AIR 65 · CSE 2023 · GS2 · 53 pages

Chhaya Singh: GS2 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1Discuss the role of the 'Fourth Estate' in upholding democratic values and analyse the issues affecting press freedom in India.10 marks
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. Q5Discuss the significance of the cooperative model of development in addressing the issues of rural growth.10 marks
  6. 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
  7. Q7To what extent collaboration between the state and civil society organizations (CSOs) help in addressing poverty and malnutrition in the country?10 marks
  8. 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
  9. 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. (10 marks, 150 words) Explain.10 marks
  10. Q10Water diplomacy can redefine the contours of regional cooperation in South Asia. Discuss with special reference to Indus water treaty 1960.10 marks
  11. Q11Despite constitutional backing to the institutions of local governance, the idea of decentralisation has remained hostage to several structural bottlenecks. Elucidate.15 marks
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. Q19Harbinger of global rebalancing, India-Africa ties are a beacon of inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world. Explain.15 marks
  20. 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 · 199 words written

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

Opening · a definition

'Fourth Estate' refers to media, whose freedom is considered as a fundamental right under freedom of speech and expression Art 19(1)(a).

Role in upholding democratic values :-

Body · points

(i) free flow of information forming bed rock of democracy (Ramesh Thapar case). (ii) Provides for informed citizenry → quality debate & discussion. (iii) Highlights the policies and failures of government, ex → Expose in newspapers. (iv) 19(1)(a) also includes freedom to receive information, (Sakal Newspapers) this leads to accountability, transparency and good governance. (v) Provides dissent.

Issues affecting press freedom :- (i) Paid Journalism, corporatisation of media channels. (Eg NDTV case). (ii) focus on yellow journalism to gain TRP. (Amish Devgan-hate speech case). (iii) Banning news channels on vague grounds eg → National security in Media One case. (iv) more focus on media trial. Eg Sushant Singh Rajput case. (v) Adversarial approach by authorities. Eg Hathras gang rape case. (vi) frequent net bans. Eg A.370 repeal in J&K.

way forward freedom of press is essential for democracy.

  • Proper regulation can be provided eg :- (i) defining grounds for restriction u/art. 19(2) (ii) Test of proportionality and necessity to be applied

Close · a way forward

In this manner, media can lead to a vibrant democracy.