GS 2

UPSC Mains 2021

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

International Relations 15 Marks

Q1. The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario.

International Relations 15 Marks

Q2. Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India?

View answer Critically Examine
Governance 15 Marks

Q3. Can Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organisations present an alternative model of public service delivery to benefit the common citizen. Discuss the challenges of this alternative model.

Government policies and interventions 15 Marks

Q4. “Though women in post-Independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and feminist movement has been patriarchal.” Apart from women education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu?

Governance 15 Marks

Q5. Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, couple with lack of Information and Communication Technology(ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification.

Indian Polity 15 Marks

Q6. Do Department -related Parliamentary Standing Committees keep the administration on its toes and inspire reverence for parliamentary control? Evaluate the working of such committees with suitable examples.

Indian Polity 15 Marks

Q7. Explain the constitutional provisions under which Legislative Councils are established. Review the working and current status of Legislative Councils with suitable illustrations

View answer Explain
International Relations 15 Marks

Q8. Analyze the distinguishing features of the notion of Equality in the Constitutions of the USA and India.

View answer Analyze
Indian Polity 15 Marks

Q9. Though the Human Rights Commissions have contributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, yet they have failed to assert themselves against the mighty and powerful. Analyzing their structural and practical limitations, suggest remedial measures

Indian Polity 15 Marks

Q10. The jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) regarding lodging an FIR and conducting probe within a particular state is being questioned by various States. However, the power of States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain with special reference to the federal character of India.

International Relations 10 Marks

Q11. “The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain.

International Relations 10 Marks

Q12. “If the last few decades were Asia's growth story, the next few are expected to be Africa's.” In the light of this statement, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent years.

Governance 10 Marks

Q13. Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples.

Government policies and interventions 10 Marks

Q14. “Earn while you learn’ scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful.” Comment.

Government policies and interventions 10 Marks

Q15. “Besides being a moral imperative of the Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse.

Governance 10 Marks

Q16. “Pressure groups play a vital role in influencing public policy making in India.” Explain how the business associations contribute to public policies.

Indian Polity 10 Marks

Q17. To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India?

Indian Polity 10 Marks

Q18. How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled the states to improve their fiscal position?

Indian Polity 10 Marks

Q19. Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness.

View answer Discuss
Indian Polity 10 Marks

Q20. ‘Constitutional Morality’ is rooted in the Constitution itself and is founded on its essential facets. Explain the doctrine of ‘Constitutional Morality’ with the help of relevant judicial decisions.