UPSC_CS MAINS 2020 Paper II

Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Points to Remember: WHO’s mandate and responsibilities regarding global health security. WHO’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic: successes and failures. Criticisms leveled against WHO’s handling of the pandemic. Reforms needed to strengthen WHO’s role in future pandemics. Importance of international cooperation in global health security. Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO), a specialized agency of … Read more

âIndian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countriesâ. Comment with examples.

Points to Remember: The significant influence of the Indian diaspora on the political and economic landscapes of the US and Europe. Examples of Indian-Americans and Indian-Europeans holding prominent positions in government and business. The economic contributions of the Indian diaspora through entrepreneurship, remittances, and skilled labor. Challenges faced by the diaspora, including issues of representation … Read more

Quadrilateral Security Dialogue(Quad)â is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present timesâDiscuss.

Points to Remember: The Quad’s primary focus: Initially a security dialogue, its evolution towards economic cooperation. Shifting geopolitical landscape: The impact of rising China and the need for alternative partnerships. Economic dimensions of the Quad: Initiatives in infrastructure, technology, and supply chain resilience. Challenges and limitations: Concerns about exclusion, internal disagreements, and the potential for … Read more

What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Points to Remember: Shifting geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific. Technological advancements in US defense equipment. Reliability and consistency of US defense partnerships. Diversification of defense partnerships for India. Impact on regional stability and power dynamics. Introduction: The Indo-Pacific region is witnessing a significant shift in power dynamics, with increasing competition between major global powers. India’s … Read more

In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss.

Points to Remember: The importance of healthcare policies in social development. The specific needs of geriatric and maternal healthcare. The interconnectedness of health and social progress. Policy recommendations for improvement. Introduction: Social development hinges on the well-being of its citizens, and healthcare plays a pivotal role in achieving this. Sound healthcare policies, particularly in areas … Read more

National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030).It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement.

Points to Remember: NEP 2020: Aims to restructure and reorient India’s education system. SDG 4 (2030): Focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. Conformity: Alignment between NEP 2020 and SDG 4’s goals and targets. Critical Examination: Analyzing both strengths and weaknesses of NEP 2020 in achieving SDG … Read more

âInstitutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performanceâ. In this context suggest reforms in Civil Service for strengthening democracy.

Points to Remember: The crucial role of institutional quality in economic performance. The relationship between a strong civil service and a thriving democracy. Specific reforms needed within the civil service to enhance democratic governance. Introduction: The statement “Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance” is widely accepted by economists and political scientists. High-quality … Read more

âThe emergence of Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of governmentâ. Discuss.

Points to Remember: Definition and scope of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and e-Governance. Interrelationship between 4IR and the rise of e-Governance. Benefits and challenges of e-Governance implementation. Case studies of successful and unsuccessful e-Governance initiatives. Future prospects and policy recommendations for effective e-Governance. Introduction: The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), characterized by the fusion of … Read more

âThe incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty based on income aloneâ. In this context analyse the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report.

Points to Remember: Incidence of poverty: The proportion of the population below the poverty line. Intensity of poverty: The depth of poverty experienced by those below the poverty line (how far below the line they are). Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI): A measure of poverty that considers multiple dimensions beyond income, such as health, education, and … Read more

âMicro-Finance as an anti-poverty vaccine, is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in Indiaâ. Evaluate the role of the Self-Help Groups in achieving the twin objectives along with empowering women in rural India.

Points to Remember: Microfinance’s role in poverty reduction. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) as a microfinance delivery mechanism. Asset creation and income security as objectives. Women’s empowerment in rural India. Challenges and limitations of the approach. Introduction: Microfinance, the provision of financial services to low-income individuals or groups, is often touted as a potent tool for poverty … Read more