UPSC Mains 2024 GS2 Analysis

3rd October, 2024 Mains

UPSC MAINS 2024 GS-ll PAPER QUESTION PAPER, ANALYSIS AND PAST YEAR TRENDS

On September 21, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducted the General Studies (GS) Paper ll for the Civil Service Examination (CSE) Mains 2024.

This paper consists of 20 questions divided into 2 categories based on marks; 10 questions have 10 marks each, and the remaining 10 have 15 marks each.

The total marks of the GS ll paper is 250, and the allotted time is 3 hours.

UPSC 2024 GS Paper ll: Instructions

There are TWENTY questions printed both in HINDI and in ENGLISH.

All 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.

Answers to Questions Nos. 1 to 10 should be in 150 words, whereas answers to Questions Nos. 11 to 20 should be in 250 words.

Word limits in questions should be adhered to.

Any page or portion of the page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet must be clearly struck off.

UPSC MAINS 2024 GENERAL STUDIES PAPER II

1) Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees, with particular reference to “one nation – one election” principle. (Answer in 150 words) 10

2) Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they entertain civil as well as criminal cases? (Answer in 150 words) 10

3) “The growth of cabinet system has practically resulted in the marginalisation of the parliamentary supremacy.” Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)

4) “The duty of the Comptroller and Auditor General is not merely to ensure the legality of expenditure but also its propriety.” Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 10

5) Analyse the role of local bodies in providing good governance at local level and bring out the pros and cons of merging the rural local bodies with the urban local bodies. (Answer in 150 words) 10

6) Public charitable trusts have the potential to make India’s development more inclusive as they relate to certain vital public issues. Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 10

7) Poverty and malnutrition create a vicious cycle, adversely affecting human capital formation. What steps can be taken to break the cycle? (Answer in 150 words) 10

8) The Doctrine of Democratic Governance makes it necessary that the public perception of the integrity and commitment of civil servants becomes absolutely positive. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words) 10

9) ‘The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China’s political and economic dominance.’ Explain this statement with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10

10) Critically analyse India’s evolving diplomatic, economic and strategic relations with the Central Asian Republics (CARs) highlighting their increasing significance in regional and global geopolitics. (Answer in 150 words) 10

11) What are the aims and objects of recently passed and enforced, The Public Examination (prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024? Whether University/State Education Board examinations, too, are covered under the Act? (Answer in 250 words). 15

12) Right to privacy is intrinsic to life and personal liberty and is inherently protected under Article 21 of the constitution. Explain. In this reference discuss the law relating to D.N.A. testing of child in the womb to establish its paternity. (Answer in 250 words) 15

13) What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-State relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build the trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism. (Answer in 250 words) 15

14) Explain the reasons for the growth of public interest litigation in India. As a result of it, has the Indian Supreme Court emerged as the world’s most powerful judiciary ? (Answer in 250 words) 15

15) Discuss India as a secular state and compare with the secular principles of the US constitution. (Answer in 250 words) 15

16) The Citizens’ charter has been a landmark initiative in ensuring citizen-centric administration. But it is yet to reach its full potential. Identify the factors hindering the realisation of its promise and suggest measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words) 15

17) In a crucial domain like the public healthcare system the Indian State should play a vital role to contain the adverse impact of marketization of the system. Suggest some measures through which the State can enhance the reach of public healthcare at the grassroots level. (Answer in 250 words) 15

18) e-governance is not just about the routine application of digital technology in service delivery process. It is as much about multifarious interactions for ensuring transparency and accountability. In this context, evaluate the role of the ‘Interactive Service Model’ of e-governance. (Answer in 250 words) 15

19) ‘Terrorism has become a significant threat to global peace and security.’ Evaluate the effectiveness of the United Nations Security Council’s Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) and its associated bodies in addressing and mitigating this threat at the international level. (Answer in 250 words) 15

20) Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of Maldives for India, with a focus on global trade and energy flows. Further also discuss how this relationship affects India’s maritime security and regional stability amidst international competition? (Answer in 250 words) 15

ANALYSIS OF UPSC MAINS 2024 GENERAL STUDIES PAPER ll

Subject	Total Questions
Polity (Indian Constitution & Political Structure)	9
Governance	5
Social Justice & Welfare	2
International Relations (IR)	4

Analysis of UPSC Mains GS Paper ll: Question-Wise Data

Subjects	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Polity	10	9	9	10	10	10
Governance	3	2	4	4	2	2
International Relations	4	4	4	3	4	4
Social Justice	3	5	3	3	4	4

Analysis of UPSC Mains GS Paper ll: Marks Wise Data

Subjects	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Polity	115	115	115	115	125	120
Governance	35	20	45	50	25	20
International Relations	50	50	50	35	50	50
Social Justice	50	65	40	50	50	60

UPSC MAINS 2024 GENERAL STUDIES PAPER II: Detail Analysis

1) Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees, with particular reference to “one nation – one election” principle. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Start by emphasising the need for electoral reform, refers to important recommendations from committees such as the Law Commission, the Election Commission, etc. Focus on the need to reduce the frequency of elections to improve governance and save costs. Address both the benefits and challenges of the “One Nation, One Election” proposal and its efforts on democratic framework and governance.

2) Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they entertain civil as well as criminal cases? (Answer in 150 words) 10

Compares informal and pacifying awards of the Lok Adalats and explains its significance in the formal arbitration proceedings. Lok Adalats deal with both civil and criminal cases, while arbitral tribunals deal mainly with civil cases. Address their scope and binding nature and their relevance to the delivery of justice.

3) “The growth of cabinet system has practically resulted in the marginalisation of the parliamentary supremacy.” Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)

Discuss the growth of the Cabinet system. Explain how the concentration of power in the executive has diluted parliamentary control. Highlight the shift towards executive dominance, with reference to the decline of effective legislative scrutiny, leading to the marginalisation of parliamentary supremacy.

4) “The duty of the Comptroller and Auditor General is not merely to ensure the legality of expenditure but also its propriety.” Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Start by explaining the CAG's role in ensuring lawful expenditure. Highlight that the CAG's duties also extend to the appropriateness and ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and ethically, not just legally.

Analyse the role of rural and urban local organisations in strengthening good governance through decentralisation. Presents arguments for and against combining these agencies. Highlights issues such as rural-urban inequality, governance efficiency and administrative challenges

6) Public charitable trusts have the potential to make India’s development more inclusive as they relate to certain vital public issues. Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 10

Outlining how successful charitable trusts contribute to social welfare by targeting public goals such as health services, education, and poverty. Highlight how their work complements government efforts and promotes inclusive development, especially in underserved sectors.

7) Poverty and malnutrition create a vicious cycle, adversely affecting human capital formation. What steps can be taken to break the cycle? (Answer in 150 words) 10

Explain how poverty and malnutrition reinforce each other and weaken human capital. To break this vicious cycle, propose solutions such as improved nutrition programs, strengthened healthcare facilities, education, training, awareness, and sustainable employment opportunities.

Discussing the principles of good governance in a democracy and highlighting the importance of civil servants’ honesty and integrity. Suggests that transparency, accountability, and public trust in civil servants are essential to maintaining democratic values and effective governance.

Explain how the West views India as an important player in global supply chains and as a strategic counterweight to China. Use examples such as India's cooperation with Western countries in technology, defence, and trade, which reflects India's growing importance.

Explain India's evolving relationship with Central Asian Republics (CARs)in areas such as energy, trade and regional security. Highlight how important this relationship is in countering regional actors such as China and Russia, and serving India’s geopolitical interests.

Outline the objectives of the Public Examination (prevention of Unfair Means) Act 2024, highlighting how it will prevent exam malpractice. Describe that it covers recruitment examinations like UPSC, SSC etc. Highlight how this strengthens the fairness and integrity of public examinations.

Explain the constitutional basis for the right to privacy under Article 21. Discuss the legal and ethical implications of DNA testing in paternity cases, considering both the right to privacy and the necessity for truth in legal matters.

Highlight the recent initiatives to improve Centre-State cooperation. Propose reforms such as strengthening fiscal federalism, more consultation in policymaking, and institutionalized dialogue mechanisms to build trust and strengthen the federation.

Explain why public interest litigation (PIL) has increased in the Indian Judiciary, and discuss how they empower marginalised groups. Discuss the impact of PIL on judicial activism, and whether the Supreme Court's role has overpowered other branches of government.

15) Discuss India as a secular state and compare with the secular principles of the US constitution. (Answer in 250 words) 15

Compare the Indian model of secularism, which allows the government to intervene in religious matters, with the strict U.S. model, which maintains strict differences between religion and government. Highlight how both systems preserve religious freedom while maintaining state neutrality.

Discuss the role of Citizens' Charters in promoting transparency and accountability. Identify gaps in implementation, such as a lack of awareness and accountability, and propose measures, such as effective grievance redressal mechanisms.

Explain the impact of market-driven healthcare and the need for state intervention. Present strategies for strengthening public healthcare, like improving finances, health infrastructure and regulating private sector practices.

Evaluate how interactive service models in e-government promote transparency and accountability. Give examples of how this model enables real-time interactions between citizens and government agencies and promotes responsive governance.

Analyze the effectiveness of the United Nations Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) in fighting global terrorism. Highlight achievements in international cooperation; also underline challenges like a lack of enforcement mechanisms and political differences.

Analyze the strategic importance of the Maldives to India's maritime security and regional stability. Discuss how the Maldives plays an important role in India's geopolitical strategy, especially in maintaining trade routes and countering external influences.

Theme of the UPSC MAINS 2025 GENERAL STUDIES PAPER II

A) The UPSC MAINS 2024 General Study (GS) Paper ll balanced questions on constitutional provisions, governance, law, international relations, and economic and social issues. The paper tests candidates' understanding of the Indian political system and federalism and evaluates their knowledge of public policy and international organisations.

B) Questions about electoral reform and the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) highlight the need to understand the significance of transparency and accountability in governance. The question on Center State Relations demands a deep understanding of federal governance and the evolution of the administrative structure.

C) Questions related to PIL, the right to privacy and the role of Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals underline the importance of understanding legal principles and developing legal expertise in the Indian Judicial system, focusing on social impact.

D) Questions on citizens' charters, public health and e-government highlight improving governance through participatory approaches. Candidates must understand and analyse different governance models and propose recommendations on inclusive governance and public service delivery reforms.

E) Questions related to India's relations with the Central Asian Republic (CAR), the Maldives, global supply chains and India's strategic non-economic policy priorities highlight the importance of understanding India's role in countering China in the Indo-Pacific region.

F) Questions on poverty, malnutrition, civil servant integrity, and secularism require candidates to demonstrate an understanding of social structures and the role of civil society in addressing development challenges.

Understanding the Trend

A)Questions on topics such as the Public Examination Act and Center-State Relations test candidates' understanding of the latest legal and political developments. This shows the increasing importance of political awareness in governance and public administration.

B)Questions encourage candidates to critically analyze institutions, policies and reforms, such as evaluating the growth of public interest litigation (PIL) and secularism in India. Comparative questions are being asked, which require deep understanding and analytical skills to write a comprehensive answer.

C)Questions centre on India's role in global power dynamics, including fighting terrorism, supply chain domination, and the geopolitical importance of the Maldives. Candidates should understand India's foreign policy and India's strategic interests on the global stage.

D)Questions on governance issues such as good governance, PIL's role, and public health challenges require a deep understanding of policy implementation, public administration and the role of civil society in governance.

Conclusion

The UPSC Mains 2024 General Studies Paper ll evaluate the candidate's understanding of constitutional provisions, governance structure, public policy, judicial principles and international relations. It challenges candidates to critically analyse Indian governance and compare it with global examples. Candidates must develop the skill to connect law, governance and international relations; at the same time, they must evaluate the effectiveness of policies in the real world. The UPSC Mains exam demands clarity of concepts, comprehensive knowledge about the current situation and analytical skills to deliver concise, well-rounded answers.

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