AIR 34 · CSE 2025 · GS2 · 62 pages

Nancy Singh: GS2 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1The contributions of the founding mothers in the Constituent Assembly and their feminist perspective have shaped India's constitutional discourse. Discuss10 marks
  2. Q2What is a Privilege Motion in the Indian Parliament? How does the Committee of Privileges examine and deal with such motions?10 marks
  3. Q3Compare the powers of the head of state in India and the UK. How do their roles reflect the constitutional principles of their respective systems?10 marks
  4. Q4“A democracy is only as strong as its Opposition.” In this light, examine the role of the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and suggest measures to enhance the effectiveness of this institution in India.10 marks
  5. Q5What are the constitutional provisions related to minority educational institutions in India? How have judicial pronouncements shaped the balance between the right to equality and the right to preserve minority identity in India?10 marks
  6. Q6India is emerging as a global hub for social entrepreneurship. Can social enterprises effectively complement the state in achieving inclusive development?10 marks
  7. Q7The 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
  8. Q8How 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
  9. Q9"Digital governance is emerging as a frontier of the global agenda, and India seeks to lead by example." Examine10 marks
  10. Q10Examine India's transboundary water-sharing challenges with Pakistan and Bangladesh in light of recent disputes.10 marks
  11. Q11The role of Governors in opposition-ruled States has been a flashpoint in Centre-State relations. Critically discuss how gubernatorial overreach challenges the position of state governments and suggest safeguards to mitigate such conflicts.15 marks
  12. Q12The evolving relationship between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy has been a dynamic feature of India's constitutional journey, often necessitating judicial interventions and constitutional amendments. Discuss.15 marks
  13. Q13While cooperative federalism is rooted in the design of the Constitution, political considerations have given rise to competitive and confrontational federalism. Examine the role of constitutional and extra-constitutional institutions in reconciling these trends within India's federal structure.15 marks
  14. Q14The growing number of undertrial prisoners in India reflects both systemic and procedural lapses within the criminal justice system. In light of recent Supreme Court directions, discuss the underlying challenges and suggest a multi-pronged approach to address this crisis.15 marks
  15. Q15'The Upper House was envisioned as a reviewing chamber and not a rival to the Lower House.' In light of this statement, do you think the Rajya Sabha continues to fulfil this vision in contemporary Indian polity?15 marks
  16. Q16Well-executed government initiatives often fail if operations and maintenance are not integral to the programme design. In the context of the Swachh Bharat Mission in India, discuss how collective action and community ownership can ensure its long-term sustainability.15 marks
  17. Q17Freebies 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
  18. Q18Structural 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
  19. Q19India's strategic autonomy remains the guiding principle in navigating relations with the United States and China. In this context, analyse the potential challenges and opportunities for India and how India should navigate this renewed US-China rivalry.15 marks
  20. Q20The 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

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 177 words written

The contributions of the founding mothers in the Constituent Assembly and their feminist perspective have shaped India's constitutional discourse. Discuss

Opening

The Constituent Assembly comprised of 291 members out of which 15 were women who are referred as Founding Mothers of Indian Constitution.

Body · points

Contributions of founding mothers

  1. Hansa Mehta: She raised voice for substantive equality and gender equality. → Also made UDHR gender neutral replacing 'men' with 'persons'.
  2. Dakshayani Velayudhan: Highlighted the intersectional vulnerabilities.
  3. Sarojini Naidu: She fought for universal adult suffrage w/o any property conditions. → Outcome is Article 325 and 326.
  4. Rajkumari Amrit Kaur: She fought for abolition of sati, untouchability, widow remarriage.
  5. Begum Aizaz Rasul: raised voice of women minorities.
  6. Vijay Lakshmi Pandit: emphasized on women participation in foreign affairs.
  7. Renuka Ray: advocated for uniform civil code and personal law reforms.

Feminist perspective shaping Constitution's ethos

  1. Positive discrimination - Article 15(3), 15(4), 16(4), 16(6).
  2. Article 243D : 33% reservation in Panchayats.
  3. Untouchability offences Act, Hindu Marriage Act 1955.

Close · a way forward

Therefore the contribution of founding mothers was immense for women upliftment and it continues to evolve - 108 th CAA is an evidence of it.