Mains Practice Questions

Q. Internal security challenges in India are increasingly shaped by non-traditional threats rather than conventional law-and-order issues. Examine the changing nature of internal security threats and discuss the preparedness of India’s security architecture. (250 words).

Q. Despite rapid economic growth, structural inequalities continue to constrain inclusive development in India. Discuss the key barriers to inclusiveness and evaluate the effectiveness of recent policy interventions in addressing them. (250 words).

Q. Environmental degradation in India is closely linked with issues of livelihoods, health, and social equity.Examine the role of environmental protection measures in promoting sustainable and inclusive development. (250 words)

Q. India has developed a robust and cost-effective space technology ecosystem with wide civilian applications.In this context, evaluate the contribution of India’s space technology programmes to socio-economic development. (250 words)

Q. Discuss the fiscal and administrative sustainability of Public Distribution System (PDS) in the context of rising food subsidy bills. How can efficiency be improved without compromising welfare objectives? (250 words)

Q. How far has India’s disaster management framework moved from a relief-centric approach to a mitigation- and resilience-based approach? Discuss with suitable examples. (250 words)

Q. Explain how advances in semiconductor technology underpin developments in AI, 6G communication, and quantum computing. (150 words)

Q. Cyber security has emerged as a critical pillar of national security in the digital age. Discuss the major cyber security challenges faced by India and evaluate the institutional, technological, and legal measures taken to address them. (250 words).

Q. Discuss the institutional and procedural mechanisms adopted for gender budgeting in India. Evaluate the challenges in translating gender budget allocations into measurable social outcomes. (250 words)

Q. COP-30 has been projected as a critical milestone for accelerating global climate action after the first Global Stocktake. Examine the significance of COP-30 in the context of strengthening Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and bridging the ambition gap. (250 words)

Q. Fiscal consolidation and growth stimulation often pose a policy dilemma for developing economies like India.Discuss how India can balance fiscal discipline with the need for public investment in infrastructure and social sectors.(250 words)

Q. Disasters are not merely natural events but outcomes of governance failures.Critically examine this statement with reference to recent disasters in India.(250 words)

Q. Quantum technologies are expected to transform computing, communication, and cybersecurity.Discuss India’s preparedness in this domain and the challenges that need to be addressed. (250 words)

Q. How can food processing and agro-based industries facilitate India’s transition from a farm-dependent to a manufacturing-led economy? (250 words)

Q. In an increasingly volatile global economic environment, India’s macroeconomic stability depends on prudent management of inflation, external sector vulnerabilities, and capital flows. Discuss the policy trade-offs involved. (250 words)

Q. Climate change is acting as a risk multiplier for disasters.’ Analyse this statement in the context of disaster management in India. (250 words)

Q.“India’s fertilizer policy needs a paradigm shift from product-based subsidy to result-based nutrient management.” Discuss this in the context of the emerging role of nano fertilizers and precision agriculture. (250 words)

Q. CRISPR-based gene therapy has moved from laboratory research to clinical application within a decade.Discuss the scientific mechanism behind this therapy and evaluate its effectiveness based on recent global clinical outcomes. (250 words)

Q. “Without a strong deep-tech industrial base, India risks remaining a user- rather than a shaper- of frontier technologies.” Evaluate India’s ability to commercialise deep-tech research in space tech, med-tech, and clean tech. (250 words)

Q. “Ecosystem services are undervalued in economic policymaking, undermining both development and sustainability.” Assess India’s efforts to integrate ecosystem valuation into decision-making. (250 words)

Q. Critically evaluate the significance of India’s recent labour reforms under the four new Labour Codes. (250 words)

Q. COP30 reflects both the potential and the limits of multilateral climate cooperation. Discuss the key strengths and structural weaknesses of the present global climate governance. (250 words)

Q. Terrorism in India is rapidly evolving from cross-border insurgency to urban symbolic attacks, cyber terrorism and white collar terrorism. Critically analyse these emerging trends and suggest a multidimensional counterterrorism strategy for India. (250 words)

Q. India aspires to become an economically self-reliant nation by 2047. Examine the key structural constraints that impede this transition and suggest reforms needed to overcome them. (250 words)

Q. Critically examine India’s evolving forest conservation strategy and suggest measures to strengthen it in the context of ecological and developmental challenges. (150 words)

Q. "India’s road transport sector is vital for economic growth, but remains plagued by poor infrastructure and rising road accidents." Analyse the challenges in ensuring road safety and suggest measures to build a safer and more sustainable transport ecosystem. (250 words)

Q.“Cloud seeding offers temporary respite from smog but cannot substitute long-term emission control.” Critically examine the viability of cloud seeding as a tool in India’s air pollution mitigation strategy. (150 words)

Q." Despite possessing substantial reserves, India’s rare earth sector remains underdeveloped." Analyse the strategic importance of rare earth minerals for India’s economic security and evaluate the key challenges hindering their optimal utilisation. (250 words)

Q. “The rise of AI-generated content has intensified the threat of misinformation and deepfakes.” Critically evaluate India’s efforts to ensure responsible digital governance. (250 words)

Q.“India’s startup ecosystem is dynamic but lacks future readiness.” Critically examine. (250 words)