UPSC MAINS 2020 GS-II PAPER ANALYSIS AND PAST YEAR TRENDS

UPSC conducted the General Studies Paper 2, as part of the Civil Services Main Exam 2020 on 09-01-2021.

• There were 20 questions printed in both English and Hindi.
• 10 questions were of 10 marks each, while the remaining 10 questions were of 15 marks each.
• Total Marks: 250 marks, Time duration: 3 hours.
• All questions were compulsory.
• The number of marks carried by a question/part was printed against it.
• Answers had to be written in the medium authorized in the admission certificate which had to be stated clearly on the cover of this question-cum-answer (QCA) booklet in the space provided.
• Answers to questions no. 1 to 10 were to be in 150 words, whereas answers to questions no. 11 to 20 were to be in 250 words.
• Any page or portion of the page left blank, had to be struck off clearly.

 

QUESTIONS:

1. "There is a need for simplification of Procedure for disqualification of persons found guilty of corrupt practices under the Representation of Peoples Act". Comment (Answer in 150 words)
2. "Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission". Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)
3. How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer. (Answer in 150 words)
4. The judicial system in India and UK seem to be converging as well as diverging in recent times. Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the two nations in terms of their judicial practices. (Answer in 150 words)
5. 'Once a Speaker, Always a speaker'! Do you think this practice should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implication for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India? ( (Answer in 150 words)
6. In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss (Answer in 150 words)
7. "Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance". In this context, suggest reforms in Civil Service for Strengthening Democracy. (Answer in 150 words)
8. "The emergence of Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of the government". Discuss (Answer in 150 words)
9. Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the COVID-19 Pandemic (Answer in 150 words)
10. "Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries". Comment with examples. (Answer in 150 words)
11. Indian Constitution exhibits centralising tendencies to maintain unity and integrity of the nation. Elucidate in the perspective of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897; The Disaster Management Act, 2005 and recently passed Farm Acts. (Answer in 250 words)
12. Judicial legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian Constitution. In this context justify the filing of large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities. (Answer in 250 words)
13. The strength and sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their formative phase of 'functions, functionaries and funds' to the contemporary stage of' functionality'. Highlight the critical challenges faced by local institutions in terms of their functionality in recent times. (Answer in 250 words)
14. Rajyasabha has been transformed from a 'useless Stepney tire' to the most useful supportive organ in past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as areas in which this transformation could be visible. (Answer in 250 words)
15. Which steps are required for constitutionalisation of a commission? Do you think imparting constitutionality to the national commission for woman would ensure greater gender justice and empowerment in India? Give reasons. (Answer in 250 words)
16. "Incidence and intensity of poverty are most important in determining poverty based on income alone". In this context analyze the latest United Nations Multi Poverty Index report.
17. "Microfinance as an anti-poverty vaccine is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in India". Evaluate the role of Self Help Groups in achieving twin objectives along with empowering women in rural India. (Answer in 250 words)
18. National Electronic Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goals-4 (2030). It intended to restructure and re-orient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (Answer in 250 words)
19. Quadrilateral Security Dialogue is transforming itself into a trade block from the military alliance, in present times. Discuss (Answer in 250 words)
20. What is the significance of Indo-US deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region (Answer in 250 words)

 

ANALYSIS OF 2020 PAPER:

LEVEL OF QUESTIONS

• Mostly easy but lengthy paper.
• Most of the questions had linkage to current affairs.
• Many questions picked up from Hindu of the last 2-3 years. Some questions were from very recent issues as well. Newspaper reading is a must.
• Questions appeared from topics in news like WHO, QUAD, Speaker, farm laws, federation, DMA, farm laws.
• Questions were mainly from expected areas.
• To think and reflect that in answers in actual examination environment is the real deal in this paper.

 

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

ANALYSIS OF PREVIOUS YEAR PAPERS:

This year was on the easier side compared to previous years. Having said that, what ultimately matters in this exam would be the quick comprehension of each question and proper answer writing skills.

 

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