GS (General Studies) Paper 2 UPSC Mains 2015

See Essay Paper Here | See GS Paper 1 Here | See GS Paper 3 Here

Date: December 19

Duration: 3 hours

Instructions: Answer the following questions in not more than 200 words each. Contents of the answers are more important than their length. All questions carry equal marks.

Note: Each question carries 12.5 Marks (12.5×20 = 250 Marks )

Q.1) Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizen a uniform civil code as provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy.

Q.2) The concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasised in recent years. Highlight the drawbacks in the existing structure and extent to which cooperative federalism would answer the shortcomings.

Q.3) In the absence of well – educated and organised local level government system, Panchayats and Samitis have remained mainly political institutions and not effective instrument of governance. Critically Discuss.

Q.4) Khap panchayats have been in the news for functioning as extra – constitutional authorities, often delivering pronouncements amounting to human right violations. Discuss critically the actions taken by the legislative, executive and judiciary to set the things right in this regard.

Q.5) Resorting to ordinances has always raised concern on violation of the spirit of separation of power doctrine. While noting the rationales justifying the power to promulgate, analyse whether the decision of the Supreme Court on the issue have further facilitated to resorting to this power. Should the power to promulgate the ordinances be repealed?

Q.6) What are the major changes brought in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1966 through the recent ordinance promulgated by the President? How far will it improve India’s dispute resolution mechanism? Discuss.

Q.7) Does the right to clean environment entail legal regulation on burning crackers during Diwali? Discus in the light of Article 21 of Indian Constitution and judgements of the apex in this regard.

Q.8) Examine critically the recent changes in the rule governing foreign funding of NGOs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation)  Act (FCRA), 1976.

Q.9) The Self Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Program (SBLP), which is India’s own innovation , has proved to be one of the most effective poverty alleviation and women empowerment programme. Elucidate.

Q.10) How can be the role of NGOs be strengthened in India for  development works relating to protection of the Environment? Discuss throwing light on the major constraints.

Q.11) The quality of higher education in India requires major improvement to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational  institutions would help improve the quality of technical and higher education in the country. Discuss.

Q.12) Public health system has limitation in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest?

Q.13) Though there have been several different estimates of poverty in India, all indicate reduction in poverty over time. Do you agree. Critically examine with reference to urban and rural poverty indicators.

Q.14) In the light of Satyam Scandal (2009), discuss the changes brought in the corporate governance to ensure transparency and accountability.

Q.15) If amendment bill to the Whistleblowers Protection Act 2011 tabled in the Parliament is passed, there maybe no on left to protect. Critically Evaluate.

Q.16) For achieving the desired objectives,it is necessary to ensure that the regulatory institution remain independent and autonomous. Discuss in the light of experiences in recent past.

Q.17) Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pro and cons. Critically Examine.

Q.18) Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in UNSC.

Q.19) Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of Indian government to improve relationship wit its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss

Q.20) Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India – Pakistan relations. To what etent the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchange could help generate goodwill between the two countries.  Discuss with suitable examples.


Comments

15 responses to “GS (General Studies) Paper 2 UPSC Mains 2015”

  1. its a 250 marks qs. paper. Pls correct it.

  2. Yes Even I think so. My interpretation is that —> infact even critical analysis of the Bill also says that the Bill has diluted the protection to the Whistler Blower — Especially in case of national security and threat to SUI(Sovereignity/Unity and integrity ) of India. Also in the normal situation the punishment prescribed to the offender very Less.

    Whistleblower—> reports —> CVC has to disclose the identity.

    This is in my opinion. I am Not very much sure. i had studied it but I have not deeply researched it.

  3. shreya banga Avatar
    shreya banga

    I’m extremely new to preparation for 2016. Can anyone tell if Hindu’s editorial columns are sufficient for preparation of mains answer writing questions(for topics based on current affairs ie)?

  4. If amendment bill to the Whistleblowers Protection Act 2011 tabled in
    the Parliament is passed, there maybe no on left to protect. Critically
    Evaluate.

    Can anyone tell what is the meaning of this statement? “left noone to protect?” My interpretation is that the bill is so weak at protecting the whistle blower that a) no one will blow whistle due to inadequate protection – and hence there will be no-one left to protect.

    Critically comment also points to that only. Is my interpretation correct?

  5. —————ADMIN——————-

    post in hindi too

  6. A good way to find out how you actually stand against such questions would be to try writing an answer to all of these.

  7. hello guys ..i am a 2016 CSE aspirant. seeing the question it feels like almost all the issues are heard. but biggest challenge is how to write a good, crisp and focussed answer as demanded. kindly through some light guys..thank you..

  8. Debdut Mitra Avatar
    Debdut Mitra

    The paper was supposed to have 250 marks but it is showing only 200 marks. dint understand this discrepancy?

  9. DrKingSchultz Avatar
    DrKingSchultz

    I agree.
    Almost all could be answered just through the “Explained” page of Indian Express and a perusal of PRS website.

  10. Very mainstream questions , I would say.

  11. phoenix15 Avatar
    phoenix15

    true mate !! hindu holds the key for this paper surely…totally philo types question…handful of questions are of basic level..where coaching may be helpful…but self study is gaining more imp nowdays..
    expected average number for this paper..

  12. Never said it was easy …. it was a comparison with paper 1 where I was totally lost in terms of content for answer.
    Yeah agree that corporate governance was a bouncer.

  13. don’t know how it seemed easy 😛 i had to leave 3 questions as i didn’t know about the ordinance amendment , corporate governance and fcra amendments…feeling sad about leaving the questions..rest were manageable but definitely not easy..were lengthy…found paper 1 easier than paper 2…

  14. indeed paper-2 is much easier to handle with rather than paper -1 which is little foxy though both paper will examine students thoroughly.

  15. Seems UPSC didn’t like the surge in marks last year. Questions though easy will surely make aspirants hunt harder for content. Also the hint of philosophy in question might bring a huge variations in the marks

    But still I found paper II much better than Paper I.

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