Statement and Argument Questions

• Statement–Argument — Should the educated, unemployed youth be paid an “unemployment allowance” by the Government? Arguments: I. Yes. It will provide short-term monetary support to search for jobs or to kick-start self-employment. II. No. It may dampen the urgency to seek work and can promote idleness among some beneficiaries.
• Statement–Argument — Should all practicing doctors be brought under Government control, paid by the State, and required to treat patients free of cost? Arguments: I. No. Such blanket control would be undemocratic and heavy-handed. II. Yes. Despite challenges, central oversight could curtail unethical practices and improve equity of access.
• Statement–Argument — Should there be more than one High Court in each Indian state? Arguments: I. No. Establishing additional High Courts would waste taxpayers’ money. II. Yes. Additional High Courts could reduce the huge backlog of cases pending for long periods.
• Statement–Argument — Are nuclear families better than joint families? Arguments: I. No. Joint families provide security and distribute household responsibilities, reducing the burden on individuals. II. Yes. Nuclear families offer greater personal freedom and flexibility in decision-making.
• Statement–Argument — Should foreign investment be concentrated in only a few states? Arguments: I. No. That undermines balanced, nationwide development. II. Yes. Many states currently lack the infrastructure to attract foreign investment.
• Statement–Argument — Should India engage in dialogue with neighbouring countries to reduce cross-border tension? Arguments: I. Yes. Structured dialogue is an effective way to reduce terrorism and prevent loss of innocent lives. II. No. Neighbouring countries cannot be relied upon; they may still engage in subversive activities.
• Statement–Argument — Should government offices offer jobs only to the wards of government employees? Arguments: I. No. It denies opportunity to many deserving candidates and may harm merit in the long run. II. No. Such a system violates equality; the State has obligations to all citizens, not just to employees’ families.
• Statement–Argument — Should sex-determination tests during pregnancy be completely banned? Arguments: I. Yes. Such tests enable indiscriminate female foeticide and risk severe social imbalance. II. No. Parents have a right to know about their unborn child.
• Statement–Argument — Should banks offer only one rate of interest for term deposits of varying durations? Arguments: I. No. A single rate would discourage longer lock-ins, pushing depositors to shorter terms and harming maturity management. II. Yes. A uniform rate is simpler for ordinary customers and may nudge more savings into banks.
• Statement–Argument — Should all refugees who enter a country without authorisation be forced to return to their homeland? Arguments: I. Yes. They leave their colonies and occupy a lot of land. II. No. Many flee hunger or terror; on humanitarian grounds they should not be forced back.
• Statement–Argument — Should oil companies be allowed to fix petroleum prices based on market conditions? Arguments: I) Yes; this is the only way to make oil companies commercially viable. II) No; market-linked pricing will raise retail prices of essentials and cause hardship to the masses. Choose the strong argument(s).
• Statement–Argument — Should there be a maximum limit on the number of Union ministers? Arguments: I) No; the ruling party must be free to decide cabinet size. II) Yes; cap the number (e.g., a set percentage of seats) to contain unnecessary public expenditure and promote efficiency. Choose the strong argument(s).
• Statement–Argument — Should non-vegetarian food be totally banned in the country? Arguments: I) Yes; it is expensive and beyond the means of most people. II) No; in a democracy nothing should be banned. Choose the strong argument(s).
• Statement–Argument — Should India become a permanent member of the UN Security Council? Arguments: I) Yes; India has emerged as a peace-loving nation. II) No; India should first solve domestic problems like poverty and malnutrition. Choose the strong argument(s).
• Statement–Argument — Should people below 18 years be allowed to join the armed forces? Arguments: I) No; under-18s generally lack the physical and mental maturity to shoulder such burdens. II) Yes; earlier entry gives the country a longer-serving force. Choose the strong argument(s).
• Statement–Argument — Should there be a ban on product advertising? Arguments: I) No; in competitive markets, effective advertising informs and differentiates, aiding sales. II) Yes; huge ad spends inflate product costs for consumers. Choose the strong argument(s).
• Statement–Argument — Should people who receive dowry, despite anti-dowry law, be punished? Arguments: I) Yes; violating the law warrants punishment. II) No; dowry is culturally entrenched since time immemorial. Choose the strong argument(s).
• Statement–Argument — Should all infrastructural development projects be handed over to the private sector? Arguments: I) No; private entities are not equipped to handle such projects. II) Yes; in developed countries, private sector handles such projects. Choose the strong argument(s).
• Statement–Argument — Should our country extend generous goodwill to erring and nagging neighbours? Arguments: I) Yes; goodwill often pays dividends in the long run. II) No; generosity may be perceived as weakness. Choose the strong argument(s).
• Statement–Argument — Should the judiciary be independent of the executive? Arguments: I) Yes; independence curbs unlawful or arbitrary actions by the executive. II) No; an independent judiciary will prevent bold executive measures. Choose the strong argument(s).