01 April 2014 Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words 1.

Critically assess the nature of Indian diplomacy with its neighbouring countries in South Asia since Independence. Business Standard 2. Discuss the importance of creating a strong manufacturing-based middle class in India. Why do you think India has failed in creating a strong skilled labour force in manufacturing sector? Examine. Business Standard 3. What measures has India taken so far to combat climate change effects? Examine. TH 4. Comment on the nature and consequences of Chinas economic model and governance system under the existing political leadership. Do you think such a model suits India? Critically comment. TH 5. Separation of powers is indispensable because under the Constitution, power divides itself so that reason can rule. In the light of recent tussle between various organs of the state, criti cally comment on the statement. TH 02 April 2014 Answer ALL the following questions in about 200 words 1. Railways have been at the very heart of modern Chinese nationalism. Compare and contrast how railways have been used as a tool of economic progress and national integration in China and India. The Indian Express 2. What is Direct Tax Code (DTC)? Critically examine the provisions of draft DTC bill and explain the importance of requirement of such a code. The Indian Express 3. Write a note on the Direct Admission of Students Abroad (DASA) scheme. TH 4. Critically comment on the Indra Sawhney judgment of 1992. Do you think the judgement needs revision? Substantiate. TH 5. Explain the importance of regional navigation satellite system for India. What has been Indias record so far in establishing such a system of its own? TH 6. Why was NATO set up? Critically comment on its role and activities after the end of cold war. TH 7. A recent study (India Human Development Survey (IHDS) of 2004-05) has found that the implementation of RTE and NRHM schemes have actually reversed the objectives of both the schemes. Critically comment on the reasons behind this reversal. TH 8. Critically comment on the contribution of Dr Ambedkar to the cause of Dalit empowerment. TH 03 April 2014 Answer ALL the following questions in about 200 words 1. Examine the health risks of open defecation. In your opinion, what are the reasons behind continuing practice of open defecation in India? What concrete measures would you suggest to the government and people to stop this practice? Comment. Business Standard

2. A key determinant of the role of the states in a federal polity is their participation in the formulation and implementation of critical economic plans. Do you think Indias Planning Commission is truly federal in its nature and functioning? Examine what needs to be done. Business Standard 3. In India, access to adequate public services is still severely lacking. What are the reasons behind this? Comment. TH 4. Discuss important recent developments in bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh. Are the y mutually beneficial? Comment. TH 5. China cannot copy the political system or development model of other countries because it would not fit us and it might even lead to catastrophic consequences. Do you agree wit h this statement? Substantiate. TH 6. Explain Indias position vis-a-vis Israel-Palestine conflict. In recent years India has grown closer to Israel because of commercial interests. Do you think India is right in having closer relations with Israel? Comment. TH 7. Should armed forces be allowed to vote in general elections as general voters in peace stations? Examine the problems associated with such a move and offer solutions. TH 8. In India, the National Design Policy, announced in 2007, has not sufficiently focussed on socially useful products. Identify the areas where creative, affordable, enduring and useful public structures are much needed in India and comment on the existing architecture built by government funds in rural and urban regions. TH 9. Write a note on Takaful Insurance of Africa which was in news recently. TH 04, April 2014 Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words 1. Write a note on Background Imaging of Cosmic Extragalactic Polarisation 2 (BICEP2) experiment conducted at the South Pole recently. Explain its significance. Business Standard 2. Critically comment on Sri Lankas policies towards its Tamil population post 2009 victory over LTTE. The Indian Express 3. In the light of recent Supreme Court judgement, critically analyse all the positive and negative criticisms against Aadhar project. The Indian Express 4. What are the challenges being faced by Assam and the Indian government in dealing with migrants from Bangladesh post 1971 war. Examine the steps taken so far to address the issue. TH 5. Explain the functioning of PSLV. Examine why its been very successful so far. TH 6. With examples explain how insurgency poses threat to smooth functioning of democratic processes in India. TH 7. Write a note on ZunZuneo project which was in news recently. TH 8. What is Social Progress Index? How is it calculated? Explain. TH 9. In recently released Social Progress Index, Bangladesh ranks ahead of India, and USA, most powerful nation ranks 16th. Critically explain why some countries with rich resources and stable governments are ranked low in the index. TH

05, April 2014 Answer ALL the following questions in about 200 words 1. What were the important recommendations of Narasimham committee (1991) on banking reforms? Have those recommendations been implemented so far? Examine. The Indian Express 2. Critically evaluate the efforts taken by the international community and Israel Palestine themselves to resolve their differences since 2000. The Indian Express 3. Write a note on Yale Environmental Performance Index. Comment on Indias ranking. The Indian Express 4. According to WHO, Vector-borne diseases are adding to the vicious cycle of poverty and have a significant impact of socio-economic status of communities. Which are those diseases? How do they exacerbate poverty? Comment. TH 5. The recently-concluded India Human Development Survey (IHDS) seems to suggest that the inclusive growth policy implemented during the 11th Five Year Plan may have been working. How? Examine. TH 06 April 2014 Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words 1. Explain the commercial and military possibilities of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS). Business Standard 2. Explain the different types of deficits that an economy faces. Which deficit is a better indicator of the health of government finances and why? Business Standard 3. What were the important recommendations of the National Transport Development Policy Committee? Why do you think there has been a decline in private investment in road projects in India? Examine. Business Standard 4. Examine how and why modern cities and townships were developed in India during the initial years of British colonisation. TH 5. Discuss the measures taken by the government to increase energy production from renewable energy sources in India. TH 07 April 2014 Answer ALL the following questions in about 200 words 1. What to do you understand by mis-selling? Critically comment on existing regulatory mechanism to check this practice by the banks. Business Standard 2. The solar energy sector is beset with several problems that need to be sorted out to allow it to expand to its potential. Examine these problems and suggest measures to address them. Business Standard 3. Critically comment the implications of the second volume of the fifth assessment report published recently by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for India. Business Standard 4. Write a note on Zeus malware. TH 5. Critically examine the causes and consequences of Rwandan genocide of 1994. TH

6. Which are the main areas of concern for India within Sri Lanka? How can India help Sri Lanka address these issues amicably? Explain. TH 08 April 2014 Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words 1. What are the important revelations and conclusions of the recently released Henderson Brooks Report on the 1962 India-China border war? Comment on them. Business Standard 2. One of the root causes of the slow dispensation of justice is the lack of speed in investigations. Comment on the reasons that cause slow investigations and suggest measures to speed them up. The India Express 3. Post Right to Educations enactment, the government is responsible for guaranteeing quality education to all children in the country. What are your observations regarding the quality of education provided today? Suggest concrete measures to improve the quality of education provided. The Indian Express 4. Do you think Indias foreign policy and service needs its own reforms? Why? Critically Comment. TH 5. Critically analyse the strategic and geopolitical costs of constantly neglecting the development o f Indias North Eastern region? TH 6. Critically examine the role played by women in the 1857 revolt against the British. TH 09, April 2014 Answer ALL the following questions in about 200 words 1. Discuss the differences and similarities between Afghanistans and Indias system of government. Business Standard 2. The unprecedented and unique system of government controls built under the Indian version of socialism. This has resulted in pervasive and deep-rooted corruption. We need policy reforms that reduce the incentive for corruption and institutional reforms that catch, try and punish the corrupt. Comment. TH 3. Explain the differences between GPS, IRNSS and GLONASS satellite systems. TH 4. What are the ethical concerns expressed regarding stem cell research and therapy? Are the justified? Comment. TH 5. What is Big Data? What are its uses? The Indian Express 6. With suitable examples, critically analyze the importance of improving connectivity in the North Eastern region. The Indian Express 7. Why do you think Indias GDP growth rate which was 8 -9 percent a few years ago has been constantly decreasing? Comment. TH 10 April 2014 Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words 1. What is Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) under WTO? Should India sign it? What are the benefits? Explain. Business Standard

2. Critically comment on the recent developments in the polity and economy of Turkey. Business Standard 3. Examine the history of border disputes between India and China. What efforts were made prior to 1962 to resolve the border issue? TH 4. Indian society is not yet fully secular, while the Indian state understands secularism as state neutrality towards religion combined with select interventions in the religious domain to safeguard some rights. In the light of the statement, comment on the nature of secularism practised by the society and the government in India. TH 5. Analyze the factors which have contributed towards high voter turnouts during recent elections. TH 6. When India organises its higher education structure effectively and provides the support needed, it will do well in the rankings. What needs to be done by India? Comment. The Indian Express 11, April 2014 Answer ALL the following questions in about 200 words 1. Should India shift towards first use policy of nuclear weapons? Substant iate your answer with examples. Business Standard 2. What do you understand by the phrases re - shoring and nextshoring in the manufacturing sector? Explain. Business Standard 3. Critically examine the present nature of manufacturing sector and policy focus on it in India. What shift, if at all the sector needs one should be brought into this sector in India in the light of recent global developments in this sector? Business Standard 4. It is said that the success of the proposed Maritime Silk Route initiative by China will be consequential to regional stability and global peace. Analyse the objectives of this initiative and critically evaluate the assessment made in the given statement. TH 5. What is a CT scanner? What is the principle behind its functioning? What are its uses? TH 6. What is fascism? Critically compare and contrast the versions of fascism practised before, during and after World War -2. The Indian Express 12 April 2014 Answer ALL the following questions in about 200 words 1. Critically examine the nature of economic relatio nship between India and Russia. TH 2. Write a note on the cropping pattern of tobacco in India. TH 3. It is found that certain cancers are affected by the socio-economic status of individuals in India. Elaborate with examples. TH 4. Critically discuss how the industrial and trade policies of developed countries have affected the livelihood of poor countries by causing a change in the climate. TH 5. In your opinion, why do you think India is witnessing increased number of atrocit ies against women, especially rapes? Critically comment. TH

14 April 2014 Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words 1. Discuss the growth of communist movement in India before and after the Independence. Business Standard 2. Explain the contentious issues and claims of both India and China in their border disputes talks. Business Standard 3. What is the composition of Indias foreign reserves basket? Is it good for the economy to have large foreign currency reserves? Examine. Business Standard 4. What were the reasons behind 1973 Arab oil embargo? What were its consequences? Examine The Indian Express 5. Explain the applications of robotics in ocean research and rescue missions. TH 15, April 2014 Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words 1. What is Indias nuclear doctrine? Does it need a revision? Substantiate. Business Standard 2. Examine the emerging threats to food crops in India. What should be done to ensure their productivity and growth to meet growing demand for food? Comment. Business Standard 3. Examine the contentious issues between India and ASEAN in finalising Free Trade Agre ement between them in services. Business Standard 4. What is aptitude? What are the foundational values for civil serva nts? Explain any three of them. TH 5. What is artificial blood? How is it produced? What are its applications? TH 6. Critically comment on the existing barriers to deepen Indian democracy further. In your opinion, what reforms are needed to deepen it further? Comment. The Indian Express 7. What are the main challenges that Afghanistan would face in coming days in its quest to become democracy and a stable country? Analyze. The Indian Express 8. Should there be reservation in private sector for the SC, ST and backward castes? Critically comment.TH 16 April 2014 Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words 1. Critically examine the existing problems in internet governance and cyber security. What steps have been taken by concerned nations to address these problems? TH 2. Examine the implications of Chinas recent financ ial reforms on Indias economy? Business Standard 3. Critically comment on the role and importance of the Prime Ministers Office in India. Business Standard

4. Why is it important for India to have a strong and friendly relationship with Iran? Critically analyse. The Indian Express 5. What measures can government take to stop the spread of cancer in India? Examine. TH 17 April 2014 Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words 1. Explain the recommendations of the P. Vijay Bhaskar committee on financial benchmarks. Business Standard 2. Comment on the nature and magnitude of drinking water problem in India. What measures would you suggest to overcome these problems? Business Standard 3. Write a note on Ayurgenomics and its benefits. Business Standard 4. Write a critical note the problems and prospects of Indias major ports. Business Standard 5. Comment on the changing contours of relationship between India and USA in last ten years. The Indian Express 6. Critically compare and contrast ideologies of Dr B.R. Ambedkar and Gandhiji. TH 7. In the light of recent decision by the government to not to sign aircraft deal with France, critically comment on what should be Indias strategy when it comes to acquiring advanced defence capabilities, especially superior and affordable air power. TH 8. Analyse employment and unemployment trends post 2004-05 as revealed by various reports in recent days. TH 9. Write a note on Yogyakarta Principles and their importance especially to India. TH 18 April 2014 Answer ALL the following questions in about 200 words 1. Examine the structure, mandate and importance of International Finance Corporation (IFC). What is the criteria being followed by IFC when it lends money? Critically examine. Business Standard 2. Explain how technology can be harnessed to bring sanitation to Indian villages and cities. Business Standard 3. Do you think the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) can audit accounts of private firms ? Critically comment on his duties and responsibilities. Business Standard TH 4. Critically examine the problems being faced by the state and central governments in properly implementing welfare schemes. TH 5. To improve overall health, the public health sector will have to coordinate and collaborate with other sectors, nationally and regionally, and with several stakeholders. In the light of the statement, critically comment on the role of the governments, political parties in reforming this sector. The Indian Express 6. Discuss the problems associated with the present structure of internet governance. The Indian Express

7. Currently, high levels of consumption with respect to energy-related commodities are paralysing operations in the country because of non-performing policy initiatives. The demand-supply imbalance is evident across all commodities, requiring serious efforts by the new government to augment energy supplies to avoid a severe energy supply crunch. With reference the given statement, critically analyse the problems in the energy sector and measures needed to be taken by the government to address the issues. TH 19 April 2014 Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words 1. Recent IIP data show that in recent years there has been zero industrial growth. In your opinion, despite many policies, why is this trend observed? Examine. Business Standard 2. The most common form of democracy to be found particularly in the Third World is illiberal democracy, which fulfils the representational aspect of democracy through periodic elections but encroaches on personal liberties and the rule of law. Do you agree with this view? Comment. Business Standard 3. Critically comment on the significance of the recent judgement by the Supreme Court on transgenders. TH 4. Comment on the most important factors that helped the British to firmly establish their control over India in 18th century. TH 5. Critically comment on the recent political developments in Egypt. In your opinion, what these developments indicate about the nature of governance and institutions in Egypt? The Indian Express 21 April 2014 Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words 1. Do you think establishing a separate fund such as National Investment Fund would help the infrastructure sector grow? If yes, examine how it should be governed and fro m where funds can be mobilized. Business Standard 2. What were Kirit Parikh Committees recommendations related to fuel prices? Are they too radical to implement? Comment. Business Standard (passing mention) Reference ET 3. What is a floodplain? How floods are caused? Examine the sociological impacts of floods. TH 4. Do you support the idea of making voting in elections compulsory? Substantiate. TH 5. What do you understand by state and non-state actors with reference to terrorism? Give examples and critically comment on who poses greater threat to India state or non-state actors? TH 6. Discuss the importance of opposition party in a parliamentary democracy. TH 7. Why is the Supreme Courts judgement in S.R. Bommai vs. Union of India case significant? Comment with suitable examples. TH

8. What are the important sources of biofuels? Examine why biofuel production in India is still lagging behind. TH 22 April 2014 Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words 1. Should CAG be allowed to audit accounts of private companies? Comment on the concerns expressed on Supreme Courts recent judgement allowing CAG to audit accounts of private telecommunications companies. Business Standard TH 2. With examples examine various factors that affect institutional procedures and conventions while appointing a person to top posts in India. Also comment what effect these factors can have on these institutions and on democracy as a whole. Business Standard 3. Examine and comment on various contentious issues concerning clinical trials in India. Business Standard 4. Discuss the evolution of Indias patent laws since independence. Are they compliant with int ernational agreements? Examine. Business Standard 5. What judicial reforms are needed in India? Towards this what measures have been taken by the governments at the centre? Examine. TH 6. Write a note on the significance of the Constitution (One Hundred And Twentieth Amendment) Bill 2013. TH 23 April 2014 Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words 1. Its said that India needs a friendly labour policy to improve its economic growth. Examine the issues involved and explain what reforms are needed in its labour policy. Business Standard The Economic Times 2. What is corruption? Do you agree with the view that corruption is a non - issue for voters while casting their votes in elections? Substantiate. Business Standard 3. What is minimum support price? How is it determined? Examine the problems associated with food grains procurement and their storage by the government in India. Business Standard 4. What is black money? What measures has government taken to bring back black money that is deposited illegally in foreign countries? Also examine if government has taken any measures to check its proliferation within the country. Business Standard 5. What are drones? Write a note on t heir non- military applications. TH 6. Explain the motivations and nature of the 1960s civil rights movement in United States of America. What was its outcome? Comment. TH 7. What is the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) type of election system? Explain the merits and demerits of this system, especially in the Indian context. TH 8. What is the Proportional Representation (PR) system of elections? Does it suit India? Why has not India adopted this system? Explain its merits and demerits. TH

24 April 2014 Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words 1. Write a short note on EU Blue Card. Business Standard 2. Immigration issue, especially in the case of highly skilled professionals, is a thorny issue between India and the European Union. What steps has EU taken to address Indias concerns in this regard? Examine. Business Standard 3. Critically comment on US pivot to Asia strategy. Business Standard 4. How does El Nino affect monsoon rains? Explain the mechanism. Business Standard 5. Explain why Coastal Regulation Zone Notifications were issued in India. Critically comment on the proposals of the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification 2011. TH Business Standard Reference 6. What is the Kuznets Curve? Write a note on Environmental Kuznets Curve. The Indian Express 7. What is BASE jump? How is it different from Skydiving? Explain. TH 8. Researchers say that jackfruit could help provide the solution to the climate change problem which would affect food crop production in future. Why? Explain. TH 9. How does immunisation work? Is it completely safe? Examine. TH 10. Why was the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in news recently? Explain with reference to India. TH 25 April 2014 Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words 1. Critically comment on various problems faced by women at workplaces and social constraints that hinder their career growth. Business Standard 2. What were the underlying reasons for colonialism? Do you think policies of developed countries vis-avis developing and poor countries reflect those underlying reasons in the modern day world? Critically comment. Business Standard 3. Discuss the relation between financial inclusion and inclusive development. Business Standard 4. How is drought caused? What are its consequences? Examine what measures has government taken to mitigate the threats of drought. TH 5. In your opinion, what India needs to do to become a developed country? Critically comment. TH 6. Write a note on Lok Adalat system in India. TH 7. The Supreme Courts verdict permitting resumption of iron-ore mining in Goa with a temporary cap of 20 million tonnes per annum is welcome for more reasons than one. Comment. TH

26 April 2014 Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words 1. Write a note on human pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). How these cells are different from human embryonic stem cells (hESC)? Examine. TH 2. Explain the differences between estuary and delta. Give examples with reference to India and explain why certain rivers form estuary but not delta in India. TH 3. Comment on the growing relationship between China and Sri Lanka. Should India be worried? Why? Substantiate. TH 4. What were the main recommendations of Justice Verma Committee which was constituted to recommend amendments to the Criminal Law so as to provide for quicker trial and enhanced punishment for criminals accused of committing sexual assault against women? Do you think governments anti rape law is harsher than Justice Verma committees recommendations? Examine. TH 5. Judicial activism, keeping in view the ideals of democracy, is necessary to ensure that unheard voices are not buried by more influe ntial and vocal ones. Comment. TH 6. What do you understand by the concept inclusive innovation? Examine the relationship between inclusive innovation and inclusive growth strategy. The Indian Express Reference 1 7. Write a note on the India Inclusive Innovation Fund (IIIF). Business Line (related to above question) 28 April 2014 Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words 1. Childhood obesity has become the most serious health concern even in our part of the world, where malnutrition is a big concern. Critically comment on the reasons behind this paradox. Business Standard 2. Examine the importance of building cloud services and its infrastructure to the economy of India. Business Standard 3. Critically examine trade related disputes between USA and India. How does India seek to address these? Business Standard 4. Critically examine why peace talks have failed between Israel and Palestine over the years. What efforts were made by the international community to establish peace between them? Explain. TH 5. Why and how did holocaust take place? Critically comment. TH 6. Critically comment on the contribution of Muhammad Ali Jinn ah to Indias freedom struggle. TH 7. Write a note on the contribution of Kanakadasa to Indias literature in the 16th century. TH 29 April 2014 Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words 1. Fighting inflation first through stabilisation and worrying about growth later is an IMF approach that has not worked well elsewhere in the world. Explain the approach of IMF in fighting inflation. The Indian Express

2. What is a deemed university? In the light of recent committee reports on their quality and performance, critically comment on their necessity and their effect on higher education sector in the country. TH Reference 3. How is a Tornado caused? Explain its mechanism and geographical distribution. TH 4. Comment on recent trends in Sino-U.S. ties. TH 30 April 2014 Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words Curre nt Events 1. What do you understand by purchasing power parity (PPP)? explain with examples. Do you think GDP per capita is good indicator to know the standard of living in an economy? Explain why. Business Standard 2. The biggest problem that Indias judicial system faces is the enormous delays. Why does this problem persist? What are the solutions? Critically comment. Business Standard 3. Do you think pornography is among the causes of increasing sexual offences against women? Should government ban websites showing it? Critically comment. The Indian Express 4. Why do you think current account and fiscal deficit figures have come down in recent months? Examine. TH 5. Indias roads have acquired a reputation, quite deservedly, of being the most dangerous in the world. Critically comment why? What measures are needed to ensure road safety? Examine. TH 6. Write a note on 1959 Antarctic Treaty. TH General Studies 7. Compare Wilsons fourteen points and the November 11 Armistice agreement with the Versailles Treaty. In looking at the discrepancies in these documents do you agree with the statement that the Peace of Paris led to a second European conflict? Reference Wikipedia 1 Wikipedia 2 BBC Science and Technology 8. What is the recent issue regarding Whaling Program of Japan in Antarctic Ocean? Examine the role of International Convention for the regulation of Whaling (ICRW) and International Whaling Commission (IWC) in this regard. Reference Source 1 TH