AIR 50 · CSE 2021 · GS2 · 50 pages

Abhijit Ray: GS2 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1. Write a short note on India Enterprise Architecture (IndEA) framework. Highlighting its main principles, examine how its full-fledged implementation can improve the existing governance landscape of India.10 marks
  2. Q2"The Right to Information has started its journey but is far from its destination". Examine.10 marks
  3. Q3What is the rationale behind having a mandatory 'cooling-off' period for retired civil servants? In light of numerous instances of violation of this provision, do you think there is a need to have a relook at Civil Services Conduct Rules?10 marks
  4. Q4Efficiency and Accountability are two foundational public service values. Do you think lateral entry of competent experts into the government will profoundly impact these values? Discuss.10 marks
  5. Q5"......There is dire necessity to fill the existing gap by protecting the honest officers while making the corrupt officers realize that they are not above law....." What are these "existing gaps" in the Indian context and how can these gaps be filled?10 marks
  6. Q6India's inability to join APEC is not because of lack of interest on her part but due to a variety of other reasons. Explain. What are the expected benefits of such a membership for India?10 marks
  7. Q7"The Right to Information Act is a path-breaking legislation which signals the march from darkness of secrecy to dawn of transparency. It lights up the mindset of public authorities, which is clouded by suspicion and secrecy." Elucidate. Examine the various structural, procedural and logistical issues with the Act.10 marks
  8. Q8Despite its enormous potential, social audit has been non-effective in reducing malpractices and detecting irregularities. Examine the reasons behind it. Suggest suitable measures to make it more effective.10 marks
  9. Q9The ‘Diamond of Democracies’ in the Indo-Pacific is more than just a counter to expansionist China”. Analyze.10 marks
  10. Q10"Look west is as important as Look East." In light of this statement, analyze the growing relevance of West Asia as India's strategic partner.10 marks
  11. Q11How can SAARC, ASEAN and SCO help India in realizing her geopolitical goals in Asia as well as Global fora?15 marks
  12. Q12The Ashgabat agreement could be the beginning of constructive regional economic cooperation between Central and South Asia and could help bring stability to disturbed areas in the region. Critically examine.15 marks
  13. Q13Discuss with examples the role of the media in establishing accountability of the government to the people.15 marks
  14. Q14Give an account of the challenges that the multilateral rule-based trading system is facing. With special focus on WTO, discuss how these challenges can be addressed effectively.15 marks
  15. Q15Island nations of the Indian Ocean hold immense strategic value in shaping the geopolitical contours of the region and ensuring maritime security of India. Discuss.15 marks
  16. Q16Citizens' participation in governance embodies a shift in the development paradigm from citizens as passive recipients to active participants in the development process. What are the different mechanisms for citizens' participation in the development process? Illustrate.15 marks
  17. Q17For the first time in 25 years, WTO will be led by a woman. Discuss the current issues that WTO faced today. Also, comment upon the learnings for WTO from COVID-19 pandemic.15 marks
  18. Q18Despite several attempts at resetting the ties, various barriers continue to be a cause of concern in the India-Nepal bilateral relations. Discuss.15 marks
  19. Q19Substantiate with examples how the E-Governance promotes the idea of less government and more governance.15 marks
  20. Q20Trace the evolution of India's Foreign Policy since independence. Do you see a paradigm shift in this evolution15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 143 words written

. Write a short note on India Enterprise Architecture (IndEA) framework. Highlighting its main principles, examine how its full-fledged implementation can improve the existing governance landscape of India.

Opening · a definition

IndEA is a holistic framework that aims to treat the government and its services as a single enterprise.

Body · points

Main principles

• Integrated service provision - in line with minimum government, maximum governance

• data sharing among stakeholders

• reusable applications eg: wide use of APIs for structured approach while building interface platforms

• need public expertise - open source

How it can improve governance

• increase efficiency of government service delivery

• less duplication of efforts due to interoperability • reduction in cost of governance • access, quality and data driven approach - so evidence based policy making. Cons • enterprises may need to build application from scratch • one challenge is limited digital literacy of population

Close · a summary

IndEA is step in the right direction towards greater digitization. It is much needed if we want to achieve and sustain our $5 trillion economy dream.