[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights SecureMains, 01 August 2014ARCHIVES

01 August 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) In recent years, even generic drug companies are penalised for delaying manufacture ofimportant drugs. Critically examine why these delays are caused, who penalises these companiesand the consequences of these delays.

Business Standard

2) “Given these practical problems, merely scrapping APMC laws will not quite work. We need toprovide competition to mandis so that they become more transparent.” Critically examine theexisting merits and demerits of APMC law and suggest alternatives in the light of the givenstatement.

Business Standard

3) Write a note on union government’s new scheme – Financial Inclusion Mission.

Business Standard

4) Write a note on the use of antibiotics in food industry and its relationship with antibioticresistance in humans.

The Hindu

5) Critically discuss the issue of gun control in USA.

The Hindu

6) Examine the criticisms against the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in LandAcquisition, Resettlement and Rehabilitation Act, which was notified in December 2013.

The Indian Express

The Indian Express

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights SecureQuestions, 02 August 2014ARCHIVES

02 August 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) Write a note on the composition and mandate of Central Industrial Security Force.

The Hindu

2) “In India, the rationale for promoting PPPs does not stand on strong foundations.” Criticallyexamine.

The Indian Express

3) With examples examine the major threats to the survival of indigenous communities across theworld.

The Hindu

4) Write a note on see-through technique called CLARITY

The Hindu

Reference

5) Examine the merits and demerits of raising FDI in the insurance sector from 26 to 49 per cent.

The Hindu

6) “ The U.N. principle of Responsibility to Protect (R2P), a form of humanitarianism is only usefulwhen it suits western interests.” In the light of ongoing conflict in the Middle East, criticallycomment.

The Hindu

7) Critically evaluate the success of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)as political and economic entity vis a vis its objectives.

The Hindu

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights SecureQuestions, 04 August 2014ARCHIVES

04 August 2014

Answer ALL the following questions in about 200 words

1) Write a critical note on the importance and methods of evaluating government schemes that arefunded by the taxpayers’ money.

Business Standard

2) Write a note on ‘3P India’, announced in the 2014 General Budget.

Business Standard

3) Examine the World Bank’s Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) index, its poverty estimation methodand its impact on India.

Business Standard

4) Which activities in an economy constitutes ‘Black Economy’? Why are they considered Black?What is their impact on overall economy? Examine.

The Hindu

5) Critically examine why female foeticide still continues in India and the measures taken by theunion and state governments to stop this practice.

The Hindu

6) “The UGC is not able to do justice to its mandate in light of ‘massification’ of higher education”.Critically comment.

The Hindu

7) In your opinion, what qualities are required in a Bureaucrat and how those qualities should betested in the entrance exam to civil services? Elucidate.

The Hindu

8) Examine how and by which institutions and policy measures the wildlife conservation is beingcarried on in India. Suggest any improvements.

The Hindu

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights SecureQuestions, 05 August 2014ARCHIVES

05 August 2014

Answer ALL the following questions in about 200 words

1) Discuss the nature and trend of mechanisation of farm operations in India and the underlyingreasons behind this trend.

Business Standard

2) Examine the nature and contribution of Indian troops that served under the British during theFirst World War.

The Hindu

3) Critically analyse the nature of voter behaviour in recent elections to state assemblies and to theParliament.

The Hindu

4) Critically comment on the situation of food production and hunger across the world with specialreference to India’s contribution.

The Hindu

5) Write a critical note on the “clean energy fund” established by the government of India.

The Indian Express

6) Critically examine India’s achievements in meeting the targets of the Millennium DevelopmentGoals.

The Indian Express

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights SecureQuestions, 06 August 2014ARCHIVES

06 August 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) With examples, illustrate the importance of social audit in evaluating the implementation andprogress of government schemes.

The Hindu

2) “Human rights commissions are powerless to render any “real service” to human rights.”Critically comment.

The Hindu

3) Critically examine the impact of burgeoning e-commerce marketing services on the growth ofdifferent sectors of economy.

The Hindu

4) Write a critical note on India’s energy ties with the SAARC members.

The Hindu

5) Write a note on ‘ wi-fi backscatter’.

The Hindu

6) Examine the important steps that need to be taken by disaster management agencies, governmentand the public post – natural disasters.

The Hindu

7) Why is there a demand for decriminalising attempt to commit suicide in India? Critically examinethe merits and demerits of existing law of criminalising suicide.

The Hindu

8) Write a note on the importance of the Question Hour in the Parliament.

The Hindu

9) “If anything, the New Development Bank (NDB) must be a template for change, not a mirror tothe existing hegemony of money.” In the light of existing models of multilateral banking systems,critically analyse the statement.

The Hindu

10) Define and explain the importance of: Repo Rate, Reverse Repo Rate, Bank Rate, MarginalStanding Facility (MSF) rate, Statutory Liquidity Ratio and Cash Reserve Ratio.

The Hindu

11) Critically comment on the criticism over the 1950 “India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship”and examine why there is a call for its revision.

The Indian Express

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights SecureQuestions on Current Events, August 07ARCHIVES

07 August 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) ” There is a limit to how much good corporate governance can be legislated.” In the Indiancontext, critically comment.

Business Standard

2) “Car-centric planning has been directly responsible for the degeneration of urban mobility in mostAsian cities.” Examine.

Business Standard

3) In your opinion, what should be government policy in the solar and digital infrastructure sectorsto boost their growth. Also examine why these sectors are vital for the growth of other sectors.

Business Standard

4) Write a note on Inland Waterways of India and examine their impact on economy and ecology.

The Hindu

5) Write a note on the Kurdish movement with special reference to its present status in the region.

The Hindu

6) Critically comment on the approach taken by the Rangarajan committee to measure poverty inIndia.

The Hindu

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights Secure-Questions On Current Events, 08 August2014ARCHIVES

08 August 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) Critically examine the challenges that Afghanistan faces in its efforts towards achieving domesticstability.

Business Standard

2) Examine which factors influence the inflow of FDI into a country. In the Indian context examinehow FDI can boost innovation in different sectors.

Business Standard

3) Examine the challenges being faced by the electricity utility industry in India. Suggest measuresto overcome these challenges.

Business Standard

4) Examine why there is a demand for amending the Consumer Protection Act, 1986? Comment onits present provisions.

Business Standard

5) Discuss the contribution of Ravindranath Tagore to the art and culture of India.

The Hindu

6) Write a note on the art of Bidri .

The Hindu

7) Critically comment on India’s position on ongoing climate change talks. In your opinion, whatshould be the priority areas for negotiating countries post – Kyoto Protocol.

The Hindu

8) “In India, the vulnerability of old age is created out of the political economy of dependency.”Critically comment.

The Hindu

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights SecureQuestions, 09 August 2014ARCHIVES

09 August 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) Critically comment on the evolution of ‘revolutionary terrorism’ and contribution of its adherentsduring the national movement.

The Hindu

2) Examine the nature of bilateral relationship between India and Singapore. Explain India’scontribution in Singapore’s growth.

The Indian Express

3) Critically examine why there is a consensus for replacing the present system of appointment ofjudges to superior courts by a collegium of Supreme Court judges? Explain.

The Indian Express

4) ” Deep-rooted gender biases and stereotypes lead to sexual assault on women and needs to betackled early.” In the context of India, critically comment.

The Hindu

5) What is Ebola Virus and how does it affect health? Examine why countries are worried about itsspread.

The Hindu

6) Briefly and critically examine the events that led to the birth of Pakistan.

The Hindu

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights SecureQuestions, 11 August 2014ARCHIVES

11 August 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) What were the causes and consequences of First World War? Explain its significance to India.

Business Standard

2) Critically examine why there has been an increase in bad loans in banks in India. Comment ongovernment’s and RBI’s response to tackle this problem.

Business Standard

3) Critically discuss the problem of antibiotic resistance, its sources, causes and government’spolicy measures in India.

Business Standard

4) ‘SLR is the most important remaining barrier to the development of a meaningful market forgovernment securities.” What do you understand by this statement? Elaborate.

Business Standard

5) Write a note on SEBI’s recent launch of Real Estate and Infrastructure Investment Trusts.

Business Standard

6) ‘The passage of the Securities Laws (Amendment) Bill by Parliament is an important step inempowering the Securities and Exchange Board of India to deal with financial shenanigans.”Elucidate.

The Hindu

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights SecureQuestions, 12 August 2014ARCHIVES

12 August 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) Examine the ways in which RBI manages its funds. Explain financial relationship between RBI andthe Union Government.

Business Standard

2) What is endosulfan? Why is it in news for last many years? Write a critical note on its uses andeffects.

The Hindu

3) Critically analyse the role of Governor in the development of states in India and his relationshipwith the Union Government.

The Hindu

4) Examine why is there a demand for power distribution company at the national level. Explain withspecial note on power distribution scenario in India.

Business Standard

5) Comment on the provisions and the importance of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas)Act, 1996.

The Hindu

6) What do you understand by democratic decentralisation? What are the likely challenges to befaced in its proper implementation in Indian villages? Critically examine.

The Hindu

7) Do you think the idea of imparting of education being treated as a trade is wrong? Criticallycomment in the light of the issue of collection of capitation fee in private educational institutes inIndia.

The Hindu

8) What is a reverse vending machine? Explain its uses and importance.

The Hindu

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights SecureQuestions, 13 August 2014ARCHIVES

13 August 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) Critically examine the loopholes that exist in both the public and private health sectors in India.Explain in what ways private medical practices can be regulated to ensure affordable and qualityhealthcare to the people.

Business Standard

2) Critically comment on India’s relationship in the light of ongoing geopolitical developments in theAsia-Pacific region.

Business Standard

3) Critically examine the problems faced by farmers in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. Whatmeasures have been taken to address their problems by the state and the union government?Explain.

Business Standard

4) Discuss the e-waste problem, its health and environmental hazards and disposal management inIndian cities.

The Hindu

5) Critically discuss the Tibet issue and its influence on the relationship between India and China.

The Hindu

6) “The Arab Christians are one of the main victims of the volatile and unstable political situation inWest Asia.” Discuss the history, contribution to the region and the problems being faced by the ArabChristians in the West Asian region.

The Hindu

7) Write a note on ’67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko’

The Hindu

[UPSC MAINS -2014] Insights SecureQuestions, 14 August 2014ARCHIVES

14 August 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) Write a critical note on the highlights and importance of the the 99th Constitution AmendmentBill that was recently passed by the Lok Sabha.

The Hindu

2) Write a note on the composition and functions Expenditure Management Commission (EMC)

The Hindu

3) What are generic drugs? Critically examine all the issues associated with their production inIndia.

The Hindu

4) Critically comment on the criticisms expressed against the river linking projects in India.

The Hindu

5) Do you think increased globalisation is detrimental to democracy? In the context of India,critically comment.

The Hindu

6) “ Re-empowering national democracies places the world economy on a stronger footing.”Elaborate.

The Hindu

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights SecureQuestions, 15 August 2014ARCHIVES

15 August 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) Critically examine the effects of crony capitalism on the growth and development of a country.

Business Standard

2) Explain the components and functions of an automatic teller machine (ATM). Explain the latestRBI guidelines in using ATMs in India.

Business Standard

3) In the light of past few years’ developments, critically comment on the role of institutions in strengthening democracy.

The Hindu

4) What are hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). Explain their importance in stem cell therapy.

The Hindu

5) What do you understand by India’s insistence on ‘equity and common but differentiatedresponsibilities’ in the ongoing new climate change treaty negotiations? Elucidate.

The Hindu

6) ‘Demographic dividend in India is not being appropriately used and there is a need to revisit thedemographic policy so as to tap benefits from the youth.’ Examine.

The Hindu

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights SecureQuestions, 16 August 2014ARCHIVES

16 August 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) Despite sufficient food production, India faces food insecurity problem. Critically examine theimportant reasons behind this insecurity and throw light on upcoming challenges if this insecuritycontinues to persist.

Business Standard

2) In the light of recent financial crises around the globe, critically comment on the role played byIMF in resolving these crises.

Business Standard

3) What is ‘Washington Consensus’? What were its effects? Do we have any alternative to Washington Consensus? Examine.

Business Standard

4) Critically comment why Japan is keen to have a deeper strategic relationship with India.

Business Standard

(All news is on Modi today. Let’s see what awaits us tomorrow!)

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights SecureQuestions August 18 and 19, 2014ARCHIVES

August 18 and 19, 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) “The body that replaces the Planning Commission should not be old wine in a new bottle.” In youropinion, what should be the ideal composition and functions of new body that replaces the PlanningCommission? Comment.

Business Standard

The Hindu

2) Why is ‘shadow banking’ considered as a threat? Examine it in the global context with referenceto India.

Business Standard

3) Based on your experience and observations, critically comment on how behavioural aspects ofIndian society influence the productivity and efficiency of the Indian economy.

Business Standard

4) Should development projects, such as clean energy projects be sacrificed in the name ofprotecting ecology and environment? Critically comment.

Business Standard

5) In your opinion, apart from economic woes, what are the most pressing problems that India facestoday? Suggest measures to address these problems.

The Hindu

6) Suggest measures to address the issue of large number of pendency of cases in the Indian courts.

The Hindu

7) What are the negative impacts of globalisation on nations and their societies? With examples,critically discuss.

The Hindu

8) “It will require the use of new coalitions to pressure states on behalf of peace and justice, themain elements of the United Nations Charter.” In the light of India’s participation in many regionaland global groupings and the ongoing conflict in the West Asian region, critically analyse India’sactions and role in ensuring peace in unstable regions of the world, especially vis a vis Arab region.

The Hindu

9) The independence of the judiciary is part of the basic structure of the Constitution. In the light ofrecent developments, analyse if this basic structure has been disturbed.

The Hindu

10) Write a critical note on the economic progress of Africa in recent years and its integration withthe rest of the world through trade.

The Hindu

11)

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights SecureQuestions, 20 August 2014ARCHIVES

20 August 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) Critically comment on the underlying philosophy on which relationship between India andPakistan is founded.

Business Standard

2) Write a note on Maglev Technology

The Hindu

3) Critically examine the various problems being faced by the Indian Army at present.

The Hindu

4) Write a note on the threat of outbreak of the Ebola virus disease. Explain what contingencymeasures are required to fight its spread.

The Indian Express

5) What are the functions of the National Skill Development Corporation? Write a note on itsimportance and performance in recent years.

The Indian Express

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights SecureQuestions, 21 August 2014ARCHIVES

21 August 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) Write a note on the environmental and geographical significance of the Tibetan Plateau for Indiaand the surrounding regions.

The Hindu

2) Critically compare and contrast the success of Special Economic Zone model for boostingeconomic growth adopted in India and China.

Business Standard

3) Critically assess the USA’s foreign policy vis a vis Russia in recent years.

The Hindu

4) What do you understand by Urban Heat Island or UHI effect? What are its causes andconsequences? Explain.

The Hindu

5) What causes chikungunya disease? What are its symptoms and cure? Explain.

The Hindu

6) Write a short note on Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3)

The Hindu

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights SecureQuestions, 22 August 2014ARCHIVES

22 August 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) What are the objectives of civil service reforms in India? Critically examine the various stepstaken by the government and judiciary in bringing civil service reforms in India.

Business Standard

2) Examine the different issues which are impeding the effective utilisation of solar energy in Indiaand many parts of the world.

Business Standard

3) Critically comment on the issue of appointment and dismissal of Governor posts in India.

The Hindu

4) Critically analyse India’s stand towards various developments that are taking place in the Arabworld.

The Hindu

5) Write a critical note on the State Climate Change Planning in India.

The Hindu

6) “Formation of North Eastern states on ethno-linguistic lines has failed to address or resolveconflicts in the region.” Critically examine.

The Hindu

7) Write a note on the important role of Indian Navy in ensuring security and economic growth ofIndia.

The Hindu

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights SecureQuestions, 23 August 2014ARCHIVES

23 August 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) Write a critical note on the birth and spread of Naxalism in India.

The Hindu

2) Explain the ecological and environmental importance of Arctic and Antarctic regions and theirrelationship with global warming.

The Hindu

3) With an example, examine how corruption can be reduced in government sponsored schemes.

The Hindu

4) Critically evaluate the programme design and the performance of NREGA scheme.

The Hindu

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights SecureQuestions, 25 August 2014ARCHIVES

24 August 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) Evaluate the different models of solid waste management in Indian cities. Suggest your own ideasfor the effective solid waste management.

The Hindu

2) Examine the roots of China – Tibet conflict and explain the importance of this issue for India.

The Hindu

3) Write a note on the important methods used, both traditional and government sponsored, for theconservation of water in rural areas in India.

The Hindu

4) Write a note on Rhodiola

The Hindu

5) Critically comment on the various criticisms expressed against the proposed National JudicialAppointments Commission.

The Hindu

6) Critically examine the overall policy of India towards African nations. Do you think India’s policytowards Africa needs review? Comment why.

The Hindu

7) Examine the ethical issues which came up in recent Ebolva virus disease transmission and fightagainst it.

The Hindu

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights SecureQuestions, 26 August 2014ARCHIVES

26 August 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) What is your opinion about debt waiver schemes announced by state governments and the uniongovernment? Comment.

Business Standard

2) What are the effects of the delay in decision on GM crops ‘ field trials on different stakeholders?Also examine the reasons behind delaying of field testing of GM crops in India.

Business Standard

3) What do you understand by ‘advance pricing agreements (APAs) ‘ that is in news lately? Elaborateand explain their significance.

Business Standard

4) Write a short note on India’s Surface – to – Air missile program and its progress compared toother advanced countries.

The Hindu

5) Write a critical note on the 13th Amendment and its relevance to the settlement of Sri Lanka’sinternal crisis between Sri Lankan Tamils and ruling parties of Sri Lanka.

The Hindu

6) Critically discuss India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) and its success.

The Hindu

7) Critically examine the ideas and motivations that helped India to adopt economic planning for thedevelopment of country after Independence.

The Hindu

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights SecureQuestions, 27 August 2014ARCHIVES

27 August 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) What do you understand by governance? Discuss its relationship with economic growth.

Business Standard

2) Why was the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices (MRTP) Act enacted in 1969? What wasits impact? Examine.

Business Standard

3) Explain the different types of Trade Agreements and differences between them. Examine thestatus of India’s trade agreement with the ASEAN group.

Business Standard

4) Critically comment on the growth of the Islamic State movement and its possible impact on globalsecurity with special reference to India.

The Hindu

5) “Globally, there is widespread evidence that establishes the strong effect that governancestructure has on research output.” In the context of India and its institutions of national importance,critically comment on the statement.

The Hindu

6) Critically discuss the implications of the Supreme Court’s verdict holding coal block allocationsmade since 1993 illegal and also throw light on issue and roots of its causes.

The Hindu

7) Write a note on electronic cigarettes

The Hindu

8) Critically discuss the British policy of ‘Great Game’ during 19th century and its impact on BritishIndia.

The Indian Express

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights SecureQuestions On Current Events, 28 August2014ARCHIVES

28 August 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) If India’s services and investment trade pact with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)becomes reality, who benefits and why? Examine.

Business Standard

2) Name India’s major ports. What do you understand by ‘last-mile connectivity’ in the case ofports? Explain its benefits.

Business Standard

3) What do you understand by ecologically sensitive areas (ESAs) in India? Examine how two reportssubmitted by Madhav Gadgil and Kasturiranga panels respectively, defined and treated ESAs.

Business Standard

4) ‘Protectionism has certainly increased in the recent past with many ostensibly open economiesadopting a stand that is clearly perceived as protectionist.’ Examine these protectionist measuresand explain why is there a shift towards from openness to protectionism in developed countries.

Business Standard

5) Examine the grounds on which a sitting member of legislature and a cabinet minister in thegovernment can be disqualified. Explain the opinion of the apex court on this issue.

The Hindu

The Hindu

6) Discuss which measures are usually taken by the union government to boost exports and evaluatetheir effectiveness.

The Hindu

7) Write a note on Itap (intraosseous transcutaneous amputation prosthesis)

The Hindu

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights SecureQuestions on Current Events, 29 August2014ARCHIVES

29 August 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) Discuss the contribution of Bal Gangadhar Tilak to the national integration and freedom struggle.

The Hindu

2) In your opinion what are the developmental measures that can be used to fight naxalism in manyparts of India? Do you think these will alone solve naxal problem? Comment.

The Hindu

3) Critically examine the necessity of setting up of Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority in India andits proposed structure and functions.

The Hindu

4) Aftermath the vast devastation and surrender in the Second World war, how did Japan rapidlyindustrialise its economy? Examine.

The Hindu

5) Identify the important flood-prone areas in India and their characteristics. Explain the benefits ofannual natural floods.

The Hindu

6) “…what India needs is not a new Planning Commission, not a new think tank, but a state-buildingcommission. ” In the light of arguments that state machineries need to be strengthened to bringgrowth and development, critically analyse the statement.

The Indian Express

7) Write a critical note on the relationship between the officer of the President of India and theGovernors of states.

The Indian Express

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights SecureQuestions On Current Events, 30 August2014ARCHIVES

30 August 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) Write a note on the RuPay card and its benefits

Business Standard

2) Critically comment on the objectives of and challenges likely to be faced by the Pradhan MantriJan Dhan Yojana.

Business Standard

3) How is GDP calculated in India? Critically examine the reasons behind India’s low growth duringlast two years compared to previous years.

Business Standard

4) Critically analyse the nature of bilateral relationship between India and Japan.

Business Standard

5) Critically analyse the nature, growth and constituents of “Muslim politics” in postcolonial India.

The Hindu

6) India must insist on co-development and co-production of defence systems that it plans to buyfrom the U.S. Examine why.

The Hindu

7) “Issues such as criminalisation of politics need to be addressed through legislation rather than thejudicial process.” Elaborate.

The Hindu