AIR 11 · CSE 2023 · GS2 · 52 pages

Kush Motwani: GS2 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1"Interstate border disputes, if not promptly and impartially settled, can transform into persistent issues that impede development and generate friction." Highlighting the constitutional and legal framework to resolve interstate disputes, explain why Independent India has failed to resolve inter-state border disputes.10 marks
  2. Q2Examine the role of the Inter-state Council in promoting vertical (Centre-State) and horizontal (Inter-State) Intergovernmental cooperation and coordination.10 marks
  3. Q3Discuss the key function of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). What steps should be taken to revamp the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in order to enhance its effectiveness as a true guardian of public funds?10 marks
  4. Q4Recognizing the pivotal role of urbanization as a driver of national economic growth, the Fifteenth Finance Commission has suggested major reforms for Urban Local Bodies. Evaluate the recommendations put forward by the Fifteenth Finance Commission in promoting and revitalizing ULBs in India.10 marks
  5. Q5Highlight the key differences in the scope of Freedom of speech and expression as provided under Parliamentary privileges vis a vis Fundamental rights. Why is it necessary to maintain a balance between parliamentary privilege and fundamental rights?10 marks
  6. Q6Civil society organizations, play a pivotal role in fostering "collective private action for the public good". What challenges do they face in local resource mobilization (LRM) and corporate funding through corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Also, suggest measures.10 marks
  7. Q7The first step to eradicating poverty is reliable poverty assessment for program design, implementation, and monitoring. In this context discuss the methodology and significance of NITI Aayog's National Multidimensional Poverty Index.10 marks
  8. Q8In the context of India, despite the presence of constitutional provisions, legal precedents and international commitments that establish a robust foundation for a right to health, why has there been a lack of explicit legal recognition of this right?10 marks
  9. Q9The collective strength of BRICS nations allows for meaningful cooperation on myriad issues, however, the platform's ability to influence the trajectory of bilateral relationships remains limited. Do you agree?10 marks
  10. Q10In light of the recent demands to amend the Indus Waters Treaty, discuss the possible implications it could have on the water-sharing mechanism between India and Pakistan.10 marks
  11. Q11The doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty and judicial supremacy has exerted considerable influence in shaping the constitutional frameworks of India and the USA. Citing relevant case laws discuss the role of the judiciary in influencing the constitutions in these countries. Is the scope of judicial review wider in India?15 marks
  12. Q12Delimitation 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 analyze the ramifications of population-based delimitation in creating federal tension.15 marks
  13. Q13Discuss the role of the Supreme Court of India in strengthening the hands of the Election Commission in the discharge of its constitutional responsibility of conducting free and fair elections in the country.15 marks
  14. Q14'The declining role of Parliament undermines the fundamental principle of separation of powers, as it diminishes the legislature's ability to serve as a check on the executive branch and ensure a balanced exercise of power.' Discuss.15 marks
  15. Q15Discuss the crucial role played by the National Commission of Women in shaping the discourse on gender-sensitive laws in India. To what extent the elevation of the National Commission of Women to a constitutional body would reinforce its authority?15 marks
  16. Q16'Satisfactory and timely redressal of grievances is the cornerstone of 'minimum government, maximum governance'. In this context discuss the challenges associated with current grievance redress mechanisms and suggest measures to strengthen the process.15 marks
  17. Q17'Corruption corrodes the fabric of governance, eroding the public's faith in democratic institutions.' Examine the potential for harmonizing the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Whistleblower Protection Act (WBPA), and the Lokpal & Lokayukta Act, 2013, to enhance the effectiveness of the anticorruption regime.15 marks
  18. Q18Analyze the potential challenges and benefits involved in leveraging SHGs as platforms for skill development, entrepreneurship, and income generation among marginalized communities to effectively counter poverty.15 marks
  19. Q19'India is uniquely positioned on the world map for its rich culture.' In this context discuss the role of culture, diaspora, and democracy as instruments of India's soft power diplomacy. To what extent India has been able to position itself as a 'smart power'?15 marks
  20. Q20The synergy of shared values and vibrant people-to-people connections between India and Australia creates a fertile ground for fostering long-lasting trade relations and strategic collaboration between the two nations. Analyse.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 260 words written

"Interstate border disputes, if not promptly and impartially settled, can transform into persistent issues that impede development and generate friction." Highlighting the constitutional and legal framework to resolve interstate disputes, explain why Independent India has failed to resolve inter-state border disputes.

Opening

Indian federalism is based on the principle of [cooperative federalism], and it is constitutional duty of Union and States to resolve differences amicably.

Body · points and prose

Constitutional and legal framework for Interstate disputes

(I) Constitutional:

  1. Article 3 : Power to Union govt to [amend boundaries]
  2. Article 263 : [Inter State Council] ↓ Platform for cordial relationships, to resolve issues.
  3. [Article 131] : SC's original jurisdiction over centre - state disputes.
  4. Article 262 : River disputes - outside jurisdiction of SC, etc.

(II) Legal:

  1. Zonal Councils Act 1956, etc
  2. Interstate River Disputes Act, River Boards Act, etc

However, these frameworks have not been successful with border disputes as :

  1. Infrequent meeting / laziness of

Inter State Council Zonal Councils

  1. Policy legacy / Historical reasons → Linguistic reorganization was "easier said than done"! → has led to lingering issues such as

Belagavi (MH + KN border) etc.

→ lack of clarity over demarcation of area in North East

(Eg.) extent of Lushai Hills district ↓ Mizoram - Assam border dispute

  1. Shifting cultivation, nomadic tribes ↓ demand for new areas

(Eg.) Nagalim, Kukiland demands

  1. High public emotion involved ↓ difficult to resolve amicably

(Eg.) water disputes (Kaveri: KN - TN)

  1. Lack of political will:

Close

political parties putting undue focus on unresolved borders

(Eg.) Belagavi / Belgaon

However, if coordination is there, issues can be resolved: as evident from resolution of Jharkhand - WB (2016) border dispute in Zonal Council and Inter State Council