GS 2

UPSC Mains 2017

20 questions · 250 marks · Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations

International Relations 15 Marks

Q1. Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in South-East Asian countries’ economy and society. Appraise the role of the Indian Diaspora in South-East Asia in this context.

International Relations 15 Marks

Q2. The question of India’s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India’s economic progress. Analyze India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian Countries.

Governance 15 Marks

Q3. Initially, Civil Services in India were designed to achieve the goals of neutrality and effectiveness, which seems to be lacking in the present context. Do you agree with the view that drastic reforms arerequired in Civil Services? Comment

Governance 15 Marks

Q4. Poverty Alleviation Programmes in India remain mere showpieces until and unless they are backed by political will. Discuss with reference to the performance of the major poverty alleviation programmes in India.

Government policies and interventions 15 Marks

Q5. The emergence of 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.

Indian Polity 15 Marks

Q6. Is the National Commission for Women able to strategize and tackle the problems that women face in both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your answer.

Indian Polity 15 Marks

Q7. To enhance the quality of democracy in India the The Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful?

Indian Polity 15 Marks

Q8. The Indian Constitution has provisions for holding joint sessions of the two houses of the Parliament. Enumerate the occasions when this would normally happen and also the occasions when it cannot, with reasons thereof.

Indian Polity 15 Marks

Q9. Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on the Right to Privacy.

View answer Examine
Indian Polity 15 Marks

Q10. Explain the salient features of the Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016. Do you think it is efficacious enough ‘to remove cascading effect of taxes and provide for the common national market for goods and services’?

View answer Explain
International Relations 10 Marks

Q11. What are the main functions of the United Nations? Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)?Explain different functional commissions attached to it.

View answer Explain
International Relations 10 Marks

Q12. China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour.

Government policies and interventions 10 Marks

Q13. 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.

Government policies and interventions 10 Marks

Q14. Does the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 ensure an effective mechanism for empowerment and inclusion of the intended beneficiaries in society? Discuss.

Indian Polity 10 Marks

Q15. To ensure the effective implementation of policies addressing water, sanitation and hygiene needs, the identification of beneficiary segments is to be synchronized with the anticipated outcomes’ Examine the statement in the context of the WASH scheme.

Indian Polity 10 Marks

Q16. Discuss the role of the Public Accounts Committee in establishing accountability of the government to the people.

View answer Discuss
Indian Polity 10 Marks

Q17. How do pressure groups influence the Indian political process? Do you agree with this view that informal pressure groups have emerged as powerful than formal pressure groups in recent years?

View answer Discuss
Indian Polity 10 Marks

Q18. Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people’ Discuss.

Indian Polity 10 Marks

Q19. Critically examine the Supreme Court’s judgement on ‘The National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014’ with reference to the appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India.

View answer Critically Examine
Indian Polity 10 Marks

Q20. The local self-government system in India has not proved to be an effective instrument of governance. Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation.