AIR 267 · CSE 2024 · GS2 · 54 pages

Ankit Agrawal: GS2 answer copy

20 answers by Ankit Agrawal, 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. Q12Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote, one value. Highlighting the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyze the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension.15 marks
  13. 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
  14. Q14'The declining role of Parliament undermines the fundamental principle of separation of powers, as it diminishes the legislature's ability to serve as a check on the executive branch and ensure a balanced exercise of power.' Discuss.15 marks
  15. 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
  16. Q16'Satisfactory and timely redressal of grievances is the cornerstone of 'minimum government, maximum governance'. In this context discuss the challenges associated with current grievance redress mechanisms and suggest measures to strengthen the process.15 marks
  17. 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
  18. Q18Analyze the potential challenges and benefits involved in leveraging SHGs as platforms for skill development, entrepreneurship, and income generation among marginalized communities to effectively counter poverty.15 marks
  19. Q19India 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. To what extent India has been able to position itself as a 'smart power'?15 marks
  20. Q20The synergy of shared values and vibrant people-to-people connections between India and Australia creates a fertile ground for fostering long-lasting trade relations and strategic collaboration between the two nations. Analyse.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 200 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 · a figure

Recent clashes along Karnataka-Maharashtra border for Belgavi issue & last year's Assam-Mizoram violent clashes show increasing instance of Inter-state border dispute in country.

Body · points

Constitutional & legal framework

  1. Inter-state council under Article 263
  2. Zonal council set up by state reorganisation Act 1957
  3. Article 131 of constitution provide Supreme court exclusive & original jurisdiction
  4. Article 262 provide for resolving inter-state river dispute
  5. River water dispute Act 1956
  6. Niti Aayog, GST council & National Integration council
  7. Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanism through negotiation & mediation eg) Governor of Maharashtra & Karnataka met to resolve Belgavi dispute

Reason for failure to resolve disputes

① lack of scientific surveys → to demarcate boundaries created ambiguities

② State reorganisation based on linguistic identity as one of the criteria

③ lack of acceptance of referendum & plebiscite in general

④ Ineffectiveness of tribunals due to delay & non- finality eg Cauvery tribunal took 17 years

⑤ Rising sense of regionalism due to competitive federalism

⑥ Vote bank & Identity politics.

⑦ Transboundary nature of rivers and growing water scarcity.

Close · a way forward

Peaceful resolution of disputes between states necessary for building mutual trust & achieve ideals of team India for developed India by 2047.