Ancient & Medieval Indian History : Question Bank for 2017

These are Questions on Ancient & Medieval India

Answer all questions. Marks are provided against each question.

1.       “The Purusha-sukta in Book 10 of the Rig Veda Samhita refers to four social groups—Brahmana, Rajanya, Vaishya, and Shudra, though the word varna is not mentioned.” Critically analyse.        [15]

2.       The expansion of agriculture and especially the cultivation of rice led to a virtual demographic revolution. It has been suggested that there is a definite relationship between rice growing areas and a higher fertility rate. Evaluate this statement in the context of the society during the period of the Buddha.         [20]

3.       “One can read, or even write, about the events of the past without wanting to know why they happened. Then one should not call oneself a student of history or a historian.” [E. H. Carr]. In light of this, explain the concept and tools of historiography.   [15]

4.       Is it correct to use the term ‘Neolithic Revolution’? Discuss major theories of domestication of plants and animals during Neolithic period.            [15]

5.       Highlight the Harappan Civilisation with special emphasis on Crafts, Trade and Religion. [20]

6.       Put forth the characteristics of Early, Middle & Upper Palaeolithic period in the sub-continent.            [15]

7.       The Political History of Southern India during (500 – 750 C E) is mired with the confrontation between Chalukyas of Badami and the Pallavas. Do you agree?     [10]

8.       The Narada Smriti asserts that subjects owe the king revenue as a reward for the protection he provides them. Kamandaka’s Nitisar advises the king to be like a florist or milkman in matters of taxation. In this context, examine the revenue resources for the state during the Gupta period.    [20]

9.       In ancient Indian social structure, discuss the philosophy behind marriages. What were the different types of marriages prevalent?          [20]

10.   Bring out a comparative analysis of the six schools of Hindu philosophy        [20]

11.   With illustrations, bring out the stylistic differences between pillar, stupa and rock-cut architecture in ancient India.            [20]

12.   The Sangam literature deals with secular matter relating to public and social activity like government, war charity, trade, worship, agriculture, among other things. Discuss.     [15]

13.   Locational hints to the places shown in the attached map is given below. Identify the places and write short notes in about 30 words on each one of them.                             [3 x 15 = 45]

a.      Palaeolithic site

b.      Early centre of agriculture

c.       major harappan site

d.      harappan site

e.      Neolithic-chalcolithic site

f.        ochre-coloured pottery

g.      capital of mahajanapad

h.      on a major trade route

i.        royal centre of south india

j.        major port

k.      on a long distance trade route

l.        harappan site

m.   capital of major northern dynasty

n.      important port

o.      Buddhist cave

Answer all questions. Marks are provided against each question.

1.       “The RAJPUT period was an era of chivalry and feudalism”. Comment.     [15]
[e-notes, 21 June 2015]

2.       Akbar has generally been revered by historians of all ages. However, can you bring out the shrewdness, greed, ‘bent of character’, political shenanigans and religious opportunism of Akbar – supported with facts?                   [30]

3.       The Sultanate period was literally a dark age of Indian history. Do you agree?          [15]

4.       The common people”, Pelsaert (c. 1626) observed, lived in “poverty so great and miserable that the life of the people can be depicted or accurately described only as the home of stark want and the dwelling place of bitter woe”. Discuss.   [15]
[e-notes, Medieval-Economy-Society]

5.       Give a brief account of Rajasthani and Hill Schools of painting.       [15]          [notes 10.pdf]

6.       Within Sufism, the increasing authority assigned to the Shaikh or pir over his disciples or devotees led to the formation of various ‘silsilahs’ (chains) or orders among sufis. In this context, describe the various silsilahs of Sufism. Do you think that the Chisti order was the most liberal? Why?  [20]           [e – Notes, Religion Medieval India]

7.       “The caves at Ellora (7^th – 8^th centuries) represent the last phase of Buddhist cave architecture in western India” (Huntington, 1985)?           [15]         [e-Notes, Archi 14 June 2015]

8.       “Ziauddin Barani reflected the aristocratic, religious fervour while Amir Khusrao was the prototypical of the syncretism of the Indian variety. Tender your opinion.   [15]

9.       The sixteenth century saw the rise of Sikhism, now one of the recognized religions of the world. Examine.          [15] [e – Notes, Religion Medieval India]

10.    As far as South India is concerned, Burton Stein put forward a hard-hitting critique of the ‘traditional historiography’ represented by scholars like Sastri. T. V. Mahalingam, and A. Appadorai.” Critically analyse.       [20]
[e-notes, South India Segmentary State 2015]

11.    Did the Sanskrit literature see its pre-mature death during the Medieval period?  [15]
[notes 11.pdf]

12.    Write short notes on each of the following in NOT more than 150 words   [10x6=60]
[e-Notes / Class Notes]

a.       Architecture : Gujarat style

b.       Position of Muslim Women during the Mughal Period

c.        Reasons for the decline of the Mughals

d.       Rise of the Marathas under Shivaji

e.       Strategic importance of Kannuaj

Paper I [Ancient + Medieval India] [01 OCT 2017]

Max Marks: 250 marks                                                                                   Max Time: 180 mins

Question Nos. 1 & 5 are compulsory. Answer any three questions from the rest, taking at least one question from each section. Marks are detailed against each question.

Section A

1.       Identify the following places marked on the outline map supplied to you and write short notes of about 30 words on each of them. Locational hints for each of the places marked on the map are given below in seriatim : -     [2&1/2 x 20 = 50]

A.       Important Port during Sangam period

B.       Centre for Art & Archietcrure

C.       Important strategic Town in early medieval times

D.      Capital of Hoysala Empire during 12^th & 13^th centuries

E.       famous for temple architecture

F.        Neolithic settlement

G.      Place gives its name to a lake

H.      Buddhist Site

I.         Bakhtiyar Khilji destroyed the site

J.        Cultural habitation of 3 different periods

K.       One of 4 dhaams of Hinduism

L.        Famous for rock-cut caves

M.     Related to Buddhism

N.      Famous for temples

O.      Known as Dakshin Kasi

P.       Famous for Sun Temple

Q.      Iron-based culture

R.       Ancient Stone-built city

S.       City traces itshistory to the epic Mahabharata

T.       Related to Indus-Valley civilisation

2A. “Artisans and craftsmen were very often organized into guilds. Later Buddhist literature refers to the existence of eighteen guilds in Rajagriha.” Discuss

2B. From major rock edicts, point out the main features of Ashoka’s dhamma.

2C. “The later Vedic ideas and ceremonies of marriage are reflected in a complex hymn in the tenth Mandala, often referred to as the ‘Surya-sukta’” Comment.               [20+15+15=50]

3A. Differentiate between Memory & History.
3B. Mesolithic Age, Bhimbetka and Microliths – bring out the connection.

3C. Megaliths are a peculiarity in the sub-continent’s history. Do you agree?             [15+20+15=50]

4A. Was there any ruling elite in the Harappan Civilisation? Argue.

4B. What was the state of Education in the sub-continent till the advent of the Turks?

4C. Discuss the Hindu way of life during the Gupta period in Indian history.               [15+15+20=50]

Section B

5. Write short notes in not more than 150 words on each of the following [10x5=50]

a. Position of Women in Medieval India
b. Role of Abul Fazl in the evolution of the perception of India
c. Economy during Mughal period
d. Religious world of Jehangir
e.  Akbar and Sulh-i-Kul

6A Critically analyse the structure of nobility under Muhammad bin Tughluq.

6B. Paint a picture of Delhi during the 13^th and 14^th centuries.

6C. Present different approaches to the study of Mughal Polity            [15+15+20=50]

7A. “Both Science as well as Religion grew during 600 to 1200 CE” Discuss

7B. Present a discourse on Sculpture, painting, music & dance during the Sultanate regime

7C. Citing illustrations, bring out the synthesis of arcuate & trabeate forms of architecture.    [15+20+15=50]

8A. How did the Marathas rise as a regional power? What was the impact on Indian polity due to their rise?

8B. “Provincial Governors under Aurangzeb” : write a note.  

8C. “Historians have neglected the devastating famines during the Mughal regime”. Comment   
 [20 +15 + 15 = 50]

GS 3 : Question Bank for UPSC Mains 2017

60 Questions

1.       What do you know about the ‘Base movement’? How home-grown terror outfits is a challenge to India’s internal security?

2.       “Influx of Chinese Firecrackers has become a matter of concern for India” Critically discuss

3.       Considering the innovative modes of attacks unleashed by Islamist fundamentalists in Europe in the recent past, do you think India should also brace up for such attacks? What could be the pre-emptive measures?

4.       Currently, India is ranked 130th out of 190 economies, as per Doing Business Report, 2017. What has India done to improve upon its position?

5.       “The effects of globalization vary from country to country and from time to time. India’s economic liberalization has been calibrated and cautious especially insensitive sectors such as agriculture. The government constantly reviews its economic policies to ensure that the objective of inclusive growth is achieved. In multilateral forums, the effort is to achieve results which safeguard the interests of the poor.” Critically Discuss.

6.       In order to provide social security benefits to the workers in the unorganised sector including domestic workers, the Government has enacted the Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008. Elaborate the provisions of this act.

7.        “Official data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) show that the murder rate in India has been steadily declining over the past two decades.” Analyse

8.       The digital payment revolution is the best disruption demonetisation has unleashed. Critcally examine

9.       India and Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim nation, have decided to expand their defence and maritime security ties and resolved to deal with terrorism. Discuss the significance of this tie-up.

10.     “In November 2016, people in India woke up to the news about the largest data breach in the country. It involved data stolen from 3.2 million debit cards between 25 May and 10 July from a network of bank ATMs, managed by a Japanese payment services company. After demonetisation, the Government of India is pushing for digital transactions. As India goes digital, experts must recognise the huge threat to the internet from hackers.” Critically examine India’s preparedness in this regard

11.     “The National Policy on Software Products visualizes the country’s rise of India as a leading global player in creation, production and supply of innovative software” Discuss

12.     “Terrorist and Insurgent organization within India and outside employ children and women.” Critically analyse

13.    Discuss the growth of food processing industry in North-East India

14.     “According to a report on Global Wealth by Credit Suisse, the total quantum of wealth is rising in India but so is the disparity between those who have wealth and those deprived of it.” Examine

15.    A. “It is essential to break economic sources of Maoists”. Critically analyse

B. Are the Maoists spreading their wings in the

Western Ghats and Kerala?

16.    What are Angel Funds? Of late, what have been SEBI’s actions with regard to those funds?

17.    Islamic State is on the rise in Phillipines. It has already established itself in West Asia. In these circumstances, assess the threat scenario for India.

18.    India has been the top remittance-receiving country in 2016. What were the factors behind it?

19.    The state of Manipur, situated along the eastern frontier of the Indo-Myanmar border, has been the most disturbed state in the northeast region of India. Do you agree?

20.    Banks should give more loans to Self Help Groups (SHGs). Isn’t this a biased approach?

21.      “The Government of India has launched National Framework for Malaria Elimination 2016-2030 in February 2016 targeting elimination of malaria by 2030.” Enumerate the strategies in this regard. Do you believe the strategies could be effective?

22.     “Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) continues to worsen in India, falling from 898 in 2013 to 887 in 2014, as per new data from Civil Registration System (CRS) released by the Office of the Registrar General of India” Elucidate the reasons.

23.      “Yoga has now become the icon of global health and many countries have started integrating it in their health care delivery system.” Discuss this statement in the light of AYUSH.

24.     “Arctic scientists have warned that the increasingly rapid melting of the ice cap risks triggering 19 “tipping points” in the region that could have catastrophic consequences around the globe”. Critically assess.

25.     What is Brown Carbon Aerosol? How does it cause warming of the atmosphere?
Why is protein important in diet? What have been DRDO’s efforts to innovate protein foods?

26.     "Cow urine is ingredient of several Ayurvedic formulations and also used as adjuvant with medicinal formulations and for pharmaceutical processing." Critically discuss

27.     According to an analysis of Himalayan glaciers and their possible future impact on livelihoods in States adjoining the region, potential hydro power projects in the Himalayan region would need to factor in chances of increased floods from the formation of new lakes and the expansion of existing ones due to melting glaciers. Elaborate.

28.     "Despite the link between the Zika virus infection and microcephaly being well established, the entire spectrum of challenges posed by the disease is not known." Comment.

29.     “The derailment of several trains causing death of people is a sad reality of strained infrastructure of Indian Railways which is crying for reforms.” In the light of this statement, critically assess the disaster management preparedness of Indian Railways.

30.   “For the first time, researchers have discovered hematopoietic stem cells in Drosophila (fruit flies), thus providing an invertebrate model to study hematopoietic stem cells.” Explain.

31.    What is Axion? Discuss in the backdrop of the concept of Dark Matter. Further, discuss India’s contribution in the CERN project.

32.   “Single clinics will be treated as corporates which means the cost of treatment will go up for patients. It defeats the whole purpose of subsidised treatment being provided by single clinics.” Critically evaluate this statement within the purview of The Clinical Establishments (Registration And Regulation) Act, 2010.

33.   Critically analyse the air pollution control measures taken by the government in recent past. Suggest necessary changes that need to be introduced in government’s policies for pollution control.

34.   What is a LASER? How Airborne Lasers help in archaeology? How are water-wave lasers created?

35.   “In their latest breakthrough, Central Institute of Brackish Water Aquaculture (CIBA) scientists have bred Etroplus canarensis, a breed of fish assessed by the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as endangered because of its restricted distribution.” How has this been possible?

36.   What is Polar Sun Synchronous Orbit? What has been ISRO’s achievements in launching satellites in this regard?

37.   What is BCS theory? Can bismuth turn out to be an exception in the context of this theory?

What is antibiotic resistance? Discuss the issues related to antibiotic resistance.

38.   The practice of wrapping, covering or processing foods with newspaper and printed recycled paper materials in India is a contentious issue. Opine with illustrations, if any.

39.   There is estimated to be more than 100 million pieces of space junk in orbit, including discarded equipment from old satellites, tools and bits of rocket. In this context, discuss ways and means to clean space debris.

40.  Demonstrate, how climate change and sea level rise has contributed to the phenomenon of losing land, including mangrove forests in the Sundarbans?

20 more ....

Q1. Discuss the various ways in which Artificial Intelligence can be used in India.

Q2. What are nano-materials? How can they be used to combat climate change?

Q3. Has India done sufficient enough to counter desertification? Is Delhi under the sway of desertification?

Q4. There have been a lot of controversies with genetically modified crops in India. Bring out the issues and suggest possible solutions.

Q5. What have been the issues highlighted by the Comptroller & Auditor General [CAG] with respect to flood control in India? Do you think these issues could be taken care of?

Q6. “India has not grown up as far as managing earthquakes are concerned” Critically examine

Q7. According to you, what should be the better modes of counter-insurgency tactics to be used by the Indian government in Kashmir? Discuss. In this light, provide a critique to the tactics already in vogue.

Q8. Has the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 been successful in controlling terror in India? Evaluate the role of finance in encouraging terror networks.

Q9. The concept of AADHAAR has a close relationship with national security. Explain. Can you suggest any better method for identification of the citizens & safeguarding national security?

Q10. “Social Media has become a platform for igniting security conflagrations.” Discuss the issue and suggest remedies.

Q11. “At times, domestic problems in neighbouring countries turn out to be causes of internal security issues for India”. Demonstrate with instances.

Q12. How are hurricanes formed? How are they categorized? Give examples.

Q13. Is disinvestment and export-promotion the two tracks to modernize and develop India? Critically assess.

Q14. Niti Aayog recently released Ease of doing business report after surveying 3500 manufacturing firms across India. State the major points of the report. Suggest feasible solutions to the issues in hand.

Q15. “New analysis of recent data for 21 Indian cities suggests a strong correlation between the capacities–resource and people–of urban local bodies (ULBs) and their service delivery. ULBs could clearly raise more resources even allowing for constraints that straitjacket them. Technology, especially satellite imagery, can play an important role.” Critically discuss.

Q16. “Since about 1980, backed by policy reforms, India’s growth performance has been robust. Yet, there are serious challenges that might impede further rapid progress emanating in part from the fact that India started out as a poor democracy with deep social fissures.” What is your opinion? How does India compare with China in the context of economic development?

Q17. Present a pen picture of the impressive fiscal performance of the states after the introduction of Fiscal Responsibility Legislation (FRL).

Q18. Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh are close to ocean – which is a special advantage and thus they have grown faster and advanced more rapidly in economic terms. Do you agree?

Q19. How the Goods and Services Tax [GST] & Demonetisation revolutionized Indian economic scenario?

Q20. “India is one of the fast growing economies of the world. Associated with the rapid increase in incomes is rapid increase in the demand for energy.” Tell the tale for the quest of India’s energy security. 

GS 2 : Question Bank for UPSC Mains 2017

 
60 Questions

1.      Supreme Court has made National Anthem mandatory in cinema halls. Tender your opinion on this move, citing the law / constitutional position, if any.

2.      “India signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and subsequently ratified the same on 1st October, 2007. Being a signatory to the Convention, India has an international obligation to comply with the provisions of the Convention”. In this light, discuss India’s efforts as reflected in the Rights of Persons With Disabilities (RPWD) Bill

3.      Critically examine the feasibility of having Education & Judiciary as All India Services.

4.      What are the salient features of the Central Sector Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourers, 2016 and the Draft Inland Vessels Bill, 2016

5.      In the context of contract workers vis-a-vis permament workers, assess the observations made by the Supreme Court in the Jagjit Singh Case.

6.      Critically analyse the position of child rights in India. State the functions and role of National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)

7.      The Commission of Inquiry on Socio-Economic and Educational Conditions of Muslims in Telangana has recommended 12 per cent reservation or a minimum of 9 per cent to the community in social and educational sectors. Discuss

8.      A Parliamentary Standing Committee report accusing the Supreme Court of distorting the original constitutional mandate and showing an “unnecessary zeal” for primacy in judicial appointments was tabled in late 2016 in the parliament. Deliberate

9.      The Supreme Court has ordered closure of all liquor shops along national and state highways in the country. What is your opinion?

10. Recently, free speech in Algeria was apparently threatened. Discuss. Do you think India has an ambience of free speech? Analyse from the constitutional perspective.

11. “Gorkhaland Territorial Administration is a viable solution for the demands of the Gorkhas within the state of West Bengal.” Do you agree?

12. “Jammu and Kashmir has “no vestige” of sovereignty outside the Indian Constitution” Critically discuss

13. Should Lateral Entry be institutionalised in Civil Service, especially at the upper-middle levels of Director & Joint Secretary? In Civil Service, what should be the factor in promotion – seniority or merit? Explain.

14.  “The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a complete ban on burning of waste in open places” Critically examine.

15.  “The agenda for political, economic and social democracy remains unfinished because of continued disparity between the lives of the privileged and the rest”. Critically discuss in the Indian context.

16. “Our traditions have always celebrated the ‘argumentative’ Indian not the ‘intolerant’ Indian.” Critically evaluate.

17. Are Lodha Committee recommendations enough to curb corruption in cricket? Overall, what could be done to tame corruption in sports in India?

18. Are legislations helping the transgenders to mix with the normal society in India?

19. Recently, the government has decided to review the performance of autonomous bodies that have mushroomed over the years. Analyse the need for such a step and suggest a strategy to ensure an effective review

20. Highlight India’s major internal water-sharing disputes, with special emphasis on Ken-Betwa & Satluj-Yamuna.

21. “Today, both India and Russia, need to find new ways to reignite their ties in a

rapidly changing international system”. Critically examine and tender your opinion.

22. Is USA correct in its stance to suggest both India and China to resolve their contentious border issues through dialogues? Discuss.

23. Should India refrain from political and diplomatic interference in the South China Sea? Substantiate.

24. Syrian conflict zone has turned almost global. Yet, India is not a party to it. Do you think this foreign policy posture is pragmatic?

25. How can India utilize the permanent member status in Shanghai Cooperation Organisation [SCO] to leverage strategic gains in the Central Asian region?

26. Is a politically volatile Pakistan good for India’s interests?

27. Discuss the important factors pushing India and UAE to enhance their engagement.

28. What could be the trajectory of India-USA relations in the present regime of USA?

29.  Don’t you think that India should be more assertive with respect to its minor neighbours – like Bhutan, Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles and the like?

30. What made India’s foreign policy divert from Panch-sheel to Panch-amrit? Or is it a diversion at all?

31. “Latin America has always been a rather neglected arena in Indian diplomacy.” Critically evaluate.

32. Can you highlight some success stories related to Stand Up India?

[http://pib.nic.in/ndagov/InstitutionaStory.aspx]

33. “19-year-old Romila Das was a victim of an abusive marriage. She lived at Rail Gate, Dimapur, Nagaland. Her husband forcibly married her, and thereafter made her life a living nightmare. He exploited her emotionally and financially. She could not have survived it anymore, and so she sought divorce. One-Stop Centre (OSC), Dimapur, ensured justice to her.” Critically discuss the efficacy of the scheme One-Stop Centre.

[http://pib.nic.in/ndagov/InstitutionaStory.aspx]

34. Of late, to what extent has slogans been effective in implementing government schemes? Posit instances.

35. Present a discourse on Prime Minister’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’.

36. State and discuss the major initiatives of the present government with regard to the betterment of farmers in India.

[http://pib.nic.in/ndagov/Initiatives.aspx]

37. NITI Aayog has emerged as the premier policy ‘Think Tank’ of the Government of India fostering the spirit of cooperative federalism. Ever since its inception the institution has taken a series of initiatives aimed at giving a push to the economy and transforming the lives of millions across the country. Do you agree?

38. “Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is creating a Silent Revolution in achieving Health Security by providing Affordable, Quality Medicines for All.” Critically examine.

[http://pib.nic.in/ndagov/fridayConference.aspx]

39. “Bangladesh is gradually becoming a terror hub and naturally fostering tension for India”. Explain.

40. Which is a better prescription for Indian foreign policy makers – a case by case approach or to have a grand strategy? Why?

41.     “In the context of government being formed by a non-majority party recently in Goa and Manipur, it has once again questioned the discretion of governor in calling a person to form a government”. Citing illustrations and rule/law position, critically discuss the issue.

42.     With the Gorkhaland agitation at the forefront, again the old yet persistent question of smaller provinces comes up. Would a consistent acceptance of such demands ultimately lead to the Balkanisation of India?

43.     Explain the ongoing tussle between Puducherry Lt Governor and Chief Minister. Further, discuss the greater issue related to this.

44.     “The Supreme Court has said though free speech is a ‘highly valued and cherished right’, imprisonment is a proportionate punishment for defamatory remarks”. Critically examine.

45.     The Union government has recently notified Prevention of cruelty to animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017 under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 for restricting trade in cattle. Discuss the pros & cons of the rule and give your opinion.

46.     The Supreme Court has said that the right to access Internet comes under fundamental right of expression and cannot be curtailed at any cost. Do you agree with this view?

47.     What is PRAGATI scheme? What are the limitations of e-governance system?

48.     The committee on urban infrastructure (2011) had estimated that Indian cities would need to invest around Rs 40 trillion at constant prices in the two decades to 2031. Examine.

49.     Do you think that the SC decision to allow abortion of ailing foetus is a revolutionary one? Deliberate

50.    The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2017, has finally received Presidential assent. With this, all the hurdles for resuming Kambala — the traditional slush-track buffalo race of the coastal districts — are cleared. Critically discuss.

51.   The embarrassment caused by Justice C.S. Karnan, who is serving six months’ imprisonment for scandalising the Indian judiciary while serving as a High Court judge, has triggered a strong pitch within the Supreme Court to reconsider the efficacy of the age-old and recently revived collegium system of judicial appointments. Critically examine.

52.   Assess the efficacy of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.  What are the key features of the UDAN [Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik] scheme?

53.   The Supreme Court has frozen the status of “legal persons” accorded to rivers Ganga and Yamuna by the Uttarakhand High Court in March 2017. Discuss and debate on the issue.

54.   Of late, an MP has sent notice for a private members Bill in the Lok Sabha to combat mob violence. What are the highlighting features of the bill? Do you think this Bill is a timely intervention?

55.   In a major recognition of India’s efforts to benchmark global spices trade, the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) has adopted three Codex standards for black, white and green pepper, cumin and thyme, paving the way for universal agreement on identifying quality spices in various countries. Explain.

56.   Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel has generated a lot of interest as the first to the country by an Indian Prime Minister. India-Israel ties are on a steady upward trend. What is your assessment?

57.   The way India has handled Doklam issue speaks volumes of our diplomacy and Foreign Service. Do you agree?

58.   Discuss the India-Maldives relations in light of political turbulence in Maldives and its closer relations with China.

59.   Pakistan’s anti-India rhetoric in world forums has of late, grown by volumes. In this backdrop, recommend India’s foreign policy doctrine towards Pakistan.

60.  “India has done its balancing act well – since 2001 – with USA & Russia pulling at both ends”. Analyse.