AIR 7 · CSE 2024 · GS2 · 52 pages

Aayushi Bansal: GS2 answer copy

20 answers by Aayushi Bansal, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1What do you understand by 'constitutionalism'? Highlight various ways in which the Indian Constitution underscores this principle.10 marks
  2. Q2The Competition Commission of India (CCI) effectively reflects a shift from the era of Licence Raj to a conducive regulatory ambience for enhancing consumer welfare by encouraging competition in the market. Discuss.10 marks
  3. Q3Mention various initiatives taken for online delivery of judicial services in India. Also, discuss the challenges faced in their implementation.10 marks
  4. Q4Bring out the similarities and differences in the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the United States and Fundamental Rights in the Constitution of India.10 marks
  5. Q5It is often argued that the implementation of The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 has so far been tardy and ineffectual. Discuss.10 marks
  6. Q6Explain the rationale behind the creation of a Social Stock Exchange in India. Do you think this move would boost social impact investing in the country?10 marks
  7. Q7The National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) has the potential to bring a new revolution in India's health sector in multiple ways. Explain.10 marks
  8. Q8While participation of private sector in the higher education system of India is a necessity, it creates issues that need careful redressal. Discuss.10 marks
  9. Q9Highlighting the significance of Central Asia for India, discuss the challenges in strengthening the Indo-Central Asian relationship.10 marks
  10. Q10Discuss the role that the Indian diaspora can play in the making of "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India). Also, mention the challenges in this regard.10 marks
  11. Q11A critical appraisal of the outcomes of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act underlines the need for second generation reforms to strengthen decentralisation of Urban Local Governance in India. Discuss.15 marks
  12. Q12It is argued that unchecked and rampant exercise of the power to insert laws in the Ninth Schedule results in undermining of constitutional supremacy and creation of parliamentary hegemony. Do you agree? Justify your stand with logical arguments.15 marks
  13. Q13Asymmetry is an important characteristic of federalism in India, which has helped in the accommodation of diverse demands inherent in our democracy. Discuss.15 marks
  14. Q14In India, the Finance Commissions are established pursuant to the constitutional mandate. In this context, do you think the State Finance Commissions have been effective in promoting fiscal federalism? Substantiate with arguments.15 marks
  15. Q15Reduction in the overall size of the bureaucracy has been seen as the underlying idea behind civil services reforms. Is it a good idea to reduce the size of the Indian bureaucracy? Examine in light of the experience of India.15 marks
  16. Q16There is a need to ensure better ethical standards, accountability and management of temples in India. Discuss in the context of issues associated with state intervention in management of temples.15 marks
  17. Q17What do you understand by feminisation of old age? Highlight the issues associated with it in the Indian context. Also, mention the measures taken by the government in this regard.15 marks
  18. Q18Given its impact on both individual resilience and the resilience of the economy, is there a case for strong universal social protection in India? Discuss.15 marks
  19. Q19There have been arguments that with the old global multilateral order failing to manage rising challenges, issue-based coalitions are gaining traction and have become the arenas of functional cooperation. Discuss.15 marks
  20. Q20India intends to achieve a balanced and optimal development of energy infrastructure in the South-Asian region through mutual understanding and cooperation. In light of this statement, discuss the need as well as existing gaps in South Asia's energy cooperation.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 158 words written

What do you understand by 'constitutionalism'? Highlight various ways in which the Indian Constitution underscores this principle.

Opening · a definition

Constitutionalism refers to ideology of Constitutional supremacy where all the three organs of Govt are subordinate to it.

Ways in which Constitution holds

Body · points

  1. Principle of Judicial Review (A32, 226) → Ensures legislative Acts & Executive decision are in accordance with Constitution.

  2. Fundamental Rights (Part III Art 12-35) → Restricts Govt from usurping authority

  3. Written Constitution → providing for creation of all 3 organs unlike unwritten in Britain

  4. Difference between amending & law making powers of Parliament (Art 368) → Special majority & consent of States

  5. Checks & Balances with separation of powers → ensures all organs act as per Constitution → Eg → Judicial appointment by Executive → Collective responsibility of Executive to Lok Sabha (A75)

  6. No Parliamentary supremacy like Britain or Judicial Supremacy like USA → Parliament can't amend basic structure → limited judicial review.

Close · a summary

(Eg no jurisdiction in inter State water disputes)

Indian Constitution is a living, organic, dynamic document.