01/11/2013

1. “Fixed minimum tenure would not only enable the civil servants to achieve their professional

targets, but also help them to function as effective instruments of public policy.” Critically

evaluate. (200 Words)

2. “In severe international conflict scenarios, to resolve an issue, often the solution can be found

through diplomacy, not by intimidation or war.” Comment. (200 Words)

3. Comment on the prevalence of child marriage practice in India and its implication on girls,

children and society. Suggest measures to stop such practice. (250 Words)

4. Highlight the importance of Track-III Diplomacy in fostering good relations between countries.

(150 Words)

5. “The Supreme Court’s 2006 verdict in the Prakash Singh vs. Union of India case was a landmark

judgment. But political class has failed it.” Critically comment. (200 Words)

6. Explain the areas of interest and cooperation between India and Cuba. Is Cuba conducive for

Indian investments? Examine. (200 Words)

7. “Much of the deterioration of the standards of probity and accountability with the civil servants

is due to the political influence of persons purporting to represent those who are in authority.”

Critically comment. (200 Words)

8. Safe Savings scheme (100 Words)

9. Supreme Social Happiness Department (50 Words)

10. “Agriculture is a powerful instrument for national integration.” Comment. (150 Words)

11. Analyze the factors that led to Green Revolution in India. (200 Words)

12. “Once USA pulls out of Afghanistan, the new great game in Afghanistan is going to be between

India and Pakistan.” Do you agree with this view? Explain why. (200 Words)

13. Critically evaluate the role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in post-Independence consolidation of

India. (200 Words)

14. Critically examine the recommendations of Justice Mukul Mudgal committee set up by the

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to suggest legislative framework in the wake of series f

bans on movies by the state governments. (150 Words)

02/11/2013

1. Examine how India’s fiscal policy has evolved post 1991-92 liberalization of Indian economy.

(200 Words) (Page 14)

2. Do you think Taliban has become existential threat to Pakistan? Comment on the evolution of

Taliban movement and its threat to world peace. (200 Words)

3. Write a note on trade relationship between India and Australia. (150 Words)

4. “The multi-stakeholder model of Internet governance in the 21st century is exceptionally

important.” What do you understand by this statement? Explain in the context of India. (150

Words)

5. Write a short note on 7th United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment

of Offenders (100 Words)

6. Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) (50 Words)

7. Explain the importance of minimally invasive education concept and its application in India.

(200 Words)

8. Do you support regulation of media in India by the government? Justify your answer and also

suggest alternate measures. (200 Words)

9. Write a note on terrorist threats to China. Compare and contrast China’s anti-terrorism policy

with that of India’s. (200 Words)

10. Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) (50

Words)

11. Do you think the Supreme Court’s recent verdict on insulating officers from political

interference is an act of judicial overreach? Comment. (150 Words)

12. What are the challenges being faced by Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) countries in

Indian Ocean region? Elucidate. (200 Words)

04/11/2013

1. “It was a natural corollary that India should turn its attention to science satellites.” What do you

understand by the statement? Elaborate. (150 Words)

2. “Most government schemes fail not because they are inherently defective, but because many a

times on the ground the necessary infrastructure is non-existent.” Comment (150 Words)

3. What were the consequences of UK’s proposed immigration policy of subjecting visitors from

six “high-risk” Commonwealth countries to a certain bond plan? Examine. (100 Words)

4. Amrit Mahal Kaval grasslands (50 Words)

5. What is the rationale behind Saudi Nitaqat policy? What is its implication on Indian labour force

working in Saudi Arabia? (150 Words)

6. “In India, the functioning of democratic institutions and the deepening of the democratic process

along with the efforts to implement constitutional mandates for affirmative action have induced

higher levels of political mobilization.” Do you agree with this view? Elaborate. (200 Words)

7. What is the significance of local elections held in Kosovo? Briefly explain the causes of tension

between Serbia and Kosovo. (200 Words)

8. Examine why there is an escalation of tension between Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen in the

Palk Strait. (150 Words)

9. “Afghanistan faces war on many fronts, and the deadliest might be on the narcotics front.”

Comment. (200 Words)

10. Is the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) in vehicles a

completely cleaner option to reduce pollution in our cities? Substantiate. (100 Words)

11. What factors triggered 1971 Bangladesh war? What were the consequences of the war? (150

Words)

12. Lorenzo’s Oil (50 Words)

13. In your opinion, what measures should be taken by the government to prevent communal

clashes from happening? (200 Words)

14. “The two dimensions along which India fares worst are generation of employment and

protection of the environment while growing its GDP.” Do you agree with the statement? Explain

why. Also shed light on how can India perform better in this regard. (250 Words)

15. Critically comment on the role of foreign institutional investment (FII) in India’s economic

growth and development. (150 Words)

05/11/2013

1. Critically analyze the role of ASHAs as an interface between the community and the public

health system. Have they been successful in their mission? Give your views. (200 Words)

2. “The single most important objective of Indian foreign policy has to be to create a global

environment conducive to the well-being of our great country.” How far has India been successful

in its foreign policy as suggested in the above statement? Critically evaluate. (250 Words)

3. Explain how terrorist activities are funded in India. What measures has government taken to

stop such funding? (200 Words)

4. What is your opinion on Opinion Polls? Should they be conducted or not? Substantiate. (150

Words)

5. Amur Falcon (50 Words)

6. Write a note on the role of AIDWA in women empowerment. (150 Words)

7. Kinect Sign Language Translator (50 Words)

8. In recent years, emerging economies are encouraging their nationals to acquire large tracts of

land in foreign countries and use them for farming purpose. What is the rationale behind such a

move? Do you think it’s a sound policy? Comment. (200 Words)

9. Critically comment on the outcome of Arab Spring revolution. (200 Words)

10. What maritime challenges does India face? Comment on India’s preparedness in facing these

challenges. (200 Words)

11. U.N. International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and

India (100 Words)

12. What is capital gains tax? Why was it in news recently? (150 Words)

06/11/2013

1. What is the significance of Methane to Earth’s atmosphere? How is it produced on Earth? (150

Words)

2. Significance of 118th amendment to the Constitution (50 Words)

3. Do you think India and China could jointly combat terrorism? Explain how? (150 Words)

4. What is the role and mandate of UNESCO? Do you think its role should be expanded? Analyze.

(200 Words)

5. Methamphetamine (50 Words)

6. Do you think superstition be allowed to be practiced as part of culture, even by persons holding

responsible positions? Substantiate. (150 Words)

7. According to World Bank report, clean cooking solutions can save millions of lives and also

reduce pollution. Explain the risks involved in using unclean cooking solutions in poor countries

and the remedial measures needed to be adopted. (200 Words)

8. Do you agree with the view that Drone strikes are unethical and are in violation of human rights?

Substantiate. (150 Words)

9. Obdurodon tharalkooschild (20 Words)

10. Assess the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Rafi Ahmed Kidwai to post –

independence India. (150 Words)

11. Comment on the recommendations of High Level Expert Group on Universal Health Coverage

of the Planning Commission. (150 Words)

12. Evaluate the performance of National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in its

mission. (150 Words)

07/11/2013

1. Explain the role of Finance Commission. Do you think Finance Commissions act as

complimentary to Planning Commission? Explain. (200 Words)

2. Do you think AFSPA is anti-constitutional? Substantiate. (150 Words)

3. Poi Kathin (50 Words)

4. Analyze the factors that make the Northeast India as the gateway to Southeast Asia . Asses how

far this region has been tapped as gateway to South East Asia by the government of India. (200

Words)

5. Banda Vasudev Rao (50 Words)

6. Explain India’s position on various issues related to climate change negotiations. (250 Words)

7. Comment on India’s fuel subsidy policy. (200 Words)

8. Evaluate the performance of India – Bangladesh security cooperation measures. (150 Words)

9. Highlight the importance of stable democracy in Maldives to India. (150 Words)

10. Write a critical note on Marine pollution. (150 Words)

11. Critically examine India’s Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) (200 Words)

12. “Ensuring Food safety is as important as Food Security.” Comment in the light of enactment

of recent Food Security bill. (200 Words)

13. What is India’s stand on stem cell therapy? Do you think ethical issues raised around stem cell

research are harmful to the larger cause of saving life? Explain. (200 Words)

14. Metformin (50 Words)

15. Southern Annular Mode (SAM) (50 Words)

08 November 2013

1. Duty Drawback Scheme (50 Words)

2. Critically analyze the events that led to the accession of Kashmir to India post-Independence.

(200 Words)

3.” The reassertion of the importance of historical emissions in the new climate agreement by the

developing countries has put into risk the possible tangible agreement on climate change.”

Comment. (200 Words)

4. Write a critical note on India’s Hydrocarbon Policy. (200 Words)

5. Critically examine why a nuclear-free Iran is a priority for the Western countries. (150 Words)

6. Imomali Rakhmon (50 Words)

7. Analyze the importance of involvement of local communities in conservation of biodiversity in

India. Give any successful example from around the world that can act as a model for India to

emulate. (200 Words)

8. Critically evaluate Brazil’s Bolsa Familia program in eradicating poverty. Examine in which

schemes this program can be adopted in India successfully. (200 Words)

9. Bring out the importance of social prescribing in providing a healthcare solution to patients

suffering from mental health problems. (150 Words)

10. Highlight the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to India’s freedom struggle. (200

Words)

11) What repercussions does ethnic problems in Myanmar have on India? Explain. (150 Words)

09 November 2013

1. Explain the composition and mandate of CBI. Comment on the recent verdict of Guwahati High

Court questioning the very existence and legality of CBI. (200 Words)

2. Throw light on recent controversy regarding allegation of human rights violation by Sri Lankan

army during 2009 war against LTTE. What is the response and role of International community

and organizations including India on the issue? (200 Words)

3. Briefly explain the constitutional and legislative procedure involved in formation of a new state.

(150 Words)

4. What are the geopolitical implications of normalization of ties between Iran and the West?

Analyze. (200 Words)

5. Give an account of India’s nuclear missile program. Do you think present capabilities are enough

or does India need to develop more missile capabilities? Comment (250 Words)

6. What measures has government taken to protect Ramsar sites in India? Explain. (200 Words)

7. Write a critical note on the post-1980 economic reforms of China. (200 Words)

8. Trans-fats and public health (150 Words)

9. Do you think public statues as forms of artistic expression as seen in Western countries is absent

in India? Critically examine. (200 Words)

10. Chelyabinsk (50 Words)

November 11, 2013

1. Discuss the importance of India – ASEM cooperation to India. Examine if the present level of

cooperation should be enhanced for tangible outcome. (200 Words)

2. Critically assess the role of MGNREGA in empowering rural women in India. (200 Words)

3. Examine the rationale behind Saudi Arabia’s Nitaqat policy. How does this policy help Saudi

Arabia? Critically analyze. (200 Words)

4. MERS-CoV (50 Words)

5. Do you think the government’s policies so far have empowered Dalits? If not, explain what

more needs to be done. (200 Words)

6. Vijay Dan Detha (20 Words)

7. Kovvada and Kotapalem (50 Words)

8. “Disaster management should not be limited to rescue and relief operations but preparedness to

handle it.” Comment (200 Words)

9. “Decommissioning of old dams is crucial for restoration of damaged ecology.” Analyze India’s

policy on old dams in the light of the statement. (200 Words)

10. Fiscal Cliff (100 Words)

11. Pablo Neruda (50 Words)

12. Explain the importance of HFCs to India? (150 Words)

13. “At the U.N. climate talks, India’s commitment to stringent emission norms must doubtless be

coupled with a legally binding assurance of technology transfer.” Comment. (150 Words)

14. Should negative outlook for a country expressed by the Rating Agencies be considered

seriously by that country? Comment. (150 Words)

15. Evaluate the role of women in private sector jobs. Do you think women in private sector are

more empowered? Comment. (200 Words)

12/11/2013

1. Discuss some successful PPP models adopted for Urban Development in India. (200 Words)

2. Do you think Water Disputes Tribunals have successfully resolved inter-state river water

disputes? Analyze with suitable examples. (200 Words)

3. Write a critical note on India – Pakistan trade relations. (200 Words)

4. Explain the composition and mandate of IAEA. Do you think it has succeeded in its missions?

(200 Words)

5. Gachin uranium mine (20 Words)

6. What is Carbon trading? Do you think Carbon Trading has helped in mitigation of Climate

Change? Substantiate. (200 Words)

7. Preah Vihear (50 Words)

8. What are the mandates of ICC and ICJ? Explain (100 Words)

9. Write a note on the threat of space debris? (100 Words)

10. “While exit polls and post-poll survey based projections have done better than pre-election

polls, all forms of polls have proven to be a better guide to electoral prospects than any drawing

room or news room gossip.” Do you agree with the statement? Substantiate. (200 Words)

13/11/2013

1. Explain how NDM manages disasters caused by earthquakes? Are our major cities ready to face

such disasters? Comment. (200 Words)

2. Do you agree with the view that Karnataka’s Shaadi Bhagya scheme is unconstitutional?

Substantiate. (150 Words)

3. What are the obstacles faced being by governments in developing tribal areas across the country?

Do you think present schemes implemented by the Union government for the welfare of tribal

areas are yielding results? Explain why. (250 Words)

4. Integrated Global Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Pneumonia and Diarrhoea

(GAPPD) (50 Words)

5. Comment on India’s efforts to protect children under five from deaths caused by preventable

diseases. (200 Words)

6. Examine the status of implementation of Sachar committee report. Suggest measures to improve

the status of minorities in India. (200 Words)

7. Comment on the need for amending Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.

(150 Words)

8. Tasmanian tiger (50 Words)

9. Significance of Higgs boson particle to Science (100 Words)

10. Comment on the geopolitical interests of USA in the WANA region. (150 Words)

11. International Security Assistance Force (50 Words)

12. The picture in Afghanistan today is bleak: worsening security, ubiquitous Taliban presence,

poor coordination between donors and the government, a slowing economy, and increasing

insecurity. Elaborate. (200 Words)

13. Why is Rupee depreciating? What are the main domestic reasons? Analyze. (200 Words)

14. Throw light on India – UK relations in R&D. (150 Words)

14/11/2013

1. Examine the plausible Constitutional roadblocks in the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. (150

Words)

2. “For women safety, we need sensible policing from gender sensitive policemen.” Comment.

(200 Words)

3. Do you think total autonomy to CBI would hurt criminal justice system? Comment. (150 Words)

4. How does agriculture contribute to climate change? Do you think climate change mitigation

process should focus on agriculture? Explain. (200 Words)

5. G2285 Mutation (50 Words)

6. Explain India’s efforts at eradication of Polio. What are the problems being faced by India in

total eradication of Polio? Explain. (200 Words)

7. Tropical Depression (50 Words)

8. Considering recent mining scams involving many private companies, do you think natural

resources of national importance be nationalized? Substantiate. (200 Worlds)

9. Mylene Paquette (20 Words)

10. The One World Trade Center (50 Words)

11. Analyze trade relations between India and UK. (200 Words)

12. Panthera blytheae (50 Words)

13. Evaluate how Nepal has moved towards democracy since People’s Movement of 2006. (200

Words)

14. Shiraz Naval Minwalla (50 Words)

15. “The 34-year-old Iran-U.S. cold war, has harmed interests of USA and those of its Israeli and

Arab friends.” Comment. (200 Words)

16. What is MSP? Explain its importance to Indian agriculture and to consumers. (250 Words)

15/11/2013

1. Why does India aspire to become permanent member of UNSC? Do you think time is ripe for

India’s ascension into permanent member of UNSC? Comment. (200 Words)

2. Write a note on India-Russia defence cooperation. (150 Words)

3. Explain major threats and India’s role in maritime security in the Indian Ocean. (200 Words)

4. Puntius denisonii (50 Words)

5. Explain the role and objectives of The National Cadet Corps (NCC). Do you think it has

succeeded in its mission? Comment. (200 Words)

6. INS Vikramaditya (50 Words)

7. What are the types of loans provided by World Bank, IMF and ADB respectively to poor and

developing countries? Does India need aid from these institutions? Examine. (200 Words)

8. With examples, critically examine the role of women organizations in empowering women

affected by various violences including natural disasters and wars. (200 Words)

9. Explain the effect of climate change on world’s oceans and their ecology. (250 Words)

10. Boko Haram (50 Words)

11. Wild Urbanism (100 Words)

12. Role of G6 in international diplomacy (100 Words)

13. Do you support more government spending on social sectors schemes? Analyze the benefits

or drawbacks of such spendings taking cue from past and present performances of many high

budget social sector schemes. (200 Words)

14. Critically examine the working of tribunals in India. (250 Words)

15. “There is a serious disjoint in governance between the political hierarchy and the administrative

machinery.” Comment (200 Words)

16. It is not easy to implement either Supreme Court’s instructions or recommendations of various

committees on civil service reforms. Why? Analyze. (250 Words)

16/11/2013

1. Write a note on the nature of communal tensions in Rakhine state. (150 Words)

2. Write a critical note on the importance of FIR and its implementation. (200 Words)

3. Waste Immobilisation Plant (WIP) (50 Words)

4. The closed fuel cycle technology for nuclear power generation (100 Words)

5. Bring out the importance of addressing the issue of IPRs in the climate change

negotiations. (150 Words)

6. Like-Minded Developing Countries group (50 Words)

7. Do you agree with the view that Turkey is a role model for other Islamic countries in the

surrounding regions, especially Middle East to emulate? Substantiate. (200 Words)

8. Examine what implications ‘One Child Policy’ had on Chinese society and economy. (250

Words)

9. What caused recent Eurozone sovereign debt crisis? What was its effect on Indian economy?

(200 Words)

10. Comment on Russia’s recent efforts at implanting its strategic footprint in the Middle East and

Mediterranean Sea. (150 Words)

11. Google’s Library Project (100 Words)

12.”As with new private banks, expectations from the foreign banks — in the evolution of India’s

financial sector and in financial inclusion — are highly exaggerated.” Analyze. (200 Words)

13. “For all its progressive pronouncements against sexual harassment at the workplace, the

Supreme Court has come up woefully short in addressing the issue within its fraternity.” Critically

comment. (200 Words)

14. How ‘Model’ is Election Commission’s Model Code of Conduct? Comment. (150 Words)

18/11/2013

1. Write a note on the contribution of C.N.R. Rao to the Indian Science and Education. (150 Words)

2. A recent study found that in the case of Tigers in India, increasing local abundance is an

inadequate conservation strategy for them. In the light of the said report, examine what should be

the strategy of government to protect dwindling number of tigers? (150 Words)

3. “The entire structure of healthcare delivery for effective antibiotics – from research and

development, to distribution and rational use – needs to be re-engineered to address the looming

global threat of antibiotic resistance.” Elaborate. (200 Words)

4. Write a critical note on the recently passed Pension Fund Regulatory and Development

Authority Bill, 2011. (200 Words)

5. What is the intention behind declaration of assets by candidates contesting elections? Has it

made any positive impact? Comment. (150 Words)

6. “France, long critical of the United States’ role as the world’s policeman, is emerging as the

most interventionist of Western states.” Comment. (200 Words)

7. Abdulla Yaameen (25 Words)

8. Doris Lessing (50 Words)

9. “Enemy’s enemy is a friend: this is best illustrated in West Asia between Israel and Saudi

Arabia.” Elucidate. (150 Words)

10. Viola Organista (25 Words)

11. The Durban Platform for Enhanced Action (DPA) (100 Words)

12. Global carbon budget (100 Words)

13. “Granting bank licenses to corporate houses and for foreign banks by the Reserve Bank of

India (RBI) are meant to deepen the financial sector.” Do you think it’s a wise step? Comment.

(200 Words)

Following questions are framed based on news stories from The Hindu newspaper (19/11/2013).

For your references link below each questions are provided that take you to source article on

website. It is noncommercial and we thank The Hindu on behalf of all IAS aspirants using this

site. (Well, The Hindu has raised objection for using their s, content etc thanks to ’complaints‘

– pray that they allow us to proceed with this initiative as it’s purely noncommercial and

academic. In case they persist, we may have to stop giving s)

1. Write a critical note on India-UAE relations. Is there a mechanism between two countries to

deal with the issue of migrants’ abuse in UAE? Explain. (200 Words)

2. What role did India play during Nepal’s recent constitutional crisis? Explain. (150 Words)

3. Do you agree with the view that more powers to Grama Sabha actually scuttle development

process? Comment in the light of the controversy over implementation of Kasturirangan report on

Western Ghats. (150 Words)

4. Pangasius fish (50 Words)

5. Analyze India’s defence and security relationship with Vietnam. (150 Words)

6. Sahityarathi Lakshminath Bezbaroa (50 Words)

7. Do you think the concept of Privy Purses and special privileges, which were abolished by a

constitutional amendment, were incompatible with an “egalitarian social order”? Comment. (200

Words)

8. “In the case of Pakistan, it is the unique character of the Pakistan military and its philosophy of

proxy war that presents a problem, not just at the LoC, but for the entire gamut of India-Pakistan

relations.” Critically analyze. (200 Words)

9. Green Box subsidies (100 Words)

20/11/2013

1. “In recent years the Representation of the People Act has become the victim of tug of war

between the judiciary and executive.” Elucidate. (200 Words)

2. Write a critical note on the Shia – Sunni rift in the Middle East and its implications on the peace

in the region. (250 Words)

3. In your opinion what are the probable reasons for India having highest number of people in the

world openly defecating? Explain. (200 Words)

4. Explain the role played by UNAIDS and India in controlling AIDS. (150 Words)

5. Frauenquote (50 Words)

6. Selfie (20 Words)

7. Illegal transplantation and trade of human organs is routine in India thanks to the big gap

between demand and supply of donor organs. What measures has government taken to deal with

this problem? (200 Words)

(Question is not directly related)

8. What is New Media? How safe it is for the users? (150 Words)

Reference – Wikipedia

9. Write a critical note on spread of Islamic radicalism in Africa. (200 Words)

10. What are the benefits India would get if it’s made the member of Asia-Pacific Economic

Cooperation (APEC)? Elucidate. (200 Words)

(Not directly related)

11. “Indonesia, as a Muslim-majority country that has made a successful, if difficult, transition to

democracy it can talk and make suggestions, from a position of confidence, to everyone.”

Elaborate (200 Words)

12. Do you thin APEC is merely - “A Perfect Excuse for a Chat”? Comment. (150 Words)

Reference – Economist

13. “Governance issues and administrative convenience should also be among the decisive factors

in the creation of new states.” Comment. (200 Words)

14. Explain the importance of stable Bangladesh from security point of view of the region. (200

Words)

21/11/2013

1. What measures can state governments take to increase solar energy generation and utilization?

(150 Words)

2. Write a critical note on Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission and its achievements so far.

(200 Words)

3. Finmeccanica (50 Words)

4. Why did Doha Development round and subsequent WTO talks fail? Examine. (200 Words)

Reference

5. The topic of loss and damage in the context of climate change is a major focus in the adaptation

discussion under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

climate talks. What is Loss and Damage under climate talk’s parlance and why is it important?

Explain. (200 Words)

Reference

6. Why do you think Vietnam is important for India to pursue its geopolitical interests in the South

East Asian region? Comment. (150 Words)

7. What are the recommendations of the Master Shafeek Committee constituted by the government

to look into child abuse and steps needed to prevent it? Explain (200 Words)

8. Sangai Festival (50 Words)

9. Write a note on Myanmar’s recent efforts at liberalizing its society and polity. What role can

India probably play in Myanmar’s transition? (200 Words)

10. Frederick Sanger (50 Words)

11. What is DNA sequencing? How did it revolutionize genomic research? (200 Words)

Reference

12. Highlight recent Supreme Court judgments that are related to the conduct of elections and

electoral reforms. (200 Words)

13. Analyze India’s achievements in the field of Space Technology. In your opinion, what role

should successes in space exploration play in India? (250 Words)

14. “The current fighting going on in Darfur region is not primarily tribal.” Comment. (150 Words)

15. Explain the geostrategic importance of Aircraft carrier Vikramaditya to India’s sea interests.

(200 Words)

22/11/2013

1. What aspects of centre-state relations are at conflict in the case of implementation of

recommendations of High-Level Working Group (HLWG) on Western Ghats (headed by

Kasturirangan) by the state governments? Explain. (150 Words)

2. Explain the history of Naga insurgency in the North Eastern region of the country. Do you think

their demands are reasonable? Critically comment. (200 Words)

3. Write a note on India’s attempts at sourcing energy resources from Central Asian countries.

(150 Words)

4. What important amendments were made to different rape related acts through Criminal Law

(Amendment) Bill-2013? Do you think strong laws deter rapes? Critically examine. (200 Words

5. Why has internet governance drawn lot of attention lately? In your opinion, do you think

countries need a centralized watchdog to look after the issues concerned with internet governance

or it should be left to individual discretion of the countries? Comment. (200 Words)

6. Nitin Desai (20 Words)

7. “To understand the problem of malnutrition, one must integrate economic, behavioural, medical,

environmental, and social aspects.” Elaborate. (200 Words)

8. The Indian Seismic and GNSS Network (ISGN) Project (100 Words)

9. Why is it necessary to properly understand the mechanism of Monsoon? Explain importance of

Monsoon to India’s economy. (250 Words)

10. NWA 7533 (50 Words)

11. Yulia Tymoshenko (50 Words)

12. Write a note on role of NGOs in climate change negotiations. (150 Words)

13. What challenges are ahead for the successful operation of Bharatiya Mahila Bank (BMB) ?

How can it overcome those challenges? Explain (200 Words)

23/11/2013

1. Has MGNREGA benefited Indian farmer? Comment. (150 Words)

2. Tirumayam Fort (50 Words)

3. Write a critical note on the financial relations between Union government and states in

India. (200 Words)

4. Kalbeli Folk Dance (50 Words)

5. Explain the societal benefits of Mars mission. Should cost – benefit analysis apply to missions

like this? Comment. (200 Words)

6. What is assisted reproductive technology? What are the ethical issues involved in it? (150

Words)

7. Spice Route (50 Words)

8. UNWTO (50 Words)

9. What are the functions of Law Commission? (150 Words)

10. What are Lok Adalats? Explain the importance of National Lok Adalats disputes redressal.

(150 Words)

11. Why is crop diversity important for a country? Has India taken any measures to preserve its

crop diversity? (200 Words)

12. Gecko (20 Words)

13. “Pernicious behaviours such as smoking, illegal drug use, excessive drinking, unhealthy eating

and unsafe sex, which harm the health of the country can be reversed by promoting societal

conditions for better health choices.” Comment. (200 Words)

25/11/2013

1. Rule 49-O of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 (50 Words)

2. Write a note on the implications of recent lifting of sanctions on Iran by the West on India -Iran

relations. (150 Words)

3. Why does Israel and Iran have a strained relations between them? Examine. (150 Words)

2

4. What are the important schemes undertaken by the government to improve the socio-economic

condition of the tribal population in India? Do you think those schemes have made positive impact?

Examine. (250 Words)

5. Explain the significance of Geneva deal between Iran and p5+1 countries. (150 Words)

6. Manny Pacquiao (50 Words)

7. Joseph Kony (50 Words)

8. ‘The History weighs heavy on Japan – Korea relations.” Comment (200 Words)

9. What are the highlights of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention,

Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013? (150 Words)

10. Cycle 24 (50 Words)

11. What are the negative aspects of Bitcoin? (100 Words)

November 26, 2013

1. Salient features of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) (100 Words)

2. “The current tangle in Nagaland must be handled politically, with sensitivity to the changing

concerns and aspirations in a state once convulsed by insurgency.” Elaborate. (200 Words)

Indian Express

3. “Some of the predictable hostility in the Middle East between Iran and other neighboring

countries is rooted in the demonization of each other over many decades.” Comment. (200 Words)

Indian Express

4. India has not utilized its waterways to the full potential for various reasons. What are those

reasons? Assess the importance of national waterways to the Indian economy. (200 Words)

5. “Parties in Nepal must not be diverted again by short term issues of power-sharing.” Comment

on the statement in the light of Nepal’s recent failure to form it constitution on time. (150 Words)

Indian Express

6. Highlight the importance of coastal security to India. What measures has government taken to

tighten the coastal security? Explain. (200 Words)

7. What is Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project? Why is it important to India? Why is there

opposition to the project? Explain. (250 Words)

8. Compare and contrast the process of government formation in Germany and India. (200 Words)

9. “The World Bank estimates that geothermal from east Africa’s Rift Valley could power 150

million homes.” Examine what factors favor this region to produce geothermal energy and how is

it formed? (200 Words)

10. Rohingya (50 Words)

11. Burraq and Shahpar UAV Systems (50 Words)

12. What guidelines has the Supreme Court directed to safeguard women from sexual harassment

at the workplaces? (150 Words)

1. Write a short note on Service Tax Voluntary Compliance Encouragement Scheme 2013 (100

Words)

2. Why is there an increase in incidents of gold smuggling into the country? Explain. (150 Words)

3. “The bubbling debate over the idea of secular stagnation in the West may prove to have far-

reaching intellectual and practical consequences for the world.” What is secular stangnation? What

can India learn from it? Examine. (200 Words)

Indian Express

4. “Involving farmers in the decision-making process would be a good place to begin to effectively

use increased the funds meant for R&D in agricultural research institutions.” Elaborate. (200

Words)

Indian Express

5. How does the success of nuclear talks in Geneva between Iran and p5+1 countries ties between

Saudi Arabia and Iran? (150 Words)

6. East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) (50 Words)

7. “Asia’s balance of power will be determined principally by events in East Asia and the Indian

Ocean.” Comment (200 Words)

8. Do you think India and Japan are Asia’s natural-born allies? Critically analyze the evolving

relationship between India and Japan in trade and strategic affairs. (250 Words)

9. Cyber Coalition 2013 (50 Words)

10. “The objective must be to ring-fence the acquired capability so its use can only be peaceful.”

Elucidate the statement in the light of recent agreement between Iran and the west regarding Iran’s

nuclear program. (200 Words)

28, November 2013

1. “In India, despite law, dowry is still seen as ‘adequate’ recompense for inheritance.” Explain

the sociological factors that stop women from inheriting land and other properties. (200 Words)

2. Critically examine the steps taken by the government in ensuring safe institutional delivery for

pregnant women in India. (200 Words)

3. In your opinion why India has high rate of MMR? (150 Words)

4. Has affirmative action affected wellbeing of people belonging to forward classes? Critically

comment if there is need to introduce the policy of affirmative action in favor of forward classes

too. (200 Words)

5. “Kirit Parikh committee’s recommendations are too ambitious and are politically challenging.”

Comment. (200 Words)

Indian Express

Economic Times

6. Is a multilateral trading system such as WTO indispensable to the world? Comment. (150

Words)

Indian Express

7. Indian Deep Space Network (50 Words)

8. Write a critical note on China’s Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) and its implication on

the regional security. (200 Words)

9. The Bay Psalm Book (50 Words)

10. “A range of reforms — legal, judicial and institutional — needs to be initiated for dealing with

delays and ensuring access to justice.” Elaborate. (200 Words)

29, November 2013

1. “The anti-poverty programmes are leaky and inefficient, unable to lift Indians out of poverty.”

Comment. (150 Words)

2. “Live-in or marriage like relationship is neither a crime nor a sin though socially unacceptable

in this country.” Do you think the recent verdict by the Supreme Court on live-in relationships is

progressive? Examine if there are any legal hindrances to successful social life of live-in couples

and how can they be overcome? (200 Words)

3. Explain how GDP is calculated in India. Do you think GDP growth rate reflects overall

wellbeing of a country? Comment why. (200 Words)

4. Write a critical note on the geopolitical aspirations of EU in the Eastern Europe region. (150

Words)

5. Write a note on the importance of NBFCs (non-banking finance companies) to Indian economy.

(150 Words)

6. What are the problems being faced by electricity distribution companies (discoms) in India?

Explain. (150 Words)

7. Highlight the recommendation of Percy Mistry Committee on financial sector reforms. (150

Words)

8. “Real financial sector reforms require a strong political will.” Comment. (200 Words)

9. What are the legal hurdles in the creation of new state of Telangana? (150 Words)

10. “Now for the Future” (50 Words)

30, November 2013

1.”Democratic decentralisation cannot be misunderstood to mean communitarian anarchy.”

Comment. (150 Words)

Indian Express

Reference

2. What were the major outcomes of the UN climate negotiations in Warsaw? (150 Words)

Indian Express

3. Explain the measures taken by the Union government in conserving the Tiger population in

India. (150 Words)

4. “China will be increasingly judged by its partners and the international community by its actions

and not by its rhetoric.” Comment on the statement in the light of recent developments in the South

China Sea and elsewhere. (200 Words)

5. Comet Ison (50 Words)

6. “Despite investing heavily in infrastructure projects, the India cities have not resolved traffic

issues efficiently.” Comment. (200 Words)

7. “The main problem with Indian cities is the disconnect between growth and transportation

grids.” Elaborate. (150 Words)