20 questions from the UPSC 2014 examination.
20 questions
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. (200 words, 12.5 marks)
Some of the international funding agencies have special terms for economic participation stipulating a substantial component of the aid used for sourcing equipment from leading countries. Discuss the merits of such terms and there exists a strong case not to accept such conditions in the Indian context. [200 Words, 12.5 Marks]
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. (200 words, 12.5 marks)
India has recently signed to become a founding member of New Development Bank (NDB) and also the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). How will the role of the two banks be different? Discuss the Strategic significance of these two Banks for India. [200 words, 12.5 Marks]
Do government’s schemes for up-lifting vulnerable and backward communities by protecting required social resources for them, lead to their exclusion in establishing businesses in urban economies? (200 words, 12.5 marks)
Though 100 percent FDI is already allowed in non-news media like a trade publication and general entertainment channel, the government is mulling over the proposal for increased FDI in news media for quite some time. What difference would an increase in FDI make? Critically evaluate the pros and cons. (200 words, 12.5 marks)
Though the federal principle is dominant in our Constitution and that principle is one of its basic features, but 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 (200 words, 12.5 marks)
Instances of 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? Analyse (200 words, 12.5 marks)
Has the Cadre based Civil Services Organization been the cause of slow change in India? Critically examine. (200 words, 12.5 marks)
Should the premier institutes like IITs/IIMs be allowed to retain premier status, allowed more academic independence in designing courses and also decide mode/criteria of selection of students. Discuss in light of the growing challenges. (200 words, 12.5 marks)
An athlete participates in Olympics for personal triumph and nation’s glory; victors are showered with cash incentives by various agencies, on their return. Discuss the merit of state sponsored talent hunt and its cultivation as against the rationale of a reward mechanism as encouragement. (200 words, 12.5 marks)
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India can be most effective when its tasks are adequately supported by other mechanisms that ensure the accountability of a government. In light of the above observation assess the role of NHRC as an effective complement to the judiciary and other institutions in promoting and protecting human rights standards. (200 words, 12.5 marks)
Two parallel run schemes of the Government, viz the Adhar card and NPR, one of voluntary and the other as compulsory, have led to debates at national levels and also litigations. On merits , discuss whether or not both schemes need run concurrently. Analyse the potential of the schemes to achieve development benefits and equitable growth. (200 words, 12.5 marks)
With respect to the South China sea, maritime territorial disputes and rising tension affairs the need for safeguarding maritime security to ensure freedom of navigation and ever flight throughout the region. In this context, discuss the bilateral issues between India and China. [200 Words, 12.5 Marks]
WTO is an important international institution where decisions taken affect countries in a profound manner. What is the mandate of the WTO and how binding are their decisions ? Critically analyze India’s stand on the latest round of talks on food security. [200 Words, 12.5 Marks]
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. How far is the efficacy of a government then inversely related to the size of the cabinet? Discuss. (200 words, 12.5 marks)
The aim of information Technology Agreements (ITAs) is to lower all taxes and tariffs on Information technology products by signatories to zero. What impact would such agreements have on India’s interests? [200 Words,12.5 Marks]
The penetration of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas in promoting participation in development programmes is facing socio-cultural hurdles. Examine. (200 words, 12.5 marks)
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. Assess the reasons for the absence of legal codification of the ‘parliamentary privileges’. How can this problem be addressed? (200 words, 12.5 marks)
Has the Cadre based Civil Services Organisation been the cause of slow change in India? Critically examine. How to approach this question Write a brief introduction setting context ( 1–2 lines ) Cover both sides if question says "critically discuss / examine / analyse" Use data, schemes, examples specific to GOVERNANCE & SOCIAL JUSTICE Conclude with a forward-looking statement ( 1 line ) Practice all GS2 Mains questions Model answers + key points for every question Open App Model Answer Framework (English) Show Hide Has the Cadre-Based Civil Services System Caused Slow Change in India? India's civil services are organised on a cadre system — particularly the All India Services (the IAS, IPS and IFoS), where officers are allotted to State cadres, and the central services. The question is whether this cadre-based structure has been a cause of slow change and reform in India. How the cadre system may have slowed change Generalist dominance: The cadre system, especially the IAS, privileges the generalist administrator over domain specialists , which can hinder expertise-driven reform in complex sectors. Rigidity and hierarchy: A steep hierarchy, seniority-based promotion and rigid rules discourage innovation and risk-taking; officers may prefer status quo and rule-compliance over outcomes. easemyprep.in Frequent transfers: Short, politically influenced tenures break continuity and institutional memory , undermining long-term reform. Limited accountability: Security of tenure and weak performance-linked accountability reduce incentives for change. Elitism and insulation: A degree of distance from citizens and resistance to lateral talent. easemyprep.in Resistance to its own reform: The bureaucracy can resist administrative reforms that threaten its privileges. The counter-view — the cadre system is not the sole or main cause The cadre system provides stability, neutrality, an all-India outlook and national integration — officers serve across States, binding the federation. It ensures a politically neutral, permanent executive that survives changes of government. easemyprep.in Slow change also stems from political interference, populism, resource constraints, federal complexity, judicial delays and societal diversity — not the cadre system alone. Many reforms (the Green Revolution, the IT revolution, DBT, UPI, the Aadhaar rollout) were driven by the same civil service . Way forward — reform, not abolition Specialisation and domain expertise ; lateral entry for specialists. easemyprep.in Fixed minimum tenures and protection from arbitrary transfers (as directed by the Supreme Court). Performance-based appraisal and promotion ; outcome accountability. Mid-career training, e-governance and a citizen-centric orientation — reflecting 2nd ARC recommendations. easemyprep.in Conclusion The cadre-based civil service has features — generalism, rigidity, frequent transfers, weak accountability — that can slow change, but it is not the sole cause ; political and structural factors matter as much, and the same services have delivered major reforms. The answer lies not in dismantling the cadre system but in reforming it — towards specialisation, accountability, stability and a citizen-centric, outcome-oriented culture. Value addition (2024–26 update) Recent developments: Lateral entry — UPSC Aug 2024 advertisement for 45 posts (Joint Secretary/Director/Deputy Secretary) was withdrawn within days over reservation concerns, showing structural reform is politically contested. Mission Karmayogi / iGOT and Karmayogi Saptah (Oct 2024) drive competency-based capacity. India lags on the World Governance Indicators (government effectiveness) — the institutional-quality gap to close. Diagram cue: administrative pyramid — political executive to secretariat to district/field cutting edge (capacity must reach the base). easemyprep.in Source: easemyprep.in Structured Mains Preparation Mains Mastery Programme Master Every GS Theme — GS1 to GS4 Theme-first. PYQ-anchored. You write every answer. All themes + all PYQs covered 2-Month or 4-Month track Starting ₹4,999 View GS4 Ethics Mastery · Now Live Ethics Mastery — 2 Questions Daily All GS4 PYQs · Part A + Part B Ethical lens built through daily practice Concept clarity + case study method Starting ₹1,999 View इस प्रश्न को हिंदी में पढ़ें हिंदी में पढ़ें → Structured Preparation Mains Mastery Programme Master Every GS Theme — GS1 to GS4 Theme-first. PYQ-anchored. You write every answer. 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