Mrunal [Download] UPSC Mains-2015_ General Studies Paper-2 (GS2)

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12/23/2015 Mrunal [Download] UPSC Mains-2015: General Studies Paper-2 (GS2)

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[Download] UPSC Mains-2015: General Studies Paper-2 (GS2),incl. past papers topicwise sorted; observation, analysisPosted ByMrunal On 20/12/2015 @ 10:25 pm In Question-Papers | 14 Comments

Instructions for GS2 Papers

GS2 Mains-2015: Question Paper in Linear Format

Observations / Analysis of Mains-2015 GS2 Paper

Current and Contemporary

One year after expiry date

Lame ducks

Sectors, services and intervention

Sacred cow called SHG

finding fault of the Government

When Bookie mentality backfires

Exchange program with Pre-CSAT era Mains

Student Exchange program between GS1 and GS2

Diluted diplomacy

Relevance of Mrunal.org aka Bogus marketing propaganda

GS2 Mains-Topicwise Compilation since Pattern change

Polity: Basics of Constitution

Polity: The Executive

Polity: Legislature

Polity: Separation of Powers

Polity: Federalism & Local governancePolity: Bodies

Welfare: Policies & Schemes

Welfare: Sectors & Services

Governance: Accountability & E-Gov

Groups: Civil Services, NGO, SHG, Pressure Groups

IR/Diplomacy: Neighbors

IR/Diplomacy: Not-Neighbors but affecting interests

IR/Diplomacy: Institutions, Groupings, Agreements

Instructions for GS2 PapersUPSC conducted general studies paper 2 of civil services mains examination on 19 th December 2015

Duration: 3 hours; Maximum Marks: 250

Please read each of the following instructions carefully before attempting questions:

There are TWENTY questions printed both in HINDI and in ENGLISH. Each Question carries 12.5 marks.

All the questions too compulsory.

Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the Admission Certificate which must be stated clearly

on the cover of this Question-cum-Answer (QC4) Booklet in the space provided.

No marks will be given for answers written in a medium other than the authorized one.

Word limit in questions, wherever specified should be adhered to.

Any page or portion of the page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet must be clearly struck off.

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http://mrunal.org/2015/12/upsc-mains-question-paper-gs2-2015.html/print/ 2

GS2 Mains-2015: Question Paper in Linear Format

Each Question is worth 12.5 marks and maximum word limit is 200. But content of the answer is more

important than its length.

Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizens a uniform civil code as provided for

in the Directive Principles of State Policy.

The concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasized in recent years. Highlight the

drawbacks in the existing structure and the extent to which cooperative federalism would answer the

shortcomings.

In absence of a well-educated and organized local level government system, `Panchayats’ and ‘Samitis’ have

remained mainly political institutions and not effective instruments of governance. Critically discuss.

Khap Panchayats have been in the news for functioning as extra-constitutional authorities, often delivering

pronouncements amounting to human rights violations. Discuss critically the actions taken by the legislative,

executive and the judiciary to set the things right in this regard.

Resorting to ordinances has always raised concern on violation of the spirit of separation of powers doctrine.

While noting the rationales justifying the power to promulgate ordinances, analyze whether the decisions of

the Supreme Court on the issue have further facilitated resorting to this power. Should the power to

promulgate ordinances be repealed?

What are the major changes brought in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 through the recent

Ordinance promulgated by the President? How far will it improve India’s dispute resolution mechanism?

Discuss.

Does the right to clean environment entail legal regulations on burning crackers during Diwali? Discuss in the

light of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and Judgement(s) of the Apex Court in this regard.

Examine critically the recent changes in the rules governing foreign funding of NGOs under the Foreign

Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976.

The Self-Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Programme (SBLP), which is India’s own innovation, has proved to

be one of the most effective poverty alleviation and women empowerment programmes. Elucidate.

How can the role of NGOs be strengthened in India for development works relating to protection of theenvironment? Discuss throwing light on the major constraints.

The quality of higher education in India requires major improvements to make it internationally competitive.

Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of higher and

technical education in the country? Discuss.

Public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that the private

sector could help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives would you suggest?

Though there have been several different estimates of poverty in India, all indicate reduction in poverty levels

over time. Do you agree? Critically examine with reference to urban and rural poverty indicators.

In the light of the Satyam Scandal (2009), discuss the changes brought in corporate governance to ensure

transparency, accountability.

“If amendment bill to the Whistleblowers Act, 2011 tabled in the Parliament is passed, there may be no one

left to protect.” Critically evaluate.

“For achieving the desired objectives, it is necessary to ensure that the regulatory institutions remain

independent and autonomous.” Discuss in the light of the experiences in recent past.

Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pros and cons. Critically examine.

Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in UN Security Council.

Project `Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of the Indian Government to improve

relationship with its neighbors. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss.

Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India-Pakistan relations. To what extent the use of soft


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power like sports and cultural exchanges could help generate goodwill between the two countries? Discuss

with suitable examples.

Observations / Analysis of GS Paper-II in Mains-2015


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Just like 2014- each question worth 12.5 marks and 200-word limit.In Polity => Basic structure related topic, each year UPSC’s obsession “concern” for fundamental rights’

protection has continuously increased.

2013: Freedom of speech vs. IT Act

2014: Freedom of Speech vs. films and hate speech.

2015: Life and liberty protection (Khap Panchayat and Diwali crackers); Religious freedom (uniform civil code)

Each year, UPSC is equally concerned about “separation of powers” – from SC vs. Parliament (2013) to Judicial

activism (2014) to SC vs. executive Ordinances (2015)

Earlier specific regulatory bodies asked- Rail Tariff authority, NHRC but this time broad question about

importance of independent regulatory bodies.

Current and ContemporaryQuestions can be classified in two parts:

current

23rd October 2015: The Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2015 was

introduced

28th October 2015: SC refuses to ban diwali crackers.

So question paper is fairly recent, probably it was set in November first week.

contemporary

You can benefit from selective reading of IGNOU’s BA/MA booklets of Public Administration

and political science here, because they provide direct points and answer.

For example- Uniform civil code, ordinance abuse, illiterate PRI representatives (although

current news as well, because of Rajasthan and Haryana states’ initiatives to bar illiterates

from contesting. )

We can also see this year the number and span of contemporary based question have increased.Consider this

question- Discuss the importance of independent regulatory institutions based on recent past:

SEBI-Sahara: How a politically well-connected billionaire bites dust against independent SEBI. (2010 onwards),

while Saradha chit-fund scamsters can run for long time thanks to inept registrar in W.Bengal and Odisha (till

2013)

RBI: How “Bhai” (appointment in 2013) manages to contain inflation over the time with his calibrated

monetary policy, despite pressure from government and corporates to reduce the rates frequently; how he

finetunes priority sector lending (PSL) norms; takes measures for customer protections and so on.


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FMC: how it clamped commodity market scam of NSEL (2013)

NGT: how it takes bitter but necessary measures to protect the environment and well-being of the citizens.

Other example questions with broad span of contemporary topics- Satyam scam (2009) and subsequent

enactment of companies act 2013 to ensure better corporate governance; Khap Panchayat (2011).

One year after expiry date

One of UPSC’s classic BackBreaking MoveTM is to ask about a topic one year after it occurred. This year, two

such question appeared from 2014

Cooperative federalism- the buzz started in 2014 when Modi became PM. but it was not asked in Mains-2014.

Project Mausam- launched around mid-2014.

Lame ducks

Since inception of new GS2 syllabus in 2013- so far no questions from Comparing Constitution, RPA, E-

Governance, Ministry-Department and Indian diaspora.

Unlike previous years, Nothing from legislature and executive portion of the Indian Constitution.

Sectors, services and intervention

Two patterns visible

How FDI in “x” sector can help? 2014- media; 2015-higher education.Both in health and education sector your job is to critically find faults/examination. see the questions from

2013,14,15 given below in this article under topic wise questions.

Sacred cow called SHG

Under the new syllabus of GS2, you’ve to prepare the Role of civil services, NGO-SHG and pressure groups.

For the last two years, pattern was (SHG) AND (Civil Service OR Pressure group)

This year it is (SHG) AND (NGO AND NGO)

This main’s question on SHG-Bank linkage program: it’s quite old topic, it appeared in 2011 because of Kaliya

Committee and economy survey 2012. May be sporadic mention here and there afterwards, But itnaa detail

mein kaun prepare kartaa hai.

finding fault of the Government

From the new Mains-syllabus, Only once UPSC asked question which required you to write “Salient feature” i.e.

PURA in 2013. Otherwise, each year they just ask you to find, highlight and fix the “fault” of Government e.g.

2015: are poverty indicators accurate?

2014: (1) exclusion of the backward in urban economies thanks to Government schemes (2) should we run

two things parallel- Adhaar vs. NPR?

2013: how DBT can reduce corruption

So, one should finetune his notes-making strategy accordingly.

When Bookie mentality backfiresModi made so many schemes and foreign visits, atleast something should have come out of it, but it did not

(except Project Mausam).

SHG topic has been asked to death in last two exam, so it should not have come, yet it continues to appear.

2014: UPSC asks why strong center bad for strong federalism. So then no question should have come from

federalism in 2015- but they’ve asked about how cooperative federalism can cure current shortcoming i.e.

strong centre.

So, again like the PPP topic (Mains-2013,2014), here too continuation of focusing on one topic with further

magnification on a sub-topic.

PS: Bookie mentality did not misfire in following question: India Africa and UNSC permanent seat for India.

http://mrunal.org/2013/04/economic-survey-ch5-financial-intermediaries-banks-rrbs-nbfcs-part-3-of-3.html#407


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Both were in news for quite some time.

Exchange program with Pre-CSAT era Mains

Further observation of the above stated “Magnification of subtopic”:

Higher education

Mains-2006: “Discuss impact of globalization on higher education in India”.

Mains-2009: Mushrooming of Higher Educational Institutions was a matter of grave concern for Yaspal

Committee. With reference to the relevant portion of that report give your views how to harmonise privateinvestment and quality of education.

Finally, 2015: Entry of international universities.

Diplomacy with Pakistan

2003: Nature of Track-II diplomacy with Pakistan (i.e. non-governmental, informal and unofficial contacts and

activities between private citizens or groups)

2015: Sport and cultural exchange to reduce Pak-terrorism.

Similar pattern we can see with

Uniform civil code (Mains-1995);

differing estimates of poverty figures (Mains-2010)

ordinance making power (Mains-2001);

Bogusness of PRIs (Mains-2005);

Ofcourse these topics were in current-contemporary news platform for their own reasons. But a student can

benefit by (1) referring to the old papers of Mains exam (2) watchful eye on magazines and newspapers.

Student Exchange program between GS1 and GS2

Africa jumps from GS1 to GS2

GS1, 2013 Africa’s natural resources and India

GS2, 2015 India-Africa ties pros and cons

Smart village jumps from GS2 to GS1

GS2, 2013PURA in improving connectivity in rural areas

GS1, 2015Importance of smart villages

Infact, same answer points can be recycled without any penalty because Modi’s smart village/RURBAN is

parallel to UPA’s erstwhile PURA scheme.

Diluted diplomacy

Like each year, the international relations (IR) section continues to occupy 50-70 marks.

Slight dilution in the level of difficulty. Earlier you had to know the specific technical details to attempt a

question e.g. how ITA affects India, Shahbag square of Bangladesh.

But this year, except Mausam- all IR questions are such that anyone can write a few generic points whether

India-Africa, India-Pak soft ties, India as UNSC permanent member.

Anyways, more “Armchair General” analysis can be made, if more time and attention is spent on reading the

questions again and again. But overall, GS2 continues to remain a tough cookie because of its broad

contemporary nature.

You’re most welcome to put your observations in the comment section.

Relevance of Mrunal.org aka Bogus marketing propaganda


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GS2 has mostly “haat aayaa par munh naa lagaa” (it came in the hands but not inside the mouth) i.e.

though topic was mentioned on Mrunal.org but the specific thing that UPSC asked, was not covered.

Question Covered in Credit claimed

Accuracy of

Poverty

estimation

Mrunal article on

Survey Ch.13 in 2014

Mains revision ML1/P3

on SECC

12.5/12.5

Public health-

involving private

sector and

“alternative”

measures

(AYUNASH)!

Fully covered in the

draft health policy

ML2/P3

12.5/12.5

Corporate

governance

measures afterSatyam

Mrunal Prelims L5/P4

12.5/12.5

Lecture covered both SEBI norms by Adi Godrej and Companies

Act 2013 have sufficient points to show how transparency-

accountability strengthened through via independent directors,AGM & BoG-quorum norms, whistleblower protection, class-action

suit, separate tribunals etc.

India-Africa Pratik Nayak IR1/P5 12.5/12.5

FCRA new

updates in rules

Strengthen NGO

role in

environment

Mains Revision ML5/P10//25 because for both topics only overview was given, but no

specific coverage of those aspects.

Project Mausam

Pratik Nayak IR2/P1

slide number 18

April 2015 current

Excel file

0/12.5 because Just single line mention. Did not cover the

strategic aspects.

Whistleblower

Excel file of current

topiclist- under Polity

section second last

entry in May Week1.

0/12.5 because only one liner fodder (OLF) was given

SHG-Bank

Linkage

Mrunal Eco.Survey

2012 Ch5.

0.12.5 although it does have mention of the ‘salient feature’ to fill

atleast 70-80 words but no one can be expected to read and

remember something that old. Salaa itnaa detail mein kaunpreparae kartaa hai.

Total

50/250 = 20% of the

paper covered through

various articles, videos

and powerpoints of

Mrunal.org

GS2 Mains-Topicwise since Pattern change

In 2013, UPSC changed the syllabus-pattern of Mains examination and the number of general studies (GS)

http://mrunal.org/2013/04/economic-survey-ch5-financial-intermediaries-banks-rrbs-nbfcs-part-3-of-3.html#407https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EtaRL9aUlc&index=81&list=PLAMBum9_RkuPPGvD7HI9wfsDSxWwJYz94https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E72-MTcPLws&list=PLAMBum9_RkuPPGvD7HI9wfsDSxWwJYz94&index=38https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4dlQZcD6ag&index=75&list=PLAMBum9_RkuPPGvD7HI9wfsDSxWwJYz94http://mrunal.org/2014/08/economic-survey-ch13-poverty-line-tendulkar-rangarajan-engels-law-mnrega-aajeevika-nrum.html


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papers were increased from two to four. Out of them, GS Paper-2 deals with Polity, Governance, Welfare and

International-Relations (IR)

Polity: Basics of Constitution

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Historical underpinnings & evolution; Features, amendments, significant provisions,

basic structure; Comparison of Indian constitutional scheme with other countries’

Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizens a uniform civil code as

provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy.

2015

Khap Panchayats have been in the news for functioning as extra-constitutional authorities, often

delivering pronouncements amounting to human rights violations. Discuss critically the actions taken by

the legislative, executive and the judiciary to set the things right in this regard.

2015

Does the right to clean environment entail legal regulations on burning crackers during Diwali? Discuss

in the light of Art icle 21 of the Indian Constitution and Judgement(s) of the Apex Court in this regard.2015

What do you understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate

speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of

expression? Discuss.

2014

Discuss Section 66A of IT Act, with reference to its alleged violation of Article 19 of the Constitution. 2013

Polity: The Executive

GS1 Syllabus Topic:

Executive (structure, organisation, functioning);

Ministries and Departments (of Union and State govts.)

Instances of President’s delay in commuting death sentences has come under public debate as denial of

justice. Should there be a time limit specified for the President to accept/reject such petitions? Analyse.2014

The size of the cabinet should be as big as governmental work justifies and as big as the Prime Minister

can manage as a team. How far the efficacy of a government then is inversely related to the size of the

cabinet? Discuss.

2014

Polity: Legislature

GS1 Syllabus Topic:

Union and State Legislatures (structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges; issues

therein);

Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.

The ‘Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and its Members’ as envisaged in Article 105 of the

Constitution leave room for a large number of un-codified and un-enumerated privileges to continue.

Assess the reasons for the absence of legal codification of the ‘parliamentary privileges’. How can this

problem be addressed?

2014

The role of individual MPs (Members of Parliament) has diminished over the years and as a result healthy

constructive debates on policy issues are not usually witnessed. How far can this be attributed to the

anti-defection law, which was legislated but with a different intention?

2013

Polity: Separation of Powers

GS1 Syllabus Topic:

Separation of Powers (between different organs, dispute redressal mechanisms, institutions);

Judiciary (structure, organisation functioning)

Resorting to ordinances has always raised concern on violation of the spirit of separation of powers


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doctrine. While noting the rationales justifying the power to promulgate ordinances, analyze whether

the decisions of the Supreme Court on the issue have further facilitated resorting to this power. Should

the power to promulgate ordinances be repealed?

2015

Starting from inventing the ‘basic structure’ doctrine, the judiciary has played a highly proactive role in

ensuring that India develops into a thriving democracy. In light of the statement, evaluate the role

played by judicial activism in achieving the ideals of democracy.

2014

The Supreme Court of India keeps a check on arbitrary power of the Parliament in amending the

Constitution. Discuss critically.

2013

Polity: Federalism & Local governance

GS1 Syllabus Topic:

Functions & responsibilities of the Union and the States; issues and challenges of federal structure;

Devolution of powers and finances to local levels; challenges therein.

The concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasized in recent years. Highlight the

drawbacks in the existing structure and the extent to which cooperative federalism would answer the

shortcomings.

2015

In absence of a well-educated and organized local level government system, `Panchayats’ and ‘Samitis’

have remained mainly political institutions and not effective instruments of governance. Critically discuss.

2015

Though the federal principle is dominant in our Constitution and that principle is one of its basic

features, but it is equally true that federalism under the Indian Constitution leans in favour of a strong

Centre, a feature that militates against the concept of strong federalism. Discuss.

2014

Recent directives from Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas are perceived by the `Nagas’ as a threat

to override the exceptional status enjoyed by the State. Discuss in light of Article 371A of the Indian

Constitution.

2013

Many State Governments further bifurcate geographical administrative areas like Districts and Talukas

for better governance. In light of the above, can it also be justified that more number of smaller States

would bring in effective governance at State level? Discuss.

2013

Constitutional mechanisms to resolve the inter-state water disputes have failed to address and solve

the problems. Is the failure due to structural or process inadequacy or both? Discuss.2013

Polity: Bodies

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Appointment to various Constitutional posts; Constitutional Bodies (powers, functions

and responsibilities); Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial bodies

What are the major changes brought in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 through the recent

Ordinance promulgated by the President? How far will it improve India’s dispute resolution mechanism?

Discuss.

2015

“For achieving the desired objectives, it is necessary to ensure that the regulatory institutions remainindependent and autonomous.” Discuss in the light of the experiences in recent past.

2015

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India can be most effective when its tasks are adequately

supported by other mechanisms that ensure the accountability of a government. In light of the above

observation assess the role of NHRC as an effective complement to the judiciary and other institutions

in promoting and protecting human rights standards.

2014

The setting up of a Rail Tariff Authority to regulate fares will subject the cash strapped Indian Railways

to demand subsidy for obligation to operate non-profitable routes and services. Taking into account the

experience in the power sector, discuss if the proposed reform is expected to benefit the consumers,

the Indian Railways or the private container operators.

2014


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Discuss the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission which have been a departure from the

previous commissions for strengthening the local government finances.2013

The product diversification of financial institutions and insurance companies, resulting in overlapping of

products and services strengthens the case for the merger of the two regulatory agencies, namely SEBI

and IRDA. Justify.

2013

Welfare: Policies & Schemes

GS1 Syllabus Topic:

Welfare Schemes (centre, states; performance, mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for

protection of vulnerable sections);

Poverty and hunger issues

Though there have been several different estimates of poverty in India, all indicate reduction in poverty

levels over time. Do you agree? Critically examine with reference to urban and rural poverty indicators.2015

Do government’s schemes for up-lifting vulnerable and backward communities by protecting required

social resources for them, lead to their exclusion in establishing businesses in urban economics?2014

Two parallel run schemes of the Government viz. the Adhaar Card and NPR, one as voluntary and the

other as compulsory, have led to debates at national levels and also litigations. On merits, discuss

whether or not both schemes need run concurrently. Analyse the potential of the schemes to achievedevelopmental benefits and equitable growth.

2014

The Central Government frequently complains on the poor performance of the State Governments in

eradicating suffering of the vulnerable sections of the society. Restructuring of Centrally sponsored

schemes across the sectors for ameliorating the cause of vulnerable sections of population aims at

providing flexibility to the States in better implementation. Critically evaluate.

2013

Electronic cash transfer system for the welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize corruption,

eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms. Comment.2013

The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity.

Comment.2013

Welfare: Sectors & Services


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GS1 Syllabus Topic: Social Sector & Social Services (health, education, human resources – issues in

development, management);

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Government Policies & Interventions for development of various sectors (issues in their

design, implementation)

The quality of higher education in India requires major improvements to make it internationally competitive.Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of higher and

technical education in the country? Discuss.

20

Public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that the private

sector could help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives would you suggest?20

Though 100 percent FDI is already allowed in non-news media like a trade publication and general

entertainment channel, the Government is mulling over the proposal for increased FDI in news media for

quite some time. What difference would an increase in FDI make? Critically evaluate the pros and cons.

20

An athlete participates in Olympics for personal triumph and nation’s glory; victors are showered with cash

incentives by various agencies, on their return. Discuss the merit of state sponsored talent hunt and its

cultivation as against the rationale of a reward mechanism as encouragement.

20

Should the premier institutes like IITs/IIMs be allowed to retain premier status, allowed more academic

independence in designing courses and also decide mode/criteria of selection of students. Discuss in light

of the growing challenges.

20

The concept of Mid Day Meal (MDM) scheme is almost a century old in India with early beginnings in Madras

Presidency in pre-independent India. The scheme has again been given impetus in most states in the last

two decades. Critically examine its twin objectives, latest mandates and success.

20

Identify the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that are related to health. Discuss the success of the

actions taken by the Government for achieving the same. 20

https://www.youtube.com/user/TheMrunalPatel/playlists


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Governance: Accountability & E-Gov

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Important aspects of governance; Transaparency and accountability (institutional and

other measures); Citizens Charter;

GS1 Syllabus Topic: E-Governance (applications, models, successes, limitations, potential)

In the light of the Satyam Scandal (2009), discuss the changes brought in corporate governance toensure transparency, accountability.

2015

“If amendment bill to the Whistleblowers Act, 2011 tabled in the Parliament is passed, there may be no

one left to protect.” Critically evaluate.2015

Though Citizen’s charters have been formulated by many public service delivery organizations, there is

no corresponding improvement in the level of citizens’ satisfaction and quality of services being

provided. Analyze.

2013

‘A national Lokpal, however strong it may be, cannot resolve the problems of immorality in public

affairs’. Discuss.2013

Groups: Civil Services, NGO, SHG, Pressure GroupsGS1 Syllabus Topic:

Development Processes & Development industry (role of NGOs, SHGs, groups & associations, donors,

charities, institutional and other stakeholders)

Pressure Groups & Formal, Informal associations (and their role in the polity)

Role of Civil Services in a democracy.

NGO-

SHG

Examine critically the recent changes in the rules governing foreign funding of NGOs under the

Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976.2015

The Self-Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Programme (SBLP), which is India’s own innovation,



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NGO-

SHG

has proved to be one of the most effective poverty alleviation and women empowerment

programmes. Elucidate.

2015

NGO-

SHG

How can the role of NGOs be strengthened in India for development works relating to

protection of the environment? Discuss throwing light on the major constraints.2015

NGO-

SHG

The penetration of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas in promoting participation in

development programmes is facing socio-cultural hurdles. Examine.2014

NGO-SHG

The legitimacy and accountability of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and their patrons, the micro-

finance outfits, need systematic assessment and scrutiny for the sustained success of the

concept. Discuss.

2013

Pressure

Group

Pressure group politics is sometimes seen as the informal face of politics. With regards to the

above, assess the structure and functioning of pressure groups in India.2013

Civil

Services

Has the Cadre based Civil Services Organisation been the cause of slow change in India?

Critically examine.2014

IR/Diplomacy: Neighbors

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Effect of Policies & Politics of Developed and Developing countries on India (India’s

interests, diaspora)

Project `Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of the Indian Government to improve

relationship with its neighbors. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss.2015

Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India-Pakistan relations. To what extent the use of

soft power like sports and cultural exchanges could help generate goodwill between the two countries?

Discuss with suitable examples.

2015

With respect to the South China sea, maritime territorial disputes and rising tension affirm the need for

safeguarding maritime security to ensure freedom of navigation and over flight throughout the region.

In this context, discuss the bilateral issues between India and China.

2014

The proposed withdrawal of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from Afghanistan in 2014 is

fraught with major security implications for the countries of the region. Examine in light of the fact that

India is faced with a plethora of challenges and needs to safeguard its own strategic interests.

2013

What do you understand by ‘The String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps

taken by India to counter this.2013

The protests in Shahbag Square in Dhaka in Bangladesh reveal a fundamental split in society between

the nationalists and Islamic forces. What is its significance for India?2013

Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of

concern to India?2013

In respect of India — Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy. 2013

What is meant by Gujral doctrine? Does it have any relevance today? Discuss. 2013

IR/Diplomacy: Not-Neighbors but affecting interests

GS1 Syllabus Topic: India and its Neighbourhood (relations)


14/15



Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pros and cons. Critically examine. 2015

Economic ties between India and Japan while growing in the recent years are still far below their

potential. Elucidate the policy constraints which are inhibiting this growth.2013

IR/Diplomacy: Institutions, Groupings, Agreements

GS1 Syllabus Topic: Important International institutions, agencies, for a (structure, mandate); Bilateral,

Regional, Global groupings & Agreements (involving and/or affecting India)

Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in UN Security Council. 2015

The aim of Information Technology Agreements (ITAs) is to lower all taxes and tariffs on information

technology products by signatories to zero. What impact should such agreements have on India’s

interests?

2014

Some of the International funding agencies have special terms for economic participation stipulating a

substantial component of the aid to be used for sourcing equipment from the leading countries. Discuss

on merits of such terms and if, there exists a strong case not to accept such conditions in the Indian

context.

2014

India has recently signed to become founding a New Development Bank (NDB) and also the Asian

Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) .How will the role of the two Banks be different? Discuss the

significance of these two Banks for India.

2014

WTO is an important international institution where decisions taken affect countries in profound

manner. What is the mandate of WTO and how binding are their decisions? Critically analyse India’s

stand on the latest round of talks on Food security.

2014

The World Bank and the IMF, collectively known as the Bretton Woods Institutions, are the two inter-

governmental pillars supporting the structure of the world’s economic and financial order. Superficially,



15/15


the World Bank and the IMF exhibit many common characteristics, yet their role, functions and mandate

are distinctly different. Elucidate.

2013

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