UPSC Mains-2022 – General Studies 2 Trend Analysis

UPSC Mains-2022 – General Studies 2 Trend Analysis

No.	Question	Why UPSC Asked this question?
01	“The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court.” Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words) 10M	Environmental Constitutionalization: The Supreme Court of India has played a key role in integrating environmental protection into the constitutional framework through landmark judgments. Case Laws: In cases like M.C. Mehta v. Union of India and Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v. Union of India, the Court invoked the Right to Life (Article 21) to enforce environmental protection and public health measures. Impact: These rulings established a legal duty to ensure sustainable development and address environmental concerns, marking a pivotal shift in India’s legal approach to environmental challenges.
02	“Right of movement and residence throughout the territory of India are freely available to the Indian citizens, but these rights are not absolute.” Comment. (Answer in 150 words ) 10M	Right to Movement and Residence: Article 19(1)(d) and 19(1)(e) of the Indian Constitution grants Indian citizens the freedom to move and reside anywhere in India. Limitations: However, these rights are not absolute as they can be restricted by reasonable restrictions under Article 19(5) on grounds of public order, morality, and security of the state. Examples: Laws such as the Foreigners Act, 1946, and state-specific restrictions on property ownership demonstrate these restrictions in practice.
03	To what extent, in your opinion, has the decentralisation of power in India changed the governance landscape at the grassroots ? (Answer in 150 words ) 10 M	Empowerment at Grassroots: Decentralization in India through the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments has significantly empowered local bodies, enhancing grassroots governance. Improved Service Delivery: It has led to better public service delivery in areas like education, healthcare, and rural development by involving local communities in decision-making. Challenges: However, challenges such as lack of financial autonomy, political interference, and unequal distribution of power at the local level still hinder full implementation.
04	Discuss the role of the Vice-President of India as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. (Answer in 150 words) 10M	Constitutional Role: The Vice-President of India, as per the Constitution, serves as the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha, overseeing its proceedings and maintaining order. Disciplinary Functions: The Chairman ensures that members follow parliamentary rules, has the authority to take disciplinary actions like suspending members for unruly behavior. Key Functions: The Vice-President also plays a crucial role in deciding the agenda, referring bills to committees, and casting vote in case of a tie in Rajya Sabha.
05	Discuss the role of the National Commission for Backward Classes in the wake of its transformation from a statutory body to a constitutional body. (Answer in 150 words) 10M	Constitutional Transformation: The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) was upgraded from a statutory body to a constitutional body under the 105th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2018, empowering it to exercise judicial authority and functions. Enhanced Role: The Commission’s powers include investigating and examining complaints regarding the social and educational status of backward classes, advising on their inclusion in the Central List of backward classes, and recommending measures for their welfare. Impact on Inclusivity: The transformation strengthens the Commission’s role in promoting social justice, ensuring greater accountability, and addressing grievances of backward classes more effectively, including safeguarding their rights in government policies
06	The Gati-Shakti Yojana needs meticulous coordination between the government and the private sector to achieve the goal of connectivity. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words) 10M	Public-Private Collaboration: The success of Gati-Shakti Yojana requires seamless coordination between the government and the private sector to enhance infrastructure and improve connectivity across the country. Integration of Resources: The private sector’s involvement is crucial for the efficient implementation of projects, including investment, technological expertise, and logistical support, while the government ensures policy facilitation and regulatory oversight. Holistic Development: Effective coordination ensures integrated transport networks, reduced logistical costs, and accelerated economic growth, promoting inclusive development across sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, and services
07	The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 remains only a legal document without intense sensitisation of government functionaries and citizens regarding disability. Comment. (Answer in 150 words ) 10M	Lack of Implementation: The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 remains underutilized due to inadequate awareness and sensitization among government officials and citizens about disability rights. Barrier to Inclusion: Without proper training and awareness programs, the Act’s provisions on accessibility, education, and employment remain ineffective, hindering the inclusion of persons with disabilities in mainstream society. Need for Action: Intense efforts in sensitizing stakeholders and monitoring the Act’s enforcement are required to ensure its impact on improving the lives of persons with disabilities and achieving true social inclusion
08	Reforming the government delivery system through the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment. (Answer in 150 words ) 10M	Progressive Step: The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme aims to streamline government subsidies, ensuring direct transfers to beneficiaries, reducing corruption and leakages in welfare programs. Limitations: Issues such as lack of financial literacy, digitally excluded populations, and infrastructure gaps in rural areas hinder the full effectiveness of DBT, leaving many vulnerable citizens without access. Need for Reform: To maximize DBT’s benefits, there must be a focus on digitally empowering citizens, improving financial inclusion, and ensuring better identification of rightful beneficiaries.
09	‘India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement. (Answer in 150 words) 10 M	India-Sri Lanka Relations: India has long been a close ally of Sri Lanka, providing economic, political, and humanitarian support, especially during crises. Role in Sri Lanka Crisis: In the face of Sri Lanka’s economic collapse, India extended financial aid, credit lines, and food supplies, demonstrating its commitment to the island nation’s stability. Strengthening Ties: India’s involvement in the crisis highlights its role as a trusted partner in South Asia, underscoring the significance of regional cooperation for peace and prosperity
10	Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation? (Answer in 150 words )	BIMSTEC vs. SAARC: Unlike SAARC, BIMSTEC focuses on regional cooperation between South Asia and Southeast Asia, comprising seven countries (India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan, Nepal), while SAARC includes only South Asian countries. Similarities and Dissimilarities: Both aim at regional integration and economic cooperation, but BIMSTEC’s broader geographical reach and economic focus differentiate it from SAARC, which has struggled with political tensions. Indian Foreign Policy: BIMSTEC helps India strengthen ties with Southeast Asia, bolstering its Act East Policy, promoting economic growth and security collaboration in the region.
11	Discuss the procedures to decide the disputes arising out of the election of a Member of the Parliament or State Legislature under The Representation of the People Act, 1951. What are the grounds on which the election of any returned candidate may be declared void? What remedy is available to the aggrieved party against the decision? Refer to the case laws. (Answer in 250 words) 15M	Dispute Resolution: Under Section 80 of The Representation of the People Act, 1951, election disputes can be filed within 45 days of the declaration of results before the Election Tribunal. The tribunal is constituted by the High Court to hear and decide these cases. Grounds for Voiding an Election: Elections may be declared void on grounds such as corrupt practices, illegal practices, non-compliance with electoral laws, or if the candidate was not qualified to contest, as per Section 100. Examples include invalid votes, bribery, and undue influence. Remedy for Aggrieved Party: The aggrieved party can file an appeal under Section 116A to the Supreme Court against the decision of the Election Tribunal. Key case laws include K.K. Verma v. Union of India (1954) and Rameshwar Prasad v. Union of India (2006), which dealt with the process and grounds for challenging elections.
12	Discuss the essential conditions for exercise of the legislative powers by the Governor. Discuss the legality of re-promulgation of ordinances by the Governor without placing them before the Legislature. (Answer in 250 words) 15M	Conditions for Legislative Powers: The Governor exercises legislative powers under Article 213 of the Constitution of India to promulgate ordinances during a discontinuity of the legislature (e.g., during recess). However, the ordinance can only be issued on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers, and must be laid before the legislature within six weeks of the reassembly. Re-promulgation of Ordinances: Re-promulgation of ordinances by the Governor, without placing them before the legislature, is legally contentious. It violates the spirit of Article 213, as repeated issuance without legislative scrutiny undermines the legislature’s authority. The Supreme Court in R. S. Joshi v. State of Maharashtra (1970) held that re-promulgation without the legislature’s approval is unconstitutional and against the democratic ethos. Legality of Re-promulgation: The re-promulgation of ordinances without placing them before the legislature is illegal and unconstitutional, as it amounts to bypassing the legislature. The judiciary has emphasized that ordinances should not be used as a substitute for regular legislation. The Supreme Court‘s decision in Krishna Kumar Singh v. State of Bihar (2017) reaffirmed this view, limiting the Governor’s power to a temporary measure.
13	“While the national political parties in India favour centralisation, the regional parties are in favour of State autonomy.” Comment. (Answer in 250 words) 15M	Centralization vs State Autonomy: National political parties, with a pan-Indian presence, often advocate for centralization to ensure uniform policies, governance, and national integration. They view centralized power as a means to maintain unity and ensure national cohesion. Regional Parties and State Autonomy: On the other hand, regional parties typically represent the interests of specific regions and are inclined towards state autonomy. They argue that decentralization would allow states to address their unique cultural, economic, and social concerns effectively and retain greater control over local governance. Balancing the Tension: This tension between centralization and state autonomy is reflected in India’s federal structure. While the Indian Constitution provides a strong central framework, the regional parties push for greater powers for states, especially in areas like resource allocation and local governance.
14	Critically examine the procedures through which the Presidents of India and France are elected. (Answer in 250 words ) 15M	India’s Presidential Election: The President of India is elected through an indirect voting process. The Electoral College consists of elected members of both Houses of Parliament and elected members of Legislative Assemblies of States and Union Territories. Voting is done through a single transferable vote system, with proportional representation ensuring that each vote is weighted based on population. France’s Presidential Election: The President of France is elected through a direct popular vote by all citizens over 18 years of age. The election is held in two rounds; if no candidate secures more than 50% in the first round, a run-off between the top two candidates occurs in the second round, ensuring a majority. Key Differences: India’s indirect system reflects its parliamentary democracy with a ceremonial president, whereas France’s direct election emphasizes popular sovereignty and the direct accountability of the president to the electorate.
15	Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in the light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct. (Answer in 250 words ) 15M	Role of the Election Commission of India (ECI): The Election Commission is responsible for ensuring free and fair elections in India. It oversees the conduct of elections, sets guidelines, and ensures compliance with the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which regulates the behavior of political parties and candidates during the election period. Evolution of the Model Code of Conduct: Initially informal, the MCC became more structured in the 1960s as the need for a code to ensure fairness became evident. Over time, it has evolved to address emerging challenges such as hate speech, corruption, and the use of money and muscle power in elections. Impact on Elections: The ECI enforces the MCC, which influences campaign strategies, prevents the abuse of power, and promotes level playing fields for all political parties. Violations of the MCC can lead to warnings, bans, or cancellation of elections in extreme cases.
16	Besides the welfare schemes, India needs deft management of inflation and unemployment to serve the poor and the underprivileged sections of the society. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words ) 15M	Welfare Schemes and their Limitations: While welfare schemes like food security, cash transfers, and housing aim to uplift the poor, they are not sufficient if not supported by sound economic management to address inflation and unemployment. Inflation’s Impact on the Poor: Rising inflation, particularly in food and essential goods, erodes the purchasing power of the poor, making welfare schemes less effective. Deft inflation management through fiscal policies, price controls, and regulation of supply chains is essential to mitigate this impact. Unemployment and Inclusive Growth: High unemployment, especially among youth and rural populations, exacerbates poverty. Tackling this requires job creation through industrial growth, skill development, and entrepreneurship. Proper policies can provide long-term solutions, ensuring both economic stability and empowerment for underprivileged groups
17	Do you agree with the view that increasing dependence on donor agencies for development reduces the importance of community participation in the development process ? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words) 15M	Donor Dependence vs. Community Participation: Increased reliance on donor agencies for development funding often shifts focus from local ownership and community participation. It can lead to projects driven by external agendas rather than the needs and priorities of local communities. Sustainability Issues: Community-led development fosters sustainability as it encourages local empowerment, capacity building, and long-term self-reliance. Dependence on external aid risks creating projects that may not be sustained after funding ends, weakening community involvement. Positive Role of Donors: While donor agencies can provide essential funding and technical expertise, they must ensure collaboration with communities in decision-making. Effective development should integrate local knowledge and participation alongside external support to ensure relevance and success.
18	The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 remains inadequate in promoting incentive-based system for children’s education without generating awareness about the importance of schooling. Analyse. (Answer in 250 words ) 15M	Inadequate Focus on Awareness: The Right to Education Act, 2009 ensures free and compulsory education but lacks emphasis on creating awareness about the importance of schooling among parents and communities, which is crucial for its success. Lack of Incentive Mechanisms: While the Act provides the framework for education access, it does not sufficiently incentivize children or families to prioritize education, especially in rural and marginalized areas, where school attendance and dropout rates remain high. Need for Holistic Approach: Effective implementation requires integrating awareness campaigns, community involvement, and incentive-based mechanisms like scholarships, mid-day meals, and engagement with local stakeholders to address educational gaps and ensure long-term success
19	How will I2U2 ( India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics ? (Answer in 250 words)15M	Strategic Partnerships: The I2U2 grouping enhances India’s position by fostering strong ties with Israel, UAE, and USA, focusing on economic growth, technology exchange, and regional security. Economic and Technological Advancements: The collaboration offers India access to advanced technologies, infrastructure development, and trade opportunities, boosting its global influence in innovation and sustainable development. Geopolitical Influence: With India’s strategic role, the grouping strengthens its geopolitical influence in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific, ensuring regional stability and expanding its reach in global governance.
20	‘Clean energy is the order of the day.’ Describe briefly India’s changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics. (Answer in 250 words ) 15M	India’s Climate Diplomacy: India has actively engaged in climate change discussions in global forums like UNFCCC and COP, emphasizing the need for climate justice and developed nations’ responsibility for past emissions. Renewable Energy Commitment: India has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, alongside expanding renewable energy capacity, particularly through the International Solar Alliance and coal phase-out plans. Geopolitical Dynamics: In the context of geopolitics, India navigates a balance between economic growth, energy security, and environmental goals, positioning itself as a key player in the global south, advocating for equitable climate action.

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