Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International Relations. 20 questions in this collection, each linked to its theme.
GS22015GS2-GOV-02-M2015-S01
Examine critically the recent changes in the rules governing foreign funding of NGOs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976.
Theme: T103 Civil society, NGOs, charitable trusts & donor agencies
GS22015GS2-GOV-02-M2015-S02
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.
Theme: T69 SHGs & microfinance
GS22015GS2-GOV-02-M2015-S03
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.
Theme: T80 Environment, courts & civil society: Art 21, environmental PILs, green NGOs & pressure groups
GS22015GS2-GOV-04-M2015-S01
Public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector could help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives would you suggest?
Theme: T109 Public health system & universal health coverage
GS22015GS2-GOV-05-M2015-S01
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 technical and higher education in the country? Discuss.
Theme: T111 Education policy: NEP, RTE, higher education, exams
GS22015GS2-GOV-06-M2015-S01
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.
Theme: T74 Poverty: measurement, causes & alleviation
GS22015GS2-GOV-07-M2015-S01
In the light of Satyam Scandal (2009), discuss the changes brought in corporate governance to ensure transparency, accountability.
Theme: T104 Transparency, accountability & anti-corruption: RTI, whistleblowers, Lokpal, corporate governance
GS22015GS2-GOV-07-M2015-S02
“If amendment bill to the Whistleblowers Protection Act, 2011 tabled in the Parliament is passed, there may be no one left to protect.” Critically evaluate.
Theme: T104 Transparency, accountability & anti-corruption: RTI, whistleblowers, Lokpal, corporate governance
GS22015GS2-IR-01-M2015-S01
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.
Theme: T113 Pakistan & Afghanistan: terror, distrust, soft power, surgical strikes, ISAF withdrawal
GS22015GS2-IR-02-M2015-S01
Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of Indian Government to improve relationship with its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss.
Theme: T115 Neighbourhood: Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, Project Mausam
GS22015GS2-IR-03-M2015-S01
Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pro and cons. Critically examine.
Theme: T120 India & Africa: resources, digital partnership, influence
GS22015GS2-IR-06-M2015-S01
Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in UN Security Council.
Theme: T124 UN reform, Bretton Woods & global governance
GS22015GS2-POL-02-M2015-S01
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.
Theme: T81 DPSP, Uniform Civil Code & extra-constitutional bodies (khaps)
GS22015GS2-POL-02-M2015-S02
Does the right to clean environment entail legal regulation on burning crackers during Diwali? Discuss in the light of Article 21 of Indian Constitution and Judgement(s) of the Apex court in this regard.
Theme: T80 Environment, courts & civil society: Art 21, environmental PILs, green NGOs & pressure groups
GS22015GS2-POL-03-M2015-S01
Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizen a uniform civil code as provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy.
Theme: T81 DPSP, Uniform Civil Code & extra-constitutional bodies (khaps)
GS22015GS2-POL-04-M2015-S01
The concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasised in recent years. Highlight the drawbacks in the existing structure and the extent to which cooperative federalism would answer the shortcomings.
Theme: T87 Centre–State relations: cooperative, competitive & confrontational federalism
GS22015GS2-POL-06-M2015-S01
In absence of well–educated and organised local level government system, ‘Panchayats’ and ‘Samitis’ have remained mainly political institutions and not effective instruments of governance. Critically discuss.
Theme: T92 Local self-government: 73rd/74th Amendments, functions, funds & functionaries
GS22015GS2-POL-08-M2015-S01
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.
Theme: T86 Tribunals, Lok Adalats, arbitration & legal aid
GS22015GS2-POL-11-M2015-S01
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, analyse whether the decisions of the Supreme Court on the issue have further facilitated resorting to this power. Should the power to promulgate the ordinances be repealed?
Theme: T96 Executive: cabinet, ordinances & pardon
GS22015GS2-POL-15-M2015-S01
“For achieving the desired objectives, it is necessary to ensure that the regulatory institutions remain independent and autonomous.” Discuss in the light of experiences in recent past.
Theme: T100 Regulatory & quasi-judicial bodies: CCI, SEBI–IRDA, tariff authorities