As British statesman Tony Benn aptly remarked, “The size of the cabinet should be as big as governmental work justifies and as big as the Prime Minister can manage as a team.”
UPSC – Mains Solved Paper GS 2
Instances of the President’s delay in commuting death sentences has come under public debate as denial of justice. Should there be a time specified for the President to accept/reject such petitions? Analyze. (12.5 marks, 200 words)
Instances of the President’s delay in commuting death sentences have sparked fervent public debate, with many arguing that such delays amount to a denial of justice.
What do you understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss. (12.5 marks, 200 words)
The concept of “freedom of speech and expression” embodies the fundamental right of individuals to articulate their thoughts, opinions, and ideas without fear of censorship or restraint by the government or other authorities.
The ‘Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and its Members’ as envisaged in Article 105 of the Constitution leave room for a large number of uncodified and unenumerated privileges to continue. Assess the reasons for the absence of legal codification of the ‘parliamentary privileges. How can this problem be addressed? (12.5 marks, 200 words)
Article 105 of the Constitution grants extensive powers, privileges, and immunities to the Parliament and its members, yet these remain largely uncodified and unenumerated.
Though the federal principle is dominant in our Constitution and that principle is one of its basic features, it is equally true that federalism under the Indian Constitution leans in favour of a strong Centre, a feature that militates against the concept of strong federalism. Discuss. (12.5 marks, 200 words)
The Indian Constitution, with its roots deeply embedded in federal principles, undeniably stands as a testament to the country’s diverse and complex socio-political landscape.
Starting from inventing the ‘basic structure’ doctrine, the judiciary has played a highly proactive role in ensuring that India develops into a thriving democracy. In light of the statement, evaluate the role played by judicial activism in achieving the ideals of democracy. (12.5 marks, 200 words)
Judicial activism has served as a potent tool in this endeavor, empowering the judiciary to intervene in matters where constitutional values are at stake.
Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India-Pakistan relations. To what extent the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchanges could help generate goodwill between the two countries? Discuss with suitable examples. (12.5 Marks, 200 Words)
India and Pakistan, two neighboring nations with a shared history, have long grappled with strained relations marred by terrorist activities and mutual distrust.
Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of the Indian Government to improve relationships with its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss. (12.5 Marks, 200 Words)
Project ‘Mausam’ stands as a distinctive foreign policy initiative by the Indian Government, aimed at fostering stronger bonds with neighboring countries through the exploration and revival of shared cultural and maritime heritage.
Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council. (12.5 Marks, 200 Words)
India’s quest for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has been an enduring diplomatic challenge, marked by various impediments that have hindered its progress on the global stage.
The increasing interest of India in Africa has its pros and cons. Critically examine. (12.5 Marks, 200 Words)
India’s growing engagement with Africa has emerged as a multifaceted phenomenon, marked by both advantageous prospects and inherent challenges.