UPSC Mains 2013 GS2 Previous Year Questions

Question list

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1. N01 · Discuss Section 66A of IT Act, with reference to its alleged violation of Article 19 of the Constitution.
2. N02 · 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.
3. N03 · Constitutional mechanisms to resolve inter-state water disputes have failed to address and solve the problems. Is the failure due to structural or process inadequacy or both? Discuss.
4. N04 · 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 greater number of smaller States would bring in effective governance at State level? Discuss.
5. N05 · The Supreme Court of India keeps a check on arbitrary power of the Parliament in amending the Constitution. Discuss critically.
6. N06 · The role of individual MPs 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?
7. N07 · Pressure group politics is sometimes seen as the informal face of politics. With regard to the above, assess the structure and functioning of pressure groups in India.
8. N08 · Discuss the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission which have been a departure from previous commissions for strengthening local government finances.
9. N09 · The product diversification of financial institutions and insurance companies, resulting in overlapping products and services, strengthens the case for merger of the two regulatory agencies, namely SEBI and IRDA. Justify.
10. N10 · A national Lokpal, however strong it may be, cannot resolve the problems of immorality in public affairs. Discuss.
11. N11 · The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity. Comment.
12. N12 · The legitimacy and accountability of Self Help Groups and their patrons, the micro-finance outfits, need systematic assessment and scrutiny for sustained success of the concept. Discuss.
13. N13 · Though Citizen’s Charters have been formulated by many public service delivery organizations, there is no corresponding improvement in citizens’ satisfaction and quality of services. Analyze.
14. N14 · Electronic cash transfer system for welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize corruption, eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms. Comment.
15. N15 · The Central Government frequently complains of poor performance of State Governments in eradicating suffering of vulnerable sections. Restructuring Centrally Sponsored Schemes across sectors aims at providing flexibility to States in better implementation. Critically evaluate.
16. N16 · Identify the Millennium Development Goals related to health. Discuss the success of actions taken by the Government for achieving them.
17. N17 · The concept of Mid Day Meal scheme is almost a century old in India with early beginnings in Madras Presidency. The scheme has again been given impetus in most states in the last two decades. Critically examine its twin objectives, latest mandates and success.
18. N18 · Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India?
19. N19 · In respect of India-Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy.
20. N20 · The protests in Shahbag Square in Dhaka reveal a fundamental split in society between nationalists and Islamic forces. What is its significance for India?
21. N21 · What is meant by Gujral doctrine? Does it have any relevance today? Discuss.
22. N22 · Economic ties between India and Japan, while growing in recent years, are still far below their potential. Elucidate the policy constraints inhibiting this growth.
23. N23 · The proposed withdrawal of International Security Assistance Force from Afghanistan in 2014 is fraught with major security implications for countries of the region. Examine in light of the challenges India faces and its need to safeguard strategic interests.
24. N24 · What do you understand by ‘String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline steps taken by India to counter this.
25. N25 · The World Bank and IMF, collectively known as Bretton Woods Institutions, are two inter-governmental pillars supporting the world economic and financial order. Superficially they exhibit many common characteristics, yet their roles, functions and mandates are distinctly different. Elucidate.