| No. |
Question |
Why UPSC Asked this question? |
| 01 |
“There is a need for simplification of procedure for disqualification of persons found guilty of corrupt practices under the Representation of peoples Act” Comment (Answer in 150 words) |
- direct question with respect to the RPA
- Analytical Question
- Limited content in Laxmikant
Did you Notice
- A question with similar context in 2019.
|
| 02 |
“Recent amendments to the Right to information Act will have profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission”. Discuss (Answer in 150 words) |
- Direct Current based Question
- Hint: Recently the RTI act was amended which allowed the central government to prescribe the term for information commissioners. (Jul 22, 2019).
|
| 03 |
How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer (Answer in 150 words) |
- each term needs to be explained and examined under the current circumstances by giving examples
Cooperation – GST Council
Examples
- Cooperation between Niti aayog and zonal councils
Competition – Ease of doing business ranking of state governments
Examples
- Competition between states after 1991 economic reforms
- recent parameters of ease of doing business, logistic index, Swachh Bharat Sarvekshan.
Confrontation – Permission to CBI to investigate cases , Opposition farm laws by some states
Examples:
- General consent against CBI by various states-(administrative relations between Centre and States)
- Recent Issue on GST (Financial relations between Centre and States)
|
| 04 |
The judicial systems in India and UK seem to be converging as well as diverging in the recent times. Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the two nations in terms of their judicial practices. (Answer in 150 words) |
Did you Notice
Comparing Constitution
- India and USA in 2018
- Indian and French in 2019
- India and UK in 2020
|
| 05 |
“Once a speaker, Always a speaker’! Do you think the practice should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India. (Answer in 150 words) |
- This question is based on the role of the Speaker.
- Hint: office of speaker in Parliament and State legislature has been in news due to controversy over his/her biases in anti – defection decisions and in conducting proceedings of the house.
- Hint: Rajasthan HC vs. 19 MLAs Challenging Speaker notice. (Jul 25, 2020).
- Hint: SC upholds disqualification of 17 Karnataka MLAs by Speaker,. (Nov 14, 2019).
|
| 06 |
In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words) |
- This is a question about Inclusive growth.
- Require knowledge about schemes for healthcare of old people and women.
- It is related to SDG 3 and 5
Did you Notice
- Question related to health has been asked in 2015 & 2017.
|
| 07 |
“Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance”. In this context suggest reforms in Civil Service for strengthening democracy. (Answer in 150 words) |
- direct question on Civil Services reforms
- A candidate having read 10th Report of 2ARC
- Recent reforms in civil services like perform and perish, Mission Karamyogi-
- Hint: The National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (‘NPCSCB’) – “Mission Karmayogi” has been launched with the objective of enhancing governance through Civil Service Capacity Building (Sep 7, 2020).
|
| 08 |
“The emergence of Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words) |
- Inter-linkage between the Digital revolution and governance.
- Hint: The World Economic Forum (WEF) has launched a Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) in India. (Oct 18, 2018).
Did you Notice
- Questions on e-Governance in 2018 & 2019.
|
| 09 |
Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Answer in 150 words) |
- Hint: WHO has been in the news a lot over its response to COVID 19 pandemic (Mar 31, 2020).
- WHO failed to counter the pandemic situation in real-time world-wide
- Hint: USA’s withdrawal from WHO (Jul 9, 2020).
- Hint: Current Funding issue of WHO (Apr 9, 2020).
|
| 10 |
‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples. (Answer in 150 words) |
- Direct question on the significance of Indian Diaspora in West.
- Hint: Current affairs based given the fact that role of Indian diaspora in recent US elections (Dec 01, 2020).
- Kamala Harris as Vice President of USA
- 3 Indian-origin ministers in UK’s diverse Cabinet
- Canada Defence Minister
Did you Notice
- Question on Indian Diaspora was asked in 2017.
|
| 11 |
Indian constitution exhibits centralising tendencies to maintain unity and integrity of the nation. Elucidate in the perspective of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897; The Disaster Management Act, 2005 and recently passed Farm Acts. (Answer in 250 words) |
- Direct Current based Question
- Hint: Current affairs based as Epidemic Diseases Act 1897, Disaster Management Act 2005 had been in news during COVID lockdown and
- Recent farm acts have also been in news. (Nov 23, 2020).
|
| 12 |
Judicial Legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian Constitution. In this context justify the filing of large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities. (Answer in 250 words) |
Did you Notice
- Question on separation of powers has been asked in 2013 & 2019.
|
| 13 |
The strength sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their formative phase of ‘Functions, Functionaries and Funs’ to the contemporary stage of ‘Functionality’. Highlight the critical challenges faced by local institutions in terms of their functionality in recent times. (Answer in 250 words) |
- Analytical Question.
- Requires comparative analysis
- Highlight the challenges they face in performing the functions devolved to them
- lack of coordination between bureaucrats and subordinates,
- panchayat pati, corruption,
- Substandard personnel: lax attitude towards the governance,
- poor collection of taxes and fees, etc.
Did you Notice
- Question on local governance in 2017.
|
| 14 |
Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a ‘useless stepney tyre’ to the most useful supporting organ in past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas in which this transformation could be visible. (Answer in 250 words) |
- Static portion
- can be easily answered from books such as polity by M.Laxmikant
- Examples can be
- RS role in enacting RTI act and also in opposing discriminatory legislation such as POTA act 2003.
- Making the government’s accountable by passing of amendments to the President’s address.
- Making government to agree on amendments on Lokpal Act and Food Security Act 2013.
- The support of Rajya Sabha in passing critical bills like the abrogation of article 370 was crucial.
|
| 15 |
Which steps are required for constitutionalization of a commission? Do you think imparting constitutionality to the National Commission for Women would ensure greater gender justice and empowerment in India? Give reasons. (Answer in 250 words) |
- Hint: Recently given constitutional status to National Commission for Backward Classes. (Feb 12, 2019).
Did you Notice
- In 2018, a question on National Commission for Scheduled Castes.
|
| 16 |
“The incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty based on income alone”. In this context analyze the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report. (Answer in 250 words) |
Did you Notice
- Question based on poverty and related issues were asked previously as well
|
| 17 |
“Micro-Finance as an anti-poverty vaccine, is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in India”. Evaluate the role of Self-Help Groups in achieving the twin objectives along with empowering women in rural India. (Answer in 250 words) |
- Analytical question
- explain how micro-finance and the economy of ‘thrift’ is helping the income of rural poor in India.
- percolation of SHGs,
- the amount of NABARD’s loan given away every year,
- And number of micro-finance institutions registered, etc.
Did you Notice
- Questions related to SHGs has been askedin 2013, 2014, 2017.
|
| 18 |
National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (Answer in 250 words) |
- Direct Current Based Question
- Hint: The government unveiled the new National Education Policy. (Jul 31, 2020).
Did you Notice
- Questions related Education has been frequently asked in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2019.
|
| 19 |
‘Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)’ is the transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times – Discuss. (Answer in 250 words) |
- Direct Question on How QUAD, is transforming from a trade block to a strategic partnership.
- Hint: The second meeting of the Quadrilateral Strategic Dialogue of Foreign Ministers was held in Tokyo. (Oct 9, 2020).
|
| 20 |
What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (Answer in 250 words) |
- Analytical question
- Indo-US deal to enter Trans-Pacific Partnership, strengthening QUAD, countering China, etc.
- Indo-Russia Issues on sharing technology related to Ramjet, INS Vikramaditya Issue, etc.
- Hint: India and the US recently third 2+2 ministerial meeting.. (Oct 23, 2020).
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