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Latest UPSC PYQ with Answers

41–60 of 320
  1. Q41 2025 Mains GS2

    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 their known sources of income, would constitute ‘undue influence’ and consequently a corrupt practice. (Answer in 150 words)

    Answer explanation

    The RPA, 1951 protects electoral choice by penalising practices that distort voter autonomy. Law Section 123 covers bribery, undue influence, communal appeals, false statements and prohibited expenditure.…

    Corrupt practicesElectionsPolity
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  2. Q42 2025 Mains GS2

    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. (Answer in 150 words)

    Answer explanation

    Administrative tribunals provide specialist and relatively speedy adjudication for governance-related disputes. Need Specialisation, flexible procedure, regional access and focused jurisdiction can reduce court pendency.…

    JudiciaryPolityTribunals
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  3. Q43 2025 Mains GS2

    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’? (Answer in 150 words)

    Answer explanation

    Clemency permits exceptional mercy and correction of injustice while remaining subject to constitutional design. Comparison India’s President acts under Article 72 on ministerial advice for Union offences, court-martial cases and death…

    ClemencyComparative constitutionExecutive power
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  4. Q44 2025 Mains GS2

    Discuss the nature of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly after the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019. Briefly describe the powers and functions of the Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. (Answer in 150 words)

    Answer explanation

    The 2019 Act created the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh; J&K retained a legislature. Nature It is a unicameral UT legislature with narrower autonomy than a State.…

    FederalismJammu and kashmirPolity
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  5. Q45 2025 Mains GS2

    “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 in this regard. (Answer in 150 words)

    Answer explanation

    Article 76 establishes the Attorney General as the Union’s highest law officer and principal legal adviser. Responsibilities and rights Advises the Union, defends legislation and represents it in courts.…

    Attorney generalConstitutional officesLegal governance
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  11. Q51 2025 Mains GS2

    “Constitutional morality is the fulcrum which acts as an essential check upon the high functionaries and citizens alike…” In view of the above observation of the Supreme Court, explain the concept of constitutional morality and its application to ensure balance between judicial independence and judicial accountability in India. (Answer in 250 words)

    Answer explanation

    Constitutional morality means fidelity to the Constitution’s text, values and institutional discipline beyond mechanical legality.…

    Constitutional moralityJudicial accountabilityJudiciary
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  12. Q52 2025 Mains GS2

    Indian Constitution has conferred the amending power on the ordinary legislative institutions with a few procedural hurdles. In view of this statement, examine the procedural and substantive limitations on the amending power of the Parliament to change the Constitution. (Answer in 250 words)

    Answer explanation

    Article 368 gives Parliament constituent power while balancing adaptability against transient-majority domination. Procedural limits A bill may originate in either House; no joint sitting is available.…

    Article 368Basic structure doctrineConstitution
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  13. Q53 2025 Mains GS2

    Discuss the evolution of collegium system in India. Critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the system of appointment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India and that of the USA. (Answer in 250 words)

    Answer explanation

    Judicial appointments balance independence, democratic legitimacy, competence and diversity. Evolution The First Judges Case favoured executive primacy; the Second created judicial primacy and the Third enlarged the collegium.…

    Collegium systemJudicial appointmentsJudiciary
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  15. Q55 2025 Mains GS2

    What are environmental pressure groups? Discuss their role in raising awareness, influencing policies and advocating for environmental protection in India. (Answer in 250 words)

    Answer explanation

    Environmental pressure groups are organised non-state actors that mobilise citizens, expertise and public opinion for ecological protection. Roles They run awareness campaigns, environmental education and citizen science.…

    EnvironmentEnvironmental protectionGovernance
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  17. Q57 2025 Mains GS2

    “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. (Answer in 250 words)

    Answer explanation

    Centralised development often lacks local information and creates weak feedback between decision and execution. Importance of proximity Local institutions understand ecology, social norms and beneficiary priorities.…

    DecentralisationDevelopment administrationGovernance
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  19. Q59 2025 Mains GS2

    “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? (Answer in 250 words)

    Answer explanation

    Energy security combines reliable supply, affordability, diversification and transition, linking domestic welfare to external strategy. Linkages West Asia’s hydrocarbons, diaspora, remittances and sea lanes make stable relations vital.…

    Energy securityForeign policyInternational relations
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  20. Q60 2025 Mains GS2

    “The reform process in the United Nations remains unresolved, because of the delicate imbalance of East and West and entanglement of the USA vs. Russo-Chinese alliance.” Examine and critically evaluate the East-West policy confrontations in this regard. (Answer in 250 words)

    Answer explanation

    UN reform faces a legitimacy gap: post-war institutions do not reflect current power, while rival blocs protect strategic privileges.…

    Great-power rivalryInternational relationsUnited nations
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