UPSC Civil Services 2012 General Studies Mains Paper 2 Analysis

UPSC Civil Services 2012 General Studies Mains (Paper 2) held on Oct 5, 2012 was really general in all senses. On the likes of paper 1, questions asked were not that tough. The key to high score in a general paper is to make your paper stand out by including maximum relevant points in your answer.

IAS Mains Exam 2012 GS Paper 2 Analysis

Areas under GS Paper 2 as per syllabus:

India and the World (Foreign Relations)
India’s Economic Interaction with the World
Developments in the Field of Science & Technology, IT and space
International Affairs and Institutions
Statistical analysis, graphs and diagrams

Analysis of 2012 IAS Mains Exam Questions: GS Paper 2 (25 markers)

As expected the 25 mark questions (5 no.s) had more stress of current national and international issues. See the questions asked:

China as trading partner + Border Issues
Impact of Globalization of R&D in India+ Example(IT/Health)
Issues in Nepal
Plant Genomics in Hunger Alleviation
Indus Water Treaty – Latest Analysis

Analysis of UPSC 2012 questions of GS Paper 2 (5- 15 markers)

Indian Diaspora – New Diaspora vs Old Diaspora
Reasons for poverty in African and South Asian Countries
Impact of Putin’s return in Russia vs West
Convention on Biological Diversity + FAO Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources For Food and Agriculture
Millennium Development Goals + concerns
Negative impact of US protectionist measures on India’s Software Industry
Assisted Reproductive Technologies – commercial surrogacy
Failure of International Trade as Engine of Growth
Doping – Example of Doping Drugs + Uses
IBSA + BRICS
Curiosity
US – Iran problems vs India -Iran Relations
Permaculture
Sequoia Super computer
G8+5 group
Human Papiloma virus vaccine
India + South China Sea
Environment Sustainability + Sustainable Development of People
Clean Development Mechanism + UNFCCC
Statistics

Summary of IAS Mains Exam 2012 GS Paper 2

It should be noted that basic economy was absent in both paper 1 and paper 2 of GS paper. Knowledge of International Affairs and Foreign Relations was crucial in GS Paper 2, 2012. Also the weightage in Paper 2 had seen an increase in environment and science and technology areas. But all together the paper should sound easy for a well read person.

External Link : Download IAS Main Exam 2012: GS (General Studies) Paper 2