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Journalism of Courage
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today’s answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-3 to check your progress.
Deccan India is facing an acute water crisis. Discuss what are the reasons behind the water scarcity.
How Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has evolved? Discuss the main functions of RBI.
Introduction
— The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction.
— It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts.
Body
— It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content.
— The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points.
— Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse.
— Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer.
— Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used logically and only where it is required.
Way forward/ conclusion
— The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction.
— You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers.
Self Evaluation
— It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers.
QUESTION 1: Deccan India is facing an acute water crisis. Discuss what are the reasons behind the water scarcity.
Introduction:
— Water scarcity is a significant global issue, with especially catastrophic consequences for a water-rich country such as India. As population increase, urbanisation, and industrialisation drive up demand for water, the quantity of freshwater sources remains limited.
— The water deficit is not limited to Bengaluru, nor is it solely a drinking water issue. The whole state of Karnataka, as well as the neighbouring states of Telangana and Maharashtra, are experiencing water scarcity.
Body:
Reasons behind the water scarcity
Low rainfall
— The crisis in Bengaluru is caused by scanty rainfall in the Cauvery basin — which accounts for 60% of the city’s water supply — and the depletion of its groundwater reserves.
Falling reservoir levels
— The water level in reservoirs has fallen to critically low levels.
Urbanisation
— Rapid, unplanned urbanisation has played a significant role in the crisis
Increased pollution of water bodies
Inefficient agricultural practice
Excessive groundwater extraction
Poor recharge of rivers and aquifers
Conclusion:
— There are a lot of long-term structural issues, like unregulated construction, systematic destruction of lakes, hindrances to the natural underground flow of water, and climate change, that affect the availability of water in Bengaluru.
— Water scarcity has drastically impacted the daily lives of citizens.
— The Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has brought in similar rules, banning the use of potable water for washing cars, gardening, swimming pools, construction activities, road maintenance, entertainment, etc. The board has announced a penalty of Rs 5,000 for violators.
(Source: Bengaluru and Cape Town: A tale of two cities hit by water scarcity by Sanath Prasad, What has caused the water crisis in Bengaluru, neighbouring areas by Amitabh Sinha)
Points to Ponder
Solutions to Water Scarcity
Consequences of Water Scarcity
Related Previous Year Questions
What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? (2020)
Enumerate the National Water Policy of India. Taking river Ganges as an example, discuss the strategies which may be adopted for river water pollution control and management. What are the legal provisions of management and handling of hazardous wastes in India? (2013)
QUESTION 2: How Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has evolved? Discuss the main functions of RBI.
Introduction:
— The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), established on April 1, 1935, is responsible for monetary stability, currency management, inflation targeting, regulating the banking system, and setting interest rates.
— The Reserve Bank of India was enacted in March 1934, and the provisions relating to the constitution of the bank, issue of share capital, and establishment of central and local boards became operative from January 1, 1935.
— The first Governor of the RBI was the Australian Sir Osborne Arkell Smith, one of the two managing governors of the Imperial Bank of India. Sir C D Deshmukh was the first Indian to become Governor.
Body:
Main functions of RBI
Monetary Authority
— RBI formulates, implements and monitors the monetary policy to maintain price stability while keeping in mind the objective of growth.
Regulator and supervisor of the financial system
— RBI prescribes broad parameters of banking operations within which the country’s banking and financial system functions.
— The objective is to maintain public confidence in the system, protect depositors’ interest and provide cost-effective banking services to the public.
Manager of Foreign Exchange
— RBI manages the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 to facilitate external trade and payment and promote orderly development and maintenance of foreign exchange market in India.
Issuer of currency
— RBI issues, exchanges and destroys currency notes as well as puts into circulation coins minted by Government of India.
Developmental role
— RBI performs a wide range of promotional functions to support national objectives.
Regulator and Supervisor of Payment and Settlement Systems
— RBI introduces and upgrades safe and efficient modes of payment systems in the country to meet the requirements of the public at large to maintain public confidence in payment and settlement system.
Related Functions
— RBI is a banker to the Government, performs merchant banking function for the central and the state governments; and also acts as their banker.
— RBI also maintains banking accounts of all scheduled banks.
Conclusion:
— During the 1991 reforms, the RBI transferred more than 46 tonnes of gold from its reserves to the Bank of England to borrow forex to manage immediate liquidity problems. The rupee was devalued twice, by 9% and 10%, in three days.
— The pandemic aided the RBI in boosting digitisation of payments. The launch of UPI revolutionised payments in the banking system.
(Source: 90 years of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI): Its history, how it navigated times of crisis by George Mathew, http://www.rbi.org.in)
Points to Ponder
What is MPC?
Demonetisation of 2016
2008 crisis and after
Related Previous Year Questions
What is the status of digitalization in the Indian economy? Examine the problems faced in this regard and suggest improvements. (2023)
How would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in world trade affect macroeconomic stability of India? (2018)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 45)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 44)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 45)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 44)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 45)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 44)
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