National Monetization Pipeline (NMP), and how does it work?
Discuss the potential benefits and risks of NMP for infrastructure financing.
How does NMP align with India’s infrastructure development goals?
PM Gati Shakti, and how does it aim to transform logistics infrastructure?
Discuss the significance of the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity.
How can Gati Shakti address the challenges of supply chain inefficiencies?
key objectives of the National Logistics Policy 2022?
How does the policy aim to reduce logistics costs and improve efficiency?
Discuss the role of the National Logistics Policy in enhancing India’s trade competitiveness.
What is Value Capture Finance (VCF), and how does it work?
Discuss the role of VCF in financing urban infrastructure projects.
What are the challenges in implementing VCF in India?
What are Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) and Real Estate Investment Trusts
(REITs)?
Discuss the advantages of InvITs and REITs for infrastructure financing.
How does the National Investment Fund (NIF) promote infrastructure development?
National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), and what are its objectives?
How does NIP aim to bridge India’s infrastructure gap?
Discuss the challenges in achieving the investment targets under NIP.
key provisions of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016?
How does RERA aim to protect the interests of homebuyers?
Discuss the impact of RERA on transparency and accountability in the real estate sector.
Smart Cities Mission, and how does it aim to transform urban infrastructure?
Discuss the objectives and progress of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban
Transformation (AMRUT).
How can smart cities contribute to sustainable urban development?
Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP), and how does it improve supply chain efficiency?
Discuss the significance of MMLPs for reducing logistics costs in India.
key provisions of the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015.
How has the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation (MMDR) Act, 2015, impacted
the mining sector?
What are the challenges in achieving sustainable coal mining in India?
What are the major challenges in India’s power sector?
Discuss the role of renewable energy in transforming India’s power sector.
How do schemes like UDAY and Saubhagya aim to improve power sector efficiency?
What is the significance of the oil and gas sector for India’s energy security?
Discuss the challenges faced by the oil and gas sector in exploration and production.
How can policies like HELP (Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy) address these
challenges?
What is the SAGARMALA project, and how does it aim to improve port-led development?
Explain the role of Coastal Economic Zones (CEZ) under the SAGARMALA initiative.
Discuss the challenges in modernizing India’s port infrastructure.
How does airport infrastructure contribute to economic growth and connectivity?
Discuss the role of the UDAN scheme in improving regional air connectivity.
What are the challenges in privatizing airport operations in India?
What are Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs), and why are they significant for India?
Explain the economic and logistical benefits of DFCs for trade and industry.
How does railway platform modernization contribute to passenger convenience and revenue
generation?
What are the key initiatives under railway platform modernization?
What is the Rail Development Authority (RDA), and what are its functions?
How can the RDA promote competition and efficiency in the railway sector?
What are industrial corridors, and how do they boost manufacturing and trade?
Discuss the objectives and progress of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC).
How do industrial corridors contribute to regional development?
What are Special Economic Zones (SEZ), and how do they promote exports?
Discuss the challenges faced by SEZs in India.
Compare SEZs with industrial corridors in terms of objectives and outcomes.
How can Indian Railways act as an engine of future economic growth?
Discuss the modernization initiatives undertaken by Indian Railways.
What are the advantages of High-Speed Rail (HSR) for India?
Discuss the progress and challenges in implementing the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train
project.
Why is infrastructure development critical for economic growth in India?
Discuss the key challenges in infrastructure development, including funding and
implementation.
What are the major sectors included under infrastructure in India?
What is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), and how does it work?
Discuss the advantages and challenges of the PPP model in infrastructure development.
Explain different types of PPP models, such as BOT, BOOT, and DBFO.
What are the major investment models used in infrastructure development in India?
Discuss the differences between EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) and
HAM (Hybrid Annuity Model).
How do investment models ensure risk-sharing between stakeholders?
Discuss the significance of the road sector in India's economic development.
What are the challenges in the development and maintenance of roads in India?
Explain the role of flagship programs like Bharatmala Pariyojana in road infrastructure.
Define economics and explain its significance in understanding the disparity between
resource-rich and resource-scarce countries.
Differentiate between microeconomics and macroeconomics with suitable examples.
How does the UPSC syllabus align with macroeconomic studies?
What are the three fundamental economic problems every society must solve? Explain each
with examples.
How do societies balance the production of capital goods and consumption goods? Discuss
with examples.
Compare and contrast market, command, and mixed economies with examples.
What is a laissez-faire economy? How does it function in a market system?
Discuss the structural transformation of the Indian economy post-1991, focusing on the shift
from agriculture to services.
Why did the manufacturing sector fail to emerge as the dominant sector during India’s
economic transformation?
Explain the role of IT and IT-enabled services in driving India’s service sector growth.
How did globalization contribute to the rapid growth of India’s service sector?
Discuss the implications of the service-led growth model on employment generation in India.
What are the challenges associated with an economy that skips industrialization in favor of
services?
How does India’s sectoral composition compare with other developing and developed
countries?
What was the role of the Planning Commission in India’s economic development?
Discuss the objectives and outcomes of the First Five-Year Plan (1951–56), focusing on
agriculture.
How did the Second Five-Year Plan (1956–61) emphasize industrialization and the
development of the public sector?
What were the key challenges faced during the Third Five-Year Plan (1961–66), and how
were they addressed?
Explain the rationale behind the Plan Holiday (1966–69). What were its outcomes?
Discuss the strategy of the Fourth Five-Year Plan (1969–74) in addressing food security and
industrial stagnation.
How did the Fifth Five-Year Plan (1974–79) prioritize poverty alleviation and self-reliance?
Analyze the achievements and failures of the Sixth (1980–85) and Seventh (1985–90)
Five-Year Plans.
What was the role of the Planning Commission in India’s economic development?
Discuss the objectives and outcomes of the First Five-Year Plan (1951–56), with a focus on
agriculture.
How did the Second Five-Year Plan (1956–61) focus on industrialization and the
development of the public sector?
What were the key challenges faced during the Third Five-Year Plan (1961–66), and how
were they addressed?
Explain the rationale behind the Plan Holiday (1966–69). What were its outcomes?
Discuss the strategy of the Fourth Five-Year Plan (1969–74) in addressing food security and
industrial stagnation.
How did the Fifth Five-Year Plan (1974–79) prioritize poverty alleviation and self-reliance?
Analyze the achievements and failures of the Sixth (1980–85) and Seventh (1985–90)
Five-Year Plans.
How did the Eighth Five-Year Plan (1992–97) align with the post-liberalization era?
What were the limitations of centralized planning as implemented by the Planning
Commission?
How has the transition from the Planning Commission to NITI Aayog changed the approach
to economic planning?
What is the current state of the manufacturing sector in India post-2014?
Discuss the challenges faced by the Indian manufacturing sector, including infrastructural
and regulatory issues.
How has the government promoted manufacturing as part of the *Make in India* initiative?
Compare India’s manufacturing competitiveness with that of China and Southeast Asian
countries.
How can India leverage technology and innovation to boost its manufacturing sector?
What are the objectives of the "Make in India" initiative? Discuss its significance for
economic growth.
Which sectors have been prioritized under "Make in India," and why?
Discuss the key achievements and shortcomings of "Make in India" since its launch.
How has "Make in India" impacted foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into India?
What role do state governments play in the success of "Make in India"?
What is Industry 4.0, and how does it relate to smart manufacturing?
Discuss the role of artificial intelligence, IoT, and robotics in Industry 4.0.
How can India integrate Industry 4.0 technologies into its manufacturing processes?
What are the challenges faced by Indian industries in adopting smart manufacturing
technologies?
Explain the potential impact of Industry 4.0 on job creation and skill requirements in India.
Define MSMEs and explain their role in India's economic development.
Discuss the key challenges faced by MSMEs, including access to credit and technology.
What are the government's key schemes for promoting MSMEs post-2014?
How has the redefinition of MSMEs (2020) impacted their growth and competitiveness?
Explain the role of MSMEs in export promotion and employment generation in India.
What is the significance of start-ups in fostering innovation and economic growth in India?
Discuss the key initiatives launched by the government to promote start-ups post-201
Explain the role of Start-up India and its impact on entrepreneurship.
How has the regulatory environment for start-ups improved since 2014?
Discuss the challenges faced by Indian start-ups in scaling operations and accessing
funding.
What are the key objectives of the National Policy for Skill Development and
Entrepreneurship (2015)?
Discuss the role of the Skill India Mission in enhancing workforce skills.
How has the government addressed the skill gap in key sectors of the economy?
Explain the linkage between skill development and employment generation in India.
What are the challenges in implementing skill development programs across rural and urban
areas?
What is the concept of land banks, and how do they facilitate industrial development?
Discuss the significance of the National Single Window System (NSWS) for ease of doing
business.
How can land banks and NSWS help in addressing challenges in project clearances?
Explain the impact of NSWS on foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into India.
What are the limitations of the current land acquisition policies in India?
How has the e-commerce sector evolved in India post-2014?
Discuss the role of government policies in regulating and promoting e-commerce in India.
What are the challenges faced by e-commerce players in logistics and taxation?
How has the growth of e-commerce impacted traditional retail in India?
Explain the significance of data protection and privacy regulations for e-commerce platforms.
What are the current FDI norms in multi-brand and single-brand retail in India?
Discuss the benefits and challenges of allowing FDI in retail.
How has FDI in retail impacted small traders and domestic manufacturers?
What measures can be taken to balance foreign investment with domestic interests in retail?
Explain the role of FDI in promoting infrastructure and technology in the retail sector.
Discuss the evolution of FDI limits in the insurance sector in India since 201
How has increased FDI in insurance contributed to financial inclusion in India?
What are the challenges faced by the insurance sector in attracting FDI?
Discuss the evolution of FDI limits in the insurance sector in India since 2014.
How has increased FDI in insurance contributed to financial inclusion in India?
What are the challenges faced by the insurance sector in attracting FDI?
Explain the impact of higher FDI limits on the penetration of insurance products in rural
areas.
How has the regulatory framework evolved to manage foreign investment in the insurance
sector?
What is the vision behind the "Aatma Nirbhar Bharat" initiative?
Discuss the five pillars of "Aatma Nirbhar Bharat" and their significance.
How has "Aatma Nirbhar Bharat" impacted domestic manufacturing and exports?
Explain the role of self-reliance in reducing India’s dependency on imports.
What are the key challenges in achieving the goals of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat across diff
sectors,
What is inclusive growth, and why is it important for India's socio-economic development?
Discuss the challenges in achieving inclusive growth in India.
What are the key components of inclusive growth? Explain with examples.
How can inclusive growth address issues of poverty and unemployment?
Explain the role of government schemes like MGNREGA and PM Jan Dhan Yojana in
promoting inclusive growth.
What are the different methods used to estimate poverty in India?
Discuss the Tendulkar Committee’s recommendations for poverty estimation.
How does the Rangarajan Committee’s methodology differ from earlier poverty estimation
methods?
What are the criticisms of poverty estimation methods in India?
How do multidimensional poverty indices (MPI) provide a holistic view of poverty?
What is the demographic dividend, and how can India benefit from it?
Discuss the challenges India faces in leveraging its demographic dividend.
How does the demographic transition impact economic growth?
Explain the role of education and skill development in maximizing the demographic dividend.
Compare India’s demographic dividend with that of other countries like China.
What are the main labour laws in India, and how do they regulate employment?
Discuss the significance of the Labour Codes introduced in 2020.
How do labour laws impact ease of doing business in India?
What are the challenges in implementing labour laws in the informal sector?
How do labour reforms promote worker welfare and industrial growth?
What is fixed-term employment, and how does it differ from permanent employment?
Discuss the benefits and challenges of fixed-term employment for employers and workers.
How does fixed-term employment impact job security and employee benefits?
Explain the role of fixed-term employment in boosting industrial productivity.
Compare fixed-term employment policies in India with global practices.
What are the key challenges faced by migrant labourers in India?
Discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on migrant labour in India.
What are the provisions of the Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act, 1979?
How can government policies address the issues of social security and welfare for migrant
labourers?
Explain the significance of portability of welfare benefits for migrant workers.
What is the Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO), and what are its key
functions?
How does the EPFO promote social security for workers in the organized sector?
What are the key reforms introduced in EPFO post-2014?
Discuss the challenges in extending EPFO benefits to informal sector workers.
How does the Universal Account Number (UAN) simplify EPFO operations?
What is the National Pension System (NPS), and how does it differ from traditional pension
schemes?
Discuss the benefits and challenges of the NPS for government and private sector
employees.
How does the NPS contribute to financial security post-retirement?
Compare the Atal Pension Yojana with the NPS in terms of inclusivity and coverage.
What reforms can enhance the penetration of the NPS in rural and informal sectors?
Differentiate between the informal and formal economy with examples.
Discuss the challenges in formalizing the informal economy in India.
What are the key government initiatives to formalize the informal sector, such as GST and
Digital India?
How does the informal economy contribute to employment generation and GDP in India?
What are the socio-economic implications of a large informal sector?
What are the key reasons for rising income inequality in India?
How does rising income inequality affect social and economic development?
Discuss the role of progressive taxation in addressing income inequality.
What measures can be taken to reduce the urban-rural divide in income distribution?
How does inequality intersect with caste, gender, and regional disparities in India?
Discuss the debate between providing public services and direct income support for poverty
eradication.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of direct cash transfers for poverty alleviation?
How do public services like healthcare and education contribute to sustainable poverty
eradication?
What is the role of Universal Basic Income (UBI) in addressing poverty?
Compare India’s approach to poverty eradication with global best practices.
How do subsidies help in achieving social equity and economic growth?
Explain the difference between explicit and implicit subsidies with examples.
What are the different methods of disbursing subsidies? Explain each briefly.
How does the choice of subsidy delivery mechanism impact efficiency and leakages?
Compare the effectiveness of in-kind subsidies versus direct cash transfers.
What are price subsidies, and how do they benefit consumers and producers?
Discuss the challenges associated with implementing price subsidies.
How do price subsidies impact inflation and fiscal deficit?
What is the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, and how does it work?
How has DBT improved the efficiency and transparency of subsidy delivery?
Discuss the challenges in implementing DBT in rural and underserved areas.
What are the major DBT schemes in India?
What is the concept of income support as a form of subsidy? How does it differ from price
subsidies?
Discuss the pros and cons of income support schemes like PM-KISAN.
How does income support contribute to poverty alleviation and rural development?
What are fuel subsidies, and why are they important in India?
Discuss the impact of fuel subsidies on fiscal deficit and trade balance.
What measures has the government taken to rationalize fuel subsidies in recent years?
How does the deregulation of fuel prices affect consumers and the economy?
What is the significance of fertilizer subsidies for Indian agriculture?
Explain the challenges associated with the implementation of fertilizer subsidies.
Discuss the role of the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme in rationalizing fertilizer use.
How does the overuse of subsidized fertilizers affect soil health and the environment?
What is the rationale behind food subsidies in India?
Discuss the challenges of implementing food subsidies in terms of targeting and delivery.
How do food subsidies impact inflation and fiscal discipline?
What is the role of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in managing food subsidies?
Discuss the challenges faced by the FCI in terms of storage, procurement, and distribution.
How can the efficiency of the FCI be improved to reduce subsidy costs?
What is the Public Distribution System (PDS), and how does it function?
Discuss the challenges faced by the PDS, such as leakages and corruption.
How has the introduction of technology, such as Aadhaar, improved the efficiency of the
PDS?
Compare the PDS with DBT in terms of food subsidy delivery.
What are the key provisions of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013?
How does the NFSA aim to ensure food security in India?
Discuss the challenges in implementing the NFSA at the state level.
What are the fiscal implications of the NFSA on the central and state governments?
What were the key recommendations of the Shanta Kumar Committee on food and fertilizer
subsidies?
How do the committee’s recommendations aim to reduce inefficiencies in the PDS and FCI?
Discuss the proposed reforms in food procurement and storage suggested by the
committee.
How can the Shanta Kumar Committee’s recommendations be implemented without
adversely affecting vulnerable populations?
Critically analyze the feasibility and political challenges of implementing the committee’s
recommendations.
