AIR 43 · CSE 2018 · GS2 · 52 pages

Akshay Agrawal: GS2 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1“Though Supreme Court’s use of its vast powers under the Article 142 has done tremendous good to many deprived sections, however, it is time to institute checks and balances”. Discuss.10 marks
  2. Q2Is there a need for a balance between Fundamental Rights and Parliamentary Privileges to be re-examined? Discuss giving suitable arguments in support of your answer.10 marks
  3. Q3'Changing to a presidential system is the best way of ensuring a democracy that works' Do you agree? Give suitable arguments in support of your answer.10 marks
  4. Q4How Wuhan Summit was an important signal of intent by India & China to revive the relationship and better understand areas of convergence. Explain with suitable arguments.10 marks
  5. Q5How scrapping of the Joint comprehensive plan of action by the U.S would affect India? Analyse. Also, discuss measures that could help India buffer the consequences of such a move.10 marks
  6. Q6How can NGOs have an impact, on women capacities and their empowerment? Discuss with suitable examples. Also, in brief, explain some of the major roadblocks confronted by NGOs in India.10 marks
  7. Q7How can civil society activities and public participation in governments' decision-making, reduce corruption?10 marks
  8. Q8Evaluate the problems and prospects of Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2018'.10 marks
  9. Q9What do you understand by civil services' activism? Analyze its implications on the functioning of democracy?10 marks
  10. Q10Technology helps in reducing discretion and thus brings in objectivity, but there are obstacles in use of modern technology in governance, which needs to be overcome. Discuss.10 marks
  11. Q11“Feminism” has evolved as a movement with agenda, organization and means to protest. Comment. How far do you think “Draft National Policy for Women, 2016” will strengthen the cause of women empowerment in India?15 marks
  12. Q12Explain why India faces a severe shortage of medical specialists both for its rural and urban health services. Do you think 'National Medical Commission Bill, 2017' could help plug critical gaps of the health sector of India? Give suitable arguments in support of your answer.15 marks
  13. Q13Higher education in India has expanded very rapidly in the last seven decades yet it is not equally accessible, available and affordable to all. Elucidate. Also, analyse the significance of 'Higher Education Commission of India Bill, 2018' in transforming the higher education of India.15 marks
  14. Q14Giving a brief comparative analysis of Fifth and Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, examine major issues that render provisions of both the schedules inefficient and less effective. Do you think that Sixth Schedule must now be replaced with Panchayati Raj Institutions? Justify15 marks
  15. Q15"Representation of People Act in its original form does not meet the changing needs to conduct elections". Examine the major judicial pronouncements made in relevance to RPA in recent years. Also, discuss the need to further amend the act if any.15 marks
  16. Q16"Maintaining the purity and transparency of election process is a very challenging job and involves a lot of inherent complexities." In this context, discuss the major existing issues and challenges faced by ECI while suggesting measures to make ECI more robust and effective.15 marks
  17. Q17What is the significance of Parliamentary committees? Highlighting their major limitations, suggest measures to make them more meaningful, citing recent examples.15 marks
  18. Q18“Parliament should be a space for Policy and not for Politics”. Comment. Also, suggest reforms needed to make Parliament more productive, efficient and responsive.15 marks
  19. Q19Today, the India-US relationship encompasses a large variety of activities, from information sharing and joint exercises to emerging industrial cooperation. Despite this convergence, India-U.S relations have been the subject of constant criticism, a combination of unrealistic expectations and doubt. Analyse.15 marks
  20. Q20While other geopolitical issues are important, India must give South Asia its fullest attention. Do you agree? Discuss in light of the problems and prospects of Neighbourhood First Policy of India.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 159 words written

“Though Supreme Court’s use of its vast powers under the Article 142 has done tremendous good to many deprived sections, however, it is time to institute checks and balances”. Discuss.

Opening · a definition

Under A.142 of the Constitution the Supreme Court is empowered to issue any order or decree, that is necessary to do justice to all sections of the society. It is also empowered to offer punishment for the contempt of the court.

The vast powers under this provision ensures: However, with unfettered use of the provision of "punishment for the contempt of court" has muzzled meaningful debates and constructive criticisms of the judiciary.

The Judiciary has also interpreted the provision in its widest meaning, and therefore, has encroached upon the territory of legislature and Executive.

For eg. a recent case of the Supreme Court 'diluting' the provisions of the Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989.

Body · points and prose

, has encroached upon the territory of legislature and Executive.

For eg. a recent case of the Supreme Court 'diluting' the provisions of the Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989.

Need for Checks & Balances: • to have separation of power in letter and spirit • to create a vibrant, participatory and progressive democracy.

Close · a way forward

Given a lot of the unclear and ambiguous provisions in the Constitution, it is necessary that effective checks & Balances be instituted.