UPSC_CS MAINS 2013 Paper II

The legitimacy and accountability of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and their patrons, the micro-finance outfits, need systematic assessment and scrutiny for the sustained success of the concept. Discuss.

Points to Remember: Legitimacy of SHGs: Trust, transparency, and democratic functioning. Accountability of SHGs: Financial reporting, member participation, and impact measurement. Role of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs): Ethical lending practices, capacity building, and monitoring. Systemic Assessment: Independent audits, government oversight, and participatory evaluations. Sustained Success: Financial inclusion, poverty reduction, and empowerment of women. Introduction: Self-Help Groups … Read more

The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity Comment.

Points to Remember: PURA’s core principle: Bridging the urban-rural divide through connectivity. Types of connectivity: Physical infrastructure, digital infrastructure, market access, social connectivity. Challenges in implementing PURA: Funding, governance, technological limitations, social resistance. Success factors: Community participation, integrated planning, sustainable development. Introduction: The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and other rural infrastructure initiatives highlight … Read more

The concept of Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme is almost a century old in India with early beginnings in Madras Presidency in pre-independent India. The scheme has again been given impetus inmost states in the last two decades. Critically examine its twin objectives, latest mandates and success.

Keywords: Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme, India, objectives, mandates, success, critical examination. Required Approach: Analytical (requiring a balanced assessment of the scheme’s successes and failures). Points to Remember: Historical context of MDM Twin objectives of MDM Latest mandates and modifications Successes and challenges of MDM implementation Impact on various social indicators Future recommendations Introduction: The Mid-Day … Read more

The Central Government frequently complains on the poor performance of the State Governments in eradicating suffering of the vulnerable sections of the society. Restructuring of Centrally sponsored schemes across the sectors for ameliorating the cause of vulnerable sections of population aims at providing flexibility to the States in better implementation. Criticallye valuate.

Points to Remember: Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) and their objectives. Role of Central and State Governments in implementing CSS. Issues in implementation of CSS: lack of coordination, financial constraints, capacity building needs, corruption. Restructuring of CSS and its potential benefits (flexibility, improved targeting, better outcomes). Potential drawbacks of restructuring: potential for misuse, reduced accountability, uneven … Read more

Electronic cash transfer system for the welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize corruption, eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms Comment.

Points to Remember: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) aims to improve efficiency and transparency in welfare schemes. Challenges include technological limitations, digital literacy gaps, and exclusion of vulnerable populations. Success depends on robust infrastructure, effective monitoring, and continuous improvement. Introduction: The Electronic Cash Transfer (ECT) system, often referred to as Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), is a … Read more

The World Bank and the IMF, collectively known as the Bretton Woods Institutions, are the two inter-governmental pillars supporting the structure of the world’s economic and financial order. Superficially, the World Bank and the IMF exhibit many common characteristics, yet their role, functions and mandate are distinctly different. Elucidate.

Points to Remember: World Bank’s primary focus: Poverty reduction and economic development through loans and assistance. IMF’s primary focus: Maintaining global financial stability through surveillance, lending, and technical assistance. Overlapping areas: Both institutions work towards global economic stability but with different approaches. Differences in mandate, membership, and operational mechanisms. Introduction: The World Bank and the … Read more

Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India?

Points to Remember: Recent political shifts in the Maldives. India’s strategic interests in the Maldives. Potential threats and opportunities for India. The nature of the India-Maldives relationship. Policy recommendations for India. Introduction: The Maldives, an archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean, has witnessed significant political developments in the last two years. These developments, characterized by … Read more

What is meant by Gujral doctrine? Does it have any relevance today.Discuss.

Points to Remember: Definition and origins of the Gujral Doctrine. Key tenets of the doctrine. Application and successes of the doctrine. Criticisms and limitations of the doctrine. Relevance of the doctrine in contemporary international relations. Suggestions for adapting the doctrine to current geopolitical realities. Introduction: The Gujral Doctrine, a foreign policy initiative proposed by former … Read more

Economic ties between India and Japan while growing in the recent years are still far below their potential. Elucidate the policy constraints which are inhibiting this growth.

Points to Remember: Growing but untapped potential: India-Japan economic ties are expanding but remain significantly below their potential. Policy constraints: Several policy hurdles hinder stronger economic collaboration. Bilateral and multilateral factors: Challenges stem from both countries’ domestic policies and the broader global economic landscape. Areas for improvement: Specific sectors and policy areas need focused attention … Read more

The proposed withdrawal of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from Afghanistan in 2014 is fraught with major security implications for the countries of the region. Examine in light of the fact that India is faced with a plethora of challenges and needs to safeguard its own strategic interests.

Points to Remember: ISAF withdrawal timeline and implications. Regional security challenges post-withdrawal. India’s strategic interests in Afghanistan. Challenges faced by India. Safeguarding India’s strategic interests in the post-ISAF Afghanistan. Introduction: The withdrawal of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from Afghanistan in 2014 marked a significant turning point in the country’s history and had profound … Read more