Mrunal's Official Channel: General Studies, Current Affairs, Economy for UPSC

[Block#4] Science Tech (40)
1. Distinguish between a Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) and a thermal nuclear reactor. In the context of first indigenously developed prototype FBR at Kalpakkam, explain the term 'criticality'. What are its implications for clean energy future of our country? (10)
2. Mention salient features of 'Mission Drishti'. Discuss the imaging techniques used in the satellite launched on 3rd May 2026. Why it is being considered world's first satellite of its kind? (15)
3. What is agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Explain its working. Describe its applications with suitable examples. Discuss the advantages, risks and challenges associated with agentic AI systems. (15)

[Block#5] Internal Security (50)
1. Explain how fake news and disinformation pose threat to Internal Security and Public Order in Indian context? In this regard, discuss salient features of amendments in respect of Information Technology (Intermediatory Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021. (10)
2. Ladakh is strategically located between China and Pakistan. As a measure to win hearts and minds of locals, discuss the Border Area Development Programmes (BADP) by the Central Government and civic actions by the Army. Also discuss demand of promulgation of provision of the Sixth Schedule of constitution for Ladakh. (10)
3. Separatist movements have been one of the major factors contributing to militancy and instability in Jammu & Kashmir (J & K). Bring out actions taken by the Government to bring J & K into national mainstream. Discuss pre and post abrogation status of Articles 370 and 35A. Also bring out positive impacts of abrogation of both articles in mainstreaming the state. (15)
4. Discuss counterfeit currency and money laundering as major sources of terror funding in India. State the actions being taken at International level to check these menaces. Highlight the role of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and methods of compliance by its member states in preventing terror funding. (15)

We’ll be doing the Live Reaction / Analysis by 12:45

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sj6agJLoD8w&list=PLSVABdpsEegmxhXNz6Ena3s64ZK0jVYYH&index=2

Here is GSM2 Paper 2026

> Polity & Constitution (110) + Governance & Welfare (75) + Intl. Relations & Diaspora (65) = 250 marks

### Polity & Constitution (110)
1. Examine the effect of the 2026 amendment to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 on the right to privacy relating to self-identity under Article 21. (10)
2. Discuss the evolution of women's reservation from local bodies to Parliament, in light of the statement that women neither form a minority nor a backward class. (10)
3. Examine whether the constitutional office of the Lok Sabha Speaker has become vulnerable to partisan politics under the current anti-defection regime, and the institutional changes required to ensure neutrality. (10)
4. Discuss whether the right to vote is a fundamental right, the Election Commission's position on revision of electoral rolls, and whether it can examine voters' citizenship. (10)
5. Do constitutional bodies like NCSC and NCST possess adequate enforcement powers to secure substantive social equality? Suggest measures to enhance their institutional effectiveness. (10)
6. Discuss the position of the Governor in India's federal polity, the nature of his power in giving assent to bills, and whether he is bound by the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers. (15)
7. Discuss what is meant by judicial legislation, with reference to Supreme Court verdicts allowing "passive euthanasia" and a "living will". (15)
8. Discuss how far the Indian federal framework has succeeded in accommodating regional and cultural diversities, the role of asymmetric federalism, and measures to strengthen dispute resolution. (15)
9. Examine how separation of powers is practised in India compared to the US presidential model, comparing the Indian PM's actual authority with the US President's. (15)
10. Analyse the extent to which pressure groups, social movements, and corporate lobbies deepen pluralistic democracy in India, and whether growing corporate-political convergence threatens democratic institutions' autonomy. (15)

### Governance & Welfare (75)
1. Does India's tribal development policy reflect aspirations for socially grounded and equity-based governance? Justify your answer. (10)
2. Discuss how malnutrition in India is not merely a public health issue but also a challenge of social equity, human development, and welfare governance. (10)
3. Analyse the advantages and limitations of the generalist structure of the Indian Civil Services in contemporary governance. (10)
4. Comment on the statement that transparency and accountability in governance aim not just to control corruption but to build stakeholder trust through Rule of Law and Participatory Governance. (15)
5. Examine whether the constitutional mandate of rights-based welfare can be effectively realised amid non-integrated governance and minimal public investment. (15)
6. Critically evaluate whether education should be treated primarily as a welfare obligation of the state or as a strategic investment for building a globally competitive, knowledge-driven nation. (15)

### Intl. Relation & Diaspora (65)
1. Critically assess whether IPMDA bridges the gap between India's SAGAR vision and the Quad's collective Indo-Pacific strategy, focusing on IPMDA. (10)
2. Explain the role of BRICS as a counterweight in global governance and how it presents itself as an alternative to other groupings. (10)
3. Critically examine the statement that India's global diaspora acts as a living bridge, transforming cultural heritage into geopolitical influence and strategic leverage. (15)
4. Analyse the strategic implications of China's Belt and Road Initiative for India's security and regional influence in South Asia. (15)

Siddharth Sir is doing the Live Analyiss in a few minutes

### Geography (85)
1. What is the Fujiwhara effect? Explain its impact on the movement and intensity of tropical cyclones. (10)
2. "Tundra regions are ecologically fragile but economically important." Examine this statement critically. (10)
3. Discuss the role of aeolian processes in desertification and land degradation. (10)
4. "Water resources are both an asset and a source of conflict in South Asia." Examine this statement giving examples. (10)
5. Compare the Loo, Chinook and Foehn winds with respect to their regions of prevalence, their nature and climatic impacts. (15)
6. Analyze the role of satellite-based technologies in achieving climate-smart agriculture and food security in India. (15)
7. Analyze the major drivers of human-induced land-use changes in India and their geographical consequences. (15)


We’ll be live with 1st reaction video at 12:30
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vR4GZNofmDM&list=PLSVABdpsEegmxhXNz6Ena3s64ZK0jVYYH&index=4