UPSC MAINS 2021 GS-II PAPER ANALYSIS AND PAST YEAR TRENDS

Questions:

1. ‘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
2. Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusiveness. (Answer in 150 words) 10
3. How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled the states to improve their fiscal position? (Answer in 150 words) 10
4. To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India? (Answer in 150 words) 10
5. “Pressure groups play a vital role in influencing public policymaking in India.” Explain how the business associations contribute to public policies. (Answer in  150 words) 10
6. “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
7. “‘Earn while you learn’ scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful.” Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 10
8. Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty, and malnutrition be broken through the microfinancing of women’s SHGs? Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10
9. “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
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
11. The jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) regarding lodging an FIR and conducting probes 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
12. Though the Human Rights Commissions have contributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, 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
13. Analyze the distinguishing features of the notion of Equality in the Constitutions of the USA and India. (Answer in 250 words) 15
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
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
16. Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, coupled with lack of Information and Communication Technology(ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification. (Answer in 250 words) 15
17. “Though women in post-Independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and the feminist movement has been patriarchal.” Apart from women’s education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu? (Answer in  250 words) 15
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
19. Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. what importance does it hold for India? (Answer in 250 words) 15
20. The new 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 strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario. (Answer in 250 words) 15

ANALYSIS OF 2021 PAPER:

LEVEL OF QUESTIONS

• Most of the serious aspirants should find the paper easy.
• General Studies Paper 2 was a perfect mix of Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International relations – as mentioned in the UPSC Syllabus.
• Most of the questions had linkage to current affairs.
• Candidates should have a good understanding of contemporary events (in a span of the last 10 years).
• The topic ‘women’ was given big stress in the paper – with multiple questions connecting representation of women, microfinancing for women, and women empowerment.
• Questions were mainly from expected areas.
• To think and reflect that in answers in an actual exam environment is the real deal in this paper.

The major topics where questions are asked from in the GS II paper are: