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GS 2

UPSC Mains 2015

20 questions · 240 marks · Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations

GS 1GS 2GS 3Ethics
International Relations12 Marks

Q1.Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India–Pakistan relations. To what extent the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchange could help generate goodwill between the two countries? Discuss with suitable examples.

View answerDirective: Discuss
International Relations12 Marks

Q2.Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of the Indian government to improve relationships with its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss.

View answerDirective: Discuss
International Relations12 Marks

Q3.Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in the UNSC.

View answerDirective: Discuss
International Relations12 Marks

Q4.The Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pros and cons. Critically Examine.

View answerDirective: Critically examine
Indian Polity12 Marks

Q5.To achieve the desired objectives, it is necessary to ensure that the regulatory institutions remain independent and autonomous. Discuss in the light of experiences in the recent past.

View answerDirective: Discuss
Indian Polity12 Marks

Q6.If an amendment bill to the Whistleblowers Protection Act 2011 tabled in the Parliament is passed, there may be no one left to protect. Critically Evaluate.

View answerDirective: Critically evaluate
Governance12 Marks

Q7.In the light of the Satyam Scandal (2009), discuss the changes brought in corporate governance to ensure transparency and accountability.

View answerDirective: Discuss
Governance12 Marks

Q8.Though there have been several different estimates of poverty in India, all indicate a reduction in poverty over time. Do you agree? Critically examine with reference to urban and rural poverty indicators.

View answerDirective: Critically examine
Governance12 Marks

Q9.The Public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that the private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest?

View answer
Governance12 Marks

Q10.The quality of higher education in India requires major improvement 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.

View answerDirective: Discuss
Governance12 Marks

Q11.How can the role of NGOs be strengthened in India for development works relating to the protection of the Environment? Discuss throwing light on the major constraints.

View answerDirective: Discuss
Governance12 Marks

Q12.The Self Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Program (SBLP), which is India’s innovation, has proved to be one of the most effective poverty alleviation and women empowerment programmes. Elucidate.

View answerDirective: Elucidate
Indian Polity12 Marks

Q13.Examine critically the recent changes in the rule governing foreign funding of NGOs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976.

View answerDirective: Examine
Indian Polity12 Marks

Q14.Does the right to a clean environment entail legal regulation on burning crackers during Diwali? Discuss in the light of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and judgements of the apex in this regard.

View answerDirective: Discuss
Indian Polity12 Marks

Q15.What are the major changes brought in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1966 through the recent ordinance promulgated by the President? How far will it improve India’s dispute resolution mechanism? Discuss.

View answerDirective: Explain
Indian Polity12 Marks

Q16.Resorting to ordinances has always raised concern about the violation of the spirit of separation of power doctrine. While noting the rationales justifying the power to promulgate, analyse whether the decision of the Supreme Court on the issue has further facilitated resorting to this power. Should the power to promulgate the ordinances be repealed?

View answerDirective: Analyse
Indian Polity12 Marks

Q17.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 judiciary to set things right in this regard.

View answerDirective: Discuss critically
Indian Polity12 Marks

Q18.In the 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.

View answerDirective: Critically discuss
Indian Polity12 Marks

Q19.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.

View answerDirective: Highlight
Indian Polity12 Marks

Q20.Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizens a uniform civil code as provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy.

View answerDirective: Discuss