General Studies – 2: IAS Question Paper - UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam 2019

The UPSC 2019 Mains GS Paper II was conducted on Saturday, September 21 (Afternoon Session).

The complete UPSC Question Paper for General Studies 2 – Civil Services Exam 2019 is given below.

IAS aspirants can refer these links for other UPSC 2019 Question Papers – Civil Service Mains Exam:

1. UPSC Mains 2019 – Essay
2. UPSC Mains 2019 – GS1
3. UPSC Mains 2019 – GS3
4. UPSC Mains 2019 – GS4

All UPSC 2019 Question Papers (Prelims + Mains) can be downloaded together from the linked article.

General Studies Paper-II

1. Do you think that Constitution of India does not accept principle of strict separation of powers rather it is based on the principle of “ checks and balance”? Explain. 10
2. “The Central Administrative Tribunal which was established for redressal of grievances and complaints by or against central government employees, nowadays is exercising its powers as an independent judicial authority.” Explain. 10
3. What are the methods used by the farmers’ organisations to influence the policy-makers in India and how effective are these methods? 10
4. From the resolutions of contentious issues regarding distribution of legislative powers by the courts, “ Principle of Federal Supremacy” and “ Harmonious Construction” have merged. Explain. 10
5. What can France learn from the Indian Constitution’s approach to secularism? 10
6. Despite Consistent experience of high growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive. 10
7. There is a growing divergence in the relationship between poverty and hunger in India. The shrinking of social expenditure by the government is forcing the poor to spend more on non-food essential items squeezing their food-budget. Elucidate. 10
8. Implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) based Projects/Programmes usually suffer in terms of certain vital factors. Identify these factors, and suggest measures for their effective implementation. 10
9. “The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship, one involving global and strategic partnership that will have a great significance for Asia and the world as a whole.” Comment. 10
10. “Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life.” Discuss the statement in the light US” withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being “anti-Israel bias”. 10
11. On what grounds a people’s representative can be disqualified under the Representation of Peoples Act, 1951? Also, mention the remedies available to such person against his disqualification. 15
12. “Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution is limited power and it cannot be enlarged into absolute power.” In light of this statement explain whether Parliament under Article 368 of the Constitution can destroy the Basic Structure of the Constitution by expanding its amending power? 15
13. “The reservation of seats for women in the institutions of local-self-government has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian Political Process.” 15
14. “The Attorney-General is the chief legal adviser and lawyer of the Government of India.” Discuss. 15
15. Individual Parliamentarian’s role as the national lawmaker is on a decline, which in turn, has adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss. 15
16. “In the context of neo-liberal paradigm of development planning, multi-level planning is expected to make operations cost-effective and remove many implementation blockages.”-Discuss 15
17. The need for cooperation among various service sectors has been an inherent component of development discourse. Partnership bridges the gap among the sectors. It also sets in motion a culture of “collaboration” and “team spirit”. In light of the statement above examine India’s development process. 15
18. Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to the absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of policy process.- Discuss 15
19. “The long- sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised nations has disappeared on account of its newfound role in the merging global order”. Elaborate 15
20. “What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s national self-esteem and ambitions. Explain with suitable examples 15

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