AIR 43 · GS2 · 55 pages

Anjali Thakur: GS2 answer copy

15 answers by Anjali Thakur, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1"Interstate border disputes, if not promptly and impartially settled, can transform into persistent issues that impede development and generate friction." Highlighting the constitutional and legal framework to resolve interstate disputes, explain why Independent India has failed to resolve inter-state border disputes.10 marks
  2. Q2Examine the role of the Inter-state Council in promoting vertical (Centre-State) and horizontal (Inter-State) Intergovernmental cooperation and coordination.10 marks
  3. Q3Discuss the key function of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). What steps should be taken to revamp the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in order to enhance its effectiveness as a true guardian of public funds?10 marks
  4. Q4Recognizing the pivotal role of urbanization as a driver of national economic growth, the Fifteenth Finance Commission has suggested major reforms for Urban Local Bodies. Evaluate the recommendations put forward by the Fifteenth Finance Commission in promoting and revitalizing ULBs in India.10 marks
  5. Q5Highlight the key differences in the scope of Freedom of speech and expression as provided under Parliamentary privileges vis a vis Fundamental rights. Why is it necessary to maintain a balance between parliamentary privilege and fundamental rights?10 marks
  6. Q6Civil society organizations, play a pivotal role in fostering "collective private action for the public good". What challenges do they face in local resource mobilization (LRM) and corporate funding through corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Also, suggest measures.10 marks
  7. Q7The first step to eradicating poverty is reliable poverty assessment for program design, implementation, and monitoring. In this context discuss the methodology and significance of NITI Aayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index.10 marks
  8. Q8In the context of India, despite the presence of constitutional provisions, legal precedents and international commitments that establish a robust foundation for a right to health, why has there been a lack of explicit legal recognition of this right?10 marks
  9. Q9The collective strength of BRICS nations allows for meaningful cooperation on myriad issues, however, the platform's ability to influence the trajectory of bilateral relationships remains limited. Do you agree?10 marks
  10. Q10In light of the recent demands to amend the Indus Waters Treaty, discuss the possible implications it could have on the water-sharing mechanism between India and Pakistan.10 marks
  11. Q11The doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty and judicial supremacy has exerted considerable influence in shaping the constitutional frameworks of India and the USA. Citing relevant case laws discuss the role of the judiciary in influencing the constitutions in these countries. Is the scope of judicial review wider in India?15 marks
  12. Q13Discuss the role of the Supreme Court of India in strengthening the hands of the Election Commission in the discharge of its constitutional responsibility of conducting free and fair elections in the country.15 marks
  13. Q15Discuss the crucial role played by the National Commission of Women in shaping the discourse on gender-sensitive laws in India. To what extent the elevation of the National Commission for Women to a constitutional body would reinforce its authority?15 marks
  14. Q17'Corruption corrodes the fabric of governance, eroding the public's faith in democratic institutions.' Examine the potential for harmonizing the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Whistleblower Protection Act (WBPA), and the Lokpal & Lokayukta Act, 2013, to enhance the effectiveness of the anticorruption regime.15 marks
  15. Q19'India is uniquely positioned on the world map for its rich culture.' In this context discuss the role of culture, diaspora, and democracy as instruments of India's soft power diplomacy. To what extent India has been able to position itself as a 'smart power'?15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 406 words written

"Interstate border disputes, if not promptly and impartially settled, can transform into persistent issues that impede development and generate friction." Highlighting the constitutional and legal framework to resolve interstate disputes, explain why Independent India has failed to resolve inter-state border disputes.

Opening

The border disputes like Belgaum, North eastern clashes etc sheds light on the issues regarding solving issue of Border disputes.

Body · points and prose

Diagram
- Map of India outline showing: - Mangarh marked between Rajasthan and Gujarat - Assam-Meghalaya border marked - Kasaragod marked between Kerala and Karnataka - Belgaum marked between Karnataka and Maharashtra - Label: fig: Interstate border disputes
  • can lead to a persistent issue
  • ① Regionalism, e.g. Northeast clash
  • ② impede development, e.g. No development bills/Act passed over territory claimed by two State
  • ③ the responsibility of disputed area is taken by noone → people suffer
    • → No rights or schemes implementation effectively
  • ④ Against social capital → constant conflicts.

constitutional framework

(1) Interstate council (Art 263) to look into common interests

(2) Water Dispute Resolution Authority (Art 262) → to solve water dispute.

(3) Art 131 - original jurisdiction of SC

(4) Art 142 - complete justice.

legal framework → Zonal council under State Reorganization Act 1956 ↓ North East integration council

why failed to solve?

(1) Rejection of recommendations → Mahajan committee on Belgaum report rejected

(2) Infrequent meetings of zonal councils and not potential use of ISC (Art 263)

(3) Regionalism & Regional aspirations are obstacle

way forward → give & take should be done (India-Bangladesh land boundary Agreement)

Intrastate disputes resolution is important for cooperative federalism.

India-Australia recently signed ECTA (Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement) to reduce trade barriers to almost over 90% of products & services.

Diagram
- People to people connection - Recently signed migration & mobility agreement. - Student diaspora for higher education - Identification of mutual qualification of service providers

Fostering long lasting trade

  1. Aim is to reduce tarrifs on 96% goods & sevices
  2. Double the trade to $50 bn by 2030

→ Mutual logistic Strategic Agreement (MLSA)

③ Service exports can increase by India by recognizing the dual qualification of Indian workers.

④ Easy migration due to migration & mobility Agreement → fostering IT industry of India.

Strategic collaboration

① maintaining a sphere of influence on Indo-Pacific and pacific island countries. eg. similar view - free & open Indo-Pacific

② Both are members of QUAD → further strengthening the ties.

③ strengthening supply chain eg. Supply chain Resilient Infrastructure (SCRI) bet among Japan-India-Australia

④ Australia is a source of strategic minerals eg. Cobalt, Lithium → India can be benefited.

Certain challenges

  1. Decoupling china is difficult ↳ heavily dependent on china for trade

  2. Geographical proximity is not there → Influence of china & US is huge e.g. AUKUS

way forward → need to tap the market of Australia for manufactured product + service

Close · a way forward

↓ collaboration in fields of education, Research etc.

The people to people ties can further enhance economic & strategic interest. This Indian diaspora is said as "Little India" in Australia.