GS Paper 2 Question Paper (Analysis & Solutions) – UPSC Civil Services Mains 2023
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- “Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy.” Comment. (10 marks)
- Who are entitled to receive free legal aid? Assess the role of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in rendering free legal aid in India. (10 marks)
- “The states in India seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both functionally as well as financially.” Comment. (10 marks)
- Compare and contrast the British and Indian approaches to Parliamentary sovereignty. (10 marks)
- Discuss the role of Presiding Officers of state legislatures in maintaining order and impartiality in conducting legislative work and in facilitating best democratic practices. (10 marks)
- The crucial aspect of the development process has been the inadequate attention paid to Human Resource Development in India. Suggest measures that can address this inadequacy. (10 marks)
- Discuss the role of the Competition Commission of India in containing the abuse of dominant position by the Multi-National Corporations in India. Refer to the recent decisions. (10 marks)
- E-governance, as a critical tool of governance, has ushered in effectiveness, transparency, and accountability in governments. What inadequacies hamper the enhancement of these features? (10 marks)
- ‘Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO’ In the light of the above statement point out the role of India in mitigating the problems. (10 marks)
- Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India. (10 marks)
- “The Constitution of India is a living instrument with capabilities of enormous dynamism. It is a constitution made for a progressive society.” Illustrate with special reference to the expanding horizons of the right to life and personal liberty. (15 marks)
- Explain the constitutional perspectives of Gender Justice with the help of relevant Constitutional Provisions and case laws. (15 marks)
- Account for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency of using Article 356 by the Union Governments since mid-1990s. (15 marks)
- Discuss the contribution of civil society groups for women’s effective and meaningful participation and representation in state legislatures in India. (15 marks)
- Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. To what extent does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism? (15 marks)
- Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the financial committees helped in the institutionalisation of Indian Parliament? (15 marks)
- “Development and welfare schemes for the vulnerable, by its nature, are discriminatory in approach.” Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. (15 marks)
- Skill development programmes have succeeded in increasing human resources supply to various sectors. In the context of the statement, analyse the linkages between education, skill, and employment. (15 marks)
- “The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well for India.” What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer. (15 marks)
- ‘Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos.’ Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) in protecting the environment and enhancing maritime safety and security. (15 marks)
Syllabus Mapping
| Question No. | Topic from Syllabus |
|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, significant provisions |
| 2 | Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies |
| 3 | Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure |
| 4 | Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries |
| 5 | Parliament and State Legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges |
| 6 | Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors |
| 7 | Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies |
| 8 | Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors; Development processes and the development industry |
| 9 | Bilateral, regional, and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests |
| 10 | Effect of policies and politics of developed countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora |
| 11 | Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions |
| 12 | Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, significant provisions |
| 13 | Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States |
| 14 | Development processes and the development industry |
| 15 | Indian Constitution—amendments, significant provisions, and basic structure |
| 16 | Parliament and State Legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges |
| 17 | Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation; Development processes and the development industry |
| 18 | Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors; Development processes and the development industry |
| 19 | Bilateral, regional, and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests |
| 20 | Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate |
Analysis & Approach
Here’s the approach to answering each question.
- Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence…
- Briefly explain the meaning of judicial independence.
- Connect its importance to the principles of democracy: rule of law, separation of powers, and human rights protection.
- Cite examples where the lack of judicial independence hindered democracy.
- Who are entitled to receive free legal aid?…
- Start by listing the categories of people entitled to free legal aid as per the Legal Services Authorities Act.
- Discuss the role of NALSA, its functions and achievements.
- Highlight challenges faced and possible reforms.
- The states in India seem reluctant…
- Start with the constitutional provisions for urban local bodies (73rd and 74th Amendments).
- Point out the deviations in practice: delay in elections, non-transfer of funds, etc.
- Conclude with the importance of empowering ULBs.
- Compare and contrast the British and Indian approaches…
- Discuss the concept of Parliamentary sovereignty in the UK – unfettered and supreme.
- Contrast with India – bound by a written Constitution and judicial review.
- Highlight the implications for both systems.
- Discuss the role of Presiding Officers…
- Outline the roles and powers of Presiding Officers.
- Discuss the challenges faced in maintaining order and impartiality.
- Conclude with the significance of their role for democracy.
- The crucial aspect of the development process…
- Highlight the importance of HRD for a nation’s growth.
- Discuss the current state of HRD in India.
- Suggest measures like revamping education, skill training, and health infrastructure.
- Discuss the role of the Competition Commission…
- Explain the role of CCI.
- Discuss instances where MNCs abused their dominant position and the actions taken by CCI.
- Conclude with its importance in a liberalizing economy.
- E-governance, as a critical tool…
- Highlight the advantages of e-governance.
- Discuss challenges like digital divide, privacy concerns, etc.
- Suggest possible reforms.
- ‘Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO’…
- Introduce the SCO and its objectives.
- Discuss the conflicts and challenges within.
- Highlight India’s role in mediation, diplomacy, and possible solutions.
- Indian diaspora has scaled new heights…
- Enumerate the achievements of the Indian diaspora.
- Discuss the remittances, diplomatic advantages, and soft power they bring.
- Conclude with the mutual benefits.
- The Constitution of India is a living instrument…
- Introduce the flexibility of the Constitution.
- Discuss the dynamic interpretations of ‘right to life and personal liberty’ through landmark cases like Menaka Gandhi vs Union of India, etc.
- Highlight the importance of such dynamism for adapting to changing societal needs.
- Explain the constitutional perspectives of Gender Justice…
- Quote relevant Constitutional provisions: Articles 14, 15, 16, etc.
- Discuss landmark judgments like the Vishakha case, Triple Talaq case, etc.
- Conclude with the current state and future potential of gender justice.
- Account for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency…
- Introduce Article 356.
- Discuss its misuse in the past.
- Highlight judgments like the Bommai case and political shifts like coalition politics that reduced its arbitrary use.
- Discuss the contribution of civil society groups…
- Highlight the significance of women’s representation.
- Discuss the roles of organizations like Women’s Political Empowerment Day celebrations, Mahila Samakhya Programme, etc.
- Conclude with the impact and future potential of these initiatives.
- Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act…
- Introduce the Act – relating to GST.
- Discuss its implications for cooperative federalism: revenue sharing, GST council, etc.
- Conclude by evaluating its actual impact on federal principles.
- Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system…
- Outline the types: Standing, Select, and Joint Committees.
- Discuss their significance, especially financial committees like the Public Accounts Committee.
- Conclude with their role in strengthening parliamentary procedures.
- “Development and welfare schemes for the vulnerable…
- Begin with the intention behind targeted development schemes.
- Argue both sides: the necessity for specific groups and potential exclusion of others.
- Conclude with the balance required in policy formulation.
- Skill development programmes have succeeded…
- Discuss the importance of aligning education with employment needs.
- Highlight the success stories of skill development programs.
- Discuss the challenges and potential solutions.
- “The expansion and strengthening of NATO…
- Introduce NATO and its objectives.
- Discuss India’s strategic interests and the benefits and challenges of a stronger US-Europe partnership.
- Conclude with India’s foreign policy implications.
- ‘Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos.’…
- Introduce the IMO and its objectives.
- Discuss its initiatives for environmental protection, maritime safety, and security.
- Highlight the global significance and challenges faced by IMO.
To answer these questions efficiently within word limits:
- Start with an introduction, answer the main aspects of the question in the body, and conclude.
- Use diagrams and flowcharts where possible to save words and enhance presentation.
- Make sure to stick to the word limit and distribute your time appropriately for each question.
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