[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights Secure-2014: Questions On Current Events, July 1,2014ARCHIVES

1 July 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1.Critically examine water related disputes between India and its Eastern Neighbours includingChina.

The Hindu

The Hindu

2.Do you think Israel’s violent actions against Palestine and the subsequent reactions of the Westare justified? Critically comment.

The Hindu

3.Critically evaluate the nature and intent of India’s political engagement with Bangladesh since1971.

The Hindu

4.Examine how has India’s space program helped the common man.

The Hindu

The Hindu

5.Critically analyse various formulae used to identify the number of people below and above povertyline in the country.

The Hindu

6.Examine the areas in which and how India and China can play crucial roles on the internationalstage.

The Hindu

7.Critically comment on the efforts made by both the developed and developing countries inreaching at a logical conclusion vis a vis Doha Development Agenda (DDA) of WTO negotiations.

EPW

[UPSC MAINS - 2014] Insights Secure -2014: Questions on Current Events, July 2ARCHIVES

1 July 2014

02 July 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1.What do you understand by ‘water security’? Examine what steps are necessary to be taken toensure water security in the country.

Business Standard

2.Examine the problems faced by insurance sector in India. In your opinion, what reforms shouldgovernment introduce to boost the sector? Explain.

Business Standard

3.Critically examine the linkage between resource allocation for the judiciary by the government andthe pendency of cases in India.

Business Standard

4.Critically comment on the findings of International Energy Agency’s recent report (2014) onenergy security in the world and the implications of these findings on India.

Business Standard

5.Comment on the maritime boundary and sovereignty over islands issue between India and SriLanka.

The Hindu

6.Examine why India imports, instead of manufacturing at home, electronic goods into the country?

The Hindu

7.Examine how the collegium system to choose new judges works in India. In the light of recentcontroversy over the appointment of a judge to the Supreme Court, critically comment on thepolitical, constitutional and moral issues arising out of the controversy.

The Hindu

8.Critically comment on India’s Nuclear weapons use policy. Do you think it’s pragmatic?Substantiate.

The Hindu

9.Does India need Uniform Civil Code? Critically comment.

The Hindu

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights Secure-2014: Questions On Current Events, 03July 2014ARCHIVES

03 July 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1.Critically evaluate the intention behind and success of setting up of more Special Economic Zonesin India.

Business Standard

2.Examine the Developed Countries’ policy towards use of Genetically Modified Organisms vis a visWTO norms.

Business Standard

Reference

3.Write a note on the objectives of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

The Hindu

4.Write a note on the Marrakesh Treaty on visually impaired.

The Hindu

5.Do you think India should allow IAEA to inspect all of its nuclear facilities and declare that all thefacilities are for peaceful purposes? Critically comment.

The Hindu

6.Discuss the evolution and spread of Kurdistan Islamic Movement. Do you think that their demandsare genuine? Critically examine.

The Hindu

Which factors caused the fall of Caliphate? What was its impact on India? Do you think that1.recent developments in the West Asian region are an effort towards revival of Caliphate?Examine.

The Hindu

Reference

8.What do you understand by trophic cascade?Explain with examples.

The Hindu

Reference

9.” The integration of ecological considerations into economic development is vital and valuable if, inthe pursuit of profit, we are to ensure the long-term well-being of people and planet.” Criticallycomment.

The Hindu

10.Why do close to 70 per cent of India’s sick, mostly belonging to the poor or lower middle class,choose to go to the private sector when there is ostensibly free healthcare in the public system?Critically comment.

The Hindu

11.Examine why Bangladesh is ahead of India in many health indicators. What lessons can Indialearn from Bangladesh? Discuss.

The Hindu

What are zoonotic diseases? Explain the threats they pose to developing countries.1.

The Hindu

Write a note on the threat induced by microplastics on the ecology.1.

The Hindu

[UPSC MAINS 2014] Insights Secure-2014: Questions on Current Events, 04July 2014ARCHIVES

04 July 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1.Critically examine the roadblocks to modernisation of Indian defence forces.

The Hindu

2.Critically evaluate India’s strategic partnership with France.

The Hindu

3.Why is India witnessing a steep hike in food prices? Do you think measures taken by thegovernment address the root causes? Critically examine.

The Hindu

4.Critically comment on the relationship between the President and the Prime Minister as envisagedin the Constitution.

The Hindu

5.Critically comment on the relevance of the institution of Planning Commission in the context of arapidly changing Indian economy and society.

The Indian Express

6.”Weeding out obsolete and conflicting laws should be made a national objective to be followedwith vigour in a number of areas, not just in finance. ” Examine.

The Indian Express

7.”Dowry and the crimes done in its pursuit are reminders of this India’s failure to step out of socialbackwardness.” Critically comment.

The Indian Express

8.”Liberal democracy is not about a perfect executive interacting with a perfect legislatureinteracting with a perfect judiciary. Liberal democracy has worked well because checks andbalances deliver better results when all three are imperfect.” Do you agree with this assessment?Comment.

The Indian Express

9.Critically analyse efforts made by major economies of Asia to position themselves as regional

powers with international ambitions.

The Indian Express

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights Secure2014: Questions on Current EventsARCHIVES

05 July 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1.Examine how poverty line is defined in the USA and Europe. Can India adopt their methodology?Comment.

Business Standard

2.What is a drought? Write a note various types of droughts.

The Hindu

3.Critically examine the relation between money laundering and national security.

The Hindu

4.In the light of recent the data from National Crime Records Bureau, discuss why domestic violenceagainst women still persists in the country.

The Hindu

5.Critically evaluate the contribution of UN Peacekeeping missions to world peace.

The Hindu

6.In your opinion, what measures(apart from APMC, MSP) are required to help farmers get profitson their agricultural produce in India? Discuss.

The Hindu

7.The Northeast can be rejuvenated by making the region a focal point for growth. Analyse in whatways NE region can be made a focal point for growth and how.

The Hindu

8.What improvements would you suggest to the MGNREGA scheme and why? Elucidate.

The Indian Express

[UPSC MAINS 2014] Insights Secure-2014- Questions on Current Events, July08, 2014ARCHIVES

08 July 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) Examine on what pillars does India’s stand in the climate negotiations rest? Do you think India’sstand is justified? Critically comment.

Business Standard

2) Critically evaluate Pakistan military’s ‘strategic depth’ doctrine. Do you think it’s relevant in thelight of recent developments in the region? Examine.

Business Standard

3) Hardly 10 per cent of sewage generated in the country is treated to recycle water. Criticallyexamine the reasons and offer solutions to address this problem.

Business Standard

4) Discuss the procedure involved in selecting the Leader of the Opposition Lok Sabha. Alsoexamine his/her position an duties in Loksabha.

The Hindu

5) Write a critical note on the relationship between India and the United Kingdom.

The Hindu

Rest in Peace – Granville Austin

6) “ The Land Border Agreement and the Teesta agreement are now a litmus test of India’swillingness to have good relations with neighbours.” Critically comment.

The Hindu

7) ‘The controversy over the Four Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) raises several importantissues on university autonomy, academic freedom, the regulatory powers of the University GrantsCommission and the power of the Central government to interfere in higher education in thecountry.’ Critically analyse.

The Hindu

[UPSC MAINS 2014] Insights Secure-2014: Questions on Current Events, July09ARCHIVES

09 July 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) What are the objectives and uses of estimation of poverty line? Do you think these estimationshave helped to meet those objectives effectively? Critically comment.

Business Standard

2) Critically analyse the reasons behind crises in the power sector in India.

Business Standard

3) ‘India’s economic future and prosperity are best served by leading the shift from fossil fuels torenewable and clean energy’. In the light of threat to ecology and livelihood as a result of climatechange, critically comment on the statement.

Business Standard

4) Discuss how his life in South Africa transformed Mahatma Gandhi and helped him fight the Britishin India.

The Hindu

5) Critically discuss the grounds on which Hitler and his administration carried outthe ruthless persecution of the Jews in Europe.

The Hindu

6) What measures are needed to be taken to increase the forest cover in the country? Explain.

The Hindu

7) Examine the sources of revenue for the Indian Railways to implement various reforms to ensuresafety and efficiency in its operations.

The Hindu

8) Critically comment on the existence of Sharia courts in the country and the opinion of theSupreme Court on their rulings.

The Hindu

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights Secure-2014: Questions on Current Events, July10ARCHIVES

10 July 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) The Sundar Committee Report of 2011 on road safety issue is an important step forward.Critically examine its recommendations and their importance.

Business Standard

2) What is geothermal energy? How is it produced? Examine in which parts of the world itsproduction is more.

Business Standard

3) The 2013-14 Economic Survey calls for creation of a national common agriculture market in thecountry. Examine what’s the intention behind this proposal. Do you think it will address some of thepressing problems in agriculture? Critically comment.

The Hindu

4) The Economic Survey 2013-14 calls for trade reforms in the country. Discuss the existingbottlenecks in the trade front and how they can be removed.

The Hindu

5) Compare and contrast the grounds and procedure involved in the impeachment of the Presidentsof USA and India respectively.

The Hindu

6) Discuss why immigration issue in USA is a very sensitive issue.

The Hindu

7) Analyse the twin objectives of the Indian defence industry. Do you think policies advocated andimplemented so far have done justice to these twin objectives? Comment.

The Hindu

6) Critically comment on India’s achievements in meeting the targets of Millenium DevelopmentGoals.

The Hindu

7) ‘America’s present policy in the Middle East is reversal of its own policy for the region it

advocated after the First World War.’ Comment.

The Hindu

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights Secure-2014: Questions On Current Events, 11July 2014ARCHIVES

11 July 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) Examine the role of banks in funding infrastructure projects in the country. Also explain whatrole does 2014-15 General Budget has envisaged for the banks in this regard.

Business Standard

2) Write a note on the importance of increasing FDI in defence sector. Do you think it would promoteindigenisation? Comment.

The Hindu

The Indian Express

3) Explain the importance of proper border management in the country. How does the UnionGeneral Budget 2014-15 seeks to strengthen border security and management? Examine.

The Hindu

4) Critically comment the reasons behind the increasing pendency of cases in Indian law courts.How this problem can be solved? Suggest measures.

The Hindu

5) Write a note on the significance of increased FDI in the insurance sector in India.

The Hindu

6) Critically comment on the disinvestment as strategy for resource mobilization in India.

Business Standard

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights Secure-2014: Questions On Current Events, 12July 2014ARCHIVES

12 July 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) Write a note on Foldcope. Explain its significance to science education.

Business Standard

2) What do you understand by Replacement fertility? Do you think it’s desirable to have rates below-Replacement fertility? Comment.

The Hindu

Reference

3) Critically comment on the role of NGOs in the development process and development industry inthe country.

The Hindu

4) Critically examine how the foreign policy of USA has changed under Barack Obama.

The Hindu

5) In your opinion, what India needs to do to get a permanent seat at UNSC? Comment.

The Indian Express

6) Critically analyse the role of BRICS alliance in the changing global order.

The Indian Express

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights Secure-2014: Questions on Current Events, 14July 2014ARCHIVES

14 July 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) Comment on the strategy used by the Government and RBI to increase financial inclusion in thecountry.

Business Standard

2) What do you understand by capital gains tax? Write a note on the capital gains account scheme.

Business Standard

The Hindu

The Indian Express

3) In the context of growth of Indian cities, critically analyse the process of urbanisation and itseffect on water availability.

Business Standard

UN Water

4) Examine the objectives of establishing a New Development Bank by the BRICS countries. Do youthink there is a need for another world financial institution? Comment.

The Hindu

BBC

5) What do you understand by ‘informal economy’? Explain its significance to India.

The Hindu

6) Critically comment on the ‘smart city’ concept.

The Hindu

7) Examine how amending the Factories Act, 1948 and the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 are crucial tobring in labour reforms in India.

The Hindu

8) Write a critical note on the maritime territorial dispute between India and Bangladesh.

The Indian Express

9) Critically comment on the effectiveness of Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code.

The Indian Express

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights Secure-2014: Questions on Current Events, 15July 2014ARCHIVES

15 July 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) How did apartheid start in South Africa and how was it ended. Critically comment.

The Hindu

2) Do you agree with the view that Israel is using extreme violence against Palestine in self-defence?Critically comment.

The Hindu

The Hindu

3) Examine why a civil nuclear cooperation agreement between India and Japan is still pendingdespite India’s eagerness to sign a deal? Discuss the benefits of such a deal if it materialises.

The Hindu

Reference

4) Critically comment on the growth of extremism and terrorism across the world in last threedecades. Do you think their growth is the result of USA’s wars during these three decades? Criticallyexamine.

The Hindu

5) Critically analyse on important provisions of the draft Women’s Reservation Bill.

The Indian Express

PRS

6) Why was the Planning Commission set up? Critically comment on its evolution sinceindependence.

The Indian Express

Livemint

7) Write a note on the significance of the “Occupy Central” movement in Hong Kong

Livemint

8) Write a note on the UN Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of InternationalWatercourses.

Livemint

Reference

9) ‘Asia wants a new specialized bank to fill the gaps left by the World Bank and the AsianDevelopment Bank.’ Comment.

Livemint

[UPSC MAINS 2014} Insights Secure -2014: Questions on Current Events, 16July 2014ARCHIVES

16 July 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1)Critically comment on India’s policy on agricultural subsidies. Examine why is this an issue withsome of WTO members.

Business Standard

2) Why does India want to become member of APEC group? Analyse benefits of joining the group.

Business Standard

Reference

3) In the light of recent court judgements on the issue of granting compulsory licences to Indiancompanies to manufacture generic drugs, critically discuss the associated IPR issues andsignificance of these judgements.

Business Standard

4) From India’s perspective, explain why is it important to reform both UNSC and IMF.

The Hindu

5) Write a critical note on various environmental movements held to conserve and protect ecologyand biodiversity in various parts of the country since independence.

The Hindu

6) Critically examine the concerns raised by various groups and the Supreme Court regarding theconstruction of dams in the Himalayan regions. Do you think they are justified? Critically comment.

The Hindu

7) What is your opinion on the retrospective tax amendment issue? Do you think this amendmentwas necessary? What’s the position of the Supreme Court? Examine.

The Hindu

8) Discuss the relationship between India and Russia in the energy sector. Write a note on futureprospects.

The Indian Express

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights Secure -2014: Questions on Current Events, 17July 2014ARCHIVES

17 July 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) Critically evaluate the idea of BRICS Bank and its significance to India.

Business Standard

2) Explain the factors that determine the growth of exports in India.

Business Standard

3) Critically comment on the changing role of women in Indian families and society in last twodecades.

The Hindu

4) Critically evaluate how and with what results the fight against AIDS was carried out by UN andthe global community with special reference to India.

The Hindu

5) Write a note on the Namami Ganga initiative and examine the challenges lie ahead.

The Indian Express

6) Critically comment on the design and implementation of the Rashtriya Ucchatar Shiksha Abhiyan(RUSA) scheme.

The Indian Express

7) Do you think a repeal and re-enactment of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children)Act, 2000 (the JJ Act), the country’s primary law dealing with children in conflict with the law andchildren in need of care is needed? Explain why.

The Indian Express

8) Examine why southern states of India are more urbanised that their counterparts in the rest ofIndia.

The Hindu

9) ‘The modern Indian city is a wasted place; it has in fact never endorsed any particular urbanvalues, nor had the will to govern. ‘ Critically comment.

The Hindu

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights Secure-2014: Questions on Current Events, 18July 2014ARCHIVES

18 July 2014

Answer ALL the following questions in about 200 words

1) Critically comment on the APMC Act and examine why its reform is necessary for the Indianeconomy.

Business Standard

2) Critically analyse the important features of Indo-US nuclear deal.

Business Standard

3) Do you think the doctrine of South – South cooperation is still relevant? Comment.

The Hindu

4) Write a critical note on India’s relationship with the South American nations.

The Hindu

5) Do you support linking of rivers to address water woes in different parts of the country? Criticallycomment.

The Hindu

6) Why the new Trade Facilitation Agreement [TFA] is a bone of contention between India anddeveloped countries? What are the implications for India if this agreement is passed? Examine.

The Hindu

7) “The government and its agencies must work on a new framework for PPPs to make themattractive to investors, and at the same time affordable to the users or consumers.” Examine thepresent framework of PPP mode of investment and explain its drawbacks.

The Hindu

[UPSC MAINS - 2014] Insights Secure-2014: Questions on Current Events, 20July 2014ARCHIVES

20 July 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 Words

1) Do you agree with the analysis that Israel is facing existential threat and it is usingdisproportionate force to thwart this threat? Critically comment.

Business Standard

2) Why has RBI come out with ‘Payment Bank’ option? What are its objectives and allowedfunctions? Explain.

Business Standard

RBI

3) With the example most recent Union Budget, critically analyse its components and theirsignificance.

The Hindu

4) Critically comment on the recent judgement by the supreme court on the validity of fatwas andsharia courts in India.

The Hindu

5) Critically comment on government’s taxation policy on tobacco products in India.

The Hindu

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights Secure-2014: Questions On Current Events, 21July 2014ARCHIVES

21 July 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) In the light of recent events in some parts of the world, critically analyse the role played by ‘non-state actors’ in deciding the outcome of conflicts between states and within states.

Business Standard

2) ” Land markets are arguably the most distorted factor markets in India. Its issues are at the heartof India’s most pressing challenges from governance to growth, education to manufacturing,taxation to urbanisation, and environment to energy.” Critically comment.

Business Standard

3) Comment on the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) and its objectives.

Business Standard

4) In the light of both domestic and foreign policy initiatives, critically examine India’s energysecurity scenario.

The Hindu

Livemint

Livemint-2

5) Why, in your opinion various forms of discrimination persist in India in spite of constitutionalsafeguards? Critically comment.

The Hindu

6) ‘ Enacting a comprehensive law that covers all aspects of GM crops should be a priority.’ Examinethe existing policy on GM crops and explain what needs to be done to make existing lawscomprehensive.

The Hindu

7) Critically comment on the Social Progress Imperative and explain how is it different from otherindices that strive to measure development.

The Hindu

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights Secure-2014: Questions On Current Events, July22, 2014ARCHIVES

22 July 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) Write a note on the applications of Nanotechnology in the agriculture field with special referenceto India’s initiatives.

Business Standard

2) What is ‘bilateral advance-pricing agreement (APA) ‘? Why and between who this agreement issigned? Explain.

Business Standard

3) “The Indian government has made it clear that the Bali agreement will not be ratified unlessIndian demands are met. This is both a strategic and a tactical mistake.” Critically comment.

Business Standard

4) Critically comment on the important provisions of the Lokpal act which became operational in2013.

The Hindu

5) Critically examine the contours of India’s relationship with Israel vis a vis Palestine issue.

The Hindu

6) Write a critical note on the issue surrounding One Rank One Pension (OROP) policy.

The Hindu

7) “Special provisions become self-defeating when they merely result in further segregation.” Withreference to the debate on effectiveness of creating special provisions for disabled persons insteadof universalising these provisions, critically comment on the statement.

The Hindu

8) Critically discuss India’s relationship with Nepal.

The Indian Express

[UPSC MAINS 2014] Insights Secure-2014: Questions On Current Events, 23July 2014ARCHIVES

23 July 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) Critically examine the Permanent Court of Arbitration verdict on the India-Bangladesh maritimedispute and its implications for India in future.

Business Standard

2) Critically comment on the trend of adult and child ratio in India since 2000 and examine thecauses and consequences of these sex ratios.

The Hindu

3) Write a note on the mechanism of AIDS virus infection in humans. Explain the latestbreakthroughs in AIDS treatment.

The Hindu

4) Critically comment on India’s doctrine of ‘strategic autonomy’ and its efforts towards its pursuit.

The Hindu

The Indian Express – Reference

5) Write a note on the crowd-funding concept and the regulatory bodies’ views on it in India.

The Indian Express

6) Critically evaluate the nature of India’s economic and political engagement with Nepal sinceIndependence.

The Hindu

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights Secure-2014, July 24ARCHIVES

24 July 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) Which two colonial era laws would you like to see repealed or replaced and why? Criticallycomment.

Business Standard

2) Examine the objectives of G-20 for which it was set-up. Do you think the group has met itsobjectives? Comment.

Business Standard

3) Apart from energy production, discuss the constructive applications of nuclear technology withspecial reference to their importance to India.

Business Standard

4) Critically examine the birth of collegium system in India and its merits and demerits.

The Hindu

5) Critically comment on the opposition from some think-tanks and nations in the West on India’snuclear program.

The Hindu

6) “A legal minimum pay remains a vital tool for the workforce in mature democracies, even thoughthese are already underpinned by vibrant trade unions and high levels of social protectionmeasures.” Critically comment in the Indian context.

The Hindu

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights Secure-2014, July 25ARCHIVES

25 July 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) Write a note on ‘shotgun sequencing’. (100 Words)

Business Standard

2) Recently a draft genome sequence of wheat was prepared by scientists. Explain the significanceof this research, especially for India.

Business Standard

3) Write a note on the science behind India’s Green Revolution.

Business Standard

4) Examine the reasons behind proliferation of Ponzi schemes in India and explain what regulatorymeasures are in place to check them.

Business Standard

5) “Entitlement programmes should be delinked from the poverty line .” Critically comment.

The Hindu

6) “The Rangarajan expert group method of poverty estimation is both theoretically and empiricallyimplausible.” Critically examine.

The Hindu

7) “The Gaza strip is one part of an apartheid system stretching from the Jordan River to theMediterranean Sea and is a victim of Settler Colonialism.” Critically comment.

The Hindu

8) Write a note on real estate investment trusts (REITS) and explain why was it in news recently.

The Hindu

9) Critically analyse the recently notified rules for private corporations regarding corporate socialresponsibility (CSR) under the Companies Act, 2013.

The Indian Express

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights Secure-2014, July 26ARCHIVES

26 July 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) How is the Human Development Index calculated? Critically analyse India’s ranking in the 2014HDI report.

Business Standard

2) Critically examine the multiple challenges that face the proper implementation of the FoodSecurity Act in India.

The Hindu

3) Why is India objecting to the continued presence of UN observer mission at the Line of Control –UNMOGIP? Examine.

The Hindu

4) Critically comment on the functioning of UN Security Council

The Hindu

5) “The recent hostilities between Israel and Palestine are not rooted in only the immediate tensionsbetween them; they are a product of recent changes that have taken place in the region.” Examine.

The Hindu

6) Critically discuss the Research and Development scenario in India’s Science and Technologysector.

The Hindu

7) “The 2014 Human Development Report (HDR) draws attention to the urgent need to addresshuman vulnerabilities and build resilience as conditions for accelerating and sustaining progress.”Elucidate.

The Indian Express

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights Secure -2014, July 28ARCHIVES

28 July 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) “India should press for a comprehensive bilateral – or possibly trilateral, involving Bangladesh –treaty with China on water sharing that is open to international scrutiny and adjudication.”Comment why.

Business Standard

2) Critically comment on India’s stance on all WTO related issues.

Business Standard

3) What were the highlights of the lapsed Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill? Why was thebill introduced? Explain.

The Hindu

4) Write a note on the Buddhist values and their relevance today.

The Hindu

5) The poverty is not an independent cause of malnutrition. An improvement in sanitation andcleanliness will eliminate much of the difference in malnutrition between India and the rest of theworld, and across Indian States. In the light of the statement, critically analyse the nature ofmalnutrition in India and what factors should be kept in mind while framing strategies to deal withit.

The Hindu

6) Write a note on the U.N. Convention on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS) and its relevance to India.

The Hindu

7) Radical plans by the World Bank to relax the conditions on which it lends up to $50 billion a yearto developing countries have been condemned as potentially disastrous for the environment andlikely to weaken protection of indigenous peoples and the poor. Critically examine.

The Hindu

8) Critically analyse India’s nuclear liability law and examine what effects it has on the growth ofnuclear sector in India.

The Indian Express

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights Secure-2014, July 29ARCHIVES

29 July 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) “India’s silence on critical global issues fits poorly with its global aspirations.” Critically comment.

The Indian Express

2) “To build an inclusive society, the police needs an urgent overhaul and wide reform.” Criticallycomment.

The Indian Express

3) Examine why efforts to conserve elephants worldwide is challenging and not yielding desiredresults.

The Hindu

4) A recognised leader of the opposition (LoP) is necessary for the proper and harmoniousfunctioning of Parliament and for the working of several of the recently enacted laws. In the light ofthe statement critically comment on the selection procedure of LoP and the importance of thisposition in the Parliament and outside.

The Hindu

5) Critically discuss on what grounds different groups are opposing the field trials of GeneticallyModified crops in India.

The Hindu

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights SecureMains, 30 July 2014ARCHIVES

30 July 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) Critically comment on the nature of tribunals, their composition and their relationship with theexecutive and judiciary.

Business Standard

2) Write a note on WTO’s Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (“SCMAgreement”) and examine how much of India’s policies are consistent with these measures.

Business Standard

Reference

3) Write a critical note on the composition and functions of the Genetic Engineering ApprovalCommittee (GEAC)

Business Standard

4) Critically examine the concerns expressed by Nepal in its bilateral relationship with India.

The Hindu

5) Is UPSC civil service exam’s CSAT paper discriminatory? Critically comment.

The Hindu

6) ” If we allow the dangerous global trends towards unhealthy, processed and packaged foods tooverwhelm the food culture in India, the direct and indirect public cost is likely to be enormous. ”Comment.

The Hindu

[UPSC MAINS-2014] Insights SecureQuestions, 31 July 2014ARCHIVES

31 July 2014

Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words

1) Is agricultural loan waiver policy, announced by many states and sometimes by the uniongovernment to help farmers in distress, good for the economy? Comment.

Business Standard

2) Examine why voluntary disclosure of income schemes (VDIS) was implemented and what has beenits record.

Business Standard

3) Write a note on different types of landslides, their causes and remedies.

The Hindu

4) Critically comment on the effect of sanctions on both the parties imposed on Russia by the West.

The Hindu

5) Examine the leading causes of high infant and maternal mortality rates in India. What steps needto be taken and what is the cost of neglecting interventions to reduce these rates? Analyse.

The Hindu

6) “Such is the United Nations’ marginalisation in international relations that it is becomingirrelevant to the raging conflicts. ” Critically comment.

The Hindu

7) “..trade is what most of international relations are about. For that reason, trade policy is nationalsecurity policy.” Evaluate in the context of India.

The Indian Express

8) Write a note on the Nasa Mars rover, Opportunity and its significance.

The Indian Express