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How To Prepare UPSC Civil Services Mains Paper-III (GS-2)UPSC has brought changes to the Civil Services Mains examination in both the pattern and the syllabus. We know that now there are 4 General Studies Papers apart from one Essay and Optional paper each.This article discusses preparation strategy for General Studies -2 (i.e Paper-III).

Before you start reading further, please remember the following important mantra given by the Almighty UPSC:

“The questions are likely to test the candidate’s basic understanding of all relevant issues, andability to analyze, and take a view on conflicting socio‐ economic goals, objectives and demands.The candidates must give relevant, meaningful and succinct answers.”

UNDERSTANDING and the ability to analyze.Basic understanding comes from reading and re-reading. Ability to analyze what you have understood from Reading comes from WRITING PRACTICE.Two important things fundamental to your exam preparation:Get familiar with all the topics and sub-topics by writing them many times – they should bestrongly etched in your memory.Keep a copy of the syllabus always near you no matter where you are.

Now, how to deal with GS-2?to read and what not to read for these topics. Assuming you are now familiar with the syllabus of GS-1, we will discuss a topic by topic what to read, from where

Broad Syllabus Of GS-2 is:[[Governance, Polity, Social Justice and International relations.]Constitution, ]Before you start preparing for this paper, please read following NCERT texts, which might take 2-3 days of yourtime.1. NCERT Class XI – India Constitution At Work2. NCERT Class XII – Political Science II3. NCERT Class X – Democratic PoliticsTOPIC-1

[Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significantprovisions and basic structure.]

SUMIT G. @ LAKSHYA 2015

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This part is very useful both for Prelims and Mains. Best book to study this section is D.D. Basu’s “Introduction ToThe Constitution Of India” First 5 chapters in this book exclusively deal with this part of the syllabus.

For Basic Structure, These two articles might help you.

1) Basic Structure of the constitution revisited – The Hindu (PDF)2) The Basic Structure of the constitution (PDF)

TOPIC-2

[Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein].

One good source to get the critical perspective about these topics is – Report of the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission, named - Organizational Structure Of Government of India (13th Report)

For devolution of finances to local bodies, Read This.. (Don’t look anywhere else)

For the concept part read – Laxmikant’s Indian Polity. Buy the new updated 4th edition. (Chapters 12, 13 14and 30).

But Mains demands not only basic understanding of these topics, but your critical and analytic abilities to answer questions on these topics. So, try to relate these concepts to current event topics and write small articles. ARC reports will help you in this regard.Eg. ” Though devolution of funds, functionaries and functions is taking place in the local governments,development is still a mirage in many parts of India”. Critically analyze. (you can frame many questions like this)

TOPIC-3

[Separation of powers between various organs, dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.]

BASICS: Public Grievances and Redressal Mechanism.This topic is a dynamic portion – we read lot about conflict between the Judiciary and the Executive – to answer dynamic topics, One should first understand the constitutional provisions, redressal measures with the constitution, checks and balances provided in the constitution etc.

ARC reports come to the rescue again. 7th report of 2nd ARC named “Capacity Building for Conflict Resolution” talks elaborately on various issues such as Left Wing Extremism, Regional Disparities, Land and Water related ssues, SC and ST issues, Religious conflicts and North East conflicts – which involve numerous institutions in the conflict management and resolution.

Later, scan current events and find any latest instances of conflict between any constitutional bodies, or between a constitutional body and statutory body.


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Again, concepts can be studied either from D.D. Basu or Laxmikat..

TOPIC-4

[Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries]

A book by S. Chand – Select Constitutions of the world is famous among Law students. This covers this topic comprehensively. One should be careful to not to study this topic in depth.In case you can afford to buy costly book - D.D. Basu’s Classic on the Indian Constitution – Shorter ConstitutionOf India not only covers all above topics, it also covers the present topic.

Few links that might help:Constitutions around the worldEvolution of Indian Constitution (It is compared with other constitutions – you have to search in between)

Difference between US and EU constitutions.Try to know some basics about the New Constitutions/reforms being framed/brought out in Nepal, Bhutan,Myanmar and Pakistan.(Again, emphasis should be on relating all these topics to the current events)

TOPIC-5

[Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.]

To cover this topic, one stop source is Subhash Kashyp’s Our Parliament. (Why this book? Because it is written by someone who worked inside the Parliament for most of his career, and this book gives a detailed idea about the functioning of our Parliament – as the above topic suggests, you should be familiar with all aspects of our Parliament. This books is cheap, and is highly readable with lot of insights)

TOPIC-6

[Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary; Ministries andDepartments of the Government; Pressure Groups and formal/informal associations and their rolein the Polity.]

BASICS:Union ExecutiveParliament of IndiaSupreme Court of IndiaExecutive in the StatesState LegislatureHigh Courts and Subordinate CourtsLocal Government:Urban and Rural


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Pressure GroupsAgain, Laxmikant is enough for this topic. Regarding pressure groups/ informal associations – recent activismshown by Civil society, conflict with the government and other such topics should be studied in depth.

TOPIC-7

[Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act .]First read this beautiful article by Yogendra Yadav. (PDF)

This topic has generated more heat in the past and present – eg, office of profit bill, anti-defection bill, electoral eforms bill etc.This topic should beRecent supreme court ruling disqualifying MPs and MLAs with criminal background, and current topics like thisshould be studied carefully.

TOPIC-8 and 9

[Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.. Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies]

Read Laxmikant for this part. Part VII,VIII and IX of this book completely covers these topics.This part of the syllabus has given rise to some contentious issues such as political interference in theappointment to various constitutional posts and statutory bodies. Eg EC, CBI, CVC, CAG, SC, ,Lokayukta, Lokpal (if it comes into existence) etc. So, read this topic keeping in mind these above issues.

As I said before, you need to read all the above topics with an analytical perspective. To provide you with this,there is a wonderful book published by Oxford University Press and authored by Pratap Bhanu Mehta, named –

“Public Institutions in India – Performance and Design“, will be immensely useful.As its back cover says, “This volume analytically assesses the design, performance, and adaptability of the principal institutions of governance in India and their critical role in a democratic polity.” That is what you need for this paper.

TOPIC-10

[Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.]

This part is covered well in the same book I mentioned above: “Public Institutions in India Performance and Design”Also, refer Economic Survey for government policies and PIB site regularly.TOPIC-11


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[Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groupsand associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders]

[Please note the phrase “Development Industry” – it refers to aid industry developed around NGOs, UN bodies, Charities etc and their role in the development process.]Planning commission has various articles on these topics.

This report gives critical account of success and failure of SHG’s in India . (just read the summary, conclusion andrecommendations – NEVER read full report). Article on NGO – their evolution and role.

TOPIC-12

[Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States andthe performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.]

Note the word “STATE” – schemes by the states are also important. Focus on the schemes being implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child

welfare, Ministry of Social Justice, Ministry of Rural Development and Ministry of Tribal affairs.

List Of Government Schemes – India – Wikipedia link. List of All state and central scheme – Govt. of India Website (here you can filter

queries by the ministry- it is not easy though, govt site you know..)One more option is visit this link on my site to go to the site of any Ministry and find schemes there.

TOPICS 12 and 13

[Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. . Issues relating to poverty and hunger.]

We read lot about this these days: Food security bill, PDS reform, Poverty reduction schemes, Poverty-line controversy, Malnutrition figures, report on malnutrition(remember HungMa report?) etc.

TOPIC-13

[Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governanceapplications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures]

This introductory article on 2nd ARC site and 2nd ARC report on


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“ Promoting e-Governance: The SMART WayForward” will be very useful to cover this topic.

E-governance – Concept and Significance (IGNOU).

TOPIC-14

[Role of civil services in a democracy]

Again, 2nd ARC report (10th report) – Refurbishing of Personnel Administration has whole chapter ( ch-4) on this topic.


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International Relations SUMIT G. @ LAKSHYA 2015

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TOPIC-15

[India and its neighborhood- relations].

Two sources for this topic:India and its neighbours – MEA Website

India – AfghanistanIndia – PakistanIndia – NepalIndia – BhutanIndia – BangladeshIndia – Sri lankaIndia – MaldivesIndia – China # India – Myanmar

2. For critical analysis – This Book by Rajiv Sikri – Challenge and Strategy – Rethinking India’s Foreign Policy is must for reading this part of the syllabus.

TOPIC – 16

[Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests]

For India’s relations with the other countries, click here. (read only important counries – USA, UK, EU, SA, Brazil, Japan, Russia, Australia etc)Ministry of External Affairs has briefs on all bilateral relations of India with regional and global groupings:

Andean Community (CAN) February 2013ASEAN Regional Forum August 2012Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) May 2013BRICS April 2013Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) January 2013Central American Integration System (SICA) February 2013Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) August 2012Commonwealth August 2011Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) August 2012 eraction and ConfidenceBuilding Measures in Asia (CICA) August 2012East African Community April 2011East Asia Summit January 2013G-20 August 2012Gulf Cooperation Council February 2013India-African Union RelationsIndia-ASEAN Relations April 2013India-EU Relations July 2013Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IORARC) March 2013India-United Nations Relations, January, 2013Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) May 2013Pan African e-Network Project January 2013Southern African Development Community Cooperation April 2012


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TOPIC-18

[Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora]

This is a dynamic part – effects of globalization, WTO policies, domestic policies of developed countries and their effect on other countries (lot of examples from USA, UK can be given – visa row, war on terrorism, immigration policies, economic policies etc).

Indian diaspora – their contribution to India, India’s contribution to them, Their contribution to the world etc. Their problems in the residing countries, their rights in India – constitutional/statutory provisions if any, their participation in track two diplomacy, their role in Indian economy etc etc.

Newspaper is the best source I guess. For more info, visit the official site.

TOPIC- 19

[Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.]

UNO and its various bodies, agencies must be studied with respect to their structure, role, relevance and reforms.

UN reforms is the hot topic.International Organizations (no UN bodies) such as APEC, ADB, ASEAN, OECD, NATO should be studied.For links to all these organizations: click here.

Finally, for some articles from Yojana magazines (2013) that are related to many topics from this Paper, click here.


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Five Indispensable Books For paper-III

1. D.D.Basu – Introduction to the Constitution of India 20 Edition2. Indian Polity for Civil Services Examinations 4th Edition – Laxmikanth3. Select Constitutions: 16th Edition – S Chand4. Challenge And Strategy : Rethinking India’s Foreign Policy – Rajiv Sikri5. Public Institutions in India: Performance and Design – Pratap Bhanu Mehta

TWO RECOMMENDED BOOKS (Only If You Have More Time At Your Disposal) – Both By Granville Austin– Classics On Indian Polity1) The Indian Constitution: Cornerstone of A Nation (Classic Reissue) – Review2) Working a Democratic Constitution: A History of the Indian Experience – Review.

A SMALL LECTURE

Until now we saw what books to read. Now the question is how to remember most of the things we read and how to translate them into better answers.

A common mistake most of the aspirants commit is reading so many books for a single topic.This mistakecosts both your time and ability to remember things clearly and concisely.

Stick to a single source and read it again and again. Remember The Same Source. Avoid the temptation ofdoing ‘Research’ on a topic.

Always Remember – UPSC tests Basic Understanding. Not mastery over a topic. Make short notes on each topic. It is while making notes that readers tend to do RESEARCH and scoutvarious sources. Stick to one book even if you are not 100% satisfied with it.Remember that old saying? – Jack of all trades, master of NONE. If you try to do Research, most probably your name won’t appear in the Final List. I guarantee it.

For Paper-II (i.e GS-1) being thorough with Current Events plays a crucial role in enabling you to acquire analytical skills.

Very Important Part In The PreparationWriting. Writing. Writing.But what? – One must practice answer writing to Previous year questions, or take a Mock Test. Whatever,before you enter examination hall, you must have spent lot of time on answer writing.Revision. Revision. Re-Revision.


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SUMIT GUPTA IAS, 2015GS PAPER IINEW SYLLABUSANALYZING THE CHANGESWe shall anlayse the syllabus content of thepaper 3 (GS Paper II) in the changed patternand how it is related to the previous syllabusof the general studies pattern. If we analysethe syllabus for paper three we can observethat it can be divided into three areas.

1. Topics related to polity and governance inthe general studies paper 1 in the previouspattern.

2. Topics related to socio and economicdevelopment and governance related tosection 4 in the previous general studiespaper 1, and

3. The topics related to the international andbilateral issues and institutions and IndiaDiaspora in the previous general studiespaper 2 which are retained with onesignificant addition.

If we observe and analyse the changes thereare few additions in the polity and governanceaspects which are explicitly mentioned in thechanged syllabus. All other topics existed moreor less in the previous syllabus.

In the area related to constitution, polity andgovernance the new topics added are:

• Representation of Peoples Act

• Structure and organisation of the ministriesand departments.

• Comparison of the Indian constitutionalscheme with that of other countries.

• Statutory regulatory and various quasijudicial bodies.

• Role of civil services in a democracy• Coming to the area of international issuesand institutions and bilateral relations theonly significant addition is the effect of thepolicies of the developed and developingcountries on India's interests.

In the area of socio economic developmentin addition to the government initiatives andProgrammes the new areas included are:

"Development processes and development industry -role of the NGO's, SHG, variousgroups and associations, donors, charities,

institutions and other stakeholders.

Government policies and interventions fordevelopment in the various sectors andissues arising out of their design andImplementation


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Welfare schemes for the vulnerable sectionsof the population by the centre and “states and performance of these schemes;mechanism, laws, institutions and “bodiesconstituted for the protection andbetterment of vulnerable sections of thesociety.

Now we shall deal with how to prepare paperthree of GS.

For preparing any paper of the civil servicesthere has to be certain basic strategy whichneeds to be followed. This basic strategy can bebriefly summed up in the following words.

How to prepare: the basic strategy:

1. The candidate should have full grasp overthe contents of the syllabus in each of thepapers and its inter linkages with otherareas in other papers.

2. Analysis of the previous question papers tonote the trends of what type of questionsare asked i.e fact based questions onfundamental concepts. Issue basedquestions on the topics currently in newsfor various reasons.Questions asking forsuggestions or expression of opinionsregarding the current developments.Examinee has to get an idea of level anddepth of the questions that are asked.

3. The third step is the collection of theappropriate material from various sourcesand if necessary to decide on the right kindof institution that may be able to guide themin an effective way. He has to see that hedevotes appropriate attention and shouldnot go very deep into each of the topicslike a research scholar.

4. A candidate has to first read the topic

carefully, understand assimilate and writenotes containing important points. Acandidate has to prepare his own notes oneach topic of the syllabus. Care should betaken to integrate all the points that areavailable in different sources. He has to addor append the recent developments in thatarea as per the newspaper/press reports.

5. Once he has gathered enough confidenceor even after finishing the study of a topiche has to practice answer writing firstly,the previous year's question papers to checkhis grasp of the subject or his writing skillsto find out whether he is able to clearlyexpress his views. He also has to checkwhether he/she is writing relevant answersor just touching only the fringe areas of what has been asked.

In the changed scenario candidate must thoroughly study:

1. Historical evolution of bilateral relationshipsand their significance2. Irritants in the relationship3. Recent Development.4. Strategic implications and future prospectsetc regarding the neighbouring countriesand other important countries.Regarding the Diaspora their distribution,significance contribution to host countries andin promoting ties with motherland andschemes and programs of the government ofIndia for their welfare are important areas tobe taken care of.

In the newly introduced topic policies andpolitics of the developed and developingcountries on India's interests candidate has tofocus on the policies and program of othercountries affecting the Indian interests e.g. theAmerican government policy of cutting downincentives for companies outsourcing work toIndia may impact the profitability andemployability of the software companies thusaffecting the economy and employment.Similarly changes in the work permit or


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working visas may affect Indians.Likewise the recent Saudi Arabian Nitaqatlaw making it compulsory for the Saudicompanies to employ locals, regulating workpermits and increasing fees for renewing labourcards may affect the Indians going to gulf foremployment. Thus the candidate should beaware of the challenges that other country'spolicies may pose to Indian interests.

Thus, to sum up, the preparation should bemade in such a way that the candidate willhave a thorough understanding of thefundamental aspects, recent developments andissues under consideration and programmes,policies, act and legislations underconsideration.

IAS Mains - 2013GENERAL STUDIES - II (Polity & IR)

1. 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?

2. Discuss Section 66A of IT Act, with reference to its alleged violation of Article 19 of the Constitution.

3. 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.

4. The Supreme Court of India keeps a check on arbitrary power of the Parliament in amending the Constitution.’ Discuss critically.

5. 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 governance at State level? Discuss.

6. Constitutional mechanisms to resolve the inter-state water disputes have failed to address and solve the problems. Is the failure due to structural or process inadequacy or both? Discuss.

7. Discuss the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission which have been a departure from the previous commissions for strengthening the local government finances.

8. 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.

9. 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.


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10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. Electronic cash transfer system for the welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize corruption, eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms. Comment.

14. The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity. Comment.

15. 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.

16. 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.17. ‘A national Lokpal,however strong it may be,cannot resolve the problems of immorality in public affairs’. Discuss.(200 words).

18. 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.

19. What do you understand by The String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this.

20. Economic ties between India and Japan while growing in the recent years are still far below their potential. Elucidate the policy constraints which are inhibiting this growth.

21. The protests in Shahbag Square in Dhaka in Bangladesh reveal a fundamental split in society between the nationalists and Islamic forces. What is its significance for India?

22. Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India?


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23. In respect of India — Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy.

24. What is meant by Gujral doctrine? Does it have any relevance today? Discuss.

25. 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.

IAS Mains - 2014GENERAL STUDIES - II (Polity & IR)


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Now let us analyse each question of the GS Paper-2

Question-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.

In this question you have to mention Keshavananda Bharati case (the fundamental rights case) – in which SC held that a constitutional amendment duly passed by the legislature was invalid as damaging or destroying its basic structure; it also said that the judgment could not be annulled by any amendment to be made byParliament.You should also add points like Fundamental rights being one of the basic structure of the constitution and how FRs promote democracy.


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Then you should come to Judicial activism and how the Indian judiciary earned a human face in India by liberalising access to justice and giving relief to disadvantaged groups and the have-nots under the leadership of Justices V.R. Krishna Iyer and P.N. Bhagwati. With the increasing criminalisation and misgovernance and the complete apathy of the executive, the court took up the case of terrorist funding linked to political corruption through the `hawala’ route in the Vineet Narain Case (Jain hawala Case).

The courts on several occasions have issued directions in public interest litigation (PIL) covering a wide spectrum such as road safety, pollution, illegal structures in VIP zones, monkey menace, dog menace, unpaid dues by former and serving legislators, nursery admissions, and admissions in institutions of higher learning.The common citizens have discovered that the administration has become so apathetic and non-performing and corruption and criminality so widespread that they have no recourse except to move the courts through PIL, enlarging the field for judicial intervention.The great contribution of judicial activism in India has been to provide a safety valve in a democracy and a hope that justice is not beyond reach. Judicial activism has


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come to stay in India and will prosper as long as the judiciary is respected and is not undermined by negative perceptions, which have overtaken the executive and the legislature. Judicial activism has added much needed oxygen to a gigantic democratic experiment in India by the alchemy of judico-photosynthesis. (for further reading you may refer to the following sources from The Hindu – (a) Judicial Activism-a perspective, (b) Judicial activism and democracy, (c) Defending the basics of the constitution). There are many other articles but these three articles from The Hindu will give a good idea to the aspirants regarding what all need to be known to answer this question.

Question-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 strong center, a feature that militates against the concept of strong federalism. Discuss.Here you have to write about how the constitution gives more powers to the center. You need to also mention the various aspects of federalism. The issue mentioned in this Mains question is reflected in one of the statements of Dr. B.R.Ambedkar – “The… charge is that the Centre has


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been given the power to override the States. This charge must be admitted. But before condemning the Constitution for containing such overriding powers, certain considerations must be borne in mind. The first is that these overriding powers do not form the normal feature of the Constitution. Their use and operation are expressly confined to emergencies only”. One of the best articles from The Hindu, which one can read to answer this question exhaustively, is – A challenge to Indian Federalism. Try to read Laxmikanth too.

Question-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.


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The question is based on the recent meet of the All India Whips Conference in Goa in October which was covered in detail in The Hindu.

This question was fairly direct and one has to know the exact reason for the absence of legal codification of the ‘parliamentary privileges’ – to protect the the delicate “separation of powers” as envisaged in the Constitution between the judiciary and the legislature. In case the privileges are codified then such codification would invite undue judicial interference. However many rules can be codified, and for others there can be some sort of consensus build by all parties for all members to follow.

Question-4. What do you understand by the concept of the ‘freedom of speech and expression’? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India


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stand on a slightly different plane from other forms

of expression? Discuss.Here one has to categorically explain in a sentence or two the exact meaning of the freedom of speech – The right to freedom of speech and expression is enshrined as a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. Freedom of expression means the right to express one’s opinion by words of mouth, writing, printing, picture or in any other manner. Rather than reading our clumsily written points on this question it would be best of you read an article from The Hindu on this issue written by the best of the best Justice A.P. Shah. Click HERE to read his take on the freedom of expression and films. You may also read an article by Soli Sorabjee on the same issue. As an icing on the cake you may read an important book review article from The Hindu which also has enough material on this topic – Exploring cinema, censorship and its impact.


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Question-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 for the President to accept/reject such

petitions? Analyse.If one is an avid The Hindu reader then he/she would definitely remember the Shatrughan Chauhan case (yes you have to mention the name if you want to get max marks for this question). The Hindu had many editorials on this issue. You may read the following to get a good grasp – (a) The agony of awaiting death (b) Putting a full stop to death sentence (c) Mercy and machinery of death (Frontline).Question-6. The size of the cabinet should be as big as the governmental work justifies and as big as the PM can manage as a team. How far is the efficacy of the government then inversely related to the size of the cabinet? Discuss.


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It was a simple question where one had to play safe. One should mention 91st Amendment and then give some gyaan (words of wisdom!!) on how there is a threshold limit below which size of cabinet will be directly proportional to efficacy blah blah. One should not have wasted more time than what was absolutely necessary.Question-7. Though 100 percent FDI is already allowed in non-news media like a trade publication and general entertainment channel, the Government is mulling over the proposal for increased FDI in news media for quite sometime. What difference would an increase in FDI make? Critically evaluate the pros and cons.

Here one had to write about the stress that the media sector is in, why it is in need of investments and how FDI can bring the needed capital. One has to also strategically show off his knowledge by mentioning the current cap (26 percent) and the proposed hike (49 percent). At the same time one had to write about Home Ministry’s security related objections in increasing the FDI cap in media


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sector. Mentioning Arvind Mayaram panel’s name (and its reco on FDI cap in media sector) would separate men from the boys!!!

Question-8. 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 power sector, discuss if the proposed reform is expected to benefit the consumers, the Indian Railways or the private

container operators.In this question one should mention how passenger services have been subsidized over the years due to populist reasons, why freight services have become costlier (freight rates are increased every year to SUMIT G. @ LAKSHYA 2015

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subsidize passenger fares, and private parties prefer road to transport their goods). So price correction is needed, and an independent body needs to regulate prices, just like TRAI for telecom. You may mention about the Electricity Act of 2003, which opened up the power sector for greater private investments – the private sector for the first time got non-discriminatory open access in the transmission of power, and the State Electricity Regulatory Commissions were mandated to introduce open access in power distribution, after accounting for State-specific conditions. All this led to the fact that today, more than one-third of India’s power capacity is operated by the private sector. Now same thing can be replicated in the Railways. (And the same man who did it in power sector is now the rail minister – of course you need not mention this trivia to UPSC!!). You can mention that separate subsidies for poorest of the poor, or for non-profitable routes can be built in in the new framework…blah blah.


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Question-9. National Human Rights Commission

(NHRC) in India can be mosteffective when its tasks are supported by other mechanisms that ensure the accountability of a government. In light of the above observations assess the role of NHRC as an effective complement to the judiciary and other institutions in promoting and protecting human rights standards.Since these questions elicit your opinion, there is always this risk of writing too much thus leading to avoidable time loss. You have to be careful with these questions. In this particular question one has to give gyaan. You may read the following three articles from The Hindu – (a) Making Human rights a reality (b) Universal rights and universal violations (c) Commissions and their omissions.Question-10. The penetration of Self-Help-Groups (SHGs) in rural areas in promoting participation in


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development programmes is facing socio-cultural

hurdles. Examine.Here you need to mention the socio-cultural problems which crop up when development projects are implemented by making SHGs as the nucleus – issues of caste (how SHG members tend to be of a particular caste and sideline others), class (rich bypassing or dominating the poor), gender (how husbands dominate wives even though wives are the actual SHG members), caste violence, SHGs breaking down, middlemen fooling poor members, technology gap (NREGA payment etc). Give gyaan..

Question-11. 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 economies?These are sociology questions and people with this optional will find it slightly easier to answer (though this particular questions needs to be interpreted properly and related logic needs to be presented). Team Paperwallah


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thinks that there can be at least two different yet correct interpretations of this question.

Question-12. 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.Opinion based question. You may write all the gyaan…but you have to have one eye looking at the clock!!!

Question-13. 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.You need to go for a middle ground somewhere, write about quality education and link to a right degree of autonomy. You may use the N.R.Madhav Menon report on higher education autonomy in Kerala (which can be easily extrapolated to the whole country). You may read the following articles from The Hindu to enhance your


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knowledge – (a) Autonomy will be revolutionary (b) Autonomy is no magic wand.Question-14. Has the cadre based civil services organization been the cause of slow change in India? Critically examine.Here you need to critically analyse using examples if possible. Of course you have to give points from both sides and arrive at a logical conclusion. Each cader/service tends to develop its own fiefdom and always tries to enhance its powers etc without looking at the bigger picture.

Question-15. Two parallel run schemes of the government, the Adhar card and NPR, one as voluntary and the other as compulsory, have led to debates at national levels and also litigations. On merit discuss, whether or not, both schemes need run concurrently. Analyse the potential of the schemes to achieve developmental benefits and equitable growth.Recent news from The Hindu have hinted that government has been exploring the possibility of a synergy between the two ambitious projects (click HERE) – The Home Ministry has already suggested that the NPR and Aadhaar schemes be merged under the Registrar


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General of India (RGI) or division of work between the two should be in such a way that enrolment is done entirely by NPR while the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which runs Aadhaar, carries out deduplication ahead of generating the unique number. At the same time SC passed an interim order making it clear that no person should be disadvantaged because she does not possess an ‘Aadhaar’ card. To get a firm group over this issue you may refer to the following articles – (a) NPR rolls on, regardless (b) Government favours Aadhar NPR synergy (c)The future of Aadhar: finding common ground between Aadhar and NPR.Question-16. With respect to the South China Sea, maritime territorial disputes

and rising tension affirm the need for safeguarding maritime security to freedom of navigation and over flight throughout the region. In this context, discuss the bilateral issues between India and China.


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India-China and South China Sea have been one of the hottest IR topics for UPSC aspirants in the recent 8-10 months. There are many resources available, however you should never ignore guru gyaan of C. Raja Mohan and his very many articles on India China.

Question-17. The aim of Information Technology Agreements (ITAs) is to lower all taxes and tariffs on information technology products by signatories to zero. What impacts would such agreements have on India’s interests?Since officially India is not part of ITA-2, after bad experience with ITA-1, the answer should focus on how it would be bad for India and what benefits WTO is assuring in this regard. Must say it was a slightly difficult question, as many did not have a good idea about ITAs. You may read the following- (a) India to skip talks on ITA scope. (b)Intro on ITAs by WTO (c) Electronics imbroglio.Question-18. Some of the international funding agencies have special terms for economic participation stipulating a substantial component of the aid to be used for sourcing equipments from the leading countries. Discuss on merits of such terms. and if, there exists a strong case not to accept such


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conditions in the Indian context.

This is the dark reality of the politics of aid, specially when it comes from developed countries. At times even India too has indulged by tying aid to Bangladesh/Sri Lanka with sourcing Indian machinery etc. Since question was on the India context you need to discuss how it restricts domestic manufacturing etc. Of course you also need to mention that in times of need, when domestic industry is not well developed, then such machineries/components need to be sourced from the donor countries. Take the middle ground, give examples etc.

Question-19. India has recently signed to become founding member of New Development Bank (NDB) and also the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank SUMIT G. @ LAKSHYA 2015

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(AIIB). How will the role of the two banks be different? Discuss the strategic significance of these two banks for India.That India is a happy member of both the banks you need to bring out how India can shape both agencies’ working to its advantage, and how these agencies can be used by India to further its geopolitical as well as socio-capital ambitions.

The NDB is intended to offer development finance without the policy conditionality required by other major development banks. AIIB is intended to address the enormous need for infrastructure financing in the Asian region, one that neither the World Bank nor the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has the resources to meet. The AIIB move is being seen as an effort by China to challenge the influence of Japan in the region, as seen in Japanese influence in the functioning of the Asian Development Bank. The AIIB is expected to focus on China and Southeast Asia, and would hence complement — rather than contradict — the BRICS bank effort which would emphasise projects in the member countries and in Africa. U.S-led World Bank and International Monetary Fund are known for their politicised way of choosing borrowers without due regard for each countries’


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individual circumstances. Their prescriptive recommendations, including liberalisation, deregulation and privatization, have proved not a panacea. While prospering some countries, they are failing others, especially in Africa. The new BRICS bank provides a brand new possibility…blah blah. You may refer this article, as well as this article, if not others.Question-20. WTO is an important international

institution where decisions taken affect countries in a 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.1st part deals with basics of WTO and second part deals with how India negotiated for peace clause – very very hot topic during the last 2-3 months. Very many articles available on the net.


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Paperwallah recommends all the aspirants keep in mind the following golden rules:

1. Age of ‘coaching mafia notes’ is gone. As you can see in the above 20 questions, you need to have a solid opinion based on wide quality reading.

2. Progress and study has to be incremental. A single paper like GS-2 touches a wide spectrum. You cannot expect to finish the syllabus, if you are serious, within 2-3 months. You cannot mug up cheap notes and be prepared for the exam.

3. The above two points does not mean you have to study 18 hours every day for 10 months. Absolutely not. Just widen your study area, and study slowly, regularly, daily.

4. The above 3rd point means the following – Read The Hindu

exhaustively, critically…daily (I am a poet now, move aside Gulzaar saab!!). Focus on important issues of The Hindu, points and opinions, and do further reading on the issues flagged each day by using the net. For example – all


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the Paperwallahpaid subscribers read selected (important) The Hindu articles daily, then attempt a high quality quiz on the same daily in the evening. Lest they forget, they attempt weekly quiz and monthly quiz. Each day Paperwallah compells its members to think critically and makes them realize where they erred in their understanding…Ok… Enough..We cannot go on advertising our services!!!

5. Beyond The Hindu, read quality articles of people like C. Raja Mohan, ET articles, writings of legal luminaries. Include Frontline in your armour.


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