UPSC_CS MAINS 2021 Paper II

‘Earn while you learn’ scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful” Comment.

Points to Remember: The effectiveness of “Earn While You Learn” (EWYL) schemes. Challenges faced by EWYL programs. Strategies to strengthen EWYL schemes for meaningful vocational education and skill training. The importance of holistic development and sustainable practices in vocational training. Introduction: The “Earn While You Learn” (EWYL) scheme, a form of apprenticeship or work-study program, … Read more

Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India?

Points to Remember: Aims and objectives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). India’s membership and its strategic importance. Benefits and challenges for India within the SCO framework. SCO’s role in regional security and economic cooperation. Introduction: The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), established in 2001, is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance. Initially comprising China, … Read more

“The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of a China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain.

Points to Remember: The rise of China as a global power. Comparison of China’s challenge with that of the Soviet Union. Economic, military, technological, and ideological dimensions of the challenge. Potential consequences for the USA. Strategies for addressing the challenge. Introduction: The assertion that China poses a more significant existential threat to the USA than … Read more

The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario.

Points to Remember: AUKUS’s primary goal: Countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific. AUKUS’s composition: Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Assessment of AUKUS’s strengths and weaknesses. Analysis of AUKUS’s impact on existing regional partnerships. Consideration of potential consequences and future implications. Introduction: The Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) security pact, announced in September 2021, … Read more

“If the last few decades were of Asia’s growth story, the next few are expected to be Africa’s.” In the light of this statement, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent years.

Points to Remember: India’s growing economic and political influence in Africa. Types of engagement: economic partnerships, development aid, diplomatic ties. Challenges and opportunities for India in Africa. Comparison with other global powers’ influence in Africa. The future of India-Africa relations. Introduction: The assertion that Africa’s growth story will dominate the coming decades follows Asia’s remarkable … Read more

Though the Human Rights Commissions have contributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, ye they have failed to assert themselves against the mighty and powerful. Analyzing their structural and practical limitations, suggest remedial measures.

Points to Remember: Structural Limitations: Inadequate funding, lack of independence, bureaucratic hurdles. Practical Limitations: Lack of enforcement powers, political interference, societal apathy. Remedial Measures: Enhanced funding, greater independence, strengthening enforcement mechanisms, public awareness campaigns. Introduction: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and State Human Rights Commissions (SHRCs) in India play a crucial role in protecting … Read more

How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled the States to improve their fiscal position?

Points to Remember: 14th Finance Commission (FC): Its mandate, focus on devolution, and key recommendations. State Fiscal Position: Indicators of fiscal health (revenue, expenditure, debt). Impact of 14th FC: Analysis of how its recommendations affected state revenues, expenditures, and debt levels. Positive and Negative Aspects: Balanced assessment of the impact. Examples and Data: Supporting evidence … Read more

“Pressure Groups play a vital role in influencing public policy making in India.” Explain how the business associations contribute to public policies.

Points to Remember: Definition and role of pressure groups in India. Specific role of business associations as pressure groups. Mechanisms used by business associations to influence policy. Positive and negative impacts of business association influence. Suggestions for improved regulation and transparency. Introduction: Pressure groups, also known as interest groups or lobby groups, are organized entities … Read more

Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness.

Points to Remember: Gender imbalance in higher judiciary. Importance of diversity, equity, and inclusiveness (DEI). Arguments for and against increased women representation. Potential benefits and challenges of affirmative action. Best practices and policy recommendations. Introduction: The judiciary, as the guardian of the rule of law, should ideally reflect the diversity of the society it serves. … Read more

Do Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees keep the administrations on its toes and inspire reverence for parliamentary control? Evaluate the working of such committees with suitable examples.

Points to Remember: Role of Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees (DRPSCs) Mechanisms of oversight and control Effectiveness in holding the administration accountable Limitations and challenges faced by DRPSCs Suggestions for improvement Introduction: Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees (DRPSCs) are crucial instruments of parliamentary control in a democratic system. They act as a bridge between the legislature and … Read more