GS 2

UPSC Mains 2018

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

International Relations 15 Marks

Q1. In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to its situation?

International Relations 15 Marks

Q2. What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of ‘Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the interest of India?

View answer Explain
Governance 15 Marks

Q3. The Citizen’s Charter is an ideal instrument of organisational transparency and accountability, but it has its own limitations. Identify the limitations and suggest measures for greater effectiveness of the Citizen’s Charters.

Social Sector — Health, Education, Human Resources 15 Marks

Q4. 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?

View answer Discuss
Indian Polity 15 Marks

Q5. 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.

Indian Polity 15 Marks

Q6. Assess the importance of the Panchayat system in India as a part of local government. Apart from government grants, what sources can the Panchayats look out for financing developmental projects?

Indian Polity 15 Marks

Q7. How is the Finance Commission of India constituted? What do you know about the terms of reference of the recently constituted Finance Commission? Discuss.

Indian Polity 15 Marks

Q8. India and the USA are two large democracies. Examine the basic tenets on which the two political systems are based.

Indian Polity 15 Marks

Q9. How far do you agree with the view that tribunals curtail the jurisdiction of ordinary courts? In view of the above, discuss the constitutional validity and competency of the tribunals in India.

View answer Discuss
Indian Polity 15 Marks

Q10. Whether the Supreme Court Judgement (July 2018) can settle the political tussle between the Lt. Governor and elected government of Delhi? Examine.

International Relations 10 Marks

Q11. A number of outside powers have entrenched themselves in Central Asia, which is a zone of interest to India. Discuss the implications, in this context, of India’s joining the Ashgabat Agreement, 2018.

International Relations 10 Marks

Q12. “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss.

Governance 10 Marks

Q13. E-governance is not only about utilisation of the power of new technology, but also much about the critical importance of the ‘use value’ of information. Explain.

Government policies and interventions 10 Marks

Q14. Appropriate local community level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain.

Governance 10 Marks

Q15. “Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate protection and prevention of degradation to the environment.” Comment with relevant illustrations.

Indian Polity 10 Marks

Q16. “The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has a very vital role to play.” Explain how this is reflected in the method and terms of his appointment as well as the range of powers he can exercise.

Indian Polity 10 Marks

Q17. Why do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role of the Estimates Committee

View answer Explain
Indian Polity 10 Marks

Q18. Under what circumstances can the Financial Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What consequences follow when such a declaration remains in force?

Indian Polity 10 Marks

Q19. Whether the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine.

Indian Polity 10 Marks

Q20. In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections?