UPPSC MAINS 2019 Paper-2

Points to Remember: CAG’s independence, audit powers, accountability, and role in parliamentary democracy. Introduction: The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) holds a unique constitutional position, enshrined in Article 148-151 of the Indian Constitution. This ensures its independence from the executive branch. Body: The CAG audits the accounts of the Union and State governments, … Read more Examine the Constitutional Position of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. (Answer in 125 words)

Points to Remember: Key differences between Indian and US federal systems lie in the distribution of powers, the nature of the federation’s origin, and the role of the judiciary. Introduction: Both India and the USA are federal republics, but their federal structures differ significantly. The US system evolved from a union of independent states, while … Read more In what ways does the Indian federal-system differ from the federal system in United States of America (USA)? Explain. (Answer in 125 words)

Points to Remember: Rajya Sabha’s special powers stem from its role representing states and ensuring federal balance. These powers are primarily related to constitutional amendments, state-level legislation, and the creation of new All India Services. Introduction: The Indian Constitution establishes a bicameral Parliament comprising the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha … Read more Describe those special powers of the council of states (Rajya Sabha) which are not enjoyed by the Lok Sabha, under the Indian Constitution. (Answer in 125 words)

Points to Remember: VVPAT functionality, efficacy in enhancing election transparency, challenges faced, and future improvements. Introduction: Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines, introduced in Indian General Elections, generate a paper slip for voter verification after electronic voting. This aimed to enhance transparency and address concerns about EVM manipulation. Body: * Functionality: VVPAT prints a … Read more Evaluate the use of VVPAT in the General Election of India. (Answer in 125 words)

Points to Remember: Electoral Bonds, Transparency, Political Funding, Anonymous Donations. Introduction: Electoral bonds are instruments introduced in India to allow anonymous donations to political parties. The aim was to bring transparency to political funding, replacing largely unregulated cash donations. However, their efficacy remains debated. Body: Mechanism: Electoral bonds are purchased from designated banks by individuals … Read more What are electoral bonds ? Are they capable of bringing transparency in the political funding system? (Answer in 125 words)

Points to Remember: SHGs’ impact on women’s empowerment, financial inclusion, and rural development. Introduction: Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are village-based organizations of women, primarily focused on microfinance and social support. Their impact on rural India is significant and multifaceted. Body: Financial Inclusion: SHGs provide access to credit and savings, reducing reliance on exploitative moneylenders. This boosts … Read more What has been the impact of Self-Help-Groups (SHG’s) on India’s rural life? Describe. (Answer in 125 words)

Points to Remember: Remittances, investments, skill transfer, entrepreneurship. Introduction: The Indian diaspora, numbering over 18 million, significantly contributes to India’s economic structure. Their contributions extend beyond remittances, impacting investment, skill transfer, and entrepreneurship. Body: Remittances: Overseas Indians send substantial remittances annually, bolstering household incomes and forex reserves. This inflow acts as a crucial source of … Read more Write a short note on the contribution of the Indian diaspora towards economic structure in India. (Answer in 125 words)

Points to Remember: India’s core concerns regarding Kashmir mediation; sovereignty, bilateralism, internal matter. Introduction: The Kashmir issue is a long-standing territorial dispute between India and Pakistan. India consistently rejects third-party mediation, viewing it as an infringement on its sovereignty. Body: Sovereignty: India considers Kashmir an integral part of its territory and believes that external mediation … Read more Why is India opposed to mediation on Kashmir? (Answer in 125 words)

Points to Remember: ICJ jurisdiction, limitations, contentious cases, advisory opinions. Introduction: The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, settles legal disputes between states and provides advisory opinions on legal questions. Its jurisdiction, however, is not universal. Body: The ICJ’s jurisdiction is primarily based on the consent of states. … Read more Critically examine the jurisdiction of International Court of Justice. (Answer in 125 words)

Points to Remember: Land fragmentation, inadequate irrigation, low productivity, market access issues, debt trap, climate change vulnerability. Introduction: Uttar Pradesh, despite being a major agricultural state, faces significant challenges impacting its farmers. Low farm incomes and high indebtedness are prevalent. Body: Land Fragmentation: Small and fragmented landholdings limit economies of scale and mechanization. Irrigation: Uneven … Read more Throw light on the challenges and problems of farmers and agriculture sector in Uttar Pradesh. Suggest measures for improvement. (Answer in 125 words)