Insights Secure-2014: Questions On

Current Events
ARCHIVES
02, March 2014
Answer ALL the following questions in about 200 Words.
1. Examine how reforms in agriculture can reduce food inflation in India?
Business Standard
2. The ordinance-making power of the executive needs to be suitably restrained to create a balance
of power between the executive and the legislature in India and to check the misuse of the same.
Critically analyze.
The Hindu
The Hindu
3. Do you think health policies envisioned in the 12th five year plan is a move towards universal
health care system? Critically examine.
The Hindu
4. What is a special leave petition? Do you agree with the view that if special leave petitions were
entertained against all kinds of orders passed by any court or tribunal, the apex court would, after
some time, collapse under its own weight? Comment.
The Hindu
5. The Indian Penal Code, perhaps even more than education in the English medium, is Macaulays
lasting gift. Critically comment.
The Indian Express

Insights Secure-2014: Questions On

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03, March 2014
Answer ALL the questions in about 200 Words each.
1. What are the non-sociological reasons behind increased violence against women in some urban
regions of India? Critically examine.
Business Standard
2. Going by the biennial State of Forests Report 2011, the overall forest cover in India declined by
367 square kilometres (sq km) compared to the situation in 2009. In the light of this scenario,
critically evaluate the design and intention of the Green India Mission scheme launched by the
Indian government.
Business Standard
3. Why a savings rate is important for an economy? Examine the reasons behind declining savings
rate in India.
Business Standard
4. Do you think the Information Technology Act, 2000 is capable of effectively addressing the legal,
policy and regulatory concerns generated by the use of social media in India? Critically analyze.
Business Standard
5. What is Central Monitoring System, introduced by the Indian government? What are the criticisms
against it? Do you think these criticisms are substantiated? Comment.
counter-currents
Business Standard
6. The social, political, and even technological reforms had set the stage for 1857 revolt against the
British in India. Examine.
The Hindu
7. Do you think that Indias growing proximity with Iran and Saudi Arabia can defuse tensions in the
region? If not, what should be Indias strategy in the region? Comment.
The Hindu
8. Do you agree that sometimes ordinance route is required to impose certain laws on the people?
Substantiate with examples.

The Hindu

Insights Secure-2014: Questions On

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04, March 2014
Answer ALL the following questions in about 200 Words each
1. Explain why stability in domestic polity, economy and society is important for better investment
and growth? Give examples.
Business Standard
2. It is said that the suboptimal fiscal-monetary mix remains a critical risk to the strength and
sustainability of economic recovery. What do you understand by this? Do you agree with this view?
Comment.
Business Standard
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of river linking projects that are being undertaken or
proposed in various part of the country? Do you think there are alternatives to resolve the issue of
water scarcity in deficit regions? Explain.
The Hindu
4. In the context of Indias leadership in the generic drugs market, do you think Indian patent laws
are disincentivizing innovation in inventing new effective cures by pharma companies? Is patent
protection the only way to produce new effective drugs or are there any other models? Examine.
The Indian Express
5. Along with corporate social responsibility, individual social responsibility (ISR) can be effective in
contributing to the society. Should companies and governments make it mandatory or should it be
voluntary? Explain the obstacles to make it mandatory.
The Hindu
6. What were the causes and consequences of Crimean war of 1853? Explain.
The Hindu
7. Recent reports have revealed that many systemic bottlenecks have rendered human rights
commissions, commissions for minorities, SC and STs, largely ineffective. What are these
bottlenecks? and how can they be overcome? Comment.
The Hindu
8. Why the recommendations made by Tandon committee set up by the Ministry of Human
Resources Development (MHRD) in 2009 was controversial? Examine.

The Hindu

Insights Secure-2014: Questions On

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05, March 2014
Answer ALL the questions in about 200 Words
1. The root of trade wars between India and USA in the pharma sector can be seen in the Uruguay
Round Agreement of 1994. Critically discuss the issues involved and their causes in the context of
above statement.
Business Standard
The Indian Express
2. Write a critical note on the recent natural gas pricing controversy in India.
Business Standard
3. ULIPs, which were in news a few years ago, have now become unattractive owning to various
reasons. What are those reasons? Do you think they can be popular again? Explain.
Business Standard
4. What do you understand by Solvency-II norms, recently introduced by the EU? Explain it in the
context of India.
Business Standard
5. Critically evaluate various schemes targeted towards slum dwellers in the country.
The Hindu
6. What do you understand by the concept of Green Economy? Can India be a green economy?
Analyze.
The Hindu
7. Explain the significance of the Bay of Bengal to India as its strategic hub.
The Indian Express

Insights Secure-2014: Questions On

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06, March 2014
Answer ALL the questions in about 200 Words
1. What is white hat in cyber security parlance? Does India need white hats? Explain why.
Business Standard
2. Examine the current regulatory framework for regulating research and trials in GMO crops in
India. What reforms are needed in this regard? Explain.
Business Standard
3. What is Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) ? What is its significance? Explain.
Business Standard
4. Do you think the implementation of Aadhaar-enabled payment system (AEPS) has empowered
beneficiaries? Evaluate.
The Hindu
5. Critically analyze the model code of conduct issued by the election commission of India and its
effectiveness in curbing malpractices during elections.
The Hindu

Insights Secure-2014: Questions On

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07 March 2014
Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words.
1. What is Turing test in robotics and artificial intelligence? If robots pass this test, what can be the
possible legal and ethical problems that might arise in the future? Explain.
Business Standard
2. It is said that recent crisis in Ukraine was more to do with Russias efforts to increase its sphere
of influence and EUs efforts to counter it than any other internal factors. Do you agree with this
assessment? Critically examine.
Business Standard
The Hindu
The Hindu
3. What are Special Drawing Rights? What are the sources of RBIs earnings and in what ways it
funds the government? Explain.
Business Standard
4. Write a note on the India-Ukraine relations. Explain why is India concerned with recent crisis in
Ukraine.
The Hindu
5. What are the objectives of the India ocean maritime group? Critically examine the groups
importance to the security of the Indian ocean region.
The Hindu
6. Analyze how a stable and friendly Bangladesh is crucial to regional security for India and
neighboring countries.
The Hindu

Insights Secure-2014: Questions on

Current Events
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08, March 2014
Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words
1. Do you think a new Cold War is likely ensue post-Ukrainian crisis? Even if it starts, what would be
its nature compared to the old Cold War? Comment.
The New York Times
2. What do you understand by the Glass Ceiling Index? Explain its significance especially with
reference to India.
The Economist
3. It is argued that the negative effects of nationalization of private banks in 1969 can still be seen
even after introducing reforms two decades ago. What are these negative effects? in the light of
recent policy measures undertaken by the RBI in the banking sector, critically analyze.
Business Standard
4. Critically evaluate the implementation of National Optic Fibre Network (NOFN) project.
Highlight the importance of the project.
Business Standard
5. Why does India lag behind in manufacturing quality military products? In the light of its
expanding arms import bill, critically examine the systemic factors contributing to Indias poor
record in military manufacturing sector.
The New York Times
6. What are the route causes of Israel-Palestine conflict? Briefly explain the thorny issues that are
stalling progress in finding a viable solution.
The Hindu
7. What are the health risks of global warming? Explain.
The Hindu

Insights Secure-2014: Questions On

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09, March 2014
Answer ALL the questions in about 200 Words
1. Examine the contours and prospects of India-Bangladesh trade relations.
Business Standard
2. What is Single Resolution Mechanism (SRM) which was recently in news in the Eurozone region?
Evaluate the efforts made by the Eurozone to fight the sovereign debt crisis which recently affected
many of its countries.
Business Standard
3. In your opinion, what are the urgent measures needed to be taken by the governments and
society to protect and empower women across the world? Comment.
The Hindu
4. What measures should be taken by the government to protect agricultural biodiversity in the
country? Do you think the introduction of GM crops would affect agricultural biodiversity? Examine.
The Hindu
5. Examine the social, political and economic reasons that led to the break-up of USSR.
The Hindu
6. What measures has Pakistan taken to fight and stop spread of terrorism within its borders? Do
you think these measures would help India? Comment.
The Hindu
7. Do you think that giving compulsory salaries to housewives in India would empower women and
fight gender stereotype? Critically comment.
The Hindu

Insights Secure-2014: Questions On

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10, March 2014
Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words
1. What are the key differences between the reports submitted by Madhav Gadgil and Kasturirangan
on Western Ghats? In your opinion which report is more suitable for implementation and why?
Comment.
Business Standard
2. Infrastructure in India is poor and the strategy adopted to develop it so far has not yielded any
tangible results. What are the reasons behind this? Based on your own observations, provide
solutions to the problem.
Business Standard
3. In various parts of the country construction of several dams have been opposed on many grounds.
Give any three such examples and critically analyze if national interest be above that of local
concerns.
The Hindu
4. What is upstream oil and gas sector? Discuss the issues between India and USA in this sector.
The Hindu
5. Write a critical note on Balochistan separatist issue in Pakistan.
The Hindu
6. Explain why increase in atmospheric temperature has an adverse impact on life on earth?
The Hindu

Insights Secure-2014: Questions On

Current Events
ARCHIVES
11, March 2014
1. If there is a proposal to convert post offices into bank branches to bring about financial inclusion,
what would be the prospects and challenges of such a move by the government? Analyze.
Business Standard
2. Examine the factors that led to Indigo revolt. What were its effects?
Business Standard
3. Compare and contrast the Indigo revolt of 1859 and Champaran Satyagraha of 1916. Examine
why Britishers forced Indian farmers to grow Indigo post-1910 in spite of the introduction of
synthetic dye by then in Europe.
Business Standard
4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of asking public sector banks to act as insurance
brokers along with their banking functions? Is it counterproductive? Comment.
Business Standard
5. Does reducing inequality through redistribution hurt economic growth? What are the challenges
to redistribution in India? Examine.
The Hindu
6. The Twelfth Five Year Plan has recommended that the governments develop satellite towns and
twin cities near existing metropolises to manage growth. Do you think such an approach brings
equitable growth to both rural and urban regions? Are there any other approaches? Comment.
The Hindu
7. Write a note on the proposed Central public sector enterprises (CPSE) Exchange Traded Fund
(ETF).
The Hindu

Insights Secure-2014: Questions On

Current Events
Hearty congratulations to All the aspirants who got selected for the interview. Around 10
aspirants (might be more) who regularly wrote answers at Daily Answer Writing Challenge- have
got selected for the interview. One common thing that I observed in them is that they wrote
answers consistently from day one to the last day. It proves that consistent hard work definitely
pays. Insights team is proud of you guys. Here in Secure-2014, we can see few guys who are
going to make news next year. And of course from our offline classes in Bangalore many more will
make us proud (they really write a lot). Just never give up. Thank you.

ARCHIVES
12, March 2014
1. To decrease power deficit in India and meet the growing demand for power, it is imperative
that power transmission infrastructure and energy efficiency be improved. How this can be done?
Explain.
Business Standard
2. India added as many as 35 million jobs since 2000 in the rural non-farm, non-manufacturing
sector which has emerged as the largest job creator. Is it a good trend? Examine the reasons behind
this shift in employment.
Business Standard
3. Unless there is early focus on the critical challenges of governance, Indias long-term prospects
will remain sub-optimal. In this context, What are the indispensable elements of efficient
governance? Critically analyze.
Business Standard
4. Examine the effects of low spending on health sector by Indian government. Why is India not
spending enough money on this crucial sector? Examine.
Business Standard
5. Examine the reasons behind stalling of US-India civil nuclear deal which was signed in 2008.
The Hindu
Business Standard
6. The premise of carving out smaller States in India shifted from the formation of linguistic states
to one of, since the 1990s, rearranging them on the basis of backwardness and a lack of
development. Elaborate. Do you think its a good shift? Comment.

The Hindu
7. In the light of new guidelines on stem cell research released by the Indian Council of Medical
Research and the Department of Biotechnology, comment on the need for proper regulation of stem
cell research in India.
The Hindu
8. What is infrasound? What are its sources? Explain why was it in news recently.
The Hindu

Insights Secure-2014: Questions On

Current Events
ARCHIVES
13, March 2014
Answer ALL the following questions in about 200 Words
1. It is said that the question of constitutional propriety and values to be followed by the President of
India will take on considerable salience during the months of Lok Sabha elections and thereafter.
What do you understand by this? Critically comment.
Business Standard
2. Do you think partisanship and lack of decision making which are hallmarks of maturing
democracies, are threat to democracy itself? Critically comment.
The Indian Express
3. Critically discuss recent developments in the relationship between India and Sri Lanka. Does
some recent decisions taken or not taken by India make it an unreliable partner of Sri Lanka?
Comment.
The Indian Express
4. Critically examine the strategy adopted by the governments so far in dealing with naxal problem
in many parts of India.
The Hindu
The Hindu
The Indian Express
5. What is junk food? Why is it not good for the health? Explain.
The Hindu

Insights Secure-2014: Questions On

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14, March 2014
Answer ALL the following questions in about 200 words
1. According to data released by the Planning Commission, Poverty among the marginalised saw
steep fall in FY05-FY12. In your opinion what are the possible factors that contributed to this
positive development? Critically analyze.
Business Standard
2. Post sovereign debt crisis in Europe, except Greece, most other affected countries are now relying
on their own revenues and are out of crisis. Examine the factors that led to recovery of these
countries.
Business Standard
3. Suggest measures to revitalize Indias infrastructure sector and to achieve the goal of 48 percent
private participation in infrastructure projects as envisioned in the 12th plan.
Business Standard
4. Explain the mechanism of formation of El Nino.
Business Standard
5. What is an ADSL modem? Recently it was in news with reference to cyber security issue. Examine
why.
The Hindu
6. What do you understand by bioethics? Explain its importance in the development of science.
The Hindu
7. What are the reasons behind completion of trials in Indian courts? In the light of recent judgments
by the Supreme Court, critically analyze the need for speedy trials of both citizens and the
legislators.
The Hindu
8. In spite of frequent and regular elections, there still exist many pitfalls in the present electoral
system in India. What are those pitfalls? Critically analyze.
The Hindu
9. In spite of close historical and cultural connections, India and Myanmar have not been able to

exploit them to develop each other. Examine the opportunities that exist for both the countries in the
Northeast and how strong relations, especially economic, can be brought together between two
countries.
The Hindu

Insights Secure-2014: Questions On

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15, March 2014
Answer ALL the following questions in about 200 Words
1. What is dual citizenship? What is the stand of Indian law on this issue? Explain why there is a
demand from the Indian diaspora for dual citizenship.
Business Standard
2. What is core-inflation and what causes it? How does it affect economy?
Business Standard
3. What do you understand by currency futures? What is the difference between currency exchange
and stock exchange? Explain the controversy surrounding SEBI and MCX-SX.
Business Standard
4. Comment on the major contributions of the American and French revolutions to the birth and
maturing of democracies across the world.
Business Standard
5. Do you think globalization has endangered democracies? Substantiate.
Business Standard
6. Why Micro finance institutions are not regulated by RBI? Presently how are they regulated?
Explain
Business Standard
7. Comment on the criticisms against the recently enacted national food security act. Do you think
they are justified? Substantiate.
The Hindu

Insights Secure-2014: Questions On

Current Events
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16, March 2014
Answer ALL the following questions in about 200 words
1. What is crony capitalism? Do you think its rampant in India? Examine its negative effects and
suggest measures to check it.
Business Standard
The Economist
2. Is it a right time to have a global currency? What do you understand by expansionary monetary
policy? How does this expansionary monetary policy in the US affect the global economy? Examine.
Business Standard
3. What are the causes of corruption in India? What is its extent? Suggest measures to reduce it.
Business Standard
4. What are the reasons behind recent protests in Venezuela? Examine.
The Hindu
5. What do you understand by soft robotics? What are its applications? Explain.
The Hindu
6. What is Libor rate? Why was it in news recently? Comment.
The Hindu

Insights Secure-2014: Questions On

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17, March 2014
Answer ALL the following questions in about 200 words
1. Recent reduction in current account deficit is a sign of economic weakness rather than an
indication of good economic health. Do you agree with this assessment? Substantiate.
Business Standard
2. What are the problems faced and likely to be faced by the government in India in financing social
security policies ? Examine.
Business Standard
3. Why did India opt for PPP model in financing and executing infrastructure projects? What are the
challenges involved in PPP model? Explain in what ways government can complete stalled projects.
Business Standard
4. What are aerosols? Explain their importance.
The Hindu
5. Ukraines induction into NATO would be a strategic catastrophe for Russia. In the light of this
statement and recent decision by Crimea to join Russia, analyze the importance of Ukraine to
Russia.
The Hindu
6. What is Global Intellectual Property Centre International IP Index? Recently, why was it
controversial in India? Discuss the challenges faced by India with regard to IP.
The Indian Express

Insights Secure-2014: Questions On

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18, March 2014
Answer ALL the following questions in about 200 Words
1. In a difficult global environment, a sustainable expansion of Indias economy can only come from
productivity-driven increases in domestic employment and wages. In the context of influence of
global economy on Indias, elaborate the statement.
Business Standard
2. Why is India lacking in defense indigenization? What should be done by the government to
galvanize defense indigenization? Explain.
Business Standard
3. Critically discuss about the need and the obstacles in bringing about police reforms in India.
The Indian Express
4. Myanmars democratisation is leading to its opening up and growing importance for existing and
newer regional powers. In the light of the statement, analyze Indias strategic and geopolitical
opportunities in Myanmar.
The Indian Express
5. Discuss Indias policy on Tibet. Critically examine the events that led to fleeing of Dalai Lama
from Tibet 1959 and events thereafter.
The Hindu
6. Discuss about the nature and implications of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the
Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) being negotiated by the U.S with other
developed countries.
The Hindu
7. Analyze the areas of cooperation and conflicts between India and China in the economic sphere.
The Hindu
8. What do you understand by the Big Bang theory? How is it related to Einsteins general theory of
relativity? Explain in laymans terms.
The Hindu
9. Do you think Aadhaar initiative as a failure especially as a tool of providing social security to the

weaker sections? Critically comment.

The Hindu

Insights Secure-2014: Questions On

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19, March 2014
Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words
1. Comment on the events that led to 1962 India China war. What were its consequences?
Business Standard
2. Examine what was the attitude of governments towards foreign capital after the independence?
Was it justified? Comment.
Business Standard
3. How Western Ghats were formed? What is their cultural significance? Explain.
Business Standard
4. Critically discuss if India needs a new legislation to give right to health to the people?
Business Standard
5. Why was the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) scheme was instituted in India?
What were its objectives? Do you think it has met its objectives? Evaluate.
Business Standard
6. Examine the core issues between Israel and Palestine. Comment on the role of USA in resolving
these issues between them.
The Hindu
7. Critically comment on the impact of post 1990 economic reforms on the women of India.
The Hindu

Insights Secure-2014: Questions On

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20, March 2014
Answer ALL the following questions in about 200 words
1. What measures has government of India taken to boost tourism sector? Examine why Indias
tourism sector is not performing well compared to China and some South East Asian countries.
The Hindu
2. Write a note on intention behind setting up Lalit Kala Akademi, and its objectives.
The Hindu
3. Write a short note on

Intergrowth-21st project
MYSTIC project
Watson cloud computing system

Business Standard
The Hindu
The Hindu
4. Falklands and Crimea, though located apart in time and distance, show similarities as victims
when it comes to geopolitical ambitions of major powers. Do you agree with this statement?
Comment.
The Hindu
5. Poor corporate governance standards in India have been a major grievance of domestic and
foreign investors alike for long. What are the major issues involved? Examine the recent measures
taken by the government and regulatory bodies to improve corporate governance in India.
The Hindu

Insights Secure-2014: Questions On

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21, March 2014
Answer ALL the following questions in about 200 words
1. How is coal formed? Discuss the distribution of coal in India. Do you think coal in India has been
adequately exploited for economic growth? Comment.
Business Standard
2. In spite of huge reserves of coal, India still imports it. Suggest measures to boost it production.
Business Standard
3. Discuss the various forms of corruption involved in corporate sector. Do you think some
corruption is good for the economy? Comment.
Business Standard
4. Is CAGs auditing power absolute? Discuss the limitations of CAG of India.
The Indian Express
5. What do you understand by the domain naming system (DNS)? Why is it important in internet
governance. Explain.
The Indian Express
6. What do you understand by middle-income trap in economic parlance? Do you think consumer
led growth is better than export led growth? Substantiate with examples.
The Hindu

Insights Secure-2014: Questions On

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22 March 2014
Answer ALL the following questions in about 200 Words
1. What do you understand by cropping pattern? Which factors affect it? Explain the cropping
pattern of wheat in India.
Business Standard
2. What factors and objectives were behind the nationalization of banks in 1969? Did nationalization
help bring financial inclusion? Comment.
Business Standard
3. The theoretical literature and empirical studies on CSR have systematically shown that CSR plays
a significant role as an important part of a companys competitive strategy. Explain how?
Business Standard
The Indian Express
4. How is Tuberculosis caused? Discuss the challenges faced by countries and WHO in treating TB
in many parts of the world.
The Hindu
5. What is the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE) Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) ? Explain its
objectives.
The Hindu
6. The future of Indian cities is inextricably tied to the improvement of public transport. Comment.
The Hindu

Insights Secure-2014: Questions On

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23, March 2014
Answer ALL the following questions in about 200 words
1. What are the weaknesses of Indias governance system? Critically discuss remedial measures
needed to bring transparent and accountable governance to the people.
Business Standard
2. In the growing environment of free trade agreements between developed countries, what should
be Indias priority should it go for strengthening multilateral treaties or forge more bilateral
treaties of its own in free trade with its neighbors and far away countries? Critically analyze.
Business Standard
3. It is said that India is simultaneously increasingly secure and increasingly paranoid about
its national security. In the light of growing threats and increased capabilities to face such threats,
critically analyze the opinion expressed in the first statement.
Business Standard
4. Write a note on Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana scheme. Do you think providing universal
healthcare option in India is viable? Comment.
Business Standard
5. Examine the reasons behind Chinas policy shift towards its west i.e. towards the Indian Ocean
region.
The Hindu
6. What do you understand by insider trading? What measures has the government and regulatory
bodies in India have taken to check this? Explain.
The Hindu

Insights Secure-2014: Questions On

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ARCHIVES
24 March 2014
Answer ALL the following questions in about 200 words
1. Recently all big accounting companies are strengthening their forensic audit teams and investing
more into these. What is forensic audit? What is its importance and why is there a rush to do this by
many companies? Explain.
Business Standard
2. Even after allowing FDI in multi brand retail there seems to be lack of interest on part of foreign
companies to invest in India. What are the reasons? Do you think FDI in retail is bad for Indian
economy? Comment.
Business Standard
3. What do you understand by the incremental capital-output ratio, or ICOR? Explain its importance.
Business Standard
4. Water management requires society to rebuild knowledge to live with nature. And this re-skilling
will be possible only when knowledge seekers and innovators learn from each other. Build a new
science and a new art together. In the light of traditional methods adopted by our ancestors in
different geographies to conserve water, critically comment on the statement.
Business Standard
5. Examine trade relations between India and Nepal. Recently there were instances of smuggling
fake currency from Nepal to India. What are the reasons behind this and how both countries are
dealing with this?
The Hindu
6. Comment on the relationship between China and Taiwan. Explain the circumstances that led to
creation of separate government in Taiwan in late 1940s.
The Hindu
7. Examine the factors that led to Nazi coming to power in Germany in 1930s. Why did Nazis
persecute Jews? Explain.
The Hindu
8. Differences over intellectual property rights (IPRs) have emerged as a strong undercurrent in
Indias economic relations with the U.S. Elaborate. Do you think US stand is justified? Comment.

The Hindu

9.

Insights Secure-2014: Questions On

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25 March 2014
Answer ALL the following questions in about 200 words
1. Analyze the recent trend of flow of FII into the Indian economy. What factors determine their flow
and exit? Explain.
Business Standard
2. What are the criticisms against the Committee on Comprehensive Financial Services for Small
Businesses and Low-Income Households (the Nachiket MorCommittee on financial
inclusion)?Explain.
Business Standard
3. Examine the factors that have contributed to dismal economic condition of farmers in India.
Business Standard
4. Explain why curbs on over-the-counter sale of antibiotics and other similar drugs are badly
needed? What measures has government taken in this regard?
Business Standard
5. Examine the role of the Parliament and the executive in strengthening human rights and stopping
frequent rights violations of citizens.
The Hindu
6. What do you understand by cosmic inflation in space science? Why was it in news recently?
The Hindu

Insights Secure-2014: Questions On

Current EVents
ARCHIVES
26 March 2014
Answer ALL the following questions in about 200 words
1. Political changes in India and at the international level have orphaned the Palestinians. Do
you agree? Substantiate.
Business Standard
2. By some estimates, India will become water scarce in just about five years, and be a massive 50
per cent short on water in another 10. In this scenario, what is the approach of 12th five year plan to
conserve water? In your opinion what measures should be taken to save water for future
generations?
Business Standard
3. Explain the measures taken by the government of India to reduce air pollution in India. In what
ways air pollution affects the health of humans? Explain.
The Hindu
4. Do you agree with the view that Russia was compelled and forced to act decisively in the Ukraine
issue by the West? Substantiate.
The Hindu
5. It is not possible to control the weather, but it is possible to understand its dynamics and to
prepare to avoid tragedies affecting the most vulnerable populations of the globe. In the context of
various natural hazards and disasters affecting India recently, how is it taking preventive measures
to manage such events. Examine.
The Hindu
6. The recently drafted draft Constitution of Egypt leaves far too much to executive and legislative
discretion. Comment.
The Hindu
7. Write a note on RBIs Foreign Portfolio Investment Scheme
The Hindu

Insights Secure-2014: Questions On

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ARCHIVES
27 March 2014
Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words
1. What do you understand by money laundering? Critically discuss its effect on the economy and
security of a country, especially India.
Business Standard
2. It is said that even advanced countries can not continue to provide better living standards to their
future generations because of various challenges and issues that are arising in the world today.
Critically comment on those challenges and examine how same set of challenges would affect
developing countries.
Business Standard
3. Madhav Gadgil report on Western Ghats was far more comprehensive and scientific in nature
and should have been implemented. Do you agree? In the context of recent notifications by the
union government based on other report by K Kasturirangan, comment on the statement.
Business Standard
4. What are the effects of non tariff measures on the economy imposing such measures? How is India
responding to such measures imposed by some developed countries? Explain.
Business Standard
5. Examine the causes behind Indias slipping rank in fish production.
The Hindu
6. What are the geopolitical implications of Chinas rise on India, especially Northeastern India?
Discuss.
The Hindu
7. Do you think G-7 was right in suspending Russia from its membership? Comment.
The Hindu
8. Can Russia effectively use its supply of natural gas to Europe as leverage to thwart attempts by
EU to impose more sanctions on it? Examine.
The Hindu
9. What do you understand by virtual reality? What are its applications?

The Hindu

Insights Secure-2014: Questions On

Current Events
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28 March 2014
Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words
1. What are Basel-III norms? Why should Indian banks adhere to them? Explain.
Business Standard
2. It is said that tax policies over recent decades have played an extremely significant role in
promoting inequality in India. How? Suggest measures to reform taxation structure to reduce this
inequality.
Business Standard
3. With two decades of high economic growth, India should have been on its way to controlling
tuberculosis. Yet it remains an urgent public health problem. Why? What is the solution to this
problem? Explain.
Indian Express
4. Why does IMF need reforms? Critically discuss.
The Hindu
5. Discuss trade relations between India and Sri Lanka. Explain why the Comprehensive Economic
Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between two countries has not yet materialized.
The Hindu

Insights Secure-2014: Questions On

Current Events
ARCHIVES
29 March 2014
Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words
1. Explain the scientific and strategic importance, and applications of Geo-synchronous Satellite
Launch Vehicle-Mark III.
The Hindu
2. Write a short note on:

Tenosynovitis
Nintenditis
WhatsAppitis

The Hindu
3. Critically comment on the factors that led to independence movement in then East Pakistan. Are
some of those lessons still relevant today in India or in neighboring countries? Examine.
The Indian Express
4. Should internal politics guide Indias foreign policy decisions? In the light of recent examples,
comment.
The Indian Express
5. Critically discuss the present structure of PDS system in India and various reforms needed to
make it robust in the wake of recent passage of food security bill.
The Hindu
6. What are the possible applications of artificially engineered new eukaryotic genomes? Explain
The Hindu

Insights Secure-2014: Questions On

Current Events
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30 March 2014
Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words
1. Critically examine various problems involved in successfully implementing MGNREGA scheme.
What measures has government taken to address these problems? Explain.
The Hindu
2. Write a critical note on the impact of globalization on the rural industries of India, especially after
1990.
The Hindu
3. Critically comment on the Rohingya issue in Myanmar. Does it have any implications on India?
Examine.
The Hindu
4. Discuss the nature of USA and Saudi Arabia relations and its implication on the regional security.
The Hindu
5. Nearly 70 years of glorious Independence later it is shameful that we are still discussing manual
scavenging. Critically comment.
The Indian Express

Insights Secure-2014: Questions On

Current Events
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31 March 2014
Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words
1. That disinvestment remains entirely a political decision and not a decision taken by a
disinvestment commission, such as in some of Indias neighbours or in countries like Mexico is part
of the problem. Yet, even if the decision is depoliticised, problems will remain. In the light of this
statement, analyze the problems associated with disinvestment of PSUs in India and suggest
measures overcome these problems.
Business Standard
2. What are the implications on the economy of RBIs intervention in the foreign exchange market?
Examine.
Business Standard
3. Examine the possible effects of Ukraine crisis on the economies of emerging markets.
Business Standard
4. Discuss about the kind of interventions needed by the government to improve the quality of air in
Indian cities.
The Hindu
5. In your opinion, was India right in abstaining from voting on a United States sponsored resolution
in the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) against Sri Lanka for an international probe
into alleged rights violations in the last leg of the civil war? Critically comment.
The Hindu
6. Why does India need a neutrino observatory? Explain its importance.
The Hindu

Insights Secure-2014: Questions On

Current Events
ARCHIVES
01, March 2014
Answer following questions in about 200 Words
1. What do you understand by the open skies policy in aviation sector? Should India go for it?
Substantiate.
The Indian Express
2. What are the major problems faced by Indian defence sector? Analyze.
Business Standard
3. Of the many ironies besetting the Kashmir conflict, the most nocuous has been the lack of
reception and incorporation of the indigenous Kashmiri narrative to the wider discourse on the
issue. Comment.
The Hindu
4. Do you agree with the view that the breakdown of the USSR was the greatest geopolitical
catastrophe of the 20th century.'? Comment.
The Hindu
5. What are the causes of sickness of PSUs in India after 19902 reforms? Explain.
The Hindu
6. Comment on the nature of relationship between India and Saudi Arabia. Can both countries move
towards a strategic relationship? Explain how.
The Hindu