UPSC Mains 2018 GS II previous year questions

Q1 · UPSC 2018 · GS II · 10 marks · Solution

In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India?

Constitutional Bodies

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Q2 · UPSC 2018 · GS II · 10 marks · Solution

Whether National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine.

Indian Constitution

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Q3 · UPSC 2018 · GS II · 10 marks · Solution

Under what circumstances can the Financial Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What consequences follow when such a declaration remains in force?

Indian Constitution

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Q4 · UPSC 2018 · GS II · 10 marks · Solution

Why do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role of the Estimates Committee.

Parliament and State Legislatures

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Q5 · UPSC 2018 · GS II · 10 marks · Solution

"The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has a very vital role to play." Explain how this is reflected in the method and terms of his appointment as well as the range of powers he can exercise.

Constitutional Bodies

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Q6 · UPSC 2018 · GS II · 10 marks · Solution

"Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate 'protection and prevention of degradation to environment." Comment with relevant illustrations.

Governance and Policy

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Q7 · UPSC 2018 · GS II · 10 marks · Solution

Appropriate local community level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve 'Health for All' in India. Explain.

Health, Education and Human Resources

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Q8 · UPSC 2018 · GS II · 10 marks · Solution

E-governance in not only about utilization of the power of new technology, but also much about critical importance of the 'use value' of information. Explain.

Transparency and e-Governance

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Q9 · UPSC 2018 · GS II · 10 marks · Solution

"India's relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back." Discuss. (10 ).

Governance and Policy

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Q10 · UPSC 2018 · GS II · 10 marks · Solution

A number of outside powers have entrenched themselves in Central Asia, which is a zone of interest to India. Discuss the implications, in this context, of India's joining the Ashgabat Agreement, 2018.

Governance and Policy

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Q11 · UPSC 2018 · GS II · 15 marks · Solution

Whether the Supreme Court Judgement (July 2018) can settle the political tussle between the Lt. Governor and elected government of Delhi? Examine. (15).

Executive and Judiciary

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Q12 · UPSC 2018 · GS II · 15 marks · Solution

How far do you agree with the view that tribunals curtail the jurisdiction of ordinary courts? In view of the above, discuss the constitutional validity and competency of the tribunals in India. (15).

Separation of Powers

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Q13 · UPSC 2018 · GS II · 15 marks · Solution

Indian and USA are two large democracies. Examine the basic tenets on which the two political systems are based. (15).

Governance and Policy

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Q14 · UPSC 2018 · GS II · 15 marks · Solution

How is the Finance Commission of India constituted? What do you know about the terms of reference of the recently constituted Finance Commission? Discuss. (15).

Governance and Policy

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Q15 · UPSC 2018 · GS II · 15 marks · Solution

Assess the importance of the Panchayat system in India as a part of local government. Apart from government grants, what sources the Panchayats can look out for financing developmental projects? (15).

Governance and Policy

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Q16 · UPSC 2018 · GS II · 15 marks · Solution

Multiplicity of various commissions for the vulnerable sections of the society leads to problems of overlapping jurisdiction and duplication of functions. Is it better to merge all commissions into an umbrella Human Rights Commission? Argue your case. (15).

Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections

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Q17 · UPSC 2018 · GS II · 15 marks · Solution

How far do you agree with the view that the focus on lack of availability of food as the main cause of hunger takes the attention away from ineffective human development policies in India? (15).

Poverty and Hunger

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Q18 · UPSC 2018 · GS II · 15 marks · Solution

The Citizen's Charter is an ideal instrument of organisational transparency and accountability, but it has its own limitations. Identify the limitations and suggest measures for greater effectiveness of the Citizen's Charters. (15).

Transparency and e-Governance

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Q19 · UPSC 2018 · GS II · 15 marks · Solution

What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of 'Trade War', especially keeping in mind the interest of India? (15).

International Institutions

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Q20 · UPSC 2018 · GS II · 15 marks · Solution

In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to its situation? (15).

Governance and Policy

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