General Studies II Mains Question Paper and Analysis

Constitution separation of powers between various organs

1. Do you think that Constitution of India does not accept principle of strict separation of powers rather it is based on the principle of ‘checks and balance’? Explain. (10 Marks)

Powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies

2. “The Central Administrative Tribunal which was established for redressal of grievances and complaints by or against central government employees, nowadays is exercising its powers as an independent judicial authority.” Explain. (10 Marks)

Pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.

3. What are the methods used by the farmers’ organizations to influence the policymakers in India and how effective are these methods? (10 Marks)

Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure

4. From the resolution of contentious issues regarding distribution of legislative powers by the courts, ‘Principle of Federal Supremacy’ and ‘Harmonious Construction’ have emerged. Explain. (10 Marks)

Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.

5. What can France learn from the Indian Constitution’s approach to secularism? (10 Marks)

Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector or Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

6. Despite consistent experience of high growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive. (10 Marks)

Issues relating to poverty and hunger.

7. There is a growing divergence in the relationship between poverty and hunger in India. The shrinking of social expenditure by the government is forcing the poor to spend more on non-food essential items squeezing their food-budget. – Elucidate. (10 marks)

Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

8. Implementation of Information and Communication technology (ICT) based Projects/Programmes usually suffers in terms of certain vital factors. Identify these factors, and suggest measures for their effective implementation. (10 marks)

Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests

9. ‘The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship, one involving global and strategic partnership that will have a great significance for Asia and the world as a whole.’ Comment. (10 marks)

Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate

10. ‘Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in the light of US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’. (10 marks)

 

 

Salient features of the Representation of People's Act

11. On what grounds a people’s representative can be disqualified under the Representation of Peoples Act, 1951? Also mention the remedies available to such person against his disqualification. (15 marks)

Parliament - powers & privileges and issues arising out of these

12. “Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution is a limited power and it cannot be enlarged into absolute power.” In the light of this statement explain whether Parliament under Article 368 of the Constitution can destroy the Basic structure of the Constitution by expanding its amending power? (15 marks)

Institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections of population

13. “The reservation of seats for women in the institutions of local self-government has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian Political Process”. Comment. (15 marks)

Various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities

14. “The Attorney-General is the chief legal adviser and lawyer of the Government of India.” Discuss. (15 Marks)

Parliament and State Legislatures - structure, functioning, conduct of business, and issues arising out of these

15. Individual Parliamentarian’s role as the national law maker is on a decline, which in turn, has adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss. (15 marks)

Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation

16. ‘In the context of neo-liberal paradigm of developmental planning, multi-level planning is expected to make operations cost-effective and remove many implementation blockages.’- Discuss (15 marks)

Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders

17. The need for cooperation among various service sectors has been an inherent component of development discourse. Partnership bridges the gap among the sectors. It also sets in motion a culture of ‘collaboration’ and ‘team spirit’. In the light of statements above examine India’s development process. (15 marks)

Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes

18. Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of policy process.-Discuss. (15 marks)

Global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests

19. ‘The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order.’ Elaborate. (15 Marks)

Effect of policies of developing countries on India's interests

20. What introduces friction into the ties between India and United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s national self-esteem and ambitions’. Explain with suitable examples. (15 Marks)

 

The below given table gives you an insight regarding the number of questions asked and the weightage of the topics in GS II Paper.

 

GS 2 Topic	Number of Questions	Total Marks
Constitution separation of powers between various organs	1	10
Powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies	1	10
Pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity	1	10
Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure	1	10
Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries	1	10
Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector or Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.	1	10
Issues relating to poverty and hunger.	1	10
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.	1	10
Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests	1	10
Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.	1	10
Salient features of the Representation of People's Act	1	15
Parliament - powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.	1	15
Institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections of population.	1	15
Various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities.	1	15
Parliament and State Legislatures - structure, functioning, conduct of business, and issues arising out of these.	1	15
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.	1	15
Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.	1	15
Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes;	1	15
Global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests.	1	15
Effect of policies of developing countries on India's interests.	1	15

 

UPSC Main 2019 GS II Paper included three questions from the constitution and one question from comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries. Four questions were from governance. A total of three questions belonged to the Indian polity. The topics related to Social justice were covered in six questions. Three questions were from international relations.

From the above analysis, it is clear that UPSC Main 2019 GS II Paper covered all major areas of syllabus prescribed by UPSC. The paper was comprehensive having opinion-based questions requiring analysis and application of information retained from events and issues of national and international importance. Some questions were rather direct in the paper, and they were easy to solve.