[Insights Secure – 2015] UPSC Mains Questions on Current Events: 12 October 2015
Archives – Secure 2015
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General Studies – 1;
Topic: Post independence consolidation
1) Why is the 1975 national emergency considered as one of the biggest blows to Indian democracy. What were the socio-political implications of this emergency? Critically examine (200 Words)
The Hindu
General Studies – 2
Topic: functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies
2) It is said that the Election Commission’s restrictive campaign finance rules creates deeper problems for representation and democracy at large in India. Do you agree with this view? Critically comment. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Topic: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability
3) In the light of tenth anniversary of RTI act, critically analyse how important this act has been to Indian democracy. (200 Words)
The Indian Express
Topic: Important aspects of governance, role of civil society etc
4) This year’s Nobel Peace Prize tells us that the success of democratisation is predicated by the strength of civil society organisations and the legitimacy of political organisations. In the light of the statement and ongoing struggles in the Middle East and in India’s immediate neighbourhood, critically analyse why some democracies fail and some succeed. (250 Words)
The Hindu
Topic: Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections.
5) It is said that the new the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDPs) are victory for world’s underprivileged children. Examine why. (150 Words)
The Hindu
General Studies – 3
Topic: Conservation
6) The biological invasion of alien species is seen as the worst threat to biodiversity after habitat destruction. Discuss the causes with with suitable examples. (200 Words)
Livemint
Topic: Resource mobilization
7) Which are the contentious tax issues in India that industry and citizens expect government to address? Discuss. (200 Words)
Business Standard
Topic: Infrastructure – energy
8) In recent years discoms in Indian states are reeling under huge debts. Examine the causes of their dismal state of affairs and measures being taken by union and state governments to revive discoms. (200 Words)
Business Standard
ET
Business Standard
General Studies – 4
Topic:Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government
9) Immediately after your IPS probationary training, you are posted as Additional SP of a district famous for operating illegal gun making factories. From the day one itself you have taken up the job of identifying and arresting local criminals involved in illegal manufacturing of guns. You were told by seniors that it was tough to arrest these criminals as they had a deep network of informants including local police who would help criminals escape whenever senior officers sent teams to arrest them on tip off. You were also told that most illegal gun factories operated under the patronage of powerful politicians. You were advised to go slowly on the issue without taking risk as this job of hunting down criminals involved risk to life as well. You were told not to act like super-cop and try to become a ‘hero’ as it would draw lots of attention on you from underground criminal networks and powerful politicians. You soon realize that most of the things told by your seniors were true. Your efforts to arrest individuals involved in illegal gun-making meet with failures. You find it difficult to trust your subordinates as your secret plans are leaked to criminals most of the times. In one incident, during a night raid, you meet with gunfire from a local gang. Fortunately you were not injured, but one of your staff was met with serious injuries in the incident. You are frustrated and dejected. You receive no support from any quarters be it senior officers or political bosses. Your parents urge you to get a safe posting and prepare for civil services exam again to fulfill their dream of seeing you as an IAS officer. Your father who retired as IGP, never wanted you to be an IPS officer.
Will you accept the system as it is and play safe as an officer? What decisions will you make in the light of growing frustration on your part and your parent’s advice? Critically comment. (250 Words)
Business Standard
