11 questions from the UPSC 2017 examination.
11 questions
What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence, addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)? <!--qid:MAINS_2017_GSII_Q10-->
"Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government's accountability to the people." Discuss. <!--qid:MAINS_2017_GSII_Q3-->
"Poverty alleviation programmes in India remain mere showpieces until and unless they are backed up by political will." Discuss with reference to the performance of the major poverty alleviation programmes in India. <!--qid:MAINS_2017_GSII_Q17-->
Initially Civil Services in India were designed to achieve the goals of neutrality and effectiveness, which seems to be lacking in the present context. Do you agree with the view that drastic reforms are required in Civil Services? Comment. <!--qid:MAINS_2017_GS-II_Q37-->
How do pressure groups influence Indian political process? Do you agree with this view that informal pressure groups have emerged as more powerful than formal pressure groups in recent years? <!--qid:MAINS_2017_GS-II_Q23-->
Explain the salient features of the Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016. Do you think it is efficacious enough "to remove cascading effect of taxes and provide for common national market for goods and services"? <!--qid:MAINS_2017_GS-II_Q30-->
"The emergence of the Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in contemporary times points to the slow but steady withdrawal of the State from developmental activities." Examine the role of the SHGs in developmental activities and the measures taken by the Government of India to promote the SHGs. <!--qid:MAINS_2017_GSII_Q16-->
"To ensure effective implementation of policies addressing water, sanitation and hygiene needs the identification of the beneficiary segments is to be synchronized with the anticipated outcomes." Examine the statement in the context of the WASH scheme. <!--qid:MAINS_2017_GSII_Q6-->
Is the National Commission for Women able to strategize and tackle the problems that women face at both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your answer. <!--qid:MAINS_2017_GSII_Q15-->
Does the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 ensure effective mechanism for empowerment and inclusion of the intended beneficiaries in the society? Discuss. <!--qid:MAINS_2017_GS-II_Q26-->
Hunger and poverty are the biggest challenges for good governance in India still today. Evaluate how far successive governments have progressed in dealing with these humongous problems. Suggest measures for improvement. <!--qid:MAINS_2017_GS-II_Q27-->