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UPSC Mains 2024 GS 2 Question Paper (General Studies II)

All 20 questions from the UPSC Civil Services Mains 2024 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

Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to "one nation – one election" principle.

Q2 Judiciary · 10 marks

Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they entertain civil as well as criminal cases?

Q3 Union & State Executive · 10 marks

"The growth of cabinet system has practically resulted in the marginalisation of the parliamentary supremacy." Elucidate.

Q4 Constitutional & Statutory Bodies · 10 marks

"The duty of the Comptroller and Auditor General is not merely to ensure the legality of expenditure but also its propriety." Comment.

Q5 Local Self Government · 10 marks

Analyse the role of local bodies in providing good governance at local level and bring out the pros and cons merging the rural local bodies with the urban local bodies.

Q6 Role of NGOs, SHGs & Pressure Groups · 10 marks

Public charitable trusts have the potential to make India's development more inclusive as they relate to certain vital public issues. Comment.

Q7 Issues relating to Poverty and Hunger · 10 marks

Poverty and malnutrition create a vicious cycle, adversely affecting human capital formation. What steps can be taken to break the cycle?

Q8 Role of Civil Services in a Democracy · 10 marks

The Doctrine of Democratic Governance makes it necessary that the public perception of the integrity and commitment of civil servants becomes absolutely positive. Discuss.

Q9 Bilateral, Regional & Global Groupings · 10 marks

'The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China's supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China's political and economic dominance.' Explain this statement with examples.

Q10 Bilateral, Regional & Global Groupings · 10 marks

Critically analyse India's evolving diplomatic, economic and strategic relations with the Central Asian Republics (CARs) highlighting their increasing significance in regional and global geopolitics.

Q11 Health, Education & Human Resources · 15 marks

What are the aims and objects of recently passed and enforced, The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024? Whether University/State Education Board examinations, too, are covered under the Act?

Q12 Salient Features of Indian Constitution · 15 marks

Right to privacy is intrinsic to life and personal liberty and is inherently protected under Article 21 of the constitution. Explain. In this reference discuss the law relating to D.N.A. testing of child in the womb to establish its paternity.

Q13 Federalism · 15 marks

What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-State relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build the trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism.

Q14 Judiciary · 15 marks

Explain the reasons for the growth of public interest litigation in India. As a result of it, has the Indian Supreme Court emerged as the world's most powerful judiciary?

Q15 Comparison of the Indian Constitutional Scheme with that of Other Countries · 15 marks

Discuss India as a secular state and compare with the secular principles of the US constitution.

Q16 Governance, Transparency & Accountability · 15 marks

The Citizens' charter has been a landmark initiative in ensuring citizen-centric administration. But it is yet to reach its full potential. Identify the factors hindering the realisation of its promise and suggest measures to overcome them.

Q17 Health, Education & Human Resources · 15 marks

In a crucial domain like the public healthcare system the Indian State should play a vital role to contain the adverse impact of marketisation of the system. Suggest some measures through which the State can enhance the reach of public healthcare at the grassroots level.

Q18 Governance, Transparency & Accountability · 15 marks

e-governance is not just about the routine application of digital technology in service delivery process. It is as much about multifarious interactions for ensuring transparency and accountability. In this context evaluate the role of the 'Interactive Service Model' of e-governance.

Q19 International Institutions · 15 marks

'Terrorism has become a significant threat to global peace and security.' Evaluate the effectiveness of the United Nations Security Council's Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) and its associated bodies in addressing and mitigating this threat at the international level.

Q20 India & Its Neighbourhood · 15 marks

Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of Maldives for India with a focus on global trade and energy flows. Further also discuss how this relationship affects India's maritime security and regional stability amidst international competition?

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