UPSC Mains 2023 GS2

GS2 — Polity · IR · Governance — 20 questions. Click any question for full text, examiner-intent decoding, source citations, cross-year examiner pattern, and a structured answer skeleton.

  1. Q1 Judiciary and Democracy
    Free

    “Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy.” Comment. (Answer in 150 words)

    10 marks · 150 words
  2. Q2 Legal Aid and NALSA
    Free

    Who are entitled to receive free legal aid? Assess the role of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in rendering free legal aid in India. (Answer in 150 words)

    10 marks · 150 words
  3. Q3 Urban Local Bodies
    Free

    “The states in India seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both functionally as well as financially.” Comment. (Answer in 150 words)

    10 marks · 150 words
  4. Q4 Parliamentary Sovereignty Comparison
    Pro

    Compare and contrast the British and Indian approaches to Parliamentary sovereignty. (Answer in 150 words)

    10 marks · 150 words
  5. Q5 State Legislature Officers
    Pro

    Discuss the role of Presiding Officers of state legislatures in maintaining order and impartiality in conducting legislative work and in facilitating best democratic practices. (Answer in 150 words)

    10 marks · 150 words
  6. Q6 Human Resource Development
    Pro

    The crucial aspect of development process has been the inadequate attention paid to Human Resource Development in India. Suggest measures that can address this inadequacy. (Answer in 150 words)

    10 marks · 150 words
  7. Q7 Competition Commission Role
    Pro

    Discuss the role of the Competition Commission of India in containing the abuse of dominant position by the Multi-National Corporations in India. Refer to the recent decisions. (Answer in 150 words)

    10 marks · 150 words
  8. Q8 E-governance Challenges
    Pro

    e-governance, as a critical tool of governance, has ushered in effectiveness, transparency and accountability in governments. What inadequacies hamper the enhancement of these features? (Answer in 150 words)

    10 marks · 150 words
  9. Q9 SCO and India
    Pro

    ‘Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO’ In the light of the above statement point out the role of India in mitigating the problems. (Answer in 150 words)

    10 marks · 150 words
  10. Q10 Indian Diaspora
    Pro

    Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India. (Answer in 150 words)

    10 marks · 150 words
  11. Q11 Living Constitution
    Pro

    “The Constitution of India is a living instrument with capabilities of enormous dynamism. It is a constitution made for a progressive society.” Illustrate with special reference to the expanding horizons of the right to life and personal liberty. (Answer in 250 words)

    15 marks · 250 words
  12. Q12 Gender Justice
    Pro

    Explain the constitutional perspectives of Gender Justice with the help of relevant Constitutional Provisions and case laws. (Answer in 250 words)

    15 marks · 250 words
  13. Q13 Article 356 Usage
    Pro

    Account for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency of using Article 356 by the Union Governments since mid 1990s. (Answer in 250 words)

    15 marks · 250 words
  14. Q14 Civil Society and Women
    Pro

    Discuss the contribution of civil society groups for women's effective and meaningful participation and representation in state legislatures in India. (Answer in 250 words)

    15 marks · 250 words
  15. Q15 GST and Federalism
    Pro

    Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. To what extent does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism? (Answer in 250 words)

    15 marks · 250 words
  16. Q16 Parliamentary Committees
    Pro

    Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the financial committees helped in the institutionalisation of Indian Parliament? (Answer in 250 words)

    15 marks · 250 words
  17. Q17 Welfare Schemes
    Pro

    “Development and welfare schemes for the vulnerable, by its nature, are discriminatory in approach.” Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. (Answer in 250 words)

    15 marks · 250 words
  18. Q18 Skill and Employment
    Pro

    Skill development programmes have succeeded in increasing human resources supply to various sectors. In the context of the statement analyse the linkages between education, skill and employment. (Answer in 250 words)

    15 marks · 250 words
  19. Q19 NATO and India
    Pro

    ‘The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well for India.’ What is your opinion about this statement ? Give reasons and examples to support your answer. (Answer in 250 words)

    15 marks · 250 words
  20. Q20 IMO and Maritime Safety
    Pro

    ‘Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos’ Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) in protecting environment and enhancing maritime safety and security. (Answer in 250 words)

    15 marks · 250 words