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UPSC Mains 2019 GS 2 Question Paper (General Studies II)

All 20 questions from the UPSC Civil Services Mains 2019 General Studies II paper, transcribed from the official question paper and tagged by syllabus topic. Format: 150 words (Q1–10, 10 marks) · 250 words (Q11–20, 15 marks). Download the original question paper PDF.

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Q1 Salient Features of Indian Constitution · 10 marks

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.

Q2 Judiciary · 10 marks

"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.

Q3 Role of NGOs, SHGs & Pressure Groups · 10 marks

What are the methods used by the farmers' organisations to influence the policy-makers in India and how effective are these methods?

Q4 Federalism · 10 marks

From the resolution of contentious issues regarding distribution of legislative powers by the courts, 'Principle of Federal Supremacy' and 'Harmonious Construction' have emerged. Explain.

Q5 Comparison of the Indian Constitutional Scheme with that of Other Countries · 10 marks

What can France learn from the Indian Constitution's approach to secularism?

Q6 Health, Education & Human Resources · 10 marks

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.

Q7 Issues relating to Poverty and Hunger · 10 marks

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.

Q8 Governance, Transparency & Accountability · 10 marks

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.

Q9 Bilateral, Regional & Global Groupings · 10 marks

'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.

Q10 International Institutions · 10 marks

'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'.

Q11 Salient Features of the Representation of People's Act · 15 marks

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.

Q12 Salient Features of Indian Constitution · 15 marks

"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?

Q13 Local Self Government · 15 marks

"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.

Q14 Constitutional & Statutory Bodies · 15 marks

"The Attorney-General is the chief legal adviser and lawyer of the Government of India." Discuss.

Q15 Parliament & State Legislature · 15 marks

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.

Q16 Developmental Policies & Process · 15 marks

'In the context of neo-liberal paradigm of development planning, multi-level planning is expected to make operations cost-effective and remove many implementation blockages.' Discuss.

Q17 Developmental Policies & Process · 15 marks

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.

Q18 Social Justice & Welfare · 15 marks

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.

Q19 Impact of Global Policies and Politics on India; Indian Diaspora · 15 marks

'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.

Q20 Bilateral, Regional & Global Groupings · 15 marks

'What introduces friction into the ties between India and the 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.

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