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
To what extent, in your opinion, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in India have enabled women led development at the grassroot level?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
NGOs, SHGs and Civil SocietyWomen and Gender
'The declining role of Parliament undermines the fundamental principle of separation of powers, as it diminishes the legislature's ability to serve as a check on the executive branch and ensure a balanced exercise of power.' Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Separation of PowersParliament
The evolution of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) from a maritime security grouping to a multidimensional partnership reflects changing strategic realities in the Indo-Pacific. In this context, examine the opportunities and challenges that QUAD presents for India's regional aspirations and strategic autonomy.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Regional GroupingsSecurity and Strategic Affairs
Do you think that direct cash transfers deliver benefits more efficiently than in-kind transfers? Also, discuss the potential of e-RUPI in transforming delivery of welfare schemes.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022
E-GovernancePolicy Design and Implementation
'Satisfactory and timely redressal of grievances is the cornerstone of 'minimum government, maximum governance'. In this context discuss the challenges associated with current grievance redress mechanisms and suggest measures to strengthen the process.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Transparency and AccountabilityCitizen Charters and Grievance Redress
Despite consistent economic growth and social sector spending, India continues to perform poorly in global human development rankings. Examine the structural issues that inhibit equitable and inclusive human development.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Social Sector ServicesPoverty and Hunger
"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections." Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Elections and RepresentationCorruption and Probity
"Universal basic services and targeted welfare are fiscally sound, but competitive populism may hinder productive investment." In this context, highlight the constitutional and legal perspectives on welfare provisioning and discuss the impacts of the rising freebie culture.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Directive Principles and DutiesPolicy Design and Implementation
Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Vulnerable SectionsWelfare Schemes
What is the difference between e-governance and m-governance? Analyze the benefits of m-governance over e-governance in the Indian context.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022
E-Governance
Comment upon the evolving nature of India-UAE relations with suitable examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022
Bilateral RelationsTrade and Economic Diplomacy
Discuss the crucial role played by the National Commission of Women in shaping the discourse on gender-sensitive laws in India. To what extent the elevation of the National Commission for Women to a constitutional body would reinforce its authority?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesWomen and Gender
Examine the key mechanisms available to the Indian Parliament to scrutinise the executive. What are the major gaps in these mechanisms, and how can they be strengthened to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
ParliamentTransparency and Accountability
"Lokpal is not a panacea, but a vital step towards ensuring accountability in public life." In this context, discuss the significance of the institution of Lokpal, along with the limitations it faces.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesCorruption and Probity
Article 143 of the Constitution confers advisory jurisdiction upon the Supreme Court through a presidential reference mechanism. Examine the significance and scope of the Supreme Court's advisory jurisdiction under this provision.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
JudiciaryConstitution and Basic Structure
PESA was enacted to deepen grass-root-level democracy in tribal areas. How far has the Act been successful in achieving the same? Critically evaluate.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022
Local GovernmentSC, ST and OBC
The Attorney-General is the chief legal adviser and lawyer of the Government of India. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Constitutional Bodies
What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Global Institutions
"The powers of the Governor, particularly with respect to state bills, have sparked recurring tensions between the Centre and the States." Discuss the constitutional powers of the Governor in this regard. Highlight the key concerns arising out of the Governor's role in the legislative process. What reforms can help address the Governor-State disputes? Refer to the case laws.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Centre-State RelationsExecutive
“Transparency and openness are the main pillars of good governance”. In this context, examine the functioning of Central Information Commission. Also, suggest remedial measures to augment their functioning.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022
Transparency and AccountabilityStatutory and Regulatory Bodies
"Women-centric welfare schemes need to move beyond welfare to empowerment." Examine in the context of key women-centric welfare schemes.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Welfare SchemesWomen and Gender
The market disruption caused by digital revolution warrants renewed focus and perspective to ensure fair competition in the digital economy. In this light, discuss the need to revamp the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesPolicy Design and Implementation
Have the NGOs acted as 'drivers of change' in the Indian democracy? Illustrate with examples, the barriers that impact the efficient functioning of NGOs in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022
NGOs, SHGs and Civil SocietyTransparency and Accountability
The recent Russia-Ukraine war has deepened the Sino-Russian engagement. Analyze its geopolitical implications for India?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022
Bilateral RelationsMajor Powers