Civils Mains GENERAL STUDIES (PAPER-II)

Answer all the questions in NOT MORE than 200 words each. Contents of the answers are
more important than their length.

1. Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizens a uniform
civil code as provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy.
2. The concept o f cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasized in recent years.
Highlight the drawbacks in the existing structure and the extent to which cooperative
federalism would answer the shortcomings.
3. In absence of a well-educated and organized local level government system, ‘Panchayats’
and ‘Samitis’ have remained mainly political institutions and not effective instruments
of governance. Critically discuss.
4.Khap Panchayats have been in the news for functioning as extra-constitutional
authorities, often delivering pronouncements amounting to human rights violations.
Discuss critically the actions taken by the legislative, executive and the judiciary to set
the things right in this regard.
5. Resorting to ordinances has always raised concern on violation of the spirit of separation
of powers doctrine. While noting the rationales justifying the power to promulgate
ordinances, analyze whether the decisions of the Supreme Court on the issue have
further facilitated resorting to this power. Should the power to promulgate ordinances
be repealed?
6. What are the major changes brought in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996
through the recent Ordinance promulgated by the President? How far will it improve
India’s dispute resolution mechanism? Discuss.
7. Does the right to clean environment entail legal regulations on burning crackers during
Diwali? Discuss in the light of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and Judgement(s) of
the Apex Court in this regard.
8. Examine critically the recent changes in the rules governing foreign funding of NGOs
under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act 1976. 12Vi
9. The Self-Help Group Bank Linkage Programme which is India’s own
innovation, has proved to be one of the most effective poverty alleviation and women
empowerment programmes. Elucidate.
10.How can the role of NGOs be strengthened in India for development works relating to
protection of the environment? Discuss throwing light on the major constraints. 12 Vi
11. The quality of higher education in India requires major improvements to make it
internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational
institutions would help improve the quality of higher and technical education in the
country? Discuss.
12. Public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you
think that the private sector could help in bridging the gap? What other viable
alternatives would you suggest?
13. Though there have been several different estimates of poverty in India, all indicate
reduction in poverty levels over time. Do you agree? Critically examine with reference to
urban and rural poverty indicators.
14.In the light of the Satyam Scandal discuss the changes brought in corporate
governance to ensure transparency, accountability.
15. “If amendment bill to the Whistleblowers Act, 2011 tabled in the Parliament is passed,
there may be no one left to protect.” Critically evaluate.
16.“For achieving the desired objectives, it is necessary to ensure that the regulatory
institutions remain independent and autonomous.” Discuss in the light of the
experiences in recent past.
17. Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pros and cons. Critically examine. 12 Vi
18. Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in
UN Security Council.
19. Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of the Indian
Government to improve relationship with its neighbours. Does the project have a
strategic dimension? Discuss.
20. Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India-Pakistan relations. To what
extent the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchanges could help generate
goodwill between the two countries? Discuss with suitable examples.