Inclusive Growth through Affordable, Reliable and Sustainable Energy

Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs). Comment on the progress made in India in this regard. [UPSC MAINS 2018](General Studies Paper-3)

How Indian concept of secularism different from Western model?

How the Indian concept of secularism is different from Western model of Secularism? [UPSC MAINS 2018] (General Studies Paper-I)

The Indian concept of secularism is different from Western model of Secularism. In both, Indian concept of Secularism and Western model of Secularism, the state and religion are mutually excluded from each other and they promote intra-religious equality. But the two concepts are different from each other as Indian concept of Secularism focuses on inter-religious equality, religious freedom of individuals, religious freedom of minority communities and state supports religious reforms while Western model of Secularism does not support it. 

Rainwater Harvesting in Urban areas

"The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system." How it can be made effective in urban areas? [UPSC MAINS 2018]

The urban areas are not only the largest users of freshwater resources but are also the biggest contributor towards freshwater crisis. The increasing population in urban areas has put tremendous pressure on the freshwater resources. Today the demand to supply freshwater for domestic use far exceeds the capacity of nature to replenish the groundwater aquifers, thus resulting in the scarcity of water in the urban areas.  The taps and wells are running dry and people waiting for hours in long lines for the water tankers to arrive have become a common sight in many metropolitan cities.

Krishnadevaraya - a great patron of learning and literature

Krishnadevaraya ruled the Vijayanagar empire from 1509 to 1526 A.D. He was an able scholar himself and promoted Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Sanskrit literature during his rule. His reign was called as the Golden Period of Telugu Literature. Some of his famous works include books such as Amukta Malyada (in Telugu), Jambavati Kalyana (in Sanskrit) and Krishnadevaraya Dinachari (in Kannada). He was also called as Abhinava Bhoga. He had eight Telugu poets in his court called as Ashtadiggajas.

Role of Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG)

[UPSC Mains 2018] The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has a very vital role to play. Explain how this is reflected in the method and terms of his appointment as well as the range of powers he can exercise.

Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is appointed by the President and is responsible for auditing the Central and State governments accounts. CAG acts as the guardian of public purse as it checks if the money of taxpayers has been used properly. CAG conducts audits of expenditure from Consolidated Fund of India, Contingency Fund of India and Public Accounts Of India. Thus, CAG is responsible for the financial accountability of executive to the legislature.