In the dynamic geopolitical landscape of the South China Sea, tensions over maritime territorial disputes have become increasingly pronounced
UPSC – Mains Solved Paper GS 2
Two parallel-run schemes of the Government, viz the Aadhar 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 to run concurrently. Analyze the potential of the schemes to achieve developmental benefits and equitable growth. (12.5 marks, 200 words)
The coexistence of two parallel-run schemes by the Government, namely the Aadhar card and the National Population Register (NPR), has ignited intense debates and legal disputes at the national level.
Has the Cadre-based Civil Services Organization been the cause of slow growth in India? Critically examine. (12.5 marks, 200 words)
The cadre-based civil services system in India has long been a subject of debate regarding its impact on the country’s growth trajectory.
Should premier institutes like IITs/IIMs be allowed to retain premier status, allow more academic independence in designing courses, and also decide the mode/criteria of selection of students? Discuss in light of the growing challenges. (12.5 marks, 200 words)
In a rapidly evolving educational landscape, the debate over the autonomy and status of premier institutes like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) is gaining prominence.
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. (12.5 marks, 200 words)
Athletes, driven by personal triumph and the desire to bring glory to their nations, participate fervently in events like the Olympics.
Do the government schemes for uplifting vulnerable and backward communities by protecting required social resources for them, lead to their exclusion from establishing businesses in urban economies? (12.5 marks, 200 words)
Government schemes aimed at uplifting vulnerable and backward communities by safeguarding essential social resources often walk a fine line between providing the necessary support and inadvertently fostering exclusion in urban economies.
The penetration of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas in promoting participation in development programmes is facing socio-cultural hurdles. Examine. (12.5 marks, 200 words)
The proliferation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas has been hailed as a promising avenue for fostering grassroots participation in development initiatives.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India can be most effective when its tasks are adequately supported by other mechanisms that ensure the accountability of a government. In light of the above observations, assess the role of NHRC as an effective complement to the judiciary and other institutions in promoting and protecting human rights standards. (12.5 marks, 200 words)
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India serves as a pivotal institution tasked with safeguarding human rights across the nation.
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 the consumers, the Indian Railways, or the private container operators. (12.5 marks, 200 words)
The proposal to establish a Rail Tariff Authority to oversee fare regulation brings forth significant implications for the financially burdened Indian Railways.
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. (12.5 marks, 200 words)
The ongoing deliberation regarding the augmentation of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in news media has sparked significant discourse within governmental circles and the media industry alike.