UPSC CARE Mains Practice 18th December 2025
Mains Practice Questions for the Day
- Discuss the major changes proposed under the VB-G RAM G Bill and analyse their implications for India’s rural employment guarantee framework. (GS Paper – 2 (Government Policies))
- Mention key facts about the Aravalli Range. Discuss the key concerns related to mining in the Aravalli Range. GS Paper 3 (Environment, Conservation, Mining Governance, Desertification)
1Q. Discuss the major changes proposed under the VB-G RAM G Bill and analyse their implications for India’s rural employment guarantee framework. (GS Paper – 2 (Government Policies))
Introduction:
The Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill proposes a comprehensive restructuring of the MGNREGA framework. It increases employment days, changes fund-sharing, and introduces a seasonal pause. These reforms mark the most significant redesign since 2005.
Body
Key Changes Proposed in the VB-G RAM G Bill
1. Expansion of Guaranteed Employment
• Increases guaranteed days from 100 to 125 per household.
• Aims to enhance livelihood security, though utilisation historically remains low.
2. 60-Day Seasonal Pause
• Prohibits opening works during sowing and harvesting (peak agriculture seasons).
• Intended to ensure availability of farm labour.
• Raises concerns about restricting workers’ autonomy during peak rural distress periods.
3. Joint Funding Mechanism
• Centre:State fund-sharing shifted to 60:40 (or 90:10 for NE/Himalayan states).
• Significantly increases states’ fiscal burden (~₹30,000 crore annually).
• States may delay wage payments or restrict demand-based work.
4. Enhanced Administrative Powers
• Tighter monitoring, digital systems, and revised implementation structures.
• Potential to reduce corruption but also increase bureaucratic centralisation.
Implications
Positive
• May synchronise rural labour availability with agricultural cycles.
• Higher guaranteed days enhance income support.
• Shared funding brings states into stronger ownership.
Concerns
• Fiscal strain may weaken the demand-driven nature of the programme.
• Seasonal pause undermines the principle of right to work.
• May create regional inequalities in implementation capacity.
Conclusion:
The VB-G RAM G Bill represents a major shift in India’s social protection architecture. Its success will depend on balancing fiscal federalism, labour rights, and agricultural productivity, while preserving the foundational principles of transparency, universality, and worker entitlement embedded in MGNREGA.
Q. Mention key facts about the Aravalli Range. Discuss the key concerns related to mining in the Aravalli Range. GS Paper 3 (Environment, Conservation, Mining Governance, Desertification)
Introduction:
The Aravalli Range, running ~670 km from Delhi to Gujarat, is one of the oldest fold mountain systems (Proterozoic era). Beyond its geological significance, it plays a crucial ecological, climatic, and hydrological role for north-western India.
Body
Key Facts about the Aravalli Range
• Ancient Mountain System: Formed nearly 1.8 billion years ago; once high like the Himalayas but now extensively eroded.
• Extent and Relief: Covers Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat; highest peak is Guru Shikhar (1,722 m) at Mount Abu.
• Hydrological Importance: Origin of rivers such as Banas, Sahibi, and Luni; major groundwater recharge zone due to weathered rocks.
• Ecological Role:
– Acts as a natural barrier against eastward desertification from the Thar Desert.
– Supports biodiversity including leopards, hyenas, jackals, langurs, and 200+ bird species.
• Mineral Wealth: Copper, zinc, lead, marble, granite; historically linked with Khetri copper belt.
Key Concerns Related to Mining in the Aravallis
1. Illegal and Excessive Mining: Despite SC bans (2009, 2024), hillocks are flattened, ridges destroyed, and green cover lost.
2. Accelerated Desertification: Removal of protective ridges allows desert winds and dust storms to enter NCR.
3. Groundwater Depletion: Mining disrupts aquifers; water tables have fallen to 1,000–2,000 ft in parts of Haryana–Rajasthan.
4. Biodiversity and Habitat Loss: Wildlife corridors linking Sariska–Kumbhalgarh–Mount Abu are fragmented.
5. Public Health and Pollution: Dust from blasting and crushing worsens respiratory illnesses and reduces agricultural productivity.
6. Climate Regulation Impact: Degradation weakens rainfall moderation, temperature control, and pollution trapping in NCR.
Conclusion:
Mining has become a major driver of ecological collapse in the Aravallis. Strengthening governance, enforcing SC directives, scientific mapping, and large-scale ecological restoration are essential to protect this ancient range and ensure environmental stability in north-western India.
