matters most for the people.” Discuss the statement with special reference to the values of local government.
b. The philosophy of the Westminster model is at odds with the political culture of India.” Critically analyse.
c. “The attached offices and subordinate offices are integral to the functioning of the Cabinet Secretariat.” Discuss.
d. It is apprehended that lateral entry will lead to politicisation of bureaucracy. Do you agree? Justify
e. “Contracting out tasks without effective accountability mechanisms can be counter-productive for effective service delivery." Comment.

Q2. a. "The market-driven profitability concerns have shaken the foundation of the public sector undertakings.” Do you agree? Give reasons.
b. It is argued that the NITI Aayog has broken the edifice of planning into fragments. Comment.
c. “Autonomy of civil society is crucial for responsive and effective administration.” Examine the statement

Q3. a. Critically examine the criteria adopted by the 15th Finance Commission for allocation of resources to States. What have been the major issues of contention since the 10th Finance Commission?
b. “In the coalition era with elusive majority of a single party in the State Legislature, the role of the Governor becomes even more challenging." Discuss.
c. “Development management advocates self-sustaining customer-friendly institutions at the district level.” Comment.

Q4. a. Climate change issues pose new challenges for district administration to be proactive.” Elaborate
b. “Judicial overreach to a large extent is a consequence of ineffective executive.” Examine.
c. "In the transition from the State-led economy to the market economy, India should rely more on 'indicative planning'.” Do you agree? Explain your position.

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