UPSC_CS MAINS 2017 Paper II

Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in South-East Asian countries’ economy and society. Appraise the role of Indian Diaspora in South-East Asia in this context.

Points to Remember: Significant economic contributions of the Indian diaspora in Southeast Asia. Cultural exchange and influence. Challenges faced by the diaspora. Political influence and engagement. The future role of the Indian diaspora in the region. Introduction: The Indian diaspora in Southeast Asia represents a significant population segment with a long and complex history, deeply … Read more

China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour.

Keywords: China, economic relations, trade surplus, military power, Asia, India, impact. Required Approach: Primarily analytical, with elements of factual reporting. Points to Remember: China’s economic growth and trade surplus. China’s military modernization and expansion. India’s strategic response to China’s growing power. The impact on regional stability and the existing geopolitical order. Potential for cooperation and … Read more

Is the National Commission for Women able to strategize and tackle the problems that women facet both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your answer.

Keywords: National Commission for Women (NCW), women’s problems, public sphere, private sphere, strategizing, tackling problems. Required Approach: Analytical (evaluating the NCW’s effectiveness). Points to Remember: NCW’s mandate and powers. NCW’s achievements and limitations. Challenges faced by women in public and private spheres. Effectiveness of NCW’s strategies. Suggestions for improvement. Introduction: The National Commission for Women … Read more

To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful?

Points to Remember: Key electoral reforms proposed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in 2016. Significance of these reforms in enhancing the quality of Indian democracy. Assessment of the success and limitations of the proposed reforms. Introduction: The Election Commission of India (ECI), the guardian of free and fair elections in the world’s largest … Read more

Q.`10) ‘Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people’ Discuss.

Keywords: Simultaneous elections, Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, electioneering costs, government accountability. Required Approach: Analytical Points to Remember: Reduced election expenditure Increased government stability Potential for decreased accountability Logistical challenges Constitutional implications Introduction: The Indian electoral system currently holds elections for the Lok Sabha (national parliament) and State Legislative Assemblies separately, leading to frequent election cycles. … Read more

Critically examine the Supreme Court’s judgement on ‘National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014’ with reference to appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India.

Points to Remember: The National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act, 2014. Supreme Court’s judgment striking down the NJAC Act. Impact on the appointment of judges to the higher judiciary in India. Arguments for and against the NJAC. Current system of judicial appointments (Collegium System). Need for transparency and accountability in judicial appointments. Introduction: The appointment … Read more

How do pressure groups influence Indian political process? Do you agree with this view that informal pressure groups have emerged as powerful than formal pressure groups in recent years?

Points to Remember: Types of Pressure Groups (Formal vs. Informal) Methods of Influence (Lobbying, Advocacy, Public Awareness) Impact on Policy Making Role of Media and Technology Challenges and Concerns Introduction: Pressure groups, also known as interest groups or lobby groups, are organized entities that aim to influence government policy and decision-making. In India’s vibrant democracy, … Read more

Discuss the role of Public Accounts Committee in establishing accountability of the government to the people.

Points to Remember: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is a parliamentary committee. Its primary function is to scrutinize government spending. It holds the executive branch accountable to the legislature and, indirectly, to the people. Its effectiveness depends on various factors, including its powers, independence, and the political environment. Introduction: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) plays … Read more

The Indian Constitution has provisions for holding joint session of the two houses of the Parliament. Enumerate the occasions when this would normally happen and also the occasions when it cannot, with reasons thereof.

Points to Remember: Joint sessions of Parliament in India are rare and occur only under specific circumstances outlined in the Constitution. The primary purpose is to resolve disagreements between the Lok Sabha (Lower House) and the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) on ordinary legislation. Certain types of bills are exempt from joint sessions. Introduction: The Indian … Read more

“The local self-government system in India has not proved to be effective instrument of governance”. Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation.

Keywords: Local self-government, India, effectiveness, governance, improvement. Required Approach: Analytical (critical examination required, followed by opinion-based suggestions for improvement). Points to Remember: Constitutional provisions for local self-governance in India. Three-tier Panchayati Raj System (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). Challenges faced by local self-governments (financial, administrative, political). Success stories and best practices. Measures for improvement … Read more