UPSC Mains 2018

Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate ‘protection and prevention of degradation’ to environment. Comment with relevant illustration.

Multiplicity of various commissions for the vulnerable sections or the society leads to problems or overlapping jurisdiction and duplication of functions. Is it better to merge all commissions into an umbrella Human Rights Commission? Argue your case.

A number of outside powers have entrenched themselves in Central Asia, which is a zone of interest to India. Discuss the implications, in this context, of India's joining the Ashgabat Agreement, 2018.

E-Governance is not only about utilization of the power of new technology, but also much about critical importance of the 'use value' of information Explain.

Assess the importance of Panchayat system in India as a part of local government. Apart from government grants, what sources the Panchayats can look out for financ- ing developmental projects.

Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve 'Health for All' in India. Explain.

How far do you agree with the view that tribunals curtail the jurisdiction of ordinary courts? In view of the above, discuss the constitutional validity and competency of the tribunals in India.

Under what circumstances can the Financial Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What consequences follow when such a declaration remains in force?

India's relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a deep and diversity, which can- not be rolled back?' Discuss.

How far do you agree with the view that the focus on lack of availability of food as the main cause of hunger takes the attention away from ineffective human development policies in India?

Whether National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the imple-mentation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine.

In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India?

Whether the Supreme Court Judgement (July 2018) can settle the political tussle between the Lt. Governor and elected government of Delhi? Examine.

India and USA are two large democracies. Examine the basic tenants on which the two political systems are based.

What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of 'Trade War', especially keeping in mind the interest of India?

How is the Finance Commission of India constituted? What do you about the terms of reference of the recently constituted Finance Commission? Discuss.

Citizens' Charter is an ideal instrument of organizational transparency and account-ability, but it has its own limitations. Identify the limitations and suggest measures for greater effectiveness of the Citizens Charter.

In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to this situation?

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has a very vital role to play. Explain how this is reflected in the method and terms of his appointment as well as the range of powers he can exercise.

Why do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role or the Estimates Committee.