AIR 32 · CSE 2023 · GS2 · 52 pages

Arjun Gupta: GS2 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1Fundamental rights chapter of the constitution is the "north star" of the universe of constitutionalism. Examine.10 marks
  2. Q2Just because a person is offended by someone's speech or word; it does not mean that an offence has been committed. In this context, discuss the issues surrounding the use of the section 295A and 153A of IPC.10 marks
  3. Q3Present a comparative analysis of political system of India and Sri-Lanka. How far do you agree that the reason for the economic crisis in Sri-Lanka lies in its political structure?10 marks
  4. Q4The changed nature of civil society due to its professionalization has helped in deepening of democracy but at the cost of participation and accountability. Discuss.10 marks
  5. Q5While National Green Tribunal (NGT) has made immense contribution to protection of environment, various structural and functional issues have limited its effectiveness. Comment.10 marks
  6. Q6Policy of reservation, started to provide equality of opportunities, has fallen victim to political opportunism. Critically examine the success of affirmative actions in the country.10 marks
  7. Q7Unless the factors that prevent effective and full participation of persons with disability in political and public life are addressed, the goal of inclusiveness and empowerment will remain elusive. Analyze.10 marks
  8. Q8The criminal justice system has made the process itself a punishment leading to the prolonged incarceration of undertrials. Highlighting the reasons for the large number of undertrial prisoners, examine the desirability of a dedicated bail law.10 marks
  9. Q9China's interest in Russia is not only that of a strategic partner, but also for it being a strategic diversion for the west. Analyze.10 marks
  10. Q10Appraise the role of Indian diaspora in the economies of West Asia and Africa. What initiatives can be taken to address the issues faced by the diaspora in these regions?10 marks
  11. Q11Electoral reform is a continuous effort to make election funding transparent, election process inclusive, and political parties accountable. Discuss issues related to election funding, proposal for remote voting and regulation of Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs).15 marks
  12. Q12Judicial accountability and independence are mutually reinforcing. Do you agree? In what ways can judicial accountability be enhanced without impinging on its independence?15 marks
  13. Q13Ordinances deny legislative legitimacy to executive actions and weakens democratic accountability of elected government. Discuss the rationale behind inclusion of ordinance making power in the constitution and various safeguards against its misuse. Has the ordinance making power outlived its utility in present times? Justify.15 marks
  14. Q14Multiplicity of central investigative agencies leads to not only problems of overlapping jurisdiction and duplication of functions but also dilution of federal principles. Highlighting various issues related to the functioning of central investigating agencies, argue the case for an independent umbrella body for their regulation.15 marks
  15. Q15The achievement of Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 can happen only if we consider local context and situations. In light of this statement, examine the critical role as well as capabilities of PRIs in meeting the SDGs.15 marks
  16. Q16Ayushman Bharat is a revolutionary intervention but falls short of recognizing the right to health as a universal basic right. In this perspective, discuss the need for and impediments in ensuring the right to health for all in the country.15 marks
  17. Q17Assess the performance of MGNREGA in generation of sustainable employment and creation of durable assets in rural India. Can this model be replicated in urban areas as well?15 marks
  18. Q18Poverty is driving women into the workforce, while education seems to drive them out of it. What explains this anomaly? How can Self Help Groups (SHGs) correct this aberration?15 marks
  19. Q19Rather than seeing it as a replacement for SAARC, BIMSTEC must be appreciated for its critical role as a bridge between South Asia and ASEAN. Analyze.15 marks
  20. Q20Compare the aims and objectives of I2U2 and Quad. What importance does I2U2 hold for India?15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 152 words written

Fundamental rights chapter of the constitution is the "north star" of the universe of constitutionalism. Examine.

Opening · a definition

Part III of the Constitution provides for fundamental rights of citizens which are claims against the state. It defines the political as well as moral identity of individual.

Body · points and prose

Diagram
* Fundamental Rights (FR) as North Star 1. Protected by Supreme Court * Art 13, 32, 226 → Judicial Review of laws impinging FRs * Read Due Process of law into Art 21 (Maneka Gandhi case) 2. Repealing of Fundamental Rights require the strong reason of social welfare. (eg Right to Property) 3. Promotes equality and provide for affirmative action to ensure retributive justice. (eg Art 14)

④ Secularism & freedom of religion through Art 25 (SR Bommai Case).

⑤ Right to free speech → right to press → right to protest → right to criticise govt. protected by FRs.

⑥ Ensure the duty of state to provide for right to clean environment (MC Mehta), Right to livelihood (Olga Tellis) & Right to Education.

However, the rights are not absolute but come with restrictions mentioned in Art 19- ① Public order ② Security of State ③ Right to protest ≠ Right to strike (Bharat Kumar case) ④ Friendly relations with other states. ⑤ Art 352 - can be suspended

Close · a summary

Thus, fundamental rights act as north star but allows the state to disrupt the light of north star in need of emergencies