UPSC CARE Mains Practice 13th March 2026
Mains Practice Questions for the Day
- Discuss the evolution of the “Right to Die with Dignity” in India and analyse its constitutional and ethical implications in light of recent judicial developments. (GS Paper II – Polity and Governance (Fundamental Rights – Article 21, Judiciary))
- “Electrification of household cooking is emerging as an important component of India’s energy transition. Discuss its significance for energy security, fiscal sustainability and clean energy transition. Also examine the major challenges in shifting from LPG-based cooking to electric cooking in India.” ( GS Paper III: Economy, Energy & Environment)
Q. Discuss the evolution of the “Right to Die with Dignity” in India and analyse its constitutional and ethical implications in light of recent judicial developments.
(GS Paper II – Polity and Governance (Fundamental Rights – Article 21, Judiciary))
Introduction:
The right to life under Article 21 has been progressively interpreted by the Supreme Court to include not only survival but also dignity, autonomy, and meaningful existence. The debate on the right to die with dignity lies at the intersection of constitutional law, medical ethics, and human rights, and has evolved through landmark judicial decisions.
Body
Evolution of Jurisprudence
The development of this right has been gradual:
- Gian Kaur v. State of Punjab (1996):
Recognised dignity in life but rejected the right to die. - Aruna Shanbaug Case (2011):
Allowed passive euthanasia under strict safeguards, marking the first major shift. - Common Cause v. Union of India (2018):
Recognised the right to refuse medical treatment as part of Article 21, linking it with privacy, autonomy, and self-determination.
It also introduced safeguards such as medical boards and procedural checks.
Harish Rana Case: Recent Development
The Supreme Court permitted withdrawal of life support for a patient in a Persistent Vegetative State (PVS).
- Recognised CANH as medical treatment.
- Held that continuation of treatment without recovery serves no therapeutic purpose.
- Emphasised that “best interest” must consider family and medical opinion.
This case reaffirmed that dignity extends to end-of-life decisions.
Constitutional and Ethical Implications
Constitutional Dimension
- Expands Article 21 to include dignified death.
- Reinforces individual autonomy and bodily integrity.
Ethical Dimension
- Balances sanctity of life with compassion.
- Avoids prolongation of suffering without benefit.
- Raises questions about medical responsibility and moral limits of treatment.
Challenges
- Absence of a clear legislative framework.
- Risk of misuse or coercion in vulnerable situations.
- Ethical dilemmas between life preservation and dignity.
Way Forward
- Enact a comprehensive law on euthanasia and end-of-life care.
- Strengthen safeguards and medical oversight mechanisms.
- Promote awareness about living wills and patient rights.
Conclusion:
The right to die with dignity represents an evolving understanding of constitutional morality. It ensures that life under Article 21 is not reduced to mere biological survival, but is guided by dignity, autonomy, and compassion, especially in cases of irreversible suffering.
Q. “Electrification of household cooking is emerging as an important component of India’s energy transition. Discuss its significance for energy security, fiscal sustainability and clean energy transition. Also examine the major challenges in shifting from LPG-based cooking to electric cooking in India.”
( GS Paper III: Economy, Energy & Environment)
Introduction:
India’s clean cooking strategy has largely depended on LPG expansion. However, high import dependence, rising subsidy burden and continued biomass use have exposed the limitations of this model. In this context, electrification of kitchens is being seen as a strategic step towards energy security, efficient energy use and sustainable development.
Body
Significance of Electrifying Kitchens
1. Strengthening Energy Security
India imports a large share of its LPG and natural gas requirements. This makes household cooking vulnerable to global price shocks and geopolitical disruptions, especially in critical routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. Electric cooking can reduce dependence on imported fuels.
2. Fiscal Prudence
LPG affordability is supported by substantial government subsidies. Shifting gradually towards electric cooking can reduce the recurring subsidy burden and allow public resources to be redirected towards appliance support and grid modernisation.
3. Higher Energy Efficiency
Induction cooktops are much more energy efficient than LPG burners. Electric pressure cookers further improve efficiency. Thus, electric cooking can lower overall energy wastage.
4. Environmental and Health Benefits
Electric cooking reduces indoor air pollution, black carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. It can also help in reducing biomass use in households that still depend on traditional fuels.
5. Support to Renewable Energy Transition
Electric cooking can be integrated with rooftop solar, battery storage and smart-meter systems. This supports distributed energy systems and promotes the prosumer model.
Major Challenges
1. Socio-Cultural Constraints
Indian cooking is often multi-step and multi-dish in nature. Existing electric appliances may not fully suit practices such as chapati making, frying and tadka.
2. Grid Stress and Peak Demand
Large-scale electric cooking may intensify evening peak demand. Without proper management, this may increase power purchase costs, battery dispatch and even load shedding.
3. Infrastructure Gaps
Widespread electric cooking requires stronger household wiring, feeder capacity, transformers, smart meters and demand-response systems.
4. Low Adoption and Design Gaps
Electric cooking has low penetration because appliance design is not yet sufficiently adapted to Indian kitchen needs.
Way Forward
India should adopt a phased urban-first strategy, combine electric cooking with rooftop solar and storage, promote time-of-use tariffs, expand smart-metering and demand-side management, and support India-specific appliance innovation. Subsidy policy should gradually move from fuel support to appliance and infrastructure support.
Conclusion:
Electrifying India’s kitchens is not merely a cooking-sector reform; it is a strategic energy transition. If supported by smart grid reforms, suitable technology and targeted public policy, it can improve energy sovereignty, reduce fiscal pressure and advance India’s clean energy future.
