UPSC Mains GENERAL-STUDIES-PAPER-II 2011

List the Central Asian Republics and identify those of particular strategic and economic importance to India. Examine the opportunities and bottlenecks in enhancing relations with these countries.

Critically examine the security and strategic implications of the so-called 'string of pearls' theory for India.

Compared to the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA), the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multisectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation Free Trade Area (BIMSTEC FTA) seems to be more promising." Critically evaluate.

Subsequent to the Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG) waiver in 2008, what are the agreements on nuclear energy that India has signed with different countries?

Trace the progress of India's efforts for a joint counter-terrorism strategy with China. What are the likely implications of the recent Xinjiang violence on these efforts?

Bring out the importance of the 'Small and Medium Enterprises Expo and Conference' held in Dubai last year for Indian business.

What are the salient features of the political and economic relationship between India and South Africa?

The causes and implications of the Jasmine Revolution and its spread are as much economic in nature as they are political." Critically evaluate.

In the context of the Euro-zone' debt crisis, examine the proposed 'six-pack' solution. Do you think that this has a better chance of success than the earlier Stability and Growth Pact?

As regards the increasing rates of melting of Arctic Sea ice, the interests of the Arctic Council nations may not coincide with those of the wider world." Explain.

Is there still a role for the concept of balance of power in contemporary international politics? Discuss.

Strategic interests seem to be replacing commercial interests for the host country with regard to Cam Ranh Bay." Amplify.

To what extent has the withdrawal of al-Shabab from Mogadishu given peace a real chance in Somalia? Assess.

On a Formula-one (F-1) racing car track, information to drivers is generally signalled through the standardized use of flags of different colours. Describe the meanings associated with any six of the flags listed below :

White flag

Black flag

Yellow flag

Blue flag

Black and white flag divided diagonally

Chequered flag

Yellow and red striped flag

International Year of Chemistry

The scourge of e-waste

Designer' poultry eggs.

INSPIRE programme of the Department of Science and Technology

The 'Kessler syndrome' with reference to space debris

Omega-3 fatty acids in our food

Difference between 'spin-drying' and 'tumble-drying' technology with reference to drying of washed clothes

The diminishing population of vultures

Arsenic-bug' and the significance of its discovery

F-22 Raptor' aircraft

Concentrated' solar energy and 'photovoltaic' solar energy

Analog, hybrid and IP systems in CCTV technology

Various applications of Kevlar

Differences between Compact Disc (CD), Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) and Blu-ray Disc

Functions of the World Customs Organisation (WCO)

Success of international intervention in Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

Strategies adopted by Colombia to eliminate its drug cartels

World Food Programme (WFP) of the United Nations (UN)

Sculpture of the broken chair in front of the UN building at Geneva

Tiangong-1

K-computer

Gliese 581 g

MABEL robot

Operation Shady Rat'

SAGA-220'

Billion Acts of Green'

L'Aquila earthquake

OPERA detector at Gran Sasso

Saturn's Titan

News International' newspaper

Mustafa Abdul-Jalil

Abel Kirui

Natalie Portman

Nawaf Salam

List the requisites of a good table.