Mains Practice Questions

Q. Explain the term welfare state? Discuss to what extent Indian fulfills the criteria of being a welfare state?  

Q. Enabling lateral entry into the current system of administration is a positive step towards administrative reforms in India. Critically analyze.(250 Words)

Q. Discuss the major reservations of India with respect to the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Q. “When there is citizen participation in budgeting and closer engagement of citizens in the monitoring of civic works, there are better outcomes and fewer leakages.” In the light of the given statement discuss the utility of the Participatory Budgeting.

Q. Harnessing demographic dividend for country's growth would require rural-centric policies. Discuss.

Q. Including more women in science and applied technologies is critical for the advancement of society. Discuss.

Q. Indian diaspora can provide the requisite strategic impulse to unlock India's potential as a global power. Discuss.

Q. Model Code of conduct has been a remarkable step in ensuring free and fair elections in India. However, the present digital era has posed challenges to it. Comment.

Q. National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (UPSC GS-2 Mains 2020).

Q. 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. (UPSC GS-2 Mains 2020)

Q. 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. (UPSC GS-2 Mains 2020)

Q. The strength 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. (UPSC Mains 2020)

Q. ‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples. 

Q. Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)’ is the transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times. Discuss. 

Q.  “Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance”. In this context suggest reforms in the Civil Service for strengthening democracy.  (UPSC GS-2 Mains 2020).

Q. “Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have a profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission”. Discuss. (150 words) (UPSC GS-2 Mains 2020)

Q. Contrary to popular perception, India’s sex ratio at birth declined even as per capita income increased. Discuss. (250 words)

Q. In India it is said that the wealth hierarchy mimics the caste hierarchy. In the light of this statement establish the relationship between caste and economic inequality in India and highlight the initiatives taken to address the caste inequality. (150 words)

Q. Signing of various defence agreements will allow India and the US to act together and get into a better position to shape the regional and global environment. Critically analyse in the light of recently signed Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement. (250 words)

Q. The ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy signals India’s commitment to improve ties with its immediate neighbours but faces challenges of regional diplomacy. Discuss. (250 words)

Q. “The skewed child sex ratio could upset the gains from a falling fertility rate in India.” In the light of the statement discuss the reasons and suggest solutions to address low child sex ratio. (250 words)

Q. Autonomous bodies are very crucial to the government’s functioning. In the light of the statement critically discuss the role of Autonomous Bodies and their governance issues. (250 words)

Q. The frequent promulgation of ordinances is an assault on the democractic structure of the Constitution. Critically analyse. (250 words)

Q. Mission Karmayogi is aimed at building a future-ready civil service with the right attitude, skills and knowledge, aligned to the vision of New India. Discuss. (250 words)

Q. The government regulation on NGOs, at a time when the country especially requires robust civil society organisations and networks, is not desirable. Critically analyse. (250 words)

Q. Reforms in the United Nations (UN) are necessary in order to strengthen its effectiveness as a multilateral organization. Discuss in the light of the need for reform in the current UN systems. (250 words)

Q. The decision to go without “Question Hour” during the Monsoon Session of Parliament has evoked serious concerns about the democratic functioning of the institution and erodes constitutional mandate of parliamentary oversight over executive action. Discuss. (250 words)

Q. Health outcomes are the result of an interaction of forces ranging from the level of expertise of health personnel to the civic sense of a population. Comment. (250 words)

Q. The US seeks to formalise ties with countries of the Indo-Pacific region similar to something like the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) with an aim to counter China. Discuss the prospects and challenges for India to become a regional power. (250 words)

Q. “Sub-categorisation of reserved classes in India is needed for more inclusive affirmative actions.” Discuss the statement in the light of the recent judgement of the Supreme Court. (250 words)