UPSC Mains-2018 – General Studies 2 Trend Analysis

Sr.no Questions Why UPSC Asked this question?
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? (10)
  1. Reason 1. Recent controversy on the use of EVM, (after UP election, etc.)
  2. Reason 2. VVPAT as an alternative(January 2017 to September 2018)
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. (10)
  1. Reason 1. jamia millia islamia + Aligarh Muslim University à Minority Status Issue
  2. (January 2018)
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? (10)
  1. Static Portion

(M.Laxmikanth is sufficient + General Intelligence )
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. (10)
  1. Static Portion(M.Laxmikanth is sufficient + General Intelligence )
  2. Hint* (Parliamentary panel calls former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan to brief on NPAs )(September 2018)
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. (10)
  1. Static Portion(M.Laxmikanth is sufficient + General Intelligence )
  2. Hint* (2G Spectrum Scam verdict by supreme court ,questions on CAG )(December 2017)
6. “Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate ‘protection and prevention of degradation to environment.” Comment with relevant illustrations.
  1. Hint* (Issue of Chardham Project between Supreme Court and NGT’s Jurisdiction , etc )
  • More such examples

 
7. Appropriate local community level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain.
  1. Reason 1. Started Ayushman Bharat (Support for elderly, etc.)
  2. Reason 1. Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana
  3. (April 2018)
8. E-governance in not only about utilization of the power of new technology, but also much about critical importance of the ‘use value’ of information. Explain. (10)
  1. Static Portion
  2. Hint* (Speedy delivery , Services to people, digital literacy , etc. )
9. “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. (10 )
  1. Reason 1. Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu arrives for ‘historic’ visit to India

(January 2018)
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. (10)
  1. Reason 1. India Joins the Ashgabat Agreement
  2. Reason 2. consequences of India’s entry into the Ashgabat

(February 2018)
11 Whether the Supreme Court Judgment (July 2018) can settle the political tussle between the Lt. Governor and elected government of Delhi? Examine. (15)
  1. Reason 1. Supreme Court says Delhi lieutenant governor can’t act independently
  2. Reason 2. Delhi Government vs. Lieutenant Governor power struggle
  • Article 239AA

(July 2018)
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. (15)
  1. Reason 1. NGT , Theni Judgment , Yamuna Doab , Consumer courts , Cauvery Water dispute tribunal , etc. were in news
  2. Delay in Justice
  3. Reason 2. Constitutional validity , Articles

(+ Static Portion + General intelligence)
13 Indian and USA are two large democracies. Examine the basic tenets on which the two political systems are based.
  1. Reason 1. Comparison of Constitution
  2. Reason 2. Separation of Powers, etc.

(Static Portion)
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. (15)
  1. Reason 1. 15th Finance commission Constituted

(May 2018)
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? (15)
  1. Static Portion
  2. Reason 1. Decentralisation, delegation of Powers, Local self-government, etc.
  • 25 Years of Panchayati Raj Institutions(April-May 2018)

 
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. (15)
  1. Static Portion for Basics
  2. Reason 1. Constitutional status to National Commission for Backward classes, etc.

(August 2018)
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? (15)
General question
18 The Citizen’s Charter is an ideal instrument of organisational transparency and accountability, but it has its own limitations. Identify the limitations and suggest measures for greater effectiveness of the Citizen’s Charters. (15)
  1. Static Portion

(12 on Citizen centre administration: Chapter 4)
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? (15)
  1. Reason 1. WTO Ministerial conference
  2. Relevance of WTO in today’s global scenario
  3. US-China Trade War , etc.

(December 2017- September 2018)
20. In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to its situation? (15)
  1. Reason 1. President Trump Announces Withdrawal Iran Nuclear Deal
  2. Impact on India- Iran Relations

(April-May 2018)

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