UPSC Mains 2016 GS II previous year questions

Q1 · UPSC 2016 · GS II · 12 marks · Solution

Discuss the essentials of the 69th Constitutional Amendment Act and anomalies, if any, that have led to recent reported conflicts between the elected representatives and the institution of the Lieutenant Governor in the administration of Delhi. Do you think that this will give rise to a new trend in the functioning of the Indian federal politics?

Federal Structure and Devolution

View answer → Download PDF

Q2 · UPSC 2016 · GS II · 12 marks · Solution

To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing marginal note "temporary provision with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir", temporary? Discuss the future prospects of this provision in the context of Indian polity.

Indian Constitution

View answer → Download PDF

Q3 · UPSC 2016 · GS II · 12 marks · Solution

"The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of contradictions and paradoxes." Discuss.

Governance and Policy

View answer → Download PDF

Q4 · UPSC 2016 · GS II · 12 marks · Solution

Exercise of CAG's powers in relation to the accounts of the Union and the States is derived from Article 149 of the Indian Constitution. Discuss whether audit of the Government's policy implementation could amount to overstepping its own (CAG) jurisdiction.

Constitutional Bodies

View answer → Download PDF

Q5 · UPSC 2016 · GS II · 12 marks · Solution

Discuss each adjective attached to the word 'Republic' in the 'Preamble'. Are they defendable in the present circumstances?

Governance and Policy

View answer → Download PDF

Q6 · UPSC 2016 · GS II · 12 marks · Solution

What was held in the Coelho case? In this context, can you say that judicial review is of key importance amongst the basic features of the Constitution?

Indian Constitution

View answer → Download PDF

Q7 · UPSC 2016 · GS II · 12 marks · Solution

Did the Government of India Act, 1935 lay down a federal constitution? Discuss.

Federal Structure and Devolution

View answer → Download PDF

Q8 · UPSC 2016 · GS II · 12 marks · Solution

What is quasi judicial body? Explain with the help of concrete examples.

Governance and Policy

View answer → Download PDF

Q9 · UPSC 2016 · GS II · 12 marks · Solution

Professor Amartya Sen has advocated important reforms in the realms of primary education and primary health care. What are your suggestions to improve their status and performance?

Health, Education and Human Resources

View answer → Download PDF

Q10 · UPSC 2016 · GS II · 12 marks · Solution

"In the Indian governance system, the role of non-state actors has been only marginal." Critically examine this statement.

Governance and Policy

View answer → Download PDF

Q11 · UPSC 2016 · GS II · 12 marks · Solution

"Effectiveness of the government system at various levels and people's participation in the governance system are inter-dependent" Discuss their relationship in the context of India.

Governance and Policy

View answer → Download PDF

Q12 · UPSC 2016 · GS II · 12 marks · Solution

In the integrity index of Transparency International, India stands very low. Discuss briefly the legal, political, social and cultural factors that have caused the decline of public morality in India.

India and its Neighbourhood

View answer → Download PDF

Q13 · UPSC 2016 · GS II · 12 marks · Solution

Has the Indian governmental system responded adequately to the demands of Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization started in 1991? What can the government do to be responsive to this important change?

Governance and Policy

View answer → Download PDF

Q14 · UPSC 2016 · GS II · 12 marks · Solution

"Traditional bureaucratic structure and culture have hampered the process of socio-economic development in India." Comment.

Governance and Policy

View answer → Download PDF

Q15 · UPSC 2016 · GS II · 12 marks · Solution

Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation.

Governance and Policy

View answer → Download PDF

Q16 · UPSC 2016 · GS II · 12 marks · Solution

"Demographic Dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower becomes more educated, aware, skilled and creative." What measures have been taken by the government to enhance the capacity of our population to be more productive and employable?

Governance and Policy

View answer → Download PDF

Q17 · UPSC 2016 · GS II · 12 marks · Solution

"The broader aims and objectives of WTO are to manage and promote international trade in the era of globalization. But the Doha round of negotiations seem doomed due to differences between the developed and the developing countries." Discuss in the Indian perspective.

International Institutions

View answer → Download PDF

Q18 · UPSC 2016 · GS II · 12 marks · Solution

Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India's Look East Policy in the context of the post Cold War international scenario.

India and its Neighbourhood

View answer → Download PDF

Q19 · UPSC 2016 · GS II · 12 marks · Solution

"Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs of member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation)." Explain with suitable examples.

Bilateral and Regional Groupings

View answer → Download PDF

Q20 · UPSC 2016 · GS II · 12 marks · Solution

What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of the UNESCO? What is India's position on these?

India and its Neighbourhood

View answer → Download PDF