PYQ

UPSC IAS Mains 2021 “General Studies (GS Paper 2)” Exam Question Paper

Marks: 250

Duration: 3 hours

Exam Date: 07.01.2022

UPSC Mains 2021: GS Paper 2 Model Hints

The following hints for Union Public Service Commission Mains General Studies Paper 2 examination, 2021 can be utilized by the aspirants and appeared candidates for various purposes. Appeared candidates of the UPSC Mains 2021 can use these hints to get an outline of the required answers and compare it with what they have written during the examination. Other aspirants of the Union Public Service Commission examination can use this as a learning aid for practice and analysis of this year’s papers.

The hints have been prepared keeping in mind the Union Public Service Commission Mains examination’s specified word limits and examination expected standards. This is not an exhaustive attempt. There could be many more points and details which can be added for proper explanation. However, we have decided to write exactly as per exam conditions and time limits. We hope this contribute in your understanding and preparation of Union Public Service Commission Mains examination.

Subject: Paper – III: General Studies – II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations

1. ‘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. (Answer in 150 words) (10) 
2. Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to  ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness. (Answer in 150 words) (10) 
3. How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled  the states to improve their fiscal position? (Answer in 150 words) (10) 
4. To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the  executive in India? (Answer in 150 words) (10) 
5. Pressure groups play a vital role in influencing public policy making in India.”  Explain how the business associations contribute to public policies. (Answer in 150 words) (10) 
6. “Besides being a moral imperative of Welfare State, primary health structure is a  necessary pre-condition for sustainable development.” Analyze. (Answer in 150 words) (10) 
7. “‘Earn while you learn’ scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education  and skill training meaningful.” Comment. (Answer in 150 words) (10) 
8. Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken  through micro financing of women SHGs? Explain with examples (Answer in 150 words) (10) 
9. “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. (Answer in 150 words) (10) 
10. “The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of a China, which is much more  challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain (Answer in 150 words) (10) 
11. 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 States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute.  Explain with special reference to the federal character of India.  (Answer in 250 words) (15) 
12. 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. (Answer in 250 words) (15) 
13. Analyze the distinguishing features of the notion of Equality in the Constitutions of  the USA and India. (Answer in 250 words) (15) 
14. Explain the constitutional provisions under which Legislative Councils are established. Review the working and current status of Legislative Councils with  suitable illustrations. (Answer in 250 words) (15) 
15. 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. (Answer in 250 words) (15) 
16. Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, couple with lack of Information  and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic  development? Examine with justification. (Answer in 250 words) (15) 
17. “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? (Answer in 250 words) (15) 
18. 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. (Answer in 250 words) (15) 
19. Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for  India? (Answer in 250 words) (15)
20. 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.   (Answer in 250 words) (15)