Explain the significance of the new horizontal devolution criteria introduced by the 16th Finance Commission.
How does the inclusion of “contribution to GDP” alter inter-state fiscal transfers?

Explain the constitutional and institutional framework of the Union Budget in India. Highlight the role of different Budget documents in ensuring parliamentary control over public finance.

“In the digital age, Article 21 of the Indian Constitution has expanded from a negative right against State interference to a positive obligation on the State to ensure dignity, access, and inclusion.”
Discuss in the light of recent judicial pronouncements.

“The Economic Survey 2025–26 argues that India’s future growth and macroeconomic stability depend more on building manufacturing competitiveness and external resilience than on short-term macroeconomic management.”
Critically examine.

“The Economic Survey 2025–26 argues that India has shifted its growth strategy from short-term macro-stability to long-term ‘strategic indispensability’ in a fragmented global economy.”
Discuss the meaning of ‘strategic indispensability’ and examine the policy measures highlighted in the Survey to achieve it.

“The India–EU Free Trade Agreement marks a strategic shift in India’s trade diplomacy from defensive to partnership-based engagement.”
Discuss.

“Climate change has intensified the frequency and severity of extreme weather events in India.”
Discuss its impact on ecology and human livelihoods. Suggest measures to enhance resilience.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a major public health challenge in India. In this context, examine the role of premier institutions like AIIMS in combating AMR through advances in diagnostics, targeted therapies, and hospital infection control strategies. Discuss the significance of such efforts for India’s health system.

Recent research has highlighted the role of viral relics in the human genome in early embryonic development. Explain the function of MLT2A1 in embryonic gene activation and discuss its potential significance in assisted reproductive technologies.

What are Masala Bonds? Discuss their objectives and key benefits for India’s external financing and infrastructure development.

Discuss the significance of makhana cultivation in India with reference to livelihood security, nutrition, and export potential. How do recent government initiatives aim to strengthen this sector?

Parbati Giri is often remembered as the “Mother Teresa of Western Odisha”. Examine her role in India’s freedom struggle and assess her contribution to post-Independence social reform in Odisha.

“The BRICS Plus naval exercise reflects emerging divergences within the BRICS grouping regarding the scope and direction of cooperation.”
Critically examine this statement in the context of India’s strategic autonomy and its approach towards separating economic multilateralism from security alignments.

Why is there a need to digitise the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process of electoral rolls?

What is the Greenwald limit in nuclear fusion research? Why is China’s EAST fusion reactor achieving stable plasma density beyond this limit considered important?

“PSLV is often described as ISRO’s workhorse launch vehicle.”
Explain the design features and stage-wise functioning of PSLV that justify this description.

What is the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA)? Examine its significance in empowering tribal self-governance in Fifth Schedule areas. Discuss the major challenges in its effective implementation.

Critically examine the constitutional validity of Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 in light of the Supreme Court’s split verdict in Centre for Public Interest Litigation v. Union of India. Discuss its implications for the fight against corruption and the principles of equality and accountability in public administration.

“Geoeconomic confrontation has emerged as the most significant global risk in the World Economic Forum’s Global Risk Report 2026.”
In this context, define geoeconomic confrontation and examine its potential implications for global governance and developing economies like India.

“The SHANTI Bill marks a paradigm shift in India’s nuclear power governance by addressing long-standing regulatory and liability bottlenecks.”
Critically examine how the SHANTI Bill seeks to balance energy security, safety, and global integration in India’s nuclear power programme.