What are ‘Smart Cities’? Examine their relevance for urban development in India. Will it increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for ‘Smart Cities’ vs ‘Smart Villages’ in the light of PURA and RURBAN Mission.

How do smart cities in India address the issues of urban poverty and distributive justice?

With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of the ‘Smart City Programme’.

The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity. Comment. Do government’s schemes for up-lifting vulnerable and backward communities by protecting required social resources, lead to their exclusion in establishing businesses in urban economics?

National urban transport policy emphasizes on moving people instead of moving vehicles. Discuss critically the success of various strategies of the government in this regard.

Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is necessary for bringing the unbanked into the institutional finance fold. Do you agree with this for financial inclusion of the poorer section of the Indian society? Give arguments to justify your opinion.

Comment on the challenges for inclusive growth which include lack of skilled manpower in the Indian context. Suggest measures to be taken for facing these challenges.

Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are the requirements and status of gender budgeting in the Indian context?

Justify the need for FDI for the development of the Indian economy. Why is there a gap between MOUs signed and actual FDIs? Suggest remedial steps to be taken for increasing actual FDIs in India.

How has globalization led to the reduction of employment in the formal sector of the Indian economy? Is increased informalization detrimental to the development of the country?

What is water-use efficiency? Describe the role of micro-irrigation in increasing the water-use efficiency.