Mains Practice Questions

Q. While the Central and State Governments both derive their authority from the Constitution, the Indian Constitution provides for a federal system with a unitary bias. Explain. (250 Words)

Q. How can the role of the election commission be strengthened in India, for reinforcing the democratic structure of the country?

Q. The role of 'Panchayati Raj Institutions' (PRIs) is very important in both disaster risk reduction and post-disaster management. Discuss. (250 Words)

Q. The role played by the Election Commission of India has bestowed a very high level of confidence in the minds of Indian citizens in ensuring the purity of the elected legislative bodies in the country. Critically examine. (250 Words)

Q. The noble purpose of the anti-defection law is to bring stability to governments. However, it is sometimes said to be against the true spirit of democracy. Discuss. (150 Words)

Q. Recently announced National Mission on Edible Oil-Oil Palm will help India become self-reliant in edible oil and reduce dependence on imports. Critically discuss. (250 Words).

Q. The efficiency of the collegium system has been challenged time to time in terms of its independence and transparency of judicial appointments. Critically examine. (250 Words)

Q. Cooperative sector’s immense transformative power has not been optimally realised so far. In the light of the statement suggest measures to fully utilise the sector’s potential. (250 Words)

Q. Without Parliament Privileges, Members of Parliament cannot discharge their functions as entrusted upon them by the Constitution. Discuss. (250 Words)

Q. One Nation One Ration Card scheme is the panacea for India's migrant population. Critically examine. (250 Words)

Q. If there’s one fundamental truth about social media’s impact on democracy it’s that it amplifies human intent — both good and bad. Comment.

Q. Discuss the salient features of National Education policy 2020 and how can it bring holistic changes to the Indian education system?

Q. There is a need to abolish the sedition law on the ground that it is used to curb freedom of expression and speech. Discuss.

Q. Do simultaneous elections compromise democracy and federalism? Analyze.

Q. Courts are sitting on a pendency bomb and it has never been more urgent to strengthen the Indian judiciary. Discuss.

Q. Establishing the National Tribunal Commission will definitely entail a radical restructuring of the present tribunal system. Discuss.

Q. While there are positive aspects about the Information Technology (Guidelines for Intermediaries and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, there are, equally, glaring ambiguities and susceptibilities. Discuss.

Q. Ordinances though were meant to be temporary, but repromulgation sidesteps this limitation and makes them permanent. Discuss.

Q. “The dormancy of the Parliament makes democracy in India as good as dead. The deterioration in Parliament’s functioning needs to be stopped to make it fulfill its constitutional mandate”. Discuss. 

Q. The growing use of technology in the election process has made cybersecurity a crucial issue. Analyse

Q. Explain the term welfare state? Discuss to what extent Indian fulfills the criteria of being a welfare state?  

Q. Enabling lateral entry into the current system of administration is a positive step towards administrative reforms in India. Critically analyze.(250 Words)

Q. “When there is citizen participation in budgeting and closer engagement of citizens in the monitoring of civic works, there are better outcomes and fewer leakages.” In the light of the given statement discuss the utility of the Participatory Budgeting.

Q. Indian diaspora can provide the requisite strategic impulse to unlock India's potential as a global power. Discuss.

Q. Model Code of conduct has been a remarkable step in ensuring free and fair elections in India. However, the present digital era has posed challenges to it. Comment.

Q. National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (UPSC GS-2 Mains 2020).

Q. Judicial Legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian Constitution. In this context justify the filing of large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities. (UPSC GS-2 Mains 2020)

Q. 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. (UPSC GS-2 Mains 2020)

Q. The strength 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. (UPSC Mains 2020)

Q. ‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples.