UPSC Mains 2018: General Studies Paper-2

UPSC IAS Mains 2018: General Studies Paper-2 Question Paper

1)  In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic voting Machines (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India ? (Answer in 150 words)  10

2)  Whether National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine.(Answer in 150 words)    10

3)  Under what circumstances can be Financial Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What consequences follow when such a declaration remains in forces?(Answer in 150 words)      10

4)   Why do you think committees are considered to be useful of parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role of the Estimates Committee.(Answer in 150 words)        10

5)   ‘’The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has a very vital role to play.’’ Explain how this is reflected in the method and terms of his appointment as well as the range of powers he can exercise.(Answer in 150 words)    10

6)   ‘’Policy contradiction among various completing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate ‘protection and prevention of degradation to environment.’’ Comment with relevant illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)    10

7)    Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’’ in India. Explain.(Answer in 150 words)    10

8)   E-governance is not only about utilization of the power of new technology, but also much about critical importance of the use value of information. Explain.(Answer in 150 words)       10

9)   ‘’India’s relations with Israel have, of Late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.’’ Discuss.(Answer in 150 words)    10

10)  A number of outside power have entrenched themselves in Central Asia, which is a zone of interest to India. Discuss the implications, in this context, of India’s joining the Ashgabat Agreement, 2018.(Answer in 150 words)    10

11)   Whether the Supreme Court Judgment (July 2018) can settle the political tussle between the Lt. Governor and elected government of Delhi?  (Answer in 250 words)        15

12)  How far you agree with the view that tribunals curtail the jurisdiction of ordinary courts? In view of the above, discuss the constitutional validity and competency of the tribunals in India.(Answer in 250 words)     15

13)  India and U.S.A. are two large democracies. Examine the basic tenets on which the two political systems are based. (Answer in 250 words)        15

14)  How is the Finance Commission of the constituted? What do you know the terms of reference of the recently constituted Finance Commission? Discuss.(Answer in 250 words)    15

15)   Assess the importance of the Panchayat system in India as a part of local government. Apart from government grants, what sources the Panchayats can look out for financing development projects?(Answer in 250 words) 15

16)   Multiplicity of various commissions for the vulnerable sections of the society leads to problems of overlapping jurisdiction and duplication of functions. Is it better to merge all commissions into an umbrella Human Rights Commission? Argue your case.(Answer in 250 words)   15

17)  How far do you agree with the view the view that focuses on lack of availability of food as the main cause of hunger takes the attention away from ineffective human development policies in India?(Answer in 250 words)    15

18)  The Citizens’ Charter is an ideal instrument of organizational transparency and accountability, but has it own limitations. Identify the limitations and suggest measures for greater effectiveness  of the Citizens’ Charter.       (Answer in 250 words)      15

19)  What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to has to survive in the present context of ‘Trade War’, especially keeping in hand in mind the interest of India?(Answer in 250 words)    15

20)   In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to this situation?(Answer in 250 words)    15