UPSC Mains: No Propaganda, Only Evaluation...................Part II

In continuation in this series, we post our second assessment. 

Furthermore, we had the hunch that UPSC may not 'fix' its pattern of asking 25 qs flat - we too experimented with the number of qs in our Test Series. UPSC too asked 20 qs in GS II with 12.5 marks each.


On GS 2

1. Starting from inventing the ‘basic structure’ doctrine, the judiciary has played a highly proactive role in ensuring that India develops into a thriving democracy. In light of the statement, evaluate the role played by judicial activism in achieving the ideals of democracy
   
   [Test Series: Q 15 of  GS II 1st Test: "How has the ‘Basic Structure Doctrine’ evolved? & 
      
   Test Series: Q 23 of  GS II 1st Test: "As far as 2G scam and ‘Coal-gate’ were concerned, do you believe that the Judiciary overreached and over-reacted?" &
   
   Test Series: Q 16 of  GS II Full Length Test: “However, it needs to be said in defence of the Apex Court that as a repository of public trust it has stepped in only in conditions of administrative apathy and legislative stasis to protect basic rights and constitutional values.” Opine]
   
2. Though the federal principle is dominant in our Constitution and that principle is one of its basic features, but it is equally true that federalism under the Indian Constitution leans in favour of a strong Centre, a feature that militates against the concept of strong federalism. Discuss.
   
   [A partial reference could be found in: Test Series: Q 16 of  GS II 1st Test: Is there any constitutional restriction upon the borrowing by the provincial governments? Comment on the financial relation between the Union and the states. ]
   
3. The ‘Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and its Members’ as envisaged in Article 105 of the Constitution leave room for a large number of un-codified and un-enumerated privileges to continue. Assess the reasons for the absence of legal codification of the ‘parliamentary privileges’. How can this problem be addressed?
   
   [Standard Qs - Discussed in the classroom & asked in previous years' Test Series]
   
4. What do you understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss.
   
   [Partial Reference could be traced in: Test Series: Q 8 of  GS II Full Length Test: Has the section 66A of the Information Technology Act (2000) turned out to be the nemesis of free speech and expression? ]
   
5. Instances of President’s delay in commuting death sentences has come under public debate as denial of justice. Should there be a time limit specified for the President to accept/reject such petitions? Analyse.
   
   [Test Series: Q 11 of  GS II Full Length Test: "Argue about the contentious issue of death sentence to criminals"]
6. 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.
   
   [Standard Qs - Discussed in the Classroom]
   
7. The penetration of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas in promoting participation in development programmes is facing socio-cultural hurdles. Examine.
   
   [Test Series: Q 16 of  GS II 1st Test: Can we say that micro-finance has ushered in peace to financially underprivileged Indian women?]
   
8. 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?
   
   [Partial References: Test Series: Q 7 of  GS I 2nd Test: Write a note on “Slums - the ultimate urban exclusion”   &
   Test Series: Q 15 of  GS II Full Length Test: “India demands fast-track development with social harmony.” Explain.]
   
9. Has the Cadre based Civil Services Organisation been the cause of slow change in India? Critically examine.
   
   [Partial Reference: Test Series: Q 15 of  GS II Full Length Test: "Entrants like Dr Raghuram Rajan and Mr Raghu Raman have opened up the debate of allowing lateral entry into the top echelons of Indian bureaucracy. Opine on the concept of lateral entry into civil service." ]
   
10. 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.
    
    [Test Series: Q 10 of  GS III Full Length Test:Write a note on the Indian Agricultural Research Institute’s (IARI) ‘postal-agri extension’ programme. Evaluate the Aadhar Scheme launched by the government]
    
11. With respect to the South China sea, maritime territorial disputes and rising tension affirm the need for safeguarding maritime security to ensure freedom of navigation and over flight throughout the region. In this context, discuss the bilateral issues between India and China
    
    [Standard Qs - Discussed in the Classroom]
    
12. WTO is an important international institution where decisions taken affect countries in profound manner. What is the mandate of WTO and how binding are their decisions? Critically analyse India’s stand on the latest round of talks on Food security.
    
    [Stndard Qs - Discussed in the Classroom]
    

Can we vouch for 125 marks or so?