IAS Mains General Studies 2013 Paper - II : Question Paper Analysis

IAS Mains 2013 General Studies Paper II :Analysis

UPSC General Studies mains exam new pattern since year 2013 has turned into a deep sense of unpredictability which is shown in ever decreasing marks in mains exam.

But if read this in-depth analysis of GS- Mains paper II which is result of our untiring efforts definitely it will actualize and enhance your preparation standards and ensure confidence building.

UPSC is now concentrating more on concepts related to, day to day developments and of contemporary relevance.

PERCENTAGE-WISE DISTRIBUTION OF CONTEMPORARY ISSUES : IAS MAINS General Studies , 2013

NOTE : Questions of General Studies Mains (Paper-IV) 2013 were based upon conventional knowledge of various aspects of ethics and morality and ethical decision making and its relevance in contemporary times.

General Studies Mains 2013 : (Paper II) Analysis

Q.1. 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

• (Source: Indian Express) : 60 years ago, in Parliament

Q.2. Discuss -Section 66A of IT Act, with reference to its alleged violation of Article 19 of the Constitution. (200 words) 10

• (Source: Economic Times) : Year 2012 and Section 66A of Indian Cyberlaw

Q.3. 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

• (Source: The Hindu): Adding fuel to the fire

Q.4. 'The Supreme Court of India keeps a check on arbitrary power of the Parliament in amending the Constitution.' Discuss critically. (200 words) 10

• (Source: The Hindu) : A challenge to Indian federalism
• (Source: The Hindu) : The case that saved Indian democracy
• (Source: The Hindu) : Restoring the Supreme Court’s exclusivity

Q.5. Many States 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

• (Source: The Finance Express) : Column: Smaller states work better

Q.6. 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

• (Source: The Hindu Business Line): The politics of water disputes

Q.7. 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

• (Source: The Hindu Business Line) : 13th Finance Commission breaks new ground on transfer of funds to States

Q.8. 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

• (Source: The Hindu) : Needed, more deliberation
• (Source: The Hindu) : Srikrishna panel moots Indian Financial Code Bill

Q.9. 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

• (Source: The Hindu) : Missing ingredient in the school lunch

Q.10. 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

• (Conventional topic- Pressure Groups in India)

Q.11. 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

• (Source: The Hindu Business Line): Financial inclusion can be better achieved through self-help groups: NABARD

Q.12. 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

• (Source: The Hindu): Schemes to reshape
• (Source: The Hindu Business Line): Cabinet okays weeding, merging of Centrally sponsored schemes

Q.13. Electronic cash transfer system for the welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize corruption, eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms Comment. (200 words) 10

• (Source: The Hindu): ‘Cash transfers can help make India less unequal, but are not a magic bullet’
• (Source: The Hindu Business Line) : Are direct cash transfers feasible for welfare schemes? - NO

Q.14. The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity Comment. (200 words) 10

• (Source: Indian Express): Kalam's Vision 2020: For developed India, everyone has to contribute (Press Trust of India)

Q.15. 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

• (Source: The Hindu): Millennium Development Goals & India

Q.16. Though Citizens' 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

• (Source: The Hindu Business Line) : The progress card of Citizen’s Charter

Q.17. 'A national Lokpal, however strong it may be, cannot resolve the problems of immorality in public affairs.' Discuss. (200 words) 10

• (Source: The Hindu) : Jan Lokpal: an alternative view

Q.18. The proposed withdrawal of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from Afghanistan in 2014 is fraught with major security implications for the countries 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

• (Source: The Hindu) : A great game that all sides can win

Q.19. 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

• (Source: The Hindu) : China details Indian Ocean strategy and interests

Q.20. Economic ties between India and Japan while growing in the recent years are still far below their potential. Elucidate the policy constraints which are inhibiting this growth. (200 words) 10

• (Source: The Hindu) : From economic ties to strategic partnership

Q.21. 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

• (Source: The Hindu) : At Shahbagh, Bangladesh’s fourth awakening
• (Source: The Hindu) : In Bangladesh, a year of living dangerously

Q.22. Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India? (200 words) 10

• (Source: The Hindu) : India hopes to resolve situation in Maldives

Q.23. In respect of India-Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy. (200 words) 10

• (Source: Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses) : The Tamil Nadu factor reappears in India-Sri Lanka Relations
• (Source: The Hindu): India needs a federal foreign policy

Q.24. What is meant by Gujral doctrine? Does it have any relevance today? Discuss. (200 words) 10

• (Source: Economic Times): Inder Kumar Gujral dead, but his doctrine still relevant
• (Source: Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses) : The Gujral Doctrine and Beyond

Q.25. The World Bank and the IMF, collectively known as the Bretton Woods Institutions, are the two inter-governmental pillars supporting the structure of the world's economic and financial order. Superficially, the World Bank and the IMF exhibit many common characteristics, yet their role, functions and mandate are distinctly different. Elucidate. (200 words) 10

• (Conventional topic- International Institutions)

Taking lessons from the General Studies year 2013 mains papers we compiled and edited the various contemporary issues of General Studies from various reliable sources and developed it as a study kit indispensable for all those who are appearing in IAS mains examination 2014 .

Don’t Miss the Chance…...

Click Here to Buy Study Kit on Contemporary Issues of  GS for IAS Mains Examination