Polity, Governance, Social Justice & IR — every PYQ, with skeletons

1[15m] Discuss the evolution of the collegium system in India. Critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the system of appointment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India and that of the USA.

2[15m] Indian Constitution has conferred the amending power on the ordinary legislative institutions with a few procedural hurdles. Examine the procedural and substantive limitations on the amending power of the Parliament to change the Constitution.

3[15m] "Constitutional morality is the fulcrum which acts as an essential check upon the high functionaries and citizens alike." In view of this observation of the Supreme Court, explain the concept of constitutional morality and its application to ensure balance between judicial independence and judicial accountability in India.

4[15m] Examine the evolving pattern of Centre-State financial relations in the context of planned development in India. How far have the recent reforms impacted fiscal federalism in India?

5[15m] The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has to address the challenges faced by children in the digital era. Examine the existing policies and suggest measures the Commission can initiate to tackle the issue.

6[15m] What are environmental pressure groups? Discuss their role in raising awareness, influencing policies and advocating for environmental protection in India.

7[10m] "The Attorney General of India plays a crucial role in guiding the legal framework of the Union Government and ensuring sound governance through legal counsel." Discuss his responsibilities, rights and limitations.

8[10m] Discuss the nature of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly after the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019. Briefly describe the powers and functions of the Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

9[10m] Compare and contrast the President's power to pardon in India and in the USA. Are there any limits to it in both the countries? What are pre-emptive pardons?

10[10m] Comment on the need for administrative tribunals as compared to the court system. Assess the impact of the recent tribunal reforms through rationalization of tribunals made in 2021.

11[10m] Discuss the 'corrupt practices' for the purpose of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Analyze whether the increase in the assets of legislators and/or their associates, disproportionate to their known sources of income, would constitute 'undue influence' and consequently a corrupt practice.

12[15m] "In contemporary development models, decision-making and problem-solving responsibilities are not located close to the source of information and execution, defeating the objectives of development." Critically evaluate.

13[10m] Civil Society Organizations are often perceived as being anti-State actors rather than non-State actors. Do you agree? Justify.

14[10m] e-governance projects have a built-in bias towards technology and back-end integration rather than user-centric designs. Examine.

15[15m] Inequality in the ownership pattern of resources is one of the major causes of poverty. Discuss in the context of the 'paradox of poverty'.

16[10m] Women's social capital complements in advancing empowerment and gender equity. Explain.

17[15m] "The reform process in the United Nations remains unresolved, because of the delicate imbalance of East and West and the entanglement of the USA vs. the Russo-Chinese alliance." Examine and critically evaluate the East-West policy confrontations in this regard.

18[15m] "Energy security constitutes the dominant kingpin of India's foreign policy, and is linked with India's overarching influence in Middle Eastern countries." How would you integrate energy security with India's foreign policy trajectories in the coming years?

19[10m] "With the waning of globalization, the post-Cold War world is becoming a site of sovereign nationalism." Elucidate.

20[10m] India-Africa digital partnership is achieving mutual respect, co-development and long-term institutional partnerships. Elaborate.

1[15m] Discuss India as a secular state and compare it with the secular principles of the US Constitution.

2[15m] Explain the reasons for the growth of PILs in India. As a result of it, has the Indian Supreme Court emerged as the most powerful judiciary?

3[15m] What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-State relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism.

4[15m] Right to privacy is intrinsic to life and personal liberty and is inherently protected under Article 21 of the Constitution. Explain. In this reference, discuss the law relating to DNA testing of a child in the womb to establish its paternity.

5[10m] Analyze the role of local bodies in providing good governance at the local level and bring out the pros and cons of merging the rural local bodies with the urban local bodies.

6[10m] "The duty of the Comptroller and Auditor General is not merely to ensure the legality of expenditure but also its propriety." Comment.

7[10m] "The growth of the cabinet system has practically resulted in the marginalization of parliamentary supremacy." Elucidate.

8[10m] Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they entertain civil as well as criminal cases?

9[10m] Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to the "one nation-one election" principle.

10[15m] E-governance is not just about the routine application of digital technology in the service delivery process. It is as much about multifarious interactions for ensuring transparency and accountability. Evaluate the role of the "Interactive Service Model" of e-governance.

11[15m] The citizen charter has been a landmark initiative in ensuring citizen-centric administration. But it is yet to reach its full potential. Identify the factors hindering the full realization of its promise and suggest measures to overcome them.

12[15m] What are the aims and objectives of the recently passed and enforced Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024? Whether University/State Education Board examinations too are covered under the Act?

13[10m] The Doctrine of Democratic governance makes it necessary that the public perception of the integrity and commitment of civil servants becomes absolutely positive. Discuss.

14[10m] Public charitable trusts have the potential to make India's development more inclusive as they relate to certain vital public issues. Comment.

15[15m] In a crucial domain like the public healthcare system, the Indian State should play a vital role to contain the adverse impact of marketisation of the system. Suggest some measures through which the State can enhance the reach of public healthcare at the grassroots level.

16[10m] Poverty and malnutrition create a vicious cycle, adversely affecting human capital formation. What steps can be taken to break the cycle?

17[15m] Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of Maldives for India with a focus on global trade and energy flows. Further, discuss how this relationship affects India's maritime security and regional stability amidst international competition.

18[15m] Terrorism has become a significant threat to global peace and security. Evaluate the effectiveness of the United Nations Security Council's Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) and its associated bodies in addressing and mitigating this threat at the international level.

19[10m] Critically analyze India's evolving diplomatic, economic and strategic relations with the Central Asian Republics (CARs), highlighting their increasing significance in regional and global geopolitics.

20[10m] "The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China's supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China's political and economic dominance." Explain this statement with examples.

1[10m] "The Constitution of India is a living instrument with capabilities of enormous dynamism. It is a constitution made for a progressive society." Illustrate with special reference to the expanding horizons of the right to life and personal liberty.

2[10m] Compare and contrast the British and Indian approaches to parliamentary sovereignty.

3[10m] Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the financial committees helped in the institutionalisation of the Indian Parliament?

4[10m] Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. To what extent does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism?

5[10m] Account for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency of using Article 356 by the Union Government since the mid-1990s.

6[10m] Discuss the role of presiding officers of state legislatures in maintaining order and impartiality in conducting legislative work and in facilitating best democratic practices.

7[10m] The states in India seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both functionally as well as financially. Comment.

8[10m] Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy. Comment.

9[15m] Skill development programmes have succeeded in increasing human resource supply to various sectors. In the context of this statement, analyse the linkages between education, skill and employment.

10[15m] Development and welfare schemes for the vulnerable sections, by their nature, are discriminatory in approach. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.

11[15m] E-governance, as a critical tool of governance, has ushered in effectiveness, transparency and accountability in governments. What inadequacies hamper the enhancement of these features?

12[15m] Discuss the role of the Competition Commission of India in containing the abuse of dominant position by the Multi-National Corporations in India. Refer to the recent decisions.

13[10m] The crucial aspect of the development process has been the inadequate attention paid to Human Resource Development in India. Suggest measures that can address this inadequacy.

14[15m] Explain the constitutional perspective of gender justice with the help of relevant constitutional provisions and case laws.

15[15m] Discuss the contribution of civil society groups for women's effective and meaningful participation and representation in state legislatures in India.

16[10m] Who are entitled to receive free legal aid in India? Assess the role of NALSA in rendering free legal aid in India.

17[15m] "Sea is an important component of the Cosmos." Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) in protecting the environment and enhancing maritime safety and security.

18[15m] The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well for India. What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer.

19[15m] Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India.

20[15m] "Virus of conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO." In the light of the above statement, point out the role of India in mitigating the problems.

1[15m] Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in the light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct.

2[15m] Critically examine the procedures through which the Presidents of India and France are elected.

3[15m] "While the national political parties in India favour centralisation, the regional parties are in favour of State autonomy." Comment.

4[15m] Discuss the essential conditions for exercise of the legislative powers by the Governor. Discuss the legality of re-promulgation of ordinances by the Governor without placing them before the Legislature.

5[15m] Discuss the procedures to decide disputes arising out of the election of a Member of Parliament or State Legislature under the Representation of the People Act, 1951. What are the grounds on which the election of any returned candidate may be declared void? What remedy is available to the aggrieved party? Refer to the case laws.

6[10m] Discuss the role of the National Commission for Backward Classes in the wake of its transformation from a statutory body to a constitutional body.

7[10m] Discuss the role of the Vice-President of India as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

8[10m] To what extent, in your opinion, has the decentralisation of power in India changed the governance landscape at the grassroots?

9[10m] "Right of movement and residence throughout the territory of India are freely available to Indian citizens, but these rights are not absolute." Comment.

10[10m] "The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court." Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.

11[15m] Do you agree with the view that increasing dependence on donor agencies for development reduces the importance of community participation in the development process? Justify your answer.

12[10m] The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 remains only a legal document without intense sensitisation of government functionaries and citizens regarding disability. Comment.

13[10m] The Gati-Shakti Yojana needs meticulous coordination between the government and the private sector to achieve the goal of connectivity. Discuss.

14[15m] The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 remains inadequate in promoting incentive-based systems for children's education without generating awareness about the importance of schooling. Analyse.

15[15m] Besides the welfare schemes, India needs deft management of inflation and unemployment to serve the poor and the underprivileged sections of society. Discuss.

16[10m] Reforming the government delivery system through the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment.

17[15m] "Clean energy is the order of the day." Describe briefly India's changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics.

18[15m] How will the I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India's position in global politics?

19[10m] Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like SAARC? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation?

20[10m] "India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka." Discuss India's role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement.

1[15m] Do Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees keep the administration on its toes and inspire reverence for parliamentary control? Evaluate the working of such committees with suitable examples.

2[15m] Explain the constitutional provisions under which Legislative Councils are established. Review the working and current status of Legislative Councils with suitable illustrations.

3[15m] Analyze the distinguishing features of the notion of Equality in the Constitutions of the USA and India.

4[15m] Though the Human Rights Commissions have contributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, yet they have failed to assert themselves against the mighty and powerful. Analyzing their structural and practical limitations, suggest remedial measures.

5[15m] The jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding lodging an FIR and conducting a probe within a particular State is being questioned by various States. However, the power of States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain with special reference to the federal character of India.

6[10m] To what extent, in your view, is the Parliament able to ensure accountability of the executive in India?

7[10m] How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled the States to improve their fiscal position?

8[10m] Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness.

9[10m] "Constitutional Morality" is rooted in the Constitution itself and is founded on its essential facets. Explain the doctrine of "Constitutional Morality" with the help of relevant judicial decisions.

10[15m] Can Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organisations present an alternative model of public service delivery to benefit the common citizen? Discuss the challenges of this alternative model.

11[15m] Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, coupled with a lack of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility, hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification.

12[10m] Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples.

13[10m] "Pressure groups play a vital role in influencing public policy making in India." Explain how business associations contribute to public policies.

14[15m] "Though women in post-Independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and the feminist movement has been patriarchal." Apart from women's education and women's empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu?

15[10m] "'Earn while you learn' scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful." Comment.

16[10m] "Besides being a moral imperative of the Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development." Analyse.

17[15m] The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China's ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario.

18[15m] Critically examine the aims and objectives of the SCO. What importance does it hold for India?

19[10m] "The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union." Explain.

20[10m] "If the last few decades were Asia's growth story, the next few are expected to be Africa's." In the light of this statement, examine India's influence in Africa in recent years.

1[15m] Which steps are required for constitutionalisation of a commission? Do you think imparting constitutionality to the National Commission for Women would ensure greater gender justice and empowerment in India? Give reasons.

2[15m] Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a "useless Stepney tyre" to the most useful supportive organ in the past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas in which this transformation could be visible.

3[15m] The strength and sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their formative phase of "functions, functionaries and funds" to the contemporary stage of "functionality." Highlight the critical challenges faced by local institutions in terms of their functionality in recent times.

4[15m] Judicial legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian Constitution. In this context, justify the filing of a large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities.

5[15m] The Indian Constitution exhibits centralising tendencies to maintain the unity and integrity of the nation. Elucidate in the perspective of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897; the Disaster Management Act, 2005; and the recently passed Farm Acts.

6[10m] "Once a Speaker, always a Speaker!" Do you think this practice should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India?

7[10m] The judicial systems in India and the UK seem to be converging as well as diverging in recent times. Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the two nations in terms of their judicial practices.

8[10m] How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer.

9[10m] Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have a profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission. Discuss.

10[10m] There is a need for simplification of the procedure for disqualification of persons found guilty of corrupt practices under the Representation of the People Act. Comment.

11[15m] The National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intended to restructure and re-orient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement.

12[10m] "The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government." Discuss.

13[10m] "Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance." In this context, suggest reforms in the Civil Service for strengthening democracy.

14[10m] In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed, particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss.

15[15m] "Microfinance as an anti-poverty vaccine is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in India." Evaluate the role of Self Help Groups in achieving the twin objectives along with empowering women in rural India.

16[15m] Incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty than poverty based on income alone. In this context, analyse the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index report.

17[15m] What is the significance of Indo-US deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

18[15m] Quadrilateral Security Dialogue is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance in present times. Discuss.

19[10m] "The Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European countries." Comment with examples.

20[10m] Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the COVID-19 pandemic.

1[15m] Individual Parliamentarian's role as the national lawmaker is on a decline, which in turn has adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss.

2[15m] The Attorney-General is the chief legal adviser and lawyer of the Government of India. Discuss.

3[15m] The reservation of seats for women in the institutions of local self-government has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian political process. Comment.

4[15m] "Parliament's power to amend the Constitution is limited and it cannot be enlarged into absolute power." In light of this statement, explain whether Parliament under Article 368 can destroy the Basic Structure of the Constitution by expanding its amending power.

5[15m] On what grounds can a people's representative be disqualified under the Representation of the People Act, 1951? Also, mention the remedies available to such a person against disqualification.

6[10m] What can France learn from the Indian Constitution's approach to secularism?

7[10m] From the resolution of contentious issues regarding the distribution of legislative powers by the courts, the "Principle of Federal Supremacy" and "Harmonious Construction" have emerged. Explain.

8[10m] What are the methods used by Farmers' organizations to influence policy-makers in India, and how effective are these methods?

9[10m] The Central Administrative Tribunal, which was established for the redressal of grievances and complaints by or against central government employees, nowadays is exercising its powers as an independent judicial authority. Explain.

10[10m] Do you think that the Constitution of India does not accept the principle of strict separation of powers, but rather is based on the principle of "checks and balances"? Explain.

11[15m] The need for cooperation among various service sectors has been an inherent component of development discourse. Partnership bridges the gap among the sectors. It also sets in motion a culture of "collaboration" and "team spirit." In the light of the above statements, examine India's development process.

12[15m] "In the context of the neo-liberal paradigm of development planning, multi-level planning is expected to make operations cost-effective and remove many implementation blockages." Discuss.

13[10m] Implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) based projects/programmes usually suffers in terms of certain vital factors. Identify these factors and suggest measures for their effective implementation.

14[15m] The performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to the absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of the policy process. Examine.

15[10m] There is a growing divergence in the relationship between poverty and hunger in India. The shrinking of social expenditure by the government is forcing the poor to spend more on non-food essential items, squeezing their food-budget. Elucidate.

16[10m] Despite the consistent experience of high growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive.

17[15m] "What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy which would satisfy India's national self-esteem and ambitions." Explain with suitable examples.

18[15m] The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised nations has disappeared on account of its newfound role in the emerging global order. Elaborate.

19[10m] "Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life." Discuss the statement in light of the US withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being "anti-Israel biased."

20[10m] "The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship, one involving global and strategic partnership that will have great significance for Asia and the world as a whole." Comment.

1[15m] Multiplicity of various commissions for the vulnerable sections of society leads to problems of overlapping jurisdiction and duplication of functions. Is it better to merge all commissions into an umbrella Human Rights Commission? Argue your case.

2[15m] Assess the importance of the Panchayat system in India as a part of local government. Apart from government grants, what sources can the Panchayats look out for to finance developmental projects?

3[15m] How is the Finance Commission of India constituted? What do you know about the terms of reference of the recently constituted Finance Commission? Discuss.

4[15m] India and the USA are two large democracies. Examine the basic tenets on which the two political systems are based.

5[15m] How far do you agree with the view that tribunals curtail the jurisdiction of ordinary courts? In view of the above, discuss the constitutional validity and competency of the tribunals in India.

6[15m] Whether the Supreme Court Judgement (July 2018) can settle the political tussle between the Lt. Governor and the elected government of Delhi? Examine.

7[10m] "The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has a very vital role to play." Explain how this is reflected in the method and terms of his appointment as well as the range of powers he can exercise.

8[10m] Why do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role of the Estimates Committee.

9[10m] Under what circumstances can the Financial Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What consequences follow when such a declaration remains in force?

10[10m] Whether the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in religious minority institutions? Examine.

11[10m] In the light of the recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections?

12[15m] The Citizen's Charter is an ideal instrument of organisational transparency and accountability, but it has its own limitations. Identify the limitations and suggest measures for greater effectiveness of the Citizen's Charters.

13[10m] E-governance is not only about utilisation of the power of new technology, but also much about the critical importance of the "use value" of information. Explain.

14[10m] "Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate protection and prevention of degradation to the environment." Comment with relevant illustrations.

15[15m] How far do you agree with the view that the focus on lack of availability of food as the main cause of hunger takes the attention away from ineffective human development policies in India?

16[10m] Appropriate local community level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve "Health for All" in India. Explain.

17[15m] In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to this situation?

18[15m] What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of the "Trade War", especially keeping in mind the interest of India?

19[10m] A number of outside powers have entrenched themselves in Central Asia, which is a zone of interest to India. Discuss the implications, in this context, of India's joining the Ashgabat Agreement, 2018.

20[10m] "India's relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity which cannot be rolled back." Discuss.

1[15m] Is the National Commission for Women able to strategize and tackle the problems that women face in both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your answer.

2[15m] To enhance the quality of democracy in India, the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful?

3[15m] The Indian Constitution has provisions for holding joint sessions of the two Houses of Parliament. Enumerate the occasions when this would normally happen and also the occasions when it cannot, with reasons thereof.

4[15m] Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on the Right to Privacy.

5[15m] Explain the salient features of the Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016. Do you think it is efficacious enough "to remove the cascading effect of taxes and provide for a common national market for goods and services"?

6[10m] Discuss the role of the Public Accounts Committee in establishing accountability of the government to the people.

7[10m] How do pressure groups influence the Indian political process? Do you agree with the view that informal pressure groups have emerged as more powerful than formal pressure groups in recent years?

8[10m] "Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering, but it will reduce the government's accountability to the people." Discuss.

9[10m] Critically examine the Supreme Court's judgement on "The National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014" with reference to the appointment of judges of the higher judiciary in India.

10[10m] The local self-government system in India has not proved to be an effective instrument of governance. Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation.

11[15m] Initially, Civil Services in India were designed to achieve the goals of neutrality and effectiveness, which seems to be lacking in the present context. Do you agree with the view that drastic reforms are required in the Civil Services? Comment.

12[15m] Poverty Alleviation Programmes in India remain mere showpieces until and unless they are backed by political will. Discuss with reference to the performance of the major poverty alleviation programmes in India.

13[10m] To ensure the effective implementation of policies addressing water, sanitation and hygiene needs, the identification of beneficiary segments is to be synchronized with the anticipated outcomes. Examine the statement in the context of the WASH scheme.

14[15m] The emergence of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in contemporary times points to the slow but steady withdrawal of the state from developmental activities. Examine the role of the SHGs in developmental activities and the measures taken by the Government of India to promote the SHGs.

15[10m] Hunger and Poverty are the biggest challenges for good governance in India still today. Evaluate how far successive governments have progressed in dealing with these humongous problems. Suggest measures for improvement.

16[10m] Does the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 ensure an effective mechanism for empowerment and inclusion of the intended beneficiaries in society? Discuss.

17[15m] Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in South-East Asian countries' economy and society. Appraise the role of the Indian Diaspora in South-East Asia in this context.

18[15m] The question of India's Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India's economic progress. Analyze India's energy policy cooperation with West Asian countries.

19[10m] What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain the different functional commissions attached to it.

20[10m] "China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia." In light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour.

1[12.5m] What is a quasi-judicial body? Explain with the help of concrete examples.

2[12.5m] Did the Government of India Act, 1935 lay down a federal constitution? Discuss.

3[12.5m] What was held in the Coelho case? In this context, can you say that judicial review is of key importance amongst the basic features of the Constitution?

4[12.5m] Discuss each adjective attached to the word "Republic" in the "Preamble". Are they defendable in the present circumstances?

5[12.5m] Exercise of the CAG's powers in relation to the accounts of the Union and the States is derived from Article 149 of the Indian Constitution. Discuss whether an audit of the Government's policy implementation could amount to overstepping its (CAG's) jurisdiction.

6[12.5m] The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of contradictions and paradoxes. Discuss.

7[12.5m] To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing the marginal note "temporary provision with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir", temporary? Discuss the future prospects of this provision in the context of Indian polity.

8[12.5m] Discuss the essentials of the 69th Constitutional Amendment Act and the anomalies, if any, that have led to recent reported conflicts between the elected representatives and the institution of the Lieutenant Governor in the administration of Delhi. Do you think this will give rise to a new trend in the functioning of Indian federal politics?

9[12.5m] "Demographic Dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower becomes more educated, aware, skilled and creative." What measures have been taken by the government to enhance the capacity of our population to be more productive and employable?

10[12.5m] "Traditional bureaucratic structure and culture have hampered the process of socio-economic development in India." Comment.

11[12.5m] Has the Indian governmental system responded adequately to the demands of Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization started in 1991? What can the government do to be responsive to this important change?

12[12.5m] In the integrity index of Transparency International, India stands very low. Discuss briefly the legal, political, social and cultural factors that have caused the decline of public morality in India.

13[12.5m] "Effectiveness of the government system at various levels and people's participation in the governance system are interdependent." Discuss their relationship in the context of India.

14[12.5m] "In the Indian governance system, the role of non-state actors has been only marginal." Critically examine this statement.

15[12.5m] Professor Amartya Sen has advocated important reforms in the realms of primary education and primary health care. What are your suggestions to improve their status and performance?

16[12.5m] Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation.

17[12.5m] What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of UNESCO? What is India's position on these?

18[12.5m] "Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in India and growing interference in the internal affairs of member-states by Pakistan are not conducive for the future of SAARC." Explain with suitable examples.

19[12.5m] Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India's Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario.

20[12.5m] "The broader aims and objectives of WTO are to manage and promote international trade in the era of globalization. But the Doha round of negotiations seems doomed due to differences between the developed and the developing countries." Discuss from the Indian perspective.