Editor’s Pick
- Analyze the effects of globalization on the institution of marriage in India. (200 words)
- What is impact investment, and how does it contribute to the development of a country like India? (200 words)
- Why is combating fake news in India such a significant challenge for government agencies? Discuss. (200 words)
- Examine the utilization of innovation and business expertise to tackle social issues and foster beneficial societal transformations, known as social entrepreneurship. (200 words)
UPSC PYQs
Vulnerable Sections (Role of NGOs, SHGs, Welfare schemes, Laws, Mechanisms and Bodies)
Editor’s Pick
- “Discuss the positive contributions made by civil society organizations in India, providing examples. Additionally, highlight the challenges they encounter in their operations.” (200 words)
- Discuss the challenges faced by Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and explore the measures required to overcome these challenges. (200 words)
- What are the key challenges in scaling Self-Help Groups (SHGs) into large enterprises capable of serving the consumer market, and what steps can be taken to address these challenges? (200 words)
- The police, endowed with significant authority to use force, are frequently criticized for human rights violations. Discuss the challenges of ensuring police accountability in India. What additional steps can be taken to strengthen accountability for police actions? (200 words)
- Analyze the role of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 in preventing atrocities and safeguarding marginalized communities in India from discrimination. (200 Words)
- SHG federations have become a significant institutional innovation for the sustainability of SHGs in India. Discuss their role and the challenges that hinder their effectiveness. ( 200 Words)
- How effective is the Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme in promoting social justice and equity in India? (200 Words)
- How can the recently launched PM-JANMAN scheme help address the challenges faced by Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)? (200 Words
- In what ways does climate change affect caste-based marginalized groups in India? (200 Words)
- Has the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 fulfilled its objective of addressing historical injustices faced by forest-dwelling communities and democratizing the governance of forests? (200 Words)
UPSC PYQs
- Discuss the contribution of civil society groups for women’s effective and meaningful participation and representation in state legislatures in India. (250 words) [UPSC 2023]
- Besides the welfare schemes, India needs deft management of inflation and unemployment to serve the poor and the underprivileged sections of society. Discuss. (250 words) [UPSC 2022]
- Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of policy process. Discuss. (250 words) [UPSC 2019]
- Multiplicity of various commissions for the vulnerable sections of the society leads to problems of overlapping jurisdiction and duplication of functions. Is it better to merge all commissions into an umbrella Human Rights Commission? Argue your case. (250 words) [UPSC 2018]
- “The emergence of the Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in contemporary times points to the slow but steady withdrawal of the State from developmental activities.” Examine the role of the SHGs in developmental activities and the measures taken by the Government of India to promote the SHGs. (250 words) [UPSC 2017]
- Examine critically the recent changes in the rules governing foreign funding of NGOs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976. (200 words) [UPSC 2015]
- The Self-Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Programme (SBLP), which is India’s own innovation, has proved to be one of the most effective poverty alleviation and women empowerment programmes. Elucidate. (200 words) [UPSC 2015]
- How can the role of NGOs be strengthened in India for development works relating to protection of the environment? Discuss throwing light on the major constraints. (200 words) [UPSC 2015]
- “Development and welfare schemes for the vulnerable, by its nature, are discriminatory in approach.” Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. (250 words) [UPSC 2023]
- Reforming the government delivery system through the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment. (150 words)[UPSC 2022]
- Can Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organizations present an alternative model of public service delivery to benefit the common citizen? Discuss the challenges of this alternative model. (250 words) [UPSC 2021]
- “Micro-Finance as an anti-poverty vaccine, is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in India”. Evaluate the role of the Self Help Groups in achieving the twin objectives along with empowering women in rural India. (250 words) [UPSC 2020]
- In the context of neo-liberal paradigm of development planning, multi-level planning is expected to make operations cost-effective and remove many implementation blockages.’-Discuss. (250 words) [UPSC 2019]
- The penetration of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas in promoting participation in development programmes is facing socio-cultural hurdles. Examine. (200 words) [UPSC 2014]
- 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 ? (200 words) [UPSC 2014]
Women
Editor’s Pick
- What are the key implementation challenges that persist even after 14 years of the Nirbhaya Fund’s establishment? Discuss. (200 words)
- What socio-economic benefits does women entrepreneurship bring to India, and what are the key challenges that hinder its growth in the country? Discuss. (200 words)
- How can the issues of social alienation and deprivation faced by elderly women in India be addressed, considering the importance of gender in the ageing process? (200 Words)
- Explain the background and main provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013. What are the challenges in implementing this Act? Suggest measures to enhance its effectiveness, with reference to relevant Supreme Court judgments. ( 200 Words)
- Can offering paid menstrual leave help improve workforce participation and promote gender inclusivity in Indian workplaces? (200 Words)
- In order to decrease the prevalence of ‘zero food’ children in India, maternal nutrition must be prioritized. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)
UPSC PYQs
- Discuss the desirability of greater representation of women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusiveness. (150 words) [UPSC 2021]
- Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty, and malnutrition be broken through the microfinancing of women’s SHGs? Explain with examples. (150 words) [UPSC 2021]
- “Though women in post-Independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and the feminist movement has been patriarchal.” Apart from women’s education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu? (250 words) [UPSC 2021]
Children
Editor’s Pick
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the POCSO Act, 2012 in tackling the issue of child sexual abuse in India, considering its strengths and limitations. (200 Words)
- Although the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ scheme has brought much-needed attention to gender discrimination, it has not produced the desired results due to inadequate implementation and monitoring. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)
UPSC PYQs
PwDS
Editor’s Pick
- “What challenges do persons with disabilities (PwDs) face in India, and what measures has the government taken to empower them?” (200 words)
- Discuss the various challenges faced by Divyangjans (Persons with Disabilities, PwDs) in India. Additionally, mention the legislative provisions for Divyangjans and the initiatives taken by the government to support and uplift this section of society. (Answer in 250 words)
UPSC PYQs
- The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 remains only a legal document without intense sensitisation of government functionaries and citizens regarding disability. Comment. (150 words)[UPSC 2022]
- Does the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 ensure effective mechanism for empowerment and inclusion of the intended beneficiaries in the society? Discuss. (150 words) [UPSC 2017]
Transgender
Editor’s Pick
UPSC PYQs
Elderly
Editor’s Pick
- What challenges do elderly individuals face in accessing and benefiting from government schemes and initiatives designed to enhance their quality of life?(200 Words)
- In India, the growth rate of the elderly population between 2011-21 was approximately three times that of the general population. In this context, discuss why policies for the elderly are an essential component of India’s overall development. (Answer in 150 words)
UPSC PYQs
Indigenous People
Editor’s Pick
UPSC PYQs
Social Sector/Services
Editor’s Pick
UPSC PYQs
- “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyze. (150 words) [UPSC 2021]
- In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss. (150 words) [UPSC 2020]
- The need for cooperation among various service sectors has been an inherent component of development discourse. Partnership bridges the gap among the sectors. It also sets in motion a culture of ‘collaboration’ and ‘team spirit’. In the light of statements above examine India’s development process. (250 words) [UPSC 2019]
- Professor Amartya Sen has advocated important reforms in the realms of primary education and primary health care. What are your suggestions to improve their status and performance? (200 words) [UPSC 2016]
Human Resource & Human Capital
Editor’s Pick
- Despite initiatives like Skill India, there remain persistent gaps in the skill development of India’s youth. What are the reasons for these gaps, and how can they be addressed? (200 words)
- Analyze the ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted human capital development during crucial phases in the lives of children and youth. Propose measures to mitigate these disruptions and rebuild lost potential. (200 words)
- How can the effective development and management of human capital promote sustainable growth in India?(200 Words)
UPSC PYQs
- The crucial aspect of development process has been the inadequate attention paid to Human Resource Development in India. Suggest measures that can address this inadequacy. (150 words)[UPSC 2023]
- Skill development programmes have succeeded in increasing human resources supply to various sectors. In the context of the statement analyse the linkages between education, skill and employment. (250 words) [UPSC 2023]
- “Earn while you learn’ scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful.” Comment. (150 words) [UPSC 2021]
- Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, coupled with lack of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification. (250 words) [UPSC 2021]
- Despite Consistent experience of high growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive. (150 words) [UPSC 2019]
- “Demographic Dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower becomes more educated, aware, skilled and creative.” What measures have been taken by the government to enhance the capacity of our population to be more productive and employable ? (200 words) [UPSC 2016]
Education
Editor’s Pick
- What are the key challenges in achieving Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) in India, and what measures can be implemented to ensure universal FLN across the country? (200 words)
- Do you believe philanthropy can serve as a sustainable source of funding for India’s higher education system? Discuss with examples. (200 words)
- The UGC has recently issued regulations for the establishment and operation of campuses by foreign universities in India. What are the reasons behind permitting the entry of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions (FHEIs) in India? Also, what are the key challenges in ensuring their seamless integration?( 200 Words)
UPSC PYQs
- The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 remains inadequate in promoting an incentive-based system for children’s education without generating awareness about the importance of schooling. Analyse. (250 words) [UPSC 2022]
- National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (250 words) [UPSC 2020]
- The quality of higher education in India requires major improvements to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of higher and technical education in the country? Discuss. (200 words) [UPSC 2015]
- 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. (200 words) [UPSC 2014]
Health, Sanitation & Nutrition
Editor’s Pick
- Examine the opportunities for e-health services in India and analyze the challenges associated with their implementation. (200 words)
- Explain the role of ASHA workers in advancing healthcare in a developing country like India. Discuss the challenges they encounter in their work and propose measures to address these issues. (200 words)
- How can the Integrated Nutrition Support Programme contribute to addressing the challenges of malnutrition in India? (200 words)
- How important is a community-driven approach to the success of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)? Discuss. (200 words)
- Analyze the impact of publicly funded health insurance on enhancing health outcomes in India. (200 Words)
- Despite being a leading food producer and implementing various nutrition programs, why does India still face a persistent malnutrition crisis?( 200 Words)
UPSC PYQs
- Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain. (150 words) [UPSC 2018]
- “To ensure effective implementation of policies addressing water, sanitation and hygiene needs the identification of the beneficiary segments is to be synchronized with the anticipated outcomes.” Examine the statement in the context of the WASH scheme.(150 words) [UPSC 2017]
- The public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that the private sector could help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives would you suggest? (200 words) [UPSC 2015]
Poverty & Hunger
Editor’s Pick
- Discuss the criticisms associated with the Below Poverty Line (BPL) estimations used for measuring poverty. (200 words)
- Though the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, is viewed as a significant step towards combating hunger, it faces several challenges that must be addressed to ensure its success in achieving food security for all. Discuss these challenges and explore solutions to improve the effectiveness of the Act. (200 words)
- Although extreme poverty has significantly decreased in India, access to healthy food continues to be limited for many. What are the key reasons behind this limited access, and what measures can be taken to improve it? (200 Words)
- In what ways do the issues of poverty and hunger manifest differently in urban and rural India? (200 Words)
UPSC PYQs
- “The incedence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty based on income alone”. In this context analyse the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report. (250 words) [UPSC 2020]
- There is a growing divergence in the relationship between poverty and hunger in India. The shrinking of social expenditure by the government is forcing the poor to spend more on non-food essential items squeezing their food-budget. – Elucidate. (150 words) [UPSC 2019]
- How far do you agree with the view that the focus on lack of availability of food as the main cause of hunger takes the attention away from ineffective human development policies in India? (250 words) [UPSC 2018]
- Hunger and poverty are the biggest challenges for good governance in India still today. Evaluate how far successive governments have progressed in dealing with these humongous problems. Suggest measures for improvement. (150 words) [UPSC 2017]
- “Poverty alleviation programmes in India remain mere showpieces until and unless they are backed up by political will.” Discuss with reference to the performance of the major poverty alleviation programmes in India. (250 words) [UPSC 2017]
- Though there have been several different estimates of poverty in India, all indicate a reduction in poverty levels over time. Do you agree? Critically examine with reference to urban and rural poverty indicators. (200 words) [UPSC 2015]