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Q: How have the newly notified rules eased the process of granting Indian citizenship to specific communities under the CAA? What arguments have been presented for challenging its constitutionality? What is the significance of the government’s assertion that the CAA does not affect legal, democratic, or secular rights?
Answer HintQ: What are the restrictions on judges and senior government officials with respect to their employment when it comes to other posts within the government or in the private sphere? Can a former judge join a political party and contest elections?
Answer HintQ: Why is the spent fuel from nuclear power plants dangerous? How can they be stored safely with minimum human contact? How are countries with major nuclear power programmes storing nuclear waste? Does India have nuclear waste reprocessing plants?
Answer HintQ: India’s key energy problem is the inadequate effective demand for energy, especially from poor rural households in India and an underdeveloped market for energy. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: India recently signed trade agreement with European Free Trade Association (EFTA). What is the significance of the deal? Why it marks a shift, could be a template for bigger deals?
Answer HintQ: What did the latest WTO ministerial meeting at Abu Dhabi broadly achieve? What were India’s objectives?
Answer HintQ: Why is India building a naval base in the Lakshadweep? What is its strategic importance?
Answer HintQ: What are the constitutional provisions under which MPs and MLAs enjoy immunity from prosecution when it comes to voting or making a speech in Parliament or the Legislative Assemblies? Is such a legislative privilege unqualified? Why did the court overrule its P. V. Narasimha Rao judgment?
Answer HintQ: Increasing women’s representation in green jobs will lead to benefits such as boosting a low-carbon and environmentally sustainable economy. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: Why is the core-loading event of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor being hailed as a milestone? What does the reactor do? Why has the event taken so long to materialise? What led to the delays? What are small modular reactors?
Answer HintQ: In 2023, India reached its ‘Plastic Overshoot Day’ on January 6. Discuss why and how rmpowering local bodies and creating the necessary infrastructure for waste management in the Indian Himalayan Region need immediate attention?
Answer HintQ: What are some of the goals laid down by the Indian Space Research Organisation? Why is a crewed flight technologically ambitious? How many test flights are scheduled before the space mission with a crew takes place?
Answer HintQ: Discuss how death penalty sentencing reform initiated by the Supreme Court of India has failed to percolate to trial courts. What are the implications of the death penalty crisis in India?
Answer HintQ: Despite their key role in the waste value chain ecosystem, waste pickers face systemic marginalisation, severe health hazards and exclusion from legal protection. Discuss why integrating informal waste pickers into waste management frameworks becomes increasingly evident.
Answer HintQ: Agitations by different State governments in New Delhi have highlighted many disquieting issues in the practice of fiscal federalism in India. In light of this, the 16th FC must take initiative to correct historical wrongs in vertical devolution through compensations to the States. Discuss and Comment.
Answer HintQ: How much do developed countries spend on research and development? Has the Ministry of Science and Technology consistently under-utilised its budget? How much does the private sector contribute to India’s R&D funding?
Answer HintQ: The persistence of outdated frameworks in the conduct of the scientific meetings in India is affecting its scientific practice. Comment.
Answer HintQ: By penalising consensual relations and violating individual autonomy, the Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code Bill erodes constitutional rights to liberty, privacy and equality. Discuss and comment.
Answer HintQ: What is the Supreme Court’s interim order on the Forest Act? How are forests protected under the Act? What were the changes proposed by the Union government?
Answer HintQ: India's goal of reaching net zero presents a crucial challenge and opportunity. Its success depends on financing key sectors effectively, thus, shaping the pace of decarbonisation. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: While ASEAN is an essential player in Indo-Pacific affairs, its influence over the emerging security shifts in the region is being questioned due to its growing vulnerabilities to power politics. Comment.
Answer HintQ: What is the role of the Finance Commission? What is the basis for allocation of tax revenue to various States? Has the percentage share of the divisible pool of taxes been reducing for southern States? What are the potential solutions?
Answer HintQ: Highlight the need for financial autonomy for the effective functioning of local governance. What are the various sources available for Panchayats to generate revenue? Why despite efforts towards decentralization, many panchayats still rely heavily on grants for revenue.
Answer HintQ: Give a brief note on the European Union Artificial Intelligence Act (EU AI Act). Discuss the broad contours of the act that could prove to be a landmark in the history of AI regulation.
Answer HintQ: Discuss the significance of recent Supreme Court ruling in India, which upheld the necessity of specialized qualifications for primary school teaching. Highlight the need for better training programs and government support for primary school teacher education.
Answer HintWhat are electoral bonds? What were the changes made in existing laws to allow the donor to maintain anonymity? Why did the Supreme Court invalidate electoral bonds? | Explained
Answer HintDiscuss how the Supreme Court’s recent decision to strike down India’s electoral bonds scheme marks a significant victory for transparency in democracy.
Answer HintHighlight the recommendations made by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law, and Justice, to enhance the quality of legal education in India, boosting research and addressing other issues.
Answer HintGive a brief note on the European Union Artificial Intelligence Act (EU AI Act). Discuss the broad contours of the act that could prove to be a landmark in the history of AI regulation.
Answer HintQ: Why has the notification of the Thanthai Periyar Sanctuary in the Erode district of Tamil Nadu left forest-dwellers wary? How should national parks and sanctuaries be notified? What was the ‘historical injustice’ the Forest Rights Act was supposed to rectify?
Answer HintQ: What is Minimum Support Price (MSP)? Is legalising MSP a cure for India's agriculture problem? Discuss the importance of adopting a multi-pronged approach to address concerns in the agricultural sector.
Answer HintQ: What does the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s seventh visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) holds for the critical relationship between the two nations? Also give a brief outline of India-Gulf relations?
Answer HintQ: How will the Uniform Civil Code Bill impact divorce, inheritance of property, and live-in relationships? What are the penalties if the new law is violated? Has any community been left outside its purview?
Answer HintQ: Of the target of grid-connected 175 GW of renewables by 2022, the share of the solar sector was 100 GW, which included a solar rooftop capacity of 40 GW. Out of this, India have only about 11 GW in place. Give reasons for failure to achieve set targets? Also discuss the potential of the recently launched Pradhan Mantri Sarvoday Yojana (PMSY).
Answer HintQ: The high-powered committee announced in the interim Budget needs to adopt an interdisciplinary approach if it is to tackle issues that affect family planning, maternal and child health, education, employment, and socio-economic development in India. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: Discuss the significant changes on marriage, adoption, and related aspects under the Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2024.
Answer HintQ: What does delimitation mean and what are the constitutional provisions which deal with it? Why were the seats frozen as per the 1971 Census? Will the fresh exercise go against the federal principle, giving an advantage to certain States over others?
Answer HintQ: Discuss the success of a decentralized approach to tackling malnutrition in Uttar Pradesh by empowering women through community-based micro-enterprises.
Answer HintQ: What was the debate surrounding the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the Constituent Assembly? Can a State government implement a State-wide UCC? Why has the Supreme Court not given a definite order regarding the implementation of a UCC?
Answer HintQ: Why was the fiscal deficit estimate announced in the recent Union Budget considered to be ambitious? How does a government fund its expenditure? What is the difference between fiscal deficit and national debt? How much is the Centre expected to borrow from the market?
Answer HintQ: The Northern Sea Route is an essential element to harness India’s Interests in the Arctic. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: What provisional measures did the International Court of Justice order in the case South Africa brought against Israel on its war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip? Can the interim ruling be enforced by the ICJ? What is the verdict’s impact and what happens next?
Answer HintQ: The India and France partnership, which is now moving from government domains to commercial and civil spaces, reflects maturity and resilience. Illustrate.
Answer HintQ: Discuss how lack of accurate data on internal migration of women engenders policy-making, which is poorly informed about the needs, motivations, and conditions of female migrants?
Answer HintQ: What are the various benefits of holding Lok Sabha and State elections at the same time? How would simultaneous elections go against the federal character of the Constitution? What are international practices on the same in other Parliamentary democracies?
Answer HintQ: Which does Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi’s recent visit in countries of Africa holds for China? What has been the history of the relationship between Africa and China? What is China’s foreign policy of non-interference?
Answer HintQ: What led to the Punjab government moving the Supreme Court against the Centre on increasing the jurisdiction of the Border Security Force in the State? What has the top court observed in its preliminary hearing? What is the bone of contention?
Answer HintQ: While temperatures have been pretty low since December in north India, what has led to regions like Himachal Pradesh not receiving any snow? Is India in the midst of a snow drought? How do western disturbances play a part in the lingering dense fog?
Answer HintQ: Discuss how the case of South Africa instituting proceedings against Israel in the International Court of Justice over the Gaza war is a vital stress test of the ‘rules-based international order’?
Answer HintQ: Discuss the challenges and policy recommendations for fostering growth in India's semiconductor industry, focusing on the Design-Linked Incentive scheme and potential reforms.
Answer HintQ: Why has a high-level committee been formed post Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promise to the Madiga community in Telangana? What has the community been demanding since 1994? Can Parliament sub-categorise castes within the Scheduled Castes?
Answer HintQ: The newly enacted Post Office Act, 2023 does not make any provision for procedural safeguards to dispel fears of misuse of the substantive provision on interception. Critically analyse
Answer HintQ: How has a confrontation between Israel and Hamas snowballed into a regional security crisis? Who are the key players in operation and why are they pulling in different directions? What are the apprehensions of a prolonged war for the region and the world?
Answer HintQ: What is the strategic importance of Chabahar port for both Iran and India? What is the nature of India’s involvement in the Chabahar port?
Answer HintQ: The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 can help ensure that a holistic approach towards the integration of technology with different functional requirements of the sector is undertaken. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: Why did the island of Nauru shift its diplomatic relations from Taiwan to China? What is the 1992 consensus? Do the younger generation of Taiwan identify with China?
Answer HintQ: On what basis has the Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly refused to disqualify the MLAs? What is the history behind the anti-defection law? How can anti-defection laws be made stronger and impartial?
Answer HintQ: In the Shiv Sena case in Maharashtra, the question as to which faction is the real party cannot be decided by the Speaker as the Tenth Schedule does not require him to decide this. Discuss and Comment.
Answer HintQ: Has Israel violated the provisions of the Genocide Convention in its ongoing military campaign in Gaza? What are the allegations? What are the powers of the International Court of Justice? How long will it take for a ruling and is it binding?
Answer HintQ: How GM mustard was developed, why the question of its approval has now reached Supreme Court?
Answer HintQ: Indian agritech is making impressive strides and expanding its global footprint, but it is still at a nascent stage and has penetrated only 1 percent of its potential market value. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: Discuss how recent Maldives fiasco can turn into a perennial source of regional friction with serious implications for the Indian Ocean region’s economic prosperity and political stability.
Answer HintQ: With further increase in tigers and Tiger Reserves, and tiger corridors to link them up, India’s tiger terrain is set to become a hotspot not for biodiversity but anxiety and conflict. Critically analyse.
Answer HintQ: What are the sections on hit-and-run in Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita that have irked the sector? Why there is need to revisit the Section 106 (2) of BNS?
Answer HintQ: Why are girls getting married early despite receiving an education? Have the cash incentives for girls to study not been effective? What is the feedback from the districts? Is it a social problem or a political issue? What is the link between child marriage and poor maternal health?
Answer HintQ: What are the roots of the IS’s rivalry against Iran? Why did the IS target a memorial event of slain Iranian General Qassem Soleimani? Why has IS declared war on Iran? What is the Islamic Republic’s medium and long-term strategy to take on the IS?
Answer HintQ: Reforming the examination system to ensure its credibility is a key way to improve educational standards. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: Online gaming addiction remains under-recognised by the Indian government and its policymakers. Discuss how China’s success in regulating online gaming could serve as a crucial lesson for India?
Answer HintQ: Prioritising access to blood and its products remains fundamental to building a resilient global health architecture. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: Created in the shadow of the Cold War the global nuclear order (GNO) has held reasonably well, but is facing pressures under changing geopolitics. Comment and discuss
Answer HintQ: What does the Union government’s draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill mean for OTT platforms and content creators? How will the government ensure fair representation within the Content Evaluation Committee? What measures are proposed to prevent abuse of power during unannounced inspections?
Answer HintQ: Why is the Ukraine conflict still going on? What is happening in Gaza? Why is Israel not heeding a ceasefire call? What is Russia’s position? How have the U.S. and China reacted? What is India’s take on the conflicts? How do the wars affect the Global South?
Answer HintQ: Rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities need to be multidisciplinary, multicomponent and holistic. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: India is making strides towards a sustainable, low-carbon future, with climate-resilient pathways being forged at national and state levels. Discuss the prospects of fusion of climate-conscious social development with corporate strategy in this pathway.
Answer HintQ: What factors contribute to SLIM’s significantly lower weight compared to other lunar exploration missions, and how does this impact its mission objectives? How will SLIM affect what India and Japan are planning for their joint Lunar Polar Exploration mission?
Answer HintQ: Highlight the global framework for menstrual leave. What is India’s stand on menstrual leave policy? Discuss related issues and way out.
Answer HintQ: Implementing Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), needs more urgency in terms of treating adaptation on a par with mitigation in the face of extreme climate events. Comment and Discuss.
Answer HintQ: Why were the British-era criminal laws in India proposed to be replaced by revised Bills, and what were the main legislative areas targeted for change? How does the inclusion of UAPA’s definition of a ‘terrorist act’ in the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita Bill, 2023 differ from the previous definition included in the original Bill?
Answer HintQ: How does the government plan to consolidate the law for wireless networks and Internet service providers? Has the licensing procedure been eased for telecom operators? What are the concerns raised by digital rights groups?
Answer HintQ: What are green credits and what opportunities do they present? Discuss how it's a way to turn eco-friendly aspirations into tangible actions, planting the seeds for a greener future worldwide?
Answer HintQ: What are the key features and issues of the Post Office Bill, 2023? What do prior Supreme Court rulings say about the state’s surveillance powers? What have experts opined?
Answer HintQ: What came of the first global stocktake at 2023 Conference of Parties? What were the novel mechanisms introduced with respect to accelerating green finance? Why did India not sign the health and methane reduction declarations?
Answer HintQ: Combined with nutrition literacy and effective food labelling, tax on High-Fat Sugar Salt (HFSS) foods can help improve health outcomes. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: Discuss how in a creative interpretation of Article 200, the Chief Justice of India’s recent judgment has also protected the entire constitutional system from the depredations of Governors?
Answer HintQ: What does The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Office and Terms of Office) Bill, 2023 passed by the Rajya Sabha say? How is the new mechanism different from the one spelled out by the Supreme Court?
Answer HintQ: What are the key aspects of the judgment and how will it affect Centre-State relations? What has the Supreme Court ruled about the President’s role during President’s rule? What did it say about restoring statehood to Jammu & Kashmir?
Answer HintQ: After repeated flooding in Chennia, the key issue now is to decode Chennai’s urban and peri-urban hydrology, its ecosystem in its totality, and make meaningful and scientific interventions. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: The 2023 UN Climate Change Conference was recently in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). What were the most important decisions and where they fell short? Highlight some key resolutions on fossil fuels, methane emissions, funds to fight global warming, among others discussed at COP 28.
Answer HintQ: The Article 370 judgment, shaped by constitutional monism, raises critical concerns about its impact on federalism in India. Comment.
Answer HintQ: Indigenous peoples represent 6 per cent of the world’s population are at the frontlines of the climate crisis. Discuss the impact of climate change on lives, livelihoods and food security of the Indigenous peoples.
Answer HintQ: Give a brief detail of the world's first comprehensive laws to regulate the use of artificial intelligence formed by the European Union.
Answer HintQ: Discuss how due to the changing global conditions, the erstwhile export-led growth strategy may not be available to India any more. Also discuss strategies for India on relying relatively more on domestic growth drivers.
Answer HintQ: Where do the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups live in India? What is their population? Why is so little known about them? When was the last count done? How is the Pradhan Mantri-Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) scheme expected to benefit PVTGs?
Answer HintQ: Close collaboration between India and Australia can pave the way to extract critical minerals by undertaking seabed mining in a responsible and sustainable manner. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: Why are deepfakes dangerous? How are deepfakes being used to spread misinformation in political campaigns? What are the international best practices? What should be the regulatory response according to experts?
Answer HintQ: What are privileges committees? Discuss the role of ethics committee. How to reconcile privileges of the House and democratic representation?
Answer HintQ: What did the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC), under the United Nations Environment Programme, in its third round of negotiations discuss? How do they aim to end plastic pollution? What did the ‘zero draft’ say and was it endorsed by the end of the meeting?
Answer HintQ: What are the likely Opportunities and Challenges posed by the India-UK Free Trade Agreement? What are the likely impact of the India-UK FTA on the partner countries?
Answer HintQ: What are the grounds on which the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs recommended to re-criminalise the offence which was revoked from the Indian Penal Code in 2018? What is the history of the adultery law in India?
Answer HintQ: Has health been discussed in previous UN Conference of Parties? What are the expected health-related outcomes at COP-28? How can public health become resilient to climate change, and who will finance this transformation? What challenges do experts foresee?
Answer HintQ: In India, perverse incentives created by public institutions and the skill gap among officials have eroded the ability to form and implement sound policies. Comment.
Answer HintQ: When did Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections start happening at different points in time? What are the arguments for and against conducting simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha, State Assemblies and local bodies? What are the constitutional impediments?
Answer HintQ: Why was rat-hole mining banned in Meghalaya by the National Green Tribunal? How does it compromise the safety and health of the miners? What are the hazardous effects of rat-hole mining on the environment?
Answer HintQ: Sustainable development goals in the littorals remain unrealised, as voices from littoral states in Asia, Africa, and the Southern Pacific are ignored by the developed countries. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: Javier Milei, the recent winner of Argentina’s presidential election, is in news for focusing on dollarisation as a “medium-term” goal. What is dollarization? Can dollarization save an economy? Justify your answer with valid examples.
Answer HintQ: The Uttarkashi tunnel collapse has thrown light on the major flaws in the infrastructure development in the Indian Himalayan Region. Discuss and comment.
Answer HintQ: What is India’s stance vis-a-vis the West and the Global South? Is it now closer to Western countries than the Global South, and how will this impact India’s relations with different powers in West Asia? What about India’s relations with Iran, Israel’s chief rival?
Answer HintQ: Discuss how the intersection of climate vulnerability and agricultural importance places India at a unique juncture where climate-smart agriculture (CSA) adoption is not merely desirable but essential.
Answer HintQ: How has the principle of ‘common but differentiated responsibilities’ affected global climate policies since the UNFCCC in 1992? Why have the disproportionate historical carbon emissions of developed countries impacted the global carbon budget? What stance should India adopt at COP 28 regarding its fair share of the carbon budget?
Answer HintQ: There is a strong link between animal cruelty and child abuse and there is an urgent need to investigate it further in the Indian context. Discuss and comment.
Answer HintQ: What does the ‘new and additional finance’ clause in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change mean? Why do rich and developed economies want to keep the definition of climate finance vague?
Answer HintQ: The Indian military’s strategic embrace of emerging technologies, encompassing AI, cyber, and unmanned systems, should not be imagined as a ‘plug and play’. Fully realising the potential of emerging technologies in the military requires altering existing organisations and approaches. Comment.
Answer HintQ: What are the options before a Governor when they receive a Bill for assent from the State Legislative Assembly? Do Governors have powers of discretion and when can they use it?
Answer HintQ: What’s happening in the border States of the northeast because of the civil war in Myanmar? How have ethnic organisations responded to the junta crackdown?
Answer HintQ: It is high time to consider a Production Linked Incentive scheme and other such incentives for boosting domestic manufacturing of critical components, particularly space electronics in India. Comment.
Answer HintQ: Why are the Commission for Scheduled Castes and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes against sub-categorising? What are the legal challenges?
Answer HintQ: In not finding room for same-sex marriages in the Special Marriage Act, the Supreme Court misinterpreted the Constitution and failed to look at its own precedents. Comment.
Answer HintQ: Discuss how as portable sources of electric power, batteries are at the foundation of convenience and sustainability? What led to the invention of the electric battery? What are the types of batteries?
Answer HintQ: What is the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023? What did the 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee decide with respect to the amendment Bill tabled in Parliament? Why do the Central and State governments insist on the right to convert forest land for non-forest purposes?
Answer HintQ: India’s digital public infrastructure (DPI) model is a key offering to the world and is being considered, adopted or adapted by nations at varying stages of development. Comment.
Answer HintQ: The World Food Programme has identified the Odisha Millets Mission as one of the best practices that can be replicated in other countries. Discuss how it offers key learnings to other governments on getting the momentum going on millets?
Answer HintQ: When was the decision to establish a loss and damage fund taken and in which Conference of Parties did member states take concrete steps to bring this fund to fruition? What is the role of the Transitional Committee? Have the meetings by this committee been successful?
Answer HintQ: In light of high import dependencies and export bans imposed by resource-rich countries, countries need to create secure critical mineral supply chains. Comment and discuss.
Answer HintQ: What is mixed member proportional (MMP) system? Discuss how a split voting system allows voters to choose candidates based on merit while ensuring that their party preference determines legislative composition?
Answer HintQ: Data show that India is home to some of the most polluted cities in the world. The overall development strategy of urban development in India needs a paradigm shift. The need now is to turn to sustainable and “ecological urbanization”. Comment.
Answer HintQ: How many countries voted for a resolution calling for an ‘immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce’ in the Israel-Hamas conflict at the United Nations General Assembly? What has been India’s historical stance on Palestine?
Answer HintQ: Air pollution has worsened in Delhi in the last decade. While the smog’s presence is more pronounced in the winter months, policymakers must bear in mind that it is a continuous concern throughout the year. Comment.
Answer HintQ: Discuss the role of Biosphere Reserves as Pockets of hope in the face of the climate crisis
Answer HintQ: What event brought about a paradigm shift in the way the U.S. looked at the Israel? What is the basis of the ‘the special relationship’ between the two countries? How do pro-Israeli forces exert a strong influence in the U.S. public sphere?
Answer HintQ: Climate finance is essential for trust in climate change negotiations, especially in COP 28. What are the concerns of developing nations related to disparities between pledged amounts and actual commitments and what are the ways to address these issue?
Answer HintQ: The COVID-19 pandemic extracted a heavy mortality toll across the world and this has been a huge global public health concern. Discuss the need for task force of national experts to analyse civil registration data in India.
Answer HintQ: Discuss how the office of Speakers of the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies is posing a threat to the stability of elected governments.
Answer HintQ: Why has the National Crime Records Bureau cautioned against the misuse of the database by ensuring identification and deployment of appropriate safeguards allowing only designated officials to access the data in real time? What are the concerns?
Answer HintQ: Give a brief note on recently launched draft Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns in India. Discuss how it is a significant step toward safeguarding consumers and what are the loopholes, challenges associated?
Answer HintQ: The New Delhi Declaration’s policy commitments in the health sector emphasise the role of the G20 in revising the existing financial and global health governance discussions. Comment.
Answer HintQ: The economic impact of the non-participation of married women in the workforce in India is considerable, given their substantial representation among the working-age population. The female participation in the labour market did not exhibit an upward trend but rather a U-shaped curve. Illustrate.
Answer HintQ: Discuss how the opening up of the Chattogram Port for transit and transhipment of goods and allowing regular movement is a powerful testimony of the India-Bangladesh partnership.
Answer HintQ: In the face of recent disasters in Himalayan states, involving the local population and grass-roots bodies in determining the carrying capacity of the Indian Himalayan Region is the only viable strategy in the Himalaya ecological restoration. Comment.
Answer HintQ: Why did the court not allow the Special Marriage Act to be used for queer couples to get married? Will the legislature be open to enacting a law to make same-sex marriage legal?
Answer HintQ: Give a brief note on Supreme Court’s recent observations made in Rajesh & Anr. vs The State of Madhya Pradesh, emphasising the need to devise a consistent and dependable code of investigation.
Answer HintQ: Highlight the challenges ailing India's food system. Discuss how a triad approach that engages all three sides of the food system: consumers, producers, and middlemen, can ensure truly sustainable food system.
Answer HintQ: Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) could prove to be as radical a game-changer in the world of the 21st century as the Industrial Revolution was in the 18th century. Comment. Also discuss the catastrophic consequences of AGI.
Answer HintQ: Critically analyse the Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act, 2022. Discuss how an inordinate number of species have been included in the new schedules of the Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act, 2022, with no consultation, process or logic.
Answer HintQ: The Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) process, especially concerning the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), requires a comprehensive review. Exploring tools like strategic environmental assessment can be more effective in addressing the cumulative impact of development in regions like the IHR. Comment.
Answer HintQ: Highlight the need to adopt innovative and collaborative approaches for improved management, conservation and availability of scarce water resources in India and around the globe.
Answer HintQ: Highlight how is the Indian Ocean Rim Association’s (IORA) a key bloc for India? Has the grouping managed to keep out big power rivalries? What are its focus areas?
Answer HintDiscuss how the current global economic situation presents an opportunity for India and Bangladesh to collaborate and emerge stronger in the years ahead.
Answer HintIs there a relation between caste, religion, poverty and discrimination? What do the social, economic indicators show? Does this pattern extend to education and employment? Is the informal sector disproportionately populated by Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Classes?
Answer HintHighlight the Voluntary Vehicle Fleet Modernisation Program (V-VMP). Discuss why the vehicle scrappage policy should be implemented as it would allow for greater mobility and enable municipal sweepers to keep the roads clean?
Answer HintQ: What is Professor Goldin’s (Winner of Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences for 2023) claim about the inconsistency of women’s participation in the labour market? How do expectations of future careers play a role in women’s employment rate? How did the introduction of the birth control pill change the trajectory of women’s careers?
Answer HintQ: How are Scheduled Areas identified and governed? What did the Bhuria committee in 1995 recommend? How have the provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, or PESA, in 1996 changed governance of Scheduled Areas?
Answer HintHighlight the transformative potential of cotton within the T&A industry. Discuss how a powerful symbol of transformation within the fashion industry, the ‘white gold’ can indeed become more ‘fashionable’ in its cultivation methods and a beacon of hope for a more sustainable and biodiverse tomorrow.
Answer HintHow do the work of the three Physics Nobel laureates demonstrate a way to create short pulses of light that can be used to measure the rapid fashion in which electrons move or change energy? What are the applications of this discovery?
Answer HintQ: Discuss the role of unhealthy ultra-processed foods and beverages in India’s growing diabetes burden. Also discuss how only a legal framework o can safeguard people from the strategies of the food industry.
Answer HintQ: Recognising the complexity and interconnectedness of the climate polycrisis, it is crucial in developing a holistic approach to help bring the nation under one carbon accounting framework. Comment and discuss.
Answer HintQ: Why has the embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan announced its closure? Are the consulates of Afghanistan also shutting down? What is the current state of the relationship between India and Taliban-ruled Afghanistan?
Answer HintQ: How does the Official Prison Statistics India report label ‘natural’ and ‘unnatural’ deaths? Why do courts and experts think this classification is vague? Is the lack of space in prison facilities one of the leading factors resulting in custodial deaths?
Answer HintQ: It is critical to create and nurture age-responsive healthcare systems that ensure equitable access to person-centred care and services for all older persons and their families who are affected by tuberculosis. Comment and discuss.
Answer HintQ: Why does the government favour Aadhaar-based authentication for rations under the public distribution system and government-to-citizen cash transfer programmes such as wage payments in MGNREGS? What are some common problems faced by rights-holders?
Answer HintQ: The National Ignition Facility (NIF) experiment has opened up a new avenue for achieving nuclear fusion. India should invest in it since it can help India achieve its net-zero carbon emissions goals. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: Reforming India’s kidney transplant laws is not only a matter of urgency but also a humanitarian imperative. Discuss how innovative kidney exchange methods face legal roadblocks, worsening a massive kidney shortage in India and what needs to be done?
Answer HintQ: ‘The recognition of unpaid labour and equitable sharing of household duties will ultimately dictate whether substantive reform in gender equality is achieved through efforts like women’s reservation Bill in the Parliament’. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: Climate change has heightened the global risk of infectious diseases. Protecting ecosystems, fostering collaboration and embracing the ‘One Health’ paradigm would be the best defences. Comment.
Answer HintQ: Many cutting-edge AI deployments are not designed specifically for children even though they are accessed by them. Discuss how can the upcoming Digital India Act (DIA) better protect children’s interests when interacting with AI?
Answer HintQ: What does 'One Nation, One Election' mean? Discuss why and how implementing simultaneous elections will be deeply problematic in a parliamentary democracy?
Answer HintQ: Why will the implementation be delayed by several years? When will the Census and delimitation exercise take place? Why are some parties demanding a sub-quota for women from Other Backward Classes?
Answer HintQ: While progress has been made under Poshan Maah, India's size, diversity, and numerous challenges make it a persistent issue that demands constant attention. Comment and discuss.
Answer HintQ: Competition Commission of India (CCI)’s recent draft regulations on settling competition law infringements set it on the same path of failure as the EU’s ‘commitments’ regime’. Comment.
Answer HintQ: SDGs are not enough for global sustainability. Discus how adopting ‘Sustainable Consumption Goals (SCG)’ by OECD countries could provide a complementary approach to achieving global sustainability.
Answer HintQ: How is the Constitution amended? What are the different procedures for amending provisions in the Indian Constitution? Can constitutional amendments be struck down for want of ratification by States? Is there a time-limit prescribed for ratification?
Answer HintQ: Quantum computing is one of the fastest-growing areas in technology in recent times. Highlight some of the major international initiatives in quantum computing and the hurdles they may face in the future.
Answer HintQ: Although biohacking offers opportunities for improved health, the rapid growth of biohacking has raised significant ethical, social, and regulatory concerns. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: What is the blueprint of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor? Will it also influence the politics of the region? Is it going to pose a challenge to China’s Belt and Road Initiative?
Answer HintQ: At COP28, developing countries should consider the global target of tripling renewable energy capacity from current levels by 2030 only if the North commits to equitable absolute targets domestically. Comment.
Answer HintQ: Biofuels play a critical role in ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all, which is vital in a circular economy, and helps address climate change. Discuss how India can strengthen the development of sustainable biofuels, in addition to promoting ethanol uptake?
Answer HintQ: How might climate change affect farming and food security in India in the future? How the El Niño and is connected with other climate phenomena and food security in India? Discuss strategies for mitigation and adaption in the long run.
Answer HintQ: Ensuring that Indians have permanent access to a healthy diet is the most important task of economic policy today. Discuss the need for second green revolution to strengthen supply side and role of states in its success.
Answer HintQ: What is the ‘deceitful means’ clause in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023? How have courts previously dealt with cases of consent and rape under IPC?
Answer HintQ: What are the issues, apart from the Ukraine war, on which there is consensus in the New Delhi declaration? Why is the summit important to India and the Global South?
Answer HintQ: Discuss various provisions and changes introduced in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 bill aimed at replacing the existing legal framework in India. What does the proposed legislation to overhaul criminal justice system mean?
Answer HintQ: Any loss of language is not only a loss of linguistic diversity but also a loss in terms of the associated cultural variations, opinions, views and knowledge. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: To reduce its digital carbon footprint, India must acknowledge the extent of its footprint and frame policies for its reduction. Comment.
Answer HintQ: Why did the Mizoram Assembly pass a resolution against the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023? Why is the Forest (Conservation) Act not applicable in Nagaland? What are the special constitutional provisions for Nagaland and Mizoram?
Answer HintQ: Discuss how gender equality and environmental sustainability goals, are interconnected particularly in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Why women are considered to be highly vulnerable and disproportionately affected by climate change? How women-led climate action can provide the solution?
Answer HintQ: There is an urgent need for sustainable and resilient food systems to guarantee sustainable diets that are nutritious and aligned with the evolving ecosystem and climate change. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: Has the Right to Information been weakened over the years? What are the recent concerns of activists about dilution of the Right to Information?
Answer HintQ: A just and green transition must respond to the economic and labour systems of the Global South can unlock the real potential for green employment generation. Comment and discuss.
Answer HintQ: Discuss why Uniform Civil Code (UCC) must focus on the ‘best interests of child’ principle in all custody disputes, including the point of biological ties, the rights of adoptive, single, surrogate and even LGBT parents. With the help of recent court cases, highlight the social and psychological impact of custody decisions on children's well-being.
Answer HintQ: Give a brief outline of the Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, 2023. What are the major issues that could potentially limit the scope and impact of the bill and how it need to be aligned with global best practices?
Answer HintQ: Understanding sexual consent is important not only to learn about violation and abuse, but also to maintain healthy relationships. Discuss the above statement while highlighting the need for comprehensive sexuality education to address the issue of child abuse.
Answer HintQ: India’s Himalayan region is being destroyed by greed outstripping the need along with manipulative political, bureaucratic and real estate lobbies. Discuss the above statement in context of recent disasters unfolding in Uttarakhand.
Answer HintQ: Give a brief outline of major upcoming projects of the Indian Space Research Organisation after the success of Chandrayaan-3. What are some of the other things it is working on now besides producing rockets and developing satellite systems?
Answer HintQ: Elaborate how by focusing on cleantech solutions to bolster livelihoods, especially in rural areas, India can achieve an inclusive green transformation.
Answer HintQ: What is the significance of the Arctic region for India’s interests? Why is India involved in Murmansk’s Cargo Traffic? How long has India been engaged with the Arctic region? What is the NSR? How does the Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor impact NSR?
Answer HintQ: Approximately 91% of India’s workforce working in the informal sector, highlight the issues related to social security coverage and implementation in the country.
Answer HintQ: Give a brief note on the provisions of Section 8(4) of the Representation of People Act (RP Act) and impacts of its striking down in the Lily Thomas vs Union of India (2013) on the careers of India’s legislators?
Answer HintQ: Climate change is the single biggest health threat facing humanity, and developing nations of the Global South are expected to be the most vulnerable to climate-induced health risks. Discuss the impact of extreme heat and its consequences for health. What should be the adaptive policies and responses to overcome the situation?
Answer HintQ: The issue of social isolation among senior citizens is a pressing concern which demands a comprehensive and adaptable strategy. Comment and discuss.
Answer HintQ: Will India and China have the opportunity to have bilateral talks on the Line of Actual Control dispute? How will fruitful discussions have a bearing on the G20 summit in Delhi next month? Will Russian President Vladimir Putin attend the meeting?
Answer HintQ: Elaborate how the India-Japan partnership is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the global semiconductor landscape?
Answer HintQ: Highlight the significance of the Registration of Births and Deaths (RBD) Act and its recent amendment via the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2023. What are the challenges in obtaining accurate cause of death certificates and suggest remedies.
Answer HintQ: Highlight the urgency of addressing gender-specific repercussions within agricultural adaptation efforts, by investigating challenges from changing weather patterns and extreme events, exploring economic implications, discussing cultural impacts on gender roles and examining adaptive strategies.
Answer HintQ: Examine the issues, particularly on methodology relating to the multidimensional poverty index, and discuss why consumption-based poverty estimates are still very relevant?
Answer HintQ: Discuss how a combination of institutional frameworks and policy changes has ensured a profound transformation in India's defence policy?
Answer HintQ: What are the issues involved in the legal challenge to the removal of Kashmir’s special status? Could it have been unilaterally removed?
Answer HintQ: Recent studies predict that the widespread impacts of climate change will intensify further, highlighting the urgent need for mitigation and adaptation. A move towards universal business sustainability will need a multi-stakeholder approach, legal enforcement, and government policies. Comment.
Answer HintQ: The Indian government has immense potential to guide the lithium industry down a path that is both sustainable and economically beneficial. Comment.
Answer HintQ: What are small nuclear modular reactors? What differentiates them from conventional nuclear power plants? How can they contribute to decarbonisation? How will they affect India’s demand for and use of uranium? What legal and regulatory changes do they entail?
Answer HintQ: Discuss why the current health system needs to give way to a comprehensive health system approach, keeping in mind the vulnerability of urban households to climate change-led events in India?
Answer HintQ: Is India import-dependent for critical and deep-seated minerals? Why is it essential to get the private sector to explore these minerals? Has India’s existing mining policy attracted private-sector investment? How does the Mines and Minerals Bill 2023 plan to do that?
Answer HintQ: How are sugarcane farmers impacted by the excess sugar production? What measures can be taken to prevent India’s agricultural sector from collapsing due to the sugar surplus? How have excessive sugarcane subsidies affected India’s competitiveness in the global sugar market? What are the implications of sugarcane over-cultivation?
Answer HintQ: How is the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023 different from its previous iteration? What are the domains where it has made advances and the ones where it is lacking?
Answer HintQ: In order for India to expand its energy basket to meet its growing energy and environmental needs, it must utilize nuclear energy. Discuss why?
Answer HintQ: With respect to India’s recent push to integrate ‘AYUSH’ medicinal systems into mainstream health care to achieve universal health coverage, discuss why India’s path to universal health care must be grounded in evidence-based and ethics-driven medicine.
Answer HintQ: Highlight with the help of valid arguments, how the deep tech startups are the main route through which India is taking technology risks, a crucial element of any country’s process to build new capabilities.
Answer HintQ: The South Asia’s new economic openness, India’s vigorous neighbourhood policies, and Western support for an India-centred regionalism in South Asia could transform the Subcontinent's economic landscape. Comment.
Answer HintQ: With rising fuel prices and increasing supply pressures, India needs a clean, sustainable and affordable e-cooking solution, one that also reduces its dependence on imports and increases energy security. Discuss and comment.
Answer HintQ: Empowering seasonal migrant workers in Maharashtra’s sugar cane industry is crucial to fostering inclusive economic growth and protecting human rights. Elaborate
Answer HintQ: Discuss how policy should be tapered to nurture the capital-intensive semiconductor industry? In which area does India have expertise and how can it be leveraged better?
Answer HintQ: Correcting excessive cesses, freezing the weight for income distance criterion, and sharper monitoring of fiscal deficit are the areas that need attention of the Sixteenth Finance Commission. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: The primary criticism of the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023, is that it do not really contribute to regenerating natural forest, but rather incentivise afforestation for commercial ends. Comment.
Answer HintQ: Discuss how can agri-tech be sensitised to the critical challenges of India’s agricultural sector? How can artificial intelligence (AI) be applied constructively to address issues related to agriculture more inclusively?
Answer HintQ: Recently, Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, 2023 was passed by Rajasthan Assembly. Discuss how this law has been drawn from workers’ struggles of the past, to formulate a law that will protect workers into the future?
Answer HintQ: Highlight the significance of first G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group established by India. Discuss why the G20 must build on what India has started to prevent disasters?
Answer HintQ: Decentralisation and community partnerships can help state governments link marginalised communities to livelihoods in the sanitation space. Discuss the above statement with the help of urban reforms model being implemented in Odisha.
Answer HintQ: Why has a single joint statement not been released so far at any G20 Ministerial meeting? What is the bone of contention? What are the ‘Bali Paragraphs’ and why are they being incorporated in the current document?
Answer HintQ: Highlight the growing trend of Internet shutdown in India and the impact of an Internet shutdown on information dissemination.
Answer HintQ: The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022 (DPDP Bill, 2022), is expected in Parliament during the Monsoon session of 2023. What are the gaps in this legislation? How it violates privacy of citizens?
Answer HintQ: Discuss how incorporating the two cardinal principles, i.e., ‘equitable and reasonable utilisation’ and the ‘no harm rule’, in the Indus Water treaty will help reduce tensions between India and Pakistan?
Answer HintQ: The pursuit of sustainable development cannot be effectively undertaken without the full and equal participation of women at all levels of decision-making and policy development. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: The combination of uniformly gender unjust personal laws and a disempowered LGBT population points to the advantage of having a universal civil code which encompasses all Indians. Discuss
Answer HintQ: Considering the ever-changing nature of the job market, it is crucial to embrace technological advancements to pursue new opportunities. Discuss
Answer HintQ: What is the controversy surrounding the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023? Why have suggestions to the Joint Parliamentary Committee regarding the changes not been taken on board? Is the Bill diluting the 1996 Godavarman Thirumulpad judgment?
Answer HintQ: By prioritising regional economic integration, the I2U2 Business Forum can establish a strong foundation for a robust West Asian regional architecture. Comment.
Answer HintQ: The NSE IX–SGX GIFT Connect creates a financial corridor between India and Singapore, and can drive deeper liquidity for the Nifty. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: There is a realisation that the South China Sea problem requires a political framework, which can only be created through quiet dialogue. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: India's demographic transition has brought about significant changes in the lives of women. Discuss the challenges and practical strategies for harnessing the potential of this transition.
Answer HintQ: In order to foster women-led development across various sectors in India, it is imperative to prioritize reproductive autonomy as a core component. Discuss.
Answer HintQ: World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Dispute Settlement System (DSS) is dysfunctional by late 2019. It is likely that any solution to the ongoing crisis would require the negotiation of wide-reaching institutional and structural reforms between WTO member states. Comment.
Answer HintQ: Which are the industries likely to be impacted if supply of gallium and germanium are controlled? What are the particularities of the restrictions being imposed? Is it a response to Western sanctions? How will India be affected?
Answer HintQ: Biobanks host data fundamental to biological research and require governance to ensure that the results reach people across different countries equitably. Discuss how India can play help address the dissonance between the Global South and Global North in biobanking practices?
Answer HintQ: Highlight the reforms needed for further internationalisation of the rupee. What lessons India could learn from China’s example in internationalising the Renminbi?
Answer HintQ: The creative economy is one of the youngest and fastest-growing sectors, with unique challenges. Discuss how a collaborative model can help meet the challenges faced by the creative economy and promote the economic contribution of culture.
Answer HintQ: India's introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) marked a significant milestone in the country's taxation history. There is potential for further growth and harmonization in the future. Elaborate
Answer HintQ: Discuss how the National Research Foundation (NRF) will play a pivotal role in seeding, nurturing and promoting research, innovation and development across India.
Answer HintQ: Constructive interventions can ignite an institutionalised impetus for unleashing the true market potential of Green hydrogen (GH2) in diverse sectors. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: Highlight China’s new law on foreign relations? What are the political and economic ramifications? What it holds for India?
Answer HintQ: Highlight the potential of India-Africa relations, challenges in the way and a roadmap for enhanced cooperation.
Answer HintQ: There is a need to acknowledge the rare earth elements (REEs) sector as a ‘strategic sector’ in India with policy interventions to make it lucrative for entrepreneurs with adequate incentivisation. Discuss
Answer HintQ: In a region that is increasingly defined by cooperation based on like-mindedness, shared interests, and common concerns, the Philippines-India ties are crucial to the stability of the Indo-Pacific. Comment.
Answer HintQ: Tamil Nadu’s impressive and consistent performance in higher education shows that quality and inclusion can be achieved together and consistently. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: The proposed ‘Digital India Bill’ holds out the promise of not only upgrading the current legal regime but also redefining the contours of how technology is regulated. Comment.
Answer HintQ: The Law Commission of India should aim to eliminate only those practices that do not meet the benchmarks set by the Constitution of India. Comment.
Answer HintQ: With General Electric and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited signing a memorandum of understanding to co-produce F414 engines in India, how will it boost IAF strength?
Answer HintQ: India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is not only opening India’s access to the UAE market but also helping to expand the footprint of Indian startups in other geographies in West Asia and North Africa. Comment.
Answer HintQ: Discuss the concept and future prospects of a Professor of Practice (PoP). Also discuss how it can could help bridge the gap between academia and the professional world?
Answer HintQ: The National Mental Health Programme and the decentralised District Mental Health Programme remain focused on the patient but neglect the caregiver. The situation of the caregiver is similar to that of the ‘boiling frog’ where the individual might not be aware of the emotional strain, and hence will not request for support. Comment.
Answer HintQ: Discuss why India’s earlier attempts to set up semiconductor fabrication plant failed and examine alternate approaches. What lessons could India take from China, a major semiconductor hub?
Answer HintQ: World Refugee Day (June 20) is a reminder of our collective responsibility as global citizens and a call for engagement and empathy. Refugees can be a source of prosperity in any nation where they take refuge. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: A lightweight payment and settlement system, by not being reliant on the internet, can be an important building block for a resilient financial ecosystem of any economy, as it can be invaluable in times of adversity. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: Waste management and climate change are closely inter-related. Discuss why it is important to integrate climate considerations in waste management and broader urban planning frameworks?
Answer HintQ: Discuss how recent announcement of Russia and Iran developing efficient functioning of the North-South Trade Corridor (NSTC) will help India to produce a viable transit solution in the region.
Answer HintQ: The most important steps taken during the recent visit of the US Secretary of Defence in June 2023 to India was towards strengthening the bilateral defence relationship by creating a road map to promote collaboration in the defence industry. Comment.
Answer HintQ: India’s law of taxation is built on precepts which emanate out of a larger commitment to the rule of law, in particular to values of legality and certainty. Upholding these principles requires a commitment not only from the legislature but also from our courts too. Comment.
Answer HintQ: The SCO is an attractive forum for regional states, but its internal contradictions are a cause for concern. Keeping the view the upcoming 23rd Summit of SCO, discuss what are the opportunities and challenges for India in this era of fragile geopolitical contestations?
Answer HintQ: India beholds a colossal opportunity to add to its nation’s demographic dividend by investing in nutrition interventions in adolescent girls. Comment.
Answer HintQ: Why did a multi-train crash happen at Balasore in Odisha despite the stretch being equipped with the ‘error-proof’ electronic interlocking system? What could have caused the error? What are the basic components of an electronic interlocking signal system?
Answer HintQ: To assure passengers of safety after Balasore accident, Railways needs to instil discipline at a systemic level, move away from individual-centred approaches and ensure greater coordination between operations and maintenance. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: Keeping in view the recent collision in Balasore, Odisha, work towards devising a safer system in the Indian Railways should begin in earnest start without waiting for any inquiry report. Comment.
Answer HintQ: As the need and interest for a functional regional organisation grow amongst the Bay of Bengal countries to address emerging economic and security concerns, the time is ripe for BIMSTEC to carve its niche in the region. Comment.
Answer HintQ: States are critical actors in India’s energy transition as there is a multi-tier governance of energy production and usage. Comment. Also discuss ways to bridge the ambitions and implementation gaps between the Centre and the States.
Answer HintQ: What are the pros and cons of deepfake technology? Discuss how the weaponisation of deepfakes can have a massive impact on the economy, personal freedom, and national security? Also discuss the role of civil society oversight to promote awareness and encourage advancement and innovation.
Answer HintQ: The state of the wrestlers’ protests points to the changed state of ‘citizen activism’ that India once saw a decade ago. Comment.
Answer HintQ: Why do differences persist between India and China on the Depsang Plains and Demchok? What is the status of talks? Where do the two sides stand after the flare-up that began in May 2020? Where have buffer zones been created during the disengagement process?
Answer HintQ: Why the European Union’s Carbon Border Tax Mechanism is an important issue in the ongoing India-EU free trade agreement negotiations? Discuss how India should work with the EU to secure gains on CBAM and ensure smooth onboarding for Indian exporters to maximize the benefits of a bilateral deal?
Answer HintQ: What are the challenges in the way of growth of manufacturing sector in India? Discuss why the economic reforms of 1991 and the current initiatives failed to boost the manufacturing sector growth?
Answer HintQ: What is causing China’s growing influence in Southeast Asia? How does the Global Security Initiative challenge the ASEAN countries? Why is the increasing proximity of the U.S. with the Philippines worrisome for China?
Answer HintQ: India turning a net exporter of toys is mainly due to rising protectionism and less, perhaps, on account of expanding domestic capabilities. Critically analyse.
Answer HintQ: Amidst rising anti-China protests in Central Asian countries, China attempts to project it as a partner and not a hegemon during the recent China-Central Asia Summit. Comment.
Answer HintQ: Discuss the significance of menstrual health as a public health concern. What are the challenges faced by women in urban spaces and steps needed to address them?
Answer HintQ: What are the norms being laid down for the first digital Census of India? Why has the National Population Register been made compulsory for those who want to fill the form digitally? Are the Census and NPR mandatory exercises?
Answer HintQ: China’s growing footprint in Southeast Asia, the Pacific and Indian Ocean has prompted closer cooperation between the Quad and organisations such as ASEAN, PIF, and IORA. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, offer a springboard from where India can project power, exert influence, strike friendships in its eastern neighbourhood. Comment.
Answer HintQ: G20 should take the lead in formulating disaster risk mitigation strategies that can play a decisive role in limiting the fallout from natural disasters. Comment.
Answer HintQ: Discuss how BRICS offers a diplomatic forum and development financing, outside of the Western mainstream?
Answer HintQ: From mobilising capital for renewable energy infrastructure to establishing a robust supply-chain for critical minerals, the opportunities for India and Australia to collaborate are many. Comment.
Answer HintQ: What is genome sequencing and why is it important? Why is the reference genome map considered one of the most important scientific breakthroughs? What is the difference between a reference map and a pangenome map? How is India hoping to benefit from the latest genome map?
Answer HintQ: How has the Supreme Court validated Tamil Nadu’s stand on Jallikattu? Will it be applicable to similar races in other States? How has the court dealt with animal rights?
Answer HintQ: India has made commendable efforts towards the adoption, localisation, and achievement of the SDGs. As the first city in India to join the growing global movement on localisation of Sustainable Development Goals, Bhopal’s drive should encourage other Indian cities to follow the path. Comment.
Answer HintQ: As India gears to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027, a strongly networked material infrastructure in the country will be crucial’. In the given scenario, what are the prospects and challenges of India’s National Quantum Mission?
Answer HintQ: The constitutional design of a parliamentary democracy envisages a chain of accountability. Keeping in view the recent Supreme Court judgement, discuss how anti-defection law contradicts the democratic principle of accountability of legislators to their voters?
Answer HintQ: The initiation of a Gig Workers Welfare Board by Rajasthan Government is a win for platform workers, but there are many challenges ahead such as covering the gaps in labour rights. Comment.
Answer HintQ: Discuss the role of the G20’s new Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRWG) in supporting countries to strengthen their financial risk management capabilities.
Answer HintQ: Why are millets popular sources of nutrition? What are the different parts of a millet kernel? How are nutrients in millets affected by processing and polishing? Can millets thrive in harsh, resource-poor conditions?
Answer HintQ: The regenerative agriculture holds enormous potential to restore soil health and productivity in degraded landscapes while delivering financial benefits to smallholder farmers. Discuss how Regenerative Agriculture can reduce India’s agricultural carbon footprint while boosting farmer income?
Answer HintQ: India cannot remain immune to the destructive capability of nuclear weapons. For India, any step towards initiating nuclear arms control in Southern Asia is a tall order amidst complex nuclear politics and contestations. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: The Special Marriage Act still has fewer takers, but the law should hold out more potential than the current public imagination allows for and must aim to improve the lives of the more marginalised. Justify the above statement in the context of ongoing case for marriage equality.
Answer HintQ: Give a brief outline of the Indian Space Policy 2023, recently launched by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). What are the gaps need to be addressed to successfully launch India into the Second Space Age?
Answer HintQ: Seizing the new strategic opportunities in the Gulf would require long overdue modernisation of India’s strategic discourse, a conscious effort to change outdated narratives. Comment.
Answer HintQ: With its strong historical and cultural ties to Buddhism, India is well-positioned to play a leading role in shaping the discourse around Buddhist issues on the global stage. Comment.
Answer HintQ: What is the importance of a water-body census? What are some of the shortcomings with respect to the data collected? Does the data give insight into natural ecosystems and how water bodies sustain them?
Answer HintQ: Discuss various challenges before India’s year-long presidency of the G-20, and leadership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
Answer HintQ: As India marches towards its vision of a financially sound and digitalised power sector through smart metering interventions, it must pursue a user-centric design and deployment strategy. Comment.
Answer HintQ: India holds the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) for 2023. As Russia, China vie for upper hand, what the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) means for India?
Answer HintQ: Highlight the role of the Engagement Group for Supreme Audit Institutions (SAls) of G20 countries in promoting inter-generational equity and addressing climate change concerns.
Answer HintQ: Who is a ‘gig worker’ and what is ‘platform work’? Do the new Labour Codes protect the rights of gig workers? What laws have foreign jurisdictions enacted to regulate the gig economy?
Answer HintQ: In India, over time, matters involving an inexplicable delay in exercising powers by various authorities have been brought under the ambit of judicial review by constitutional courts. The time has come to evolve a new constitutional architecture that would deliver on the demands for a time-bound constitutional delivery mechanism. Comment.
Answer HintQ: Discuss how lessons from India’s recent mobilisation for COVID-19 could be adapted for the success of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
Answer HintQ: India’s economic diplomacy towards Nepal seems to be a win-win situation for both as cooperation in the hydropower and energy sector expand. Comment
Answer HintQ: India may have achieved suffrage early, but women still face significant barriers to political participation and do not have the right to govern. It is time to acknowledge the systematic exclusion of women from politics and demand action to create a more equitable political landscape. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: In most Indian cities, urban policies and initiatives are ‘exclusionary’ in nature and the current approach should be to address the concerns of deprived sections of society who are playing a critical role in the functioning of cities. Comment.
Answer HintQ: What are the provisions of the Indian nuclear liability law? What does it say about supplier liability in the event of a nuclear accident? Why do some provisions in the law continue to make foreign companies wary of signing deals with India? What has the government said on the issue?
Answer HintQ: The upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet highlights China’s growing role in Inner Asia. Critically analyse the given statement and also discuss the growing challenges for India.
Answer HintQ: Pumped storage and battery technology are perfect complements in the India’s energy storage ecosystem. Give a brief note on the recently issued guidelines on pumped storage. What factors need to be considered to make it succeed in Indian context?
Answer HintQ: The goal of connecting a large part of South Asia with Southeast Asia can be steered by the troika of Bangladesh, India and Japan using the Northeast as a focal point. Critically examine the challenges and opportunities associated with this troika.
Answer HintQ: CRISPR technology has implications beyond possible warfare in multiple fields of research, ranging from agriculture, food production, biotechnology, food enhancement, and medicine As genetic engineering continues to grow and find more avenues of impact, the need to optimise and regulate this technology will also heighten. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: ‘The Chengalpattu Botanical Garden (CBG) in Tamil Nadu will be India’s largest botanical garden. As an example of complex engineering, botanical gardens represent the richness of life on earth and a metric of national success in science and outreach.’ Comment.
Answer HintQ: ‘The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that together, we can overcome unprecedented adversity. It’s time to redefine India’s and the world’s TB elimination response with innovation and research being central drivers of change’. Comment.
Answer HintQ: Elaborate how India is an essential partner in the plan of the United Arab Emirates to strengthen food security in the Global South. Also discuss how India’s ability to operationalise the world’s largest food supply chains is strengthening the India-UAE food security partnership in a variety of ways.
Answer HintQ: The Media One judgment has underlined the institutional capacity of the court in troubled political times. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: Over a longer term, heatwaves are predicted to become more intense, prolonged and frequent because of climate change. Policymakers must take mitigatory action early, while instituting structural infrastructure measures to help Indians adapt. Comment.
Answer HintQ: ‘India’s presidency of the G20 provides a unique opportunity for India to lead important healthcare priorities and play a huge role in addressing the fundamental causes of global health inequities’. Comment.
Answer HintQ: Elaborate how India’s new Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 seeks to integrate India further into global value chains and to make India an export hub.
Answer HintQ: ‘The need for independent institutions and a system of checks and balances is essential to prevent the arbitrary use of power by the government. The appointment process of key constitutional positions needs to be safeguarded from the whims of the executive’. Keeping in mind the above statement, discuss the need to set up a well-defined criteria and procedure for the appointment of the CAG of India.
Answer HintQ: What are the conditions under which a party can lose its standing as a national party? How does a State party gain or lose its status? What are the benefits of recognition?
Answer HintQ: The former President of the U.S. Woodrow Wilson once remarked, ‘It is not far from the truth to say that Congress in session is Congress on public exhibition, whilst Congress in Committee rooms is Congress at work.’ Discuss the given statement in context of Parliamentary committees constituted by Indian Parliament.
Answer HintQ: ‘Despite the Bhutan-India relationship largely being defined by continuity, China is using its intimidation tactics to set the agenda for the region and threaten India’s security and status’. Comment.
Answer HintQ: Why has Finland joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization? What led to Finland’s decision of staying neutral during and since the Cold War? What is the Paasikivi line? How has Russia responded to this move by its neighbour? Did the Russia-Ukraine war influence Finland’s decision?
Answer HintQ: ‘The Indian private sector is responding to the demands of the Second Space Age. It is poised for take-off, as a transformative growth multiplier like the IT industry did for the national economy in the 1990s’. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: What will the amendments to the IT Rules, 2021, allow the Press Information Bureau to do on news flagged by the government as misinformation? Will this open up social media companies to legal action? Will online betting and gambling games be completely banned?
Answer HintQ: What are the challenges and implications of rupee an ‘international currency’ on a par with the dollar and the rest? Why is India making this move? What are the risks involved?
Answer HintQ: Evaluate the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill 2023, recently introduced in Lok Sabha. Discuss how it addresses not only the contemporary issues such as climate change, carbon neutrality, etc. but also the security and strategic interests of the nation.
Answer HintQ: The UN 2023 Water Conference took place within the context of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) and not within the context of legally binding legal instruments on regulation of trans-boundary river water courses. Critically analyse.
Answer HintQ: ‘The outcome of the legal tussle in the U.S. between four major publishers and the Internet Archive will have ramifications for ‘Controlled Digital Lending’ initiatives across the world’. Comment.
Answer HintQ: Discuss the fundamental role of carbon pricing in the transition to a decarbonized economy. Give a brief outline of main types of carbon pricing and viable best practice in case of India.
Answer HintQ: According to estimates by the Indian Council of Medical Research, India is home to more than two million individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). A national programme for autism and neurodevelopmental conditions, supported by an articulated time-bound strategy, can pave the way forward for improving the lives of autistic people’. Comment.
Answer HintQ: Why has the UN asked the International Court of Justice to give an ‘advisory opinion’ on whether countries have legal obligations to protect people from climate extremities? Which country brought this issue to the UN? What is India’s position?
Answer HintQ: The current brown-to-green transition movement in India needs policy firmness, regulatory heft, and supportive investment markets. In this background discuss the scope of green taxonomy and challenges and lack of consensus on green taxonomy in Indian financial sector.
Answer HintQ: Discuss how the Vaikom Satyagraha is a symbol of social justice and symbolises the eradication of caste barriers.
Answer HintQ: Why is Russia planning to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus? Is Russia violating any international agreements by stationing such weapons in an ally country? How are relations between Russia and Belarus? Will this escalate the Russia-Ukraine war?
Answer HintQ: ‘Data protection is a complex subject and India must create room for sectoral experts to weigh in to safeguard the interests of citizens more effectively’. Comment.
Answer HintQ: ‘India’s G20 presidency would play an important role in promoting individual and collective actions to facilitate the transition towards a sustainable blue economy’. Comment.
Answer HintQ: The law on criminal defamation needs review as every elected political person faces the danger of being put out of the electoral process for years. Discuss the given statement in the light of recent disqualification of Member of Parliament from Wayanad Rahul Gandhi.
Answer HintQ: Where are mega parks coming up in the first phase under the PM MITRA scheme? What has been the reaction to the announcement from MSMEs, which dominate the textiles and apparel industry? How is the new initiative different from earlier textile park schemes?
Answer HintQ: ‘While new initiatives, platforms, and exercises attest to the growing synergy in Indo-African defence and security partnership, the true potential continues to remain untapped’. Discuss.
Answer HintQ: A functional and healthy democracy must encourage the development of journalism as an institution that can ask difficult questions to the establishment. Comment.
Answer HintQ: Highlight the challenges to ending TB as a global health emergency. Discuss the role of India’s G20 presidency in road to eliminating TB.
Answer Hint‘China’s Global Security Initiative, which is a vision of a future security order, is vastly different from China’s recent track record of external engagement’. Comment.
Answer HintQ: Give a brief note on India’s role and experience as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the term 2021-2022.
Answer HintQ: ‘The year 2023 will mark the 50th year of the diplomatic relationship between South Korea and India. Also, South Korea recently in its Indo-Pacific strategy has stated India as a special strategic partner’. In this background, discuss why both countries need to move beyond the normative approach towards a robust bilateral relationship?
Answer HintQ: Keeping in mind the widening gender gap in the Indian workforce, discuss proactive steps to create an inclusive workplace that values diversity and promotes gender equality based on the specific needs and circumstances of every workplace.
Answer HintQ: ‘The new thrust on millets by the government is welcome. But, to succeed as a global superfood, India needs to rework its millet strategy’. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: Give a brief note on ongoing income support programmes for farmers in India. Discuss how a crop-neutral income support programme in India will incentivise farmers to cultivate crops based on market demand and local climatic conditions.
Answer HintQ: When are countries categorised in the least developed countries list? How did Bhutan qualify for graduation from the list? What are the challenges facing Bhutan?
Answer HintQ: ‘Defence cooperation between US, UK and Australia highlights the opportunity for India to develop a unique set of arrangements with the US and its allies.’ Comment.
Answer HintWhat has led to the restoration of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran? What initially led to the breakdown of relations? Why is the U.S. deprioritising the West Asian region? Is China emerging as a new great power in West Asia?
Answer HintQ: What are environment, social and governance regulations and how do they differ from corporate social responsibility rules? Why are the regulations important for the Indian economy? Will ESG compliance help Indian companies play a more prominent role in global supply chains?
Answer HintQ: Recently, the Government roped in cryptocurrency trade in anti-money laundering law. Discuss how will the money trail in cryptocurrency transactions be tracked by intelligence units?
Answer HintQ: Globally, natural disasters are on the rise. A bundling together of complementary start-ups could help tackle the global challenge of natural disaster and sustainable development. Discuss the prospects of this opportunity in front of the Startup20 Engagement Group of G20 with India taking the lead.
Answer HintHow are artificial general and narrow intelligence systems different from each other? What are the possible ways in which AI can disrupt jobs and industries?
Answer HintQ: ‘Women can harness digital tools for improving nutrition schemes and initiatives, while also using them to create economic opportunities that ensure long-term food and nutrition security’. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: Why should multilateralism be given importance in today’s global order? How can the G-20 help in multilateral reform? Can multiple minilateral groupings become an alternative mode of multilateral cooperation? Why would global powers be averse to the idea of reform in multilateral institutions?
Answer Hint‘The goal of doubling farmers’ income can’t be seen in isolation from the need to promote sustainable and diversified agriculture’. Critically analyse.
Answer HintQ: How do market indices work? Are Indian retail investors embracing ‘passive’ index-based investing? Why is SEBI bringing Index makers under regulatory purview?
Answer HintClean energy solutions have the potential to transform rural livelihoods and they are transforming women’s livelihoods at the grassroots in India, but they need to be scaled up. Discuss ways to scale up this impact from thousands of women to millions of them?
Answer HintDiscuss the importance of sustaining human capital investments to recover and boost economic growth, and to ensure greater resilience of South Asian populations and systems in the face of future crises.
Answer HintTurkey earthquake, tremors in Joshimath, carry a warning for Indian cities. What are the challenges in India’s current policy on earthquake preparedness and required approach? How missing urban policy for earthquake preparedness in India need to be addressed?
Answer HintGive a brief note on Vanuatu’s initiative launched to seek an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ).‘Regardless of the ICJ initiative outcome, any acknowledged responsibility for loss and damage caused by climate change will only have meaningful effects when countries redress them’. Discuss
Answer HintWhat is the New START treaty? What does Russia’s decision mean for the global arms control architecture? Will it start an arms race?
Answer Hint‘Technical innovation in India’s renewable energy policy is deepening a highly uneven energy landscape’. Critically analyse the given statement in the light of recent launch of Indian Oil Corporation’s patented solar cook-stove at the India Energy Week 2023.
Answer HintQ: Why are Dalit rights activists calling the Seattle City Council ban on caste discrimination historic? How will it impact movements across America and the world for equal rights? What are the anti-caste laws in India?
Answer HintQ: ‘The frequency and targets of cyberattacks on India reflects still-inadequate protection measures afforded to critical information infrastructure in India. India’s G-20 presidentship and summit 2023 are ideal opportunities for the crafting of a comprehensive domestic and global cyber security framework’. Discuss.
Answer Hint‘Startup20, a ground-breaking initiative under the G20, aims to create a global platform for startups to thrive. Whether it's climate change, poverty, or inequality, Startup20 empowers startups to make a real impact and drive positive change’. Elaborate.
Answer HintIndia is one of the recognized mega-diverse countries of the world and the sum and variation of biodiversity, is essential to the future of planet Earth. Highlight some of the key programs taken by the government to promote green growth and biodiversity conservation.
Answer Hint‘The Constitution recognises the importance of the office of the Deputy Speaker. Therefore, the House cannot treat it as a post of no importance or redundant’. Comment.
Answer Hint‘For an equal, gender-balanced workplace in India, there is dire need to improve the workplace environment for women. Addressing the deep-rooted structural and cultural violence which puts women in a disadvantageous position is an essentialprerequisite’.
Answer Hint‘The new organ donation guidelines by the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministrywill help, but to see a meaningful difference, India needs many more donors’. Comment.
Answer HintQ: What is the regulatory framework in place to protect investors from share market volatility? Does the Securities and Exchange Board of India have the powers to act in the interest of investors? What are the laws to help SEBI? When can it step in?
Answer Hint‘Growing security threats and volatile geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific have put Pacific Island Countries (PICs) under the global spotlight. Galvanising G20 support for PICs and further strengthening its Pacific policies will contribute to the realisation of India’s aim to become a global power in the future with a vision of multipolar world order’.
Answer HintQ: In a democratic set-up, the Parliamentary Constituencies (PCs) offer a natural unit for policy deliberation and governance. Discuss how timely and accessible data at the PC-level can transform the work of MPs by bringing to light the most critical issues and at-risk populations in need of targeted interventions.
Answer Hint‘As the current G-20 president, and as a vulnerable country, India has a key role in ensuring that Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) remains high on the global health agenda’. Elaborate.
Answer HintWhat is the significance of the new resources of lithium discovered in Jammu & Kashmir? What are the environmental concerns around its extraction procedure? What are the geostrategic implications considering the geopolitical sensitivity of the area?
Answer Hint‘Whether or not disaster risk is factored into investment decisions in urban development will have a decisive influence on the future of disaster risk reduction. India’s flawed urban journey points to the need for having a multi- generational process in place’. Comment.
Answer Hint‘Religious groups are vested with rights so that independent members can come together to fulfil collective desires. At the heart of this guarantee is the individual. Therefore, howsoever essential a practice might be to faith, it cannot be allowed to undermine the dignity of the individual’. Discuss the above statement in the light of recent reconsideration of 1962 judgment in Sardar Syedna Taher Saifuddin Saheb v. State of Bombay and the right of Dawoodi Bohra community to excommunicate its members.
Answer HintQ: Is a rupture between multiple tectonic plates responsible for the widespread devastation in Turkey? What is a strike-slip fault? What can quake-prone regions learn from Chile and Japan?
Answer HintQ: ‘India’s urban centres are ailing due to lack of funds. A multi-pronged strategy including fiscal stimuli, civic action needs to be deployed to bridge the gap’. Illustrate.
Answer Hint2023 marks 25 years of India and France’s strategic partnership.France has not only consistently backed India’s position on various international issues, but has also established itself as India’s second-largest defense supplier. Give a brief account of their bilateral relations and upcoming further collaborations.
Answer HintThe Nordic countries are ready to offer their technologies and expertise to India as it moves towards a green, digital, and innovative future. Discuss how Nordics and India can deliver key technologies and solutions to stop climate change and boost green growth?
Answer Hint‘In light of the Russia-Ukraine war, new global defence engagements open up possibilities for modernising India’s defence industrial base in partnership with friendly states’. Comment.
Answer Hint‘The Assam government should use a mass campaign to educate parents, rather than a coercive criminal law, to deal with the problem of child marriages. Instead of criminalising child marriage. Assam CM should heed PM Modi’s call of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’. Elaborate.
Answer HintIndia’s G-20 presidency is an opportunity to negotiate a deal for itself while also shaping international cooperation on just energy transitions. What can India offer and seek from a multilateral JET-Partnership?
Answer HintQ: Why have mangroves got a Budget push? How many varieties grow in India? What is the ecosystem required to grow and sustain mangrove forests?
Answer HintQ: ‘The Union Budget 2023 provides a boost to the energy transition but fails to address the critical need to synergise climate adaptation with India’s development goals’. Comment.
Answer HintIt was the robustness of the infrastructure sector that helped the Indian economy withstand the peril in the economy brought down by the pandemic. In successive budgets, the infrastructure sector has stayed at the core of policy announcements and fund allocations. Highlight the steps taken by the FY24 Budget to further boost the infrastructure sector.
Answer HintQ: ‘Faced with the challenge of increasing infrastructure spending while continuing with fiscal consolidation, the Finance Minister’s balancing act has given India a well-crafted Budget’. Comment.
Answer HintWhat are its implications of new Sino-Russian alliance for India? If the growing relationship develops into a Russian dependency on China, discuss how it will constrain India’s options.
Answer HintExamine the use bilateral dispute settlement mechanisms for modification of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) and its practical implications for both India and Pakistan.
Answer Hint‘NREGA is underperforming because its most basic design principles have been forgotten or willfully ignored’. The top down “reforms” are ailing the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act’. Discuss prevalent policy flaws and suitable roadmap for its inclusive implementation.
Answer HintQ: Are provisions of the Prevention of Child Marriage Act being diluted by custom and personal laws? What are the consequences of girls getting married before they become adults? What needs to be done to prevent child marriage?
Answer HintQ: ‘Despite several challenges to its democracy, the embedded values of India’s constitutional morality have played a pivotal role in strengthening it.’ Illustrate.
Answer HintQ: Why is the Japanese government flushing 1.25 million tonnes of wastewater into the Pacific Ocean? How will this discharge affect the ocean? Has the TEPCO treated the water? What impact will this decision have globally?
Answer HintQ: ‘Beyond bilateral ties, India’s renewed engagement with Egypt is about consolidating India’s new coalition with moderate Sunni states in the Middle East, including Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. It could help promote peace and stability in the Middle East and South Asia’. Elaborate.
Answer Hint‘Terrorist crimes, cybercrimes, drug trafficking, etc, are important subjects. But if we neglect the issues at the level of the police station, it will be like raising a superstructure on foundations of sand.’ Elaborate.
Answer HintWhat is the Ken-Betwa link? What are the legal problems with the approval granted to the KBLP?Discuss how it will impact Panna Tiger Reserve?
Answer Hint‘A recent report by the World Bank on financing India’s urban infrastructure needs, focuses on private investments ameliorating urban problems. It is another reminder of the tragedy which Indian urbanisation is witnessing policy paralysis from the top’. Comment.
Answer HintQ: To what extent is the ‘one-child policy’ responsible for China’s shrinking population? Why has the country now announced a ‘three-child policy’ including financial inducements? Will this help stop the slide?
Answer HintQ: ‘The powers of local elected officials remain curtailed by State governments and local bureaucrats in multiple ways, thereby diluting the spirit of the constitutional amendments aimed at local empowerment. Sarpanchs need to have administrative or financial autonomy for meaningful decentralization’. Comment.
Answer HintTen years have passed since the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, came into effect. A decade is a reasonable time period to analyse how this legislation has been functioning and how far it has achieved its stated objectives. Discuss need to take a review of the way the Act has been implemented, as there are still imperfections despite its impact.
Answer HintWhat mandate does the Forest Rights Act give gram sabhas? What is the difference between reserve forests, protected areas, community forest resource and ecologically sensitive zones? What were the problems with the implementation of ESZs? Why were there protests in Kerala against ESZs?
Answer HintWhy is there opposition against the new Remote Electronic Voting Machine (RVM)? What will be the administrative and logistical challenges? Are there doubts regarding the existing EVMs? What are VVPATs and why were they introduced inside the voting units?
Answer Hint‘Election Commission’s initiative to enfranchise migrant voters is a step in the right direction but the consensus approach is imperative not only to keep intact the democratic heritage of the Commission but to help further entrench its popular trust and institutional integrity.’ Elaborate.
Answer Hint‘For India, there are clear economic and strategic payoffs to investing in critical emerging technologies (CETs) development, and without the right enabling measures, both sustained economic growth and national security would be under a cloud’. Discuss.
Answer HintQ: What is land subsidence and why does it happen? What are the reasons for recent Joshimath crisis and how it is linked with ongoing infrastructure and development project?
Answer HintGive a brief on constitutional provisions related special address at the first session of Parliament as well as State Legislative Assembly and to both Houses wherever the State also has a Legislative Council. What is the purpose of this convention being followed in India?
Answer HintDiscuss BRICS’s future as a forum of constructive dialogue and as a promoter for a multipolar shift in world politics, giving more visibility to Global South’s perspective, in current scenario.
Answer HintQ: The rates and number of both preterm births and stillbirths are unacceptably high and drive the neonatal, infant and child mortalities upwards in India. Discuss how a majority of them can be prevented by scaling up known and proven interventions and improving the quality of health services.
Answer Hint‘The Kashi-Tamil Sangamam upholds the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Sreshtha Bharat’. It has ignited a new cultural zeal in India and whetted the country’s appetite for more.’ Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: ‘The recent Joshimath episode is a warning that the Himalayan environment is at a tipping point and it may not be able to withstand another push generated by intrusive anthropogenic activities. Comment.
Answer HintDiscuss why India cannot afford to further delay its Census? What are the implications of Census delay?
Answer HintQ: What has the Australian Strategic Policy Institute found about the clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Yangtse area of the Tawang region in Arunachal Pradesh? Give a suitable way out to avoid skirmish in future.
Answer Hint‘With no global consensus or frameworks in place, cryptocurrency regulation is one area where India can lead the way by leveraging the G20 presidency’. Comment.
Answer HintWhat are the objectives of the National Green Hydrogen Mission? What are the two umbrella sub-programmes under the Mission? Why does the country want to be a leading exporter of green hydrogen?
Answer HintDecember 2022, marks the 30th anniversary of the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments. Discuss why debates on federalism should include larger discussions on how power should be divided and shared between governments at the Union, State, and local level?
Answer Hint‘Legislating to prevent animal cruelty is no longer an option; it transforms into a binding duty cast on the state’. Elaborate
Answer Hint‘Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future.’ In the light of above statement discuss how the judiciary, executive, and legislature must work together to help to decarcerate and stop building more prisons in India?
Answer HintWhat are the ways in which AI-manipulated digital media can impact the lives of individuals as well as influence the public discourse? How is it employed by various groups and how can society overcome the ‘infodemic’?
Answer HintQ: Give a brief note on remote electronic voting machines (RVMs) newly devised by the Election Commission of India (ECI). How significant is the migrant vote? What are the challenges to remote voting?
Answer HintQ: ‘The Swedish presidency could prove to be favourable for India as it could provide fresh impetus to the India-EU FTA’. Elaborate.
Answer HintWhat is the dispute between the States of Karnataka and Maharashtra? What is the Mahajan Commission? How does the dispute resonate in the cultural arena?
Answer HintWhat is the Jan Vishwas Bill tabled by the Union government in Parliament and what are its objectives? Is it the solution to the problem of overcriminalisation? What are the shortcomings of the Bill and how can it be overcome?
Answer HintThe Government of India has framed many policies for the rapid growth of the manufacturing sector but to no avail. Discuss the role of properly equipped civil servants in execution of such policies. Or Discuss ways to equip IAS officers to become much more effective in dealing with the manufacturing sector as well as other areas of development?
Answer Hint‘The Open Credit Enablement Network (OCEN) is an emerging digital public good (DPG) that has the potential to democratise and transform India’s digital lending landscape’. Comment.
Answer Hint‘Democratic and transparent consultations help achieve the objectives of ensuring the rights of forest dwellers and fulfilling conservation. If there are plans to declare areas as ‘protected’, there must first be consultations with the local population first.’ Comment.
Answer HintQ: What was the Indian government’s response to the war in Ukraine and the stand-off with China on the Line of Actual Control? Where does it stand on Russia?
Answer HintAchieving the ‘Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’ (GBF) targets will require strong leadership and mechanisms to ensure that countries adhere to the commitments. Discuss how China’s missed opportunity presents India with an opportunity to offer credible climate leadership?
Answer HintWhat are the different stages of a rocket launch? How does uncontrolled re-entries of rockets into the Earth’s orbit cause damage? What are the dangers and how they can be minimized?
Answer Hint‘With the Rajya Sabha Standing Committee on Health expressing concern over the high cost of cancer treatment, the Government invoking Section 100 of the Patents Act is a way forward’. Elaborate.
Answer HintRecently, questions were raised on the manner in which Election Commission of India (ECI) is constituted, and Election Commissioners appointed. The case is pending before the Supreme Court of India. Or Discuss why in sorting out the method by which the Election Commission of India is constituted, the guiding principle must be functional and effective independence from the executive?
Answer HintThe recently passed Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022 empowers the Government to establish carbon markets in India and specify a carbon credit trading scheme. Give a brief note on carbon markets, types and various challenges surrounding them.
Answer HintWhy was there an emphasis on criminal jurisprudence behind the penal provisions in the GST law? Should imposing penal laws be discouraged to attract investors and businesses? What are the recommendations of the 48th GST Council meeting?
Answer HintQ: What do quantum computers do that classic computers cannot? What are the elements that need to be in place before practical quantum computers become a reality? How long will it take to gain quantum supremacy?
Answer HintThe silent women led changes are transforming our society politically and economically. What are the challenges that remain in women fulfilling their true potential as modern nation builders of India?
Answer HintQ: ‘The Small Island Developing States (SIDS) of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) can leverage their strategic position and use it to their advantage to make the larger powers acknowledge their security interests and issues’. Elaborate.
Answer HintRecently, the National Ignition Facility (NIF) at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), California, had conducted a fusion test that produced 153% as much energy as went into triggering it. Or Q: Discuss how use of the fusion process for generating electricity at a commercial scale is decades away, but the latest experiment by US scientists is still a big deal? Or Q: How is their method different from the one being used by ITER, of which India is a partner?
Answer HintGive a brief note on the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill, 2021. Discuss how regressive policing allowed by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Bill and other forest legislation hinders the full and beneficial scope of the Forest Rights Act.
Answer HintDiscuss how public health in India prioritise individual-oriented interventions over societal oriented population-based approaches. Also discuss why all forms of individualistic approaches in public health need to be resisted to safeguard its original principles of practice, viz., population, prevention and social justice.
Answer Hint"The long incarceration of undertrials holed up in the prisons of India is a "crying shame on the judicial system"? Comment.
Answer HintQ: Give a brief note on India’s efforts in tackling corruption, the most entrenched and widely visible phenomenon that devalues governance and erodes the average citizen’s trusts in the state. What are the challenges and steps needed to check prevailing graft culture?
Answer Hint‘The benefits under National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, should not be restricted as per the census of 2011 and more and more needy persons/citizens get the benefit under the National Food Security Act”. Comment.
Answer Hint‘Under the guiding philosophy for India’s presidency of G20, Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam, which sees the world as “One Earth, One Family, and One Future”, the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) of India proposed the collaboration of G20 SAIs on two priority areas: blue economy and responsible artificial intelligence.’ Elaborate.
Answer Hint‘India can successfully use the instrument of bilateralism over regionalism to pursue its interests’. In the light of above statement, discuss how BIMSTEC provides SAARC countries a unique opportunity to connect with ASEAN?
Answer HintWhat are the provisions of the new Inflation Reduction Act of the United States? Why has the French President described the Act as super aggressive towards European companies?
Answer Hint‘Without any common legal framework on parole and furlough in place to guide the States and check misuse, arbitrariness is likely to creep in, endangering the entire criminal justice system’. Comment.
Answer Hint‘Today, more than ever, healthy soils are critical to sustaining life. Soil degradation can have irreparable consequences on human and ecosystem health, which cannot be ignored’. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ: Why have alien invasive plant species become a bigger threat than poachers across rhino habitats in India and Nepal? Why are elephants on the endangered list?
Answer Hint‘In implementing India’s Indo-Pacific strategy, voices from the Northeast and eastern parts of the India must be heard’. Comment.
Answer HintWhat is CBDC or the digital rupee recently launched by Reserve Bank of India (RBI? How will RBI's CBDC Digital Rupee work, how is it different from digital money?
Answer Hint‘Global crypto regulation seems to be high on the G-20 agenda. India can use its presidency to mould standard operating procedures (SOPs) on superintendence of the virtual-digital-assets space in line with developing-economy priorities.’ Comment.
Answer HintOne Country One Language against the idea of Federalism’. Discuss and Comment.
Answer HintThough domestic violence is a punishable offence under Indian law and civil remedies exist through protection orders, managing the fallout of domestic violence is still being subcontracted to survivors and the family.’ Comment.Also discuss how India’s Infrastructure is ill‑equipped to help domestic violence?
Answer HintQ: ‘Depopulation is a major problem that the world in general, and its wealthier countries in particular, are failing even to discuss, much less address. Rates of fertility are falling fast enough in parts of India that population declines are on the horizon’. Comment.
Answer HintQ: Give a brief note on guidelines issued by the Department of Consumer Affairs to curtail fake and deceptive product and service reviews on e-commerce websites. OR Why has the Government cracked down against product and service reviews on e-commerce websites? How the move will help the consumers?
Answer HintIndia’s Constitution drafters and the methodologies they adopted to craft their glorious product, hold lessons for contemporary politicians and lawmakers’. Comment
Answer HintIncluding OTT communication service providers within the ambit of the Telecom Bill could seriously compromise the energy, innovation and funding that characterises India’s startup ecosystem.’ Comment.
Answer HintThe Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2022 ranked India 107 out of 121 countries. What are the challenges hindering several approaches to address the problem of chronic malnutrition in India. What are the gaps remaining in the implementation of centrally-sponsored schemes related to it?
Answer Hint‘Gram Panchayats can play a crucial and frontline role in coordinating effective responses to climate risks, enabling adaptation and building climate-change resilient communities’. Elaborate. Also give suitable examples of people-centric model, with specific local activities undertaken by panchayats in India.
Answer HintGive a brief note on how different is the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022 from the Personal Data Protection (PDP) Bill 2019? OR Has the right to portability and right to be forgotten been removed from the latest draft of the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022? What are the duties imposed on data principals?
Answer HintCritically analyse India’s economic growth strategy from 1950s till today. What were the various policy interventions and constraints during these years? Give a brief note on how India can achieve the status of a developed economy in coming years.
Answer Hintक्या भारत के लिए कार्बन तटस्थ अर्थव्यवस्था में पारगमन के लिए परमाणु ऊर्जा और हाइड्रोजन का उपयोग महत्वपूर्ण है? इलेक्ट्रिक वाहनों के उपयोग के अतिरिक्त, 2070 तक देश को नेट जीरो हासिल करने में सहायता करने के लिए अन्य योजनाएं कौन-सी हैं?
Answer HintIs the use of nuclear power and hydrogen critical for India to transition to a carbon neutral economy? Besides the use of electric vehicles, what are some of the other plans on the anvil to help the country achieve net zero by 2070?
Answer Hint‘With Governors in some States drifting away from the Constitution, the focus must be on the Constituent Assembly debates of the 20th century, which shed light on the gubernatorial role, powers, and duties’. Comment.
Answer Hint‘The electoral bonds in India invert the concept of transparency and openness in political funding’. Critically analyse the above statement and discuss how rise of electoral bonds affect the prevailing patterns of political competition?
Answer HintA free trade agreements (FTA) has a far-reaching impact on the economy and society but in role of Parliament in the ratification of FTA is bleak. Discuss the need for an institutional apparatus that enable the scrutiny of the actions of the executive, during and after the signing of the FTA.
Answer HintRecently, India announced its long-term strategy (LTS) for low carbon development 27th Conference of Parties (COP). What are the key takeaways from this flagship document that will guide India’s actions in the coming five decades?
Answer Hint‘To achieve the objective of foundational literacy and numeracy in all primary schools, focus on community connects and parental involvement is an important link’. Comment.
Answer HintCritically analyze the recent changes introduced by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the University Grants Commission (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of PhD Degree) Regulations, 2022.
Answer HintWhat has the Supreme Court said on income-based reservation while upholding the 103rd Constitution Amendment? Why was there a dissent by two judges? How have Articles 15 and 16 been amended to allow special provisions for economically weaker sections?
Answer Hint‘Like old clocks, our judicial institutions need to be oiled, wound up and set to true time, it is time the Supreme Court must be given direct responsibility for functioning of High Courts’. Comment
Answer HintDiscuss the role and conduct of Governors and the relation of Governors with the Centre and State government. OR Q: Whether Chief Ministers should have a say in the appointment of Governors in their respective States or not? Comment.
Answer Hint‘Recently, the Supreme Court imposed a ban on the two-finger test in a rape case. This has not been the Supreme Court’s first attempt to stop the two-finger test. The Centre’s guidelines on examining victims of sexual assault also forbid it, but the practice continues’. In the light of above statement discuss steps need to be taken at several levels to ensure that the ban is followed in every corner of the country.
Answer Hint‘With increased stakes in free speech and with increasing online risks, a modern intermediary law must re-imagine the role of governments’. In the light of above statement, discusshow a co-regulatory model for content moderation is more suitable in a country like India.
Answer Hint‘India’s presidency of the G20 offers a historical opportunity for the country to share its successful journey in moving from a food-deficit nation to a food-surplus nation, and address the growing challenges of food security for creating resilient and equitable food systems’. Elaborate
Answer HintWhat were the Constituent Assembly debates about the Uniform Civil Code (UCC)? Or Q: Is uniformity even desirable for a nation that is as diverse as India? Comment.
Answer HintCan a state government request the removal of the Governor? How is the Governor appointed, and how can he/she be sacked?
Answer Hint‘Having a universal Non-Proliferation Treaty banning the use of fossil fuels globally would do very little to arrest the problem of climate change. Rather than a just transition needs to be built on the promise that green energy and a green future will be available to all.’ Comment
Answer Hint‘Expanding biosphere reserves across the world, especially in Asia, will be a boost to concept of ‘Living in Harmony with Nature’.’ Comment
Answer HintHighlight the role of State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs), in fight against air pollution in the Indo-Gangetic Plain. What are the institutional constraints under which SPCBs function, and discuss their implications on air quality governance in India.
Answer HintGive a brief note on recent draft amendments of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021? What are the functions of the new Grievance Appellate Committees?
Answer Hint: Give a brief note the agenda of Biden administration’s recently launched National Security Strategy (NSS). What does the NSS holds for India in terms of both bilateral and multilateral partnership?
Answer HintWhy are issues such as food security, energy and biodiversity on top of the agenda at the upcoming COP27 summit in Egypt? What are world leaders expected to do? What will be India’s contribution at the summit?
Answer HintDiscuss why the upcoming COP27 in Egypt, should focus on the economic benefits of decarbonisation? Also discuss how the upcoming COP27 is a chance for India to strongly back environmentally sustainable development in its national interest?
Answer HintMission LiFE launched by Indian Prime Minister is the mantra to reverse historical and cultural wrongs wreaked upon the environment. Discuss how it is the call to action for citizens and governments to save the planet?
Answer HintWhat is the transgenic hybrid mustard DMH-11 that has been cleared by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee for field trials? Why did the clearance take so long, and what happens here onward?
Answer Hint‘The recently inaugurated bio-energy plant to use of paddy straw to produce compressed bio gas in Punjab is one that is replicable across India, and can transform the rural economy.’ Elaborate.
Answer HintWhat is the task of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)? How does FATF work and what do ‘grey lists’ and ‘black lists’ refer to?
Answer Hint‘India needs an appropriate strategy to fight the production, the spread and the sharing of online Child Sexual Abusive Material (CSAM)’. What are the various initiatives taken by Indian Government in this front and what needs to be done?
Answer HintGive a brief note on Official Language Committee. What are the major recommendations of the 11th volume of the Report of the Official Language Committee submitted to the President of India recently?
Answer HintWhy does China keep blocking the names India suggests for listing under the United Nations Security Council’s list of terrorists who are affiliated to the Al Qaeda and ISIS? What is the mandate of the 1267 Committee that was set up in 1999 by the United Nations?
Answer HintRecently, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) lauded India’s Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Scheme as a “logistical marvel”. Discuss how the Direct Benefit Transfer has transformed the welfare aspect of the governance in India.
Answer Hint‘The non-state actors are engaging in hybrid warfare and distorting day-to-day practices while states lack the necessary resilience to face a variety of multi-vector threats’. In the light of above statement, discuss various threats and challenges to cyber-security in India.
Answer Hint‘India can lead the global discourse on food and nutrition security by showcasing home-grown solutions and best practices, and championing the principle of leaving no one behind’. Comment.
Answer HintThe phenomenon of urban floods reveals a commonality of causes that combine matters of urban planning and urban governance across India’s cities. Elaborate the rising challenge of urban floods in India and a suitable mitigation strategy.
Answer Hint‘Investing in deep, critical technology is the first step in making India a developed nation.’ Comment.
Answer Hint‘Mission Karmayogi is about creating a civil service with domain, technological competencies and empathy’. Elaborate the given statement with various related case studies.
Answer Hint‘Calls for developing and transferring technologies to support action on climate change have become louder worldwide. Technology, at best, can assist us, not lead us, on the pathway to a sustainable, regenerative and equitable world’. Elaborate.
Answer HintWhat is the Buddhist Conversion Day and how is Dr. B.R. Ambedkar linked to the event? What is Navayana Buddhism? What are the rituals followed and what do they signify?
Answer HintSecuring access to key minerals is critical for building resilient and indigenous supply chains for clean energy technologies. What are the challenges and ways to ensure resilient supply chains of key minerals?
Answer HintHow does the Graded Response Action Plan work? How are the planned measures different in 2022?
Answer HintGiven the incredibly high value of space objects and the amount of debris that can be generated by an anti-satellite (ASAT) test, the resulting damages could be incredibly high. Discuss the need for potential norms against ASAT tests can be used to hold states liable for possible damages.
Answer HintAs online/online-facilitated consumption becomes common, why must India remain dependent on time- & resource-heavy offline resolution? What are the challenges and way forward for consumer dispute resolution in India?
Answer HintWhat is moonlighting and how is it affecting the companies in India? Is it a punishable offence under the law?
Answer HintGive a brief note on provisions under Indian Constitution regulating the Governor's assent to Bills. Discuss whether the government of a State can challenge the refusal of assent by the Governor in a court of law or not?
Answer Hint‘The Australia-India-Indonesia trilateral can prove to be a really effective one in the Indian Ocean Region and the wider Indo-Pacific’. Elaborate
Answer HintThe decision of Live-streaming of Indian Supreme Court will go down in the annals of Indian legal and constitutional history as one of the most important and influential decisions. Comment.
Answer Hint‘It is always advisable to surrender a child rather than abandon him if the conditions to retain the child are beyond the control of parents or guardian’. What is the legal framework avaible under Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 to reduce rising cases of child abandonment in India? Also discuss the challenges and a suitable way forward.
Answer HintQ: How the recent Supreme Court verdict has significantly expanded scope of abortion rights in India? Discuss how India’s abortion laws are moving in a progressive manner?
Answer HintWhat is the OneWeb satellite constellation? Discuss how the partnership between OneWeb and NewSpace India Limited will pave the way for a greater participation of private space players, resulting a boost to the Indian space economy?
Answer HintGive a brief note on the draft Indian Telecommunication Bill, 2022. What will be the effects of including OTT communication services within the definition of “telecommunication services”?
Answer HintWhat is the role of Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies (CBS) set up by India at NalandaUniversity. What are the challenges and strategies to overcome them for the sustainable development of the Bay of Bengal region?
Answer HintDiscuss how strengthening bilateral ties between India and Egypt could lead to improved multilateral cooperation in the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) region. What are the shared concerns and common interests of India and Egypt?
Answer HintWhat is India’s modified incentive scheme for the chip-making sector? How is it different from the earlier policy? What are the difficulties faced by the industry?
Answer Hint‘India’s recent push for United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reform at the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly incorporates institutional accountability and a wider representation of the developing countries’. Comment.
Answer HintQ: What are Rare Earth Elements (REE) and their strategic importance? Q: Give a brief note on India’s potential to emerge as a rare earths supplier and way forward.
Answer Hint‘A multi-stakeholder approach that includes actors such as the government, private sector, and community needs to be adopted to improve the air quality in India’. Elaborate.
Answer HintDo you think India needs a uniform law for inner party elections? Q: Analyse the role of inner party elections in Indian political system. Discuss the related provisions in the Constitution of India and power of Election Commission.
Answer HintShould there be a separate hearing for sentencing after a court has passed a conviction order on a capital offence? Where have courts and the law differed on this question?
Answer HintDiscuss how India is moving towards a ‘new version’ of Non-alignment or multi-alignment. What are the advantages and challenges posed by India’s new foreign policy?
Answer Hint‘The Nordic model of social democracy offers lessons to the developing world, including countries like India despite the myriad complexities of diversities’. Elaborate
Answer Hint‘Equal pay for work of equal value is necessary to close the gender pay gap’. What is the status of gender pay gap in India pre and post pandemic? What initiatives has been taken by policymakers in India to close the existing gap?
Answer HintThe future role of the monarchy in Commonwealth realms is likely to come under renewed scrutiny following the death of the Queen’. Comment
Answer Hint‘Lower fertility rates can be viewed as both a cause and consequence of economic development’. Illustrate.
Answer HintHighlight the role of Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committees in the process of lawmaking. Discuss some of the corrective actions to increase their efficacy and their relevance.
Answer Hint‘The problem of water scarcity has gained a lot of importance due to the potential damage it can inflict. It may lead to rural-urban disputes in India due to rising urbanization and water scarcity’. Comment.
Answer Hint‘India is very youthful, but the youth need employability and the responsibility to felicitate it lies on the academia and industries. India’s score for industry-academia collaboration indicator of Global Innovation Index (GII) has declined over years’. In the light of this statement, highlight the need for increasing the efficiency of processing patent applications and wider academia-industry collaboration in India.
Answer HintQ: ‘India will be hosting the G20 and SCO summits in 2023, which poses various challenges and opportunities for India’s foreign policy and diplomacy on the global stage’. Comment. OR Q: “India’s G20 Presidency would place India on the global stage, and provide an opportunity for India to place its priorities and narratives on the global agenda.” Comment.
Answer Hint‘Recently, India-Japan 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue held in Tokyo, focused on deepening strategic and defence partnership. The dialogue is significant in the context of recent developments in Indo-Pacific and growing convergences of interests of both nations’. Discuss.
Answer HintRecently, India-Bangladesh signed their first water sharing agreement since the landmark Ganga Waters Treaty, 1996. What is Kushiyara River treaty and why it is more important for Bangladesh?
Answer Hint‘The powers of the British monarchy is now largely symbolic and ceremonial, the British monarch reigns but does not rule’. Discuss
Answer HintIn the wake of varied consequences of Covid-19 globally, discuss the role of a Global Pandemic Treaty under the umbrella of the World Health Organization to mitigate future challenges?
Answer HintWhat is Wikipedia and its model for functioning?What are the mechanisms Wikipedia uses to ensure that users do not have unrestricted editorial privilege?
Answer Hint‘Given poverty and inequality in India, the policymakers must reaffirm the value and necessity of welfare programmes and the urgent need to expand them’. Comment.
Answer HintFor years lead positions in public health have been restricted to those with a medical background ignoring the role of health professionals working at the grassroots level’. Keeping in mind the above statement discuss how public health is multi-disciplinary in nature, requiring specific set of competencies.
Answer HintIndia and Bangladesh are poised for greater ties in domains of trade, connectivity, energy and water sharing. What are the developments and challenges on this front in recent India and Bangladesh ties?
Answer HintGive a brief note on provisions related to bail of a women accused under Section 437 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC)? What are the other provisions under criminal law in India that are ‘favourable’ to women accused?
Answer HintAt a time when the international security context is unpredictable and the need for meaningful dialogue and subsequent concrete implementation of plans for the reduction of nuclear weapons and the path to disarmament is more relevant than ever, discuss role and challenges surrounding the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) Treaty.
Answer HintWhat do you think about freedom of civil servants to express their personal views on matters of law and governance? Does an IAS officer has a right to express himself in a legitimate and decent manner? Support your answer with valid reasons.
Answer HintCritically analyse the Electricity Amendment Bill 2022. Why are States alleging that the proposed Bill is unconstitutional? Who are the main opponents of the Bill?
Answer Hint‘With unchecked surveillance by governments and private parties, the Supreme Court of India coulddo well to follow the extensive precedents developed abroad and enable binding orders’. Discuss
Answer HintIn the existing unsatisfactory jural environment in India, the occasional escape of the patriarchal cat from the judiciary’s bag is quite expected. Discuss how inclusion of women in the judiciary would ensure that the decision-making process is more responsive, inclusive and participatory at all levels.
Answer HintJapan, the world’s fourth largest economy, ranked abysmally low in the Gender Gap Index 2022. With a target of transforming India into a developed country by 2047, what lessons do you think India should learn from Japan? Also discuss how investing in women’s education and health may have limited impact if it is a society trapped in gender norms?
Answer HintTelemedicine is the interconnected future of healthcare. Discuss howcreating and deploying Open Digital Telehealth Initiative (ODTI) will improvise telehealth services and aid in achieving the National Digital Health Mission’s aim of providing accessible and affordable healthcare services for all in every nook and corner of India.
Answer Hint‘The Puttaswamy judgement of August 2017 recognised privacy as intrinsic to dignity, liberty and autonomy albeit with reasonable restrictions. It may have led to many breakthroughs, but it has also shown the limits of the Supreme Court’s powers’. Comment.
Answer HintMultiple new states have come into being in India after its independence from the British. In many cases, there has not been a dramatic shift in their socio-economic conditions. Why there is demand for a separate Mithilanchal state? Does Mithilanchal have enough resources to sustain itself as a state?
Answer Hint‘India will assume for the first time the Group of 20 (G20) year-long presidency in December 2022.It offers opportunity before India to emerge as the chief global diplomat as an effective instrument of global governance’. Elaborate.
Answer HintIndia will soon commence 5G deployment in India. In this context, discuss the advantages as well as new world challenges of 5G for police. Also give a brief note on ways to overcome challenges associated.
Answer HintOn the occasion of India@75, Prime Minister called for establishing ‘jan-bhagidari’ for activating India 2.0., similarly there is need to embrace the power of ‘abhibhavaak-bhagidari’ (participation of parents) to activate Anganwadi 2.0. Discuss the issues and ways to make Anganwadi centres as centres of learning.
Answer HintBy making solar energy the ‘third crop’, promoting this innovation on a mission mode, the government can double farmers’ income. Discuss how it can become the “inclusive growth, green growth” model.
Answer HintWhat is India’s policy on the Rohingya? What are the government’s obligations?
Answer Hint‘India plans to add 500 GW of non-fossil fuels-based energy capacity by 2030 on the road to achieve Net Zero by 2070. Offshore wind energy, shows great promise in this quest, but also comes with a raft of challenges. It will take the right mix of policies and incentives to get offshore wind energy off the ground’. Comment.
Answer HintRecently, the Supreme Court drew attention to the substantial fiscal cost of freebies. What you think about freebies are and how they differ from public welfare measures? Or Q: What is your view on the Supreme Court’s suggestion to balance welfare spending and the loss that such spending may cause to the public exchequer?
Answer HintWhat is Arctic amplification and factor responsible for this phenomenon? Discuss implications of Arctic warming on India.
Answer HintIn his Independence Day speech in 2022, Prime Minister said that we must work towards turning India into a developed nation by 2047. What really is a developed country? What keeps India still in the category of developing nations? And what must we do to become developed?
Answer HintThough much has changed, after 75 years of India’s Independence, the objective of transforming ‘a ruler’s police into a people’s police’ is still pending’. Comment.
Answer HintThe desire to attain independence began in the year 1929 with the call for ‘PoornaSwaraj’ or total independence from British colonial rule. Initially, January 26 was chosen as Independence Day. Highlight the events, which culminated in choosing 15 August as India’s Independence Day?
Answer HintAs per the United Nations’ World Population Prospects (WPP), 2022, forecasts India will become most populous country by 2023. Comment.
Answer HintA foreigner deserves to be welcomed only when he mixes with the indigenous people as sugar does with milk.” As India marks, its 75 years of Independence, in the background of above statement, highlight the role of foreigners in India’s freedom struggle.
Answer HintIt is time to deal with the COVID-19 just like any other health condition in India and integrate COVID-19 interventions in general health services’. Do you agree with this statement? If yes, give reasons in support of your arguments.
Answer HintThe media’s immense power to shape narratives regarding public conceptions of justice makes it a close associate of the justice system. The media needs to aid mechanisms that aim to preserve the basic principles of the justice system’. Elaborate.
Answer HintFor decades, the constant neglect and deprivation of Indigenous and Tribal People of India from policy perspectives has resulted in prevalence of several healthcare issues among them. India needs to demonstrate to them that democracy offers a caring solution to their wound’. Comment.
Answer Hint‘Though Ministry of Mines calls sand a “minor mineral” but it one of the most major geological resources of the country. Given the rising issue of illegal mining in India it is only reasonable to use technological progression to keep an effective check on mining activities, especially sand mining’. Comment.
Answer HintWhat is Personal Data Protection Bill? Why has the government withdrawn the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019? Give a brief note on data localisation.
Answer HintWith technological advancements, a new notion of dispute settlement known as ‘Online Dispute Resolution’ has emerged. It is an outgrowth of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Discuss how in India it can speed up the delivery of justice and make it more cost-effective for public.
Answer HintConcept of 'Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE)' enunciated by PM Modi harnesses the power of individual and collective action across the world to address the climate crisis. The time is ripe for India to lead the LiFE movement and mainstream it’. Elaborate
Answer HintDiscuss the various aspects of the controversy over the Taiwan visit of the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi recently. What is the genesis of the China-Taiwan tensions? Give a brief note on the ‘One China’ policy?Discuss the various aspects of the controversy over the Taiwan visit of the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi recently. What is the genesis of the China-Taiwan tensions? Give a brief note on the ‘One China’ policy?
Answer Hint‘The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) caters to India’s unification with a structural change in society to facilitate gender equality. It is a step towards integrating and strengthening secular ideals of India’. Elaborate.
Answer HintQ)‘It is an established fact that human health and animal health are interdependent and bound to the health of the ecosystems in which they exist. Implementing the ‘One Health concept’ is now imminent and most urgent in the wake of pandemic and climate change events’. Elucidate. Give a brief note on initiatives taken by India in this regard.
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Q)India’s point in asking for a waiver to export wheat from the public stock at the recent WTO's 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) will dilute its core agenda of pushing for a permanent solution to public stockholding for food security. Comment.
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Q)Trafficking is gross commercialisation of innocent human life, violating human rights and dignity. The cases of human trafficking along India and Bangladesh border are mostly in news. Discuss the push and pull factors responsible, challenges and way out to strengthen cross-border mechanisms to combat human trafficking.
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Q)‘Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 is a shining example of a participatory democracy in India but the increasing attacks on users of the law suggest need for Whistle Blowers Protection Act and a solid regulatory regime to safeguard whistleblowers to keep democracy alive.
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Q)‘What led to the political turmoil in Tunisia? Why did President Kais Saied bring in the new Constitution and what are its prominent features?
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Q)‘The concerns of the founding fathers of Indian Constitution of addressing socio-economic inequities are being forgotten in today’s fiscal policy’. Discuss the above statement stating various challenges and issues of India's fiscal federalism in current times.
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Q)Recently, Shanghai unveiled ‘Shanghai Plan’, an integral part of its five-year economic recovery plan relying on Web3, metaverse, and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). Give a brief note on ‘Shanghai Plan’. Discuss some proactive steps to unlock India’s potential for becoming a hub for such technologies.
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Q)The private participation will help give the Indian space sector the boost and pace it needs to match up to other mature space agencies like NASA’. Elaborate.
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Q)Why are optical fibre cables necessary for accessing 5G technology? What are the challenges of fiberisation ahead of India’s 5G deployment?
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Q)Most Indians, cutting across religions, regard respect for all religions as central to what India is as a nation but with a marked preference for religious segregation. In this scenario, justify the need for a Ministry of Religious affairs in India.
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Q)Parliament is not merely a legislative body but also a deliberative one which enables the members to debate major issues of public importance. And with the Indian polity becoming increasingly complex, analyse the role of the role of Rajya Sabha.
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Q)India promised to be supportive of Sri Lanka, which is struggling to deal with the devastation caused by the economic crisis. In such a scenario, what must the world and India in particular, do to help Sri Lanka?
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Q)As India and Vietnam are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. Highlight the strategic dimensions of Indo-Vietnamese relations. Also discuss Vietnam’s importance in India’s political and security engagements in the Indo-Pacific region
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Q)Discuss how Smartphones and technological innovations are shaping the agriculture sector in India.
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Q)Agnipath will help train the youth in key skills required by the job market, even as it serves a strategic end by freeing up resources for modernisation of the armed forces within the existing budget constraints’. Comment.
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Q)I2U2 is an ideal example of how ‘minilaterals’ can reshape West Asia’s geopolitical landscape, enabling India to establish both economic relations and long-term security cooperation through a comprehensive engagement strategy’. Elaborate.
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Q)From the perspective of decarbonising India’s transport sector, focussed initiatives to energise the rail freight business andto bring in infrastructural and institutional changes is necessary’. Comment
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Q)‘Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) is an indispensable foundation for lifelong development and learning, and is a national duty that we must all embrace’. Elborate.
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Q)Recently, the draft of the National Policy for Persons with Disabilities was released by Department of Empowerment of Person with Disabilities (DoEPwD) with goal of inclusiveness and empowerment of persons with disabilities. Discuss how political rights/political participation of disabled is imperative for the success of this goal?
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Q)President of India is not a rubber stamp unless the incumbent chooses to be one’. Elaborate
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Q)Recently, the Supreme Court recommended that the Union government frame a new law to facilitate the grant of bail to ward off unnecessary arrests. Discuss how the redressal may eventually lie in changing the mindset of the investigating agencies and the judges of the trial courts.
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Q)As per latest UN estimates, India will become the most populous country in 2023. Discuss how it is a double-edged sword that needs to be skillfully wielded. What do population transformations around the globe and within India herald for challenges facing Indian public policy?
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Q)‘The interests of law enforcement trump the little worth that the right to privacy is supposed to have’. Discuss the above statement in the light of recent arrest and custodial detention of Alt News co-founder.
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Q)Discuss the legacy of late Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on both domestic and international fronts. Also, discuss his role in shaping and strengthening India–Japan ties
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Q)‘Do you thing with co-operation of private sector in Climate-Smart Sustainable Agriculture programmes can bring about much-needed change in farming and make sustainability a nation-wide norm? If yes, support your answer with suitable examples.
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Q)‘The mental illnesses and challenges that India’s LGBTQIA++ people face need comprehensive and long-term solutions’. Elaborate
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Q)‘Elaborate how can India, that has hitherto managed a careful balancing act between all the groupings, build a movement out of this moment of deep polarisation in the world?
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Q)‘The Supreme Court’s directives on handcuffing must be observed, but issues that affect police reform cannot be ignored’. Elaborate.
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Q)How does orbital crowding, space debris work against the sustainability of outer space? What is the U.K.’s Astro Carta model?
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Q)Given the problem of custodial deaths, technology has been proposed as a silver bullet by many. Do you think it can be an alternative for compassionate policing established on trust between the police and the citizens? Support your answer with valid reasons.
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Q)Q: There is a need for preparing better and healthier entertainment for children in the form of films and TV programmes, linking these to the challenges of present times’. Comment.
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Q)Q: The news of supply chain disruptions, resource shortages and inflation are getting common these days. Discuss how by digitising the supply chain and automating operations, businesses can identify vulnerabilities in advance and ensure that safeguards are in place to avert a domino effect.
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Q)Q: The news of supply chain disruptions, resource shortages and inflation are getting common these days. Discuss how by digitising the supply chain and automating operations, businesses can identify vulnerabilities in advance and ensure that safeguards are in place to avert a domino effect.
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Q)‘The ongoing India-Afghan engagement present both challenges and opportunities for Indian foreign policy in Afghanistan’. Comment.
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Q)‘In order to ensure the smooth functioning of democracy the voice of prisoners is also important. Instead of disenfranchising only certain classes of prisoners, the law prohibits anyone in confinement from voting’. Comment.
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Q)Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime’. In the light of above statement, discuss the growing freebie culture in Indian elections and a suitable way forward.
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Q)MSME sector is backbone of the Indian economy with high degree of informality in the sector. Discuss a roadmap to fully unlock emerging opportunities for MSMEs in the rapidly changing global value chain ecosystem.
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Q)In India, anti-defection law needs to be re-examined as it is not equipped in its present form to prevent rampant misuse of its provisions’. Do you agree with this statement? If yes, give reasons to support your answer
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Q)The need of the hour is to acknowledge the significance of responsible gaming and develop a regulatory framework defined by progressive policies to monitor and mitigate the possibility of irresponsible gaming in India’. Comment
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Q)The need of the hour is to adopt agro-ecological practices that create sustainable food production systems’. Discuss the above the statement in context of India keeping in mind the unprecedented increase in soil degradation.
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Q)Caste shaped policy outcomes, including India’s highly unequal land reform and lack of public provision of education and health, in turn erected barriers to its economic diversification in comparison to countries in global South’. Elaborate.
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Q)AI-related technologies have become part and parcel in every sphere but it is a recognised fact that they cannot continue to operate without a common rulebook. In this context, discuss why right incentives for ethical AI governance need to be established in national and sub-national policy?
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Q)Recently, India proposed the inclusion of a provision in an international treaty for criminalising “offensive messages” at the United Nations. India’s proposal reflects the provisions of Section 66A of the Information Technology (IT) Act. Discuss the constitutional and commercial implications if India’s proposal is accepted.
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Q)India needs to adopt a rigorous dashboard approach to indicators, assigning high weight to the environment, modelled on the Sen, Stiglitz and Fitoussi proposal made in their exploration of development beyond GDP’. Discuss and Comment
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Q)Discuss how besides surface warming, ocean stratification and warming below the surface fueled super cyclone Amphan?
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Q)In 21st century, when people of all genders are leading the world with compassion, strength and ambitions, the Indian Parliament needs to reflect on its standing’. Comment.
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Q)Discuss the recently launched Agnipath scheme for recruitment of soldiers in the three branches of the armed forces.
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Q)Elaborate how present economic crisis in Sri Lanka offers an opportunity to India to forge closer ties with island nation with the help of infrastructure and economic development in the region.
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Q)Increasing the age of marriage without a commensurate improvement in women’s education is least likely to yield better health and nutritional outcomes’. Analyase the above statement with help of relevant data.
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Q)Analyse the factors outside agriculture to be responsible for recent food crisis, with lessons for the world and in food system management.
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Q)Analyse the impact of the changing dynamics and the humanitarian crisis on the rights of Afghan women and girls.
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Q)Despite the stringent anti-defection laws, cross-voting or floor crossing is going on. The anti-defection law must be amended to rectify the loopholes’. Comment.
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Q)The relationship between India and the Gulf nations has remained strong through decades. Given the recent issue over comments made regarding Prophet Mohammed, the Gulf Countries would not want their India policies to be determined by theological considerations; both have an array of interests at stake. Discuss
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Q)The Indus Waters Treaty is an illustration of a long-standing engagement between the conflicting nations that has stood the vagaries of time. Discuss how it offers great potential for cooperation and development in the subcontinent, which can go a long way in ensuring peace and stability
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Q)India should not press brakes on its Afghan policy and should seize the important strategic and security opportunities offered by Afghanistan’. Elaborate
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Q)Napoleon famously said, “Let China sleep; when she awakens, she will rock the mountains.” Comment
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Q)The year 2022 marks the completion of 25 years of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). The idea behind the formation of this grouping was to remedy the lack of connectedness between South Asia and Southeast Asia’. Critically analyse the role of BIMSTEC highlighting its potential and challenges
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Q)Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) is a critical part of the US President’s plan to counter China’s growing influence in the Asian economic sphere. While IPEF's success or failure is far ahead in the future, it is clear that at present, it poses a particularly tough challenge to India’. Comment
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Q)As Karnataka took further steps towards the realisation of the Mekedatu dam, discuss issue that has been a bone of contention between the two riparian States that have also historically fought over the sharing of Cauvery water
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Q)‘The quality higher education and research is crippling under burden of tuition fees globally and in particular India’. Discuss the prevailing issue and suggest a roadmap for an inclusive and quality higher education in India.
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Q). Discuss whether those who have been implicated in false cases should be compensated? Also discuss reasons for wrongful and malicious prosecution, the role of investigating officers and agencies along with the judiciary
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Q). Recently, the Supreme Court invoked Article 142 of the Constitution to usurp the power of the Governor of the State under Article 161. Evaluate the constitutionality of the decision in the context of Article 142 of the Indian Constitution?
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Q) India’s geopolitical choices have suddenly shrunk due to the Ukraine war. Do you agree? Comment. (200 Words)
Answer HintQ). Both in terms of yields and ecological benefits, residual farming is a better option. Do you agree? Comment.(200 Words)
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