UPSC Mains 2018 GS Paper 2 questions

20 questions from the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2018. Official UPSC paper (PDF) · All GS Paper 2 PYQs

1. 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?

   Polity & Constitution · 150 words · 10 marks

2. 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.

   Social Justice · 150 words · 10 marks

3. 3

   Under what circumstances can the Financial Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What consequences follow when such a declaration remains in force?

   Polity & Constitution · 150 words · 10 marks

4. 4

   Why do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role of the Estimates Committee.

   Polity & Constitution · 150 words · 10 marks

5. 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.

   Polity & Constitution · 150 words · 10 marks

6. 6

   "Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate 'protection and prevention of degradation' to environment." Comment with relevant illustrations.

   Governance · 150 words · 10 marks

7. 7

   Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve 'Health for All' in India, Explain.

   Social Justice · 150 words · 10 marks

8. 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.

   Governance · 150 words · 10 marks

9. 9

   "India's relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back." Discuss.

   International Relations · 150 words · 10 marks

10. 10

    A number of outside powers 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.

    International Relations · 150 words · 10 marks

11. 11

    Whether the Supreme Court Judgement (July 2018) can settle the political tussle between the Lt. Governor and elected government of Delhi? Examine.

    Polity & Constitution · 250 words · 15 marks

12. 12

    How far do 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.

    Polity & Constitution · 250 words · 15 marks · Model answer & what aspirants miss

13. 13

    India and USA are two large democracies. Examine the basic tenets on which the two political systems are based.

    Polity & Constitution · 250 words · 15 marks

14. 14

    How is the Finance Commission of India constituted? What do you know about the terms of reference of the recently constituted Finance Commission? Discuss.

    Polity & Constitution · 250 words · 15 marks

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 developmental projects?

    Polity & Constitution · 250 words · 15 marks

16. 16

    Multiplicity of various commissions for the vulnérable 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.

    Social Justice · 250 words · 15 marks

17. 17

    How far do you agree with the view that the focus on lack of availability of food as the main cause of hunger takes the attention away from ineffective human development policies in India?

    Social Justice · 250 words · 15 marks

18. 18

    The Citizens' Charter is an ideal instrument of organizational transparency and accountability, but it has its own limitations. Identify the limitations and suggest measures for greater effectiveness of the Citizens' Charter.

    Governance · 250 words · 15 marks

19. 19

    What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of 'Trade War', especially keeping in mind the interest of India?

    International Relations · 250 words · 15 marks

20. 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?

    International Relations · 250 words · 15 marks