Following is topic-wise bifurcation of last 6 years of UPSC Mains GS-2 Paper. I have provided detailed bifurcation of 2023 paper (BOLD: Main theme of question. ITALICS: Area of syllabus) along with tabular segregation of 2018-2023 papers. Same can be helpful for 2024 Aspirants in identifying probable areas/themes.
Q 1: “Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy”. Comment. (Separation of Powers between various organs)
Q 2: Who are entitled to receive free legal aid? Assess the role of National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in rendering free legal aid in India. (Indian Constitution – Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure)
Q 3: “The states in India seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both functionally as well as financially.” Comment. (Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein)
Q 4: Compare and contrast the British and Indian approaches to Parliamentary sovereignty. (Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries)
Q 5: Discuss the role of Presiding Officers of state legislatures in maintaining order and impartiality in conducting legislative work and in facilitating best democratic practices. (Parliament and State Legislatures—Structure, Functioning, Conduct of Business, Powers & Privileges and Issues Arising out of these)
Q 6: The crucial aspect of development process has been the inadequate attention paid to Human Resource Development in India. Suggest measures that can address this inadequacy. (Development Processes and the Development Industry — the Role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders)
Q 7: Discuss the role of the Competition Commission of India in containing the abuse of dominant position by the Multi-National Corporations in India. Refer to the recent decisions. (Statutory, Regulatory and various Quasi-judicial Bodies)
Q 8: E-governance, as a critical tool of governance, has ushered in effectiveness, transparency and accountability in governments. What inadequacies hamper the enhancement of these features? (Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens’ charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures)
Q 9: ‘Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO’. In the light of the above statement point out the role of India in mitigating the problems. (International Relations)
Q 10: Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India. (International Relations)
Q 11: “The Constitution of India is a living instrument with capabilities of enormous dynamism. It is a constitution made for a progressive society.” Illustrate with special reference to the expanding horizons of the right to life and personal liberty. (Indian Constitution – Historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure)
Q 12: Explain the constitutional perspectives of Gender Justice with the help of relevant Constitutional Provisions and case laws. (Indian Constitution – Historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure)
Q 13: Account for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency of using Article 356 by the Union Governments since mid-1990s. (Indian Constitution – Historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure)
Q 14: Discuss the contribution of civil society groups for women’s effective and meaningful participation and representation in state legislatures in India. (Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders)
Q 15: Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. To what extent does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism. (Indian Constitution – Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure)
Q 16: Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the financial committees helped in the institutionalization of Indian Parliament? (Indian Constitution – Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure)
Q 17: “Development and welfare schemes for the vulnerable, by its nature, are discriminatory in approach.” Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. (Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections)
Q 18: Skill development programmes have succeeded in increasing human resources supply to various sectors. In the context of the statement analyze the linkages between education, skill, and employment. (Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources)
Q 19: ‘The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well for India’. What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer. (International Relations)
Q 20: ‘Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos”. Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO (International Maritime Organization) in protecting environment and enhancing maritime safety and security. (International Relations)
Topics marked in red font colour are important for Mains 2024 as no questions were asked on same in Mains 2023.
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