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
Discuss the different determinants of the occurrence of child labour in India. What measures can be taken to tackle the issue of child labour in the country?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
ChildrenVulnerable Sections
Discuss the role of Self-Help Groups in widening women's labour force participation.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
NGOs, SHGs and Civil SocietyWomen and Gender
According to a 2023 report by WHO and Unicef, women and girls, in India, are primarily responsible for collecting water from distant sources, impacting their opportunities and hindering economic growth. How does the undervaluation of such unpaid work affect the economic participation and empowerment of women in India? Suggest measures to ensure that women's contributions are recognized and supported. (15M)
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Women and GenderWelfare Schemes
Neo-liberal reforms have opened up the economy to the world. Globalisation has enhanced the contacts of people & influenced each other's culture, society, economy. Discuss the transformation in the welfare state and the role of new civil services in this context.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Civil ServicesPolicy Design and Implementation
Self help groups (SHGs) create collective efforts towards financial inclusion and robust social capital. Elaborate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
NGOs, SHGs and Civil SocietyVulnerable Sections
"Maintaining the purity and transparency of election process is a very challenging job and involves a lot of inherent complexities." In this context, discuss the major existing issues and challenges faced by ECI while suggesting measures to make ECI more robust and effective.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Constitutional BodiesElections and Representation
What do you understand by the term 'Delegated Legislation'? In what ways does it help in streamlining administrative processes?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
ExecutiveSeparation of Powers
Social media has ushered in greater transparency and accountability in governance. But accountability through social media is no alternative to institutional accountability. Analyse.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Transparency and Accountability
What are the main functions of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)? Explain how far it has been effective in accomplishing its mandate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Global Institutions
Although upholding the spirit of the Constitution through judicial activism is noble in its intent, in practice it runs the risk of undermining the delicate balance of power that the Constitution sought to achieve. Critically examine.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper
Separation of PowersJudiciary
Huge pendency is a very serious issue for Indian judiciary. In this context analyse the reasons and consequences while suggesting steps to overcome the pendency issue.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Judiciary
What are the checks on Parliamentary sovereignty in India? Do you think judicial activism poses a threat to the free working of Parliament? Justify your answer.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2017
Separation of PowersJudiciary
Indo-US relations are more robust than ever, but the deepening of the relationship is not without challenges. Analyse.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Bilateral RelationsMajor Powers
"The Right to Information Act is a path-breaking legislation which signals the march from darkness of secrecy to dawn of transparency. It lights up the mindset of public authorities, which is clouded by suspicion and secrecy." Elucidate. Examine the various structural, procedural and logistical issues with the Act.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Transparency and Accountability
Decriminalisation of homosexuality by SC in Navtej Singh Jauhar case remains task half done, specially without socio-political sensitisation about issues faced by LGBTQIA+. Elaborate in light of ongoing debates on same-sex marriage.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
Judiciary acts as the supreme body that upholds the constitution and safeguards public rights of freedom of religion. Supreme court and various high courts have upheld the freedom of religion and navigate tension. Explain with examples.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Fundamental RightsJudiciary
"The effectiveness of governance at various administrative levels in India is influenced by citizen participation." Discuss how this relationship ensures democratic governance and quality of public service delivery in the Indian context.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Transparency and AccountabilityCitizen Charters and Grievance Redress
Competition between states is becoming a powerful dynamic of change and progress, and that dynamic must extend to competition between states and cities, and between cities. Elaborate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
FederalismLocal Government
Discuss the role played by the Directorate of Enforcement in the investigation of offence of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesCorruption and Probity
Striking a fine balance between national security on one hand, and freedom of speech and expression on another is the key to democratic ethos. In light of this statement, write a critical note on the relevance and need for stringent laws like the National Security Act and Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in a vibrant democracy.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Fundamental RightsConstitution and Basic Structure
Urban planning is the foundation for an integrated development of cities, citizens, and the environment. In this context, highlight the present issue in urban planning and suggest measures for the augmentation of Urban planning capacity in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Policy Design and ImplementationLocal Government
Instability in its neighbourhood combined with displacement & humanitarian crisis don't auger well for India's interest in the region. Elucidate.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
NeighbourhoodSecurity and Strategic Affairs
In recent years, the shift towards New Public Governance has led to both cooperation and conflict between the state and civil Society Organisations in India. Analyse.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
NGOs, SHGs and Civil SocietyPolicy Design and Implementation
Elucidate the significant difference between traditional and modern instruments of accountability. Discuss briefly the challenges associated with modern tools of accountability.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Transparency and AccountabilityE-Governance