Analysis of General Studies Paper II of Civil Service Mains Examination 2016

Hello friends,

First of all we thank each and everyone of you for the overwhelming support we received for the analysis we did for General Studies Paper-1. Taking inspiration from the support you extended, here, we are providing an analysis of General Studies Paper -II of Civil Service Mains Examination 2016. General Studies Paper-II Mains paper, with its vastness and close relation to current affairs has always surprised the aspirants, ever since the new pattern has come into existence. The Paper of 2016 wasn’t any different as some question did surprise many, in the examination hall.

The sheer length and breadth of the GS 2 syllabus as well as the possibilities of UPSC asking either Basics or Current Affairs remain equal. This has left most aspirants looking out for different approaches and strategies. The questions such as that of Coelho Case and MacBride Commission reinforce this thought.

Marks based analysis of previous years  results reveal that most of the candidates score between 75-90 bracket, which if improved can increase their possibilities of securing a rank. Similarly, analysing the questions of previous 4 years, however, reflect one basic trend of UPSC i.e. the questions have always been in and around the concepts that relate to the syllabus. Therefore, the key to attempting all the answers remains inadvertently with the thoroughness of concepts in the syllabus. But how to go about it, is a matter of thought. This analysis of General Studies Paper-II 2016 paper, has been designed in a way that it will help aspirants to understand what UPSC looks at and thus develop a strong hold in GS 2 for 2017 Mains.

First and foremost, an aspirant has to have faith in the words of UPSC when it says that : the questions are likely to test the candidate’s basic understanding of all relevant issues, and ability to analyse, and take a view on conflicting socio – economic goals, objectives and demands. That being said, the safest and appropriate approach to GS 2 would always be to stick to the syllabus and have a crystal clear clarity about the concepts mentioned in the syllabus. One should never ignore the syllabus and rush to newspapers. On the contrary, he should be able to relate the news to the syllabus and thus take note of it. To read everything that comes in newspapers and Current Affairs magazines without being able to place them under the heads in the syllabus is close to suicidal for an aspirant. As you develop this practise of preparing notes with syllabus in the background, the GS 2 would look much simpler, interesting and winnable.

Let us do the analysis of General Studies Paper -II of Civil Service Mains Examination 2016

Q1: Discuss the essentials of the 69th Constitutional Amendment Act and anomalies, if any, that have led to recent reported conflicts between the elected representatives and the institution of the Lieutenant Governor in the administration of Delhi. Do you think that this will give rise to a new trend in the functioning of the Indian federal politics?

What  UPSC syllabus says ?

“Issues and Challenges pertaining to the federal structure”.

{UPSC’s focus – *basic understanding (about Delhi Governance issue) + *ability to analyse (the issue in the context of Indian federalism) + take a view (What do you think about it}

The question seems difficult as one is asked about the essentials of a particular amendment to the Constitution. However, if a candidate is able to recollect the points of contention between the Lt.Governor of Delhi and the Chief Minister, those points could be incorporated into the answer as the essentials of the amendment. This way a candidate would be able to pen down three to four points about the amendment.

Why was this question asked in 2016? The Hindu

For the past four years, UPSC has maintained its usual trend of asking question from Federalism. Last year the question was,

“The concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasised in recent years. Highlight the drawbacks in the existing structure and extent to which cooperative federalism would answer the shortcomings.”(CSE Mains 2015)

India being a quasi federal country, the Indian form of federalism , the issues in centre -state relations, constitutional provisions that uphold federalism and every matter that affects federalism is important. Further , ‘Cooperative and Competitive federalism’ is being echoing throughout the country with the present NDA Regime coming into power.

From an analysis of last three years UPSC question papers  it is quite clear that UPSC finds federalism and especially cooperative federalism quite important. The question can be related to a current issue as in the present question- Delhi UT Issue or it can be a generalised question as in 2015 and 2014.

With increasing Centre- State and Inter- State issues, UPSC might keep this trend for the coming years also. So it would be advisable to study the federal principles that the Indian Constitution is trying to uphold.

The advisable approach, however, is to have an understanding of the basic concepts that are relevant to the UPSC syllabus and keep yourself updated with the Centre – State federal Issues.

The trend has been that, whenever the syllabus refers to “Issues“, it pertains to current developments. Therefore, never miss out any current developments under this heading of the UPSC syllabus.

Also taking cues from the UPSC notification, the exam is not intended to assess the mere range of information and memory of the candidate. Therefore, you are essentially not expected to know all things about the amendment.

Q2:  To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing marginal note “temporary provision with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir”, temporary? Discuss the future prospects of this provision in the context of Indian polity.

What  UPSC syllabus says ? “Significant Provisions”

{UPSC’s focus – *basic understanding (about Article 370) + *ability to analyse (the nature of word “Temporary” in the context of its usage in Jammu and Kashmir)}

The term “significant” in the UPSC syllabus is wide, and therefore it is best to identify the term “significant” based on current developments. A serious aspirant would never have ignored the significance of Article 370 and the several issues  that related to the Article, including its “Temporary Nature”.

While answering the question, rather than going into the details of  J&K Constitution, you must stick on to  what the Constitution speaks through Art 370. Also you must be able to show how does the “temporary provision” changed its form to a “permanent one”. This will suffice the first part of the question. In the second part, you are being asked to discuss about the future prospects. Will the Article 370,though termed as “temporary provision”, continue as “permanent one” or will the Indian govt move on to amend it. You can choose between them or give a better suggestion with necessary supporting points.

Reasons for the question in 2016 paper:

October 2015 ruling by the High Court of J & K – The Hindu 2016 – Continued tension in J & K -2014 – Election Manifesto of the NDA Government on J & K.

Q3.“The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of contradictions and paradoxes.” Discuss.

What  UPSC syllabus says ?

“Formal and informal associations and their Role in the polity”

{UPSC’s focus – *basic understanding (Role of Party in the Polity) + *ability to analyse (Its role in the polity in the current scenario)}

This is a smart question chosen to test how the candidate would approach it, given the unusual trend of asking something from party system. However, remember as per the UPSC syllabus, party system plays an important role in the polity and therefore, the intention is only to test the candidate’s approach as to how he looks at the role of party in the polity.

Q4: “Exercise of CAG’s powers in relation to the accounts of the Union and the States is derived from Article 149 of the Indian Constitution. Discuss whether audit of the Government’s policy implementation could amount to overstepping its own (CAG) jurisdiction.”

What  UPSC syllabus says ? – Constitutional bodies

{UPSC’s focus – *basic understanding (about the Constitutional Body) + *ability to analyse (the recent actions of the Constitutional body  in the context of his powers) + take a view (whether CAG is overstepping his own jurisdiction)}

This article is highly relevant while answering this question.

NDTV

What makes it relevant for 2016?

2016-Current Affairs

CAG was very much in the news for the policy PAHAL, where it said that PAHAL subsidy savings had been inflated.

Business Standard, Also, The Hindu

Q5: Discuss each adjective attached to the word ‘Republic’ in the ‘Preamble’. Are they defendable in the present circumstances?

What  UPSC syllabus says ?

Indian Constitution – Evolution/ Features/ Amendments/ Significant Provisions/Basic Structure.

{UPSC’s focus – *basic understanding (about meaning of the terms) + *ability to analyse (the importance of these terms in the context of changing political developments) + take a view (Are they defendable)}

Q6:What was held in the Coelho case? In this context, can you say that judicial review is of key importance amongst the basic features of the Constitution?

What  UPSC syllabus says ?

Significant Provisions and Basic Structure/ Separation of power between various Organs.

{UPSC’s focus – *basic understanding (about judicial review) + *ability to analyse (can you say that …)}

Nature of Question:

Mix of Basics and Current Affairs.

Prima facie, this question looks very tricky. Most of us have read about Minerva Mills Case and Keshavananda Bharti Case in relation to judicial review and basic structure, and are likely to miss out Coelho Case decided in 2009. However, with some presence of mind, this question is easily answerable. The answer to the question lies in the question itself. The case in its essence deals with judicial review as being a part of basic structure. Therefore, if a candidate has no clue of what was decided in Coelho Case, taking cues from the latter part of the question would have helped him to some extent in attempting the first part of the question.

Patidar agitation and Jat agitation were very much in the news during 2015 and 2016. Reservation laws and land reforms are two set of laws which had often found its place in the Ninth Schedule. News articles had regularly mentioned about this aspect. Ninth Schedule is a bone of contention between judiciary and Legislative body because it revolves around the concept of judicial review. 

The likely reasons why The question was asked:

• Haryana Jat Issue
• Gujarat Patidar agitation
• Tribute to Former Chief Justice of India  S H Kapadia who was part of the bench which decided this case. He passed away in January 2016.

Q7:Did the Government of India Act 1935, lay down a federal Constitution? Discuss.

What  UPSC syllabus says ?

Historical Underpinnings

{UPSC’s focus – *basic understanding (about GoI Act 1935 and federalism)}

This was a question that touches both the historical background as well as the concept of federalism enshrined in 1935 Act.  This was an easy question that could be answered if you have at least read the very first chapter of Indian Polity on Laxmikant. Since, Indian Constitution is modelled on the 1935 Act and almost 70% of the provision are directly lifted from the said Act,  the question to the above question is- Yes  GOI Act 1935 does lay down a federal constitution . The candidate is expected to know the provisions of GOI ACt 1935 relating to principles of federalism to write the answer. Knowledge from GS History is sufficient to answer this question.

Q8:What is quasi judicial body? Explain with the help of concrete examples.

A direct question hand picked from the UPSC syllabus.

What  UPSC syllabus says ?

“Statutory, regulatory and Quasi – Judicial Bodies”

{UPSC’s focus – *basic understanding (about quasi judicial bodies)}

Level of Difficulty :- Basic.

Knowledge acquired from Prelims based preparation would suffice to answer this question.  

Q9:Professor Amartya Sen has advocated important reforms in the realms of primary education and primary health care. What are your suggestions to improve their status and performance?

What  UPSC syllabus says ?

“Issues relating to development and Management of Social Sector / Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

{UPSC’s focus – *basic understanding (about Education and Health Care Sector in India) + *ability to analyse (your suggestions …)}

Answering this question does not require any reference or knowledge about any content from books of Prof. Amartya Sen. The question yet again, is simply about your personal opinion on the issue. A thorough understanding and clarity about education and health care is important. Again syllabus is the key. It has clearly used the terms – “Issues relating to development of …. Health/ Education. Basic clarity about this portion can be developed from the NCERTs and thus, would form the necessary platform to answer this question.

Level of Difficulty – Basics

Q10:“In the Indian governance system, the role of non-state actors has been only marginal.” Critically examine this statement.

What  UPSC syllabus says ?

“Development process and the development Industry – the role of NGOs, SHGs, Various Groups and Associations, Donors, Charities, Institutional and Other Stakeholders.

{UPSC’s focus – *basic understanding (about role of non- state actors) + *ability to analyse (Critically examine…) + take a stand (Comment on the statement.)}

Another direct and general question straight from the syllabus – “The role of NGOs, SHGs, Various Groups and Associations…”

If this part of the syllabus was prepared with What- Why – How Model, the question could have been a cake walk.

Q11:Effectiveness of the government system at various levels and people’s participation in the governance system are interdependent”. Discuss their relationship in the context of India.

What  UPSC syllabus says ?

“Important aspects of governance”.

{UPSC’s focus – *basic understanding (on what governance is about) + *ability to analyse (here, the relationship between the government’s effectiveness  and people’s participation …)}

The focus of the question is on Governance and about the INTERDEPENDENT RELATIONSHIP between the “Effectiveness” of the government – at various levels – and “People’s participation”. The aspirant must focus equally on how government is dependant upon people and how people are dependent upon effectiveness of the government.

The best way to answer is to provide examples while substantiating the relationship. It may be answered by categorising government system into various levels- say LSG, State and Centre.

Nature of Question : Inter mediate level

KEYWORDS: Social Audit/ RTI/ Grama Sabha/ and e-governance/india.gov.in/decentralised system/transparency in system/ efficiency in delivery of services.   

Q12:In the integrity index of Transparency International, India stands very low. Discuss briefly the legal, political, social and cultural factors that have caused the decline of public morality in India.

What  UPSC syllabus says ?

Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability.

{UPSC’s focus – *basic understanding (various factors contributing to decline of public morality) + *ability to analyse (various factors into various dimensions- legal/political/social/cultural…)}

Focus here are multiple factors that has caused the decline of public morality in India.  A knowledge about the studies conducted by Transparency International is not required here. Examples from everyday life that substantiate the factors would suffice.

Keywords:

Legal – Prevention of Corruption Act, RP Act, IPC, RTI Act – Poor Implementation/ Judicial delays/

Political – Criminalisation of Politics/ Politicisation of Criminals/ Minorities as Vote Banks/

Social – Social Acceptance of Corruption as a Norm/ Lack of awareness/

Cultural – Lethargic attitude/ Lack of accountability/ Traditional Bureaucratic attitude

Q13:Has the Indian governmental system responded adequately to the demands of Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization started in 1991? What can the government do to be responsive to this important change?

What  UPSC syllabus says ?

Transparency & Accountability and Institutional and other measures./ Government policies and intervention for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

{UPSC’s focus – *basic understanding (about effect of LPG) + *ability to analyse (the Government’s actions viz-a-viz LPG reforms + take a  view (Has the Government responded adequately)}

NCERT on Economy can help provide a good platform to the question. This question, again needs substantiation with examples as the question has asked – Response of Government – IN THE PAST and IN THE FUTURE.

Keywords/ Suggestions:

Inequality/extremism/security challenges/e- governance measures/ Ease of Doing Business/ Welfare Schemes/ Rights Based Approach/ NMP and Make in India/ cooperative federalism/11th and 12th FYP Theme/

e-governance/ more transparency/equitable and inclusive development/better delivery of services/

Why this was asked:

Current Affairs – 25 years of LPG reforms

Q14:“Traditional bureaucratic structure and culture have hampered the process of socio-economic development in India.” Comment.

What  UPSC syllabus says ?

Role of civil services in a democracy.

{UPSC’s focus – *basic understanding (of Indian bureaucracy) + *ability to analyse (its way of functioning and context of development)}

This question, again do not require any specialised knowledge about bureaucratic structure or development studies in India. Such questions can be answered with examples while commenting upon the statement.

Q15:Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation.

What  UPSC syllabus says ?

“Welfare Schemes for vulnerable section of the population by the Centre and the performance of these schemes.

{UPSC’s focus – *basic understanding (National Child Policy) + take a view (on implementation)}

This is a direct question from the syllabus and can be answered effectively if one had glanced through the India Year Book 2016 (Chapter – Welfare).

Many of us may not be very sure of the contents in the National Policy for Children 2013. Such situations can lead one to get tensed and even think of skipping it. However, pointing out basic problems faced by children will help him score marks. That would invariably relate to – education/health/nutrition/protection/growth etc. Mentioning such keywords in the answer would help him/her gain few marks, which he would have missed otherwise. These are also the main areas dealt under the NPC, 2013.

Q16:“Demographic Dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower becomes more educated, aware, skilled and creative.” What measures have been taken by the government to enhance the capacity of our population to be more productive and employable?

What  UPSC syllabus says ?

Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector relating to Human Resources.

{UPSC’s focus – *basic understanding (on concept of human resources in India) and (initiatives of the government t improve human capital)}

This question is directly picked from a portion in NCERT. However, to answer this, one must be aware of the governmental measures.

This is an area which has been regularly in news. Therefore, solving this should be relatively easy for a candidate who has regularly updated himself with the requisite information.

Q17:“The broader aims and objectives of WTO are to manage and promote international trade in the era of globalization. But the Doha round of negotiations seem doomed due to differences between the developed and the developing countries.” Discuss in the Indian perspective.

What  UPSC syllabus says ?

Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

{UPSC’s focus – *basic understanding (about Indian stand in WTO) + *ability to analyse (here, Agreements incolving and /or affecting India’s interest) + take a view (on difference between developing and developed countries.)}

The WTO and Doha Rounds were regularly in the news. However, the question is neither about Doha round or its outcome. A good understanding of the issue from the news and Economic Survey would help the candidate to approach this question with ease. The focus has to be on India’s  stand in WTO and also how it seeks to represent itself when there are difference between the developed and developing countries. The statements by the MEA Spokesperson about Indian position throws light into the approach to be taken to answer this question. The question is only asking about the Indian Perspective in general, without focusing more on outcome of Doha round.

An extra reading: MEA

Q18: Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post Cold War international scenario.

What  UPSC syllabus says ?

“Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.”

{UPSC’s focus – *basic understanding (about Look East Policy) + *ability to analyse (here, the economic and strategic dimensions in the context of post Cold War scenario…)}

Nature of the question:

Current Affairs: – Transition from Look East to Act East/ Change in geo economics/China factor.

Q19: “Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs of member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).” Explain with suitable examples.

What  UPSC syllabus says ?

Regional groupings, India and its neighbourhood – relations.

{UPSC’s focus – *basic understanding (about SAARC) + *ability to analyse (here, the activities of neighbour and how regional groupings are affected…)}

This was an expected question as SAARC Meet was cancelled in 2016 on account of activities from the Pakistan side.

Q20:What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of the UNESCO? What is India’s position on these?

What  UPSC syllabus says ?

Important international institutions, agencies and for a – their structure, mandate.

{UPSC’s focus – *basic understanding (about UNESCO’s McBride Commission) + *ability to analyse (on Indian position)}

Nature of question: Direct, but not relatable to current affairs. Therefore, from an aspirant’s perspective it can be categorised as a Higher Level question.

Given the nature of syllabus in GS 2, which has the likelihood of questions coming from basic as well as current scenario, a candidate must be very careful with his mode of preparation. One observable trend in GS 2, however, has been that UPSC is cautiously taking note of current developments that has been continuing for at least two years.

For example : –

• Delhi Issue
• Article 370
• CAG
• Judicial review and Reservations
• Words in the Preamble
• Party system
• Role of Non State Actors
• Doha Round
• Demographic Dividend

Therefore, clarity with respect to concept in the syllabus is imperative and also the ability to relate the current development to these concepts is crucial.

Based on the trend of questions, no doubt, preparation based on combination of these two elements would make the aspiring civil servant well prepared to face the GS 2 paper in 2017. This exercise needs to begin today as it would take two to three months for a candidate to get well acquainted with the syllabus and also master the skill to relate the current affairs to the syllabus.

Wish you luck!