01/11/2013

1. Fixed minimum tenure would not only enable the civil servants to achieve their professional targets, but also help them to function as effective instruments of public policy. Critically evaluate. (200 Words) 2. In severe international conflict scenarios, to resolve an issue, often the solution can be found through diplomacy, not by intimidation or war. Comment. (200 Words) 3. Comment on the prevalence of child marriage practice in India and its implication on girls, children and society. Suggest measures to stop such practice. (250 Words) 4. Highlight the importance of Track-III Diplomacy in fostering good relations between countries. (150 Words) 5. The Supreme Courts 2006 verdict in the Prakash Singh vs. Union of India case was a landmark judgment. But political class has failed it. Critically comment. (200 Words) 6. Explain the areas of interest and cooperation between India and Cuba. Is Cuba conducive for Indian investments? Examine. (200 Words) 7. Much of the deterioration of the standards of probity and accountability with the civil servants is due to the political influence of persons purporting to represent those who are in authority. Critically comment. (200 Words) 8. Safe Savings scheme (100 Words) 9. Supreme Social Happiness Department (50 Words) 10. Agriculture is a powerful instrument for national integration. Comment. (150 Words) 11. Analyze the factors that led to Green Revolution in India. (200 Words) 12. Once USA pulls out of Afghanistan, the new great game in Afghanistan is going to be between India and Pakistan. Do you agree wit h this view? Explain why. (200 Words) 13. Critically evaluate the role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in post-Independence consolidation of India. (200 Words) 14. Critically examine the recommendations of Justice Mukul Mudgal committee set up by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to suggest legislative framework in the wake of series f bans on movies by the state governments. (150 Words) 02/11/2013 1. Examine how Indias fiscal policy has evolved post 1991-92 liberalization of Indian economy. (200 Words) (Page 14)

2. Do you think Taliban has become existential threat to Pakistan? Comment on the evolution of Taliban movement and its threat to world peace. (200 Words) 3. Write a note on trade relationship between India and Australia. (150 Words) 4. The multi-stakeholder model of Internet governance in the 21st century is exceptionally important. What do you understand by this statement? Explain in the context of India. (150 Words) 5. Write a short note on 7th United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (100 Words) 6. Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) (50 Words) 7. Explain the importance of minimally invasive education concept and its application in India. (200 Words) 8. Do you support regulation of media in India by the government? Justify your answer and also suggest alternate measures. (200 Words) 9. Write a note on terrorist threats to China. Compare and contrast Chinas anti-terrorism policy with that of Indias. (200 Words) 10. Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) (50 Words) 11. Do you think the Supreme Courts recent verdict on insulating officers from political interference is an act of judicial overreach? Comment. (150 Words) 12. What are the challenges being faced by Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) countries in Indian Ocean region? Elucidate. (200 Words) 04/11/2013 1. It was a natural corollary that India should turn its attention to science satellites. What do you understand by the statement? Elaborate. (150 Words) 2. Most government schemes fail not because they are inherently defective, but because many a times on the ground the necessary infrastructure is non-existent. Comment (150 Words) 3. What were the consequences of UKs proposed immigration policy of subjecting visitors from six high-risk Commonwealth countries to a certain bond plan? Examine. (100 Words) 4. Amrit Mahal Kaval grasslands (50 Words)

5. What is the rationale behind Saudi Nitaqat policy? What is its implication on Indian labour force working in Saudi Arabia? (150 Words) 6. In India, the functioning of democratic institutions and the deepening of the democratic process along with the efforts to implement constitutional mandates for affirmative action have induced higher levels of political mobilization. Do you agree with this view? Elaborate. (200 Words) 7. What is the significance of local elections held in Kosovo? Briefly explain the causes of tension between Serbia and Kosovo. (200 Words) 8. Examine why there is an escalation of tension between Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen in the Palk Strait. (150 Words) 9. Afghanistan faces war on many fronts, and the deadliest might be on the narcotics front. Comment. (200 Words) 10. Is the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) in vehicles a completely cleaner option to reduce pollution in our cities? Substantiate. (100 Words) 11. What factors triggered 1971 Bangladesh war? What were the consequences of the war? (150 Words) 12. Lorenzos Oil (50 Words) 13. In your opinion, what measures should be taken by the government to prevent communal clashes from happening? (200 Words) 14. The two dimensions along which India fares worst are generation of employment an d protection of the environment while growing its GDP. Do you agree with the statement? Explain why. Also shed light on how can India perform better in this regard. (250 Words) 15. Critically comment on the role of foreign institutional investment (FII) in Indias economic growth and development. (150 Words) 05/11/2013 1. Critically analyze the role of ASHAs as an interface between the community and the public health system. Have they been successful in their mission? Give your views. (200 Words) 2. The single most important objective of Indian foreign policy has to be to create a global environment conducive to the well-being of our great country. How far has India been successful in its foreign policy as suggested in the above statement? Critically evaluate. (250 Words) 3. Explain how terrorist activities are funded in India. What measures has government taken to stop such funding? (200 Words)

4. What is your opinion on Opinion Polls? Should they be conducted or not? Substantiate. (150 Words)

5. Amur Falcon (50 Words) 6. Write a note on the role of AIDWA in women empowerment. (150 Words) 7. Kinect Sign Language Translator (50 Words) 8. In recent years, emerging economies are encouraging their nationals to acquire large tracts of land in foreign countries and use them for farming purpose. What is the rationale behind such a move? Do you think its a sound policy? Comment. (200 Words) 9. Critically comment on the outcome of Arab Spring revolution. (200 Words) 10. What maritime challenges does India face? Comment on Indias preparedness in facing these challenges. (200 Words) 11. U.N. International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and India (100 Words) 12. What is capital gains tax? Why was it in news recently? (150 Words) 06/11/2013 1. What is the significance of Methane to Earths atmosphere? How is it produced on Earth? (150 Words) 2. Significance of 118th amendment to the Constitution (50 Words) 3. Do you think India and China could jointly combat terrorism? Explain how? (150 Words) 4. What is the role and mandate of UNESCO? Do you think its role should be expanded? Analyze. (200 Words) 5. Methamphetamine (50 Words) 6. Do you think superstition be allowed to be practiced as part of culture, even by persons holding responsible positions? Substantiate. (150 Words) 7. According to World Bank report, clean cooking solutions can save millions of lives and also reduce pollution. Explain the risks involved in using unclean cooking solutions in poor countries and the remedial measures needed to be adopted. (200 Words)

8. Do you agree with the view that Drone strikes are unethical and are in violation of human rights? Substantiate. (150 Words)

9. Obdurodon tharalkooschild (20 Words) 10. Assess the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Rafi Ahmed Kidwai to post independence India. (150 Words) 11. Comment on the recommendations of High Level Expert Group on Universal Health Coverage of the Planning Commission. (150 Words) 12. Evaluate the performance of National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in its mission. (150 Words) 07/11/2013 1. Explain the role of Finance Commission. Do you think Finance Commissions act as complimentary to Planning Commission? Explain. (200 Words) 2. Do you think AFSPA is anti-constitutional? Substantiate. (150 Words) 3. Poi Kathin (50 Words) 4. Analyze the factors that make the Northeast India as the gateway to Southeast Asia . Asses how far this region has been tapped as gateway to South East Asia by the government of India. (200 Words) 5. Banda Vasudev Rao (50 Words) 6. Explain Indias position on various issues related to climate change negotiations. (250 Words) 7. Comment on Indias fuel subsidy policy. (200 Words) 8. Evaluate the performance of India Bangladesh security cooperation measures. (150 Words)

9. Highlight the importance of stable democracy in Maldives to India. (150 Words) 10. Write a critical note on Marine pollution. (150 Words) 11. Critically examine Indias Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) (200 Words) 12. Ensuring Food safety is as important as Food Security. Comment in the light of enactment of recent Food Security bill. (200 Words)

13. What is Indias stand on stem cell therapy? Do you think ethical issues raised around stem cell research are harmful to the larger cause of saving life? Explain. (200 Words) 14. Metformin (50 Words) 15. Southern Annular Mode (SAM) (50 Words) 08 November 2013 1. Duty Drawback Scheme (50 Words) 2. Critically analyze the events that led to the accession of Kashmir to India post-Independence. (200 Words) 3. The reassertion of the importance of historical emissions in the new climate agreement by the developing countries has put into risk the possible tangible agreement on climate change. Comment. (200 Words) 4. Write a critical note on Indias Hydrocarbon Policy. (200 Words) 5. Critically examine why a nuclear-free Iran is a priority for the Western countries. (150 Words) 6. Imomali Rakhmon (50 Words) 7. Analyze the importance of involvement of local communities in conservation of biodiversity in India. Give any successful example from around the world that can act as a model for India to emulate. (200 Words) 8. Critically evaluate Brazils Bolsa Familia program in eradicating poverty. Examine in which schemes this program can be adopted in India successfully. (200 Words) 9. Bring out the importance of social prescribing in providing a healthcare solution to patients suffering from mental health problems. (150 Words) 10. Highlight the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to Indias freedom struggle. (200 Words) 11) What repercussions does ethnic problems in Myanmar have on India? Explain. (150 Words) 09 November 2013 1. Explain the composition and mandate of CBI. Comment on the recent verdict of Guwahati High Court questioning the very existence and legality of CBI. (200 Words)

2. Throw light on recent controversy regarding allegation of human rights violation by Sri Lankan army during 2009 war against LTTE. What is the response and role of International community and organizations including India on the issue? (200 Words) 3. Briefly explain the constitutional and legislative procedure involved in formation of a new state. (150 Words) 4. What are the geopolitical implications of normalization of ties between Iran and the West? Analyze. (200 Words) 5. Give an account of Indias nuclear missile program. Do you think present capabilities are enough or does India need to develop more missile capabilities? Comment (250 Words) 6. What measures has government taken to protect Ramsar sites in India? Explain. (200 Words) 7. Write a critical note on the post-1980 economic reforms of China. (200 Words) 8. Trans-fats and public health (150 Words) 9. Do you think public statues as forms of artistic expression as seen in Western countries is absent in India? Critically examine. (200 Words) 10. Chelyabinsk (50 Words) November 11, 2013 1. Discuss the importance of India ASEM cooperation to India. Examine if the present level of cooperation should be enhanced for tangible outcome. (200 Words) 2. Critically assess the role of MGNREGA in empowering rural women in India. (200 Words) 3. Examine the rationale behind Saudi Arabias Nitaqat policy. How does this policy help Saudi Arabia? Critically analyze. (200 Words) 4. MERS-CoV (50 Words) 5. Do you think the governments policies so far have empowered Dalits? If not, explain what more needs to be done. (200 Words) 6. Vijay Dan Detha (20 Words) 7. Kovvada and Kotapalem (50 Words) 8. Disaster management should not be limited to rescue and relief operations but preparedness to handle it. Comment (200 Words)

9. Decommissioning of old dams is crucial for restoration of damaged ecology. Analyze Indias policy on old dams in the light of the statement. (200 Words) 10. Fiscal Cliff (100 Words) 11. Pablo Neruda (50 Words) 12. Explain the importance of HFCs to India? (150 Words) 13. At the U.N. climate talks, Indias commitment to stringent emission norms must doubtless be coupled with a legally binding assurance of technology transfer. Comment. (150 Words) 14. Should negative outlook for a country expressed by the Rating Agencies be considered seriously by that country? Comment. (150 Words) 15. Evaluate the role of women in private sector jobs. Do you think women in private sector are more empowered? Comment. (200 Words) 12/11/2013 1. Discuss some successful PPP models adopted for Urban Development in India. (200 Words) 2. Do you think Water Disputes Tribunals have successfully resolved inter-state river water disputes? Analyze with suitable examples. (200 Words) 3. Write a critical note on India Pakistan trade relations. (200 Words) 4. Explain the composition and mandate of IAEA. Do you think it has succeeded in its missions? (200 Words) 5. Gachin uranium mine (20 Words) 6. What is Carbon trading? Do you think Carbon Trading has helped in mitigation of Climate Change? Substantiate. (200 Words) 7. Preah Vihear (50 Words) 8. What are the mandates of ICC and ICJ? Explain (100 Words) 9. Write a note on the threat of space debris? (100 Words) 10. While exit polls and post-poll survey based projections have done better than pre-election polls, all forms of polls have proven to be a better guide to electoral prospects than any drawing room or news room gossip. Do you agree with the statement? Substantiate. (200 Words)

13/11/2013 1. Explain how NDM manages disasters caused by earthquakes? Are our major cities ready to face such disasters? Comment. (200 Words) 2. Do you agree with the view that Karnatakas Shaadi Bhagya scheme is unconstitutional? Substantiate. (150 Words) 3. What are the obstacles faced being by governments in developing tribal areas across the country? Do you think present schemes implemented by the Union government for the welfare of tribal areas are yielding results? Explain why. (250 Words) 4. Integrated Global Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Pneumonia and Diarrhoea (GAPPD) (50 Words) 5. Comment on Indias efforts to protect children under five from deaths caused by preventable diseases. (200 Words) 6. Examine the status of implementation of Sachar committee report. Suggest measures to improve the status of minorities in India. (200 Words) 7. Comment on the need for amending Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. (150 Words) 8. Tasmanian tiger (50 Words) 9. Significance of Higgs boson particle to Science (100 Words) 10. Comment on the geopolitical interests of USA in the WANA region. (150 Words) 11. International Security Assistance Force (50 Words) 12. The picture in Afghanistan today is bleak: worsening security, ubiquitous Taliban presence, poor coordination between donors and the government, a slowing economy, and increasing insecurity. Elaborate. (200 Words) 13. Why is Rupee depreciating? What are the main domestic reasons? Analyze. (200 Words) 14. Throw light on India UK relations in R&D. (150 Words) 14/11/2013 1. Examine the plausible Constitutional roadblocks in the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. (150 Words)

2. For women safety, we need sensible policing from gender sensitive policemen. Comment. (200 Words) 3. Do you think total autonomy to CBI would hurt criminal justice system? Comment. (150 Words) 4. How does agriculture contribute to climate change? Do you think climate change mitigation process should focus on agriculture? Explain. (200 Words) 5. G2285 Mutation (50 Words) 6. Explain Indias efforts at eradication of Polio. What are the problems being faced by India in total eradication of Polio? Explain. (200 Words) 7. Tropical Depression (50 Words) 8. Considering recent mining scams involving many private companies, do you think natural resources of national importance be nationalized? Substantiate. (200 Worlds) 9. Mylene Paquette (20 Words) 10. The One World Trade Center (50 Words) 11. Analyze trade relations between India and UK. (200 Words) 12. Panthera blytheae (50 Words) 13. Evaluate how Nepal has moved towards democracy since Peoples Movement of 2006. (200 Words) 14. Shiraz Naval Minwalla (50 Words) 15. The 34-year-old Iran-U.S. cold war, has harmed interests of USA and those of its Israeli and Arab friends. Comment. (200 Words) 16. What is MSP? Explain its importance to Indian agriculture and to consumers. (250 Words) 15/11/2013 1. Why does India aspire to become permanent member of UNSC? Do you think time is ripe for Indias ascension into permanent member of UNSC? Comment. (200 Words) 2. Write a note on India-Russia defence cooperation. (150 Words) 3. Explain major threats and Indias role in maritime security in the Indian Ocean. (200 Words) 4. Puntius denisonii (50 Words)

5. Explain the role and objectives of The National Cadet Corps (NCC). Do you think it has succeeded in its mission? Comment. (200 Words) 6. INS Vikramaditya (50 Words) 7. What are the types of loans provided by World Bank, IMF and ADB respectively to poor and developing countries? Does India need aid from these institutions? Examine. (200 Words) 8. With examples, critically examine the role of women organizations in empowering women affected by various violences including natural disasters and wars. (200 Words) 9. Explain the effect of climate change on worlds oceans and their ecology. (250 Words) 10. Boko Haram (50 Words) 11. Wild Urbanism (100 Words) 12. Role of G6 in international diplomacy (100 Words) 13. Do you support more government spending on social sectors schemes? Analyze the benefits or drawbacks of such spendings taking cue from past and present performances of many high budget social sector schemes. (200 Words) 14. Critically examine the working of tribunals in India. (250 Words) 15. There is a serious disjoint in governance between the political hierarchy and the administrative machinery. Comment (200 Words) 16. It is not easy to implement either Supreme Courts instructions or recommendations of various committees on civil service reforms. Why? Analyze. (250 Words) 16/11/2013 1. Write a note on the nature of communal tensions in Rakhine state. (150 Words) 2. Write a critical note on the importance of FIR and its implementation. (200 Words) 3. Waste Immobilisation Plant (WIP) (50 Words) 4. The closed fuel cycle technology for nuclear power generation (100 Words) 5. Bring out the importance of addressing the issue of IPRs in the climate change negotiations. (150 Words) 6. Like-Minded Developing Countries group (50 Words)

7. Do you agree with the view that Turkey is a role model for other Islamic countries in the surrounding regions, especially Middle East to emulate? Substantiate. (200 Words) 8. Examine what implications One Child Policy had on Chinese society and economy. (250 Words) 9. What caused recent Eurozone sovereign debt crisis? What was its effect on Indian economy? (200 Words) 10. Comment on Russias recent efforts at implanting its strategic footprint in the Middle East and Mediterranean Sea. (150 Words) 11. Googles Library Project (100 Words) 12.As with new private banks, expectations from the foreign banks in the evolution of Indias financial sector and in financial inclusion are highly exaggerated. Analyze. (200 Words) 13. For all its progressive pronouncements against sexual harassment at the workplace, the Supreme Court has come up woefully short in addressing the issue within its fraternity. Critically comment. (200 Words) 14. How Model is Election Commissions Model Code of Conduct? Comment. (150 Words) 18/11/2013 1. Write a note on the contribution of C.N.R. Rao to the Indian Science and Education. (150 Words) 2. A recent study found that in the case of Tigers in India, increasing local abundance is an inadequate conservation strategy for them. In the light of the said report, examine what should be the strategy of government to protect dwindling number of tigers? (150 Words) 3. The entire structure of healthcare delivery for effective antibiotics from research and development, to distribution and rational use needs to be re-engineered to address the looming global threat of antibiotic resistance. Elaborate. (200 Words) 4. Write a critical note on the recently passed Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Bill, 2011. (200 Words) 5. What is the intention behind declaration of assets by candidates contesting elections? Has it made any positive impact? Comment. (150 Words) 6. France, long critical of the United States role as the worlds policeman, is emerging as the most interventionist of Western states. Comment. (200 Words) 7. Abdulla Yaameen (25 Words)

8. Doris Lessing (50 Words) 9. Enemys enemy is a friend: this is best illustrated in West Asia between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Elucidate. (150 Words) 10. Viola Organista (25 Words) 11. The Durban Platform for Enhanced Action (DPA) (100 Words) 12. Global carbon budget (100 Words) 13. Granting bank licenses to corporate houses and for foreign banks by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) are meant to deepen the financial sector. Do you think its a wise step? Comment. (200 Words) Following questions are framed based on news stories from The Hindu newspaper (19/11/2013). For your references link below each questions are provided that take you to source article on website. It is noncommercial and we thank The Hindu on behalf of all IAS aspirants using this site. (Well, The Hindu has raised objection for using their s, content etc thanks to complaints pray that they allow us to proceed with this initiative as its purely noncommercial and academic. In case they persist, we may have to stop giving s) 1. Write a critical note on India-UAE relations. Is there a mechanism between two countries to deal with the issue of migrants abuse in UAE? Explain. (200 Words) 2. What role did India play during Nepals recent constitutional crisis? Explain. (150 Words)

3. Do you agree with the view that more powers to Grama Sabha actually scuttle development process? Comment in the light of the controversy over implementation of Kasturirangan report on Western Ghats. (150 Words) 4. Pangasius fish (50 Words) 5. Analyze Indias defence and security relationship with Vietnam. (150 Words) 6. Sahityarathi Lakshminath Bezbaroa (50 Words) 7. Do you think the concept of Privy Purses and special privileges, which were abolished by a constitutional amendment, were incompatible with an egalitarian social order? Comment. (200 Words) 8. In the case of Pakistan, it is the unique character of the Pakistan military and its philosophy of proxy war that presents a problem, not just at the LoC, but for the entire gamut of India-Pakistan relations. Critically analyze. (200 Words)

9. Green Box subsidies (100 Words) 20/11/2013 1. In recent years the Representation of the People Act has become the victim of tug of war between the judiciary and executive. Elucidate. (200 Words) 2. Write a critical note on the Shia Sunni rift in the Middle East and its implications on the peace in the region. (250 Words) 3. In your opinion what are the probable reasons for India having highest number of people in the world openly defecating? Explain. (200 Words) 4. Explain the role played by UNAIDS and India in controlling AIDS. (150 Words) 5. Frauenquote (50 Words) 6. Selfie (20 Words) 7. Illegal transplantation and trade of human organs is routine in India thanks to the big gap between demand and supply of donor organs. What measures has government taken to deal with this problem? (200 Words) (Question is not directly related) 8. What is New Media? How safe it is for the users? (150 Words) Reference Wikipedia 9. Write a critical note on spread of Islamic radicalism in Africa. (200 Words) 10. What are the benefits India would get if its made the member of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)? Elucidate. (200 Words) (Not directly related) 11. Indonesia, as a Muslim-majority country that has made a successful, if difficult, transition to democracy it can talk and make suggestions, from a position of confidence, to everyone. Elaborate (200 Words) 12. Do you thin APEC is merely - A Perfect Excuse for a Chat? Comment. (150 Words) Reference Economist 13. Governance issues and administrative convenience should also be among the decisive factors in the creation of new states. Comment. (200 Words) 14. Explain the importance of stable Bangladesh from security point of view of the region. (200 Words)

21/11/2013 1. What measures can state governments take to increase solar energy generation and utilization? (150 Words) 2. Write a critical note on Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission and its achievements so far. (200 Words) 3. Finmeccanica (50 Words) 4. Why did Doha Development round and subsequent WTO talks fail? Examine. (200 Words) Reference 5. The topic of loss and damage in the context of climate change is a major focus in the adaptation discussion under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) climate talks. What is Loss and Damage under climate talks parlance and why is it important? Explain. (200 Words) Reference 6. Why do you think Vietnam is important for India to pursue its geopolitical interests in the South East Asian region? Comment. (150 Words) 7. What are the recommendations of the Master Shafeek Committee constituted by the government to look into child abuse and steps needed to prevent it? Explain (200 Words) 8. Sangai Festival (50 Words) 9. Write a note on Myanmars recent efforts at liberalizing its society and polity. What role can India probably play in Myanmars transition? (200 Words) 10. Frederick Sanger (50 Words) 11. What is DNA sequencing? How did it revolutionize genomic research? (200 Words) Reference 12. Highlight recent Supreme Court judgments that are related to the conduct of elections and electoral reforms. (200 Words) 13. Analyze Indias achievements in the field of Space Technology. In your opinion, what role should successes in space exploration play in India? (250 Words) 14. The current fighting going on in Darfur region is not primarily tribal. Comment. (150 Words) 15. Explain the geostrategic importance of Aircraft carrier Vikramaditya to Indias sea interests. (200 Words)

22/11/2013 1. What aspects of centre-state relations are at conflict in the case of implementation of recommendations of High-Level Working Group (HLWG) on Western Ghats (headed by Kasturirangan) by the state governments? Explain. (150 Words) 2. Explain the history of Naga insurgency in the North Eastern region of the country. Do you think their demands are reasonable? Critically comment. (200 Words) 3. Write a note on Indias attempts at sourcing energy resources from Central Asian countries. (150 Words) 4. What important amendments were made to different rape related acts through Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill-2013? Do you think strong laws deter rapes? Critically examine. (200 Words 5. Why has internet governance drawn lot of attention lately? In your opinion, do you think countries need a centralized watchdog to look after the issues concerned with internet governance or it should be left to individual discretion of the countries? Comment. (200 Words) 6. Nitin Desai (20 Words) 7. To understand the problem of malnutrition, one must integrate economic, behavioural, medical, environmental, and social aspects. Elaborate. (200 Words) 8. The Indian Seismic and GNSS Network (ISGN) Project (100 Words) 9. Why is it necessary to properly understand the mechanism of Monsoon? Explain importance of Monsoon to Indias economy. (250 Words) 10. NWA 7533 (50 Words) 11. Yulia Tymoshenko (50 Words) 12. Write a note on role of NGOs in climate change negotiations. (150 Words) 13. What challenges are ahead for the successful operation of Bharatiya Mahila Bank (BMB) ? How can it overcome those challenges? Explain (200 Words) 23/11/2013 1. Has MGNREGA benefited Indian farmer? Comment. (150 Words) 2. Tirumayam Fort (50 Words) 3. Write a critical note on the financial relations between Union government and states in India. (200 Words)

4. Kalbeli Folk Dance (50 Words) 5. Explain the societal benefits of Mars mission. Should cost benefit analysis apply to missions like this? Comment. (200 Words) 6. What is assisted reproductive technology? What are the ethical issues involved in it? (150 Words) 7. Spice Route (50 Words) 8. UNWTO (50 Words) 9. What are the functions of Law Commission? (150 Words) 10. What are Lok Adalats? Explain the importance of National Lok Adalats disputes redressal. (150 Words) 11. Why is crop diversity important for a country? Has India taken any measures to preserve its crop diversity? (200 Words) 12. Gecko (20 Words) 13. Pernicious behaviours such as smoking, illegal drug use, excessive drinking, unhealthy eating and unsafe sex, which harm the health of the country can be reversed by promoting societal conditions for better health choices. Comment. (200 Words) 25/11/2013 1. Rule 49-O of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 (50 Words) 2. Write a note on the implications of recent lifting of sanctions on Iran by the West on India -Iran relations. (150 Words) 3. Why does Israel and Iran have a strained relations between them? Examine. (150 Words) 2 4. What are the important schemes undertaken by the government to improve the socio-economic condition of the tribal population in India? Do you think those schemes have made positive impact? Examine. (250 Words) 5. Explain the significance of Geneva deal between Iran and p5+1 countries. (150 Words) 6. Manny Pacquiao (50 Words) 7. Joseph Kony (50 Words)

8. The History weighs heavy on Japan Korea relations. Comment (200 Words) 9. What are the highlights of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013? (150 Words) 10. Cycle 24 (50 Words) 11. What are the negative aspects of Bitcoin? (100 Words) November 26, 2013 1. Salient features of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) (100 Words) 2. The current tangle in Nagaland must be handled politically, with sensitivity to the changing concerns and aspirations in a state once convulsed by insurgency. Elaborate. (200 Words) Indian Express 3. Some of the predictable hostility in the Middle East between Iran and other neighboring countries is rooted in the demonization of each other over many decades. Comment. (200 Words) Indian Express 4. India has not utilized its waterways to the full potential for various reasons. What are those reasons? Assess the importance of national waterways to the Indian economy. (200 Words) 5. Parties in Nepal must not be diverted again by short term issues of power -sharing. Comment on the statement in the light of Nepals recent failure to form it constitution on time. (150 Words) Indian Express 6. Highlight the importance of coastal security to India. What measures has government taken to tighten the coastal security? Explain. (200 Words) 7. What is Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project? Why is it important to India? Why is there opposition to the project? Explain. (250 Words) 8. Compare and contrast the process of government formation in Germany and India. (200 Words) 9. The World Bank estimates that geothermal from east Africas Rift Valley could powe r 150 million homes. Examine what factors favor this region to produce geothermal energy and how is it formed? (200 Words) 10. Rohingya (50 Words) 11. Burraq and Shahpar UAV Systems (50 Words) 12. What guidelines has the Supreme Court directed to safeguard women from sexual harassment at the workplaces? (150 Words)

1. Write a short note on Service Tax Voluntary Compliance Encouragement Scheme 2013 (100 Words) 2. Why is there an increase in incidents of gold smuggling into the country? Explain. (150 Words) 3. The bubbling debate over the idea of secular stagnat ion in the West may prove to have farreaching intellectual and practical consequences for the world. What is secular stangnation? What can India learn from it? Examine. (200 Words) Indian Express 4. Involving farmers in the decision-making process would be a good place to begin to effectively use increased the funds meant for R&D in agricultural research institutions. Elaborate. (200 Words) Indian Express 5. How does the success of nuclear talks in Geneva between Iran and p5+1 countries ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran? (150 Words) 6. East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) (50 Words) 7. Asias balance of power will be determined principally by events in East Asia and the Indian Ocean. Comment (200 Words) 8. Do you think India and Japan are Asias natural-born allies? Critically analyze the evolving relationship between India and Japan in trade and strategic affairs. (250 Words) 9. Cyber Coalition 2013 (50 Words) 10. The objective must be to ring-fence the acquired capability so its use can only be peaceful. Elucidate the statement in the light of recent agreement between Iran and the west regarding Irans nuclear program. (200 Words) 28, November 2013 1. In India, despite law, dowry is still seen as adequate recompense for inheritance. Explain the sociological factors that stop women from inheriting land and other properties. (200 Words) 2. Critically examine the steps taken by the government in ensuring safe institutional delivery for pregnant women in India. (200 Words) 3. In your opinion why India has high rate of MMR? (150 Words) 4. Has affirmative action affected wellbeing of people belonging to forward classes? Critically comment if there is need to introduce the policy of affirmative action in favor of forward classes too. (200 Words) 5. Kirit Parikh committees recommendations are too ambitious and are politically challenging. Comment. (200 Words)

Indian Express Economic Times 6. Is a multilateral trading system such as WTO indispensable to the world? Comment. (150 Words) Indian Express 7. Indian Deep Space Network (50 Words) 8. Write a critical note on Chinas Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) and its implication on the regional security. (200 Words) 9. The Bay Psalm Book (50 Words) 10. A range of reforms legal, judicial and institutional needs to be initiated for dealing with delays and ensuring access to justice. Elaborate. (200 Words) 29, November 2013 1. The anti-poverty programmes are leaky and inefficient, unable to lift Indians out of poverty. Comment. (150 Words) 2. Live-in or marriage like relationship is neither a crime nor a sin though socially unacceptable in this country. Do you think the recent verdict by the Supreme Court on live -in relationships is progressive? Examine if there are any legal hindrances to successful social life of live-in couples and how can they be overcome? (200 Words) 3. Explain how GDP is calculated in India. Do you think GDP growth rate reflects overall wellbeing of a country? Comment why. (200 Words) 4. Write a critical note on the geopolitical aspirations of EU in the Eastern Europe region. (150 Words) 5. Write a note on the importance of NBFCs (non-banking finance companies) to Indian economy. (150 Words) 6. What are the problems being faced by electricity distribution companies (discoms) in India? Explain. (150 Words) 7. Highlight the recommendation of Percy Mistry Committee on financial sector reforms. (150 Words) 8. Real financial sector reforms require a strong political will. Comment. (200 Words) 9. What are the legal hurdles in the creation of new state of Telangana? (150 Words) 10. Now for the Future (50 Words)

30, November 2013 1.Democratic decentralisation cannot be misunderstood to mean communitarian anarchy. Comment. (150 Words) Indian Express Reference 2. What were the major outcomes of the UN climate negotiations in Warsaw? (150 Words) Indian Express 3. Explain the measures taken by the Union government in conserving the Tiger population in India. (150 Words) 4. China will be increasingly judged by its partners and the international community by its actions and not by its rhetoric. Comment on the statement in the light of recent developments in the South China Sea and elsewhere. (200 Words) 5. Comet Ison (50 Words) 6. Despite investing heavily in infrastructure projects, the India cities have not resolved traffic issues efficiently. Comment. (200 Words) 7. The main problem with Indian cities is the disconnect between growth and transportation grids. Elaborate. (150 Words)