UPSC CARE Mains Practice 1st April 2026
Mains Practice Questions for the Day
- Q. Centralised control over Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) is essential for national security, but may undermine institutional capacity-building. Comment. (15 M)
- Q. Bridging the economic disparities between developed and developing countries to foster more inclusive and sustainable global trade is a major issue that World Trade Organization must address. Analyse. (250 words)
Q. Centralised control over Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) is essential for national security, but may undermine institutional capacity-building. Comment. (15 M)
(GS Paper II – Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice – Role of civil services in a democracy – Security forces and institutional capacity)
Introduction:
Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are vital for internal security, border management, and assisting civil authorities. The Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026 institutionalises centralised control, particularly through leadership by Indian Police Service officers. While this enhances coordination and national security, it raises concerns regarding institutional autonomy and cadre development.
Body
1. Significance of Centralised Control
• National Security Coordination: IPS officers provide a crucial link between Union and States, ensuring unified response during crises.
• Uniform Command Structure: Standardised leadership ensures consistency in operations across forces like Central Reserve Police Force and Border Security Force.
• Federal Integration: Officers with diverse state experience bring broader strategic vision.
• Policy Clarity: Legislative backing reduces ambiguity and limits judicial intervention in service matters.
2. Concerns for Institutional Capacity-Building
• Stagnation of Cadre Officers: Reservation of top posts for IPS restricts promotion avenues of CAPF cadre officers.
• Lack of Specialisation: Deputed officers may lack domain-specific expertise (border, industrial security, etc.).
• Reduced Motivation: Limited career growth may affect morale and efficiency.
• Over-dependence on Deputation: Weakens development of an independent leadership pipeline.
• Inter-Service Friction: Perception of “parachuting” officers may create resentment within forces.
3. Way Forward
• Conduct regular cadre reviews to expand promotional opportunities.
• Ensure balanced representation of cadre officers in leadership roles.
• Provide specialised induction training for IPS officers in CAPFs.
• Strengthen Organised Group A Service (OGAS) benefits and institutional autonomy.
Conclusion:
Centralised control is crucial for ensuring coordination and national security, but excessive reliance on deputation risks weakening institutional capacity. A balanced approach combining unified command with internal cadre development is essential for effective and sustainable security governance.
Q. Bridging the economic disparities between developed and developing countries to foster more inclusive and sustainable global trade is a major issue that World Trade Organization must address. Analyse. (250 words)
(GS Paper II – International Relations – Important International Institutions, agencies and fora – WTO and global trade governance)
Introduction:
Economic disparities between developed and developing countries remain a persistent feature of global trade. While the World Trade Organization seeks to promote a fair, rules-based trading system, unequal distribution of resources, technology, and bargaining power continues to skew benefits in favour of advanced economies, limiting inclusive and sustainable development.
Body
1. Structural Inequalities in Trade
• Developing countries depend on low-value primary exports, while developed nations dominate high-value manufacturing and services.
• High agricultural subsidies in developed countries distort global prices and undermine farmers in poorer nations.
2. Ineffectiveness of S&DT Provisions
• Special and Differential Treatment provisions are non-binding and vaguely defined.
• This limits policy space required for industrialisation and welfare measures in developing countries.
3. Market Access Constraints
• Tariff peaks and non-tariff barriers (SPS, TBT) disproportionately affect developing nations.
• Weak infrastructure and institutions increase compliance costs and restrict export competitiveness.
4. Emerging Digital and Climate Divide
• E-commerce and digital trade frameworks highlight asymmetry in technological readiness.
• Climate-related trade measures increase compliance burden and may act as disguised protectionism.
5. Recent WTO Developments (MC14)
• Progress on LDC support, fisheries subsidies, and climate agenda reflects intent toward inclusivity.
• However, deadlocks on e-commerce moratorium, TRIPS issues, and agriculture show persistent North–South divides.
6. Way Forward
• Make S&DT provisions precise, enforceable, and development-oriented.
• Rationalise subsidy regimes to ensure a level playing field.
• Enhance capacity-building, finance, and technology transfer.
• Promote inclusive, member-driven reforms reflecting Global South concerns (e.g., India, South Africa).
Conclusion:
Bridging economic disparities is crucial for the legitimacy and effectiveness of the World Trade Organization. A balanced approach combining fairness, flexibility, and development priorities is essential to ensure global trade becomes a driver of inclusive and sustainable growth rather than inequality.
