UPSC Mains 2014 GS2 Previous Year Questions

Question list

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1. N01 · What do you understand by the concept ‘freedom of speech and expression’? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss.
2. N02 · Though the federal principle is dominant in our Constitution and that principle is one of its basic features, 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.
3. N03 · 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 uncodified and unenumerated privileges to continue. Assess the reasons for the absence of legal codification of parliamentary privileges. How can this problem be addressed?
4. N04 · 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.
5. N05 · Instances of President’s delay in commuting death sentences have come under public debate as denial of justice. Should there be a time limit specified for the President to accept/reject such petitions? Analyse.
6. N06 · 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 is the efficacy of a government inversely related to the size of the cabinet? Discuss.
7. N07 · The setting up of a Rail Tariff Authority to regulate fares will subject the cash-strapped Indian Railways to demand subsidy for the 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 consumers, Indian Railways or private container operators.
8. N08 · National Human Rights Commission in India can be most effective when its tasks are adequately supported by other mechanisms that ensure 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.
9. N09 · Two parallel schemes of the Government, the Aadhaar Card and NPR, one voluntary and the other compulsory, have led to national debates and litigations. On merits, discuss whether both schemes need run concurrently. Analyse their potential to achieve developmental benefits and equitable growth.
10. N10 · Though 100 percent FDI is already allowed in non-news media like trade publication and general entertainment channel, the Government is mulling over increased FDI in news media. What difference would an increase in FDI make? Critically evaluate the pros and cons.
11. N11 · The penetration of Self Help Groups in rural areas in promoting participation in development programmes is facing socio-cultural hurdles. Examine.
12. N12 · Has the cadre-based Civil Services Organisation been the cause of slow change in India? Critically examine.
13. N13 · Do government schemes for uplifting vulnerable and backward communities by protecting required social resources for them lead to their exclusion in establishing businesses in urban economies?
14. N14 · Should premier institutes like IITs/IIMs be allowed to retain premier status, more academic independence in designing courses, and decide mode/criteria of selection of students? Discuss in light of growing challenges.
15. N15 · 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 cultivation as against the rationale of a reward mechanism as encouragement.
16. N16 · 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 overflight throughout the region. In this context, discuss bilateral issues between India and China.
17. N17 · Some international funding agencies have special terms for economic participation stipulating a substantial component of aid be used for sourcing equipment from leading countries. Discuss merits of such terms and whether there is a strong case not to accept such conditions in the Indian context.
18. N18 · India has recently signed to become founding member of a New Development Bank and also the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. How will the role of the two Banks be different? Discuss the significance of these two Banks for India.
19. N19 · The aim of Information Technology Agreements 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?
20. N20 · WTO is an important international institution where decisions taken affect countries profoundly. What is the mandate of WTO and how binding are its decisions? Critically analyse India’s stand on the latest round of talks on Food security.