AIR 12 · CSE 2024 · GS2 · 54 pages

Ashi Sharma: GS2 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1Federal governance is characterised by institutionalised arrangements for solving problems generated by pluralism based on consultation and mutual consent. How have Zonal Councils evolved from merely advisory bodies to proactive platforms for action?10 marks
  2. Q2Secularism under the Indian constitution is encapsulated in the broader concept of constitutional commitment to equality. Discuss.10 marks
  3. Q3'There is a need to shift the focus of Section 8 of the Representation of People Act, 1951 from the duration of the sentence to the gravity of the offence.' Comment on how the current classification under Section 8 leads to arbitrary categorisation of offences. Also, mention the remedies available to a person disqualified under this section.10 marks
  4. Q4What is the significance of the Leader of Opposition in the Indian parliamentary system? How does the role of the opposition contribute to the checks and balances in a democracy?10 marks
  5. Q5"The core ideals of the Preamble - sovereignty, socialism, secularism, and democracy - form the bedrock of India's constitutional framework." Elucidate.10 marks
  6. Q6Assess the implications of the 103rd Constitutional Amendment, which introduced a ten per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), on the principle of social justice in India.10 marks
  7. Q7The focus of welfare schemes in India is shifting from "well-being" towards "over-dependency". In light of this, do you agree that welfare schemes have inculcated a "freebies culture" in India leading to a divergence of focus from poverty and hunger alleviation?10 marks
  8. Q8E-governance is not just about efficiency; it's about making governance accessible and inclusive for every citizen. Explain.10 marks
  9. Q9With the advent of new regional and multilateral agreements like QUAD, AUKUS, I2U2 etc the old world order represented by organizations like NAM, Davos, and G77 is losing its relevance. Discuss.10 marks
  10. Q10The island states and territories from the South Pacific to the African coast have become new nodes in India's changing strategic geography. In this context, highlight the importance of these island states for India and also throw light upon the initiatives taken by India to strengthen ties with these states.10 marks
  11. Q11Electoral funding in India is fraught with the double whammy of legal loopholes and political inefficiencies. In this context, discuss the challenges to electoral funding. What lessons can India draw from global best practices in this regard?15 marks
  12. Q12Pressure groups form the social foundation of a democracy. In this context, discuss pressure groups' key contributions in promoting social security measures for workers in India, and how they address the gaps in existing policies.15 marks
  13. Q13The Constitution envisages the "principle of federal supremacy" in the executive space of Indian federal polity. Discuss while referring to the relevant Constitutional provisions and case laws. How are contentious issues regarding the distribution of powers resolved?15 marks
  14. Q14Delimitation 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 analyse the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension.15 marks
  15. Q15To what extent can the PIL system be held responsible for shifting the focus of the higher Courts from “constitutional matters” to day-to-day matters? What role can the trial Courts play in reducing the overall burden on higher Courts?15 marks
  16. Q16India's higher education system needs significant reforms to align with global standards. How does the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aim to address these challenges, and what lessons can India learn from international practices to enhance its higher education system? Discuss.15 marks
  17. Q17The Right to Information (RTI) Act is hailed for its transformative impact on the quest for transparency and accountability in Indian governance. However, multifaceted challenges and systemic limitations impede its effective implementation. Discuss. Also, suggest measures for its effective implementation.15 marks
  18. Q18Discuss the unique challenges and opportunities Self Help Groups (SHGs) encounter in urban areas compared to rural ones, and how can microfinance be adapted to tackle urban poverty.15 marks
  19. Q19Highlight the significance of the recently envisaged India-Middle East-Europe corridor for India's connectivity with the world, especially the West. Do you think, in recent times, transport and energy initiatives have taken precedence in India's foreign policy?15 marks
  20. Q20Despite the recent rise in politically contentious issues, the India-Canada bilateral relationship has remained committed to shared values of democracy, pluralism, expanding economic engagement and long-standing people-to-people ties. Highlighting the significant pillars of the India-Canada relationship, discuss the potential areas of cooperation and collaboration between India and Canada.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 206 words written

Federal governance is characterised by institutionalised arrangements for solving problems generated by pluralism based on consultation and mutual consent. How have Zonal Councils evolved from merely advisory bodies to proactive platforms for action?

Opening · a date or context

Post the linguistic reorganisation of States as per Fazl Ali commission the government enacted the States Reorganisation Act 1956 to create zonal councils.

Body · points

Evolution of zonal councils

In the nascent years of their formation Zonal Councils acted as advisory bodies whose recommendations were non binding. But now, zonal councils:

  1. Regional Development: provide a platform for states to develop policies for regional development & regional connectivity.
  2. Collective Action: for common regional problems.
  3. Eastern Zonal Council collaborates on issue of naxalism.
Diagram
[Map of India showing the 5 Zonal Councils (North, Central, West, East, South) and the North Eastern Council] Caption: 5+1 Zonal councils of IN

  1. Federalism: As all zonal councils are headed by the home ministers, it provides a platform to forge consensus between centre & States and ensure national development.

  2. Comparative Learning: is encouraged by studying the best practices across states.

  • Ryathu bandhu of Telangana was studied as a best practice for improving farmer income.

  1. Dispute resolution: Zonal councils create a platform for dialogue, discussion, debates to solve inter state disagreements on issues like inter state river water disputes, inter state boundary disputes etc.

  2. Policy Evaluation: is undertaken to identify gaps and identify areas for improvement to achieve development goals.

Close · a way forward

Zonal councils need to be empowered with requisite funds & infrastructure to ensure they are able to live up to its mandate.