Polity, governance, IR, social justice

Since Independence, the composition of the Indian Parliament has undergone a significant change with the changing socio-economic profile of the Members of Parliament(MPs). Analyse the impact of this shift on the overall quality of representative democracy in India.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

ParliamentElections and Representation

The shrinking effective share of States in the Union's gross tax revenues, coupled with equity-heavy criteria in horizontal devolution, raises critical concerns for fiscal federalism in India. Analyse.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Centre-State RelationsFederalism

As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree?

15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

ExecutivePolicy Design and Implementation

Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Policy Design and ImplementationNGOs, SHGs and Civil Society

"The expansion of BRICS offers opportunities for India to strengthen its voice in global economic governance." Discuss how India can leverage the BRICS Plus to advance the interests of the Global South.

15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Regional GroupingsGlobal Institutions

"One of the mandates of NITI Aayog is to promote competitive and cooperative federalism among States and UTs." In this context, evaluate the role of NITI Aayog in strengthening cooperative federalism and encouraging innovation in policy making since 2015.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

FederalismCentre-State Relations

The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment.

15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Statutory and Regulatory BodiesTransparency and Accountability

Delimitation upholds the idea of 'one citizen, one vote', but its implications go against the principles of federalism. Comment.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

FederalismElections and Representation

"Act East Policy is as much about regional balancing as it is about economic diplomacy." Analyse this statement in the context of India's engagement with ASEAN amidst shifting power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.

15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations

Discuss the constitutional provisions governing the imposition of President's Rule in India and its significance within the federal framework. Examine the challenges and criticisms related to its misuse. Mention key Supreme Court observations that have shaped the constitutional understanding of President's Rule.

15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Centre-State RelationsFederalism

An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Transparency and AccountabilityPolicy Design and Implementation

"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy." Comment.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

JudiciarySeparation of Powers

The Indian diaspora in the Gulf region plays a pivotal role in shaping India's economic relations and people-centric diplomacy with West Asia. Discuss.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Indian DiasporaBilateral Relations

"Citizenship is the legal foundation of constitutional rights and responsibilities." Discuss how India's approach to citizenship reflects its commitment to constitutional values.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Constitution and Basic StructureFundamental Rights

The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss.

15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

EducationPolicy Design and Implementation

Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss.

15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Regional GroupingsBilateral Relations

"Weak institutional independence of Information Commissions has diluted the effectiveness of the Right to Information (RTI) regime." Discuss in the light of autonomy and independence of the Information Commissions.

15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Statutory and Regulatory BodiesTransparency and Accountability

"In the evolving constitutional and political landscape, the effectiveness of statutory commissions depends on their structural autonomy and independence." Discuss in the context of the growing demand for constitutional status for statutory commissions like the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Statutory and Regulatory BodiesConstitutional Bodies

In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy

What is constitutional morality? How far does the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) align with the vision of constitutional morality as encompassed in the Indian Constitution?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Constitution and Basic StructureDirective Principles and Duties

"Municipal corporations are key to urban governance, yet states often show reluctance to empower them functionally and financially". In this context, examine the key challenges faced by municipal corporations and suggest measures for a paradigm shift in urban local governance.

15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Local GovernmentFederalism

"The increasing regulatory oversight on civil society organisations risks shrinking democratic space." Examine.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

NGOs, SHGs and Civil SocietyTransparency and Accountability

In post-liberalized India, independent regulators were established to ensure fair competition and transparency. To what extent have independent regulators been effective in their mandates and discuss the impact of government influence on their autonomy.

15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025

Statutory and Regulatory BodiesTransparency and Accountability

What do you understand by 'constitutionalism'? Highlight various ways in which the Indian Constitution underscores this principle.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025

Constitution and Basic StructureJudiciary