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 known sources of income, would constitute undue influence and consequently a corrupt practice. (150 words)
Undue influence is interference with free exercise of electoral right (s.123).
Disproportionate assets are typically criminal/misconduct issues (PCA, IT); courts have been cautious to treat post-election enrichment as electoral undue influence without a nexus to the poll.
Close: Asset jump is a governance red flag; it is not automatically an RPA corrupt practice unless tied to voters’ free choice.
Explanation: Two demands: define corrupt practices + analyse DA as undue influence.
Topic: RPA 1951 / corrupt practices
UPSC syllabus mapping: GS-II: Representation of the People Act
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. (150 words)
Model framework (not a full 150/250-word copy)
Introduction: Tribunals offer specialised, faster, cheaper justice for service, tax, environment disputes versus overburdened High Courts.
Need: expertise, Article 323A/B history.
2021 Ordinance/Act: abolished several tribunals, transferred to HCs; concerns on vacancies, independence (Madras Bar), access.
Close: Rationalisation without filling HC strength merely relocates the arrears.
Explanation: Comment + assess 2021: both halves needed.
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? (150 words)
Model framework (not a full 150/250-word copy)
Introduction: India: Article 72 (and 161 for Governors) after conviction, with ministerial advice; USA: Article II, federal offences, often personal presidential power.
India: limited judicial review (Maru Ram, Epuru Sudhakar) for mala fide. USA: broad, including before charge (Ford-Nixon style).
Preemptive pardon: immunity before conviction/charge.
Close: India’s collective responsibility vs US personalism is the contrast.
Explanation: Define preemptive; do not skip comparison table in prose.
Discuss the nature of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly after the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019. Briefly describe the powers and functions of the Assembly of the UT of J&K. (150 words)
Model framework (not a full 150/250-word copy)
Introduction: After 2019, J&K is a UT with a legislature; statehood remains a political promise, not the current legal form.
Assembly: UT list + some State list subjects; LG’s role is stronger than a typical Governor.
Public order/police with Centre; delimited seats including reserved.
“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. (150 words)
Model framework (not a full 150/250-word copy)
Introduction: AG (Art. 76) is the Union’s highest law officer, not a minister.
Duties: advise GoI, appear in SC, duties assigned by President.
Rights: audience in all courts; participate in Parliament without vote.
Limits: not a full-time servant; can have private practice with conditions; not binding on government politically.
Close: Counsel is professional; political accountability stays with the Cabinet.
Explanation: Cover responsibilities, rights AND limitations.
“Constitutional morality is the fulcrum which acts as an essential check upon the high functionaries and citizens alike…” In view of this Supreme Court observation, explain constitutional morality and its application to balance judicial independence and judicial accountability in India. (250 words)
Model framework (not a full 150/250-word copy)
Introduction: Constitutional morality (Ambedkar; Navtej, NCT Delhi) is fidelity to constitutional values over populism.
Indian Constitution has conferred the amending power on the ordinary legislative institutions with a few procedural hurdles. Examine the procedural and substantive limitations on the amending power of Parliament. (250 words)
Model framework (not a full 150/250-word copy)
Introduction: Article 368 uses Parliament, not a separate constituent body, with special majorities and state ratification for federal provisions.
Procedural: Art. 368 bills, no joint sitting, ratification.
Discuss the evolution of collegium system in India. Critically examine advantages and disadvantages of appointment of Judges of the Supreme Court of India and that of the USA. (250 words)
Model framework (not a full 150/250-word copy)
Introduction: From consultation (S.P. Gupta) to primacy (Second and Third Judges) to NJAC struck down (Fourth).
Examine the evolving pattern of Centre-State financial relations in planned development in India. How far have recent reforms impacted fiscal federalism? (250 words)
Model framework (not a full 150/250-word copy)
Introduction: From Planning Commission grants to Finance Commission + GST Council.
Plan vs non-plan; 14th/15th FC; GST compensation end.
Cess/surcharge, CSS, FRBM, FHI.
Close: Reforms increased shared taxes but also centralised via cesses; mixed impact.
Explanation: Two parts: historical pattern + recent reforms.
What are environmental pressure groups? Discuss their role in raising awareness, influencing policies and advocating for environmental protection in India. (250 words)
“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. (250 words)
Model framework (not a full 150/250-word copy)
Introduction: The quote attacks over-centralised schemes that ignore panchayat knowledge.
73rd/74th, 15th FC untied grants vs CSS design from Delhi.
Data: PRI capacity, parallel bodies.
Close: Critically: some national standards (health, digital) need Centre; execution must be local.
The NCPCR has to address challenges faced by children in the digital era. Examine existing policies and suggest measures the Commission can initiate. (250 words)
Model framework (not a full 150/250-word copy)
Introduction: Children face cyberbullying, addiction, datafication, child sexual abuse material online.
IT Rules, POCSO, DPDP, school guidelines.
NCPCR: helplines, platform audits, age-gating, digital literacy with parents.
“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? (250 words)
Model framework (not a full 150/250-word copy)
Introduction: Oil, gas, remittances and diaspora already bind India to West Asia; renewables add a new layer.
Diversify suppliers; IMEC; green hydrogen partnerships; I2U2.
Do not reduce the region to oil: Israel-Palestine, Iran, Red Sea security.
Close: Integrate by treating energy as a diplomatic portfolio with climate co-benefits.
Explanation: How would you = future trajectory, not only history.
The UN reform process remains unresolved because of East-West imbalance and USA vs Russo-Chinese entanglement. Examine and critically evaluate East-West policy confrontations. (250 words)
Model framework (not a full 150/250-word copy)
Introduction: UNSC veto politics freeze G4/text of reform; Ukraine and Taiwan sharpen blocs.
P5 interests; Uniting for Peace as workaround.
India’s case; African voice.
Close: Examine the quote; critically: reform failure is also about regional rivalries, not only East-West.
Explanation: Do not write only ‘India deserves a seat’.
Topic: UN reform
UPSC syllabus mapping: GS-II: International institutions
FIRST IAS INSTITUTE located in Delhi (Hauz Khas) &
Gurgaon (Sector 14)is an exclusive IAS coaching
platform that has outperformed leadership in the UPSC examination. It is the best IAS coaching Institute all
over
India and focuses on both Mental & Physical development that an IAS Aspirants needs to be the future leader.
Contact Information
Delhi - 47/1 Second Floor , Kalu Sarai ,
Hauz Khas 110016, New Delhi,
Nearest Metro-Hauz Khas (Exit No. 4)
firstiasofficial@gmail.com