UPSC Mains 2020 GS-2 Question Paper

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

• Q2. ‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples.10 marks · America and Europe
• Q3. The judicial systems in India and UK seem to be converging as well as diverging in recent times. Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the two nations in terms of their judicial practices.10 marks · India and UK( Judiciary)
• Q3. National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement.15 marks · NEP 2020
• Q4. How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer.15 marks · 2018 the political tussle between the Lt. Governor and elected (LG vs Elected Govt) Cooperative Federalism
• Q4. “Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance”. In this context suggest reforms in Civil Service for strengthening democracy.10 marks · Reforms (Institutional Quality)
• Q5. Indian Constitution exhibits centralising tendencies to maintain unity and integrity of the nation. Elucidate in the perspective of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897; The Disaster Management Act, 2005 and recently passed Farm Acts.15 marks · Centre-State relations
• Q5. Judicial Legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian Constitution. In this context justify the filing of large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities.15 marks · Separation of powers(Judicial Legislation & PILs )
• Q6. The strength and sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their formative phase of ‘Functions, Functionaries and Funds’ to the contemporary stage of ‘Functionality’. Highlight the critical challenges faced by local institutions in terms of their functionality in recent times.15 marks · (Functionality Challenges)
• Q6. “There is a need for simplification of procedure for disqualification of persons found guilty of corrupt practices under the Representation of Peoples Act”. Comment.10 marks · RPA: (Corrupt Practices & Disqual.)
• Q6. “The incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty than poverty based on income alone”. In this context, analyse the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report.15 marks · MPI
• Q7. Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a ‘useless stepney tyre’ to the most useful supporting organ in past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas in which this transformation could be visible.15 marks · Rajya Sabha (
• Q7. In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate healthcare policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal healthcare. Discuss.10 marks · Geriatric & Maternal Healthcare
• Q8. “Once a speaker, Always a speaker”! Do you think the practice should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India?10 marks · Speaker
• Q8. What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.15 marks · vs Russia)
• Q10. Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the Covid-19 pandemic.10 marks · WHO
• Q11. “The emergence of Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss.10 marks · E-Governance & Digital Revolution
• Q11. ‘Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)’ is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times – Discuss.15 marks · QUAD
• Q15. Which steps are required for constitutionalization of a Commission? Do you think imparting constitutionality to the National Commission for Women would ensure greater gender justice and empowerment in India? Give reasons.15 marks · NCW
• Q15. “Micro-Finance as an anti-poverty vaccine, is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in India”. Evaluate the role of Self Help Groups in achieving the twin objectives along with empowering women in rural India.15 marks
• Q16. “Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission”. Discuss. 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.10 marks · Information Commission