AIR 60 · CSE 2023 · GS2 · 54 pages

Abhimanyu Malik: GS2 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1Every person has a fundamental right to entertain such religious practices as approved by his/ her conscience. Do you think that 'doctrine of essentiality' restricts this autonomy?10 marks
  2. Q2Sedition law, in any form, is a threat to civil liberties and presents an opportunity for its weaponization against dissenters and detractors. Should India do away with the sedition law? Justify your opinion.10 marks
  3. Q3Discuss the status of death penalty in the country. Can a governor pardon a death penalty? What are various limitations of pardoning power of governor?10 marks
  4. Q4The divergence between intent and impact of the tenth schedule necessitates calling into question its relevance in the present times. Analyze.10 marks
  5. Q5Instead of performing a transformative role, traditional bureaucracy has contributed to perpetuation of old order. Comment.10 marks
  6. Q6Sustainable alliance between Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the State is critical for social change and development. Highlighting hurdles in this developmental alliance, suggest remedial measures for a more productive partnership.10 marks
  7. Q7Subsidies have morphed into a populist tool to achieve electoral objectives rather than developmental goals. Examine.10 marks
  8. Q8National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) can be most effective when its tasks are adequately supported by other mechanisms that improve the voice of the tribals. Discuss.10 marks
  9. Q9India's relation with West Asia has acquired depth and diversity that can navigate geopolitical hurdles. Comment.10 marks
  10. Q10India's response to Ukraine crisis is an expression of strategic autonomy and not a reflection of strategic compulsions. Examine.10 marks
  11. Q11Discuss the role of the judiciary in electoral reforms citing suitable cases. How far do you agree that judiciary induced reforms violate the principle of separation of power?15 marks
  12. Q12Why did constitution makers prefer 'union of states' over 'federation of states' to describe India? To what extent this preference is responsible for tensions in centre-state relations?15 marks
  13. Q13Political decentralization without devolution of funds and functions to panchayats has resulted in representation but not empowerment. Examine whether devolution of funds and functions alone can transform panchayats into effective institutions of self-governance.15 marks
  14. Q14The offence of rape cannot be condoned by marital relationship between victim and culprit. In light of this statement, discuss the issues involved in criminalization of marital rape.15 marks
  15. Q15Harnessing public sector data is vital for informed decision making, accelerating socio-economic transformation and democratizing innovation in the country. In this context, highlight the various bottlenecks in public data sharing and suggest strategies for unlocking true value of data.15 marks
  16. Q16Why do Indian universities find it difficult to break into the ranks of top global universities? How can Indian institutions of higher education be transformed into global centres of learning?15 marks
  17. Q17Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are an effective model of social entrepreneurship for women empowerment and have multiplier effects on developmental processes in rural areas. Elaborate with suitable examples.15 marks
  18. Q18Success of welfare schemes depends on whether they are built on principles of participation and work within structures of accountability. Discuss.15 marks
  19. Q19USA-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for prosperity (IPEF) is an economic initiative to complement its existing security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. Analyze the significance and challenges to IPEF in the present scenario.15 marks
  20. Q20BRICS has a potential to lead the path towards reformed multilateralism but suffer from numerous internal contradictions. Discuss in light of recently concluded 14th BRICS summit.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 160 words written

Every person has a fundamental right to entertain such religious practices as approved by his/ her conscience. Do you think that 'doctrine of essentiality' restricts this autonomy?

Opening

Article 25 of the Indian Constitution provides for freedom to profess, practice and propagate religion of one's choice. Thus Constitution not only provides freedom of conscience but also right to religious practices in public sphere.

Body

However Supreme Court has put forth 'Doctrine of essentiality' to ascertain which practices are essential and which are not.

Reasonable restrictions can be made with respect to non-essential religious practices. Karnataka High Court has recently upheld the ban on wearing hijab in educational institutions in Karnataka. Supreme Court has also commented that right to practice of religion doesn't include bringing it to schools and colleges which have a defined uniform.

Right to religion though fundamental, but is subject to reasonable restrictions like other fundamental rights. Even with respect to certain aspects of personal laws of Hindus, Government has put regulations in form of Hindu code bill.

Close

Hence Doctrine of essentiality doesn't curb the right to practice of religion rather just puts reasonable restrictions on it.