Test-2

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• General Studies
  • 
    History
    • 
      Indian Culture
      • 
        Ancient-Medival-Modern
      • 
        Art
        • Discuss the 'Tandava' dance as recorded in early Indian inscriptions. (100 words) 5
      • 
        Literature
        • Though not very useful from the point of view of a connected political history of South India, the Sangam literature portrays the social and economic conditions of its time with remarkable vividness. Comment. (200 words)
      • 
        Architecture
        • Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss. (100 words)
    • 
      Modern History (1750-Present)
      • 
        Events
      • 
        Personalities
        • Discuss the contributions of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to pre- and post- independent India. (200 words)
        • Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan Movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and their success. (200 words)
      • 
        Issues
    • 
      Freedom Struggle
      • Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torch- bearer during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss. (200 words)
      • Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyze their role in the Indian struggle for freedom. (200 words) 10
      • "In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India." Elaborate. (200 words)
    • 
      Post-independence consolidation
      • Write a critical note on the evolution and significance of the slogan, 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisan'. (200 words)
      • Analyze the circumstances that led to the Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the Agreement. (200 words)
      • Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive role in 10 the emergence of Bangladesh. (200 words)
    • 
      World History(1700)
      • 
        Events
        • " 'Latecomer' Industrial Revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were markedly different from what West had experienced." Analyze. (200 words)
        • "Africa was chopped into States artificially created by accidents of European competition." Analyze. ( 200 words)
        • "American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism." Substantiate. (200 words)
        • What policy instruments were deployed to contain the Great Economic Depression? (200 words
      • 
        Political Philosophies
  • 
    Geography
    • 
      Geophysical phenomena
      • 
        Earth Quake
      • 
        Tsunami
      • 
        Volcano
      • 
        Cyclone
        • The recent cyclone on east coast of India was called 'Phailin'. How are the tropical cyclones named across the world? Elaborate. ( 100 words)
      • 
        Others
        • What do you understand by the theoiy of 'continental drift'? Discuss the prominent evidences in its support. (100 words)
        • Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world. (100 words)
        • What do you understand by the phenomenon of 'temperature inversion' in meteorology? How does it affect weather and the habitants of the place?
        • Major hot deserts in northern hemisphere are located between 20-30 deg N latitudes and on the western side of the continents. Why? (200 words)
        • Bring out the causes for more frequent occurrence of landslides in the Himalayas than in the Western Ghats. (100 words)
        • There is no formation of deltas by rivers of the Western Ghats. Why? (100 words)
    • 
      World
      • 
        Physical
      • 
        Resources
        • With growing scarcity of fossil fuels, the atomic energy is gaining more and more significance in India. Discuss the availability of raw material required for the 10 generation of atomic energy in India and in the world. (200 words)
        • It is said that India has substantial reserves of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of the country for quarter century. However, tapping of the resource does not appear to be high on the agenda. Discuss critically the availability and issues 10 involved. (200 words)
      • 
        Locational factors of Industries
        • Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in southern States of India? Discuss with justification. ( 100 words)
        • Analyze the factors for the highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India. 5 (100 words)
  • 
    Polity
    • 
      Evolution
    • 
      Features
    • 
      Basic Structure
      • Discuss Section 66A of IT Act, with reference to its alleged violation of Article 19 of the Constitution. [200 words]
      • 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]
      • 'The Supreme Court of India keeps a check on arbitrary power of the Parliament in amending the Constitution.' Discuss critically. [200 words] 10
    • 
      Comparison with other constitution
    • 
      Structure and Function of
      • 
        Legislature
        • 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
      • 
        Executive
      • 
        Judiciary
      • 
        Union & State
        • Many State 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 10 governance at State level ? Discuss. [200 words]
        • Constitutional mechanisms to resolve the inter-state water disputes have failed to address and solve the problems. Is the failure due to structural or 10 process inadequacy or both ? Discuss. [200 words]
        • Discuss the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission which have been a departure from the previous commissions for strengthening the local 10 government finances. [200 words
      • 
        Pressure Groups
        • 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]
    • 
      Constitutional Bodies.
      • 
        Appointment
      • 
        Powers
      • 
        Functions and Responsibilities
    • 
      Dispute Redressel mechanisms
    • 
      Quazi judicial bodies
      • 
        Regulatory Bodies
        • 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.
      • 
        Tribunals
    • 
      Representation of People's act
    • 
      Role of Civil Services in Democracy
    • 
      Accountability
      • 
        e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential;
      • 
        citizens charters, transparency & accountability and insti- tutional and other measures.
        • 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.
        • A national Lokpal, however strong it may be, cannot resolve the problems of immorality in public affairs.' Discuss. [200 words]
  • 
    International Relations
    • 
      India and its neighborhood- relations.
      • Prev
        • Economic ties between India and Japan while growing in the recent years are still far below their potential. Elucidate the policy constraints which are 10 inhibiting this growth. [200 words]
      • Possible
    • 
      Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests
    • 
      Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests, Indian diaspora.
      • Prev
        • 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.
        • 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]
        • The protests in Shahbag Square in Dhaka in Bangladesh reveal a fundamental split in society between the nationalists and Islamic forces. What is its 10 significance for India ? [200 words]
        • Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should 10 they be of any cause of concern to India ? [200 words]
        • In respect of India - Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors 10 influence foreign policy. [200 words]
        • What is meant by Gujral doctrine ? Does it have any relevance today ? Discuss.
      • Possible
        • 
          Impact of Iraq crisis on India
        • Has India's stand on Lankan issue been consistent?
        • India's interference in neighbour's internal affairs
    • 
      Important International institu- tions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.
      • Prev
        • 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]
      • Possible
        • 
          Has UN failed as a forum for conflict resolution considering the recent instabilities?
        • Performance of UNHRC
  • 
    S&T
    • 
      Developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
      • prev
        • What do you understand by Umpire Decision Review System in Cricket ? Discuss its various components. Explain how silicone tape on the edge of a bat may fool the system ? [200 words]
        • What do you understand by Fixed Dose Drug Combinations (FDCs) ? Discuss their merits and demerits. [200 words]
      • Possible
        • Ebola virus, what steps should India take to prevent its outbreak
    • 
      Achievements of Indians in science & technology;
    • 
      indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
    • 
      IT
      • What is a digital signature ? What does its authentication mean ? Give various salient built-in features of a digital signature. [100 words]
    • 
      Space
    • 
      Computers
    • 
      Robotics
      • How does the 3D printing technology work ? List out the advantages and disadvantages of the technology. [100 words]
      • What is an FRP composite material ? How are they manufactured ? Discuss their applications in aviation and automobile industries. [100 words]
    • 
      Nano-technology
    • 
      Bio-technology
    • 
      Issues relating to intellectual property rights.
      • Bringing out the circumstances in 2005 which forced amendment to the section 3(d) in Indian Patent Law, 1970, discuss how it has been utilized by the Supreme Court in its judgement in rejecting Novratis' patent application for 'Glivec'. Discuss briefly the pros and cons of the decision. [200 words]
  • 
    Environment
    • 
      Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
      • What do you understand by Run-of-river hydroelectricity project ? How is it different from any other hydroelectricity project ? [100 words]
      • What are the consequences of Illegal mining ? Discuss the Ministry of Environment and Forests' concept of GO AND NO GO zones for coal mining sector. [200 words]
      • Enumerate the National Water Policy of India. Taking river Ganges as an example, discuss the strategies which may be adopted for river water pollution control and management. What are the legal provisions of management and handling of hazardous wastes in India ? [200 words]
  • 
    Security
    • 
      Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
      • Article 244 of the Indian Constitution relates to administration of scheduled areas and tribal areas. Analyse the impact of non-implementation of the provisions of the Fifth schedule on 10 the growth of Left Wing extremism. [200 words]
    • 
      Role of external state and non- state actors in creating challenges to internal security
    • 
      Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social network- ing sites in internal security chal- lenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its preven- tion
      • Money laundering poses a serious security threat to a country's economic sovereignty. What is its significance for India and what steps are required to be taken to control this menace? [200 words]
      • What are social networking sites and what security implications do these sites present ? [200 words
      • Cyber warfare is considered by some defense analysts to be a larger threat than even A1 Qaeda or terrorism. What do you understand by Cyber warfare ? Outline the cyber threats which India is vulnerable to and bring out the state of the country's preparedness to deal with the same. [200 words]
    • 
      Security challenges and their management in border areas;
      • How far are India's internal security challenges linked with border management particularly in view of the long porous borders with most countries of South Asia and 10 Myanmar ? [200 words]
    • 
      Linkages of organized crime with terrorism
    • 
      Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate
  • 
    Disaster and disaster management
    • How important are vulnerability and risk assessment for pre-disaster management ? As an administrator, what are key areas that you would focus on in a Disaster Management System. [200 words]
  • 
    Ethics
    • Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public rela- tionships.
    • Human Values - lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;
    • Role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
    • Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes;
    • social influence and persuasion.
    • Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service , integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compas- sion towards the weaker-sections.
    • Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.
    • Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
    • Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems;
    • ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions;
    • Laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance;
    • Accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance;
    • ethical issues in international relations and funding;
    • corporate governance.
    • Probity in Governance: Concept of public service;
    • Philosophical basis of governance and probity;
    • Information sharing and trans- parency in government,
    • Right to Information,
    • Codes of Ethics,
    • Codes of Conduct,
    • Citizen's Charters,
    • Work culture,
    • Quality of service delivery,
    • Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption
    • Case Studies on above issues
  • 
    Indian Society
    • 
      Salient Features
    • 
      Women's movement
      • Prev
        • "Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women's organization free from gender bias." Comment. (200 words)
      • Possible
        • Should prohibition be imposed? Comment
    • 
      Poverty
    • 
      Population
    • 
      Urbanization
      • Discuss the various social problems which originated out of the speedy process of 10 urbanization in India. (200 words)
    • 
      Globalization
      • Critically examine the effect of globalization on the aged population in India. 10 (200 words)
    • 
      Communalisation
    • 
      Regionalism
      • Growing feeling of regionalism is an important factor in generation of demand for a separate State. Discuss. (200 words)
    • 
      Securalism
  • 
    Development
    • 
      Government policies and interven- tions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
      • 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
    • 
      Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakehold- ers
      • 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]
    • 
      Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the per- formance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the pro- tection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
      • 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.
      • Electronic cash transfer system for .the welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize corruption, eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms. Comment.
    • 
      Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
      • 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]
    • 
      Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
      • The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity. Comment. [200 words]
  • 
    Economy
    • 
      Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
      • With a consideration towards the strategy of inclusive growth, the new Companies Bill, 2013 has indirectly made CSR a mandatory obligation. Discuss the challenges expected in its implementation in right earnest. Also discuss other provisions in the Bill and their 10 implications. [200 words]
    • 
      inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
    • 
      Government Budgeting.
      • What were the reasons for the introduction of Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003 ? Discuss critically its salient features and their effectiveness. [200 words]
      • What is the meaning of the term 'tax expenditure' ? Taking housing sector as an example, 10 discuss how it influences the budgetary policies of the government. [200 words]
      • Discuss the rationale for introducing Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India. Bring out critically the reasons for the delay in roll out for its regime. [200 words]
    • 
      Agri-Primary Sector
      • 
        Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country,
      • 
        Different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage,
      • 
        transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints;
      • 
        e-technology in the aid of farmers Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices;
        • What are the different types of agriculture subsidies given to farmers at the national and at state levels ? Critically analyse the agricultural subsidy regime with reference to the distortions 10 created by it. [200 words]
      • 
        Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security;
        • Food Security Bill is expected to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in India. Critically discuss various apprehensions in its effective implementation along with the concerns it has 10 generated in WTO. [200 words]
      • 
        Technology missions
      • 
        Economics of animal-rearing
        • India needs to strengthen measures to promote the pink revolution in food industry for ensuring better nutrition and health. Critically elucidate the statement. [200 words]
    • 
      Infrastructure
      • Land reforms in India.
        • Establish relationship between land reforms, agriculture productivity and elimination of poverty in the Indian economy. Discuss the difficulties in designing and implementation of agriculture- friendly land reforms in India. [200 words]
      • Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.
        • Examine the impact of liberalization on companies owned by Indians. Are they competing with the MNCs satisfactorily ? Discuss. [200 words]
      • Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
        • Write a note on India's green energy corridor to alleviate the problem of conventional energy. [200 words
      • Investment models.
        • Discuss the impact of FDI entry into Multi-trade retail sector on supply chain management in commodity trade pattern of the economy. [100 words]
        • Though India allowed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in what is called multi-brand retail through the joint venture route in September 2012, the FDI, even after a year, has not picked up. Discuss the reasons. [100 words]
        • Adoption of PPP model for infrastructure development of the country has not been free of criticism. Critically discuss pros and cons of the model. [200 words]