Q 1. Discuss the ‘corrupt practices’ for the purpose of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Analyze whether the increase in the assets of the legislators and/or their associates, disproportionate to their known sources of income, would constitute ‘undue influence’ and consequently a corrupt practice. (UPSC 2024, 10 Marks, 150 Words)
जन प्रतिनिधित्व अधिनियम, 1951 के उद्देश्य से ‘भ्रष्ट आचरण’ की विवेचना कीजिए। विश्लेषण कीजिए कि क्या विधायकों एवं/अथवा उनके सहयोगियों की आय के ज्ञात स्रोतों के विपरीत अनुपात में संपत्ति में वृद्धि ‘असम्यक् असर’ सृजित करती है और परिणामतः भ्रष्ट आचरण है।View Answer
The Representation of the People Act, 1951 defines 'corrupt practices' as acts like bribery, undue influence, and impersonation during elections. Section 123 specifically outlines these practices, aiming to ensure fair elections. The disproportionate increase in assets of legislators, as highlighted by Transparency International, raises concerns about 'undue influence', potentially constituting a corrupt practice by undermining electoral integrity and public trust, as argued by political analyst Milan Vaishnav.
Q 2. Comment on the need of administrative tribunals as compared to the court system. Assess the impact of the recent tribunal reforms through rationalization of tribunals made in 2021. (UPSC 2024, 10 Marks, 150 Words)
न्यायालय पद्धति की तुलना में प्रशासनिक अधिकरणों की आवश्यकता पर टिप्पणी कीजिए। 2021 में अधिकरणों के बुद्धिपरक पुनर्गठन द्वारा किए गए नूतन अधिकरण सुधारों के प्रभाव का मूल्यांकन कीजिए।View Answer
Q 3. 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 ‘preemptive pardons’? (UPSC 2024, 10 Marks, 150 Words)
भारत और संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका में क्षमा करने की राष्ट्रपति की शक्ति की तुलना कीजिए तथा विषमताओं को स्पष्ट कीजिए। क्या दोनों देशों में इसकी कोई सीमाएँ हैं? ‘अग्रिम माफी’ क्या होती है?View Answer
The President of India exercises the power to pardon under Article 72, while the U.S. President does so under Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution. In India, this power is subject to judicial review, whereas in the USA, it is largely unchecked. Preemptive pardons allow the U.S. President to pardon individuals before charges are filed. Legal scholar Alexander Hamilton emphasized the necessity of this power for justice and mercy, highlighting its potential for abuse.
Q 4. Discuss the nature of 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. (UPSC 2024, 10 Marks, 150 Words)
जम्मू-कश्मीर पुनर्गठन अधिनियम, 2019 के बाद, जम्मू-कश्मीर विधान सभा की प्रकृति का विवेचन कीजिए। केन्द्रशासित प्रदेश जम्मू-कश्मीर की विधान सभा की शक्तियों तथा कार्यों का संक्षेप में वर्णन कीजिए।View Answer
The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019 redefined the region's political landscape, converting it into a Union Territory with a Legislative Assembly. This Assembly, as per the Act, holds powers akin to those in other Union Territories with legislatures, such as Delhi. It can legislate on matters in the State List, except public order and police, reflecting a shift from its previous semi-autonomous status. The Assembly's role is pivotal in local governance and development.
Q 5. “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 in this regard. (UPSC 2024, 10 Marks, 150 Words)
“भारत का महान्यायवादी (एटर्नी जनरल) केन्द्र सरकार के कानूनी ढाँचे का मार्गदर्शन करने और कानूनी परामर्श के माध्यम से ठोस शासन सुनिश्चित करने में महत्त्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाता है।” इस संबंध में उसकी जिम्मेदारियों, अधिकारों और सीमाओं का विवेचन कीजिए।View Answer
The Attorney General of India, as the chief legal advisor to the government, plays a pivotal role in shaping the legal framework of the Union. According to Article 76 of the Indian Constitution, the AG provides expert legal counsel, ensuring governance aligns with constitutional mandates. As B.R. Ambedkar emphasized, the AG's guidance is crucial for maintaining the rule of law. However, the AG's role is advisory, with no executive authority, ensuring a balance between legal advice and governmental action.
Q 7. E-governance projects have a built-in bias towards technology and back-end integration than user-centric designs. Examine. (UPSC 2024, 10 Marks, 150 Words)
ई-गवर्नेस परियोजनाओं में उपयोगकर्ता-केन्द्रित डिजाइनों की तुलना में प्रौद्योगिकी और बैक-एंड एकीकरण के प्रति अंतर्निहित पूर्वाग्रह है। परीक्षण कीजिए।View Answer
E-Governance aims to enhance public service delivery through technology, yet often prioritizes tech bias over user-centric design. According to Heeks' Design-Reality Gap Model, this misalignment can lead to project failures. The World Bank highlights that only 15% of e-governance projects in developing countries achieve full success. Emphasizing user needs, as advocated by Donald Norman, can bridge this gap, ensuring technology serves citizens effectively and inclusively.
Q 8. Civil Society Organizations are often perceived as being anti-State actors than non-State actors. Do you agree? Justify. (UPSC 2024, 10 Marks, 150 Words)
नागरिक समाज संगठनों को गैर-राज्य अभिनेता की तुलना में प्रायः राज्य-विरोधी अभिनेता माना जाता है। क्या आप सहमत हैं? औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए।View Answer
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are pivotal in bridging the gap between the state and citizens, often acting as a check on governmental power. According to Alexis de Tocqueville, CSOs are essential for democracy, fostering civic engagement and pluralism. While some view them as anti-state due to their advocacy roles, others see them as non-state actors complementing state functions. The World Bank highlights their role in enhancing transparency and accountability, crucial for sustainable development.
The India-Africa digital partnership exemplifies mutual respect and co-development, fostering long-term institutional ties. According to the World Bank, Africa's digital economy could contribute $180 billion to its GDP by 2025. Mahatma Gandhi emphasized the power of collaboration, which resonates in this partnership. Initiatives like the Pan-African e-Network Project highlight India's commitment to digital infrastructure, education, and healthcare in Africa, promoting sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
The rise of sovereign nationalism in the post-globalization era reflects a shift towards prioritizing national interests over global cooperation. Thinkers like Dani Rodrik argue that globalization's discontents have fueled this trend, as economic disparities and cultural homogenization provoke nationalist sentiments. Data from the World Values Survey indicates increasing national pride in countries like the US and UK. This resurgence challenges the liberal international order, emphasizing sovereignty, border control, and cultural identity over multilateralism.
Q 11. "Constitutional morality is the fulcrum which acts as an essential check upon the high functionaries and citizens alike...." In view of the above 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. (UPSC 2025, 15 Marks, 250 Words)
"संवैधानिक नैतिकता एक आलम्ब है जो कि उच्च पदाधिकारियों और नागरिकों पर समान रूप से आवश्यक नियंत्रण का कार्य करता है...।" सर्वोच्च न्यायालय के उपर्युक्त प्रेक्षण के संदर्भ में, संवैधानिक नैतिकता की अवधारणा तथा भारत में न्यायपालिका की स्वतंत्रता एवं न्यायिक उत्तरदायित्व के मध्य संतुलन सुनिश्चित करने में इसकी प्रयोज्यता की व्याख्या कीजिए।View Answer
Constitutional morality, a term popularized by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, refers to adherence to the core principles and values enshrined in the Constitution. It serves as a guiding force for both citizens and state functionaries, ensuring a balance between judicial independence and judicial accountability. The Supreme Court of India emphasizes this concept to maintain the integrity of democratic institutions, acting as a check against arbitrary power and fostering a culture of constitutional governance.
Q 12. Indian Constitution has conferred the amending power on the ordinary legislative institutions with a few procedural hurdles. In view of this statement, examine the procedural and substantive limitations on the amending power of the Parliament to change the Constitution. (UPSC 2025, 15 Marks, 250 Words)
भारतीय संविधान ने कुछ प्रक्रियात्मक अवरोधों के साथ सामान्य विधायी संस्थाओं को संविधान संशोधन की शक्ति प्रदान की है। इस कथन को दृष्टिगत कर संसद के संविधान संशोधन की शक्ति पर प्रक्रियात्मक एवं सारभूत परिसीमाओं का परीक्षण कीजिए।View Answer
The Indian Constitution grants amending power to the Parliament, subject to procedural and substantive limitations. As per Article 368, amendments require a special majority, and in some cases, ratification by half of the state legislatures. Granville Austin highlights the balance between rigidity and flexibility, ensuring stability while allowing necessary changes. The Supreme Court's doctrine of the Basic Structure limits amendments that alter the Constitution's fundamental framework, safeguarding democratic principles and rights.
Q 13. Discuss the evolution of 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. (UPSC 2025, 15 Marks, 250 Words)
भारत में कॉलेजियम प्रणाली के विकास की विवेचना कीजिए। भारत और संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका के उच्चतम न्यायालय के न्यायाधीशों की नियुक्ति की प्रणाली के फायदे और नुकसान का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए।View Answer
Q 14. Examine the evolving pattern of Centre-State financial relations in the context of planned development in India. How far have the recent reforms impacted the fiscal federalism in India? (UPSC 2025, 15 Marks, 250 Words)
भारत में नियोजित विकास के संदर्भ में केन्द्र राज्य वित्तीय संबंधों के विकसित हो रहे स्वरूप (पैटर्न) का परीक्षण कीजिए। हाल के सुधारों ने भारत में राजकोषीय संघवाद को कितना प्रभावित किया है?View Answer
Q 15. What are environmental pressure groups? Discuss their role in raising awareness, influencing policies and advocating for environmental protection in India. (UPSC 2025, 15 Marks, 250 Words)
पर्यावरण दबाव समूह क्या है? भारत में जागरूकता बढाने, नीतियों को प्रभावित करने और पर्यावरण संरक्षण की वकालत करने में उनकी भूमिका का विवेचन कीजिए।View Answer
Q 16. Inequality in the ownership pattern of resources is one of the major causes of poverty. Discuss in the context of 'paradox of poverty'. (UPSC 2025, 15 Marks, 250 Words)
संसाधनों के स्वामित्व पैटर्न में असमानता गरीबी का एक प्रमुख कारण है। 'गरीबी के विरोधाभास' के संदर्भ में चर्चा कीजिए।View Answer
Q 17. "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. (UPSC 2025, 15 Marks, 250 Words)
"समकालीन विकास मॉडल में निर्णय लेने और समस्या समाधान की जिम्मेदारियाँ सूचना के स्रोत और क्रियान्वयन के निकट नहीं होतीं और (ये) विकास के उद्देश्यों को विफल कर देती हैं।" समीक्षात्मक मूल्यांकन कीजिए।View Answer
Q 18. 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. (UPSC 2025, 15 Marks, 250 Words)
राष्ट्रीय बाल अधिकार संरक्षण आयोग को डिजिटल युग में बच्चों के सामने आने बाली चुनौतियों का समाधान करना होगा। मौजूदा नीतियों की जाँच कीजिए और इस मुद्दे से निपटने के लिए आयोग द्वारा शुरू किए जा सकने वाले उपायों के सुझाव दीजिए।View Answer
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) is tasked with safeguarding children's rights amid digital challenges. With over 400 million internet users under 18 in India, the digital era poses risks like cyberbullying and privacy breaches. John Palfrey, a digital rights advocate, emphasizes the need for robust child protection frameworks. Existing policies require enhancement, and the NCPCR can initiate measures like digital literacy programs and stricter online safety regulations to address these issues effectively.
Q 19. "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? (UPSC 2025, 15 Marks, 250 Words)
"ऊर्जा सुरक्षा भारत की विदेश नीति का मुख्य स्तंभ है, और यह मध्य पूर्वी देशों में भारत के व्यापक प्रभाव से जुड़ा हुआ है।" आप आने वाले वर्षों में भारत की विदेश नीति की दिशा के साथ ऊर्जा सुरक्षा को कैसे एकीकृत करेंगे?View Answer
Energy security is pivotal to India's foreign policy, significantly shaping its relations with the Middle East. As per BP Statistical Review 2022, India imports over 80% of its oil, primarily from this region. Scholar C. Raja Mohan emphasizes that energy needs drive India's diplomatic engagements. Integrating energy security involves diversifying sources, investing in renewables, and strengthening ties with key oil producers, ensuring a stable energy supply while enhancing geopolitical influence.
Q 20. "The reform process in the United Nations remains unresolved, because of the delicate imbalance of East and West and entanglement of the USA vs. Russo-Chinese alliance." Examine and critically evaluate the East-West policy confrontations in this regard. (UPSC 2025, 15 Marks, 250 Words)
"पूर्व और पश्चिम के बीच नाजुक असंतुलन यू० एस० ए० बनाम रूस-चीनी गठबंधन के बीच उलझन के कारण संयुक्त राष्ट्र में सुधार प्रक्रिया अभी भी अनसुलझी है।" इस संबंध में पूर्व-पश्चिम नीति टकरावों की जाँच और आलोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन कीजिए।View Answer
The United Nations reform process remains unresolved due to the delicate East-West imbalance and the entanglement of the USA against the Russo-Chinese alliance. Scholars like Richard Gowan argue that geopolitical tensions hinder consensus, while Joseph Nye highlights the power dynamics at play. The East-West policy confrontations reflect a struggle for influence, with the USA advocating for democratic values and Russia-China prioritizing sovereignty and non-interference, complicating reform efforts.
The Tribunal Reforms in India aim to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the quasi-judicial bodies. According to the Law Commission of India, tribunals are essential for specialized adjudication, yet they face challenges like delays and lack of independence. The Supreme Court in the L. Chandra Kumar case emphasized the need for judicial oversight. Recent reforms, including the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021, seek to streamline processes, though critics argue for more autonomy and transparency to ensure justice delivery.