AIR 192 · CSE 2023 · GS2 · 58 pages

Mohit Gupta: GS2 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1"To make skilling meaningful, programs like PM Internship Scheme (PMIS) must ensure not just participation but employability-linked outcomes." Comment.10 marks
  2. Q2"Women-centric welfare schemes need to move beyond welfare to empowerment." Examine in the context of key women-centric welfare schemes.10 marks
  3. Q3The SHG-Bank Linkage Programme has been hailed as an indigenous tool for poverty alleviation in India. Examine its impact on improving rural livelihoods and reducing multi-dimensional poverty.10 marks
  4. Q4India is emerging as a global hub for social entrepreneurship. Can social enterprises effectively complement the state in achieving inclusive development?10 marks
  5. Q5How far do you think Citizen-led environmental movements have proven to be effective tools of ecological preservation in recent years? Justify with examples.10 marks
  6. Q6"The increasing regulatory oversight on civil society organisations risks shrinking democratic space." Examine.10 marks
  7. Q7Digital governance is emerging as a frontier of global agenda and India seeks to lead by example. Examine10 marks
  8. Q8India's engagement with Africa is no longer limited to development cooperation, but increasingly shaped by strategic and economic considerations. Discuss10 marks
  9. Q9Examine India's transboundary water-sharing challenges with Pakistan and Bangladesh in light of recent disputes.10 marks
  10. Q10The Indian diaspora in the Gulf region plays a pivotal role in shaping India's economic relations and people-centric diplomacy with West Asia. Discuss.10 marks
  11. Q11Freebies in electoral politics have sparked debate over their impact on governance in India. Differentiate between freebies and welfare measures, and examine their impact on governance.15 marks
  12. Q12"Weak institutional independence of Information Commissions has diluted the effectiveness of the Right to Information (RTI) regime." Discuss in the light of autonomy and independence of the Information Commissions.15 marks
  13. Q13"Civil services in India were envisioned as instruments of neutrality and efficiency, yet they are increasingly perceived as rigid and politicised." Examine the issues responsible for this perception and suggest corrective measures.15 marks
  14. Q14Structural barriers have long impeded the development of a robust research environment, despite the presence of numerous institutions. Discuss how the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) seeks to address these structural challenges.15 marks
  15. Q15Well-executed government initiatives often fail if operations and maintenance are not integral to the programme design. In the context of Swachh Bharat Mission in India, discuss how collective action and community ownership can ensure its long-term sustainability.15 marks
  16. Q16Despite consistent economic growth and social sector spending, India continues to perform poorly in global human development rankings. Examine the structural issues that inhibit equitable and inclusive human development.15 marks
  17. Q17"The expansion of BRICS offers opportunities for India to strengthen its voice in global economic governance." Discuss how India can leverage the BRICS Plus to advance the interests of the Global South.15 marks
  18. Q18India's strategic autonomy remains the guiding principle in navigating relations with the United States and China. In this context, analyze the potential challenges and opportunities for India and how should India navigate this renewed US-China rivalry.15 marks
  19. Q19The launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) marks a turning point in India's connectivity diplomacy. Analyse its strategic relevance for India vis-à-vis China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).15 marks
  20. Q20"Act East Policy is as much about regional balancing as it is about economic diplomacy." Analyse this statement in the context of India's engagement with ASEAN amidst shifting power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 191 words written

"To make skilling meaningful, programs like PM Internship Scheme (PMIS) must ensure not just participation but employability-linked outcomes." Comment.

Opening

Programs like PMIS, Kaushal Vikas Yojana aim to impart livelihood capabilities & boost employability prospects of the youth.

Body · points

Skilling Programmes aimed at Participation

(1) Covering all possible areas/regions of skill development - Ex: Aspirational District Programme has skilling component.

(2) Targeting vulnerable & marginalised. Ex: USTTAD Scheme for traditional arts of minorities.

(3) Making rural/semi-urban areas as talent hub - Ex: Skilling under National Rural Livelihood Mission.

(4) Imparting vocational education as part of National Education Policy, 2020.

Need for employability linked outcomes

  1. Difficult to find employment post skill training. Eg: 45% youths were not placed after Kaushal Vikas Training.
  2. Low employability post education. Eg: AICTE Report -> 43% technical trained people are unemployable.
  3. Return to exploitative informal sector. Eg: NRLM skilling saw 35% reduction in gainful employment.
  4. Corporates consider PMIS as part of CSR responsibilities & not talent pool.
  5. Persistent unemployment in rural & urban areas.

Way Forward :

  1. Market demanded skilling. Eg: Training for IR 4.0.
  2. Assured employment post skilling.
  3. Industry Collaboration (PPP) in skilling program.

Close · a way forward

PM Modi asserted, "Skilled Youth is going to be engine for growth" in Amrit kaal.