September2024

1. Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to “one nation – one election” principle. (Answer in 150 words)

2. Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats And Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they entertain civil as well as criminal cases? (Answer in 150 words)

3. “The growth of cabinet system has practically resulted in the marginalisation of the parliamentary supremacy:” Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)

4. “The duty of the Comptroller and Auditor General is not merely to ensure the legality of expenditure but also its propriety.” Comment. (Answer in 150 words)

5. Analyse the role of local bodies in providing good governance at local level and bring out the pros and cons merging the rural local bodies with the urban local bodies. (Answer in 150 words)

6. Public charitable trusts have the potential to make India’s development more inclusive as they relate to certain vital public issues. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)

7. Poverty and malnutrition create a vicious cycle, adversely affecting human capital formation.
What steps can be taken to break the cycle? (Answer in 150 words)

8. The Doctrine of Democratic Governance makes it necessary that the public perception of the integrity and commitment of civil servants becomes absolutely positive. Discuss.

9. ‘The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategically to counter China’s political and economic dominance.” Explain this statement with examples. (Answer in 150 words)

10. Critically analyse India’s evolving diplomatic, economic and strategic relations with the Central Asian Republics (CARs) highlighting their increasing significance in regional and global geopolitics. (Answer in 150 words)

11. What are the aims and objects of recently passed and enforced, The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024? Whether University/State Education Board examinations, too, are covered under the Act ? (Answer in 250 words).

12. 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 D.N.A. testing of child in the womb to establish its paternity. (Answer in 250 words)

13. What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-Stare relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build the trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism. (Answer in 250 words)

14. Explain the reasons for the growth of public interest litigation in India. As a result of it, has the Indian Supreme Court emerged as the world’s most powerful judiciary ? (Answer in 250 words)

15. Discuss India as a secular state and compare with the secular principles of the US constitution. (Answer in 250 words)

16. The Citizens’ 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 realisation of its promise and suggest measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)

17. 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. (Answer in 250 words)

18. e-governance is not just about the routine application of digital technology in service delivery process. It is as much about multifarious interactions for ensuring transparency and accountability. In this context evaluate the role of the ‘Interactive Service Model’ of e-governance. (Answer in 250 words)

19. ‘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. (Answer in 250 words)

20. Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of Maldives for India with a focus on global trade and/energy flows. Further also discuss how this relationship affects India’s maritime security and regional stability amidst international competition? (Answer in 250 words )

1. Underline the changes in the field of society and economy from the Rig Vedic to the later Vedic period.

 2. Estimate the contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi for the development of art and literature of South India.

 3. What were the events that led to the Quit India Movement? Point out its results.

 4. What is sea surface temperature rise? How does it affect the formation of tropical cyclones?

 5. Why do large cities tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries.

 6. What is the phenomenon of ‘cloudbursts’? Explain.

 7. What is the concept of a ‘demographic winter’? Is the world moving towards such a situation? Elaborate.

 8. Distinguish between gender equality, gender equality and women’s empowerment . Why is it important to take gender  concerns into account in programme design and implementation?

 9. Intercaste marriages between castes which have socio-economic parity have increased, to some extent, but this is less true of interreligious marriages.Discuss.

 10. In dealing with socio-economic issues of development, what kind of collaboration between government, NGO’s and private sector would be most productive?

 11. ‘Though the great cholas are no more yet their name is still remembered with great pride because of their highest achievements in the domain of art and architecture.” Comment.

 12. How far is it correct to say that the First World War was fought essentially for the preservation of balance of power?

 13. How far was the Industrial Revolution in England responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cotttage industries in India?

 14. The groundwater potential of the gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of  India?

 15. What are aurora australis and aurora borealis? How are these triggered?

 16. What is a twister? Why are the majority of twisters observed in areas around the Gulf of Mexico?

 17. What is regional disparity? How does it differ from disparity? How serious is the issue of regional disparity in India?

 18. Despite comprehensive policies for equity and social justice, underprivilaged sections are not yet getting the full benefits of affirmative action, envisaged by the Constitution.Comment.

 19. Globalization have increased urban migration by skilled, young, unmarried women from various classes. How has this trend impacted upon their personal freedom and relationship with family?

 20. Critically analyse the proposition that there is a high correlation between India’s cultural diversities and socio-economic marginalities.

Section A

1. Forests precede civilizations and deserts follow them.

2. The empires of the future will be the empires of the mind.

3. There is no path to happiness; Happiness is the path.

4. The doubter is a true man of science.

Section B

5. Social media is triggering “Fear of Missing Out” amongst the youth, precipitating depression and loneliness.

6. Nearly all men can stand adversity, but to test the character, give him power.

7. All ideas having large consequences are always simple.

8. The cost of being wrong is less than the cost of doing nothing.