UPSC_CS MAINS 2019 Paper II

‘Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in the light of US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’.

Points to Remember: UNESCO’s funding challenges. Political influence on UNESCO’s operations. US withdrawal from UNESCO and its rationale. Accusations of anti-Israel bias within UNESCO. The impact of these factors on UNESCO’s effectiveness. Potential solutions and reforms for UNESCO. Introduction: The statement “Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life” accurately reflects the … Read more

“What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s National self-esteem and ambitions” Explain with suitable examples.

Points to Remember: India-US relations are complex and multifaceted. Mutual strategic interests exist alongside differing national priorities. India’s desire for strategic autonomy clashes with US expectations of alignment. Specific examples of friction points are crucial for a comprehensive answer. A balanced perspective acknowledging both cooperation and conflict is necessary. Introduction: The relationship between India and … Read more

‘The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship, one involving global and strategic partnership that will have a great significance for Asia and the world as a whole.’ Comment.

Points to Remember: India-Japan relationship: historical context, current state, and future potential. Strategic convergence: areas of cooperation (defense, economy, technology). Geopolitical implications: impact on regional balance of power, Indo-Pacific strategy. Challenges: overcoming historical baggage, addressing economic disparities. Future prospects: strengthening partnerships, fostering mutual trust. Introduction: The statement “The time has come for India and Japan … Read more

“The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised Nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order” Elaborate.

Points to Remember: India’s historical role as a champion of oppressed nations. India’s evolving global role and its implications. Balancing national interests with international commitments. The impact of economic growth and strategic partnerships on India’s foreign policy. Maintaining a consistent ethical foreign policy. Introduction: India’s post-independence foreign policy was largely defined by its commitment to … Read more

Despite Consistent experience of High growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive.

Points to Remember: High economic growth in India hasn’t translated into commensurate improvements in human development indicators. Inclusive growth requires addressing disparities in access to resources and opportunities. Several interconnected factors hinder balanced and inclusive development in India. Introduction: India has experienced remarkable economic growth over the past few decades, often exceeding 7% annually. However, … Read more

“The reservation of seats for women in the institutions of local self-government has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian Political Process.” Comment.

Keywords: Reservation, Women, Local Self-Government, Patriarchal Character, Indian Political Process, Limited Impact. Required Approach: Analytical Points to Remember: The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments and their impact on women’s representation. Challenges faced by women representatives in local bodies. Positive changes brought about by women’s reservation. Persistence of patriarchal structures despite reservation. Suggestions for improving the … Read more

Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of policy process.Discuss.

Points to Remember: Lack of awareness among vulnerable sections about welfare schemes. Insufficient involvement of beneficiaries in policy formulation and implementation. Consequences of ineffective scheme performance. Strategies for improving awareness and participation. Introduction: Welfare schemes designed to uplift vulnerable sections of society often fall short of their intended goals. A significant contributing factor is the … Read more

Implementation of information and Communication Technology (ICT) based Projects /Programmes usually suffers in terms of certain vital factors. Identify these factors, and suggest measures for their effective implementation.

Points to Remember: Key Factors Hindering ICT Project Implementation: Lack of planning, inadequate funding, insufficient training, resistance to change, technological incompatibility, lack of skilled personnel, poor project management, and inadequate maintenance. Effective Implementation Measures: Comprehensive planning, realistic budgeting, thorough staff training, change management strategies, robust technology selection, skilled workforce development, strong project management, and ongoing … Read more

There is a growing divergence in the relationship between poverty and hunger in India. The shrinking of social expenditure by the government is forcing the poor to spend more on non-Food essential items squeezing their food-budget.Elucidate.

Points to Remember: Divergence between poverty and hunger in India. Shrinking social expenditure. Increased spending on non-food essentials. Squeezing of food budgets. Impact on food security and nutrition. Introduction: India, despite significant economic growth, continues to grapple with the intertwined challenges of poverty and hunger. While poverty is broadly defined as a lack of sufficient … Read more

The need for cooperation among various service sector has been an inherent component of development discourse. Partnership bridges bring the gap among the sectors. It also sets in motion a culture of ‘Collaboration’ and ‘team spirit’. In the light of statements above examine India’s Development process.

Points to Remember: India’s development process is multifaceted and involves various service sectors. Inter-sectoral cooperation is crucial for effective development. Partnerships and collaborations foster a culture of teamwork and efficiency. Challenges exist in achieving seamless cooperation among sectors. Policy recommendations are needed to strengthen inter-sectoral collaboration. Introduction: India’s development journey has been characterized by a … Read more