UPSC_CS MAINS 2018 Paper II – Page 2

What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of âTrade Warâ, especially keeping in mind the interest of India?

Points to Remember: WTO’s relevance in a trade war context. Key areas needing reform for WTO survival. India’s specific interests within WTO reforms. Balancing competing interests of developed and developing nations. Sustainable and equitable trade solutions. Introduction: The World Trade Organization (WTO), established in 1995, aims to regulate international trade and ensure a fair and … Read more

In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to its situation?

Points to Remember: India’s energy security India’s relationship with the US and Iran Regional stability in the Middle East India’s non-proliferation stance Economic implications for India Introduction: The ongoing US-Iran nuclear pact controversy, specifically the withdrawal of the US from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 and subsequent reimposition of sanctions on … Read more

âIndiaâs relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.â Discuss.

Points to Remember: Deepening bilateral ties between India and Israel across various sectors. Irreversibility of the strengthened relationship. Strategic convergence despite historical context. Areas of cooperation: defense, technology, agriculture, etc. Challenges and potential future developments. Introduction: India and Israel, despite a complex history shaped by differing geopolitical alignments during the Cold War, have witnessed a … Read more

A number of outside powers have entrenched themselves in Central Asia, which is a zone of interest to India. Discuss the implications, in this context, of Indiaâs joining the Ashgabat Agreement, 2018.

Points to Remember: India’s strategic interests in Central Asia. The Ashgabat Agreement and its objectives. Implications of India’s participation: economic, political, and security dimensions. Challenges and opportunities for India. The role of other external powers in Central Asia. Introduction: Central Asia, a region rich in resources and strategically located at the crossroads of major powers, … Read more

Whether National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine.

Points to Remember: Constitutional provisions regarding reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs). Powers and functions of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC). Judicial pronouncements on reservation in minority institutions. The interplay between fundamental rights (Articles 14, 15, 16, 29, 30) and the policy of reservation. Introduction: The question of whether the National Commission for Scheduled … Read more

How is the Finance Commission of India constituted? What do you know about the terms of reference of the recently constituted Finance Commission? Discuss.

Points to Remember: Composition of the Finance Commission of India. Terms of Reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission. Key areas addressed by the 15th Finance Commission’s ToR. Significance of the Finance Commission in India’s federal structure. Introduction: The Finance Commission of India is a constitutional body established under Article 280 of the Indian Constitution. … Read more

âThe Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has a very vital role to play.â Explain how this is reflected in the method and terms of his appointment as well as the range of powers he can exercise.

Points to Remember: CAG’s independence and impartiality are crucial for effective functioning. Appointment process ensures a high-caliber, non-partisan appointee. Broad range of powers allows for comprehensive audits and scrutiny. CAG’s reports are vital for parliamentary oversight and accountability. Introduction: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India is a crucial pillar of India’s financial accountability … Read more

The light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India?

Points to Remember: EVM trustworthiness is paramount for free and fair elections. Challenges span technology, processes, and public perception. Solutions require technological upgrades, procedural reforms, and transparency initiatives. Introduction: The recent controversies surrounding Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in India have raised serious questions about the trustworthiness of the electoral process. While the Election Commission of … Read more

Whether the Supreme Court Judgement (July 2018) can settle the political tussle between the Lt. Governor and elected government of Delhi? Examine.

Points to Remember: The 2018 Supreme Court judgment on the Delhi government’s powers. The nature of the political tussle between the Lt. Governor and the elected government. The impact of the judgment on the functioning of the Delhi government. Potential for future conflicts and ways to mitigate them. Introduction: The July 2018 Supreme Court judgment … Read more

How far do you agree with the view that tribunals curtail the jurisdiction of ordinary courts? In view of the above, discuss the constitutional validity and competency of the tribunals in India.

Points to Remember: Tribunals’ role in India’s judicial system. Constitutional basis and powers of tribunals. Arguments for and against tribunals curtailing ordinary courts’ jurisdiction. Impact on access to justice and judicial efficiency. Constitutional validity challenges and Supreme Court pronouncements. Introduction: The establishment of tribunals in India, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms outside the traditional court system, … Read more