AIR 16 · CSE 2024 · GS2 · 54 pages

Madhav Agarwal: GS2 answer copy

19 answers by Madhav Agarwal, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks.10 marks
  2. Q2Constitution is a mere skeleton whereas constitutionalism is the soul of democracy. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks.10 marks
  3. Q3"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding." To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding? (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks.10 marks
  4. Q4The question of gender equality is central to the debate on Uniform Civil Code. In this light what are the challenges in reconciling UCC with gender equality as enshrined in the constitution? (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks. The Governor's office is neither decorative nor inconsequential, it assumes a constitutional role of profound essence' To what extent does the Governor, actively contribute to the governance of a state and reinforce the principles of federalism in the country? (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks.10 marks
  5. Q6Recently demand has been rising in a state regarding the enactment of Social Accountability Law. How such a law can lead to good governance and boost citizens' participation in decision-making. Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks.10 marks
  6. Q7There is a need for convergence of 'nutrition-specific' and 'nutrition-sensitive' interventions to effectively tackle child undernutrition in India. Examine. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks.10 marks
  7. Q8"MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy." Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks.10 marks
  8. Q9“India must leverage, if not manage, the global divides”. How can the current geopolitical churn pave the way for India's rise to the global high table? (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks.10 marks
  9. Q10"Berlin can be India's gateway to the European Union." Elaborate with respect to Germany's significance in India's relationship with the EU. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks.10 marks
  10. Q11How has the Anti-Defection Law impacted the relationship between political parties and individual legislators in India? In light of the recent incidents also discuss the unintended consequences it has on the functioning of democracy in India. (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks.15 marks
  11. Q12Critics assert that limitless judicial authority rests on the structural ambiguity of the basic structure doctrine. Has the elastic nature of the basic structure doctrine made the judiciary more powerful than the executive? (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks.15 marks
  12. Q13Fundamental rights are not gifts bestowed upon by the state rather an individual possesses them independently of the state. In this context discuss the desirability of reasonable restrictions on various fundamental rights. (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks.15 marks
  13. Q14'S.R. Bommai v. Union of India signified a paradigm shift in the judicial interpretation of the union's authority to assume control of a state's administration.' In this context discuss the significance and impact of the judgement on cementing the federal structure. (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks.15 marks
  14. Q15The key to effective decentralization is, political decentralization should follow finance and functional decentralization. Discuss in the context of impediments faced by local governance in India. (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks.15 marks
  15. Q16Multi-stakeholder partnerships are the key to leveraging collective expertise and networks. How can effective partnership and localized implementation efforts be fostered to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India? (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks.15 marks
  16. Q17How has the implementation of the POSH Act resulted in limited success in raising awareness about sexual harassment, and what factors have hindered its effective outreach to women employed in the unorganized sector? Propose strategies to bridge this gap and ensure comprehensive protection for women in the unorganized sector against workplace harassment. (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks.15 marks
  17. Q18'Neo-liberal reforms and globalization have deeply transformed the institutions of the welfare state and set the ground for a new type of civil services.' In this context examine the challenges faced in service delivery and suggest adequate reforms. (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks.15 marks
  18. Q19China views India as its "Asian Rival" with an innate ability to counter its hegemonic goals in Asia. Despite these difficulties in India-China relations, there are also many areas of convergence. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks.15 marks
  19. Q20Indo-Pacific region in recent times has emerged as a zone of diverging interests and priorities. Discuss. Do you think the Global Security Initiative will supersede QUAD in the region? (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 77 words written

There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks.

Opening · a restatement

The disqualification provisions under section 8 of RPA 1951 can be triggered based on multiple grounds yet there some ambiguity in its application. Overall there is a need to reduce ambiguity via:

Body · points and prose

Convicted for a jail term of more than 2 years

  • Preaching any social crime
  • Failure to lodge the elections expense with Returning Officer

diagram

  • Ambiguities have led to
    • Poor enforcement of the law
    • Could not deter use of money muscle power
    • Slow rate of justice delivery due to multiple appeal system allowed

Overall there is a need to reduce ambiguity via:

→ Setting clear judicial precedents

→ Lily Thomas case said disqualification on conviction is immediate and not subject to appeal

→ Need political will to make the RPA 1951 even stronger.

→ Greater powers of enforcement to ECI to ensure criminalization of politics is tackled.

Close · a way forward

None written.