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UPSC Mains 2021 GS 2 Question Paper (General Studies II)

All 20 questions from the UPSC Civil Services Mains 2021 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

'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.

Q2 Judiciary · 10 marks

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

Q3 Federalism · 10 marks

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

Q4 Parliament & State Legislature · 10 marks

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

Q5 Role of NGOs, SHGs & Pressure Groups · 10 marks

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

Q6 Health, Education & Human Resources · 10 marks

"Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development." Analyze.

Q7 Health, Education & Human Resources · 10 marks

"'Earn while you learn' scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful." Comment.

Q8 Role of NGOs, SHGs & Pressure Groups · 10 marks

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

Q9 Bilateral, Regional & Global Groupings · 10 marks

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

Q10 Bilateral, Regional & Global Groupings · 10 marks

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

Q11 Federalism · 15 marks

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 the States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain with special reference to the federal character of India.

Q12 Constitutional & Statutory Bodies · 15 marks

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.

Q13 Comparison of the Indian Constitutional Scheme with that of Other Countries · 15 marks

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

Q14 Parliament & State Legislature · 15 marks

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

Q15 Parliament & State Legislature · 15 marks

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.

Q16 Health, Education & Human Resources · 15 marks

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

Q17 Social Justice & Welfare · 15 marks

"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?

Q18 Role of NGOs, SHGs & Pressure Groups · 15 marks

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

Q19 Bilateral, Regional & Global Groupings · 15 marks

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

Q20 Bilateral, Regional & Global Groupings · 15 marks

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.

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