MPPSC SSE Mains Answer Writing

Introduction

The India–New Zealand FTA, signed on 27 April 2026, came into force on 20 October 2026, following deals with the UAE, Australia, EFTA and the UK.

How recent FTAs differ

• Partners are developed economies with complementary trade
• Sensitive farm and dairy lines are protected
• Chapters on services, mobility and investment

Safeguards needed

• Strict rules of origin to stop third-country routing
• Bilateral safeguard mechanisms for import surges
• Support for MSMEs to use preferences

Conclusion

Well-designed FTAs with strong safeguards can lift exports without hurting farmers.

Female LFPR (34.6%) lags the overall 55.5% due to care burdens, social norms, safety concerns and few suitable jobs. Crèches, safe transport, enforcement of the POSH Act, SHG-based livelihoods and flexible work can bring more women into the workforce.

Introduction

India scored 24.1 ('serious') in GHI 2026, ranking 100th of 122, with child wasting at 19.0% and stunting at 29.3%.

Methodology debate

• Three of four indicators concern children, not the whole population
• Undernourishment is based on a small FAO survey
• Government says it is not a true measure of hunger

Real challenges

• Wasting and stunting remain high
• Anaemia among women and children
• Poor diet diversity despite free grain

Conclusion

Whatever the ranking, child undernutrition needs POSHAN 2.0, sanitation and maternal care.

With 96 of 191 coal plants below three days' stock, India faces a supply crunch driven by heat-led demand, weak hydropower, rail bottlenecks and discom dues. More domestic output, better logistics, enforced stock norms and a storage-backed renewable mix are the answer.

Introduction

India has rolled over a ₹3,000-crore swap for the Maldives under the SAARC Currency Swap Framework; RBI swap support to Malé since 2012 exceeds US$1.1 billion.

How such tools help

• Quick liquidity during balance-of-payments stress
• Builds trust as the 'first responder' (e.g., Sri Lanka 2022)
• Promotes rupee trade and settlement

Limitations

• Short-term relief, not structural reform
• Domestic politics in partner countries can shift
• Competition from Chinese lending

Conclusion

Swaps work best alongside trade, connectivity and people-centred projects.

DPI like Aadhaar, UPI and BHASHINI, and the World Bank's new digital strategy, show how technology can widen access to services and jobs. Gaps in connectivity, privacy, exclusion errors and AI bias must be addressed through BharatNet, the DPDP Act and responsible AI rules.

Introduction

The Health Ministry approved Ladakh's first Government Medical College in Leh, to start in 2027–28 with the 200-bed SNM Hospital for training.

Challenges in remote regions

• Shortage of specialists and doctors unwilling to serve
• Harsh terrain and long travel times
• High-altitude illnesses and seasonal isolation

Role of medical colleges

• Train local students who are more likely to stay
• Add specialist care and referral capacity
• Support research on high-altitude health

Conclusion

Medical colleges must be backed by telemedicine, air ambulances and incentives for doctors.

Vijayadashami's many forms — Ramlila, Durga Puja, Mysuru Dasara — show India's living heritage, three of which are on UNESCO's list. Commercialisation, migration and pollution threaten them; the 2003 UNESCO Convention, Sangeet Natak Akademi schemes and eco-friendly practices help safeguard them.

Introduction

India attracted over US$748 billion of FDI in 2014–2025, with source countries rising from 89 to 112.

Role of FDI

• Brings capital, technology and management skills
• Creates jobs and links firms to global value chains
• Supports exports (e.g., electronics)

Concerns

• Much FDI goes to services and via tax-haven routes
• Recent net FDI has fallen due to repatriation

Policy changes

• Stable taxes and faster dispute resolution
• Ease of doing business and land and labour reforms
• Focus on manufacturing and R&D investment

Conclusion

The aim should be long-term, technology-rich investment, not just headline numbers.

Myanmar, the only ASEAN neighbour with a land border, is India's gateway to Southeast Asia (Kaladan, Trilateral Highway). Post-2021 conflict, refugee flows, project delays and China's influence complicate ties; people-centred aid like MGC Quick Impact Projects helps sustain goodwill.