AIR 3 · CSE 2021 · GS2 · 51 pages

Gamini Singla: GS2 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1Highlighting the changes introduced by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) Amendment Act, 2021, analyse various issues with the amended Act.10 marks
  2. Q2Are there valid arguments for continuing with sedition law in 21st century democratic India? Discuss in light of the debate surrounding it.10 marks
  3. Q3Identify the issues that have contributed to a decline in the performance of Parliamentary Standing Committees. How can these issues be addressed?10 marks
  4. Q4Despite being a non-constitutional body, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has wielded immense decision-making power in India. Discuss the advantages and issues associated with it.10 marks
  5. Q5Discuss the role of data in governance in India. Also, state the various challenges in this regard and suggest remedial measures.10 marks
  6. Q6With specific examples, elaborate upon the conditions that led to the emergence of a new civil society in urban India in the last few decades. Also, highlight its contribution towards effecting governance and policy changes.10 marks
  7. Q7The Gati Shakti mission has the potential to not only address the issue of infrastructure bottlenecks but also streamline the governance processes in the country. Elucidate.10 marks
  8. Q8Giving an account of the issues faced by workers in the informal sector, discuss whether the recently launched e-Shram portal can help in addressing them.10 marks
  9. Q9Clarifying the significance of the recent developments on the issue of global minimum tax, discuss its prospects and challenges for India.10 marks
  10. Q10Announcement of the AUKUS security pact heralds a new era of global geopolitics. Comment. Also, discuss how it may affect India's interests.10 marks
  11. Q11Effective devolution of finances is an important requirement for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to fulfill their objectives. Discuss while also elaborating on the reasons behind lack of financial resources for PRIs in India.15 marks
  12. Q12Judicial activism is a necessary tool to guard against "legislative adventurism and executive excesses". Critically discuss in the context of the doctrine of separation of powers as provided in the Constitution of India.15 marks
  13. Q13The electoral bond scheme is part of what appears to be a growing trend away from transparency and accountability in electoral funding. Critically analyse.15 marks
  14. Q14The significance of the principle of subsidiarity was well reflected in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyse.15 marks
  15. Q15Social media has ushered in greater transparency and accountability in governance. But accountability through social media is no alternative to institutional accountability. Analyse.15 marks
  16. Q16Although the State has the right incentives and intentions to deliver public services efficiently, its capacity to do so is questionable. Critically discuss in the context of India.15 marks
  17. Q17The problem of hunger in India does not lie in food production but various other underlying issues. Discuss in the wake of decline in India's ranking in the Global Hunger Index, 2021.15 marks
  18. Q18Democratization of primary healthcare is indispensable for fulfilling the objectives of equitable and comprehensive care in India. Discuss.15 marks
  19. Q19In the context of the evolving discourse on the Indo Pacific, analyse the factors driving the global shift towards the region. Also, identify India's interests and challenges in this regard.15 marks
  20. Q20India's Afghanistan policy must be based on a clear-eyed understanding of important strategic goals in the region amidst the current regional and global strategic environment. Elaborate.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 141 words written

Highlighting the changes introduced by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) Amendment Act, 2021, analyse various issues with the amended Act.

Opening

Government of NCT Amendment Act, 2021 has made significant changes in the governance structure of NCT.

Body · points

Changes introduced

  • Enhanced the significance of role of Lt. Governor → Delhi Government directed to make decisions only after consultation with Governor → Governor's right to refer any decision to president for his assent → No power to the government to make administrative changes

Issues with Amendment Act

→ Lack of consultation with the Delhi Government → Against the principle of democracy as the powers of elected government has been curtailed → Excessive control to Governor, appointed by central government → Might lead to partisan decisions → Lack of transparency on the motives of the act → Hasty passing in the parliament despite objections

  • Civil society must be consulted and their opinions and needs must be incorporated, and fresh amendments must be brought.

Close · a way forward

None written.