General Studies Paper 2
20 Questions • 250 Marks • With Detailed Model Answers
1
2025
10
Marks
Discuss the 'corrupt practices' for the purpose of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Analyze whether the increase in the assets of the legislators and/or their associates, disproportionate to their known sources of income, would constitute 'undue influence' and consequently a corrupt practice. (10 marks)
Salient Features of the Representation of People’s Act.
2
2025
10
Marks
Comment on the need of administrative tribunals as compared to the court system. Assess the impact of the recent tribunal reforms through rationalization of tribunals made in 2021. (10 marks)
Statutory, Regulatory and various Quasi-judicial Bodies.
3
2025
10
Marks
Compare and contrast the President's power to pardon in India and in the USA. Are there any limits to it in both the countries? What are 'preemptive pardons'?(10 marks)150 words
Comparison of the Indian Constitutional Scheme with that of Other Countries.
4
2025
10
Marks
Discuss the nature of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly after the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019. Briefly describe the powers and functions of the Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.(10 marks) 150 words
Parliament and State Legislatures—Structure, Functioning, Conduct of Business, Powers & Privileges and Issues Arising out of these.
5
2025
10
Marks
“The Attorney General of India plays a crucial role in guiding the legal framework of the Union Government and ensuring sound governance through legal counsel.” Discuss his responsibilities, rights and limitations in this regard.(10 marks) 150 words
Appointment to various Constitutional Posts, Powers, Functions and Responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
6
2025
10
Marks
Women's social capital complements in advancing empowerment and gender equity. Explain.(10 marks) 150 words
Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation./ Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes
7
2025
10
Marks
e-governance projects have a built-in bias towards technology and back-end integration than user-centric designs. Examine.(10 marks) 150 words
Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability, E-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential
8
2025
10
Marks
Civil Society Organizations are often perceived as being anti-State actors than non-State actors. Do you agree? Justify.(10 marks) 150 words
Role of Civil Services in a Democracy.
9
2025
10
Marks
India-Africa digital partnership is achieving mutual respect, co-development and long-term institutional partnerships. Elaborate.(10 marks) 150 words
Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
10
2025
10
Marks
With the waning of globalization, post-Cold War world is becoming a site of sovereign nationalism.” Elucidate.(10 marks) 150 words
Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora.
11
2025
15
Marks
Constitutional morality is the fulcrum which acts as an essential check upon the high functionaries and citizens alike...In view of the above observation of the Supreme Court, explain the concept of constitutional morality and its application to ensure balance between judicial independence and judicial accountability in India.(15 marks) 250 words
Structure, Organization and Functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary
12
2025
15
Marks
Indian Constitution has conferred the amending power on the ordinary legislative institutions with a few procedural hurdles. In view of this statement, examine the procedural and substantive limitations on the amending power of the Parliament to change the Constitution.(15 marks) 250 words
Indian Constitution—Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure.
13
2025
15
Marks
Discuss the evolution of collegium system in India. Critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the system of appointment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India and that of the USA.(15 marks) 250 words
Appointment to various Constitutional Posts, Powers, Functions and Responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
14
2025
15
Marks
Examine the evolving pattern of Centre-State financial relations in the context of planned development in India. How far have the recent reforms impacted the fiscal federalism in India?(15 marks) 250 words
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
15
2025
15
Marks
What are environmental pressure groups? Discuss their role in raising awareness, influencing policies and advocating for environmental protection in India.(15 marks) 250 words.
Ministries and Departments of the Government; Pressure Groups and Formal/Informal Associations and their Role in the Polity.
16
2025
15
Marks
Inequality in the ownership pattern of resources is one of the major causes of poverty. Discuss in the context of 'paradox of poverty'.(15 marks) 250 words.
Issues relating to Poverty and Hunger.
17
2025
15
Marks
"In contemporary development models, decision-making and problem-solving responsibilities are not located close to the source of information and execution defeating the objectives of development." Critically evaluate.(15 marks) 250 words
important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability/Role of Civil Services in a Democracy/Federal Structure, Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local Levels and Challenges Therein.
18
2025
15
Marks
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has to address the challenges faced by children in the digital era. Examine the existing policies and suggest measures the Commission can initiate to tackle the issue.(15 marks) 250 words
the Role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders./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.
19
2025
15
Marks
"Energy security constitutes the dominant kingpin of India's foreign policy, and is linked with India's overarching influence in Middle Eastern countries.” How would you integrate energy security with India's foreign policy trajectories in the coming years?(15 marks) 250 words
Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
20
2025
15
Marks
