AIR 145 · CSE 2022 · GS2 · 52 pages

Atul Tyagi: GS2 answer copy

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

The questions

Q1Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India.10 marks
Q2The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system.10 marks
Q3Human dignity, stemming from right to life, does not end with death penalty. In this context, throw light on various controversies surrounding capital punishment in the country.10 marks
Q4Assess the effectiveness of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 in resolution of river-water disputes. Also describe the potential impact of delays in resolution of water disputes.10 marks
Q5Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth.10 marks
Q6In order to pass the ultimate test of good governance, welfare state should be close to the people, responsive to their aspirations, and inclusive in its approach. Discuss with special reference to PM PVTG Development Mission.10 marks
Q7To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country?10 marks
Q8Absence of a robust social infrastructure in the country may become one of the most significant challenges in achieving a developed status by 2047. Discuss.10 marks
Q9Though the changing paradigm towards dialogue and diplomacy in West Asia augurs well for India's interests in this otherwise restive region, presence of inimical actors may reverse the gains. Explain.10 marks
Q10Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960.10 marks
Q11Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate.15 marks
Q12Independent judiciary, as envisaged by the constitution, provides the bedrock for a thriving polity; however, executive encroachment may erode its credibility and affect its efficacy. Evaluate.15 marks
Q13Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED).15 marks
Q14Critically analyse the role of National Commission for Women (NCW) in wake of its mandate to safeguard women's rights and uphold their socio-economic wellbeing.15 marks
Q15Understanding the extent, source, and complexity of deprivations among the multidimensionally poor contributes to more informed policymaking. In this context, analyze the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index Report by NITI Aayog.15 marks
Q16Though lifeblood of a representative democracy, political parties are beset with challenges of their own, limiting their larger role in democratization of the society.15 marks
Q17Safely managed drinking water services, as desired by Jal Jeevan Mission, are designated to give multifarious benefits cutting across generations. Discuss. Also, elaborate upon the challenges in ensuring the mission's success.15 marks
Q18Legislation like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 remains mere legal documents without intense sensitization of public functionaries and the civil society. Discuss.15 marks
Q19Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain.15 marks
Q20How do ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, and development partnership with Pacific Island states make Indo-Pacific a theatre of opportunity for India? What are the hurdles in realisation of an inclusive Indo-Pacific construct?15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 157 words written

Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India.

Opening · a quotation

Media is known as the 4th Estate of democracy. As Thomas Jefferson said: "Information is the currency of democracy." - and this is the contribution of media.

Body · points

Media is known as the 4th Estate of democracy. As Thomas Jefferson said: "Information is the currency of democracy." - and this is the contribution of media.

Role of fourth estate

① Information and awareness generation: for the citizens.

② Participative democracy: such as public debates, opinion polls etc.

③ Evaluation of government policies (eg) Vantage with Palki Sharma.

④ Accountability of the officials (eg) USA presidential debates.

⑤ Voice of the marginalised (eg) Coverage of COVID migrant exodus.

⑥ National narrative in the international platform eg WION news.

Issues to press freedom

① Corporatisation of news houses: paid news issue.

② Political affiliations: ideologically motivated news coverage.

③ Legislative restrictions (eg) Sedition laws (Section 124A) and UAPA.

④ Echo-chambers / fake news in social media.

⑤ Crackdown on NGOs and their ideologically motivated publications eg Amnesty International.

Diagram

[Way Ahead] - Media ethics charter - Bill on media standards and accountability - Rationalise sedition laws - Strengthen RTI, whistleblowers Act

"An informed citizenry is the best safeguard of democracy." The same is ensured through media freedom under Article 19.

Close · a way forward

ideologically motivated publications eg Amnesty International. "An informed citizenry is the best safeguard of democracy." The same is ensured through media freedom under Article 19.