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UPSC MAINS TOPIC WISE PAPER : Governance

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UPSC MAINS TOPIC WISE PAPER : Governance

“Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance”. In this context suggest reforms in Civil Service for strengthening democracy. (UPSC 2020)
What are the methods used by the Farmers organizations to influence the policy-makers in India and how effective are these methods? (UPSC 2019)
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 (UPSC 2017)
‘The emergence of 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. (UPSC 2017)
How do pressure groups influence Indian political process? Do you agree with this view that informal pressure groups have emerged as powerful than formal pressure groups in recent years? (UPSC 2017)
“In the Indian governance system, the role of non-state actors has been only marginal.” Critically examine this statement. (UPSC 2016)
“Traditional bureaucratic structure and culture have hampered the process of socio-economic development in India.” Comment. (UPSC 2016)
Examine critically the recent changes in the rules governing foreign funding of NGOs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976.(UPSC 2015)
The Self-Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Programme (SBLP), which is India's own innovation, has proved to be one of the most effective poverty alleviation and women empowerment programmes. Elucidate.(UPSC 2015)
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.(UPSC 2015)
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.(UPSC 2015)
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?(UPSC 2015)
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.(UPSC 2015)
In the light of the Satyam Scandal (2009), discuss the changes brought in corporate governance to ensure transparency, accountability.(UPSC 2015)
"If amendment bill to the Whistleblowers Act, 2011 tabled in the Parliament is passed, there may be no one left to protect." Critically evaluate. (UPSC 2015)
"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.(UPSC 2015)
Though 100 percent FDI is already allowed in non-news media like a trade publication and general ntertainment channel, the Government is mulling over the proposal for increased FDI in news media for quite some time. What difference would an increase in FDI make? Critically evaluate the pros and cons.(UPSC 2014)
The setting up of a Rail Tariff Authority to regulate fares will subject the cash strapped Indian Railways to demand subsidy for obligation to operate non-profitable routes and services. Taking into account the experience in the power sector, discuss if the proposed reform is expected to benefit the consumers, the Indian Railways or the private container operators.(UPSC 2014)
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India can be most effective when its tasks are adequately supported by other mechanisms that ensure the accountability of a government. In light of the above observation assess the role of NHRC as an effective complement to the judiciary and other institutions in promoting and protecting human rights standards. (UPSC 2014)
The penetration of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas in promoting participation in development programmes is facing socio-cultural hurdles. Examine. (UPSC 2014)
Do government's schemes for up-lifting vulnerable and backward communities by protecting required social resources for them, lead to their exclusion in establishing businesses in urban economics?(UPSC 2014)
An athlete participates in Olympics for personal triumph and nation's glory; victors are showered with cash incentives by various agencies, on their return. Discuss the merit of state sponsored talent hunt and its cultivation as against the rationale of a reward mechanism as encouragement. (UPSC 2014)
Should the premier institutes like IITs/IIMs be allowed to retain premier status, allowed more academic independence in designing courses and also decide mode/criteria of selection of students. Discuss in light of the growing challenges.(UPSC 2014)
Has the Cadre based Civil Services Organisation been the cause of slow change in India? Critically examine.(UPSC 2014)
Two parallel run schemes of the Government viz. the Adhaar Card and NPR, one as voluntary and the other as compulsory, have led to debates at national levels and also litigations. On merits, discuss whether or not both schemes need run concurrently. Analyse the potential of the schemes to achieve developmental benefits and equitable growth.(UPSC 2014)
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.(UPSC 2013)
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.(UPSC 2013)
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.(UPSC 2013)
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.(UPSC 2013)
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.(UPSC 2013)
Electronic cash transfer system for the welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize corruption, eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms. Comment.(UPSC 2013)
The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity. Comment.(UPSC 2013)
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.(UPSC 2013)
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.(UPSC 2013)
'A national Lokpal, however strong it may be,cannot resolve the problems of immorality in public affairs'. Discuss.(UPSC 2013)
What is the 'Parivarik Mahila Lok Adalat'?(UPSC 2012)
What are the salient features of the Consumer Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2011 introduced in the Lok Sabha in December 2011?(UPSC 2012)
Critically review the international concern in achieving the targets set for the Millennium Development Goals.(UPSC 2012)
Keeping in view the informal sector's share in the total workforce of the country, critically examine the relevant inclusive measures initiated by the Government of India and their effectiveness.(UPSC 2012)
To implement one key recommendation of the Mohini Giri Committee, the Government has recently announced the constitution of a National Council. Highlight the composition and the mandate of this National Council(UPSC 2012).
Comment on the recent launching of the National Mission on Libraries (NML).(UPSC 2012)
The Human Papilloma Virus vaccine has been making the headlines in the recent months. Who make the ideal candidates for receiving this vaccine and what are its benefits?(UPSC 2012)
"There is an urgent need for the Planning Commission to revise the chapter on health in the 12th Plan document." Comment.(UPSC 2012)
What do you understand by the term "Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis" {MDR-TB)? What measures would you advocate for its containment and what are the implications of its spread in the community?(UPSC 2012)
Despite strict prohibitory regulations, "doping" has become increasingly common amongst athletes.Name five commonly used performance- enhancing drugs. What are the risks associated with their use?(UPSC 2012)
Problems specific to the denotified and nomadic tribes in India.(UPSC 2011)
E-governance initiatives by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC 2012)
The Bihar Special Courts Act, 2009 and why it has been in the news recently?(UPSC 2012)
Critically examine the design of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) scheme. Do you think it has a better chance of success than the Swarnajayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY) in achieving its objectives?(UPSC 2012)
Highlight the structure, objectives and role of the Advertising Standards Council of India, In what way has the August 2006 government notification made it more effective?(UPSC 2012)
Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS).(UPSC 2012)
Benefits and potential drawbacks of 'cash-transfers' to 'Below Poverty Line' (BPL) households.(UPSC 2012)