UPSC_CS MAINS 2014 Paper II

WTO is an important international institution where decisions taken affect countries in a profound manner. What is the mandate of WTO and how binding are their decisions? Critically analyse Indiaâs stand on the latest round of talks on Food security.

Points to Remember: WTO’s mandate: Regulation of international trade, dispute settlement. Binding nature of WTO decisions: Generally binding, but with exceptions and appeals processes. India’s stand on food security: Balancing national food security needs with WTO obligations. Critical analysis: Examining both the advantages and disadvantages of India’s position. Introduction: The World Trade Organization (WTO) is … Read more

Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pro and cons. Critically Examine.

Points to Remember: India’s growing engagement with Africa encompasses economic, political, and strategic dimensions. Benefits include enhanced trade, investment, and diplomatic influence for India, alongside development opportunities for African nations. Challenges include competition from other global powers, concerns about neo-colonialism, and the need for sustainable and equitable partnerships. Introduction: India’s engagement with Africa has witnessed … Read more

The aim of Information Technology Agreements (ITAs) is to lower all taxes and tariffs on Information technology products by signatories to zero. What impact would such agreements have on Indiaâs interests?

Points to Remember: Impact of ITAs on Indian IT industry (export & import) Impact on Indian consumers Impact on domestic IT manufacturing Potential challenges and opportunities Need for strategic policy response Introduction: Information Technology Agreements (ITAs) are plurilateral agreements under the World Trade Organization (WTO) aimed at reducing or eliminating tariffs and other trade barriers … Read more

Some of the International funding agencies have special terms for economic participation stipulating a substantial component of the aid used for sourcing equipment from the leading countries. Discuss on merits of such terms and it, there exists a strong case not to accept such conditions in the Indian context.

Points to Remember: Tied aid: Definition and implications. Merits of tied aid for donor countries. Demerits of tied aid for recipient countries (India’s context). Alternatives to tied aid. Policy recommendations for India. Introduction: International funding agencies often attach conditions to their aid, a practice known as “tied aid.” This involves stipulations that a significant portion … Read more

India has recently signed to become founding member of New Development Bank (NDB) and also the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). How will the role of the two Banks be different?Discuss the strategic significance of these two Banks for India.

Points to Remember: NDB (New Development Bank): Focuses on infrastructure and sustainable development in BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), with a broader mandate to include other developing nations. AIIB (Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank): Primarily focuses on infrastructure development in Asia, with a wider membership base including developed and developing countries. Strategic Significance … Read more

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.

Points to Remember: South China Sea disputes Freedom of Navigation (FON) India-China bilateral issues Maritime security Regional stability Introduction: The South China Sea (SCS) is a vital waterway, crucial for global trade and energy security. However, overlapping territorial claims by multiple nations, including China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan, have led to escalating … Read more

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.

Points to Remember: Premier Institute Status: The current standing and privileges of IITs/IIMs. Academic Independence: Autonomy in curriculum design and teaching methodologies. Student Selection: Control over admission processes and criteria. Growing Challenges: Increased competition, societal expectations, global benchmarks, and equity concerns. Introduction: The question of whether premier institutes like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) … Read more

Do governmentâs schemes for up-lifting vulnerable and backward communities by protecting required social resources for them, lead to their exclusion in establishing businesses in urban economies?

Points to Remember: Government schemes aim to uplift vulnerable communities. Access to social resources is a key component of these schemes. The question explores potential unintended consequences: exclusion from urban business opportunities. Analysis requires examining both positive and negative impacts. Introduction: Governments worldwide implement numerous schemes to uplift vulnerable and backward communities. These initiatives often … Read more

Has the Cadre based Civil Services Organization been the cause of slow change in India? Critically examine.

Points to Remember: Cadre-based civil services Slow change in India Critical examination â both positive and negative aspects Evidence-based arguments (reports, judgments etc.) Introduction: India’s civil services, structured around a cadre system, are a legacy of the British Raj. This system organizes civil servants into hierarchical groups (cadres) associated with specific states or regions. While … Read more

The penetration of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas in promoting participation in development programmes is facing socio-cultural hurdles. Examine.

Points to Remember: Socio-cultural barriers hindering SHG penetration in rural development. Examples of these barriers (caste, gender, religion, literacy). Strategies to overcome these barriers (awareness campaigns, capacity building). The positive impact of SHGs when barriers are overcome. Introduction: Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are community-based organizations, predominantly composed of women, that pool their savings and provide microcredit … Read more