General Studies Paper 2 is the most dynamic and challenging portion of the whole general studies syllabus of IAS Mains exam. Questions asked from this paper are mostly analysis based which requires both current as well as fundamental Concepts. Paper mostly consists of Indian Constitution, Governance and International Relations.
This paper requires a good understanding of static political concepts coupled with application based issues. Let’s analyze the IAS Mains 2016 GS paper 2 question paper given below.
GENERAL STUDIES Paper- II
Time Allowed: Three Hours
Maximum Marks: 250
QUESTION PAPER SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS
Please read each of the following instructions carefully before attempting questions:
There are TWENTY questions printed both in HINDI and in ENGLISH.
All the questions are compulsory.
The number of marks carried by a question/part is indicated against it.
Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the Admission Certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Booklet in the space provided. No marks will be given for answers written in a medium other than the authorized one.
Word limit in questions, wherever specified, should be adhered to.
Any page or portion of the page left blank in the answer book must be clearly struck off.
IAS Main Exam 2016 GS Paper III
Answer all the questions in NOT MORE THAN 200 words each. Content is more important than its length. All questions carry 12.5 marks.
1. 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?
2. 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.
3. The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of contradictions and paradoxes.” Discuss.
4. 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.
5. Discuss each adjective attached to the word ‘Republic’ in the preamble. Are they defendable in the present circumstances stances?
6. 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?
Answer: The Supreme Court of India held that rule of law is an integral part of the basic structure of the constitution and cannot be abrogated by Parliament of India which is bound by it. The bench opined that any law which deprives a person of his private property for private interest, will be unlawful and unfair and undermines the rule of law and can be subjected to judicial review. Read more about basic structure in the article link given below...
Supreme Court: Basic structure Binds Parliament of India
7. Did the Government of India Act, 1935 lay down a federal constitution? Discuss.
8. What is a quasi-judicial body? Explain with the help of concrete examples.
9. 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?
Answer: our suggestions should be drawn from the ongoing welfare government schemes. Read the policies given in the link below...
Government Social Welfare Schemes
10. “In the Indian governance system, the role of non-state actors has been only marginal.” Critically examine this statement.
IAS Main Exam 2016 GS Paper IV
11. “Effectiveness of the government system at various levels and people’s participation in the governance system are inter-dependent.” Discuss their relationship with each other in context of India.
Answer: Federalism is a system of government in which powers have been divided between the centre and its constituent parts such as provinces or states. Unlike a unitary state, sovereignty is constitutionally split between at least two territorial levels so that units at each level have final authority and can act independently of the others in some area. Read more on federalism in the link given below..
12. In the integrity index of Transparency International, India stands very low. Discuss briefly the legal, political, economic, social and cultural factors that have caused the decline of public morality in India.
13. 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?
14. “Traditional bureaucratic structure and culture have hampered the process of socio-economic development in India.” Comment.
15. Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation.
16. “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?
17. “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.
18. Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario.
Answer: Owing to its huge population, massive and fast emerging economies, enormous military strength and relatively better position to influence other states on international forum, India has naturally emerged as an inherent leader in South Asia. Read more in the given below link...
Indian Foreign Policy for IAS Main Exam
19. “Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs of several member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).” Explain with suitable
Answer: India is very keen in stopping Pakistan from sponsoring terror across the region especially in India. To do so India can use it soft diplomacy to gain support of major world powers and diplomatically isolate Pakistan as seen recently in the model of “SAARC MINUS PAKISTAN”. Read more in the given below link..
Indus Water Treaty and Indo-Pak Analysis
20. What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of the UNESCO? What is India’s position on these?