UPSC Mains GENERAL-STUDIES-PAPER-II 2012

Do you think that China's emergence as one of the largest trading partners of India has adversely affected the settlement of the outstanding border problem?

Discuss the globalization of R&D and its impact on India's development. Provide an illustration from at least one sector such as Information Technology or Health.

Discuss the contentious issues that have caused the prolonged constitutional logjam in Nepal.

The human population is slated to grow to 9 billion by 2050. In this context, many scientists predict that plant genomics would play a critical role in keeping out hunger and preserving the environment. Explain.

The situation today is far different to that prevalent fifty years back when the Indus Water Treaty was signed." Highlight the complexity of the current challenges on both sides of the border in this regard. Do you think that a review of the Treaty is in India's best interests?

Write a short analytical note on Indian Diaspora. How is the "New Diaspora" different from the "Old Diaspora"?

Why have the resource rich African and South Asian countries remained poor for decades? Explain.

Does Putin's return as President of Russia mark a shift to a confrontationist stance in international diplomacy towards the West?

Analyse critically the interlinkages between the Convention on Biological Diversity and FAO Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.

Critically review the international concern in achieving the targets set for the Millennium Development Goals.

Discuss the likely negative impact of the protectionist measures proposed by the US on India's software industry.

In the context of Assisted Reproductive Technologies, India has emerged as a hub of commercial surrogacy. What key biological, legal and ethical issues merit consideration while framing the regulation to govern surrogacy in India?

Why is international trade perceived to have failed to act as an "engine of growth" in many developing countries including India?

Despite strict prohibitory regulations, "doping" has become increasingly common amongst athletes. Name five commonly used performance-enhancing drugs. What are the risks associated with their use?

Compare the significance of IBSA and BRICS in the context of India's multilateral diplomacy.

The safe landing of the "Curiosity" Rover under NASA's space programme has sparked many possibilities. What are those and how could humankind benefit from them?

How have the US sanctions against Iran affected India's bilateral relations with Iran?

What is Permaculture? Give at least three common examples where permaculture concepts are being put to use.

The Sequoia supercomputer was launched this year. What are its specific features and what is its purpose?

What is meant by the G8 + 5 group?

The Human Papilloma Virus vaccine has been making the headlines in the recent months. Who make the ideal candidates for receiving this vaccine and what are its benefits?

What are India's stakes in the South China Sea?

Explain the concepts "Environmental Sustainability" and "Sustainable Development of People".

Explain briefly the "Clean Development Mechanism" as provided under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).