Q1 10M 150w examine 2026 amendment to Transgender Persons Act and Article 21 privacy
Right to privacy relating to self-identity is very dear to every human being and well protected under Article 21 of the Constitution. In this context, examine the effect of the amendment in 2026, to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
स्व-अभिनिर्धारण से सम्बन्धित निजता का अधिकार प्रत्येक व्यक्ति को प्रिय है तथा संविधान के अनुच्छेद 21 में भली-भाँति संरक्षित है। इस संदर्भ में, उभयलिंगी (ट्रांसजेंडर) व्यक्ति (अधिकारों का संरक्षण) अधिनियम, 2019 में 2026 के संशोधन के प्रभाव का परीक्षण कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2: Constitutional Law & Governance. examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Precisely links 2026 medical board/surgery mandate to Article 21 privacy violation.
- Link self-identity to Article 21 privacy (Puttaswamy).
- Identify 2026 amendment's medical board requirement.
- Analyze exclusion of self-perceived identities.
- Evaluate impact on constitutional morality.
Q2 10M 150w discuss Women's reservation from local bodies to Parliament
"Women as a class neither belong to a minority group nor are they regarded as forming a backward class." In the light of this statement, discuss the evolution of women's reservation from local bodies to Parliament. (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
“एक वर्ग के रूप में महिलाएँ न तो किसी अल्पसंख्यक समूह का अंग हैं और न ही वे पिछड़ा वर्ग बनाती मानी जाती हैं।” इस कथन के प्रकाश में, स्थानीय निकायों से संसद तक में महिला आरक्षण के क्रमिक विकास की विवेचना कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2: Governance, Constitution, and Social Justice. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Critically links the statement to the 73rd/74th and 106th Amendments with a clear constitutional argument.
- Contextualize the statement regarding women's constitutional status
- Trace the 73rd/74th Amendment (1992) local body reservation
- Explain the 106th Amendment (2023): Articles 330A/332A, SC/ST women's sub-quota, 15-year term (Article 334A), commencement only after post-Census delimitation
- Link the evolution to the 'class' vs 'minority' distinction
Q3 10M 150w examine Lok Sabha Speaker neutrality and anti-defection law
Examine whether the constitutional office of the Lok Sabha Speaker has become vulnerable to partisan politics under the current anti-defection regime. What institutional changes are required to ensure the neutrality of the Lok Sabha Speaker in managing a polarised House? (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
वर्तमान दल-बदल विरोधी व्यवस्था के अंतर्गत क्या लोकसभा अध्यक्ष का संवैधानिक पद दलगत राजनीति के कारण अतिसंवेदनशील हो गया है? परीक्षण कीजिए। ध्रुवीकृत सदन के प्रबंधन में लोकसभा अध्यक्ष की निष्पक्षता को सुनिश्चित करने में किन संस्थागत परिवर्तनों की आवश्यकता है? (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2: Governance & Constitutional Mechanisms. examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Analyzes the structural conflict in the Speaker's role under the 10th Schedule and offers specific, viable institutional reforms.
- Link anti-defection law to Speaker's partisan vulnerability
- Identify specific institutional changes for neutrality
- Address management of a polarised House
- Conclude with a balanced judgment on the office
Q4 10M 150w discuss Right to vote and ECI's electoral roll revision powers
Is the right to vote a fundamental right? Discuss the position of the Election Commission of India while undertaking the revision of electoral rolls. Can it also examine the question of citizenship of voters? (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
क्या मताधिकार एक मौलिक अधिकार है? निर्वाचक नामावली का पुनरीक्षण करते हुए भारत के निर्वाचन आयोग की प्रस्थिति की विवेचना कीजिए। क्या यह निर्वाचकों की नागरिकता के प्रश्न का भी परीक्षण कर सकता है? (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2 Polity: Constitutional Provisions & Institutional Powers. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Correctly distinguishes statutory voting right from fundamental right and clearly limits ECI's power to roll revision, not citizenship adjudication.
- Voting is not a Part III fundamental right: a statutory right (Section 62, RPA 1951) grounded in Article 326
- ECI superintends roll revision under Article 324 and the RPA, 1950 (Sections 16, 21–23)
- ECI can make a limited prima facie enquiry into citizenship for enrolment but cannot conclusively adjudicate it (ADR v. ECI, 2026)
- Doubtful cases go to the competent authority under the Citizenship Act / Foreigners Tribunals
Q5 10M 150w suggest NCSC/NCST enforcement powers
Do constitutional bodies like the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) possess adequate enforcement powers to secure substantive social equality? Suggest measures to enhance their institutional effectiveness. (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
वास्तविक सामाजिक समानता को सुरक्षित करने में राष्ट्रीय अनुसूचित जाति आयोग (NCSC) एवं राष्ट्रीय अनुसूचित जनजाति आयोग (NCST) जैसे संवैधानिक निकायों के पास क्या पर्याप्त प्रवर्तन शक्तियाँ हैं? इनकी संस्थागत प्रभावशीलता को बढ़ाने हेतु उपायों को सुझाइए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2 Paper 2: Constitutional Bodies & Governance. suggest: the problem in one line > implementable measures > who acts > conclusion Full marks: Sharp analysis of enforcement gaps with specific, implementable reforms.
- Identify specific enforcement gaps (e.g., lack of coercive power)
- Distinguish between advisory and enforcement powers
- Propose concrete measures to enhance institutional effectiveness
- Link powers to securing substantive social equality
Q6 10M 150w justify India's tribal development policy
Does India's tribal development policy reflect the aspirations for a socially grounded and equity-based governance? Justify your answer. (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
क्या भारत की जनजातीय विकास नीति सामाजिक आधार वाली और समतामूलक शासन की आकांक्षाओं को प्रतिबिंबित करती है? अपने उत्तर के औचित्य को स्पष्ट कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2 Social Justice / Governance. justify: claim > 3-4 reasons > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Clear claim, 3-4 specific reasons with evidence, balanced conclusion, bonus element.
- Clear claim on whether policy reflects equity
- 3-4 specific reasons (e.g., PESA, 5th/6th Schedule, reservations)
- Evidence of social grounding (e.g., FRA, tribal self-governance)
- Balanced conclusion acknowledging gaps
Q7 10M 150w discuss Malnutrition as governance challenge
Malnutrition in India is not merely a public health concern; it is also a challenge of social equity, human development and effective welfare governance. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत में कुपोषण मात्र एक सार्वजनिक स्वास्थ्य समस्या नहीं है, बल्कि यह सामाजिक समता, मानव विकास एवं प्रभावी कल्याणकारी शासन के समक्ष भी एक गंभीर चुनौती है। विवेचना कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2 Social Justice / Governance. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Integrates health, equity, and governance with specific institutional critique.
- Link malnutrition to social equity and inequality
- Connect to human development (health, education, productivity)
- Critique welfare governance (implementation, targeting, convergence)
- Balanced conclusion with a forward-looking perspective
Q8 10M 150w analyse Generalist structure of Indian Civil Services
Analyse the advantages and limitations of the generalist structure of the Indian Civil Services in contemporary governance. (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
समकालीन शासन व्यवस्था में भारतीय सिविल सेवाओं की सामान्यज्ञ संरचना के लाभों और सीमाओं का विश्लेषण कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2 Governance: Administrative Structure & Reforms. analyse: intro > causes > effects > stakeholders/linkages > way forward Full marks: Balanced analysis of pros/cons with specific contemporary examples and 2nd ARC reference.
- Advantages: Holistic view, policy coherence, administrative flexibility
- Limitations: Lack of technical depth, bureaucratic bottlenecks
- Contemporary context: Digital governance, specialized policy needs
- Way forward: Sectoral specialization or hybrid models
Q9 10M 150w assess IPMDA, SAGAR and the Quad
"IPMDA (Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness) bridges the gap between India's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision and the Quad's collective Indo-Pacific strategy." Make a critical assessment of the statement focusing on IPMDA. (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
“आई.पी.एम.डी.ए. (इंडो-पैसिफिक पार्टनरशिप फॉर मैरीटाइम डोमेन अवेयरनेस) भारत के SAGAR (सेक्योरिटी एंड ग्रोथ फॉर ऑल इन द रीजन) दृष्टिकोण और क्वाड (Quad) की सामूहिक इंडो-पैसिफिक रणनीति के बीच की खाई को पाटती है।” आई.पी.एम.डी.ए. पर केंद्रित रहते हुए इस कथन का समालोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2 International Relations. critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment Full marks: Precise analysis of IPMDA's technical and strategic role in bridging SAGAR and Quad.
- Define IPMDA's specific maritime domain awareness mandate
- Explain SAGAR's 'Security and Growth' dual objective
- Analyze IPMDA as a bridge between SAGAR and Quad
- Provide a critical judgment on the statement's validity
Q10 10M 150w explain BRICS as counterweight in global governance
"BRICS acts as a powerful counterweight in global governance, actively amplifying the voice and influence of the Global South." Explain the role of BRICS in projecting itself as an alternative to other groupings. (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
“ब्रिक्स (BRICS) वैश्विक शासन में एक शक्तिशाली संतुलनकारी शक्ति के रूप में कार्य करता है, जो वैश्विक दक्षिण की आवाज़ और प्रभाव को सक्रिय रूप से प्रबल बनाता है।” ब्रिक्स (BRICS) की भूमिका को समझाइए कि वह स्वयं को अन्य समूहों के विकल्प के रूप में कैसे प्रस्तुत करता है? (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2 International Relations. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Analyzes BRICS as a structural alternative to Western-led institutions with specific examples (NDB, UNSC reform).
- Mention NDB as alternative to Bretton Woods institutions
- Reference the Contingent Reserve Arrangement or local-currency settlement as alternatives to IMF/dollar-centric finance
- Discuss reform of UN Security Council or IMF/World Bank
- Highlight 'Global South' representation and voice amplification
Q11 15M 250w discuss Governor's powers in Indian federalism
Discuss the position of the Governor in the federal polity of India. What is the nature of his power while giving assent to a bill passed by the State Legislature? Is he bound by the aid and advice of his Council of Ministers in all his functions? (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत की संघीय राज्य-व्यवस्था में राज्यपाल की स्थिति की विवेचना कीजिए। राज्य विधायिका द्वारा पारित विधेयक पर अनुमति देते समय उसकी शक्ति की प्रकृति कैसी है? क्या वह अपने सभी कार्यों में अपनी मंत्रिपरिषद की सहायता व सलाह से बाध्य है? (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Principle > Institution or Article > Problem with example > Realistic reform. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Comprehensive analysis of Governor's position, assent powers, and advice, with specific Articles and judgments.
- Governor's position as constitutional head of state
- Nature of power in assenting to state bills
- Distinction between discretionary and non-discretionary functions
- Scope of binding nature of Council of Ministers' advice
Q12 15M 250w discuss Judicial legislation: passive euthanasia and living will
What is meant by judicial legislation? In this context, discuss the verdicts of the apex court allowing "passive euthanasia" and a "living will". (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
न्यायिक विधायन से क्या तात्पर्य है? इसके संदर्भ में, उच्चतम न्यायालय द्वारा “निष्क्रिय इच्छामृत्यु” तथा “अग्रिम-चिकित्सा निर्देश का इच्छापत्र” को अनुमति देने वाले निर्णयों की विवेचना कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2 Paper 2: Constitutional Law & Judicial Activism. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise definition of judicial legislation; clear distinction between Aruna and Common Cause cases; strong constitutional link to Art 21.
- Define judicial legislation as law-making by courts
- Cite Aruna Shanbaug (2011) for passive euthanasia
- Cite Common Cause case for living wills
- Link verdicts to Article 21 (Right to Life)
Q13 15M 250w examine Asymmetric federalism and dispute resolution
How far has the Indian federal framework been successful in accommodating regional and cultural diversities? Highlight the role of asymmetric federalism and suggest measures to make dispute resolution mechanisms more effective. (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारतीय संघीय ढाँचा कहाँ तक क्षेत्रीय एवं सांस्कृतिक विविधताओं को समायोजित करने में सफल रहा है? असमान संघवाद की भूमिका पर प्रकाश डालिए एवं विवाद समाधान के तंत्र को और अधिक प्रभावी बनाने के लिए उपायों को सुझाइए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2 Paper 2 Method: Principle > Institution/Article > Problem with example > Realistic reform. evaluate: criteria > evidence > balanced judgment Full marks: Balanced judgment on success, clear role of asymmetric federalism, specific and realistic dispute resolution reforms, cites Article/judgment/committee.
- Judgment on success of federal framework in accommodating diversity
- Role of asymmetric federalism (e.g., Article 371 series, Sixth Schedule, erstwhile Article 370)
- Specific measures to make dispute resolution mechanisms effective
- Balanced conclusion linking diversity accommodation to federal stability
Q14 15M 250w examine Separation of powers: India vs USA presidential model
Examine how the separation of powers is practised in India compared to the rigid presidential model of the United States of America. In this context, compare the actual authority of the Indian Prime Minister with that of the President of the USA. (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत में शक्ति पृथक्करण को संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका के कठोर अध्यक्षीय मॉडल की तुलना में कैसे व्यवहार में लाया जा रहा है, परीक्षण कीजिए। इस प्रसंग में, भारतीय प्रधानमंत्री की वास्तविक सत्ता की संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका के राष्ट्रपति से तुलना कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2 Method: Principle > Institution/Article > Problem > Reform. compare: paired headings or table > key differences > significance > conclusion Full marks: Sharp distinction between flexible and rigid models; precise comparison of PM/President roles.
- Contrast India's flexible separation with US rigid model
- Compare PM's actual authority with US President's
- Explain the fusion of executive and legislature in India
- Note that a PM with a stable majority may exercise greater practical control than a US President facing divided government
Q15 15M 250w analyse Pressure groups, corporate lobbies and pluralistic democracy
To what extent do pressure groups, social movements and corporate lobbies deepen pluralistic democracy in India by representing excluded interests? Analyse whether the growing convergence of corporate wealth and political power poses a threat to the autonomy of formal democratic institutions. (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
दबाव समूह, सामाजिक आंदोलन एवं कॉर्पोरेट लॉबी किस सीमा तक बहिष्कृत हितों का प्रतिनिधित्व करते हुए भारत में बहुलवादी लोकतंत्र को गहराई प्रदान कर रहे हैं? कॉर्पोरेट सम्पदा एवं राजनीतिक शक्ति के बढ़ते गठजोड़ से क्या औपचारिक लोकतांत्रिक संस्थाओं की स्वायत्तता को ख़तरा उत्पन्न हो रहा है? विश्लेषण कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2: Polity & Governance. analyse: intro > causes > effects > stakeholders/linkages > way forward Full marks: Deep analysis of both parts with specific examples, clear link to institutional autonomy, and a strong reform conclusion.
- Assess how far these groups actually represent excluded interests, including limits from uneven organisation
- Explain how pressure groups deepen pluralistic democracy
- Analyze the convergence of corporate wealth and political power
- Assess the threat to autonomy of formal democratic institutions
Q16 15M 250w comment Transparency, accountability and Rule of Law
"Transparency and accountability in governance are not about controlling corruption but about creating the trust of stakeholders in the policy process by following the Rule of Law and Participatory Governance." Comment. (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
“शासन में पारदर्शिता और जवाबदेही का उद्देश्य भ्रष्टाचार को नियंत्रित करना नहीं है, बल्कि विधि के शासन (Rule of Law) और सहभागितापूर्ण शासन (Participatory Governance) का पालन करके नीति निर्माण प्रक्रिया में हितधारकों का विश्वास स्थापित करना है।” टिप्पणी कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2 Governance. comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close Full marks: Nuanced argument linking Rule of Law and participation to trust, with specific examples and a clear judgment.
- Define transparency/accountability as trust-building mechanisms
- Explain Rule of Law as the foundation of stakeholder trust
- Explain Participatory Governance as a tool for policy legitimacy
- Provide a balanced judgment on the quote's validity
Q17 15M 250w examine Rights-based welfare vs non-integrated governance
Can the constitutional mandate of rights-based welfare be effectively realised in the context of non-integrated governance and minimal public investment? Examine. (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
क्या अधिकार-आधारित कल्याण के संवैधानिक दायित्व को गैर-एकीकृत शासन और न्यूनतम सार्वजनिक निवेश की स्थिति में प्रभावी रूप से साकार किया जा सकता है? परीक्षण कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2 Paper 2: Constitutional Governance & Public Policy. examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Links constitutional mandate to specific governance bottlenecks and fiscal limits with a viable reform.
- Define rights-based welfare (DPSPs, expanded Article 21, statutory entitlements).
- Explain 'non-integrated governance' (fragmentation/coordination failure).
- Link minimal public investment to implementation gaps.
- Provide realistic reform for integrated delivery.
Q18 15M 250w critically evaluate Education: welfare obligation vs strategic investment
Should education be treated primarily as a welfare obligation of the state or as a strategic investment for building a globally competitive, knowledge-driven nation? Critically evaluate. (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
क्या शिक्षा को मुख्यत: राज्य की कल्याणकारी ज़िम्मेदारी के रूप में देखा जाना चाहिए या एक वैश्विक प्रतिस्पर्धी, ज्ञान-आधारित राष्ट्र के निर्माण हेतु रणनीतिक निवेश के रूप में? समालोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2 Governance & Policy Analysis. critically evaluate: positives > negatives/limits > conditions/safeguards > conclusion Full marks: Balanced, critical analysis with constitutional and policy references.
- Arguments for education as a state welfare obligation
- Arguments for education as a strategic economic investment
- Critical analysis of the limitations of both views
- Balanced conclusion or synthesis of the two perspectives
Q19 15M 250w critically examine Indian diaspora as economic and geopolitical bridge
"India's global diaspora acts as a living bridge, as a critical economic factor and knowledge network in transforming cultural heritage into geopolitical influence and strategic leverage worldwide." Critically examine this statement. (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
“भारत का वैश्विक प्रवासी समुदाय एक जीवंत सेतु की तरह कार्य करता है, वह एक महत्त्वपूर्ण आर्थिक कारक और ज्ञान-तंत्र भी है, जो सांस्कृतिक विरासत को विश्वभर में भू-राजनीतिक प्रभाव और रणनीतिक सामर्थ्य में रूपांतरित करता है।” इस कथन का समालोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2 International Relations (Diaspora Diplomacy). critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment Full marks: Balanced analysis of economic, knowledge, and geopolitical roles with specific examples and critical limits.
- Economic factor: Remittances, FDI, and investment flows
- Knowledge network: Brain gain, R&D, and tech transfer
- Geopolitical influence: Soft power and strategic leverage
- Critical limits: heterogeneity, brain drain, host-country vulnerability
Q20 15M 250w analyse China's BRI and South Asia strategic competition
"China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has transformed South Asia from a regional space into a theatre of great power competition." Analyse the strategic implications of the BRI for India's security and regional influence in South Asia. (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
“चीन के बेल्ट एंड रोड इनिशिएटिव (BRI) ने दक्षिण एशिया को एक क्षेत्रीय भू-क्षेत्र से बदलकर महाशक्तियों की प्रतिस्पर्धा के रंगमंच में परिवर्तित कर दिया है।” दक्षिण एशिया में भारत की सुरक्षा और क्षेत्रीय प्रभाव पर BRI के रणनीतिक प्रभावों का विश्लेषण कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS2 International Relations. analyse: intro > causes > effects > stakeholders/linkages > way forward Full marks: Critical analysis of security threats (CPEC) and influence loss with specific counter-strategies.
- Threat to sovereignty via CPEC in PoK
- Strategic encirclement through 'String of Pearls'
- Erosion of regional influence via debt-trap diplomacy
- Way forward: India's counter-initiatives (e.g., Chabahar, INSTC, IMEC, SAGAR/MAHASAGAR)