07 December 2014
Answer ALL the questions in about 200 words:
1) “Untouchability in India is not just a rural phenomenon, it is also an urban phenomenon as found by recently the India Human Development Survey II.” In the light of the findings of this survey, critically comment how and why untouchability persists even in urban regions and what are its implications on society.
2) The amount of black money circulated in the real estate sector in India is said to be larger than that is stashed away in foreign accounts. Critically examine its extent, why it’s unregulated and its implications on economy.
3) It is said that India is on the verge of facing “technological unemployment” in coming years. What do you understand by this? If it’s true, examine its implications for India.
4) Critically comment on the geopolitical implications of falling prices of oil on oil-producing countries.
5) Write a short note on the locational factors and production trends of edible oil industry in India.
6) India currently ranks very low at 142 among 189 countries ranked in ‘Ease of Doing Business’ category. Examine why and explain the measures taken by the government to address this issue.
7) “The roots of the Carnatic and Hindustani styles of music go back to the bhakti tradition.” Examine.
8) The contract between the United States government and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) — which manages the Domain Name System (DNS) under U.S. oversight — expires in 2015, but the USA is not interested in giving up its control on ICANN. Examine its implications and explain with reasons what should be India’s position on this issue.
9) Critically examine the shortcomings of India’s approach to disaster management, especially industrial disasters.
10) Write a short note on NASA’s recently launched Orion space capsule.
11) Write a critical note on threats faced by the Amazon rainforest and indigenous tribes living in the region.
12) In the light of ongoing debate about introduction of native languages in higher education and cuts made in budgetary allocation to education sector, critically examine the rationale behind and the importance of proposed 12th Plan programme to revitalise Indian language resources in higher education.
13) Write a critical note on Cuba’s medical assistance during humanitarian crises around the world and the need for USA to lift its embargo on Cuba.
14) ” Unlike subsidies or public works, the basic income transfers have the potential to be transformative.” In the light of growing demand for introduction of cash benefit transfers to the poor, examine the statement.
15) “Muslims have traced a recent trajectory they can’t decipher. Their states have become unstable after seeking to transition from authoritarianism to democracy.” In the light of Arab Spring and its outcomes, critically comment on the statement.
16) In the light of recent attack on CRPF personnel by Maoists, critically examine the lacunae in fight against left wing extremism and suggest what needs to be done by the government to tackle the problem effectively.
17) China was one of three countries to vote against the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the 1997 UN Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses , which seeks to strike a balance between upstream and downstream interests. Examine why.
18) What were the original objectives of the Planning Commission when it was set-up? In the light of recent move to replace the body, examine the shortcomings of Planning Commission and how these can help in setting up a new body.
