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UPSC Mains 2023 GS 2 Question Paper (General Studies II)

All 20 questions from the UPSC Civil Services Mains 2023 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 Judiciary · 10 marks

"Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy." Comment.

Q2 Constitutional & Statutory Bodies · 10 marks

Who are entitled to receive free legal aid? Assess the role of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in rendering free legal aid in India.

Q3 Local Self Government · 10 marks

"The states in India seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both functionally as well as financially." Comment.

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

Compare and contrast the British and Indian approaches to Parliamentary sovereignty.

Q5 Parliament & State Legislature · 10 marks

Discuss the role of Presiding Officers of state legislatures in maintaining order and impartiality in conducting legislative work and in facilitating best democratic practices.

Q6 Health, Education & Human Resources · 10 marks

The crucial aspect of development process has been the inadequate attention paid to Human Resource Development in India. Suggest measures that can address this inadequacy.

Q7 Constitutional & Statutory Bodies · 10 marks

Discuss the role of the Competition Commission of India in containing the abuse of dominant position by the Multi-National Corporations in India. Refer to the recent decisions.

Q8 Governance, Transparency & Accountability · 10 marks

e-governance, as a critical tool of governance, has ushered in effectiveness, transparency and accountability in governments. What inadequacies hamper the enhancement of these features?

Q9 Bilateral, Regional & Global Groupings · 10 marks

'Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO.' In the light of the above statement point out the role of India in mitigating the problems.

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

Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India.

Q11 Salient Features of Indian Constitution · 15 marks

"The Constitution of India is a living instrument with capabilities of enormous dynamism. It is a constitution made for a progressive society." Illustrate with special reference to the expanding horizons of the right to life and personal liberty.

Q12 Salient Features of Indian Constitution · 15 marks

Explain the constitutional perspectives of Gender Justice with the help of relevant Constitutional Provisions and case laws.

Q13 Federalism · 15 marks

Account for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency of using Article 356 by the Union Governments since mid 1990s.

Q14 Role of NGOs, SHGs & Pressure Groups · 15 marks

Discuss the contribution of civil society groups for women's effective and meaningful participation and representation in state legislatures in India.

Q15 Federalism · 15 marks

Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. To what extent does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism?

Q16 Parliament & State Legislature · 15 marks

Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the financial committees helped in the institutionalisation of Indian Parliament?

Q17 Social Justice & Welfare · 15 marks

"Development and welfare schemes for the vulnerable, by its nature, are discriminatory in approach." Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.

Q18 Health, Education & Human Resources · 15 marks

Skill development programmes have succeeded in increasing human resources supply to various sectors. In the context of the statement analyse the linkages between education, skill and employment.

Q19 Bilateral, Regional & Global Groupings · 15 marks

'The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well for India.' What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer.

Q20 International Institutions · 15 marks

'Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos.' Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) in protecting environment and enhancing maritime safety and security.

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