Current Affairs Question Bank 2016

Friends after the experience of Prelims 2016, I don’t think there is any need to highlight the importance of Current Affairs for CSE. So continuing the exercise started last year, here is a Question bank for CSE Mains 2016 with 3 questions per day. Keep writing!

SET 1 [15/08]

1. An indispensable part of India’s freedom struggle has been the fight for civil liberties. Elaborate.

2. Replacing PDS with DBT may be a step towards accountability but it eventually takes away Government’s control over food security. Comment.

3. ‘’India’s focus in foreign policy will remain on peaceful co-existence and harnessing technology and resources for its economic development.’’ Explain how India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ approach can make the said goal possible.

SET 2 [16/08]

1. In context of the organ transplant rackets, analyse the present status of Organ donation regime in India.

2. Analyse the pros and cons of subsuming all the agencies relating to Water resource management into a single National Water Commission.

3. Explain how Precision agriculture needs to be incentivized to ensure agrarian productivity in resource-crunched Third World nations.

 SET 3 [17/08]

1. The story of the Judiciary-Executive relations in Indian polity is more of a story of both the institutions asserting and reasserting themselves. Elucidate.

2. Riverine floodplains are more than mere geographic features. They are indicators of the environmental health of an ecosystem. Comment.

3. Apart from other operational reforms, Indian Railways needs to address the security related issues on priority. Comment.

SET 4 [18/08]

1. Reviving multilateralism will require structural changes to cope with regional powers, an empowered civil society, and multinational corporations Comment.

2. Explain with relevant data why prepaid electricity is a need of time for Indian Power sector.

3. Urban wastes, when segregated and processed properly, can be an ideal solution for addressing the productivity crisis in rural hinterlands. Elaborate.

SET 5 [19/08]

1. In the quest for making Indian cities more liveable, prime responsibility falls on local self governments. Explain.

2. Balochistan issue can make a major impact on Sino-Indian relations too. Analyze.

3. Explain how the proposed rating system of mines can be a game-changer for mining system.

SET 6 [20/08]

1. Prohibition can be effective only if sufficient groundwork is done. Comment.

2. Explain how the institutional mechanisms to protect children’s rights can be strengthened in context of the issue of traumatized children in war zones.

3. Innovation framework in India needs to move from ‘Frugal Innovation’ to ‘Quality Frugal Innovation’. Elaborate.

SET 7 [21/08]

1. Can e-governance can truly be considered a tool to achieve equality to opportunity given the digital divide that exist in India? Justify your opinion.

2. Skilling needs to be the prime focus for Real Estate sector in the coming days. Explain. Add a note of National Real Estate Development Council in this regard.

3. Community policing is a progressive step forward but it needs to be protected from elite capture and lawless community vigilantism. Comment.

SET 8 [22/08]

1. The most important challenges in front of RBI today are rising NPAs and Retail Inflation. Explain how these issues can play a major role in coming times in India Economy.

2. Whole dynamics of West Asian countries is revolving around the Saudi-Iran Cold war. Comment.

3. Changing profile of crimes demands major changes in the traditional mode of investigation. Elaborate in context of rising incidents of cyber crimes.

SET 9 [23/08]

1. Explain what policy reforms are required in Port Sector for achieving increase in cargo handling capacity with special reference to Inland waterways.

2. A major aftermath of flooding is the loss of land due to erosion. Analyze the problem and suggest measures to prevent it.

3. Enlist the institutions in India working with a mandate of Historical and Cultural research. Add a note on role of these institutions in maintaining the cultural heritage of the nation.

 SET 10 [24/08]

1. The Mental Healthcare Bill recently passed in Rajya Sabha is a much needed intervention, but it is still a work in progress. Analyze.

2. Demarcate the regions in India vulnerable to flooding. Explain how scientific management of floods can prevent the colossal losses occurring to the social and economic structure of the country due to yearly floods.

3. Punishing corrupt officials is must but protection of honest officers is equally important. Comment.

SET 11 [25/08]

1. Gender equality will be truly achieved only when three institutional backbones of the society- State, Religion and Family accept it. Comment.

2. ‘Rural Electrification’ needs to look beyond providing connections and should focus on uninterrupted power supply. Analyze in context of the power sector reforms required to achieve 100% rural electrification.

3. Officers’ associations cannot be mere trade unions fighting for rights. Their obligations include a stout advocacy of adherence by their members to ethics while serving the public. Comment.

SET 12 [26/08]

1. Explain how research and development in Dairy sector can play a tremendous role in mitigating agrarian distress.

2. Despite slow progress on FTA, EU still remains a promising bloc in India’s foreign trade policy. Comment.

3. Historically the class struggle in India has stood on two feet – economic exploitation and social oppression. Elaborate.

SET 13 [27/08]

1. Labour reforms in India largely revolve around minimum wages and social security. Explain.

2. Kumbh of 2015 and Krishna Pushkaram of 2016 show how Technology can ensure success in management of religious congregations. Explain.

3. For developing Sports culture, a cluster based approach considering natural inclinations and heritage of particular regions needs to be adopted. Give your opinion.

SET 14 [28/08]

1. With establishment of a civilian government in Myanmar, the Indo-Myanmar bilateral ties can now go beyond the issue of democracy. Comment.

2. Apart from Copyright infringement, Piracy is also linked with the issue of inaccuracies of global pricing system. Elaborate.

3. The International Solar Alliance can be a platform to balance the Economy of Power sector globally. Explain.

SET 15 [29/08]

1. Supported with relevant data, explain the economy of Healthcare system in India. Add a note on National Health Accounts.

2. Politics in India is the Politics of Symbols. Explain.

3. It is heartening to see the growing response to various Literature Fests in India, but the real issue remains to reach out to the masses for developing a reading culture. Comment.

SET 16 [30/08]

1. Shifting from the system of teaching based to learning based education needs use of interactive and innovative tools. Elaborate with help of relevant examples.

2. The pre-epidemic and post-epidemic measures determine the success of curbing an epidemic. Explain in context of Dengue and Chikungunya epidemic.

3. With the US Presidential Elections approaching, the India-US bilateral relations are at a defining stage. Comment in context of nuclear alliance and commerce.

SET 17 [31/08]

1. Explain the concept of People’s Biodiversity Register. Add a note on its utility in cases of diversion of forest lands and assessment thereof.

2. The culture of giving packages to states can be a potential hindrance for fiscal decentralization in its truest sense. Comment.

3. Surrogate children may want to know their genetic parents, but this conflicts with the right of the donors and surrogates to anonymity. Analyze the Ethical issues linked with the new legislation on Surrogacy.

SET 18 [01/09]

1. The Singur judgement has pressed for a reality check for Land acquisition policy. Comment.

2. Explain the issue of ‘Predatory Journals’ and ethics of publishing research papers in the arena of scientific research.

3. What is meant by Impeachment? Give a comparative analysis of impeachment procedure in India, US and Brazil.

SET 19 [02/09]

1. Public institutions must be held to their core promise: to build cities whose horizons are defined by the equality of opportunity for all who live within it and come to it. Elaborate.

2. Analyze the issue of predatory pricing and add a note on the laws and rules to ensure fair competition.

3. India can take a leap in Satellite technology only when the domestic sector gears up. Explain.

SET 20 [03/09]

1. Development of centres of Pilgrimage can be best achieved by adopting the ‘Circuit development model’. Elaborate with a case study.

2. ‘Ease of Doing Business’ has to do more with social indicators than economic ones. Comment.

3. Primary Health Care approach is must to address rising cases of Non-communicable diseases in developing countries. Comment.

SET 21 [04/09]

1. Examine the concept of Maritime clusters for developing coastlines.

2. The current state of chaos in Philippines is not a mere domestic issue but a signal for upcoming crisis in the South-East Asia. Comment.

3. It is high time India should start looking at urban malnutrition seriously. Elaborate.

SET 22 [05/09]

1. Explain the ethical issues which arise when State tries to address social evils rooted in tradition.

2. Analyze the impact GST is going to have on Indian Intellectual Property ecosystem.

3. Discretionary powers are often considered in a negative sense but they also give humane touch to administration. Give your opinion.

SET 23 [06/09]

1. Explain how social and religious festivals were made a tool for mass mobilization during the National Freedom Struggle without affecting the secular character of it.

2. Analyze the Rice farming ecosystem in South Asia with help of a map.

3. Moving from inter-state to intra-state disputes, management of river water needs to adopt a scientific approach. Explain.

SET 24 [07/09]

1. True empowerment of backward classes will take place only when the perspective of looking at these citizens  changes from vote bank to thought bank. Comment.

2. Explain how institutions like G20 can play a concrete role in initiating concerted action on climate change.

3. Explain the concept of Unique Payment Interface and explain how it can revolutionize Banking sector.

SET 25 [08/09]

1. Privatization of PSU Banks might be an idea worth considering but the Economy is not ready yet for this step. Comment.

2. For eradication of Malaria, India could learn some lessons from Sri Lanka even if the scale and complexity of the task is significantly different. Elaborate.

3. Howsoever economically beneficial FDI may seem in the short period, it has long-term adverse consequences for the economy. Give your opinion.

SET 26 [09/09]

1. Explain what is a LIGO laboratory. Add a note on why it can be considered to be a game changer.

2. Explain the impact of US-ASEAN alliance and its recent stand on the South China Sea dispute.

3. MNREGA needs timely revamp but not at the lost of losing its core. Comment.

SET 27 [10/09]

1. Scarcity or not, Urban local governments seriously need to think of Water rationing in near future. Comment.

2. Analyze the impact of Dynamic fare pricing introduced for select trains on the parameters of effectiveness and equitability.

3. Nuke tests by North Korea will make the global powers rethink their strategies about the adventurist Pyongyang. Comment.

SET 28 [11/09]

1. Explain the objectives of Chandrayaan II. How it is different from its predecessor?

2. In the Post-Cold War era, the world history will be divided as pre-9/11 and post-9/11. Comment.

3. India’s progress in Innovation will be driven by Academics-Corporate alliance. Elaborate.

SET 29 [12/09]

1. Explain in brief how India’s Microfinance sector has grown over the years. How it can play a major role in coming times?

2. Explain why the Washington-Moscow pact hold great importance for the future of Syria.

3. Decentralization of Disaster Management is the only logical way forward for multi-hazard prone states. Give your opinion.

SET 30 [13/09]

1. Explain why fora like Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations mean a lot to Public Health sector in Third World.

2. The recovering of Great Barrier Reef is a good news but this calls for urgent action on Coral Bleaching in other parts of the world. Explain.

3. Industrial development is not merely the establishment of new industries but also the protection of our public sector units. Comment.

SET 31 [14/09]

1. Explain in brief the historical background and peculiarities of Thumri. Enlist important singers and musicians who have contributed to growth of Thumri.

2. One of the major reasons of the very existence of dynastic politics in India is that the voters themselves are not willing to eradicate it. Give your opinion.

3. The Supreme Court directive on quick uploading of first information reports will promote transparency and curb arbitrariness in police work, but much needs to be done by Police administration itself. Comment.

SET 32 [15/09]

1. The Cauvery protests have shown how Social Media can be effectively used by Police to address panic in the public. Elaborate on role of social networking in law and order enforcement.

2. Taking a cue from other counterparts in BRICS, India needs to focus on urban renaissance. Comment.

3. The key to impart a sense of dignity to the efforts of para-athletes is to recognize them as ‘separate but equal’ in the Olympics paradigm. Comment.

SET 33 [16/09]

1. Speaking of the politics of the ‘politically inexperienced’, a new ruling class has to learn to combine the politics of political mobilization with political vision. Comment.

2. Explain major features of GSAT 11.

3.  Automotive Mission Plan 2026 is going to be a crucial plan in order to create jobs in Automobile sector. Comment.

SET 34 [17/09]

1. What Nepal needs today is an inclusive dialogue, accommodating the aspirations of all sections of their diverse society. Comment.

2. Analyze the progression of Monsoon this season. What will be its impact on agriculture and what proactive steps can be taken to cope with it?

3. Recycling of fish scales to generate green energy can be a game changer for Indian fishery sector. Explain the opportunities and challenges in this proposition.

SET 35 [18/09]

1. It will always be a matter of debate whether life of an individual is his/her individual property or State has any say in it. Explain the ethical issues in Euthanasia concerning this point.

2. Empathy for those on the margins is what makes art work on the Partition relevant even today. Comment.

3. Governments need to balance their political impulse towards populism and the need for sound expenditure management. Explain the importance of FRBM act in this context.

SET 36 [19/09]

1. Explain why the Bratislava Declaration can be a very important step ahead for post- Brexit Europe.

2. Recent happenings in states show that anti-defection law still needs a lot of improvements. Give your opinion whether the matter of dealing with defection should be left in the hands of the voters.

3. Building climate change resilience, which improves our adaptive capacities or removes limitations to adaptive capacities, is part of sustainable development. Comment.

SET 37 [20/09]

1. Explain the geographical conditions behind the formation of typhoons Malakas and Meranti.

2. Simplification of application forms and inspection forms is a prerequisite for ‘Ease of Doing Business.’ Explain.

3. The Delhi High Court has restored to copyright jurisprudence a clear mandate for the future — one which recognizes that the end goal of technology is the improvement of our lives. Analyze the ethical issues involved in this matter.

SET 38 [21/09]

1. Cyber sabotage and cyberwarfare, hiding behind the plausible deniability available in such attacks is going to be the future of modern day warfare. Comment.

2. What lessons can be learnt from the success of Montreal protocol for Paris agreement to succeed?

3. In an emerging market economy like India’s where the main objective of macro policy is economic welfare, the central bank cannot work independently of the government. Give your opinion.

SET 39 [22/09]

1. Analyze the concept of Coastal Industrial Corridor along with its environmental impact.

2. India desperately needs a national wastewater reuse policy to help address the perennial concern of urban water stress. Comment.

3. Interdisciplinary learning public festivals are the best platforms to explore ‘space’ and its connections to science, philosophy, art and culture. Elaborate.

SET 40 [23/09]

1. The solution to the tax buoyancy risks faced by states is to guarantee them a minimum amount of GST Revenue. Comment.

2. The Telemedicine experiment in Alaska’s remote stretches is yielding good results. Explain the concept and analyze how it can be implemented in remote regions of India.

3. An institutionalized forum amongst BRICS countries could serve as a regional knowledge hub with exchange of information. Explain how BRICS can become the fulcrum of the global knowledge economy.

SET 41 [24/09]

1. The destruction of the Laggar Falcon habitat near Madurai is a wake-up call regarding the adverse impacts of mining on biodiversity. Explain with relevant examples.

2. Explain the concepts of parole and furlough. Explain the ethical issues concerned with them.

3. Tourism industry needs to move away from urban centres towards the rural hinterland. Comment.

SET 42 [25/09]

1. Write in short about a) iKnife, b) Foldoscope. Explain their relevance.

2. Analyze the pros and cons of the Tea quality upgradation plan under 12th Plan.

3. Greater devolution of power can be an answer to separatist movements across the globe. Give your opinion and justify with case studies.

SET 43 [26/09]

1. Explain the importance of the Pipeline pumping stations of the Oil pipeline networks.

2. It is very difficult to find the ideal balance between news and opinion in the digital era. Comment.

3. Tackling cross border terrorism needs visualization of a larger picture along with the strategy of engagement with all stakeholders. Elaborate.

SET 44 [27/09]

1. While the liberty of a person in custody can be curtailed according to ‘procedures established by law’, it cannot be stretched to extinguish life. Explain why custodial deaths are a stigma for administration and the ethical issues involved in it.

2. Concurrent Lok Sabha and Assembly polls may make the process more convenient but it would go against the political diversity essential for addressing the social diversity of India. Comment.

3. In a truly globalized world, the political decisions for a country are not limited for that country only, rather they are internationalized. Elaborate with reference to the US Presidential elections.

SET 45 [28/09]

1. In a database oriented nation, prime concerns are the security of the data and the discretion Government has. Elaborate.

2. With climate commitments becoming almost inevitable, a national consultative process on low carbon strategies is a must. Comment.

3. Caste-based protests need to be seen as statements of values, of the manner in which democracy is seen and assessed. Explain.

SET 46 [29/09]

1. Preventive detention is a lawless instrument of state oppression. Give your opinion.

2. Rather than blaming the Central banks for a low rate world, Governments need to step up and help them. Comment.

3. Keeping the current happenings in mind, what is your opinion on the future and relevance of SAARC as a multilateral forum?

SET 47 [30/09]

1. Greater transparency and wider public participation may be the most effective way of allaying fears and building confidence regarding GM technology. Comment.

2. Explain the significance of the Marakesh treaty about accessibility to reading material for the blind.

3. Explain the major features of the Acworth Committee report of 1921 and its relevance today.

SET 48 [01/10]

1. For addressing the issue of large number of casualties suffered by fine particulate matter pollution in the air, a multi-pronged strategy is needed. Comment.

2. Explain the history of Boko Haram in brief and add a note on the effectiveness of the efforts of International community to tackle it.

3. Explain the importance of the ‘Corridor region’ while handling the issue of man-animal conflict.

SET 49 [02/10]

1. With a regime grappling with infighting, incompetence, lack of resources and massive security challenges, Afghanistan has no choice but to talk with the ‘bad elements’. Elaborate.

2. As we move towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the focus must shift from a disease control approach to that of strengthening integrated health systems. Explain.

3. Explain why the proposed ‘Protect and Grow American Jobs Act’ or the ‘Issa bill’ of US has raised concerns in India.

SET 50 [03/10]

1. While the government eyes big-ticket projects when it comes to renewable energy, it is also possible to look at the potential of reaching out to the vast rural population through small initiatives by marrying the government’s livelihood missions with that of new and renewable energy. Explain.

2. Swinging wildly between wanton killing of stray animals and extreme pro-life interventions, India needs a rational, scientifically valid animal ownership or population control strategy. Give your opinion.

3. The UAE might not be a major player in the Geopolitics of the MENA, yet it can be a valuable ally. Comment.

SET 51 [04/10]

1. India’s parliamentary democracy is mature enough not to slip into a unitary model just because of simultaneous elections. Comment.

2. Declaration of the undisclosed money is a good start, but in order to attack country’s black economy, making electoral funding transparent, curbing misuse tax-free income sops and encouraging cashless transactions are the areas to be focused. Elaborate.

3. Encouraging a diversity of approaches in Indian agriculture, entailing both GM technology and the more traditional processes needs to be the way forward instead of entirely focusing on one of the approaches. Comment.

SET 52 [05/10]

1. Explain the concept of crowdsourcing. Explain how administration can use crowdsourcing to improve its decision making and to make it more inclusive.

2. With the case study of Haiti Cholera outbreak, explain how aftermaths of natural disasters can be averted or minimized by proactive actions.

3. Explain Autophagocytosis and programmed cell death. Explain its medical relevance.

SET 53 [06/10]

1. The proposed amendments in the HIV Bill 2014 emphasize that addressing HIV needs more than medical services. Comment.

2. Ultimate goal of the Higher education ecosystem must be nurturing multiple intelligences. Elaborate.

3. Explain the significance of the RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) for India and ASEAN. Add a note on the logjams faced in the RCEP negotiations.

SET 54 [07/10]

1. Setting up a Start-up incubation fund is definitely going to boost the start-up ecosystem but it needs to be supported with a positive, unrestricted regulatory environment. Explain.

2. Explain the concept of Molecular machine and its technological significance with special reference to energy storage systems.

3. With the advent of new age, low budget cinema featuring contributors from Theatre, the Indian theatre scene is also witnessing a transition. Elaborate.

SET 55 [08/10]

1. Explain how warehouse based online trading of agricultural produce can be a game changer for farmers.

2. All the nations torn apart by unrest need to learn from the Colombian Civil war about the patience required to bring about closure to complex, long-running conflicts. Elaborate.

3. While the operational autonomy of the regulators is very important, the Parliamentary scrutiny of legislation by regulators needs to be more severe. Comment.

SET 56 [09/10]

1. Readers don’t just consume books, they hunger for personas. Explain how artist often shadows the art.

2. Explain how extending the benefits for renewable energy sources to hydro projects can boost the stalled hydro projects.

3. Explain the concept of River nationalization. Discuss its pros and cons.

SET 57 [10/10]

1. To find creative ways to bridge the chasm between Western powers on the one hand and Russia and China on the other should be the first agenda in front of UNSC. Comment.

2. Resolution of bad loans and restoring the health of PSBs is among the biggest challenges the economy faces today. Elaborate.

3. India has won the battle against militants and terror outfits from Pakistan. But now the focus is on engaging the youth of Kashmir. Comment.

SET 58 [11/10]

1. What is targeted drug delivery? Explain the significance of Nanotechnology in it.

2. Analyse the flood threat to dams close to glacial lakes and how this threat can be mitigated.

3. Explain the initiatives Community Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) and supply Ready to Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) started by UNICEF. Explain how these programmes can supplement ICDS to tackle malnutrition.

SET 59 [12/10]

1. Explain the advanced technologies used in Tiger Census.

2. Creation of new districts is a positive step in terms of administrative reforms but it needs a rigourous infrastructural homework. Explain.

3. Explain the habitat and migration patterns of Amur falcons. Add a note on how migratory birds can boost tourism.

SET 60 [13/10]

1. Explain the relevance of Hart and Holmström’s Contract theory in the system of performance based incentives in Administration.

2. As a moral community and a democratic nation, India has a responsibility to respond to the suffering in Yemen positively. Comment.

3. Every public institution, including the military, has to be subject to public accountability and scrutiny. There is no maxim in a democracy that says you cannot ask questions of its army. Give your opinion.

SET 61 [14/10]

1. Identity politics cannot move forward unless it is willing to articulate the material aspirations of the dispossessed. Comment.

2. In the context of BCCI logjam, there is need of a sports legislation that could address overlapping issues and be less restrictive. Explain.

3. Exit of Gambia and now Maldives from Commonwealth signals that the glory of Commonwealth is fading. Analyse the relevance of Commonwealth in today’s scenario.

SET 62 [15/10]

1. Even though the Supreme Court has, from time to time, raised the issue of prison reforms in general, and that of overcrowding in particular, measures to decongest jails have been sporadic and half-hearted. Explain what steps can be taken in this regard from administrative point of view.

2. In the space of two years, the Nobel has shed decades of conservatism, and twice redefined what it considers, and what we must consider, ‘literature’. Comment.

3. Explain how the credit guarantee fund to support start-ups can be a major determinant in maintaining fiscal health of the economy.

SET 63 [16/10]

1. As pollution, climate change, and overfishing deplete their catch, fishermen are often forced to wade deeper into the sea and risk-entering foreign waters. Analyse the issue from the angles of ecology and international diplomacy.

2. Celebrating the culinary delights can be a crucial value addition to location based events. Elaborate.

3. Improving the urban places must involve modification of cities, public spaces and transport choices. Analyse.

SET 64 [17/10]

1. The ray of hope in the climate change scenario is the transformational change taking place in several small isolated communities around the world. Explain how these are eco-villages and transition towns can play a major role in implementing Climate change agreements.

2. Periyar’s thoughts give an excellent insight into accommodation of politically divergent views. Comment.

3. Representing a big chunk of humanity and the world’s growth, BIMSTEC is more than a group based on geographical moorings. Comment.

SET 65 [18/10]

1. Explain how technology can be used to address complete lack of last-mile delivery infrastructure in healthcare sector.

2. Court orders have the impelling force of rule of law and foundational constitutional values that governments must respect in order to preserve the ever fragile fabric of constitutional democracy. Give your opinion.

3. With Russia and EU at loggerheads in Aleppo, the international community has to step up and ensure a sustainable solution. Comment.

SET 66 [19/10]

1. Most of the global trade talks in the future will focus on market access. Analyse the market access issues and the agreements related.

2. Urban governance is moving ahead from Local self-governments to Urban Development Agencies. Elaborate and compare these two institutions.

3. By conducting a Level I Pollution Response Workshop at its headquarters, the Coast Guard has signified that Environment security is a vital part of national security. With this background explain the environmental responsibilities of the Coast Guard.

SET 67 [20/10]

1. As a basic principle of bilateral diplomacy, a frank and continuous high-level dialogue, reinforced by regular backchannel communications, should ensure that each partner remains sensitive to the core concerns of the other. Analyze in context of India-Russia relations.

2. Art has no boundaries, but nations have. Comment.

3. Explain how Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM) can play a major role in taking forward the implementation of the National IPR Policy.

SET 68 [21/10]

1. A huge gap between laboratory research and field is heavily costing the Indian Animal Husbandry sector. Comment.

2. The dramatic slowing of world trade growth is serious and should serve as a wake-up call. How should the Oslo meet look into this situation especially in the backdrop of rising protectionism?

3. Explain how the new regional connectivity scheme UDAN is a harbinger of a major shift in transport sector.

SET 69 [22/10]

1. Historical under-investment and rapid economic growth are straining India’s existing infrastructure which can be addressed by enhancing the public-private partnership (PPP) model. Elaborate.

2. The solution to the Sri Lankan quagmire is to ensure that minorities are part of the decision-making processes and have a place in state- and provincial administration. Comment.

3. Explain the concept of Indian Bridge Management System (IBMS) and its significance in the management of ever expanding network of roads in our country.

SET 70 [23/10]

1. Lack of geotechnical investigation and focusing only on deadlines are major reasons for building collapses. Suggest some strategic interventions to avert such disasters.

2. Analyze the socio-economic significance of North-East Monsoon in the Indian peninsula.

3. Explain the concept of ‘digital footprint’ and its significance in Human Resource Management.

SET 71 [24/10]

1. Explain the implications of Ujwal Discom Assurance Yojana on the centre-state financial relations.

2. Explain how seismic surveys are used to track Hydrocarbon deposits.

3. With help of a map, demarcate the Opium growing regions of South Asia. Explain the security implications of Opium economy.

SET 72 [25/10]

1. Explain why the outcome of the GRAPES-3 experiment can be termed as a major achievement to boost the study of the Sun.

2. Explain how over the years the Colonial Government tried to sabotage free speech in pre-independence India.

3. “Payment systems are the plumbing of the financial system; so long as there is no leakage or clogging, we are unaware of their functioning. But when they do back up, the situation becomes catastrophic quickly.” Elaborate in context of the latest cyber breach in Indian banking sector.

SET 73 [26/10]

1. Explain in brief the structure of Flu virus. Add a note on the threat of Bird flu to India and its implications.

2. When individuals come together to form crowds, their conscious personalities disappear and are replaced by an uncivilised, irrational, and a potentially barbaric “collective mind”. Explain the concept of ‘Mob Psychology’ with help of relevant case studies from your personal experiences.

3. Permanence in relations, and consistency in alignments, is not a signal virtue in the world of the 21st century. Changes, if any, to redefine Indian foreign policy must not take place in an episodic manner, or as a series of isolated steps. Comment.

SET 74 [27/10]

1. With the overall decline in ethical behaviour on the sports field, it is the responsibility of Sports Regulators to go beyond objective rules and talk of conduct in a subjective manner. Give your opinion.

2. The scuppering of the European Union-Canada trade agreement by Wallonia has demonstrated the power individual member states or regions can wield. Elaborate.

3. Around the world, farmers are an ageing demographic as the sector fails to attract younger talent who are heading instead to cities in search of work. Explain how this demographic gap is hurting the agriculture worldwide.

SET 75 [28/10]

1. Explain the implications of acquisition of stake by ONGC in Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation’s Krishna-Godavari block in context of India’s energy security scenario.

2. Do you think that the electoral debate on Crime in the US Presidential election is more than electoral rhetoric? Justify your opinion. Add a note on how Crime features as an issue in Indian electoral dynamics.

3. Indian Cinema’s brushing with History has been sporadic, unsatisfactory and often unauthentic. Comment.

SET 76 [29/10]

1. In line with global practice, India needs a performance evaluation of judges at all levels of the judiciary, devised by the judiciary itself. Elaborate.

2. For international communities, the time for condemning state-sponsored terrorism is long gone. It is time to stand up and act, and act decisively. Comment.

3. Write a note on the role of Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals (DGS&D) in state procurement.

SET 77 [30/10]

1. Just as change in social reality is the law of life, responsiveness to change in social reality is the life of the law. Elaborate.

2. The Pollution Control Boards will remain paper tigers unless improving the conviction numbers. Do you agree with the view that PCBs need to go aggressive in penalizing culprits? Justify.

3. The major issue hampering the fight versus TB is not the lack of treatment, but the inadequacy of it. Elaborate.

SET 78 [31/10]

1. For proliferation of the Khadi business, the private sector needs to step us and support the State agencies. Elaborate.

2. Give your opinion whether PR agencies have done better for Journalism by improving access to facts, or worsened the scenario by ending direct interaction between the actual stakeholders with media.

3. When it comes to Food security, the States need to temper their zeal for ‘more than universal’ coverage with a realistic assessment and identification of beneficiaries. Comment.

SET 79 [01/11]

1. In context of the request of political asylum by Bugti, analyze the current political asylum regime and refugee regime in India.

2. “Power is complex: The more of it you gain, the more ambiguous you become… you have not yet done anything that requires ruthlessness or brutality, but you have shown strength.” Elaborate the ethical dimensions of power with reference to the events showing strength by aspiring global powers.

3. Burdening teachers with non-educational works is not advisable, yet unavoidable. Give your opinion.

SET 80 [02/11]

1. Explain why Oil spills are a serious threat to marine ecology. Add a note on how advanced technology can help in mitigating spills.

2. Diversity as a political project can only be effective with secularism as a working foundational value. Elaborate.

3. Explain the concept of Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index. Analyze whether it gives a true picture of Manufacturing sector or not.

 SET 81 [03/11]

1. Explain how the issue of pollution because of burning crop residues in Gangetic belt has been adding up to the pollution woes of NCT and surrounding region. Also suggest a remedy on that.

2. The Supreme Court ruling that contract workers should get the same pay as permanent workers is a good start, but a lot needs to be done to address the “exploitative enslavement, emerging out of a domineering position”.

3. Explain the reasons which have caused the decline of once magnificent Indian circus scenario.

SET 82 [04/11]

1. Analyze the implications of the proposed features of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, in the Lok Sabha during the last monsoon session to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955.

2. The most challenging task before UK is to showcase and provide reassurances for industry but across the world, concerned about the direction of Brexit negotiations. Comment.

3. Explain how the leaders from different streams of Indian National Movement responded to the reforms in personal law initiated by the Colonial government.

 SET 83 [05/11]

1. Explain the concept of stem cells and add a note on how stem cells can be used to study diseases.

2. Of course, courts must have powers to preserve the dignity and decorum of day-to-day proceedings. But silence and a steady devotion to duty are the best answers to irresponsible criticism. Comment.

3. Explain what role private miners can play to address slowdown in output and in face of sluggish power-sector demand.

SET 84 [06/11]

1. A largely neglected aspect of colonial history is the legacy of the French. Comment.

2. Explain why even after the launch of the “TB Free India” campaign, TB still remains a major concern in India.

3. In resolving the dispute between fishermen of both countries, India and Sri Lanka need to consider the humanitarian dimension of the issue. Elaborate.

SET 85 [07/11]

1. A major factor hindering private investment is the banks’ inability to provide credit to the private sector. Comment.

2. Explain whether Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) can be an effective solution for tobacco de-addiction.

3. Enhancing the capacity of the CPCB and the SPCBs in terms of pollution monitoring, regulation and control is a vital step to tackle pollution in urban centres. Explain.

SET 86 [08/11]

1. The concerns about undernourishment and a record foodgrain output expected this year makes full rollout of the National Food Security Act a logical option. Give your opinion.

2. A multipolar political system with fringe parties aligning with few major parties is increasingly becoming a feature of Indian regional politics. Comment.

3. Often considered dull and uninviting, Indian museums are storehouses of history and culture, and deserve repeat visits. Analyze the tourism potential of museums in India.

SET 87 [09/11]

1. There is no hope of a change as long as the authority to enforce honesty remains centralized, and not with the people. Comment.

2. The answer for protectionism around the world is to look to further open up economy to spur investment and trade. Comment.

3. A little more investment in healthy childhoods will shape the future of a healthy nation. Comment.

SET 88 [10/11]

1. Education is not a political agenda, education is a national agenda and everybody needs to be taken along. Elaborate in context of NEP.

2. The electoral process, in the end, turned out to be quite a poor advertisement for U.S. democracy. Analyze the pros and cons of the American electoral system.

3. Explain which diseases are included in Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) and add a note on geographical distribution of these diseases across India.

SET 89 [11/11]

1. Self-criticism is integral to self-regulation. Elaborate in context of Media censorship.

2. Incentivizing biomass-based power plants can address both issues: air quality deterioration and power shortage in Northern India. Comment.

3. What is Benami property? Explain how a digital land and realty inventory can help to curb its menace.

SET 90 [12/11]

1. Explain how Tier II cities can be next big destinations for IT and ITES industry.

2. Analyze the recent happenings in Sino-Sri Lankan relation and its impact on Indian subcontinent region.

3. The best strategy to address climate change is to clean up local environment, with states and cities charting their own course to curb emissions. Comment.

SET 91 [13/11]

1. Write a note on CERT-In and its relevance in India’s cybersecurity scenario.

2. Public discontent is like a chameleon. When we see it, we know it must have been hiding in plain sight for a while; but until we spot it, we are not even aware of its existence. Comment.

3. Explain what opportunities await India and Ukraine who are set to begin a new phase of exchanges.

SET 92 [14/11]

1. More than ever, non-economic factors will play a key role in determining whether the investment sentiment is sustained or not. Elaborate in context of demonetization.

2. Explain how the Indo-Japan nuclear deal is critical to India’s renewable energy plans, apart from its geopolitical significance.

3. The only way out for public policy for environmental damage is to place strong emphasis on individual and social cost of inaction. Comment.

SET 93 [15/11]

1. Explain how social media is turning out to be a big challenge in implementation of Model Code of Conduct. Suggest how the issue can be tackled.

2. Analyze the geopolitical ramifications of the Gwadar port and CPEC for South Asia.

3. Explain the concept of NBFCs and their role in the rural economy.

SET 94 [16/11]

1. Can the original justification for the court’s anti-majoritarian role be used to equate constitutional supremacy and judicial independence with “judicial supremacy”?

2. Explain why India and Israel can be a potent force together to counter challenges posed by terrorism.

3. Explain the importance of pre-hospital trauma care systems in public healthcare.

SET 95 [17/11]

1. Serious crimes against women are closely intertwined with inefficient policing and judicial systems, and callousness of society, indicating that the quality of governance is key to address this issue. Comment.

2. Despite the Nobel Peace Prize winning efforts, the fresh peace deal announced by Bogota and the rebels of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) looks no less fragile than the previous accord that Colombians rejected. Elaborate.

3. Democracy is about balancing electoral rhetoric and post-election moderation. Comment.

SET 96 [18/11]

1. Explain the economic and political significance of the Beijing’s One Belt One Road (OBOR) connectivity initiative across the Eurasian region.

2. Uncontrolled writing can create huge problems, but he also said that external interference would wreak havoc. Comment with respect to censorship of literature.

3. Explain how the Hanoi conference, being hosted in a country that has become a nexus for smuggling and consumption, can be a good platform to discuss ways to combat illegal wildlife trade.

SET 97 [19/11]

1. For India and China, mutual recognition of ancient special interests in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean should be a strategic objective. Analyze.

2. Domestic violence is not a random event of violence but is a consequence and a cause of women’s inequality. Comment.

3. The weight of the court’s authority and acceptance of the extensive reach of its judicial imprimatur is best explained in terms of popular trust in its moral and intellectual integrity rather than in a stretched philosophy of constitutionalism. Comment.

SET 98 [20/11]

1. A litigation policy can have a profound effect on how the government thinks about itself as a litigant, and can help curb the problem. Analyze the need for a litigation policy for the government.

2. Nepal needs to focus on negotiating skills to make progress on the pending constitutional issues. Elaborate.

3. Morality cannot be discussed in binary terms. There is a lot of grey space in between. Elaborate.

SET 99 [21/11]

1. Indian Sports regulating bodies have done much better in international events management, but have been negligent about domestic events. Give your reasoned opinion.

2. Reducing corruption, illicit money and market informality are worthy objectives. But for that to achieve, a road map for creating the institutional architecture needed. Elaborate.

3. Explain in what ways the performances of Public institutions working in Science and Technology can be evaluated in order to improve their outcomes.

SET 100 [22/11]

1. Concerns in Indian Public health sector is not only due to issues related to infrastructure and human resource. Behavioural patterns of the citizens is a major factor which cannot be underestimated. Comment.

2. What do you mean by ‘post-truth’? What circumstances have made this word a famous one?

3. The framework regarding fiscal responsibility and discipline as outlined by the previous version of the FRBM Act needs to get urgently revived and fine-tuned. Comment. Add a note on whether the FRBM act has delivered what was expected of it.

[ Tips for Answer Writing: https://abhijitraut10.wordpress.com/2014/10/11/answer-writing/ ]