UPSC Mains-2021 – General Studies 2 Trend Analysis

UPSC Mains-2021 – General Studies 2 Trend Analysis

No.	Question	Why UPSC Asked this question?
01	‘Constitutional Morality’ is rooted in the Constitution itself and is founded on its essential facets. Explain the doctrine of ‘Constitutional Morality’ with the help of relevant judicial decisions. (Answer in 150 words) 10	Doctrine of Constitutional Morality: It refers to the adherence to the values and principles enshrined in the Constitution, ensuring that every act of governance aligns with constitutional values. Judicial Interpretation: In Kesavananda Bharati (1973), the Supreme Court emphasized the importance of preserving the basic structure of the Constitution, reflecting constitutional morality. Recent Case Law: In Navtej Singh Johar (2018), the Supreme Court’s verdict decriminalizing Section 377 of the IPC highlighted the role of constitutional morality in upholding individual rights and ensuring equality.
02	Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness. (Answer in 150 words) 10	Need for Greater Representation: Increasing women’s representation in the higher judiciary ensures diversity, bringing different perspectives to judicial decisions, fostering equity in legal processes. Enhancing Inclusivity: Women judges can help address gender biases and promote inclusive decision-making, making the judiciary more reflective of societal values and experiences. Current Challenges: Despite progress, the underrepresentation of women in higher courts limits gender-sensitive rulings, and increasing their presence would bolster fairness and justice
03	How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled the states to improve their fiscal position?(Answer in 150 words) 10	Increased Share in Tax Revenues: The 14th Finance Commission increased the states’ share of central tax revenue from 32% to 42%, providing more fiscal autonomy and financial resources. Devolution of Funds: It recommended greater devolution of funds for states to finance their developmental needs and strengthen their financial position. Encouraging Fiscal Responsibility: The Commission’s emphasis on fiscal discipline and recommendations for debt management helped states in managing their finances more effectively, improving their fiscal health.
04	To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India? (Answer in 150 words) 10	Parliamentary Oversight: The Parliament ensures executive accountability through mechanisms like question hour, debates, and committees that scrutinize government actions and policies. Limited by Political Factors: Political dynamics, party alignments, and frequent disruptions in parliamentary proceedings often limit effective oversight, reducing the power of accountability. Judicial and Public Engagement: While Parliament plays a crucial role, judicial review and public opinion also contribute to holding the executive accountable, filling gaps left by parliamentary processes.
05	“Pressure groups play a vital role in influencing public policy making in India.” Explain how the business associations contribute to public policies. (Answer in 150 words) 10	Influence on Policy Formation: Business associations, like FICCI and CII, actively engage with the government to shape economic policies and regulatory frameworks that benefit the business environment. Lobbying for Reforms: They lobby for tax reforms, ease of doing business, and labour laws that enhance business growth, competitiveness, and investment opportunities in India. Public Awareness and Advocacy: These associations also raise awareness about the economic implications of policies, thus contributing to public policy discussions and fostering a pro-business environment.
06	“Besides being a moral imperative of Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary pre-condition for sustainable development.” Analyze. (Answer in 150 words) 10	Moral Imperative: Primary health care is a fundamental right, essential for the well-being of citizens, ensuring the moral responsibility of a welfare state towards its people. Sustainable Development: A strong primary health system improves health outcomes, reduces disease burden, and enhances productivity, forming the foundation for long-term economic growth. Equity and Access: Primary health structures ensure equitable access to healthcare, especially for marginalized communities, which is crucial for achieving inclusive development and reducing inequalities.
07	“‘Earn while you learn’ scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful.” Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 10	Promoting Practical Learning: The ‘Earn while you learn’ scheme bridges the gap between theoretical education and practical skills, enabling students to gain work experience while pursuing vocational courses. Enhancing Financial Independence: It empowers students, especially from marginalized sections, to become financially independent, while pursuing vocational education and gaining industry-relevant skills. Challenges: To make this scheme effective, there is a need for industry collaboration, improved job opportunities, and awareness about the value of vocational education in the current job market.
08	Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10	Empowerment through Microfinancing: Microfinancing, particularly through women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs), provides financial independence, helping women break free from the cycle of poverty and gender inequality. Improved Access to Resources: By enabling women to manage small-scale businesses, SHGs enhance their access to nutritional food and better living conditions, reducing malnutrition in families. Examples: Initiatives like SEWA (Self-Employed Women’s Association) and the National Rural Livelihood Mission have successfully empowered women, leading to economic upliftment and improved health outcomes.
09	“If the last few decades were of Asia’s growth story, the next few are expected to be of Africa’s.” In the light of this statement, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent years. (Answer in 150 words) 10	Growing Economic Ties: India’s trade with Africa has surged, with a focus on sectors like agriculture, energy, and infrastructure, contributing to Africa’s growth prospects. Developmental Assistance: India has been active in providing development aid, capacity building, and technical assistance to African countries, enhancing its influence across the continent. Strategic Partnerships: Through initiatives like the India-Africa Forum Summit and strengthening bilateral relations, India has positioned itself as a key partner in Africa’s economic and geopolitical landscape.
10	“The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of a China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain. (Answer in 150 words) 10	Economic Competitiveness: China’s rapid economic growth and technological advancements have made it a formidable competitor to the USA, unlike the Soviet Union, whose economy was more centralized and limited in global influence. Military Expansion: China’s growing military capabilities, especially in the South China Sea and cyber warfare, pose a direct challenge to the USA’s dominance in global security. Global Influence: Unlike the Soviet Union, China has cultivated deep economic ties and political alliances worldwide, particularly through initiatives like Belt and Road, making it a more complex geopolitical rival.
11	The jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) regarding lodging an FIR and conducting probe within a particular state is being questioned by various States. However, the power of States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain with special reference to the federal character of India. (Answer in 250 words) 15	Jurisdiction and Consent: The CBI requires consent from states to conduct investigations within their jurisdiction unless the case is referred by the Central Government. However, the power of states to withhold consent is not absolute under the Indian Constitution. Federal Structure: India follows a federal structure, where law enforcement is generally a state subject under the Union List. Yet, the CBI operates under the Central Government, as a body tasked with investigating crimes of national significance or involving central institutions. Judicial Interpretation: The Supreme Court has ruled that while states can refuse consent, it cannot hinder the central government’s powers to ensure the uniform application of laws and preserve national interests, as seen in cases like State of West Bengal v. CBI.
12	Though the Human Rights Commissions have contributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, yet they have failed to assert themselves against the mighty and powerful. Analyzing their structural and practical limitations, suggest remedial measures. (Answer in 250 words) 15	Structural Limitations: Human Rights Commissions in India suffer from insufficient autonomy, lack of enforcement powers, and dependence on the executive for funding and appointments, limiting their effectiveness in addressing human rights violations. Practical Limitations: They face challenges like delay in investigations, understaffing, and political influence, making it difficult to act decisively against powerful entities, including the government and large corporations. Remedial Measures: To improve effectiveness, the commissions should be granted greater financial and operational autonomy, stronger legal powers to enforce recommendations, and increased transparency in their functioning to ensure accountability and timely justice.
13	Analyze the distinguishing features of the notion of Equality in the Constitutions of the USA and India. (Answer in 250 words) 15	Foundational Approach: The USA Constitution emphasizes equality before the law, focusing on the protection of individual rights and non-discrimination (14th Amendment), whereas the Indian Constitution incorporates equality of opportunity, affirmative action, and social justice through provisions like Article 14-18. Affirmative Action: In India, equality is furthered through positive discrimination (reservation policies) aimed at uplifting marginalized communities, which is not a prominent feature in the USA’s legal framework, where affirmative action is more limited and subject to strict scrutiny. Judicial Interpretation: The USA’s equality is primarily judicially interpreted, relying on court rulings for the expansion of rights, while India’s Constitution allows for broader social reforms through parliamentary action and judicial activism, enabling progressive interpretations of equality over time.
14	Explain the constitutional provisions under which Legislative Councils are established. Review the working and current status of Legislative Councils with suitable illustrations. (Answer in 250 words) 15	Constitutional Provisions: Legislative Councils are established under Article 169 of the Indian Constitution, allowing the creation or abolition of such councils in states through Parliamentary approval, provided a state legislature passes a resolution. Working of Legislative Councils: Legislative Councils are bicameral bodies, consisting of members elected by graduates, teachers, and local authority representatives. However, their functioning has been criticized for being ineffective and contributing to legislative delays. Current Status: Only seven states have Legislative Councils (e.g., Uttar Pradesh, Bihar), while many others have abolished them due to concerns over redundancy and financial burden, as seen in West Bengal’s decision to dissolve it in 1969.
15	Do Department -related Parliamentary Standing Committees keep the administration on its toes and inspire reverence for parliamentary control? Evaluate the working of such committees with suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words) 15	Role of Standing Committees: Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees ensure scrutiny of executive actions, monitor implementation of policies, and ensure transparency in government functioning, which keeps the administration accountable. Working of Committees: These committees, through detailed reports and recommendations, evaluate government decisions, as seen in the Public Accounts Committee’s role in reviewing government spending and the Committee on Estimates examining expenditure. Challenges: Despite their role, committees face resource constraints, sometimes lack the necessary authority to enforce recommendations, and political interference limits their full potential in holding the administration accountable.
16	Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, couple with lack of Information and Communication Technology(ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification. (Answer in 250 words) 15	Impact of Digital Illiteracy: Digital illiteracy, especially in rural areas, limits access to essential services, online education, healthcare, and government schemes, hindering socio-economic development by excluding large sections of society from digital opportunities. Lack of ICT Accessibility: Limited infrastructure and internet connectivity in rural areas prevent the use of ICT tools, which are crucial for skill development, business growth, and informed decision-making, exacerbating economic disparities. Justification and Measures: Addressing digital illiteracy through training programs and enhancing ICT infrastructure, like broadband access and e-governance initiatives, can empower rural communities, promote economic inclusion, and facilitate inclusive development.
17	“Though women in post-Independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and feminist movement has been patriarchal.” Apart from women education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu? (Answer in 250 words) 15	Awareness Campaigns and Social Media: Widespread awareness programs and the use of social media can challenge stereotypes and foster a more inclusive social attitude, promoting gender equality across various sectors. Legal and Policy Reforms: Strengthening laws against gender discrimination and ensuring rigorous implementation of policies such as the Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act and Equal Pay for Equal Work can ensure better protection and empowerment. Role of Men and Community Engagement: Involving men as allies and engaging communities in conversations about gender norms and patriarchal mindsets through workshops, seminars, and grassroots movements can bring about more holistic change in society.
18	Can Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organizations present an alternative model of public service delivery to benefit the common citizen. Discuss the challenges of this alternative model. (Answer in 250 words) 15	Alternative Model by Civil Society and NGOs: Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) can offer more transparent, accountable, and locally tailored public service delivery, addressing gaps left by the government, especially in remote and marginalized areas. Successful Examples: Initiatives like Pratham’s education programs and Barefoot College’s solar energy projects have demonstrated effective grassroots-level impact, improving healthcare, education, and infrastructure in underserved regions. Challenges: Despite their success, these organizations face resource constraints, lack of scalability, policy hurdles, and inconsistent regulatory frameworks, which limit their ability to replace or complement state-run public service systems.
19	Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. what importance does it hold for India. (Answer in 250 words) 15	Aims and Objectives of SCO: The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) aims to foster regional security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange among its member states, with a focus on combating terrorism, extremism, and separatism. Importance for India: SCO offers India a platform for strengthening ties with Central Asian countries, promoting regional stability, and addressing security concerns, particularly in relation to Afghanistan and terrorism. Criticism and Challenges: Despite its potential, SCO’s effectiveness is hindered by regional rivalries, especially between India and China, and differences in economic priorities, affecting the realization of its objectives.
20	The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strenght and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario. (Answer in 250 words) 15	AUKUS and Regional Dynamics: The AUKUS partnership, comprising Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, aims to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific, particularly through nuclear-powered submarines and enhanced military collaboration. Strength of AUKUS: AUKUS strengthens the military capabilities of member countries and enhances technological exchanges and intelligence sharing, positioning it as a formidable deterrent against Chinese expansionism in the region. Impact on Existing Partnerships: While AUKUS complements existing regional alliances like the Quad (U.S., India, Japan, Australia), it does not necessarily supersede them. Instead, it is likely to coexist, contributing to a broader strategy of multilateral engagement and security in the Indo-Pacific.

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