UPSC_CS MAINS 2013 Paper II

What do you understand by ‘The String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this.

Points to Remember: The String of Pearls is a geopolitical term. It refers to China’s expanding influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). India perceives this as a strategic challenge. India’s counter-strategies involve diplomatic, economic, and military measures. Introduction: “The String of Pearls” is a geopolitical term used to describe China’s growing network of strategic … Read more

The protests in Shahbag Square in Dhaka in Bangladesh reveal a fundamental split in society between the nationalists and Islamic forces. What is its significance for India?

Keywords: Shahbag Square protests, Bangladesh, nationalists, Islamic forces, India, significance. Required Approach: Primarily analytical, with elements of factual reporting. Points to Remember: The nature of the Shahbag Square protests and their underlying causes. The key players involved (nationalists, Islamist groups). The impact of the protests on Bangladesh’s political landscape. The potential implications for India’s relations … Read more

In respect of India-Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy.

Points to Remember: India-Sri Lanka relations are multifaceted, influenced by geography, history, culture, and economics. Domestic factors in both countries significantly shape their foreign policy approaches towards each other. Understanding these domestic factors is crucial for predicting and managing the bilateral relationship. A balanced approach acknowledging both positive and negative influences is necessary. Introduction: India … Read more

The product diversification of financial institutions and insurance companies, resulting in overlapping of products and services strengthens the case for the merger of the two regulatory agencies, namely SEBI and IRDA. Justify.

Points to Remember: Product overlap between financial institutions and insurance companies. Regulatory duplication between SEBI and IRDA. Arguments for merging SEBI and IRDA. Potential benefits and drawbacks of a merger. Need for a holistic regulatory framework. Introduction: The increasing convergence of financial services and insurance products has raised questions about the efficacy of having separate … Read more

‘A national Lokpal, however strong it may be, cannot resolve the problems of immorality in public affairs.’ Discuss.

Points to Remember: The role of a Lokpal in addressing corruption. Limitations of a Lokpal in tackling deeper societal issues. The importance of systemic reforms and ethical frameworks beyond legal mechanisms. The need for a multi-pronged approach to combat immorality in public life. Introduction: The question probes the efficacy of a national Lokpal, a crucial … Read more

Discuss the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission which have been a departure fromthe previous commissions for strengthening the local government finances.

Points to Remember: Key changes introduced by the 13th Finance Commission (FC) regarding local government finances. Comparison with recommendations of previous Finance Commissions. Focus on strengthening local government finances. Analysis of the impact and effectiveness of the 13th FC’s recommendations. Introduction: The 13th Finance Commission (2010-2015), chaired by Dr. Vijay Kelkar, significantly altered the landscape … Read more

Pressure group politics is sometimes seen as the informal face of politics. With regards to the above, assess the structure and functioning of pressure groups in India.

Points to Remember: Definition and types of pressure groups in India. Structure and functioning of pressure groups. Influence of pressure groups on policy-making. Positive and negative aspects of pressure group politics. Role of the state in regulating pressure groups. Introduction: Pressure groups, also known as interest groups or lobby groups, are organized entities that aim … Read more

The role of individual MPs (Members of Parliament) has diminished over the years and as a result healthy constructive debates on policy issues are not usually witnessed. How far can this be attributed to the anti-defection law which was legislated but with a different intention?

Points to Remember: Diminished role of individual MPs. Decline in constructive policy debates. Impact of the anti-defection law. Intended vs. unintended consequences of legislation. Need for reforms to enhance parliamentary effectiveness. Introduction: The effectiveness of a parliamentary democracy hinges on the active and independent participation of its Members of Parliament (MPs). Healthy, constructive debates on … Read more

‘The Supreme Court of India keeps a check on arbitrary power of the Parliament in amending the Constitution.’ Discuss critically.

Points to Remember: The amending power of the Parliament under Article 368. Limitations on the Parliament’s amending power as interpreted by the Supreme Court. Key Supreme Court judgments defining the scope of Article 368. The balance between parliamentary sovereignty and judicial review. The ongoing debate on the extent of judicial intervention in constitutional amendments. Introduction: … Read more

Constitutional mechanisms to resolve the inter-state water disputes have failed to address and solve the problems. Is the failure due to structural or process inadequacy or both? Discuss.

Keywords: Constitutional mechanisms, inter-state water disputes, failure, structural inadequacy, process inadequacy. Required Approach: Analytical Points to Remember: Constitutional provisions for inter-state water disputes. The role of the Interstate River Water Disputes Act, 1956. Case studies of failed resolutions. Structural limitations of the Act and the process. Suggestions for improvement. Introduction: India’s federal structure necessitates mechanisms … Read more