Q1 10M 150w Compulsory examine Electoral reforms and one nation one election
Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to "one nation – one election" principle. (Answer in 150 words) 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
विभिन्न समितियों द्वारा सुझाए गए, एवं "एक राष्ट्र – एक चुनाव" के विशिष्ट संदर्भ में, चुनाव सुधारों की आवश्यकता का परीक्षण करें। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में लिखिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2 - Polity & Governance (Electoral Reforms). examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Cites specific committees (2nd ARC/LC) and provides a reasoned, balanced judgment on the 'one nation-one election' principle.
- Cite specific committee recommendations (e.g., 2nd ARC, Law Commission)
- Explain the 'one nation-one election' principle
- Provide reasoning for the need for reform (e.g., cost, stability)
- Conclude with a balanced judgment on the reform's feasibility
Q2 10M 150w Compulsory distinguish Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals
Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they entertain civil as well as criminal cases ? (Answer in 150 words) 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
लोक अदालत तथा मध्यस्थता अधिकरण की व्याख्या कीजिए तथा उनमें अंतर स्पष्ट कीजिए। क्या वे दीवानी तथा आपराधिक दोनों प्रकृति के मामलों पर विचार करते हैं ? (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में लिखिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2 Paper 2: Institutions & Governance. compare: paired headings or table > key differences > significance > conclusion Full marks: Clear distinction with statutory basis and precise jurisdictional limits for both.
- Lok Adalat: statutory body under Legal Services Authority Act, 1987
- Arbitration: private mechanism under Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996
- Lok Adalat: handles civil and compoundable criminal cases
- Arbitration: limited to civil/commercial disputes, no criminal jurisdiction
Q3 10M 150w Compulsory elucidate Cabinet system and parliamentary supremacy
"The growth of cabinet system has practically resulted in the marginalisation of the parliamentary supremacy." Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words) 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
"कैबिनेट प्रणाली के विकास के परिणामस्वरूप व्यावहारिक रूप से संसदीय सर्वोच्चता हाशिए पर चली गई है।" स्पष्ट कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में लिखिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Principle > Institution or Article > Problem with example > Realistic reform. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Clearly explains the mechanism of cabinet supremacy with specific examples and a balanced conclusion.
- Define the shift from 'Parliamentary Supremacy' to 'Cabinet Supremacy'.
- Explain the role of the Prime Minister in controlling the cabinet.
- Mention the impact of the party whip system on legislative independence.
- Discuss the role of the executive in controlling the legislative agenda.
Q4 10M 150w Compulsory comment CAG role in legality and propriety of expenditure
"The duty of the Comptroller and Auditor General is not merely to ensure the legality of expenditure but also its propriety." Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
"नियंत्रक एवं महालेखा परीक्षक का कर्तव्य केवल व्यय की वैधता सुनिश्चित करना ही नहीं बल्कि उसका औचित्य भी सुनिश्चित करना है।" टिप्पणी कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में लिखिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Principle > Institution or Article > Problem with example > Realistic reform. comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close Full marks: Clear distinction, Article 149, example, and reform
- Define 'legality' vs 'propriety' distinction
- Cite Article 149 (CAG powers)
- Explain 'propriety' as value-for-money/efficiency
- Provide example of improper but legal expenditure
Q5 10M 150w Compulsory analyse Local bodies and merger of rural urban local bodies
Analyse the role of local bodies in providing good governance at local level and bring out the pros and cons merging the rural local bodies with the urban local bodies. (Answer in 150 words) 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
स्थानीय स्तर पर सुशासन प्रदान करने में स्थानीय निकायों की भूमिका का विश्लेषण कीजिए और ग्रामीण स्थानीय निकायों को शहरी स्थानीय निकायों में विलय करने के फायदे और नुकसान को स्पष्ट कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में लिखिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2 Governance & Local Administration. analyse: intro > causes > effects > stakeholders/linkages > way forward Full marks: Clear role analysis with specific examples, balanced merger pros/cons, 2nd ARC reference, strong conclusion
- Role of local bodies in local governance
- Pros of merging rural and urban local bodies
- Cons of merging rural and urban local bodies
- Balanced conclusion on the merger issue
Q6 10M 150w Compulsory comment Public charitable trusts and inclusive development
Public charitable trusts have the potential to make India's development more inclusive as they relate to certain vital public issues. Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
कतिपय अत्यावश्यक सार्वजनिक मुद्दों से संबंधित होने के कारण, सार्वजनिक चैरिटेबल ट्रस्टों में भारत के विकास को अधिक समावेशी बनाने का सामर्थ्य है। टिप्पणी कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में लिखिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2 Governance & Social Justice. comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close Full marks: Balanced judgment with specific examples and a clear reform path
- Define Public Charitable Trusts (PCTs) and their mandate
- Link PCTs to specific vital public issues (health, education, welfare)
- Provide a balanced judgment on their potential for inclusive development
- Conclude with a realistic reform or way forward
Q7 10M 150w Compulsory suggest Poverty malnutrition vicious cycle and human capital
Poverty and malnutrition create a vicious cycle, adversely affecting human capital formation. What steps can be taken to break the cycle ? (Answer in 150 words) 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निर्धनता और कुपोषण एक विषाक्त चक्र का निर्माण करते हैं जो मानव पूंजी निर्माण पर प्रतिकूल प्रभाव डाल रहा है। इस चक्र को तोड़ने के लिए क्या कदम उठाए जा सकते हैं ? (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में लिखिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2 Social Justice / Human Capital Formation. suggest: the problem in one line > implementable measures > who acts > conclusion Full marks: Specific, multi-dimensional measures with clear links to breaking the cycle
- Nutritional interventions (ICDS, PDS, Mid-day meals)
- Healthcare access (Ayushman Bharat, primary health)
- Education quality and access (NEP, skill development)
- Economic empowerment (livelihoods, social security)
Q8 10M 150w Compulsory discuss Democratic governance and civil servants integrity
The Doctrine of Democratic Governance makes it necessary that the public perception of the integrity and commitment of civil servants becomes absolutely positive. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words) 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
प्रजातांत्रिक शासन का सिद्धांत यह अनिवार्य करता है कि लोक सेवकों की सत्यनिष्ठा और प्रतिबद्धता के प्रति लोक धारणा पूर्णतः सकारात्मक बनी रहे। विवेचना कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में लिखिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2 Paper 2: Governance. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Links democratic theory to administrative ethics with specific reforms and examples.
- Define democratic governance's reliance on public trust
- Explain why integrity is a constitutional necessity
- Identify causes of negative public perception
- Suggest measures to restore positive perception
Q9 10M 150w Compulsory explain West India strategic alliance against China
'The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China's supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China's political and economic dominance.' Explain this statement with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
'पश्चिम भारत को, चीन की आपूर्ति श्रृंखला पर निर्भरता कम करने के लिए एक विकल्प के रूप में और चीन के राजनीतिक और आर्थिक प्रभुत्व का मुकाबला करने के लिए एक रणनीतिक सहयोगी के रूप में बढ़ावा दे रहा है।' उदाहरणों के साथ इस कथन की व्याख्या कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में लिखिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2 International Relations. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise examples of Western initiatives (e.g., PLI, Quad) linking economic and strategic dimensions.
- Contextualize the geopolitical shift (e.g., US-China rivalry)
- Explain the 'China+1' strategy or supply chain diversification
- Provide specific examples of Western investment or policy (e.g., PLI, FDI)
- Link India's rise to countering China's dominance
Q10 10M 150w Compulsory critically analyse India Central Asian Republics relations
Critically analyse India's evolving diplomatic, economic and strategic relations with the Central Asian Republics (CARs) highlighting their increasing significance in regional and global geopolitics. (Answer in 150 words) 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
मध्य एशियाई गणराज्यों (C.A.R.s) के साथ भारत के विकसित होते राजनीतिक, आर्थिक और रणनीतिक संबंधों का आलोचनात्मक विश्लेषण कीजिये, तथा क्षेत्रीय और वैश्विक भूराजनीति में उनके बढ़ते महत्व पर प्रकाश डालिये। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में लिखिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2 International Relations. analyse: intro > causes > effects > stakeholders/linkages > way forward Full marks: Critical analysis with specific examples of diplomatic, economic, and strategic linkages.
- Diplomatic relations: CICA, SCO, and bilateral summits
- Economic relations: TIR, trade, and energy security
- Strategic relations: Connectivity (Zanzibar, Chabahar) and counter-terrorism
- Geopolitical significance: Balancing China and Russia influence
Q11 15M 250w Compulsory explain Public Examination Prevention of Unfair Means Act 2024
What are the aims and objects of recently passed and enforced, The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 ? Whether University/State Education Board examinations, too, are covered under the Act ? (Answer in 250 words). 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
अभी हाल में पारित तथा लागू किये गये, लोक परीक्षा (अनुचित साधनों की रोकथाम) अधिनियम, 2024 के लक्ष्य तथा उद्देश्य क्या हैं ? क्या विश्वविद्यालय/राज्य शिक्षा परिषद की परीक्षायें भी इस अधिनियम के अंतर्गत आती हैं ? (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में लिखिए)
Answer approach & key points
explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precisely lists aims and explicitly confirms scope for Universities/Boards.
- Prevention of unfair means
- Integrity of public exams
- Covers University exams
- Covers State Board exams
Q12 15M 250w Compulsory explain Right to privacy and DNA testing for paternity
Right to privacy is intrinsic to life and personal liberty and is inherently protected under Article 21 of the constitution. Explain. In this reference discuss the law relating to D.N.A. testing of child in the womb to establish its paternity. (Answer in 250 words) 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निजता का अधिकार, प्राण तथा दैहिक स्वतंत्रता के आंतरिक भाग के रूप में, संविधान के अनुच्छेद 21 के अंतर्गत स्वाभाविक रूप से संरक्षित है। व्याख्या कीजिये। इस संदर्भ में एक गर्भस्थ शिशु के पितृत्व को सिद्ध करने के लिए डी.एन.ए. परीक्षण से सम्बन्धित विधि की चर्चा कीजिये। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में लिखिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Principle > Institution or Article > Problem with example > Realistic reform. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Clear explanation of privacy under Art 21 with balanced discussion of prenatal DNA testing law and ethics
- Privacy as fundamental right under Article 21
- Justice Puttaswamy judgment establishing privacy
- Legal framework for prenatal DNA testing
- Supreme Court guidelines on DNA testing
- Feticide (Prevention) Act relevance
- Ethical concerns of prenatal paternity testing
- Balance between privacy and paternity rights
- Child's right to know paternity
Q13 15M 250w Compulsory suggest Centre-State relations and federalism strengthening
What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-State relations ? Suggest measures to be adopted to build the trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism. (Answer in 250 words) 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
केन्द्र सरकार ने केन्द्र-राज्य सम्बन्धों के क्षेत्र में हाल ही में क्या बदलाव किये हैं ? संवाद को मजबूत करने के लिए तथा केन्द्र और राज्यों के बीच विश्वास पैदा करने के लिए उपाय सुझाइए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में लिखिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2 Paper 2: Governance & Federalism. suggest: the problem in one line > implementable measures > who acts > conclusion Full marks: Identifies specific recent changes, analyzes their impact, and suggests concrete, implementable measures to build trust and strengthen federalism.
- Identify specific recent changes (e.g., GST, Finance Commission, CAG, or new laws)
- Analyze the impact of these changes on federalism
- Suggest implementable measures to build trust between Centre and States
- Link measures to strengthening federalism
Q14 15M 250w Compulsory explain Public interest litigation growth and Supreme Court power
Explain the reasons for the growth of public interest litigation in India. As a result of it, has the Indian Supreme Court emerged as the world's most powerful judiciary ? (Answer in 250 words) 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत में जनहित याचिकाओं के बढ़ने के कारण स्पष्ट कीजिए। इसके परिणामस्वरूप, क्या भारत का उच्चतम न्यायालय दुनिया की सबसे शक्तिशाली न्यायपालिका के रूप में उभरा है ? (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में लिखिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2 Paper 2: Constitutional & Judicial Governance. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Balanced analysis of PIL's constitutional basis and its impact on judicial power.
- Cite Article 32/226 as the constitutional basis for PIL
- Identify specific landmark judgments (e.g., SP Gupta, MC Mehta)
- Analyze the shift from 'locus standi' to public interest
- Critically evaluate the 'most powerful judiciary' claim
Q15 15M 250w Compulsory discuss India as secular state comparison with US
Discuss India as a secular state and compare with the secular principles of the US constitution. (Answer in 250 words) 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत की एक धर्मनिरपेक्ष राज्य के रूप में विवेचना कीजिए और अमेरिकी संविधान के धर्मनिरपेक्ष सिद्धांतों के साथ तुलना कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में लिखिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2 Constitutional Principles & Comparative Governance. compare: paired headings or table > key differences > significance > conclusion Full marks: Clear distinction between 'principled distance' and 'wall of separation' with specific legal examples.
- Define India's secularism as 'principled distance' (Article 25-28).
- Define US secularism as 'wall of separation' (1st Amendment).
- Contrast state intervention in religious affairs (e.g., temple management).
- Contrast state funding of religious institutions (e.g., minority schools).
Q16 15M 250w Compulsory suggest Citizens charter implementation challenges
The Citizens' charter has been a landmark initiative in ensuring citizen-centric administration. But it is yet to reach its full potential. Identify the factors hindering the realisation of its promise and suggest measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words) 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
नागरिक-केंद्रित प्रशासन को सुनिश्चित करने के लिए नागरिक अधिकार-पत्र एक ऐतिहासिक पहल रही है। किन्तु, इसे अभी भी अपनी पूर्ण क्षमता तक पहुँचना बाकी है। इसके वादे की प्राप्ति में बाधा डालने वाले कारकों की पहचान कीजिए और उन्हें दूर करने के उपाय सुझाइए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में लिखिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2 Governance: Citizen-Centric Administration & Service Delivery. challenges: 3-4 challenges > solutions mapped to them > conclusion Full marks: Identifies 3-4 specific hindering factors with concrete examples, maps each to a realistic measure, cites 2nd ARC or SC judgment, concludes with implementation path.
- Identify 3-4 specific factors hindering Charter realization
- Suggest measures mapped to identified hindering factors
- Link factors to citizen-centric administration failure
- Conclude with realistic reform or implementation path
Q17 15M 250w Compulsory suggest Public healthcare marketisation and state role
In a crucial domain like the public healthcare system the Indian State should play a vital role to contain the adverse impact of marketisation of the system. Suggest some measures through which the State can enhance the reach of public healthcare at the grassroots level. (Answer in 250 words) 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
लोक स्वास्थ्य देखभाल प्रणाली जैसे महत्त्वपूर्ण क्षेत्र में भारतीय राज्य को उस व्यवस्था के बाजारीकरण के दुष्प्रभावों को रोकने के लिए व्यापक भूमिका निभानी चाहिए। कुछ ऐसे उपाय सुझाइए जिनके माध्यम से राज्य, लोक स्वास्थ्य देखभाल प्रणाली की पहुँच का विस्तार तृणमूल स्तर तक कर सके। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में लिखिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2 Governance & Public Policy. suggest: the problem in one line > implementable measures > who acts > conclusion Full marks: Specific, implementable measures addressing both marketisation and grassroots reach with institutional clarity.
- Measures to contain marketisation of healthcare
- Specific actions for grassroots level reach
- Role of State in public healthcare delivery
- Institutional or policy reforms for accessibility
Q18 15M 250w Compulsory evaluate E-governance Interactive Service Model evaluation
e-governance is not just about the routine application of digital technology in service delivery process. It is as much about multifarious interactions for ensuring transparency and accountability. In this context evaluate the role of the 'Interactive Service Model' of e-governance. (Answer in 250 words) 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
ई-गवर्नेंस सेवा प्रदायगी की प्रक्रिया में डिजिटल प्रौद्योगी का नैतिक कार्यों में अनुप्रयोग मात्र ही नहीं है। इसमें पारदर्शिता और जवाबदेयता को सुनिश्चित करने के लिए विविध प्रकार की अन्तरक्रियाएँ भी हैं। इस सन्दर्भ में ई-गवर्नेंस के 'इन्टरैक्टिव सर्विस मॉडल' का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में लिखिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2 Governance. evaluate: criteria > evidence > balanced judgment Full marks: Critically evaluates the model's impact on transparency/accountability with specific examples.
- Define Interactive Service Model (two-way citizen-state interaction).
- Link model to transparency (e.g., RTI, open data).
- Link model to accountability (e.g., grievance redressal, feedback).
- Provide balanced judgment on its effectiveness/limits.
Q19 15M 250w Compulsory evaluate UNSC Counter Terrorism Committee effectiveness
'Terrorism has become a significant threat to global peace and security.' Evaluate the effectiveness of the United Nations Security Council's Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) and its associated bodies in addressing and mitigating this threat at the international level. (Answer in 250 words) 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
'आतंकवाद वैश्विक शान्ति और सुरक्षा के लिए एक बड़ा खतरा बन गया है।' अन्तर्राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर इस खतरे को सम्बोधित करने और कम करने में संयुक्त राष्ट्र सुरक्षा परिषद की आतंकवाद निरोधी समिति (सी.टी.सी.) और इससे सम्बन्धित निकायों की प्रभावशीलता का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में लिखिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2 International Relations: Institutional Effectiveness & Governance. evaluate: criteria > evidence > balanced judgment Full marks: Detailed analysis of CTC/CTED/CTI/CTU roles with specific examples of success/failure.
- Define CTC's mandate and composition (15 PSC members).
- Identify associated bodies (CTED, CTI, CTU).
- Cite specific mechanisms (1373 Resolution, 1267/1989 Sanctions).
- Provide a balanced judgment on effectiveness vs. limitations.
Q20 15M 250w Compulsory discuss Maldives geopolitical importance for India
Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of Maldives for India with a focus on global trade and energy flows. Further also discuss how this relationship affects India's maritime security and regional stability amidst international competition ? (Answer in 250 words) 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
वैश्विक व्यापार और ऊर्जा प्रवाह पर ध्यान केन्द्रित करते हुए भारत के लिये मालदीव के भू-राजनीतिक और भू-रणनीतिक महत्त्व पर चर्चा कीजिए। आगे यह भी चर्चा करें कि यह सम्बन्ध अन्तर्राष्ट्रीय प्रतिस्पर्धा के बीच भारत की समुद्री सुरक्षा और क्षेत्रीय स्थिरता को कैसे प्रभावित करता है ? (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में लिखिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2 International Relations. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Links trade/energy flows to security; analyzes competition; balanced close.
- Geopolitical importance: Chokepoint control (Maldives Strait)
- Geostrategic importance: Energy security (Qatar/UAE pipelines)
- Impact on India's maritime security (SAGAR/Neighbourhood First)
- Regional stability amidst international competition (China/US)