BPSC CCE Mains Answer Writing

Introduction

UNESCO's Memory of the World Programme (1992) protects documentary heritage; the November 2026 inscription of three Indian classics at the 11th MOWCAP session in Jakarta recognises India's intellectual traditions.

Significance

• Rajatarangini is among the earliest historical chronicles of India, written by Kalhana.
• Arthashastra reflects early Indian thought on statecraft, economy and law.
• The Mahabharata shapes ethics, art and literature across Asia.
• Global listing boosts research, tourism and cultural diplomacy.

Challenges

• Lakhs of manuscripts lie with private owners, temples and mutts without cataloguing.
• Humidity, insects and fragile palm-leaf and birch-bark materials cause decay.
• There is a shortage of trained conservators and script experts.
• Digitised copies are often not openly accessible to scholars.

Measures

• Strengthen the National Mission for Manuscripts and its conservation centres.
• Create a national open digital repository with metadata standards.
• Train youth in Sharada, Grantha and other scripts through universities.
• Offer incentives and legal clarity to private custodians.

Bihar angle

• Nalanda and Vikramashila were great manuscript centres of ancient Bihar.
• Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Library, Patna, holds rare manuscripts needing digitisation.
• Mithila's palm-leaf collections can be catalogued with local universities.

Supporting evidence

• National Mission for Manuscripts (2003) under the Ministry of Culture.
• Earlier Asia-Pacific listings (2024): Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, Sahṛdayāloka-Locana.
• Rigveda manuscripts on the International Register (2007).

Way forward

• Manuscripts are living knowledge; preserving and translating them links heritage with Viksit Bharat.
• More nominations to the International Register can follow.

• National Mission for Manuscripts (2003) under the Ministry of Culture.
• Earlier Asia-Pacific listings (2024): Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, Sahṛdayāloka-Locana.
• Rigveda manuscripts on the International Register (2007).

Introduction

India and the EU concluded negotiations in November 2026 for India's association with Horizon Europe, the EU's €93.5 billion research and innovation programme for 2021–27, expected to apply from January 2027.

Strategic significance

• It adds a technology pillar to the India–EU FTA and Trade and Technology Council.
• It signals trust in India as a reliable partner amid global tech rivalry.
• Joint work on climate, health and digital standards aligns both sides' goals.
• It helps diversify partnerships beyond the US and Japan.

Benefits for research

• Indian institutions can join EU consortia on near-equal terms.
• Access to large research infrastructure and mobility for scientists.
• India's R&D spending of below 1% of GDP gets leveraged with external funds.
• Startups can access EU innovation and market networks.

Concerns

• Association involves financial contribution, requiring value-for-money assessment.
• IPR and data-sharing rules may favour stronger EU partners.
• Brain drain risk if Indian researchers relocate.
• Weak research capacity in State universities may limit participation.

Bihar angle

• IIT Patna, AIIMS Patna and NIT Patna can lead consortia in health and water research.
• Flood forecasting on Kosi–Gandak can benefit from EU Copernicus data partnerships.
• Bihar's universities need research cells to apply for international grants.

Supporting evidence

• India–EU S&T Cooperation Agreement, 2001.
• India–EU Trade and Technology Council (2022).
• ANRF Act, 2023.

Way forward

• Link Horizon calls with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation and build grant-writing capacity.
• Protect IPR through clear consortium agreements.

• India–EU S&T Cooperation Agreement, 2001.
• India–EU Trade and Technology Council (2022).
• ANRF Act, 2023.

Introduction

NPPA used Paragraph 19 of DPCO 2013 to cap trade margins at 30% on 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer medicines, with lower prices effective from 9 November 2026.

Merits

• Targets excessive margins between distributor price and MRP rather than manufacturer price.
• Cuts out-of-pocket spending, a major cause of medical impoverishment.
• Keeps incentives for innovation as manufacturer prices are not directly fixed.
• Covers patented and costly oncology drugs outside NLEM.

Limitations

• Companies may raise base prices to protect profits.
• Risk of supply shortages or withdrawal of some brands.
• Monitoring compliance across lakhs of retailers is difficult.
• Diagnosis and treatment costs beyond drugs remain high.

Complementary measures

• Expand Jan Aushadhi Kendras and oncology generics.
• Strengthen Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY coverage of cancer packages.
• Use pooled procurement for State cancer hospitals.
• Publish price data openly on the Pharma Sahi Daam app.

Bihar angle

• Mahavir Cancer Sansthan and IGIMS Patna serve patients from Bihar and Nepal.
• The Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital at Muzaffarpur expands access in north Bihar.
• Lower drug prices reduce distress migration of patients to Delhi and Mumbai.

Supporting evidence

• DPCO 2013, Paragraph 19.
• 2019 trade margin cap on 42 anti-cancer drugs (pilot).
• National Health Policy 2017 on out-of-pocket expenditure.

Way forward

• Trade margin rationalisation is useful but must sit within a wider cancer-care strategy of early screening and public hospitals.

• DPCO 2013, Paragraph 19.
• 2019 trade margin cap on 42 anti-cancer drugs (pilot).
• National Health Policy 2017 on out-of-pocket expenditure.

Introduction

After an uneven monsoon pushed up rice prices, the Centre in November 2026 raised the domestic OMSS rice target from 25 to 50 lakh tonnes and ordered weekly stock declarations.

Effectiveness

• Releasing FCI stocks increases supply and cools retail prices quickly.
• Stock disclosure improves data and deters hoarding.
• State-specific stock limits allow targeted action in deficit regions.
• Large buffer stocks give the Centre room to intervene.

Concerns

• Frequent controls create policy uncertainty for traders and exporters.
• Stock limits can hurt farm-gate prices and private storage investment.
• E-auction offtake depends on reserve price setting.
• Climate-driven output shocks are becoming more frequent.

Structural reforms

• Build a transparent, rule-based trade and stock policy.
• Expand warehousing and the e-NWR system.
• Promote climate-resilient varieties and crop diversification.
• Use real-time price monitoring for early action.

Bihar angle

• Rice is Bihar's main kharif crop; procurement through PACS is crucial.
• Price stability helps Bihar's large PDS-dependent population.
• Flood-tolerant varieties suit north Bihar's Kosi belt.

Supporting evidence

• Essential Commodities Act, 1955 (amended 2020).
• PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana free foodgrains.
• Shanta Kumar Committee (2015) on FCI restructuring.

Way forward

• Short-term supply release must be paired with predictable policy and climate-resilient production to protect both consumers and farmers.

• Essential Commodities Act, 1955 (amended 2020).
• PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana free foodgrains.
• Shanta Kumar Committee (2015) on FCI restructuring.

Introduction

Launched in 2019 and funded via the Nirbhaya Fund, the FTSC scheme has been extended till 31 March 2031, expanding from 779 to 850 courts, including exclusive POCSO courts.

Achievements

• FTSCs have disposed of a large number of rape and POCSO cases.
• Dedicated courts reduce the burden on regular sessions courts.
• Child-friendly procedures under POCSO are better followed.
• Centre–State cost-sharing has expanded coverage.

Gaps

• Shortage of judges, prosecutors and support staff.
• Delays in forensic reports due to limited lab capacity.
• Victim support, compensation and witness protection remain weak.
• Pendency continues to rise in high-burden districts.

Reforms

• Fill vacancies and give FTSC judges specialised training.
• Expand forensic science labs and set timelines for DNA reports.
• Link courts with One Stop Centres and victim compensation schemes.
• Use e-Courts and video-conferencing for child witnesses.

Bihar angle

• Bihar has FTSCs and POCSO courts in many districts but faces high pendency.
• The FSL at Patna needs regional expansion to cut DNA report delays.
• Women's police stations in every district can aid early investigation.

Supporting evidence

• Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018.
• POCSO Act, 2012 (Section 35: trial within one year).
• Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 timelines.

Way forward

• Speedy justice needs the whole chain — police, forensics, prosecution and courts — to move together.

• Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018.
• POCSO Act, 2012 (Section 35: trial within one year).
• Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 timelines.

Introduction

COP31 is being held in Antalya, Türkiye (9–20 November 2026), with Türkiye holding the presidency and Australia chairing negotiations, ten years after the Paris Agreement entered into force.

Key issues

• Delivering the New Collective Quantified Goal on climate finance.
• Updated NDCs and the gap to the 1.5°C pathway.
• Operationalising the Loss and Damage Fund.
• Adaptation indicators under the Global Goal on Adaptation.

India's priorities

• Equity and Common But Differentiated Responsibilities.
• Predictable, grant-based finance and technology transfer.
• Opposing unilateral trade measures such as carbon border taxes.
• Promoting LiFE, ISA and the Global Biofuels Alliance.

India's credentials

• Non-fossil installed capacity has crossed half of the total.
• Net-zero target of 2070 with interim NDC goals.
• National Green Hydrogen Mission and battery storage push.
• Leadership of the Global South through G20 and ISA.

Bihar angle

• Bihar faces both floods in the north and drought in the south.
• Its Climate Resilient and Low Carbon Development Pathway can attract adaptation finance.
• Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan is a State model of adaptation.

Supporting evidence

• Paris Agreement (2015), Article 9 on finance.
• NCQG agreed at COP29, Baku.
• India's updated NDC (2022): 45% emission-intensity cut by 2030 over 2005.

Way forward

• India should push for finance and adaptation outcomes while showcasing domestic transition as proof that growth and climate action can go together.

• Paris Agreement (2015), Article 9 on finance.
• NCQG agreed at COP29, Baku.
• India's updated NDC (2022): 45% emission-intensity cut by 2030 over 2005.

Introduction

On 6 November 2026 UP raised relief for death in a natural calamity from ₹4 lakh to ₹8 lakh and enhanced crop, livestock and housing compensation, benefiting over 10 lakh farmers.

Role of relief norms

• Provide immediate liquidity to affected families.
• Protect farmers from distress sale and debt traps.
• Ensure uniform, rule-based assistance through SDRF.
• Build public trust in the State's response.

Limitations

• Relief is reactive and rarely covers full losses.
• Delays in damage assessment and payment.
• Tenant farmers and landless workers are often left out.
• Rising climate disasters strain State finances.

Shift to risk reduction

• Use the mitigation window of SDMF as recommended by the 15th Finance Commission.
• Strengthen early warning, lightning alerts and flood forecasting.
• Promote crop insurance under PMFBY with faster claims.
• Mandate risk-informed land use and building codes.

Bihar angle

• Bihar is India's most flood-prone State, with north Bihar hit almost every year.
• Lightning deaths are high; the Indravajra app gives alerts.
• Bihar's DRR Roadmap (2015–30) is an early State-level model.

Supporting evidence

• Disaster Management Act, 2005 (Sections 46, 48).
• 15th Finance Commission: 80:20 split of SDRMF into response and mitigation.
• Sendai Framework for DRR 2015–2030.

Way forward

• Higher compensation is welcome, but resilience will come from investing in prevention, in line with the Sendai Framework.

• Disaster Management Act, 2005 (Sections 46, 48).
• 15th Finance Commission: 80:20 split of SDRMF into response and mitigation.
• Sendai Framework for DRR 2015–2030.

Introduction

India and Myanmar held their first tri-services HADR exercise, 'Rahat Mitra', in Chennai on 5–6 November 2026, involving over 300 personnel.

Significance of HADR

• Builds goodwill as a 'first responder' in the region.
• Creates interoperability and trust with neighbouring militaries.
• Counters the influence of extra-regional powers through soft power.
• Supports the MAHASAGAR vision of shared security and growth.

India's record

• Operation Brahma after the March 2025 Myanmar earthquake.
• Operation Maitri in Nepal (2015) and Operation Dost in Türkiye (2023).
• Vaccine Maitri during COVID-19.
• Cyclone relief to Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Challenges

• Political instability in Myanmar complicates engagement.
• Need to avoid perception of militarisation of aid.
• Limited airlift and pre-positioned stocks.
• Coordination with civil agencies and NGOs.

Bihar angle

• Bihar's border with Nepal makes cross-border flood and earthquake response vital.
• NDRF's 9th Battalion at Bihta (Patna) supports regional relief.
• Buddhist circuit links Bihar with Myanmar culturally.

Supporting evidence

• Act East Policy (2014) and Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project.
• MAHASAGAR (2025), successor to SAGAR (2015).
• India–Myanmar border about 1,643 km.

Way forward

• Institutionalise regional HADR drills through BIMSTEC and create pre-positioned relief hubs in the Bay of Bengal.

• Act East Policy (2014) and Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project.
• MAHASAGAR (2025), successor to SAGAR (2015).
• India–Myanmar border about 1,643 km.

Introduction

The fifth Digital Life Certificate Campaign of DoPPW, running through November 2026, generated nearly 40 lakh certificates in five days using Aadhaar-based face authentication.

Potential

• Removes the need for elderly pensioners to visit banks or offices.
• Reduces fraud and ghost pensions.
• Doorstep services through India Post Payments Bank widen reach.
• Creates data for better pension administration.

Limitations

• Low digital literacy among the elderly.
• Authentication failures due to ageing biometrics.
• Poor connectivity in rural and hilly areas.
• Risk of cyber fraud targeting senior citizens.

Inclusive model

• Keep assisted and offline options alongside digital ones.
• Use Common Service Centres and doorstep camps.
• Simple, vernacular interfaces and helplines.
• Strong grievance redressal through CPENGRAMS.

Bihar angle

• Bihar's Mukhyamantri Vriddhjan Pension Yojana covers all elderly regardless of income.
• Physical verification camps can complement DLC in remote districts.
• RTPS counters can assist elderly applicants.

Supporting evidence

• Jeevan Pramaan launched in November 2014.
• Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007.
• 2nd ARC report on e-governance (11th Report).

Way forward

• E-governance should be 'digital by default, human by design' so that no senior citizen is excluded.

• Jeevan Pramaan launched in November 2014.
• Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007.
• 2nd ARC report on e-governance (11th Report).

Introduction

The 30% trade-margin cap on 137 anti-cancer drugs, effective 9 November 2026, raises the ethical question of balancing commercial incentives with patients' right to life and health under Article 21.

Ethical dimensions

• Distributive justice: life-saving drugs should not depend on ability to pay.
• Beneficence: the State must reduce avoidable suffering.
• Fairness to firms: reasonable returns sustain research.
• Transparency in pricing builds trust.

Stakeholders

• Patients and families facing catastrophic expenditure.
• Manufacturers and traders seeking viability.
• Doctors, who must avoid conflict of interest in prescribing.
• Regulators balancing access and supply.

Ethical framework

• Apply Gandhi's talisman: judge policy by its effect on the poorest patient.
• Corporate social responsibility and fair-pricing pledges.
• Ethical marketing under the UCPMP code.
• Public reporting of price and supply data.

Bihar angle

• High out-of-pocket health spending pushes many Bihar households into poverty.
• State free-drug schemes in government hospitals reduce this burden.
• Ethical prescribing of generics can help rural patients.

Supporting evidence

• Article 21 and Article 47 (DPSP on public health).
• Novartis v. Union of India (2013) on evergreening of patents.
• Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices, 2024.

Way forward

• Health is a public good; pricing policy should combine compassion with sustainability so that innovation and access grow together.

• Article 21 and Article 47 (DPSP on public health).
• Novartis v. Union of India (2013) on evergreening of patents.
• Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices, 2024.