VISION IAS
www.visionias.in
S. N. Question
1 Discuss the possible factors that
inhibit India from enacting for its
citizen a uniform civil code as
provided for in the Directive
Principles of State Policy.
2 The concept of cooperative
federalism has been increasingly
emphasised in recent years.
Highlight the drawbacks in the
existing structure and extent to
which cooperative federalism
would answer the shortcomings.
5 Resorting to ordinances has always
raised concern on violation of the
spirit of separation of power
doctrine. While noting the
rationales justifying the power to
promulgate, analyse whether the
decision of the Supreme Court on
the issue have further facilitated to
resorting to this power. Should the
power to promulgate the
ordinances be repealed?
1 www.visionias.in
Sources Approach
November 2014 and Discuss about the various
October 2015 Current aspects of UCC as mentioned in
Affairs + value addition the constitution. Thereafter
material discuss the challenges
faced/anticipated in its
implementation and how they
can be overcome in the future.
February 2015 current Elaborate upon the concept of
Affairs cooperative federalism.
Thereafter mention the
inadequacies in the present
system and how the benefits of
cooperative federalims can help
in overcoming the same.
January 2015 Current Begin by talking about the
Affairs ordinance making power and
how there has always been an
issue regarding its misuse.
Secondly elaborate on the
supreme court judgment on the
issue and if there is a need to
have a relook at the ordinance
making power of the president
and the governor and checks
and balances to be put in place.
Motivation Sub Topic Year
Has been in news prominently, Constitution 2015
SC questioned the government
regarding implementation of
UCC in October 2015. It
remained in news regularly
due to statements made by
many political leaders.
Has been in news regularly, Constitution 2015
especially after the formation
of NITI Aayog and 14th FC
recommendations. It was also
covered in Economic Survey.
An expected question as it was Constitution 2015
continuosly in news due to
promulgation of frequent
ordinances by union
government as well as some
state governments.
©Vision IAS
 7 Does the right to clean Current Affairs The issue was in news in the Constitution 2015
environment entail legal regulation last week of October and the
on burning crackers during Diwali? backdrop of the problem is
Discus in the light of Article 21 of worsening condition of air
Indian Constitution and quality in India in genral and
judgements of the apex in this Delhi in particular.
regard.
2 Though the federal principle is http://www.thehindu. Constitution 2014
dominant in our Constitution and com/opinion/lead/a-
that principle is one of its basic challenge-to-indian-
features, but it is equally true that federalism/article5278
federalism under the Indian 609.ece
Constitution leans in favour of a http://timesofindia.ind
strong Centre, a feature that iatimes.com/india/The
militates against the concept of -Times-way-
strong federalism. Discuss. Federalism-of-
function-and-
pluralism-of-
views/articleshow/430
26739.cms
http://indianexpress.c
om/article/india/politi
cs/centre-to-work-
with-states-modi/

2 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 5 Instances of President's delay in http://www.thehindu. Death sentence of Bhullar and Constitution 2014
commuting death sentences has com/todays-paper/tp- other convicts
come under public debate as national/give-details-
denial of justice. Should there be a of-mercy-petitions-
time limit specified for the court-tells-
President to accept/reject such states/article2921745.
petitions? Analyse. ece
http://www.thehindu.
com/opinion/op-
ed/putting-a-full-stop-
to-death-
sentence/article56578
03.ece
http://indianexpress.c
om/article/india/india-
others/supreme-
court-commutes-
death-sentence-of-15-
says-retribution-has-
no-constitutional-
value-in-india/
http://m.timesofindia.
com/india/More-
executions-in-7-
months-of-President-
Pranab-than-previous-
15-
years/articleshow/184
37814.cms

3 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 3 Recent directives from Ministry of
Petroleum and Natural Gas are
perceived by the ‘Nagas’ as a
threat to override the exceptional
status enjoyed by the State.
Discuss in light of Article 371A of
the Indian Constitution.
1 Discuss the essentials of the 69th
Constitutional Amendment Act
and 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 that this will give rise to a
new trend in the functioning of the
Indian federal politics
4 www.visionias.in
1. Introduce by highlighting the Nagas are agitated over what Constitution 2013
features in Article 371A of the they perceive as the Centre’s
Indian Constitution like special “threat” to override the
status to Nagaland, etc. exceptional status they enjoy
2. While mentioning the under Article 371A of the
directives from Ministry of Constitution. On June 13,
Petroleum and Natural Gas, Veerappa Moily, the Union
explain how they are perceived Minister of Petroleum and
by Nagas to be in violation of Natural Gas, asked the
Art. 371A. Nagaland Legislative Assembly
3. Conclude by suggesting the (NLA) to withdraw the
way outs to end this logjam like Nagaland Petroleum and
Political resolution of the issue, Natural Gas Regulation, 2012
giving more autonomy to Naga (NPNGR) that it framed within
assembly, etc. the ambit of Article 371A.
http://www.thehindu. 1. In introduction mention how • Constantly in news/ Constitution 2016
com/news/cities/Delhi 69th Amendment act deals with
/In -a-jolt-to-AAP- Insertion of new articles 239AA
Delhi-HCholds-Lt.- and 239AB in the constitution
Governor- and how gives special status to
asadministrativehead/ Delhi among the various union
article14551095. ece territories in India. Mention
• DD Basu, certain basic provisions given in
Introduction to the the article. 2. Now, mention
Constitution of India what are provisions which are
exceptions and has led to the
tussle between Delhigovt and LG
eg. Power of appointment, Delhi
Govt cannot make laws with
respect to Entries 1, 2 and 18 of
the State List and Entries 64, 65
and 66 of that List in so far as
they relate to the said Entries 1,
2 and 18. In this regard also
mention the High Court
judgements such as the one
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2 To what extent is Article 370 of the
Indian Constitution, bearing
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.
5 www.visionias.in
pronounced in August 2016. 3.
Give arguments whether this will
lead to new form of federal
functioning keeping in view the
broad constitutional provisions
regarding federalism in mind.
The State of Jammu 1. Article 370 of the Constitution Constantly in news Constitution 2016
& Kashmir-chapter - is the current bedrock of the
15, page.no.-263-272 constitutional relationship
• between Jammu and Kashmir
http://www.thehindu. and the rest of India. Mention
com/opinion/editorial/ about the temporary provision
th e-importance-of- note. 2. Explain the article 370
article370/article7762 fully. What is the special status
192.ece • DD and role of article 368 along with
Basu, Introduction to few judgements. Eg recent
the Constitution of verdict of J&K highcourt
India regarding this. Earlier also
Supreme court had given
judgement in this regard. 3. Give
both pros and cons of removing
the article. Give some concrete
examples such as court has
reaffirmed that importance of
the Article and showed how
abrogating it will weaken the
legal basis for J&K to be part of
India, as the accession was
linked to its getting special
status. 4. Give a balanced
conclusion taking into account
the challenges associated with
removing or retaining the article
©Vision IAS
 5 Discuss each adjective attached to
the word ‘Republic’ in the
‘Preamble’. Are they defendable in
the present circumstances?
6 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?
6 www.visionias.in
http: 1. First mention the four The question was inspired due Constitution 2016
//www.thehindu. adjectives attached to Republic to recent debates regarding
com/opinion/oped/W i.e. Sovereign, Socialist, Secular the word Secular and Socialist,
hy- andDemocratic. 2. Second part which were added by 42nd
diversityneedsseculari should be divided in four more Ammendment. M.
sm/article16086 parts. o Defend sovereignty Laxmikanth,
904.ece in the context of contemporary
global scenario, i.e. bilateral and
multilateral deals, globalization
and global issues like climate
change. o Defend socialist
word in the context of post
liberalization era. o Defend
secular in the recent debates
surrounding tolerance and
western concept of secularism. o
Finally, defend the word
democratic in the light of social
and economic divides.
• Firstly discuss the SC judgment • The motivation behind this Constitution 2016
http://www. regarding the IXth Schedule and question is Haryana Jat Quota
hindustantimes. Article 31B in I R Coelho Bill and Gujarat quota law.
com/india/haryana- case.Highlight on the fact that • There were reports that
jatquota- how SC gave primacy to judicial respective state governments
lawunderstandingcons review over legislative will request the centre to keep
titution-s- procedures, as a basic feature in these bills in 9th schedule so
ninthschedule/storyLK the case. ( SC upheld the validity that they become outside the
Z2Rj78ORIvAgII6EXf of Article 31-B and Parliament’s purview of judicial review. In
xN.html power to place a particular law this context the Coelho case
• http://www. in the Ninth Schedule however becomes important.
hindustantimes. these laws and are open to
com/india- judicial scrutiny.)
news/evenninth- 2. Then in the second part
schedule-can-tsave- analyse by utilising the conepts
gujarat- of judicial review and basic
quotalaw/storypQQIzL
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14 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? (250
words) 15
6 Constitutional mechanisms to
resolve the inter-state water
disputes have failed to address and
solve the problems. Is the failure
due to structural or process
inadequacy or both? Discuss.
7 www.visionias.in
iawHRgFsfhyip1 features. One can quote
TJ.html • http: examples to substantiate points.
//indianexpress.
com/article/explained/
h aryana-jat-quota-
billpassed-will-
quieten-thejats-may-
agitate-thebjp/
http://www.thehindu. The quesion has two major Function and responsibilities Constitutional 2017
com/news/national/EC parts: First, write down the main of Constitutional bodies are bodies
-seeks-end-to- proposals of ECI with respect to part of the syllabus.
nameless- electoral reforms and second Electoral reforms have
donations/article1690 and the important part is continuosly remained in news.
1112.ece analysis of these propsals to
http://eci.nic.in/eci_m make democracy successful.
ain/ElectoralLaws/Han Discuss proposals like de-
dBooks/PROPOSED_EL criminialization of politics,
ECTORAL_REFORMS_0 reforms related to political
1052017.pdf parties, Election campaign and
advertisements, Election
expenses and provide an analysis
of the proposals.
1. Introduce by highlighting the Constitutional 2013
present scenario of water Changes planned to quickly bodies
disputes in the country like resolve water disputes +
Cauvery water dispute, etc. Cauvery Water Disputes
2. Mention the Constitutional Tribunal report (Gazette
mechanisms to resolve the inter- Notification) +
state water disputes like Art 262 Proposal for permanent
of constitution, etc. tribunal for interstate river
3. Discuss in brief the structural water disputes (IWD)
and procedural inadequacies + The Draft National Water
and other reasons for failure of Policy 2012 also suggests a
dispute resolution mechanism. permanent tribunal.
©Vision IAS
 7 Discuss the recommendations of
the 13th Finance Commission
which have been a departure from
the previous commissions for
strengthening the local
government finances.
4 Exercise of 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
audit of the Government’s policy
implementation could amount to
overstepping its own (CAG)
jurisdiction.
8 www.visionias.in
1. Discuss in brief the 14th Finance Commission was Constitutional 2013
recommendations of 13th constituted bodies
Finance Commission like Share in
central pool, local body
ombudsman, etc.
2. Contrast it with the
recommendations of previous
Finance Commissions vis-à-vis
local goverance finance.
3. Conclude on an optimistic
note.
• http://www. 1. Introduce with stating the Constitutional 2016
thehindubusinessline. importance of the office of CAG bodies
com/news/education/ alongwith briefly stating its
ca gs-performance- powers. 2. Then talk about how
auditandethics/article implementing different policies
2406579. ece entails utilization of public
exchequer’s money and is
directly associated with CAG
jurisdiction. Here, also mention
some of the conerns raised by
those who view this auditing
exercise as overstepping of
CAG’s jurisdicton. 3. Talk about
increasing private sector
involvement in government
policy implementation and need
of CAG to uphold transparency.
4. Talk about need of CAG’s
performance audit and how it
can improve designing of govt
schemes, drafting appropriate
accountability framework. 5.
Conclude appropriately by
talking about how this entails
part of the envisaged role of the
©Vision IAS

12 Examine the scope of Fundamental
Rights in the light of the latest
judgement of the Supreme Court
on Right to Privacy. (250 words) 15
4 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.
9 www.visionias.in
CAG envisioned under the
Constitution. Also mention Some
SC judgements here
http://www.livemint.c Briefly mention the SC Scope of FRs asked earlier, Fundamental Rights 2017
om/Politics/wXfZUdkB judgement on Privacy. Mention such as in 2015: Does the right
qGdW3eXvMdpBCK/Sc the different dimensions of to clean environment entail
ope-and-contours-of- privacy and examine whether legal regulations on burning
a-right-to-privacy- they can be subjected to crackers during Diwali? Discuss
debated-in- reasonable restrictions under in the light of Article 21 of the
Supreme.html the constitution. One can Indian Constitution and
analyse scope of Article 19 and Judgement(s) of the Apex
http://indianexpress.c 21 in this context - such as how Court in this regard.
om/article/opinion/col will freedom of expression be
umns/right-to-privacy- impacted because of Privacy.
fundamental-right-
constitution-supreme-
court-aadhaar-
4812144/
Controversy related to Fundamental Rights 2014
http://www.thehindu. cartoons, movies such as
com/books/books- Vishwarupam etc, recent
reviews/exploring- incidents of hate speeches
cinema-censorship- from pollitical personallities
and-its-
impact/article5415198
.ece
http://indianexpress.c
om/article/india/politi
cs/amit-shah-moves-
hc-against-firs-on-
hate-speeches/
http://timesofindia.ind
iatimes.com/india/Yog
i-Adityanath-makes-
another-hate-
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2 Critically examine the Supreme
Court's judgement on 'National
Judicial Appointments Commission
Act, 2014' with reference to
appointment of judges of higher
judiciary in India. (150 words) 10
1 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 ideas of democracy.
4 “The Supreme Court of India keeps
a check on arbitrary power of the
Parliament in amending the
Constitution.” Discuss critically.
10
speech/articleshow/41
990808.cms
Current Give background of the case - Judiciary (structure, Judiciary 2017
First mention the current organisation functioning) is
system, briefly mention the part of syllabus
Judges case (2nd & 3rd).
Elaborate on the rationale
behind the SC Judgement. Give
counter arguments - refer to the
Centre's Stand as well the
dissenting judgement. Conclude
with transparency in
appointment and formulation of
a consultative Memorandum of
Procedure.
http://www.supremec 40 years of Kesavananda Judiciary 2014
ourtofindia.nic.in/spee Bharati Case judgment
ches/speeches_2009/j
udicial_activism_tcd_d
ublin_14-10-09.pdf
1. Introduce by mentioning the Parliament nullified SC Judiciary 2013
amending procedure of the judgement on disqualification
Constitution as given in Art. 368. of convicted MLAs and MPs
2. Discuss how it is arbitrary in
nature by giving examples like
Art. 368 (4) and Art. 368(5)
which was later declared null
and void by Supreme Court, etc.
3. By quoting examples like
Kesvanand Bharti case: Doctrine
of basic features of constitution,
discuss how Supreme Court
www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

6 What are the major changes
brought in the Arbitration and
Conciliation Act, 1966 through the
recent ordinance promulgated by
the President? How far will it
improve India’s dispute resolution
mechanism? Discuss.
15 “If amendment bill to the
Whistleblowers Act, 2011 tabled in
the Parliament is passed, there
may be no one left to protect.”
Critically evaluate.
8 The setting up of a Rail Tariff
Authority to regulate fares will
subject the cash strapped Indian
Railways to demand subsidy for
obligation to operate non-
profitable routes and services.
Taking into account the experience
in the power sector, discuss if the
proposed reform is expected to
benefit the consumers, the Indian
Railways or the private container
operators.
11
clipped the wings of Parliament’s
arbitrary power.
Current Affairs Many steps were taken by Laws/Bills 2015
government to improve ease
of doing business, this
amendement is one of the
various steps. Government
wants Arbitration a preferred
mode for settlement. And thus
the recent amendemnt to
Arbitration and Conciliation
act was passed.
May Current Affairs - Has been in news prominently, Laws/Bills 2015
Covered in detail Major changes has been done
to this act, RTI 10 years, UPSC
focus on corruption related
issues.
http://www.thehindu. Laws/Bills 2014
com/news/national/rai
l-tariff-authority-for-
transparency-in-fare-
decision-
kharge/article5680542
.ece
http://indianexpress.c
om/article/india/india-
others/rail-tariff-
authority-gets-
cabinet-nod/
http://timesofindia.ind
iatimes.com/india/Cab
inet-nod-for-rail-tariff-
regulator-fares-may-
go-
up/articleshow/29132
664.cms
www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 2 Discuss Section 66A of IT Act, with
reference to its alleged violation of
Article 19 of the Constitution
17 ‘A national Lokpal, however strong
it may be, cannot resolve the
problems of immortality in public
affairs.’ Discuss.
1 "The local self-government system
in India has not proved to be
effective instrument of
governance." Critically examine
the statement and give your views
to improve the situation. (150
words) 10
12
Start the answer with the
context of enacting the IT Act
and its section 66A. Then discuss
how it came to be misused for
criticising the government or
some political leaders. Then give
an account of its compatibility
with Article 19 of the Indian
Constitution. Finally end with a
way forward.
1. Introduce in brief about the
Lokpal and its functioning.
2. While mentioning the need
for bringing in Lokpal, discuss
how it alone is not enough to
resolve the problems of
immorality in public affairs.
3. Suggest some other measures
like improving social security,
etc. to curb the hoarding nature
which is root cause of
corruption.
4. Conclude on an optimistic
note.
Ample commentaries Identify the lacunae in
in newspapers functioning of the PRIs and ULBs.
Include the lack of funds,
functions and inadequate
capacity of functionaries.Link
these issues to their capacity for
governance. Then, give the
rationale behind the setting up
of PRIs and ULBs and their
importance in decentralised
governance. Suggest ways of
www.visionias.in
Sparked the debate after Laws/Bills 2013
arrests of two youngsters in
Palghar for questioning in their
FaceRecommended Book
posts the Mumbai shutdown
of November 18 for Sena chief
Bal Thackeray’s funeral. Later
validity of Section 66A of IT Act
challenged in Madras High
Court. Governments even
modified some rules.
in news since Anna's Laws/Bills 2013
movement
Similar question in 2015: Local Self 2017
In absence of a well-educated Governments
and organized local level
government system,
`Panchayats’ and ‘Samitis’
have remained mainly political
institutions and not effective
instruments of governance.
Critically discuss.
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3 In the absence of well – educated
and organised local level
government system, Panchayats
and Samitis have remained mainly
political institutions and not
effective instrument of
governance. Critically Discuss.
3 "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. (150 words) 10
5 Discuss the role of Public Accounts
Committee in establishing
accountability of the government
to the people. (150 words) 10
13
improvement along the lacunae
identified above.
December 2014 The given statement is one of Local Self 2015
Current Affairs the signifiant criticism against Governments
the Panchayats and Samitis.
The issue was in news due to
law passed by some states like
Rajasthan and Haryana to have
a minimum education
qualification for being eligible
to contest local elections.
Give the rationale behind Parliament 2017
Numerous articles by demand for simultaneous
former CECs and other elections - time and cost saving,
luminaries in The more focus on governance and
Hindu and Indian reforms, problems by Model
Express code of conduct, etc. Also give
counter arguments about how it
reduces accountability - regular
elections keep the government
on its toes and ensures
continuous accountability rather
than only a periodic, once in a 5
year accountability. Also,
dissolution of state governments
mid-way will lead to rule by
Central government through the
President and Governor,
reducing the accountability to
people.
Polity and Governance Elaborate on the functions of Asked in Vision Test series of Parliament 2017
standard books - PAC in conducting hearings 2017
Laxmikant, DD Basu, regarding government's financial
Subash Kashyap decisions, its power to summon
the executive based on reports
of CAG as well as suo-motu
www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

13 The Indian Constitution has
provisions for holding joint session
of the two Houses of the
Parliament. Enumerate the
occasions when this would
normally happen and also the
occasions when it cannot, with
reason thereof. (250 words) 15
3 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 un-codified
and un-enumerated privileges to
continue. Access the reasons for
the absence of legal codification of
the 'parliamentary privileges'. How
can this problem be addressed ?
1 The role of individual MPs
(Members of Parliament) has
diminished over the years and as a
result healthy constructive debates
14
issues. Also mention the
propriety audit it conducts to
review govenment's
expenditure. Mention the
lacunae - post-facto review of
decisions, majority of ruling
party members, over-ruling by
the speaker, etc.
Polity and Governance This is a straightforward Parliament and State Parliament 2017
standard books - question. Mention the provisions Legislatures - structure,
Laxmikant, DD Basu, of Article 108 which talks about functioning, conduct of
Subash Kashyap Joint Session. business, powers & privileges
First, mention the occasions and issues arising out of these
when joint session takes place. is part of the syllabus.
Also, the cases in which it cannot
take place - money bills and
constitutional amendment bills-
along with reasons separately for
each one of them.
http://www.thehindu. Whips Conference - Goa 2014 Parliament 2014
com/news/national/w
hips-meet-at-goa-
seeks-codification-of-
privileges/article65018
36.ece
http://www.thehindu.
com/news/national/go
a-meet-to-discuss-
house-privileges-
codification/article649
4576.ece
1. Introduce in brief the Anti- Sixty Years of Parliament Parliament 2013
defection law and its original
intent like intention to check
horse trading, defection of stray
www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 on policy issues are not usually
witnessed. How far can this be
attributed to the anti-defection
law which was legislated but with a
different intention?
4 How do pressure groups influence
Indian political process? Do you
agree with this view that informal
pressure groups have emerged as
more powerful than formal
pressure groups in recent years?
(150 words) 10
15
legislators.
2. Highlight the declining trend
in constructive debates in
Legislature in recent past like
MPs just toe the party line
instead of voicing their own
opinion fearlessly.
3. Discuss role of Anti-defection
law in the same and also
enumerate other factors like
Centralization in political parties
and high command culture,
Proliferation of regional parties,
Lack of intra party democracy,
etc.
4. Conclude by giving way
forward.
First Part - NIOS For the first part, mention how 2013: Pressure group politics is Pressure Groups 2017
(http://www.nios.ac.in pressure groups influence sometimes seen as the
/media/documents/Se political process in different informal face of politics. With
cSocSciCour/English/L manner such as encouraging regards to the above, assess
esson-21.pdf) and Ch wider political participation, the structure and functioning
5 of Democratic influencing policy through of pressure groups in India
Politics II (Class 10 mobilising public opinion,
Social Science NCERT) canvassing for specific 2016: “In the Indian
outcomes, etc. Also talk in brief governance system, the role of
about how scope and intensity non-state actors has been only
of this influence is determined marginal.” Critically examine
by different factors such as this statement.
political attitudes, structure of
pressure groups. This will also
provide a link for the next part of
the question.
For the second part, using
examples, first try to
differentiate between the two
www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

10 Pressure group politics is
sometimes seen as the informal
face of politics. With regards to the
above, assess the structure and
functioning of pressure groups in
India.
8 What is quasi judicial body?
Explain with the help of concrete
examples.
16
pressure groups-informal and
formal. Talk about how informal
pressure groups are more
focussed on a certain issue and
therefore are more specific in
their demands. Factors which
have facilitated a shift towards
informal PGs, eg- advent of
social media, increasing policy
concerns because of
globalisation. Also, talk about
limitations of informal pressure
groups-lacking a proper
organizational structure, which
means that formal pressure
groups remain relevant.
1. Introduce by giving definition Recent movements by civil Pressure Groups 2013
of Pressure groups. socities for lokpal may be an
2. By giving examples of various ocassion to frame this
pressure groups (like bar council, question
medical council, ficci, etc.)
discuss how they act as informal
face of politics.
3. In brief write about their
structure and functioning.
4. Conclude on the basis of
above points.
• M. Laxmikanth/D D 1. Start with giving proper Syllabus topic Quasi Judicial 2016
Basu definition of quasi-judicial bodies Bodies
differentiating them from
normal judicial bodies should be
written.
2. Now provide as many
examples as you can of such
bodies. For example
NHRC/SHRC, Tribunals, National
www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

16 “For achieving the desired
objectives, it is necessary to
ensure that the regulatory
institutions remain independent
and autonomous.” Discuss in the
light of the experiences in recent
past.
8 The product diversification of
financial institutions and insurance
companies, resulting in
overlapping of products and
services strengthens the case for
the merger of the two regulatory
agencies, namely SEBI and IRDA.
Justify.
17
commission for SCs/STs/BCs,
CIC/SIC etc.
3. Functions of all such bodies
can be written briefly in the
context of their quasi-judicial
functions
Monetory policy
Committee
FMC and SEBI merger
+ regulatory institutes forms a
Basics regarding
regulatory bodies
1. Introduce by highlighting the
various products offered by
financial institutions and
insurance companies and bring
out the overlapping areas.
2. Discuss why there is a need to
merge SEBI and IRDA (regulatory
stream lining and consumer
protection, etc.
3. Conclude by giving few
suggestions from FSLRC Report.
www.visionias.in
Has been in news prominently, Regulatory 2015
MPC issue-tussle between RBI Institutions
and govt, SEBI issue as well as
part of our syllabus
Financial Sector Legislative Regulatory 2013
Reforms Commission, headed Institutions
by former justice B N
Srikrishna, has also suggested
creation of a financial
redressal agency (FRA) to
address consumer complaints
against companies across the
financial sector.
But SEBI IRDA issue was more
prominently in news in 2010.
©Vision IAS
 16 "The emergence of the Self-Help
Groups (SHGs) in contemporary
times points to the slow but steady
withdrawal of the State from
developmental activates." Examine
the role of the SHGs in
developmental activities and the
measures taken by the
Government of India to promote
the SHGs. (250 words) 15
10 The penetration of Self Help
Groups (SHGs) in rural areas in
promoting participation in
development programmes is
facing socio-cultural hurdles.
Examine.
18
Second ARC, Report 9, In introduction provide a brief UPSC has regularly asked SHG's 2017
Chapter 4, information regarding SHGs. about SHG in past.
http://arc.gov.in/9thre Then discuss the role of SHGs in 2013: The legitimacy and
port/ARC_9thReport_ developmental activities, for accountability of Self Help
Ch4.pdf, Planing example, financial inclusion, Groups (SHGs) and their
Commission (2008), women empowerment, grasroot patrons, the micro-finance
Areport on the development, poverty alleviation outfits, need systematic
Success and Failure of etc. assessment and scrutiny for
SHGs in Inida, Chapter Then focus on the reasons of the sustained success of the
2, slow growth of SHGs. Dicuss the concept. Discuss.
http://planningcommi steps taken by the government
ssion.nic.in/reports/se to promote SHGs. 2014: The penetration of Self
report/ser/ser_shg300 Finally conclude with a future Help Groups (SHGs) in rural
6.pdf, Kurukhsetra July outlook for SHG and the further areas in promoting
2013, role which government can play participation in development
http://yojana.gov.in/c for their growth. programmes is facing socio-
ms/(S(3hmj0f45twydiif cultural hurdles. Examine.
r2wy1i045))/pdf/Kuruk
shetra/English/2013/K 2015: The Self-Help Group
urukshetra%20July%2 (SHG) Bank Linkage
02013.pdf, Programme (SBLP), which is
Kurukshetra India’s own innovation, has
September 2017, pp. proved to be one of the most
28-31 effective poverty alleviation
and women empowerment
programmes. Elucidate.
http://www.thehindu. SHG's/NGOs 2014
com/news/cities/Mad
urai/stress-on-credit-
facility-for-
shgs/article6577770.e
ce
http://indianexpress.c
om/article/india/politi
cs/centre-rolls-out-
cheap-loans-for-
www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

10 “In the Indian governance system,
the role of non-state actors has
been only marginal.” Critically
examine this statement.
19
women-shgs/
http://timesofindia.ind
iatimes.com/city/visak
hapatnam/SHGs-keep-
eye-on-govt-
schemes/articleshow/
43576187.cms
• IGNOU-MPS 003/ 1. Introduce the answer by SHG's/NGO's 2016
UNIT 18/ defining the term Non state
• 9th report of the actors as the non governmental
second ARC ( Chapters development organization in
2 and 7 different spheres. It can be
NGOs involved in social
development , trade unions,
pressure groups, economic
groups etc 2. Describe their
limited role in different fields viz,
social (development),
political(lobbying),
economic(capacity building) 3.
Site reasons for limited role like
stringent FCRA norms for NGOs
coupled with discrepancies in
fund disbursement by
government, Stricter guidelines
for operations; Lack of
involvement of Trade unions for
important decision making in
PSUs or state organisations; ,etc
4. Then explain how their role is
not marginal in Indian context
with relevant examples ofnon
state actors like NGOs MKSS,
SEWA , Economic non state
actors like FICCI which helped in
capacity building of private
www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

18 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 Civil Services?
Comment. (250 words) 15
14 Has the Cadre based Civil Services
Organization been of the cause of
slow change in India ? Critically
examine.
14 “Traditional bureaucratic structure
and culture have hampered the
process of socio-economic
development in India.” Comment.
20
sector and help fine tuned CSR.
5. Conclude with a positive note
by citing how in a transitionary
democracy certain roles takes
times to shape before giving
results.
The Hindu Buisness Briefly discuss the kewords such 2014: Has the Cadre based Civil Services in 2017
Line, 3 September as neutrality, efffectiveness and Civil Services Organisation Democracy
2016, Indian civil their importance in the context been the cause of slow change
services need urgent of civil services. in India? Critically examine.
reform: US thinktank, Then discuss the existing issues
http://www.thehindub with civil services in India such as 2016: “Traditional
usinessline.com/news/ rigidity, political patronage, bureaucratic structure and
national/indian-civil- corruption etc. culture have hampered the
services-need-urgent- Then mention the required process of socio-economic
reform-us- reforms such as specalist civil development in India.”
thinktank/article90690 services, lateral entry and exit, Comment.
40.ece Chapter 16, pp. promotion and transfer free of
113-118 , political pressure etc. and
http://niti.gov.in/write mention how such reforms do
readdata/files/coop/In not need to be interpreted as
diaActionPlan.pdf, drastic and are the need of the
Second ARC, Fourth hour.
report,
http://arc.gov.in/4thre
port.pdf
2nd Arc Civil Services in 2014
Democracy
1. In the introduction, identify Civil Services in 2016
the characteristics of the Democracy
traditional bureaucratic
structure and culture in the
Indian context. 2. Identify key
indicators of socio-economic
www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

5 Many State Governments further
bifurcate geographical
administrative areas like Districts
and Talukas for better governance.
In light of the above, can it also be
justified that more number of
smaller States would bring in
effective governance at State
level? Discuss.
16 Though Citizens’ charters have
been formulated by many public
service delivery organizations,
there is no corresponding
improvement in the level of
citizens’ satisfaction and quality of
services being provided. Analyze.
21
develoment and trace the
influence of bureaucratic
structure and culture. 3. Provide
arguments in favour as well as
opposition of the proposition. 4.
In the conclusion, talk in brief
about the need of civil services
reforms specially given the
changing role of bureaucracy
1. Introduce by highlighting the Telangana Issue Governance basics 2013
context of the statement given.
2. Bring out the advantages and
disadvantages of having smaller
administrative units within a
state. (Advantage- smaller units
can be managed effectively, etc.
Disadvantage- so far we don’t
have experience of smaller
states necessarily proving to
have better governance.)
3. Conclude giving a balanced
opinion.
1. Introduce in brief about the in news because of Lokpal and Governance basics 2013
Citizen Charter. some staes have already
2. Highlight the context of the passed citizen charter Act
statement given by bringing out
the issues related with the
Citizen Charter like it doesn't
have statutory backing, it
doesn't have strong grievance
redressal mechanism, etc.
3. Conclude by suggesting way
forward like creating public
awareness, Citizen feed-back
facility, etc.
www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 3 The Indian party system is passing
through a phase of transition
which looks to be full of
contradictions and paradoxes.”
Discuss
11 “Effectiveness of the government
system at various levels and
people’s participation in the
governance system are inter-
dependent” Discuss their
relationship in the context of India.
22
Source – 1. Briefly introduce with the role Basic question on the Governance basics 2016
http://lawmin.nic. played by the political parties in functioning of political parties.
in/ncrwc/finalreport/v our political setup. 2. After this Demand for parties to come
2b 1-8.htm move on to the part explaining under RTI.
http://adrindia. the problems in the functioning
org/media/relevantne of political parties – such as
ws/emerging- absences of inner party
trendsindian-electoral- democracy, proliferation of
politicsand-party- political parties, lack of Ideology
system-part-2 and values manifested in their
campaign methods, lack of
transparency (RTI controversy)-
and how these are antithetical to
the idea of democracy and ideals
they claims to upold. 3. Also talk
about factor responsible for the
change in federal political
arrangement - nationalization of
regional issues and
regionalization of national
issues. 4. In the conclusion, talk
about steps taken by Election
Commission and Supreme Court
and give some suggestions about
some of the reforms that are
needed
•http://www.thehindu 1. Introduce the answer by Governance basics 2016
. defining effective government
com/opinion/oped/inc system and people participation
luding-people- like :A responsive system which
ingovernance/article6 caters to the need of the
482 186.ece stakeholders i.e, citizens is
• termed as effective governance
http://www.thehindu. system. The effectiveness of the
com/opinion/oped/co system is ensured by
mment-gsampath-on- transparency, accountability
www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 modigovernment- which can be enforced through
whyeveryone-loves- people participation. Hence,
goodgovernance/articl effective governance and people
e7389 373.ece participation reinforce each
other.
2. The term 'level' includes:Both
Vertical and Horizontal levels.
Discuss both the dimensions. 1.
Centre: Policy formulation{
Effective feedback on part of
citizens through Non state
actors, views of public etc}
:,Policy implementation{Effective
checks through tools like RTI by
citizens} 2. State: Policy
formulation, Policy
implementation at state level,
district level{ Ensuring
accountability of executive at
district level by effective use of
citizen charter, RTI etc} 3.
PRIs/Muncipalities: *They only
implement but do not legislate* ,
hence, effective implementation
on part of PRIs can be ensured
through social audits , this can
act as a feedback mechanism for
effective implementation.
3. Certain examples could be
used like RTI at the time of its
passage was being diluted but
with effective mobilization of
public by NGOs ensured
effective and strong RTI during
policy formulation. Similarly,
effective social audit improved
23 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

12 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
24
PRIs performance in many
villages.
www.thehindu. 1. Introduce the answer by In news because of corruption Governance basics 2016
com/news/internation giving the recent rank of India in perception index
al/ India-ranks-76- corruption perception index,
inCorruption- compare it with previous
PerceptionIndex/articl rank(the current rank being 76,
e14022729. ece previous one 85 though
•http://www.livemint. improved but still low) 2. Then
com/Politics/pTwG0gy briefly discuss different factors
4 (asked in the question) which led
Jls4dfkFGWyr8H/India to decline of public morality in
ranked-74- India 3. Legal(Ineffective
oncorruption- implementation of laws
index.html pertaining to corruption, delay in
prosecution , loopholes with the
existing laws) 4. Political(
Politicisation of crime ,
criminalization of politics) 5.
Economic( Crony capitalism , Red
tapism and lack of single window
clearance system, lack of
transparency in trasnsactions) 6.
Social( Corruption getting
acceptance among masses as an
acceptable norm
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 7 Explain the salient features of the
Constitution (One Hundred and
First Amendment) Act, 2016. Do
you think it is efficacious enough
"to remove cascading effect of
taxes and provide for common
national market for goods and
services"? (250 words) 15
6 The size of the cabinet should be
as big a governmental work
justifies and as big as the Prime
Minister can manage as a team.
How far is the efficacy of a
government then inversely related
to the size of the cabinet? Discuss.
25
http://www.thehindu. Elaborate on the salient features Government 2017
com/news/national/G of the Constitution (101st) Policies
ST-A-look-at-the- Amendment Bill. Discuss the
changes-proposed-to- change in fiscal relationship of
the-Constitution- Centre and States. Mention the
122nd-Amendment- pooling of sovereignity in
Bill- matters of taxation in order to
2014/article14549089. achieve the objective of one-
ece nation one-market. Explain the
cascading effect witnessed in
http://www.business- earlier system. Mention the
standard.com/article/s drawbacks in the current system
pecials/all-you-need- in achieving the goals and what
to-know-about-the- improvements can be made.
gst-constitutional-
amendment-bill-
116060300761_1.html
http://www.thehindu. The newly installed Government 2014
com/news/national/ca government had the smallest Policies
binet-not-to-exceed- cabinet size in years leading to
15-of-ls- a debate on minimum
strength/article60471 government and maximum
84.ece governance
http://indianexpress.c
om/article/opinion/col
umns/towards-
minimum-governance/
http://timesofindia.ind
iatimes.com/india/Rais
e-cap-on-cabinet-size-
Tripura/articleshow/4
5341151.cms 14th
report of second
administrative reform
commissionhttp://ww
w.business-
www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 standard.com/article/
opinion/a-k-
bhattacharya-small-
government-big-gains-
114051800656_1.html
7 Though 100 percent FDI is already http://www.thehindu. Constant demands by the Government 2014
allowed in non-news media like a com/business/Industry media groups to allow FDI In Policies
trade publication and general /centre-steps-up- News due to poor revenues for
entertainment channel, the efforts-to-increase-fdi- the industry
Government is mulling over the in-
proposal for increased FDI in news media/article4864152.
media for quite some time. What ece
difference would an increase in FDI http://indianexpress.c
make? Critically evaluate the pros om/article/business/e
and cons. conomy/seeking-
inputs-on-allowing-
100-pct-fdi-in-news-
media-prakash-
javadekar/
http://timesofindia.ind
iatimes.com/india/Gov
t-moves-to-hike-
defence-FDI-up-to-
100/articleshow/3574
3669.cms
12 An athlete participates in Olympics Current Affairs CWG 2014 and the following Government 2014
for personal triumph and nation's policies of the government to Policies
glory; victors are showered with promote sports
cash incentives by various
agencies, on their return. Discuss
the merit of state sponsored talent
hunt its cultivation as against the
rationale of a reward mechanism
as encouragement.

26 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 13 Should the premier institutes like http://indianexpress.c Government 2014
IITs/IIMs be allowed to retain om/article/india/india- Policies
premier status, allowed more others/iit-iim-in-each-
academic independence in state-faculty-costs-
designing courses and also decide challenges/
mode/criteria of selection of http://www.niticentral
students. Discuss in light of the .com/2014/07/22/iits-
growing challenges. iims-not-enough-
education-system-
needs-rehaul-
234507.html

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