AIR 1 · CSE 2018 · GS2 · 52 pages

Kanishak Kataria: GS2 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1What is the role that opposition plays in a democracy like India? In this context, discuss whether our Parliament can benefit from a shadow cabinet.10 marks
  2. Q2Where there is a right, there is a remedy. In this context, discuss the nature and significance of writs in India with adequate examples.10 marks
  3. Q3Enumerate the objectives of NITI Aayog. Also, discuss the performance of this body since its inception and suggest measures to make it more effective.10 marks
  4. Q4In view of the political class's inability to develop and maintain conventions relating to the appropriate use of Article 356, the Supreme Court's decision in the Bommai case provided much needed clarity. Comment.10 marks
  5. Q5Press freedom and good governance are not mutually exclusive. They support each other while promoting a country's economic and human development. Comment.10 marks
  6. Q6SHGs have succeeded in delivering financial inclusion, but for them to evolve as viable business enterprise requires a different approach. Analyse in the context of the twin goals of rural growth and promotion of women's entrepreneurship.10 marks
  7. Q7The focus of higher education in India has been on a select few Central or autonomous institutions where as the ones in states remain neglected. Commenting on the statement, highlight the significance of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) in this context.10 marks
  8. Q8Discuss the role played by PRIs in political empowerment of women. Also, suggest measures to further increase their political participation.10 marks
  9. Q9What is Strategic Autonomy? Critically examine the elements of such a policy in India's contemporary foreign policy in the context of recent developments.10 marks
  10. Q10IBSA and BRICS are both examples of India's quest for multialignment, however there are key differences in their orientation. Discuss in the context of the relevance of these groupings for India.10 marks
  11. Q11What are the various modes of Alternate Dispute Redressal (ADR) mechanisms available in India? Identifying the problems being faced by them, provide suggestions needed to increase their effectiveness.15 marks
  12. Q12While the power to punish for the contempt of court is a much needed tool to protect the administration of justice from being maligned, it is time that it be relooked into. Critically analyse.15 marks
  13. Q13Criminalisation of politics remains a key concern for the Indian political system. In this context, analyse the role played by the Supreme Court and Election Commission over the years. Also, in what ways can the media play a positive role?15 marks
  14. Q14Highlight, in brief, the mandate of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). Identify the different challenges that the commission faces and suggest measures to address them.15 marks
  15. Q15The recent decision of the government to open up positions at the senior levels in bureaucracy through lateral entry is an important but only small step in the direction of much needed reforms in the higher civil services. Analyse.15 marks
  16. Q16Identifying the broad contours of the 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts' programme, explain how it adopts a novel strategy to address backwardness.15 marks
  17. Q17How did India fare on the Millennium Development Goals related to health? In this regard, identify the relevant Sustainable Development Goals and evaluate India's capacity to meet them.15 marks
  18. Q18What are the different rights recognized under the Forest Rights Act, 2006? Highlight the gaps in the implementation of community forest rights and community forest resource rights granted under the Forest Rights Act. Also, suggest measures to address the current scenario.15 marks
  19. Q19Progress in India-US ties has been accompanied by equally significant divergences on important issues. Examine in the context of recent developments.15 marks
  20. Q20Despite bonhomie, the structural differences between Indian and Israeli national security situations, their worldviews and absence of explicitly shared enemies limit stronger strategic rapprochement. Critically discuss.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 168 words written

What is the role that opposition plays in a democracy like India? In this context, discuss whether our Parliament can benefit from a shadow cabinet.

Opening

Role of opposition is very critical to the functioning of any democracy.

Body · points

  • prevents monopolisation of power
  • highlights deficiencies in government policies
  • provides an alternative to the people.
  • debating legislations & providing criticisms & improvements

However in recent years it has also been criticised for negative actions like

  • disruption in the Parliament
  • political horse trading to defeat the government
  • Indulging in baseless allegations.

Shadow Cabinet is a body in which mirrors the cabinet of the government.

It helps in

  • tracking the govt policies efficiently
  • maintaining continuity in administration at time of power change.
  • highlighting lacunaes in govt policy making

However it's relevance to Indian Parliament is still not as strong

  • generally works well in 2-party democracy whereas India has numerous parties
  • Vast options will lead to power struggle even for this body like seen in the government cabinet.

Close · a summary

Though the idea is credible, it is important to look into all the pros & cons before accepting it