UPSC 2017 Mains GS Paper 2 General Analysis

In this article, a general analysis of the 2017 UPSC Mains GS paper 2 is given. To download and refer to the UPSC GS 2 paper 2017, check the linked article. Apart from the 2017 GS Mains Paper II, the other prelims and mains question papers for the year 2017 are available in the above-mentioned link.

Analysis of 2017 Mains GS 2

The pie chart given below classifies the questions as per the subtopic in paper 2 UPSC mains 2017.

Next, we have subdivided the topics further. The next few tables will give the marks worth for each topic.

Polity (Total 90 marks) (Polity questions for UPSC mains PDF)

Governance (Total 50 marks)

Welfare (Total 60 marks)

International Relations (Total 50 marks)

Now, we give you the questions asked under each subheading in the 2017 Mains GS paper II.

Polity> basics of constitution

Question: Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on Right to Privacy. (250 words, 15 marks)

Polity> legislature & elections

Question: ‘Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people’ Discuss. (150 words, 10 marks)

Question: To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful? (250 words, 15 marks)

Question: The Indian Constitution has provisions for holding joint session of the two houses of the Parliament. Enumerate the occasions when this would normally happen and also the occasions when it cannot, with reasons thereof. (250 words, 15 marks)

Polity> federalism & local governance

Question: “The local self government system in India has not proved to be effective instrument of governance”. Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation. (150 words, 10 marks)

Polity> separation of power

Question: Critically examine the Supreme Court’s judgement on ‘National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014’ with reference to appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India. (150 words, 10 marks)

Polity> bodies

Question: Is the National Commission for Women able to strategize and tackle the problems that women face at both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your answer. (250 words, 15 marks)

Governance> accountability

Question: Discuss the role of Public Accounts Committee in establishing accountability of the government to the people. (150 words, 10 marks)

Governance> NGOs, Pressure groups, civil services

Question: Initially Civil Services in India were designed to achieve the goals of neutrality and effectiveness, which seems to be lacking in the present context. Do you agree with the view that drastic reforms are required in Civil Services. Comment (250 words, 15 marks)

Question: ‘The emergence of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in contemporary times points to the slow but steady withdrawal of the state from developmental activities’. Examine the role of the SHGs in developmental activities and the measures taken by the Government of India to promote the SHGs. (250 words, 15 marks)

Question: How do pressure groups influence Indian political process? Do you agree with this view that informal pressure groups have emerged as powerful than formal pressure groups in recent years? (150 words, 10 marks)

Welfare> welfare and schemes

Question: Does the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 ensure effective mechanism for empowerment and inclusion of the intended beneficiaries in the society? Discuss. (150 words, 10 marks)

Welfare> Education, health, human development

Question: ‘To ensure effective implementation of policies addressing water, sanitation and hygiene needs, the identification of beneficiary segments is to be synchronized with the anticipated outcomes.’ Examine the statement in the context of the WASH scheme. (150 words, 10 marks)

Welfare> Poverty, hunger

Question: Hunger and Poverty are the biggest challenges for good governance in India still today. Evaluate how far successive governments have progressed in dealing with these humongous problems. Suggest measures for improvement. (150 words, 10 marks)

Question: ‘Poverty Alleviation Programmes in India remain mere show pieces until and unless they are backed by political will’. Discuss with reference to the performance of the major poverty alleviation programmes in India. (250 words, 15 marks)

Welfare> economic reforms/related schemes

Question: Explain the salient features of the constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016. Do you think it is efficacious enough ‘to remove cascading effect of taxes and provide for common national market for goods and services’? (250 words, 15 marks)

IR> neighbouring countries

Question: ‘China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour. (150 words, 10 marks)

IR> Non-neighbouring countries and diaspora

Question: The question of India’s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India’s economic progress. Analyze India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian Countries. (250 words, 15 marks)

Question: Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in South-East Asian countries’ economy and society. Appraise the role of Indian Diaspora in South-East Asia in this context (250 words, 15 marks)

IR> International org, groups, agreements

Question: What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it. (150 words, 10 marks)

Also See | Trend Analysis of UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 from 2013 to 2016

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