UPSC Mains 2015 GS-2 Question Paper

All 20 questions from this paper, with real topper answers where available.

• Q1. Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizens a uniform civil code as provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy.12.5 marks · DPSP DPSP: Uniform Civil Code
• Q1. Though there have been several different estimates of poverty in India, all indicate reduction in poverty levels over time. Do Poverty Estimation you agree? Critically examine with reference to urban and rural poverty indicators.12.5 marks · Trends
• Q1. Project `Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of the Indian Government to improve relationship with its neighbors. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss.12.5 marks · Foreign Policy Project Mausam
• Q2. The concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasized in recent years. Highlight the drawbacks in the existing structure and the extent to which cooperative federalism would answer the shortcomings. Discuss the essentials of the 69th Constitutional Amendment12.5 marks · Cooperative Federalism
• Q2. In absence of a well-educated and organized local level government system, `Panchayats’ and ‘Samitis’ have remained Panchayati Raj mainly political institutions and not effectiveinstruments of governance. Critically discuss.10 marks · institutions
• Q2. of the spirit of separation of powers doctrine. While noting the Ordinance-making rationales justifying the power to promulgate ordinances, analyze whether the decisions of the Supreme Court on the issue have further facilitated resorting to this power. Should the power to promulgate ordinances be repealed?12.5 marks · power and separation of powers
• Q2. The quality of higher education in India requires major improvements to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educationalinstitutions would Foreign Universities help improve the quality of higher and technical education in thecountry? Discuss.12.5 marks
• Q2. Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India-Pakistan relations. To what extent the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchanges could help generate goodwill Power Diplomacy) between the two countries? Discuss with suitable examples.12.5 marks · Terrorism(Soft
• Q2. Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pros and cons. Critically examine12.5 marks · India -Africa
• Q3. Does the right to clean environment entail legal regulations on burning crackers during Diwali? Discuss in the light of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and Judgement(s) of the Apex Court in this regard. marks · Article 21 (Environmental Rights & Crackers)
• Q3. Public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do youthink that the private sector could help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives would you suggest?12.5 marks · Public health system
• Q4. How can the role of NGOs be strengthened in India for development works relating to protection of the environment? Discuss throwing light on the major constraints.12.5 marks · NGOs(Environment al Protection)
• Q4. “If amendment bill to the Whistleblowers Act, 2011 tabled in Whistleblowers Act the Parliament is passed, there may be no one left to protect.” Critically evaluate.12.5 marks
• Q5. standards. “For achieving the desired objectives, it is necessary to ensure that the regulatory institutions remain independent and Regulatory Bodies autonomous.” Discuss in the light of theexperiences in recent (Independence) past.12.5 marks
• Q5. The Self-Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Programme (SBLP), which is India’s own innovation, has proved to be one of the SHG-Bank Linkage most effective poverty alleviation and women empowerment programmes. Elucidate.12.5 marks · Programme
• Q5. In the light of the Satyam Scandal (2009), discuss the changes brought in corporate governance to ensure transparency, accountability.12.5 marks · Corporate Governance
• Q5. Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in UN Security Council.12.5 marks · UNSC Reforms
• Q6. What are the major changes brought in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 through the recent Ordinance Alternative Dispute promulgated by the President? How far will it improve India’s dispute resolution mechanism? Discuss12.5 marks · Resolution
• Q6. Examine critically the recent changes in the rules governing foreign funding of NGOs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976.12.5 marks · NGOs(FCRA Regulations)
• Q7. Khap panchayats have been in the news for functioning as extra – constitutional authorities, often delivering pronouncements Khap Panchayats amounting to human right violations. Discuss critically the (Extra-Constitution actions taken by the legislative, executive and judiciary to set12.5 marks · al)