UPSC Mains 2019 GS-2 Question Paper

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

• Q1. “Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution is a limited power and it cannot be enlarged into absolute power.” In the light of this statement, explain whether Parliament under Article 368 of the Constitution can destroy the Basic Structure of the Constitution by expanding its amending power?15 marks · Amendments doctrine
• Q2. What can France learn from the Indian Constitution’s approach to secularism?10 marks · Secularism)
• Q3. From the resolution of contentious issues regarding distribution of legislative powers by the courts, ‘Principle of Federal Supremacy’ and ‘Harmonious Construction’ have emerged. Explain.10 marks · Federal supremacy and harmonious construction
• Q4. Do you think that the Constitution of India does not accept principle of strict separation of powers rather it is based on the principle of ‘checks and balance’? Explain.10 marks · Checks and balances
• Q4. Despite consistent experience of high growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive.10 marks · Human Economic Growth
• Q5. “The reservation of seats for women in the institutions of local self-government has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian Political Process.” Comment.15 marks · Women’s local bodies
• Q5. On what grounds a people’s representative can be disqualified under the Representation of People Act, 1951? Also mention the remedies available to such person against his disqualification.15 marks · RPA: disqualification of representatives
• Q5. There is a growing divergence in the relationship between poverty and hunger in India. The shrinking of social expenditure by the government is forcing the poor to spend more on non-food essential items, squeezing their food-budget. Elucidate.10 marks · Food Budget(
• Q5. “What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s National self-esteem and ambitions” Explain with suitable examples.15 marks · India -USA(Global Strategy Friction)
• Q6. Individual Parliamentarian’s role as the national lawmaker is on a decline, which in turn, has adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss.15 marks · Decline of Parliament role
• Q6. “The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised Nations has disappeared on account of its Foreign Policy shift and new found role in the emerging global order”. Elaborate.15 marks
• Q7. ‘The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship, one involving global and strategic partnership that will have a great significance for Asia and the world as a whole.’ Comment.10 marks · India -Japan (Strategic Partnership)
• Q9. Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of policy process. Discuss.15 marks · Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections
• Q9. ‘Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in the light of US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’.10 marks · UNESCO Crisis
• Q10. The need for cooperation among various service sector has been an inherent component of development discourse. Partnership bridges the gap among the sectors. It also sets in motion a culture of ‘Collaboration’ and ‘team spirit’. In the light of statements above examine India’s development process.15 marks · Competitive, federalism
• Q10. Implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) based Projects / Programmes usually suffers in terms of certain vital factors. Identify these factors, and suggest measures for their effective implementation.10 marks · ICT Projects
• Q11. ‘In the context of neo-liberal paradigm of development planning, multi-level planning is expected to make operations cost effective.’ Discuss.15 marks · Multi-Level Developmental effective and remove many implementation Planning
• Q13. “The Attorney-General is the chief legal adviser and lawyer of the Government of India.” Discuss. “The Central Administrative Tribunal which was established for redressal of grievances and complaints by or against central government employees, nowadays is exercising its powers as an independent judicial authority.” Explain.15 marks · Attorney General
• Q14. The Central Administrative Tribunal which was established for redressal of grievances and complaints by or against central government employees, nowadays is exercising its powers as an independent judicial authority. Explain.10 marks · Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT)
• Q14. What are the methods used by the Farmers organizations to influence the policy makers in India and how effective are these methods?10 marks · Farmers Organisations