Following are the questions posted earlier on Insights that are Directly or Indirectly related to the questions that appeared in 2013 UPSC Mains General Studies Paper – 2 held on December 3, 2013
Question 1 (GS-2, Mains 2013) – Indirect
“Although individuals within a representative democracy possess rights, allowing them to lobby parliamentarians and governments concerning pertinent issues, a collective approach can often exert more powerful pressure on decision makers, as well as consolidating a range of similar ideas and opinions into a cohesive format”. Elaborate. (250 Words)
On what grounds can a member be disqualified from either House of Parliament? (200 Words)
Identify the major obstacles in the smooth functioning of Parliamentary democracy in India.(250 Words)
Question 3 (GS-2, Mains 2013) –Indirect
“The current tangle in Nagaland must be handled politically, with sensitivity to the changing concerns and aspirations in a state once convulsed by insurgency.” Elaborate. (200 Words)
Explain the history of Naga insurgency in the North Eastern region of the country. Do you think their demands are reasonable? Critically comment. (200 Words)
Question 4 (GS-2, Mains 2013) – Indirect
“The principles of non-discrimination and equality of opportunities should be codified unambiguously and implemented as part of official policy, thereby setting an example for the private sector.” Comment on the statement in the light of recent verdict by the Supreme Court directing the government to bring uniform reservation for the disabled in the government services. (200 Words)
Do you think recent judgement by the Supreme Court removing the immunity for convicted MPs and MLAs will help clean up politics and strengthen democracy in India? Comment. (250 Words)
Do you think the Supreme Court’s recent verdict on insulating officers from political interference is an act of judicial overreach? Comment. (150 Words)
In the light of recent Supreme Court judgments directly or indirectly affecting the provisions of Representation of People Act, analyze the impact of these judgments on Indian polity and on the relationship between Judiciary and the Executive. (250 Words)
Question 5 (GS-2, Mains 2013) – Direct
1. Critically examine the various factors that have led the creation of new states in last 25 years. Explain if the creation of new states has met its objectives. (250 Words)
“ Governance issues and administrative convenience should also be among the decisive factors in the creation of new states.” Comment. (200 Words)
Insights Weekend Debates Week Five- ‘Do We Need More Small States?’
Question 6 (GS-2, Mains 2013) – Direct
Do you think Water Disputes Tribunals have successfully resolved inter-state river water disputes? Analyze with suitable examples. (200 Words)
Question 7 (GS-2, Mains 2013) – Indirect
Comment on the financial relations between the Union and the states in India. Has post-1991 liberalization in any was affected it? (250 Words)
Examine the role of the Finance ministry of the Union government in designing and implementing monetary and fiscal policies.
Question 9 (GS-2, Mains 2013) – Indirect
Essay writing –‘Effect of Poverty On Child’s Education’
Question 10 (GS-2, Mains 2013)– Direct
Explain the Significance and role of pressure groups in democracies
Link – see question (h) – Model question paper
Question 11 (GS-2, Mains 2013)– Indirect
“SHGs are gaining importance as both a political force and as a channel for government benefits.” Comment. (250 Words)
ET in the Classroom: Self-help group
Question 12 (GS-2, Mains 2013)– Indirect
Explain why in spite of poverty alleviation schemes, the number of the poor has not fallen very much. (150 Words)
Question 13 (GS-2, Mains 2013) – Indirect
“The continuing tragedy is that the Indian system is not able to deliver the ‘surplus’ food grain to the hungry.” Comment. (200 Words)
Question 15 (GS-2, Mains 2013) – Direct
When it comes to MDG 5, India’s record is poor. What are the measures taken by the government and private sector, if any, to fulfill MDG 5. Do you think apart from economic reasons, are there also sociological aspects that are hindering India’s efforts? Discuss.
Question 16 (GS-2, Mains 2013) – Direct
Do you agree with the view that Citizens’ Charters in India have not succeeded in their objective of making the administrative system citizen-centric? Analyze and give your suggestions in this regard.(250 Words)
What are the problems faced in implementing the citizen charters? How can they be implemented effectively?
Question 18 (GS-2, Mains 2013) – Direct
In your view, what should be India’s strategy in Afghanistan after the US exit from that country? Discuss.
“India should capitalize the goodwill it holds in Afghanistan to its strategic interest lest its ambitious neighbors fill the void, especially China which takes a long-term view of its interests and pursues them relentlessly.” Analyze. (250 Words)
What implications does US withdrawal from Afghanistan has on India-Pakistan relations? Critically analyze. (200 Words)
Question 19 (GS-2, Mains 2013) – Indirect
What are the areas of cooperation for India and China in the international arena? Discuss.
Question 20 (GS-2, Mains 2013) – Direct
“India and Japan are almost polar opposites when it comes to nuclear weapons and nuclear energy – as matters of national policy, and even, as a matter of national political identities. ” Do you this would affect the relationship between two countries? Comment. (200 Words)
Do you think India and Japan are Asia’s natural-born allies? Critically analyze the evolving relationship between India and Japan in trade and strategic affairs. (250 Words)
Question 21 (GS-2, Mains 2013) – Indirect
Write a note on recent trends in India-Bangladesh relations. (200 Words)
Explain the importance of stable Bangladesh from security point of view of the region. (200 Words)
Question 22 (GS-2, Mains 2013) – Direct
What are the main threats to democratic processes in Maldives? Analyze in the light of last two year’s developments in the island nation. (200 Words)
Highlight the importance of stable democracy in Maldives to India. (150 Words)
Question 23(GS-2, Mains 2013) – Direct
Should state governments be allowed to influence foreign policy decisions of the union government? Critically comment. (200 Words)
“There can be no separate foreign policy for Tamil Nadu.” Comment. (200 Words)
“India’s foreign policy is the prerogative of the Centre, not the State.” Comment. (150 Words)
Explain the impact of coalition politics on India’s foreign policy since late 1990s. (200 Words)
How independent is India’s foreign policy when it comes to managing its relations with its neighbors? Critically evaluate. (200 Words)
Question 25(GS-2, Mains 2013) – Indirect
What are the types of loans provided by World Bank, IMF and ADB respectively to poor and developing countries? Does India need aid from these institutions? Examine. (200 Words)
20 out of 25 questions (80 %) posted till date on Insights were directly or indirectly related to the GS-2 paper 2013. Those who regularly wrote answers here might have benefited immensely.
