01, January 2014

1. Write a critical note on the advantages and disadvantages of GM foods. (200 Words)

2. What is the difference between border and frontier? Highlight the importance of effective

management of border security for India. (200 Words)

3. Write a note on the contribution of CSIR to the field of scientific research in India. (200 Words)

4. Critically analyze the relations between Saudi Arabia and India in the light of recent major

events in the Middle East region. (200 Words)

5. Write a short note on following dance forms (50 Words each)

a. Sangrai Mog

b. Margam Kali

c. Chakri

d. Panthi Nritya

e. Dollu Kunitha

f. Silambattam

6. Critically comment the role of media in influencing the public opinion, especially in India. Is

it good for the country? Explain. (200 Words)

7. What do you understand by economic reforms? Compare and contrast India’s and China’s

approach towards economic reforms in the past twenty years. (200 Words)

8. Analyze the measures needed to be taken to move towards sustainable solutions to urban water

and waste management. (200 Words)

9. “The empowerment of women empowers the society.” Critically comment in the Indian

context. (200 Words)

10. “It is imperative that the government reviews the methods of gathering data on poverty

estimates without further delay and significantly retool its development schemes.” Comment.

(200 Words)

02, January 2014

1. What is subsidy? Explain the rationale behind providing subsidy to petrol, diesel and kerosene

in India? Why is there an opposition to continuation of subsidies? (200 Words)

2. Write a critical note on the functioning of the speaker in Loksabha and state assemblies. (200

Words)

3. Critically analyze the roles and responsibilities of CAG in India. (200 Words)

4. Recent study has shown that a good majority of the wild tiger deaths in the country was the

result of poaching. Discuss the threat of poaching to wildlife and the measures taken by the

government in wildlife conservation. (200 Words)

5. What is the difference between PSLV and GSLV? Why GSLV is important? (200 Words)

6. Write a note on the National Nutrition Mission (200 Words)

7. Has the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission program succeeded in its mission?

Evaluate. (200 Words)

8. Analyze the efforts being made so far to broker a peace deal between Israel and Palestine. (200

Words)

9. Write a note on PURA model. (200 Words)

10. Explain what is fiscal deficit and current account deficit? (200 Words)

03, January 2014

1. What is CCTV? Explain the technology involved in its operation. Do you think that they are

pervasive and infringing our privacy? Comment. (200 Words)

2. What is GPS? Explain the technology involved in it. What are its uses? (200 Words)

3. What is the difference between CNG, PNG and LPG? Explain (200 Words)

Reference

4. Write a note on Cryosphere (150 Words)

5. Assess the impact of climate change on societies. (200 Words)

6. Throw light on use of e-technology in the aid of farmers. Give examples. (200 Words)

7. Has the role of central banks changed post 2008 world economic crisis? Critically examine.

(200 Words)

8. What is civil society? Do you think it should actively involve in power politics to achieve the

development agenda? Critically comment. (200 Words)

9. Write a note on Power System Development Fund (PSDF) (200 Words)

10. Highlight the importance of having good relations with Maldives for India. (200 Words)

11. What were the recommendations of the Naresh Chandra Committee on defence reforms? (200

Words)

12. Write a note on India’s Mega Power Projects Policy (200 Words)

04, January 2014

1. What measures has government of India taken to ensure safety of nuclear reactors in India

post-Fukushima nuclear disaster? Do you think nuclear energy is a safe option? Substantiate.

(200 Words)

2. It appears that strong laws do not act as deterrent to crimes. In your opinion, what government

and society can do to stop crimes like rape and harassment of women? (200 Words)

3. What is endosulfan? What were the effects of use of endosulfan on the human population?

(200 Words)

4. What is dissolution of parliament in India? What would be its implications? Under what

circumstances usually dissolution takes place? Explain. (200 Words)

5. What factors cause winter in northern and southern hemispheres?! Also it is said that

Australians celebrate Christmas in summer. Why?(200 Words)(basics)

6. What are the environmental and health problems involved in gold mining? Explain with

examples. (200 Words)

7. Critically comment on the influence of consumerism and high economic growth on the health

of the society. (200 Words)

8. Write a critical note on the advantages of bitcoins. (200 Words)

9. What is time zone and how is it determined? Does India need another time zone? Explain why.

(200 Words)

10. “Neoliberalism has failed the vast majority of India’s people. But the spirit that gave the nation

independence is stirring.” Comment. (200 Words)

05, January 2013

1. Compare and contrast India’s and China’s achievements in space exploration and technology.

Are they complimentary? Comment. (200 Words)

2. What do you understand by electoral reforms? What were the recommendations of the Election

Commission on electoral reforms? Analyze. (200 Words)

3. Some argue that Indian youth, especially vast majority of engineering graduates lack necessary

skills to work in innovation industries. Do you agree with the view? Substantiate. (200 Words)

4. What were the consequences of Korean War? Explain. (200 Words)

5. Write a critical note on the immigration problem in Europe. (200 Words)

6. Explain the locational factors that made Bangalore software hub of India. (200 Words)

06, January 2014

1. Write a note on the Indian Regional Navigational Satellites System (IRNSS) (200 Words)

2. How well ISRO is placed in terms of commercialization of its space missions? Analyze. (200

Words)

3. Write a critical note on the need, principle behind its functioning and drawbacks of EVMs.

(200 Words)

4. What are the grievances of riparian states of Cauvery River regarding sharing of its waters?

Explain the recent awards of the tribunal set up for addressing disputes between these states.

(200 Words)

5. Analyze the recent developments in India – Bhutan relationship. Do you think India is acting

like a ‘big brother’ towards its neighbors? Comment. (200 Words)

6. What causes cold waves in Northern part of India during winters? Explain (200 Words)

7. Write a note on The Nalanda University (Amendment) Bill 2013 (200 Words)

8. What efforts have been made by UN and its agencies to protect children and women in war

affected countries like Afghanistan? Examine (200 Words)

9. Write a note on the structure and causes of volcano. (200 Words)

10. What is a power grid? Explain the advantages and disadvantage of having a single power grid

for the whole country. (200 Words)

11. Evaluate India’s efforts at indigenization of defence technologies. (200 Words)

07, January 2014

1. What is social audit? How effective is social audit in effective implementation of many

government schemes? Explain with examples. (200 Words)

2. What measures has government of India taken to protect wildlife from illegal trade and

poaching. Give examples. (200 Words)

3. Do you support abolition of the capital punishment? Explain why. (200 Words)

4. What is Environment Impact Assessment? Do you think India’s EIA process is free from

weaknesses? Comment. (200 Words)

5. Examine how India managed to eradicate polio in the country. (200 Words)

6. Critically comment on the influence of economic liberalization on the nature of social

movements in India in the last two decades.

7. Why is the success of GSLV mission so important for India? Explain. (200 Words)

8. Write a note on the defence cooperation between India and japan. Do you think it is in India’s

interest to forge stronger strategic ties with Japan? Comment. (200 Words)

9. What were the important findings and recommendations of Sachar committee report? (200

Words)

08, January 2014

1. What is financial inclusion? What measures have been taken by the government and the RBI

to bring financial inclusion? Do you think they have succeeded? Examine. (200 Words)

2. Do you think protests against setting up of nuclear projects in India are justified? Substantiate.

(200 Words)

3. What are the economic, cultural and sociological reasons behind lack of proper toilets in the

majority households in India? Do you think ‘Nirmal Bharat Abhiyaan (NBA) Scheme’ would

eradicate the open defecation practice? Comment. (200 Words)

4. How glaciers are formed? Explain their ecological significance. (200 Words)

5. Write a note on the measures taken to reform taxation in India. (200 Words)

6. Uttarayan festival (50 Words)

7. What is Sethusamudram project? Why it is being opposed? (200 Words)

8. Critically analyze the implications of thawing relations between Iran and USA on the

geopolitics of West Asia. (200 Words)

9. Write a note on the importance of stratosphere for the Earth and its inhabitants. (200 Words)

10. What are the strengths and weaknesses of Eurozone? What were the causes of recent Eurozone

crisis? Analyze. (200 Words)

11. What is geothermal energy? How is it produced? Explain the world distribution of this energy

resource. (200 Words)

09, January 2014

1. Write a note on the distribution of coal in India. Explain the significance of coal to India’s

economy. (200 Words)

2. Write a note on various schemes introduced by the government of India for the welfare

of Indian expatriates. What is the rationale behind such schemes? Explain. (200 Words)

3. Do you think common school system should be introduced in India to improve the quality of

education? Comment. (200 Words)

4. What are the important provisions of Right to Education act? Do you think it would improve

the ‘quality’ of the education in India? Discuss. (200 Words)

5. “The purpose of enacting the Biological Diversity Act is to ensure that communities and local

people who have worked hard for generations, reap the benefits of conservat ion.” Critically

examine. (200 Words)

6. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) (150 Words)

7. “In Bangladesh, unending political and civil strife can only undermine the gains such as the

best social indicators in South Asia built over the last few years.” Critically comment. (200

Words)

8. “The strange problem is that New Delhi is neither a State nor even a glorified Union Territory

(UT).” Do you think Chief Minister of Delhi has less powers than his counterparts’ in other

states? Comment why. (200 Words)

9. Do you think the New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP) has helped India in increasing

hydrocarbon production? What are the issues involved in implementation of this policy?

Examine. (200 Words)

10. Improving Access to Affordable & Quality TB Tests (IPAQT) (200 Words)

10, January 2014

1. Efficient and transparent allocation of resources is must to boost growth and investment in the

country. In the light of recent scams on the allocation of major resources, comment on the

issues involved and their effect on governance and growth. (200 Words)

2. What is Television Rating Point? How is it done presently and what framework has

government proposed for its regulation and methodology? (200 Words)

3. Write a note on Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP) scheme. (200 Words)

4. Cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification testing (CBNAAT) equipment (150 Words)

5. In your opinion how does a peaceful Kashmir help the Indian economy? Comment. (200

Words)

6. “Overcrowding in hospitals, malnutrition, unhygienic tropical environs heighten problem of

fungal infection in India.” Highlight the magnitude of the problem, its causes and measures

that need to be taken to improve the situation. (200 Words)

7. Write a note on the contribution of Sufi tradition to the culture of India. (200 Words)

8. In your opinion, what are the advantages and disadvantages of direct cash transfer to

beneficiaries of various schemes? Should PDS continue in its present form? Explain why. (200

Words)

9. Analyze why India needs a comprehensive new disability rights legislation. (200 Words)

10. Write a note on the important hydrocarbon reserve regions of India. Highlight their

significance. (200 Words)

11. Post- Eurozone crisis, analyze how the measures of austerity had an effect on the economies

of Greece and other PIIGS countries? Do you think austerity measures yielded the desired

results? Comment. (200 Words)

12. Write a note on the Nuclear Materials Security Index (200 Words)

13. What are the possible applications of 3-D printing in the health and defence sector? Explain

(200 Words)

14. What are the causes of high infant mortality rate (IMR) in India? Examine the measures taken

by the government in reducing IMR. (200 Words)

15. Does DRDO need a separate commission like Atomic Energy Commission and Space

Commission to make its laboratories more efficient and autonomous? Examine. (200 Words)

11, January 2014

1. Is development becoming the victim in the fight for environment protection in India? In the

light of recent controversies against mining in forest and tribal areas, critically analyze the

question. (200 Words)

2. What are neutrinos? Why is there a keen interest on them? Explain. (200 Words)

3. Write a short note on Lalit Kala Academy (100 Words)

4. Write a note on Technology Mission on Oilseeds, Pulses and Maize. Explain why India needs

to increase the production of pulses. (200 Words)

5. What causes diabetes? What are the causes of its high prevalence in India? (200 Words)

6. Examine the causes of recent civil war in South Sudan. What has been the international

response to the crisis? Explain with special reference to India’s response. (200 Words)

7. What is the bone of contention between China and surrounding countries in the South China

Sea? Explain the response of concerned regional multilateral organizations on the dispute. (200

Words)

8. “When the state responds to political violence in an indiscriminately heavy-handed manner,

members of extremist groups will only harden their positions and hesitate to join the

democratic mainstream.” Comment on the statement in the light of spreading left wing

extremism. (200 Words)

12, January 2014

1. What is Western Disturbance? Discuss its significance to northern India. (200 Words)

2. Bring out the causes of frequent arrests of fishermen between India and Sri Lanka. How do

you think both countries should resolve the issue? Comment (200 Words)

3. Comment on the nature of economic relations between India and Nepal. (200 Words)

4. What are the reasons behind conflict between man and animal in the wildlife regions? Explain

with any recent examples. (200 Words)

5. “A democracy like India with a healthy tradition of debate on nuclear issues needs to balance

transparency with the need to protect its citizens against terrorism.” Comment on the statement

in the light of recent report placing India at 23rd position out of 25 countries in terms of

securing its nuclear stockpile from non-state actors. (200 Words)

6. Examine why Kerala has a more successful Panchayat Raj system compared to other states.

(200 Words)

7. Write a note on the role of SEBI with special reference to its role in ensuring corporate

governance. (200 Words)

13, January 2014

1. What is Index of Industrial Production (IIP)? Explain its significance. (200 Words)

2. What are the highlights of the Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques

(Prohibition of Sex Selection in India) (PNDT), Act 2003? Evaluate its performance. (200

Words)

3. Compare and contrast India’s relationship with South Korea and North Korea. (200 Words)

4. Comment on the role of health sector in addressing violence, particularly against women and

girls. (200 Words)

5. Write a note on the composition and mandate of CRPF. (200 Words)

6. What is cross-subsidization? Do you think it is feasible in India to adopt cross-subsidization

and help the poor? Critically comment. (200 Words)

7. “It is said that what is good for the U.S. will be good for other economies as well.” Elaborate.

(200 Words)

14, January 2014

1. “Aadhaar is the biggest anti-corruption platform.” Do you agree with this view? Substantiate.

(200 Words)

2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of allowing FDI in retail sector in India? Do you

think arguments made against it are justified? Comment. (200 Words)

3. Discuss the causes of river pollution in India and highlight with examples the threats posed by

polluted rivers to environment and people. (200 Words)

4. What were the circumstances that led to the 1962 Indo-China war? Write a critical note on

India’s preparedness in its borders to avoid 1962 like situation. (200 Words)

5. Write a note on the beginning of India’s peaceful nuclear program? What are the challenges

India is facing in setting up more reactors to meet the increasing demand for electricity?

Discuss. (200 Words)

6. Write a note on the objectives and components of National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM)

(200 Words)

7. “Pluralism is the keystone of India’s civilization and culture.” Comment.

8. “It is misleading to cast environmental safeguards and development as conflicting imperatives

when they are vitally interlinked.” Do you agree with the statement? Elaborate. (200 Words)

9. Bring out the differences between Carnatic and Hindustani classical music. Examine why

classical music in India is not a popular career choice. (200 Words)

15, January 2014

1. Critically comment on the nature of relationship between the public and private sectors post-

liberalization period in India. (200 Words)

The Indian Express

2. “The systems and strategies put in place to reach every child in every part of the country with

lifesaving polio vaccines can be used to save millions of children from other preventable

diseases.” Elaborate. (200 Words)

The Indian Express

3. Is it in India’s interest to forge deeper relationship with Japan and Korea to counter China?

Critically comment. (200 Words)

The Indian Express

4. “A comprehensive change in regulatory philosophy is required to bring about meaningful

financial inclusion in India. This would entail a shift from the present bank-centric, mandate-

driven approach to an emphasis on competition, innovation and consumer protection as the

pillars of regulatory philosophy.” Elaborate. (200 Words)

The Indian Express

16, January 2014

1. Write a critical note on the barriers to trade. How does WTO address to remove such barriers?

(200 Words)

2. Critically examine the factors that led to Operation Bluestar in 1984. What were its

consequences? (200 Words)

3. What are the possible ecological, social and economic costs of unmitigated climate change for

India? Critically examine. (200 Words)

4. Do you think the latest agreement reached on mitigating climate change are in tune with the

recommendations of the IPCC? Critically evaluate. (200 Words)

5. What is the role of society in providing proper environment and support to the disabled people?

Do you think social model is more important than medical model in supporting disabled

people? Comment. (200 Words)

6. Housing Start Up Index (HSUI) (150 Words)

7. Write a note on the depiction of Buddha in ancient Indian art. (200 Words)

8. Evaluate India – Myanmar relations of last two decades. (200 Words)

9. Africa is seen as a potential destination for future investments and business by both the

developed and emerging economies. Give a reasoned account for this shift in opinion. (200

Words)

10. What is the strategic importance of raising energy boom in USA? Comment. (200 Words)

11. What are optionally fully convertible debentures (OFCD) and why they were in news? (200

Words)

17 January 2014

1. Comment on the present visa policy between India and Pakistan. (200 Words)

2. Write a note on the model and success story of fertilizer cooperatives in India. (200 Words)

3. Examine the implications of deeper strategic ties between India and Korea in the Asia-Pacific

region. (200 Words)

4. Do you support the establishment of branches of foreign universities in India? Substantiate.

(200 Words)

5. What possible role can China, India and Russia together play in Afghanistan once US

withdraws most of its troops? Comment. (200 Words)

6. Telhara university (100 Words)

7. What is fly-ash? What are it benefits? (200 Words)

8. What are the possible national interests at play in Russia’s pursuance of proactive diplomacy

in the Middle East region? Comment. (200 Words)

9. What is gene therapy? What are the latest breakthroughs in the field? (200 Words)

10. “The Nachiket Mor report is a truly visionary document that should help the Reserve Bank and

the government to initiate specific moves towards complete financial inclusion.” Comment.

(200 Words)

18 January 2014

1. Explain the role of technology in boosting agricultural income for the farmers. Write a note

on TN-IAMWARM (Irrigated Agricultural Management and Water Resources Management)

project. (200 Words)

2. What measures has government of India taken to meet the increasing demand for LPG in the

country? Analyze. (200 Words)

3. “To achieve modernisation, China needs to secure a peaceful international environment to

develop itself, and safeguard and promote world peace with its development.” Comment. (200

Words)

The Indian Express

4. “The quality and volume of public goods and services supplied by the government as well as

the effectiveness and efficiency of welfare transfers determine the voter behaviour in India.”

Analyze. (200 Words)

The Indian Express

5. Critically analyze the role of the Istanbul process in bringing about stability and development

to the Heart of Asia region. (200 Words)

6. Write a critical note on the Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment) Act, 2011. (200

Words)

7. Write a note on the important recommendations of the Mihir Shah Task Force Committee on

Comprehensive National Social Assistance Programme (Pension). (200 Words)

8. Critically comment on the Japan’s ‘the Arc of Freedom and Prosperity’ strategy and its

implications on India-Japan relations. (200 Words)

The Indian Express

9. “With a proactive role based on the power of judicial review, the higher judiciary in India has

attained an unprecedented significance. However, in the areas of judicial management and

appointments, there is little scope for euphoria.” Comment. (200 Words)

19, January 2014

1. Do you think self-serving political system is to blame for the separatist movements in India?

Comment. (200 Words)

2. “Our simple masses did not understand how the British manipulated the Indian upper class to

retain British culture as the supreme culture.” Do you agree with this view? Substantiate. (200

Words)

The Indian Express

3. Junbeel Mela (100 Words)

4. Write a note on the Prevention of Parent-to-Child Transmission scheme. (200 Words)

5. Critically evaluate India’s strategy and efforts to combat AIDS. (200 Words)

6. What is the ecological significance of Sundarban forests? Explain the threats it is facing in the

region.

20, January 2014

1. Recent studies have found that despite increased outlays in education, especially after the RTE

was passed, learning levels have remained stagnant in Indian schools. What are the reasons

behind it? What needs to be done? Analyze. (200 Words)

The Indian Express

2. “The new disabilities bill could help enshrine a more modern understanding of the issue.”

Elaborate. (200 Words)

The Indian Express

3. Why in your opinion does India lag behind China in manufacturing sector? Critically examine.

(200 Words)

The Indian Express

Link – 2

4. “Economic progress in India has been hampered by weak institutions that are either complacent

or rent-seeking or both.” Comment. (200 Words)

The Indian Express

5. “Agriculture R&D, especially in the field of transgenics, is crucial to the economic prosperity

of India.” Do you agree with this assessment? Comment. (200 Words)

The Indian Express

6. Write a note on structure and mandate of the National Disaster Response Force (200 Words)

7. “Recent scientific breakthroughs that targeted rare genetic forms of brain disorders have

identified pivotal developmental processes that are necessary for normal brain development .”

Elaborate. (200 Words)

8. Write a critical note on the significance and objectives of setting up of Bharatiya Mahila Bank.

How different is it from other banks? Explain. (200 Words)

9. Comment on the key recommendations of the report of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)-

appointed Committee on Comprehensive Financial Services for Small Business and Low

Income Households. (200 Words)

21, January 2014

1. Write a note on the need for APMC reforms. (200 Words)

The Indian Express

2. “The current crisis in Thailand is an extension of the same partisan deadlock that has

characterized the country’s politics for years.” Elaborate. (200 Words)

The Indian Express

3. Critically analyze the latest developments that have taken place since Arab Spring revolutions.

(200 Words)

The Indian Express

4. What are the objectives of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)? Do we need two

separate schemes for rural and urban population? Comment. (200 Words)

5. Discuss the salient features of city architecture of the Vijayanagar Empire that was built in

Hampi, in Karnataka. (200 Words)

6. Write a note on the contribution of Jainism to literature in ancient and medieval India. (200

Words)

7. “From caste discrimination through forced marriages to sex-selective abortions, entrenched

practices among sections of the British South Asian diaspora pose continuing challenges. ”

Comment. (200 Words)

22, January 2014

1. Explain the salient features of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and highlight the need for

ensuring food safety in India. (200 Words)

2. Examine how India and Japan, as leading “maritime democracies”, can play a decisive role in

promoting peace and prosperity in the ‘Indo- Pacific’ Region? (200 Words)

The Indian Express

3. “Right to seek mercy under Article 72/161 is a constitutional right and it is not at the discretion

or whims of the executive.” Elaborate. (200 Words)

4. What is the composition and function of delimitation commission? Why is delimitation done?

(200 Words)

5. “Targeted therapy, precision medicine and cancer genomics is the new vocabulary of cancer

research and treatment.” Explain. (200 Words)

6. “By desired outcomes of environment laws, we mean not a grant or rejection of clearance but

substantive results like reducing environmental conflict, achieving social justice through decisions

and ensuring the highest order of environmental compliance.” Elaborate. (200 Words)

7. “India’s nuclear capability is disaggregated and with weak institutional features.” Critically

comment. (200 Words)

23, January 2014

1. What is black money? Explain the measures taken by the RBI and government to curb it. (200

Words)

2. Analyze the important provisions of the draft Right of Citizens for Time Bound Delivery of

Goods and Services and Redressal of their Grievances Bill, 2011. (200 Words)

3. What are deemed universities and why were they conferred that status? Comment on the state

of higher education in India in the light of controversy surrounding these deemed universities. (200

Words)

4. Do you support FDI in farm land? Substantiate. (200 Words)

5. How does the interim nuclear deal agreed between Iran and P5+1 countries affect India?

Examine. (200 Words)

The Indian Express

6. “The Naga society is seething with multiple tensions intermittently erupting into morbid

fratricidal violence.” Comment. (200 Words)

7. Write a note on the recommendations of Urjit Patel committee that was set up by the RBI

to revise and strengthen the monetary policy framework. (200 Words)

8. “Instead of trying to keep out companies from one country or the other, the government would

do well to create a reporting and monitoring system that will enable security agencies to keep an

eye on the activities of these companies, especially when it comes to blocks located close to

defence installations.” Comment in the light of not granting licenses to Chinese companies to

invest in certain ‘sensitive’ sectors in India. (200 Words)

24, January 2014

1. Critically comment on the contribution of Subhash Chandra Bose to India’s freedom struggle.

(200 Words)

2. What do you understand by money supply? What are the measures adopted in India to measure

money supply? Explain. (200 Words)

3. What are the implications of the Reserve Bank of India’s decision to phase out currency notes

issued before 2005? Comment. (200 Words)

4. Write a short note on Angariya courier system. Is it legal in India? (200 Words)

5. What is spectrum management? Why radio frequency spectrum is a valuable resource? Explain

in the context of India. (200 Words)

Reference

6. “That auction should be a preferred route to allocate scarce resources such as spectrum is

conditional upon getting the auction design right.” Analyze in the context of India. (200 Words)

7. Write a note on cooperation between India and France in space technology. (200 Words)

8. Ethoxyquin (100 Words)

9. What is Corporate Social Responsibility? Should it be enforced through legislation? Comment.

(200 Words)

10. “Governance cannot simply mean growth any more but means the way it contributes through

a discourse of accountability, institutional procedures and transparency to widening economic

opportunities and a more inclusive democratic order.” Elaborate. (200 Words)

11. How does inflation affect development? Examine the role of RBI in containing inflation. (200

Words)

12. What measures should India take to fight the spreading extremely drug-resistant tuberculosis

(XDR-TB) strain? Explain. (200 Words)

25, January 2014

1. Critically comment on the role of family in the Indian society in producing socially responsible

individuals. (200 Words)

2. Discuss the various threats faced by wildlife in India. Do you think conservation efforts are

defeated by the vested interests in and around the wildlife habitats? Comment. (200 Words)

3. Write a note on the contribution of ICRISAT to the Indian agriculture. (200 Words)

4. “The India-Japan partnership is yet to move beyond the economic to the strategic.” Analyze.

(200 Words)

The Indian Express

5. India’s manufacturing’s share in the GDP has remained stationary at 15-16 per cent for more

than three decades now, far lower than the 25-35 per cent that characterizes the East Asian

economies. In the light of India’s 2011 ambitious National Manufacturing Policy (NMP), critically

analyze the constraints it is facing in the manufacturing sector and how they can be overcome.

(200 Words)

The Indian Express

6. “Social attitudes need to change, reflecting liberal and humane values, if the country is to ensure

gender equality and protection for all its women.” Comment. (200 Words)

7. What is bond yield? Do they reflect the health of an economy? Explain. (200 Words)

8. “Recent recommendations by the RBI’s Urgit Patel committee set up to revise and strengthen

the monetary policy framework in India might not go well with the Finance ministry.” Comment.

(200 Words)

26, January 2014

1. Should Chinese economic presence and strategic influence in Nepal worry India? Comment.

(200 Words)

2. Explain with an example how poor countries can use traditional knowledge and native resources

to bring development. (200 Words)

3. Comment on the shortcomings of criminal justice system t in India. (200 Words)

The Indian Express

4. “Populist anarchy cannot be a substitute for governance. “Comment in the light of recent

political developments in the country. (200 Words)

Business Standard

(www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/president-cautions-against-unstable-govt-

114012500877_1.html)

5. “The developing world cannot rely on a single instrument – the interest rate – to deal with both

the domestic business cycle and the global financial cycle.” Elaborate. (200 Words)

Business Standard

(http://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/alok-sheel-how-emerging-markets-deal-with-

global-spillovers-114012500728_1.html)

6. In our rural and urban areas both water and sanitation are closely linked and hence the two

should go hand in hand. Comment on the statement in the light of continuing practice of open

defecation by large number of Indians and government’s efforts to bring sanitation from past 65

years. (200 Words)

Business Standard

(http://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/m-ramachandran-toilets-for-all-

114012500727_1.html)

27, January 2014

1. How and from where do government mobilize resources to narrow the fiscal deficit? Explain.

(200 Words)

2. Suggest any out of the box solution to deal with Naxalism in India. Where do you think

government is failing in dealing with naxal threat? Comment. (200 Words)

3. As two Communist states, what has been the relationship between China and Russia since the

break-up of USSR? Examine. (200 Words)

4. What are the reasons behind protests against the government in Ukraine? Comment on the

external factors in causing the protests. (200 Words)

5. “The problem with the Palk Bay fishing conflict is precisely its interstate character.” Comment.

(200 Words)

6. “To India’s national security interests, Japan is irreplaceably valuable.” Comment. (200 Words)

7. How are Genetically Modified crops produced? Explain with an example. (200 Words)

8. “The policy of free power is a very bad idea and against the spirit of reforms.” Comment. (200

Words)

Business Standard

(http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/free-power-is-bad-policy-says-

plancom-member-114012600347_1.html)

The Indian Express

9. Write a critical note on the role of bureaucracy in improving the education outcomes in Indian

schools. (200 Words)

The Indian Express

28, January 2014

1. Write a critical note on recent controversies in the pharma sector in India. Does these

development augur well for India’s health sector? Comment. (200 Words)

Business Standard

(http://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/indian-pharma-s-twin-woes-

114012701141_1.html)

2. What is the mandate of UNHRC? Critically comment on its functioning citing any two recent

examples. (200 Words)

3. Write a critical note on the role of judiciary in ensuring social justice in India. (200 Words)

4. What is current account deficit? What measures does government usually take to contain it?

Comment on the effects of such measures on the economy. (200 Words)

5. What is genome or DNA sequencing? How does it help in diagnosis of diseases? (200 Words)

6. “The escalating political crisis in Ukraine has cast a deep shadow over Russia’s relations with

Europe.” Comment. (200 Words)

7. Do you think escalating conflicts between fishermen between maritime neighbors across the

world is an indication of deteriorating food security situation? Comment. (200 Words)

8.”The lack of involvement of beneficiaries, who are systematically disempowered and

discouraged from questioning service delivery and holding implementing agencies accountable, is

one of the key reasons for implementation failure of various government schemes.” Elaborate

highlighting the importance of social audits. (200 Words)

The Indian Express

9. “The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) has

served as the major catalyst in the global movement from viewing persons with disabilities as

objects of charity, medical treatment and social protection towards viewing them as full and equal

members of society, with human rights.” Critically analyze in the context of India’s efforts at

passing a legislation for disabled persons on the line of above mentioned convention. (200 Words)

The Indian Express

10. “Syria is coming close to shifting from an India-friendly regime to a possibly hostile, Islamist

regime.” Comment and highlight what should be India’s approach. (200 Words)

29, January 2014

1. Critically comment on the deep sea trawling and its effect on marine biodiversity in the Indian

context. (200 Words)

2. Critically evaluate the NRLM and its objectives. (200 Words)

3. Critically examine the issues involved around mining in sensitive areas like Western Ghats. In

your opinion, what should be the government’s approach? Comment. (200 Words)

4. What are the effects of diesel price regulation on the economy and who are the beneficiaries?

Do you support its price deregulation? Explain why. (200 Words)

5. Do you support plebiscite in Kashmir to find a peaceful solution for its future? Critically

comment. (200 Words)

6. Write a note on the adverse effects of plastic on the environment. (200 Words)

7. Write a note on the need and highlights of draft Regulatory Reforms Bill, 2013. (200 Words)

8. “Between India and Japan, the strategic component of the relationship has increased

dramatically over the last four years.” Examine. (200 Words)

30, January 2014

1. What are the technologies available for recycling or using the urban waste for productive

purposes? Explain. (200 Words)

2. Write a critical note on Rabindranath Tagore’s views on education. (200 Words)

3. “India’s curriculum outpaces what pupils can realistically learn and achieve in the time given”.

Comment on the statement in the light of recent findings by various reports about the poor quality

of education in India.

4. “The lasting solution for the sugar sector’s woes, indeed, lies in striking a balance between the

demand – both domestic and export - and output of sugar and sugarcane.” Elaborate. (200 Words)

Business Standard

(www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/failing-on-sugar-114012901294_1.html)

5. “Despite the current decade being called India’s “decade of innovation”, the country has been

ranked at the bottom of the list of 25 countries in terms of its intellectual property (IP)

environment.” Explain why. (200 Words)

Business Standard

(www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/protecting-patents-india-worst-in-world-

114012900371_1.html)

6. Does India need an independent autonomous regulator for the environment sector? Comment.

(200 Words)

Business Standard

(www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/green-panel-to-come-under-regulator-

114012900930_1.html)

7. “It is high time that India embarked on creating the next generation of IT companies, which can

move up the value chain.” Comment in the light of India’s stand on global internet governance.

(200 Words)

The Indian Express

8. “In India, social and economic conditions in India are not ripe for the total abolition of state

killings in the form of the death sentence.” Critically comment. (200 Words)

The Indian Express

9. What is round-tripping? Analyze the trade relations between India and Mauritius. (200 Words)

31, January 2014

1. What are the major problems being faced by Indian cities in providing adequate, safe and rapid

urban transport system? Explain the steps taken by the union government in this regard. (200

Words)

2. At present how a Supreme Court judge is appointed? Do you think it’s a fair system? Comment.

(200 Words)

3. “Handloom sector is being deliberately suffocated and killed and it is not a subsidy guzzling

sunset industry as is being projected.” Comment. (200 Words)

4. With special reference to India, examine the issues related to immigration reforms in USA. (200

Words)

5. “The NATO has repeatedly tried to invent new roles for itself since the collapse of Soviet Union

and the Warsaw Treaty Organization in 1991.” Comment. (200 Words)