Question

GS2 PRACTICE QUESTIONS FOR UPSC MAINS 2024

Answer 1

Polity (Sample Questions)

1. Discuss the implications of the blurring lines between the three branches of government on judicial independence, considering the doctrine of separation of powers. (15M)

2. Analyze the constitutional provisions and controversies surrounding the role of the Governor in India's federal structure. (15M)

3. Compare and contrast the constitutional provisions related to the emergency powers of the President of India and the executive powers of the Prime Minister in a parliamentary democracy. (10M)

4. Evaluate the effectiveness of the anti-defection law in India, focusing on its impact on political stability and the role of the Speaker. (10M)

5. Examine the role of the Finance Commission in enhancing fiscal federalism in India, with particular reference to the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission. (15M)

Governance (Sample Questions)

1. Assess the impact of the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme on improving the efficiency and transparency of welfare programs in India. (10M)

2. Analyze the challenges faced in implementing e-governance initiatives at the grassroots level, with a focus on digital literacy and infrastructure. (15M)

3. Discuss the role of civil society in strengthening the accountability of local self-government institutions in India. (15M)

4. Evaluate the effectiveness of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in addressing rural unemployment and poverty. (15M)

5. Examine the role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in improving the quality of healthcare services in India, with examples from recent initiatives. (10M)

International Relations (Sample Questions)

1. Analyze the strategic significance of India's "Act East" policy in enhancing its influence in the Indo-Pacific region. (15M)

2. Discuss the role of the United Nations in mediating conflicts in South Asia, with a focus on India's diplomatic strategies. (10M)

3. Evaluate the impact of the Quad alliance on India's relations with China and the broader geopolitical landscape in Asia. (15M)

4. Assess India's contribution to global climate change negotiations, with particular reference to its commitments under the Paris Agreement. (10M)

5. Examine the evolving nature of India's defense cooperation with major global powers, focusing on recent agreements and partnerships. (15M)

Social Justice (Sample Questions)

1. Discuss the effectiveness of affirmative action policies in India in addressing historical injustices faced by marginalized communities. (15M)

2. Analyze the challenges and opportunities in implementing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, focusing on the role of government and civil society. (10M)

3. Evaluate the impact of microfinance on women's empowerment in rural India, with case studies from recent initiatives. (15M)

4. Examine the role of legal aid services in ensuring access to justice for underprivileged sections of society in India. (10M)

5. Assess the significance of the Right to Education (RTE) Act in promoting inclusive education in India, considering the challenges faced in its implementation. (15M)

Answer 2

1. Analyze the implications of the recent Supreme Court judgment on same-sex marriages in India, focusing on its impact on social justice and LGBTQIA+ rights. (15M)

2. Discuss the significance of the recent amendments to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, in addressing caste-based violence and promoting social justice. (15M)

3. Evaluate the impact of the recent protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) on the social fabric of India, focusing on issues of citizenship and social justice. (15M)

4. Examine the role of the National Commission for Women (NCW) in addressing the rise in domestic violence cases during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on gender justice and social security measures. (10M)

5. Analyze the effectiveness of the PM CARES Fund in providing relief to marginalized communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on transparency, accountability, and social justice. (15M)

6. Discuss the challenges faced by migrant workers during the COVID-19 lockdown, focusing on issues of social justice, labor rights, and government responses. (15M)

7. Evaluate the impact of the recent implementation of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 on promoting social justice in India, focusing on access to education for marginalized communities. (15M)

8. Analyze the implications of the recent Supreme Court ruling on reservation in promotions for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, with a focus on social justice and equality in public employment. (10M)

9. Discuss the social justice implications of the recent farmer protests in India, focusing on the concerns of small and marginal farmers and the role of government policies. (15M)

10. Evaluate the effectiveness of the One Nation, One Ration Card scheme in promoting food security and social justice for migrant workers and marginalized communities. (10M)

11. Examine the role of the judiciary in safeguarding the rights of underprivileged communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, with reference to recent judgments on migrant labor and health rights. (15M)

12. Discuss the implications of the recent debates on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for social justice and the protection of minority rights in India. (15M)

13. Analyze the impact of the recent extension of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) on promoting social justice and alleviating poverty during the economic crisis caused by the pandemic. (10M)

14. Evaluate the role of digital literacy initiatives in promoting social justice, with reference to the challenges faced by rural and marginalized communities during online education in the COVID-19 era. (15M)

15. Discuss the significance of the recent Supreme Court directives on police reforms in ensuring social justice and addressing custodial violence in India. (15M)