UPSC CARE Mains Practice 19th January 2026
Mains Practice Questions for the Day
- A decade after the launch of the Startup India Initiative, India has emerged as one of the world’s largest startup ecosystems. However, structural constraints continue to limit its transition towards innovation-driven and sustainable growth.Discuss the achievements of the Startup India Initiative, examine the major challenges faced by India’s startup ecosystem, and suggest measures to strengthen it in alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. (GS Paper III – Economic Development, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Employment Generation, MSMEs)
- The debate around the bandhgala uniform reflects deeper questions of decolonisation, cultural identity, and governance in India.” Critically examine. (GS Paper I – Indian Heritage & Culture, Evolution of Indian court dress traditions)
A decade after the launch of the Startup India Initiative, India has emerged as one of the world’s largest startup ecosystems. However, structural constraints continue to limit its transition towards innovation-driven and sustainable growth.Discuss the achievements of the Startup India Initiative, examine the major challenges faced by India’s startup ecosystem, and suggest measures to strengthen it in alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. (GS Paper III – Economic Development, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Employment Generation, MSMEs)(GS Paper III – Economic Development, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Employment Generation, MSMEs)
Introduction:
The Startup India Initiative, launched in 2016, marked a strategic shift in India’s development model from a job-seeking to a job-creating economy. Over the past decade, it has played a pivotal role in expanding entrepreneurship, innovation, and employment generation across the country.
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Achievements of the Startup India Initiative
India today hosts over 2 lakh DPIIT-recognised startups, making it one of the largest startup ecosystems globally. The rise of over 120 unicorns, with a combined valuation exceeding USD 350 billion, reflects improved access to capital and market depth. Importantly, nearly 50% of startups now originate from Tier II and Tier III cities, indicating decentralisation of entrepreneurship beyond metropolitan hubs. Flagship schemes such as the Fund of Funds for Startups, Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, and digital platforms like Startup India Hub and MAARG Portal have strengthened domestic risk capital, early-stage support, and mentorship. Collectively, startups have emerged as engines of employment, innovation, and digital transformation, aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047.
Key Challenges Facing the Startup Ecosystem
Despite progress, structural bottlenecks persist. India’s low R&D intensity (0.64% of GDP) constrains deep-tech innovation, while venture capital remains biased towards consumer-centric sectors such as fintech and e-commerce. Limited domestic risk capital increases dependence on foreign funding, exposing startups to global financial volatility. Infrastructure gaps in Tier II, Tier III, and rural areas raise operational costs. The recent funding slowdown, startup closures, and weak IPO exits further highlight concerns regarding sustainability and long-term scale-up.
Way Forward
India must deepen domestic patient capital by enabling pension and insurance funds to invest in startups. Stronger industry–academia linkages and mission-mode funding under initiatives like IndiaAI and Semiconductor Mission can boost applied R&D. Improving infrastructure beyond metros, simplifying regulations, strengthening exit mechanisms, and promoting green and deep-tech innovation are critical to ensure sustainable growth.
Conclusion:
As Startup India enters its second decade, the focus must shift from rapid expansion to innovation-led and resilient scaling. With sustained reforms and strategic support, startups can remain central to India’s journey towards a USD 7.3 trillion economy and Viksit Bharat 2047.
The debate around the bandhgala uniform reflects deeper questions of decolonisation, cultural identity, and governance in India.” Critically examine. (GS Paper I – Indian Heritage & Culture, Evolution of Indian court dress traditions)
Introduction:
The recent decision to discontinue the bandhgala as a railway uniform has reopened debates on India’s colonial legacy, indigenous traditions, and the symbolism of state institutions. Often mislabelled as colonial, the bandhgala is in fact a product of India’s rich cultural synthesis and historical continuity.
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1. Indigenous Origins and Cultural Synthesis
- Originated in Jodhpur (Marwar) as a court garment.
- Evolved from Mughal jama and angrakha blended with Rajput warrior aesthetics.
- Represents India’s adaptive cultural traditions rather than colonial imposition.
2. Colonial Encounter and Globalisation
- British tailoring refined the bandhgala without erasing its Indian essence.
- Polo and royal diplomacy globalised the Jodhpuri style.
- Shows how Indian culture influenced Western fashion, reversing the colonial gaze.
3. Governance, Symbols, and Decolonisation
- Uniforms represent authority and institutional identity.
- Removing “colonial” symbols must be based on historical understanding, not perception.
- True decolonisation requires reforming mindset and institutions, not just attire.
4. Ethics and Public Memory
- State actions shape collective cultural memory.
- Erasing indigenous symbols risks cultural amnesia.
- Ethical governance demands respect for plural heritage while embracing modern functionality.
Conclusion:
The bandhgala debate is not merely about clothing but about how India negotiates its past while shaping its administrative identity. Decolonisation must be reflective, inclusive, and historically informed rather than symbolic or cosmetic.
