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UPSC Mains 2020 GS 2 Question Paper (General Studies II)

All 20 questions from the UPSC Civil Services Mains 2020 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 the Representation of People's Act · 10 marks

"There is a need for simplification of procedure for disqualification of persons found guilty of corrupt practices under the Representation of Peoples Act." Comment.

Q2 Governance, Transparency & Accountability · 10 marks

"Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission." Discuss.

Q3 Federalism · 10 marks

How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer.

Q4 Comparison of the Indian Constitutional Scheme with that of Other Countries · 10 marks

The judicial systems in India and UK seem to be converging as well as diverging in recent times. Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the two nations in terms of their judicial practices.

Q5 Parliament & State Legislature · 10 marks

'Once a Speaker, Always a Speaker'! Do you think this practice should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India?

Q6 Health, Education & Human Resources · 10 marks

In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss.

Q7 Role of Civil Services in a Democracy · 10 marks

"Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance." In this context suggest reforms in Civil Service for strengthening democracy.

Q8 Governance, Transparency & Accountability · 10 marks

"The emergence of Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government." Discuss.

Q9 International Institutions · 10 marks

Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Q10 Impact of Global Policies and Politics on India; Indian Diaspora · 10 marks

'Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries.' Comment with examples.

Q11 Federalism · 15 marks

Indian Constitution exhibits centralising tendencies to maintain unity and integrity of the nation. Elucidate in the perspective of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897; The Disaster Management Act, 2005 and recently passed Farm Acts.

Q12 Judiciary · 15 marks

Judicial Legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian Constitution. In this context justify the filing of large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities.

Q13 Local Self Government · 15 marks

The strength and sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their formative phase of 'Functions, Functionaries and Funds' to the contemporary stage of 'Functionality'. Highlight the critical challenges faced by local institutions in terms of their functionality in recent times.

Q14 Parliament & State Legislature · 15 marks

Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a 'useless stepney tyre' to the most useful supporting organ in past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas in which this transformation could be visible.

Q15 Constitutional & Statutory Bodies · 15 marks

Which steps are required for constitutionalization of a Commission? Do you think imparting constitutionality to the National Commission for Women would ensure greater gender justice and empowerment in India? Give reasons.

Q16 Issues relating to Poverty and Hunger · 15 marks

"The incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty based on income alone." In this context analyse the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report.

Q17 Role of NGOs, SHGs & Pressure Groups · 15 marks

"Micro-Finance as an anti-poverty vaccine, is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in India." Evaluate the role of the Self Help Groups in achieving the twin objectives along with empowering women in rural India.

Q18 Health, Education & Human Resources · 15 marks

National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement.

Q19 Bilateral, Regional & Global Groupings · 15 marks

'Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)' is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times. Discuss.

Q20 Bilateral, Regional & Global Groupings · 15 marks

What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

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