Current Affairs Question Bank

As it has been already discussed in the previous article titled “Current Affairs”, a large chunk of questions in UPSC Mains come from Current Affairs. In fact even questions from core syllabus come from topics related to current events. In continuation of the same approach, we will try to get an idea of questions based on Current Affairs targeting Mains 2014. This is a demo for 2 weeks.

 DISCLAIMER: This is just to help all the friends preparing for Mains 2014. Some questions may be very simple, some may be very tough. Please use them with your own discretion. Do not worry if you find some questions totally new. that is perfectly okay!

Week: Sep 01-06.

Polity-Governance

1. Is the role of Governor changing in modern Polity from ‘Head of State’ to ‘Agent of Centre’?
2. Explain the regulations regarding Organ Donation in India. Is there a need for more transparency in the procedures? Justify.
3. How will Supreme Court’s verdict on Coal Block allocation impact power sector in India?
4. Explain the role of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha in Indian Polity.
5. Protection of whistleblower is responsibility of Judiciary. Comment.
6. Reforms in UGC are needed to restructure India’s Human Development paradigm. Explain.
7. Throw a light on major highlights of Insurance Bill.
8. Explain the role of CBFC/ Censor Board.

Economy

1. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana is a welcome step for Financial Inclusion but it may not be the ultimate solution. Explain.
2. How can “Make in India” programme be a milestone in Indian Economy?
3. Fare-war in Airlines is not a good signal for Aviation Industry. Comment.
4. Explain the WTO-PDS dilemma in context of Food Subsidy.

International Affairs

1. Explain recent developments in India-Italy relations.
2. Explain the rise of ISIS and comment whether the ‘Ethnic Cleansing’ era is back with it.
3. “In its tryst with Democracy, Pakistan has lost more than what it gained.” Analyse.
4. In context of Land Boundary agreements, highlight major happenings in India-Bangladesh relations.
5. Analyze the events which led to a stand-off in Ukraine.
6. Analyze the possible impact of split in Pakistan Taliban.
7. Critically analyze the statement made by UN recently:Violence is a part of life for today’s youth.
8. Civil Nuclear Deal will strengthen existing India-Australia relations. Comment.
9. The key in global politics is to engage future leader. Comment.

 Geography- Environment-Disaster Management

1. Time has come to revise laws related to Environment. Comment.
2. Efforts to clean up rivers need to be reviewed. Comment.
3. Location of new capital city is not entirely a geographical decision. Critically evaluate in context of Vijayawada, Guntur, Tenali and Mangalagiri (VGTM) region.
4. Explain the concept of coral garden.
5. Explain the drainage system in Jammu and Kashmir.
6. In flood management, post-disaster issues are of great significance. Comment.
7. Analyze the concept of ‘Smart Cities’.
8. Write a note on: Indian Ocean Tsunami test.

 History-Culture-Sports

1. Nalanda University will add tremendously to India’s Soft power. Comment. [Nalanda Univ. inaugurated].
2. Write a note on “UN Alliance On Civilisations”.
3. Explain the basics of Kathak. Name some major proponents of this dance form. [Dancer Maya Rao passed away].
4. Evaluate the impact of Pro-Kabaddi on Kabaddi as a competitive sport.
5. Write a note on significance of the Nataraja idol. [Idol to be handed over by Aus].
6. Explain how Buddhism is a great asset for India in International diplomacy.

 Science- Technology

1. Explain your views on Mass Surveillance in Internet Governance.
2. Write a note on Ebola and its threat. Add a note on how it has possible impact on Food Security.
3. Analyze the causes and impact of traces of antibiotics being found in poultry birds.
4. Explain why Sickle-cell anemia is a major threat in developing world. [Mentioned in PM’s Japan visit].
5. International collaboration can be instrumental in upgrading Healthcare. [India-Australia collaborate on healthcare].

Week: Sep 21-27.

Polity-Governance

1. States must be taken on board to discuss devolution of taxes. Comment.
2. Evaluate the modifications in RTE proposed by Rajasthan Government.
3. Analyze the recent guidelines given by Judiciary on Encounters.

Economy

1. How can G20 be used as a forum to strengthen India’s mission against black money?
2. Planning Commission is due for a makeover. Comment.
3. Restricting NREGA to backward districts only may help to streamline its working. Critically evaluate.
4. Alibaba’s success can be a great learning for India. Explain.
5. Analyze the National Manufacturing Policy vis-a-vis Make in India programme.
6. Enlist some reforms required in Gas pricing.
7. What will be the impact of NPPA’s order of withdrawing price controls over non-essential medicines?
8. ‘Make in India’ will be successful only when regulatory environment and infrastructure are reformed. Comment.

International Affairs

1. Write a note on Referendum in Catalonia.
2. Events in the Middle East have posed new challenges in front of Afghan Government. Explain.
3. Scotland and Catalonia have shown that the faith in global elite is no more sacrosanct. Comment.
4. Throw light on the role of ISI in Pakistan’s internal and external policies.
5. Arab nations have a major role to play in United States’ fight with ISIS. Comment.
6. Summit diplomacy has its own limitations. Comment.

Geography- Environment-Disaster Management

1. Analyze the impact of migration on Demographics with help of a case study.
2. What are major issues ahead of UNFCCC ahead of Paris Conference?
3. Write in short about Clinical Establishment Act.
4. Enlist the major rivers in North East India other than Brahmaputra. Analyze the reasons which make this region vulnerable to floods.
5. Explain how the topography of Meghalaya makes it a state with heavy rainfall.

History-Culture-Sports

1. Analyze how Asiad games are important for Asian brotherhood.
2. Write a note on significance of Vrindavan in Indian culture.
3. Management of Zoos needs urgent attention. Comment.
4. Explain significance of making Baamiyaan as SAARC Cultural Capital.

Science- Technology

1. E-Evidences can be a great contribution to Justice only when due care is taken. Comment.
2. Statistics can be of great help in Policy Making. Explain in context of Surveys held in Telangana.
3. Enlist the features of Mars Orbiter Mission of ISRO which makes it a success story in frugal innovation.
4. Explain the significance of Synthetic Biology in modern research.