GS-II UPSC PYQ 2013

The Supreme Court of India keeps a check on arbitrary power of the Parliament in amending the Constitution. Discuss critically. (200 words, 10 marks)

The role of individual MPs (Members of Parliament) has diminished over the years and as a result healthy constructive debates on policy issues are not usually witnessed. How far can this be attributed to the anti-defection law, which was legislated but with a different intention? (200 words, 10 marks)

The Central Government frequently complains on the poor performance of the State Governments in eradicating suffering of the vulnerable sections of the society. Restructuring of Centrally sponsored schemes across the sectors for ameliorating the cause of vulnerable sections of population aims at providing flexibility to the States in better implementation. Critically evaluate. (200 words, 10 marks)

What is meant by Gujral doctrine? Does it have any relevance today? Discuss. [200 Words, 10 Marks].

The protests in Shahbag Square in Dhaka in Bangladesh reveal a fundamental split in society between the nationalists and Islamic forces. What is its significance for India? [200 Words, 10 Marks].

In respect of India - Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy. How to approach this question Write a brief introduction setting context ( 1–2 lines ) Cover both sides if question says "critically discuss / examine / analyse" Use data, schemes, examples specific to INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Conclude with a forward-looking statement ( 1 line ) Practice all GS2 Mains questions Model answers + key points for every question Open App Model Answer Framework (English) Show Hide Foreign policy is often imagined as the work of diplomats alone, but it is in fact deeply shaped by domestic politics. India's relations with Sri Lanka are a textbook illustration of how domestic factors influence foreign policy - the "intermestic" link between the international and the domestic. The Tamil Nadu factor The single most powerful domestic influence on India's Sri Lanka policy is the politics of Tamil Nadu . The ethnic kinship between the Tamils of Tamil Nadu and the Tamils of northern and eastern Sri Lanka means that the Sri Lankan Tamil question is a live issue in Indian domestic politics. easemyprep.in During the Sri Lankan civil war, this kinship drew India in - culminating in the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord (1987) and the ill-fated Indian Peace Keeping Force . After the war ended in 2009, the rights, devolution and rehabilitation of the Sri Lankan Tamils , and the question of war-time accountability, became central. Tamil Nadu's parties have repeatedly pressed New Delhi - influencing, for instance, India's positions and votes at the UN Human Rights Council on resolutions concerning Sri Lanka, and the demand for the implementation of the Thirteenth Amendment granting devolution to the Tamil-majority provinces. The fishermen issue The recurring arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan navy in the disputed waters of the Palk Strait , and the emotive question of Katchatheevu island, are constant domestic pressures that shape the tone and content of bilateral engagement. easemyprep.in Coalition and federal politics When Tamil Nadu's regional parties have been partners in coalition governments at the Centre, their leverage over Sri Lanka policy has been considerable - a clear example of how federalism and coalition politics allow a state to shape national foreign policy. The other side - domestic factors in Sri Lanka easemyprep.in The influence runs both ways. Sinhala-Buddhist nationalism is a powerful domestic force shaping Colombo's own policy towards its Tamil minority and towards India. Conclusion India-Sri Lanka relations show clearly that foreign policy is not insulated from domestic politics. Ethnic kinship, the politics of Tamil Nadu, the fishermen issue and coalition compulsions all constrain and shape New Delhi's choices. India's task is to balance its strategic interest in a stable, friendly Sri Lanka - especially given China's growing presence there - against the genuine sentiments of its own Tamil population - a delicate act of reconciling the international with the domestic. easemyprep.in Value addition (current to 2024-26) The Dissanayake reset: A.K. Dissanayake (NPP) was elected President in September 2024 and chose India for his first foreign visit (December 2024). Modi in Colombo (April 2025): The first foreign leader Dissanayake hosted; the two signed the first-ever India-Sri Lanka Defence Cooperation MoU, with Colombo reaffirming its territory will not be used against India. Flagship projects: The India-UAE Trincomalee energy hub and the 120 MW Sampur solar plant; debt-restructuring progress; the Adani wind project was withdrawn (Feb 2025); the Nagapattinam-Kankesanthurai ferry was revived (2023). easemyprep.in Domestic politics endures: Tamil Nadu again pressed the Katchatheevu issue (2024) — confirming the intermestic, two-level-game nature of the relationship. Source: easemyprep.in Structured Mains Preparation Mains Mastery Programme Master Every GS Theme — GS1 to GS4 Theme-first. PYQ-anchored. You write every answer. All themes + all PYQs covered 2-Month or 4-Month track Starting ₹4,999 View GS4 Ethics Mastery · Now Live Ethics Mastery — 2 Questions Daily All GS4 PYQs · Part A + Part B Ethical lens built through daily practice Concept clarity + case study method Starting ₹1,999 View इस प्रश्न को हिंदी में पढ़ें हिंदी में पढ़ें → Structured Preparation Mains Mastery Programme Master Every GS Theme — GS1 to GS4 Theme-first. PYQ-anchored. You write every answer. All themes + all PYQs covered 2-Month or 4-Month track Starting ₹4,999 View GS4 Ethics Mastery · Now Live Ethics Mastery — 2 Questions Daily All GS4 PYQs · Part A + Part B Ethical lens built through daily practice Concept clarity + case study method Starting ₹1,999 View Practice All Mains GS2 — Polity, Governance & IR Questions Download App More GS2 Questions Ease My Prep Focused UPSC preparation. Daily current affairs, PYQ practice, trend analysis, and mentorship for serious CSE aspirants across India. Based in Gurugram, Haryana · Founded 2022 Product Features Pricing AI Copy Checking Courses Daily News Mentorship Books Blog Company About Us Community Contact Legal Privacy Policy Terms of Service Refund Policy 📱 Android App 🍎 iOS App 🌐 Web App © 2022 – 2026 Ease My Prep . All rights reserved. Made with dedication for UPSC aspirants across India.

The World Bank and the IMF, Collectively known as the Bretton wood Institutions are the two intergovernmental pillars supporting the structure of the world’s economic and financial order. Superficially, the world bank and the IMF exhibit many common characteristics, yet these roles, functions and mandates are distinctly different. Elucidate. (200 Word, 10 Marks)

Discuss Section 66A of IT Act, with reference to its alleged violation of Article 19 of the Constitution. (200 words, 10 marks)

What do you understand by ‘The String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this. [200 Words, 10 Marks].

Constitutional mechanisms to resolve the inter-state water disputes have failed to address and solve the problems. Is the failure due to structural or process inadequacy or both? Discuss. (200 words, 10 marks)

The proposed withdrawal of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from Afghanistan in 2014 is fraught with major security implications for the counters of the region. Examine in light of the fact that India is faced with a plethora of challenges and needs to safeguard its own strategic interests. [200 Words, 10 Marks].

The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity. Comment. (200 words, 10 marks)

Identify the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that are related to health.Discuss the success of the actions taken by the Government for achieving the same. (200 words, 10 marks)

Recent directives from Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas are perceived by the ‘Nagas’ as a threat to override the exceptional status enjoyed by the State. Discuss in light of Article 371A of the Indian Constitution. (200 words, 10 marks)

Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of cause of concern to India? [200 words, 10 marks]

Though Citizen’s charters have been formulated by many public service delivery organizations, there is no corresponding improvement in the level of citizens’ satisfaction and quality of services being provided. Analyse. (200 words, 10 marks)

The legitimacy and accountability of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and their patrons, the micro-finance outfits, need systematic assessment and scrutiny for the sustained success of the concept. Discuss. (200 words, 10 marks)

Pressure group politics is sometimes seen as the informal face of politics. With regards to the above, assess the structure and functioning of pressure groups in India. (200 words, 10 marks)

Electronic cash transfer system for the welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize corruption, eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms. Comment.

The product diversification of financial institutions and insurance companies, resulting in overlapping of products and services strengthens the case for the merger of the two regulatory agencies, namely SEBI and IRDA. Justify. (200 words, 10 marks)

Discuss the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission which have been a departure from the previous commissions for strengthening the local government finances. (200 words, 10 marks)

The concept of Mid Day Meal (MDM) scheme is almost a century old in India with early beginnings in Madras Presidency in pre-independent India. The scheme has again been given impetus in most states in the last two decades. Critically examine its twin objectives, latest mandates and success. (200 words, 10 marks)

Many State Governments further bifurcate geographical administrative areas like Districts and Talukas for better governance. In light of the above, can it also be justified that more number of smaller States would bring in effective governance at State level? Discuss. (200 words, 10 marks)

A national Lokpal, however strong it may be, cannot resolve the problems of immorality in public affairs’. Discuss. (200 words, 10 marks)

Economic ties between India and Japan, while growing in recent years, are still far below their potential. Elucidate the policy constraints which are inhibiting this growth. [200 words,10 Marks]