UPSC Mains 2014
General Studies – Paper II
Answer all the questions in NOT MORE THAN 150 words
each. Contents of the answer are more important than its length. All questions
carry equal marks
12.5*20-250
(01) Starting from inventing the ‘basic structure’
doctrine, the judiciary has played a highly proactive role in ensuring that India
(02) Though the federal principle is dominant in our
Constitution and that principle is one of its basic features, but 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.
(03) 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 un-codified and un-enumerated privileges to
continue. Assess the reasons for the absence of legal codification of the
‘parliamentary privileges’. How can this problem be addressed?
(04) What do you understand by the concept “freedom
of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India
(05) Instances of President’s delay in commuting
death sentences has come under public debate as denial of justice. Should there
be a time limit specified for the President to accept/reject such petitions?
Analyse.
(06) 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 the efficacy of a government then is inversely related to the
size of the cabinet? Discuss.
(07) Though 100 percent FDI is already allowed in
non-news media like a trade publication and general entertainment channel, the
Government is mulling over the proposal for increased FDI in news media for
quite some time. What difference would an increase in FDI make? Critically
evaluate the pros and cons.
(08) The setting up of a Rail Tariff Authority to
regulate fares will subject the cash strapped Indian Railways to demand subsidy
for 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 the consumers, the Indian Railways or the private container
operators.
(09) National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India
(10) The penetration of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in
rural areas in promoting participation in development programmes is facing
socio-cultural hurdles. Examine.
(11) Do government’s schemes for up-lifting
vulnerable and backward communities by protecting required social resources for
them, lead to their exclusion in establishing businesses in urban economics?
(12) 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 its cultivation as against the rationale of a reward mechanism as
encouragement.
(13) Should the premier institutes like IITs/IIMs be
allowed to retain premier status, allowed more academic independence in
designing courses and also decide mode/criteria of selection of students.
Discuss in light of the growing challenges.
(14) Has the Cadre based Civil Services Organisation
been the cause of slow change in India
(15) Two parallel run schemes of the Government viz.
the Adhaar Card and NPR, one as voluntary and the other as compulsory, have led
to debates at national levels and also litigations. On merits, discuss whether
or not both schemes need run concurrently. Analyse the potential of the schemes
to achieve developmental benefits and equitable growth.
(16) 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
over flight throughout the region. In this context, discuss the bilateral
issues between India and China
(17) The aim of Information Technology Agreements
(ITAs) is to lower all taxes and tariffs on information technology products by
signatories to zero. What impact should such agreements have on India
(18) Some of the International funding agencies have
special terms for economic participation stipulating a substantial component of
the aid to be used for sourcing equipment from the leading countries. Discuss
on merits of such terms and if, there exists a strong case not to accept such
conditions in the Indian context.
(19) India India
(20) WTO is an important international institution
where decisions taken affect countries in profound manner. What is the mandate
of WTO and how binding are their decisions? Critically analyse India
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