Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations. 25 questions in this collection, each linked to its theme.
GS22013GS2-GOV-01-M2013-S01
The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity. Comment.
Theme: T57 Smart cities, rural–urban integration & urban transport
GS22013GS2-GOV-02-M2013-S01
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.
Theme: T69 SHGs & microfinance
GS22013GS2-GOV-03-M2013-S01
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.
Theme: T70 Affirmative action & welfare schemes for vulnerable sections
GS22013GS2-GOV-04-M2013-S01
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.
Theme: T109 Public health system & universal health coverage
GS22013GS2-GOV-06-M2013-S01
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.
Theme: T75 Hunger, malnutrition & food security law: NFSA, Mid-Day Meal, millets
GS22013GS2-GOV-07-M2013-S01
Electronic cash transfer system for the welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize corruption, eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms. Comment.
Theme: T107 DBT, Aadhaar & digital welfare delivery
GS22013GS2-GOV-07-M2013-S02
Though Citizens’ 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.
Theme: T105 Citizens' Charter & citizen-centric administration
GS22013GS2-IR-01-M2013-S01
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.
Theme: T113 Pakistan & Afghanistan: terror, distrust, soft power, surgical strikes, ISAF withdrawal
GS22013GS2-IR-01-M2013-S02
What do you understand by ‘The String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this.
Theme: T114 China: BRI, CPEC, String of Pearls & economic leverage
GS22013GS2-IR-02-M2013-S01
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?
Theme: T115 Neighbourhood: Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, Project Mausam
GS22013GS2-IR-02-M2013-S02
Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India?
Theme: T115 Neighbourhood: Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, Project Mausam
GS22013GS2-IR-02-M2013-S03
In respect of India-Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy.
Theme: T115 Neighbourhood: Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, Project Mausam
GS22013GS2-IR-02-M2013-S04
What is meant by Gujral doctrine? Does it have any relevance today? Discuss.
Theme: T21 Early foreign policy & wars: Tashkent, Bangladesh 1971, Gujral doctrine
GS22013GS2-IR-03-M2013-S01
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.
Theme: T116 Indo-Pacific, Quad, AUKUS & sea lanes: straits, South China Sea, trade shift
GS22013GS2-IR-06-M2013-S01
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, the World Bank and the IMF exhibit many common characteristics, yet their role, functions and mandate are distinctly different. Elucidate.
Theme: T124 UN reform, Bretton Woods & global governance
GS22013GS2-POL-02-M2013-S01
Discuss Section 66A of IT Act, with reference to its alleged violation of Article 19 of the Constitution.
Theme: T79 Freedom of speech & expression: hate speech, films, Section 66A
GS22013GS2-POL-03-M2013-S01
‘The Supreme Court of India keeps a check on arbitrary power of the Parliament in amending the Constitution.’ Discuss critically.
Theme: T82 Amending power & basic structure
GS22013GS2-POL-04-M2013-S01
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.
Theme: T19 Integration & reorganisation of states: princely states, linguistic states, new & smaller states
GS22013GS2-POL-04-M2013-S02
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.
Theme: T89 Special provisions & asymmetric federalism: J&K, Delhi, Art 371A
GS22013GS2-POL-04-M2013-S03
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.
Theme: T47 River interlinking & water disputes: inter-state and transboundary
GS22013GS2-POL-06-M2013-S01
Discuss the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission which have been a departure from the previous commissions for strengthening the local government finances.
Theme: T92 Local self-government: 73rd/74th Amendments, functions, funds & functionaries
GS22013GS2-POL-10-M2013-S01
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?
Theme: T93 Parliament: role of MPs, executive accountability, Rajya Sabha, privileges
GS22013GS2-POL-11-M2013-S01
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.
Theme: T101 Pressure groups & interest representation
GS22013GS2-POL-15-M2013-S01
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.
Theme: T100 Regulatory & quasi-judicial bodies: CCI, SEBI–IRDA, tariff authorities
GS22013GS2-POL-15-M2013-S02
‘A national Lokpal, however strong it may be, cannot resolve the problems of immorality in public affairs.’ Discuss.
Theme: T104 Transparency, accountability & anti-corruption: RTI, whistleblowers, Lokpal, corporate governance