UPSC_CS MAINS 2014 Paper II

Two parallel run schemes of the Government, viz the Aadhar card and NPM, one of 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 development benefits and equitable growth.

Points to Remember: Aadhaar’s voluntary vs. National Population Register’s (NPR) compulsory nature. National-level debates and litigations surrounding both schemes. Analysis of developmental benefits and equitable growth potential. Evaluation of the need for concurrent implementation. Introduction: The Indian government’s Aadhaar (Unique Identification Authority of India) and National Population Register (NPR) schemes, while both aiming to create … Read more

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 areward mechanism as encouragement.

Points to Remember: State-sponsored talent hunt: Identifying and nurturing athletic talent through systematic programs. Reward mechanism: Providing cash incentives and recognition to successful athletes. Personal triumph vs. national glory: Balancing individual ambition with national pride. Merit: The advantages and disadvantages of each approach. Rationale: The underlying reasons for each approach. Introduction: The participation of athletes … Read more

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.

Points to Remember: Current FDI policy in Indian media: 100% FDI allowed in non-news media. Proposed increase in FDI for news media. Critical evaluation required: Pros and cons of increased FDI in news media. Introduction: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) refers to investment made by a company or individual in a foreign country to gain control … Read more

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 India’s stand on the latest round of talks on Food security.

Points to Remember: WTO’s mandate: regulating international trade, dispute settlement. Binding nature of WTO decisions: generally binding, but with exceptions. India’s stand on food security: balancing domestic needs with WTO obligations. Critical analysis: examining both advantages and disadvantages of India’s position. Introduction: The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an intergovernmental organization that regulates international trade … 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 substantial 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

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

Keywords: India, Africa, increasing interest, pros, cons, critically examine. Required Approach: Analytical Points to Remember: India’s strategic, economic, and diplomatic engagement with Africa. Benefits for both India and African nations. Challenges and potential drawbacks of the relationship. Need for a balanced and sustainable approach. Introduction: India’s engagement with Africa has witnessed a significant upswing in … 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 India’s interests?

Points to Remember: Impact of ITAs on Indian IT industry (both positive and negative). Impact on Indian consumers. Impact on domestic IT manufacturing. India’s negotiating position and strategic considerations. Potential for job creation and displacement. Introduction: Information Technology Agreements (ITAs) are international trade agreements aimed at reducing or eliminating tariffs and taxes on information technology … 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: Maritime security in the South China Sea (SCS) Freedom of Navigation (FON) and Overflight (FOF) India-China bilateral issues in the SCS context Territorial disputes and rising tensions Safeguarding maritime security Introduction: The South China Sea (SCS), a strategically vital waterway, is embroiled in complex maritime territorial disputes, primarily involving China and several … Read more

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.

Points to Remember: Impact of Rail Tariff Authority (RTA) on Indian Railways’ finances. Experience of power sector deregulation and its relevance to railways. Benefits and drawbacks for consumers, Indian Railways, and private container operators. Need for subsidies and their implications. Introduction: The Indian Railways, a crucial component of India’s transportation network, faces significant financial challenges. … Read more