Mains Marathon

Day 23: The WTO faces a crisis of legitimacy amid rising protectionism and the growing dominance of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Critically evaluate this trend in the context of India’s trade interests and multilateral commitments. (250 Words)

Day 23: Evaluate the effectiveness of Quad initiatives such as the Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI), Digital Infrastructure Principles, and Quad Investors Network (QUIN) in advancing Indo-Pacific cooperation. (250 Words)

Day 23: Assess the implications of India's participation in the Minerals Security Finance Network (MSFN) on its energy security and economic interests. Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with this collaboration. (150 Words)

Day 23: Evaluate the role of the IMF's Extended Fund Facility (EFF) in supporting countries facing structural economic challenges. How effective is the EFF in promoting long-term fiscal stability in borrowing countries? (150 Words)

Day 22: “Diaspora ties can fray under pressure—not just economies but identities strain too.” Discuss the key challenges recently faced by the Indian diaspora and suggest how India can respond effectively. (250 words)

Day 22: From BRICS to SCO, India and China often cooperate multilaterally but clash bilaterally. Examine the paradox and its implications for regional stability. (250 words)

Day 22: BIMSTEC is often seen as a “bridge between South and Southeast Asia.” Evaluate its strategic importance for India’s Act East and Neighbourhood First policies. (150 words)

Day 22: “Terror and talks cannot go together, but neither can silence and peace.” How does India’s evolving foreign policy towards Pakistan navigate this contradiction? (150 words)

Day 21: “Welfare without middlemen is the ideal; Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) is India’s attempt at making that ideal real.” Assess the effectiveness of the DBT mechanism in reducing poverty and improving targeting efficiency of welfare schemes in India. (250 Words)

Day 21: Despite being a major food producer, India ranks 105th out of 127 countries in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024. Analyze the paradox of hunger, highlighting key causes and suggesting policy interventions to address this issue. (250 Words)

Day 21: The Performance Grading Index(PGI) is a step toward evidence-based policymaking in education. Discuss its significance in identifying and bridging learning and governance gaps across states. (150 Words)

Day 21: Examine the rationale behind the Economic Survey 2024-25’s recommendation to impose higher taxes on ultra-processed foods. In what ways could this step contribute to addressing lifestyle diseases and enhancing public health? (150 Words)

Day 20: “NGOs are increasingly seen as enablers of human development in areas with institutional deficits.”Evaluate the effectiveness and limitations of NGO-led development interventions in India. (250 words)

Day 20: “Digital India is not merely a technological mission; it is a governance transformation agenda.” Examine the extent to which Digital India has enhanced transparency, efficiency, and inclusiveness in public service delivery. (250 words)

Day 20: “Good governance is not just about rule-based administration but also about rights-based service delivery.” Discuss in light of the objectives and limitations of Citizens’ Charters in India. (150 words)

Day 20: “Empowering women through SHGs is not just an economic intervention, but a social revolution.” Examine the role of SHGs in women-led development and social transformation. (150 words)

Day 19: “Centrally Sponsored Schemes(CSSs) act as bridges between national priorities and state-level execution.” How can reforming the structure and monitoring of CSSs strengthen cooperative federalism and promote outcome-based governance in India? (250 Words)

Day 19: “The Jan Suraksha Schemes reflect India’s financial inclusion drive.” Discuss how banks, insurers, and post offices enhance their reach, build trust, and ensure enrollment through collaboration and public awareness. (250 Words)

Day 19: Ayushman Bharat Yojana is a vital step towards universal healthcare. Discuss the implications of extending this scheme to elderly citizens, focusing on accessibility, affordability, and sustainability in the context of India's aging population. (150 Words)

Day 19: Welfare schemes are vital for addressing socio-economic disparities in India, but face implementation challenges. Discuss these challenges and suggest measures that can address this inadequacy to enhance the effectiveness of welfare programs. (150 Words)