GS2 · Practice questions
Polity, governance, IR, social justice
1,564 questions, with how toppers answered each. Years are the CSE year of the toppers who answered.
All 42 themesFewer themes
“Absoluteness of the Speaker’s decisions can also be an incentive for potential abuse of his/her powers and functions”. Discuss in light of recent controversies.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
ParliamentSeparation of Powers
"Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a complementary role in India's development process, especially in addressing grassroots challenges and filling gaps in government initiatives." Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
NGOs, SHGs and Civil SocietyPolicy Design and Implementation
A democracy is just as credible as the strength of the institutions fundamental to its legitimacy. Assess the role of the Central Bureau of the Investigation (CBI) in this context.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesCorruption and Probity
Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
The principles of accountability and participation are vital to ensure the smooth implementation of welfare schemes, ensuring their success in reaching the last mile. Examine.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Policy Design and ImplementationTransparency and Accountability
Discuss the need and objectives of social legislation? Highlight the importance of social legislation in eradicating poverty in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Welfare SchemesVulnerable Sections
The recent nomination of women parliamentarians to the panel of vice-chairpersons in the Rajya Sabha, marks a historic moment of equal gender representation but the broader issue of women's underrepresentation in Indian Parliament still remains unaddressed. Discuss. What steps can be taken to address this imbalance?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
ParliamentWomen and Gender
Critically examine the provisions of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) (Amendment) Act, 2023 considering its potential impact on the governance of Delhi and the federal structure of India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
FederalismCentre-State Relations
With the increase in adoption of digital technology and emerging startup atmosphere in India, there is a trend of growing gig economy. In this context, explain the pros and cons of gig economy and suggest ways to improve it. (10 M, 150 W)
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Policy Design and Implementation
The inherent potential of India-EU bilateral relationship to forge a mutually beneficial strategic partnership remains unrealised due to several factors. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
India's inability to join APEC is not because of lack of interest on her part but due to a variety of other reasons. Explain. What are the expected benefits of such a membership for India?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Regional GroupingsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
Quad is a decisive step towards the consolidation of a strategic partnership with the USA and its Asian allies and in enhancing Delhi's bargaining power vis-a-vis Beijing
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Regional GroupingsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
The ‘Diamond of Democracies’ in the Indo-Pacific is more than just a counter to expansionist China”. Analyze.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Regional GroupingsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
Despite the benefits of wider representation of women in the judiciary, Indian courts have significantly fewer women as compared to men. Discuss. Also, suggest some measures to bridge the gender gap in Indian judiciary.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
JudiciaryWomen and Gender
Extending Sixth Schedule status to Ladakh could impact its cultural preservation and regional autonomy. In this context, critically evaluate the benefits and challenges associated with this potential change. (10M)
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
SC, ST and OBCFederalism
The tussle between the legislature and judiciary culminated in the 'basic structure' doctrine in the Kesavananda Bharati case. Discuss. What is the significance of the case in limiting the power of the Parliament to amend the Constitution?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary
Discuss the role of training and continuous learning for civil servants in navigating modern administrative challenges.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Civil Services
While there is much to applaud in the RTE Act, problems in its implementation and outcomes are deep-seated and numerous. Comment. Also, analyse the need of The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Second Amendment) Bill 2017.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
EducationPolicy Design and Implementation
As the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) provides a judicial mechanism for the peaceful resolution of international disputes. In this context, throw light on the structure and mandate of ICJ. Also, highlight the challenges it faces in fulfilling its mandate.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Global Institutions
How does mediation differ from arbitration? In light of the recent enactment of the Mediation Act, of 2023, assess its potential to address the backlog of litigations in Indian courts and foster a culture of voluntary mediation, especially among private players and public-sector undertakings.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
JudiciarySeparation of Powers
During the G20 New Delhi leaders Declaration, India signed the India - Middle East - Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) with its Middle Eastern and European counterparts.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Regional GroupingsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
Status of DP, Gov - can he? Various limits on Prof Gov.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
ExecutiveJudiciary
In the Lok Sabha and the Vidhan Sabhas, the Speaker has vast powers and extensive functions. Elaborating on it, highlight the grounds on which the Office of the Speaker has been criticised and the reforms required in this regard.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
ParliamentState Legislatures
Soft power is the ability of the country to get what it wants through attraction rather than coercion. What are the elements of India's soft power? How far has India been able to leverage its soft power?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy