AIR 247 · CSE 2025 · GS2 · 56 pages

Abhinav Ashok: GS2 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India.10 marks
  2. Q2The recent acknowledgment of sex work as a 'profession' by the Supreme Court is merely the first step in ensuring basic rights and equality for sex workers in India. Examine.10 marks
  3. Q3Discuss the role played by District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in providing free legal aid and disseminating legal awareness in India.10 marks
  4. Q4"The collegium system has become a victim of its own success, with the concentration of power in the hands of a few, leading to questions about its legitimacy." Comment.10 marks
  5. Q5"Civil services reforms must go beyond recruitment and standardised training to cope with the present day challenges." Analyse.10 marks
  6. Q6Outcome-based finance models such as social impact bonds have the potential to truly catalyse change and deliver socio-economic impact at scale. Discuss.10 marks
  7. Q7The wide gap between the number of females graduating every year and those entering the workspace is an issue of paramount importance that needs to be addressed. Discuss in the context of India.10 marks
  8. Q8An up to date and functional Civil Registration System (CRS) is essential to the socio-economic planning in India. Discuss in the light of the recent move of the Central government in revamping the CRS system in the country.10 marks
  9. Q9What are the key areas of reform if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has to align with the current economic realities?10 marks
  10. Q10In recent years, India's relationship with West Asia has evolved from the confines of geopolitics to expanse of geoeconomics. Discuss.10 marks
  11. Q11The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is significant in furthering healthy competitiveness aimed at inspiring stakeholders to innovate and augment effectiveness. Comment.15 marks
  12. Q12"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections." Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India.15 marks
  13. Q13Discuss the 'Doctrine of Essentiality' referred to by the courts in the context of religious practices in India.15 marks
  14. Q14As per the recently released report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), there is an urgent need to limit the size of the government in India. Do you agree?15 marks
  15. Q15The Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme was conceived to develop 'world-class' centres of higher education in India but six years later, it is yet to become the game changer it was intended to be. Discuss.15 marks
  16. Q16Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) allows for innovative and convenient public services, help overcome inclusion or accessibility barriers, and increase transparency and accountability with real-time data. Discuss with examples.15 marks
  17. Q17Besides legislation, the full realisation of the 'right to health for all' in India demands plugging of social, financial, and infrastructural gaps. Examine.15 marks
  18. Q18The ‘third gender’ has not yet been engendered in the Indian society despite legislative nudge. Analyse.15 marks
  19. Q19Among other factors, strained ties with China and Pakistan make it difficult for India to fulfill its expectations from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Discuss.15 marks
  20. Q20The recently concluded initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) between the United States and India promises a long overdue transformation of their partnership in the field of technology. Examine.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 198 words written

With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India.

Opening · a definition

Pressure groups refers to a group of people who come together to influence the government policies in their favour by means of electioneering, propaganda & lobbying. Such pressure groups in environmental sector are called environmental pressure groups.

Body · points and prose

Environmental pressure groups influencing public participation & responsiveness

  1. Spreading Awareness - Groups like 'Narmada Bachao Andolan' mobilise public opinion about the ill effects of development.

  2. Focus on protection - They pressurise the Government to protect areas that are critical for wildlife

  • e.g. movement against cutting of Aarey forest in Mumbai.

  1. Electioneering - Asking the public to install into power the individual who would conserve the environment.

  2. Lead to greater consciousness - Persons like Sunderlal Bahuguna started 'Chipko Andolan' to protect felling of trees.

  3. Conservation of Animals - The protection of tiger, elephants and other endangered species has been also aided by several groups like Wildlife Trust of India.

    - Impede development

Close · a summary

/ Lead to - - Challenges of - Often political in violence | pressure groups | nature - Foreign interference

Pressure groups specially related to environment deepen the democracy and have aided governmental help to change inertia into action for wildlife protection.