Month: March 2016

Topic: Citizen charters 8) Citizen charters, which are also known as Service charters play an important role in improving public service delivery. Examine the benefits and limitations of the charters. (200 Words) OECD (Page 15 – 24)

Topic:Effects of liberalization on the economy; 7) India established several independent regulators in sectors like electricity, telecommunications and insurance after economic liberalisation. In the light of complaints against certain regulators in recent days, discuss how these regulators can be effectively scrutinised and oversight by legislative bodies strengthened. (200 Words) EPW

Topic:Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability; Performance of welfare schemes 6) Comment on the objectives and performance of the Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana. (200 Words) The Hindu

Topic: India and its neighbourhood relations 5) In recent months, there is an increased emphasis on connectivity in South Asia in Indian foreign policy. Why is there an emphasis? It is said that there so much potential for connectivity in South Asia, yet it’s not been realized. Discuss why. (200 Words) EPW

Topic:Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. 4) Why was the International Criminal Court (ICC) established? What are its objectives? Recently it held the former vice president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) guilty of using rape as a weapon of war and is the first time the ICC has convicted someone for …

Continue reading “4) Why was the International Criminal Court (ICC) established? What are its objectives? Recently it held the former vice president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) guilty of using rape as a weapon of war and is the first time the ICC has convicted someone for sexual crimes. Comment on the significance of this conviction”

Topic: Urbanization – problems and remedies 3) In less than two decades, new viruses that were thought to have been controlled have re-emerged worldwide. Socially disadvantaged individuals and urban health inequities may help spread such diseases. Discuss how urbanization has contributed to outbreak of these diseases. (200 Words) EPW

Topic: Social empowerment; Poverty and developmental issues 2) A large number of the poor, the Dalits and people from the minority communities are languishing in jail as undertrials because of a property-based bail system and a poor legal aid mechanism. How can speedy dispensation of justice be ensured to these undertrials? Comment. (200 Words) EPW

Topic:- Salient features of Indian society 1) Health and social activists have pointed out that the social ostracism and stigma is even more virulent than the virus when it comes to prejudice and the stigma for people living with HIV (PLHIV). Why does this happen? How can it be addressed? Examine. (200 Words) EPW

Topic: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; 7) Is it unethical to keep animals in zoos? Justify. (150 Words) The Hindu 

Topic: laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; 6) In October 2014 the Supreme Court directed the Union government to frame guidelines for the protection of ‘Good Samaritans’, or helpful bystanders, and a Standard Operating Procedure to make them work. What was the intention behind this directive? Is there a need for …

Continue reading “6) In October 2014 the Supreme Court directed the Union government to frame guidelines for the protection of ‘Good Samaritans’, or helpful bystanders, and a Standard Operating Procedure to make them work. What was the intention behind this directive? Is there a need for statutory backing to these guidelines? Also discuss the significance of such a law, especially for India.”

Topic: Economic growth; Awareness in S&T 5) It is said that rising antimicrobial resistance is a serious threat to economic growth. Examine why. (200 Words) The Hindu

Topic:Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests;  4) “For India, nuclear security is not a new objective, but has always been a priority along with nuclear safety.” Differentiate between nuclear security and safety. To ensure both, what measures has India taken both domestically and internationally? Examine. (200 Words) The …

Continue reading “4) “For India, nuclear security is not a new objective, but has always been a priority along with nuclear safety.” Differentiate between nuclear security and safety. To ensure both, what measures has India taken both domestically and internationally? Examine.”

Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health 3) In the light of recent incidences of death of patients in medical camps after undergoing sterilization surgeries, critically comment on India’s family planning programme. (200 Words) The Hindu

Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests 2) “In any case, as it reinforces its European flank through the powerful attraction of the OBOR initiative, China’s grand strategy of cooperative dominance over Eurasia faces its toughest test in Asia.” Discuss why and how China is building its influence in …

Continue reading “2) “In any case, as it reinforces its European flank through the powerful attraction of the OBOR initiative, China’s grand strategy of cooperative dominance over Eurasia faces its toughest test in Asia.” Discuss why and how China is building its influence in the Eurasian region but facing hurdles in the Asia Pacific region.”