International Relations
10 Marks
GS 2
UPSC Mains 2013
25 questions · 250 marks · Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations
International Relations
10 Marks
Q2. What is meant by the Gujral doctrine? Does it have any relevance today? Discuss.
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Explain
International Relations
10 Marks
Q3. In respect of India — Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy.
International Relations
10 Marks
Q4. Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India?
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Discuss
International Relations
10 Marks
Q5. 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?
International Relations
10 Marks
Q6. Economic ties between India and Japan while growing in recent years are still far below their potential. Elucidate the policy constraints that are inhibiting this growth
International Relations
10 Marks
Q7. What do you understand by ‘The String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this.
International Relations
10 Marks
Q8. The proposed withdrawal of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from Afghanistan in 2014 is fraught with major security implications for the countries of the region. Examine because India is faced with a plethora of challenges and needs to safeguard its strategic interests.
Indian Polity
10 Marks
Q9. ‘A national Lokpal, however strong it may be, cannot resolve the problems of immorality in public affairs’. Discuss.
Governance
10 Marks
Q10. 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. Analyse.
Government policies and interventions
10 Marks
Q11. Identify the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that are related to health.Discuss the success of the actions taken by the Government to achieve the same.
Government policies and interventions
10 Marks
Q12. The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity. Comment.
Government policies and interventions
10 Marks
Q13. An electronic cash transfer system for welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize corruption, eliminate wastage, and facilitate reforms. Comment.
Union and States — federal structure and devolution
10 Marks
Q14. The Central Government frequently complains about the poor performance of the State Governments in eradicating the suffering of the vulnerable sections of the society. Restructuring of Centrally sponsored schemes across the sectors for ameliorating the cause of vulnerable sections of the population aims at providing flexibility to the States in better implementation. Critically evaluate.
Governance
10 Marks
Q15. 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.
Governance
10 Marks
Q16. 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.
Government policies and interventions
10 Marks
Q17. The concept of the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme is almost a century old in India with early beginnings in the 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.
Statutory, regulatory and quasi-judicial bodies
10 Marks
Q18. 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.
Indian Polity
10 Marks
Q19. Discuss the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission which have been a departure from the previous commissions for strengthening the local government finances.
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Discuss
Governance
10 Marks
Q20. 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 a larger number of smaller States would bring in effective governance at the State level? Discuss.
Indian Polity
10 Marks
Q21. 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.
Indian Polity
10 Marks
Q22. The Supreme Court of India keeps a check on the arbitrary power of the Parliament in amending the Constitution. Discuss critically.
Indian Polity
10 Marks
Q23. Recent directives from the 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.
Indian Polity
10 Marks
Q24. Discuss Section 66A of the IT Act, with reference to its alleged violation of Article 19 of the Constitution.
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Discuss
Indian Polity
10 Marks