AIR 27 · CSE 2021 · GS2 · 52 pages

Saksham Goel: GS2 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1Discuss the significant challenges to the ideals and aspirations stated in the Preamble that hinder the functioning of liberal democracy.10 marks
  2. Q2Balancing and harmonising Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles will help reap social order and empower people. Explain10 marks
  3. Q3Many times imposition of the President's rule in a State is the direct outcome of the politicisation of the post of Governor. Do you agree?10 marks
  4. Q4Discuss how the 15th Finance Commission report has the potential to transform the financial governance of India's municipalities?10 marks
  5. Q5Both migration and reverse migration can be attributed to social and economic alienation faced by migrants. Discuss.
  6. Q6Do you think that caste census is vital for taking necessary steps to achieve social equity and hence realising social justice? Critically examine10 marks
  7. Q7Elucidate the significant difference between traditional and modern instruments of accountability. Discuss briefly the challenges associated with modern tools of accountability.10 marks
  8. Q8Explain the objectives of new IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021. Also analyse the concerns associated with non-compliance of the said Rules.10 marks
  9. Q9Notwithstanding China-Bhutan relations, India's emphasis on "Neighbourhood First Policy" has helped maintain healthy ties with Bhutan. Analyse10 marks
  10. Q10From being indentured labourers to holding positions of influence and power presently, the Indian Diaspora has been playing a crucial role in the development of the Caribbean Islands. Elaborate.10 marks
  11. Q12What do you mean by "Doctrine of Essentiality" and "Doctrine of Principled Distance"? Explain how the Supreme Court has helped in guarding the value of secularism in India with suitable examples. Establishing the National Tribunal Commission could entail a radical restructuring of the present tribunals' system. Discuss the statement in the backdrop of the recent issues facing the functioning of Tribunals in India.15 marks
  12. Q13Do you think the electoral bond scheme disrupts the basic principles of India's democracy by infringing upon the citizen's "right to know"? What significant changes should be made to reform electoral finance in India?15 marks
  13. Q14Though all pressure groups employ similar techniques to incorporate their interests in state policies, a few are more successful than others. What are the various factors that result in the success of the pressure groups?15 marks
  14. Q15The success of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP) hinges on the budgetary allocation and proper planning and execution of the critical aspects of the policy as envisaged. Examine15 marks
  15. Q16Despite the stringent provisions, the crime against women is on the rise. What are the major shortcomings of the present laws aimed at fighting crime against women in India?15 marks
  16. Q17Why capacity building of civil servants is sine qua non for a functional democracy? Discuss how Mission Karmayogi aspires to fill the void in civil services reform architecture.15 marks
  17. Q18The potential for m-governance has been realised during the pandemic period in general and lockdown in particular. What are the significant challenges of m-governance initiatives in India?15 marks
  18. Q19The new grouping of the US, Israel, India and UAE, also termed the QUAD in West Asia, give a further push to India's West Asia diplomacy. Discuss15 marks
  19. Q20Critically examine India's decision of opting out of the RCEP, despite the push from several nations like Japan and Australia to rethink its decision.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 203 words written

Discuss the significant challenges to the ideals and aspirations stated in the Preamble that hinder the functioning of liberal democracy.

Opening · a definition

The Preamble to the Constitution of India sets out the state to be a sovereign socialist secular democratic republic aspiring towards justice, equality, freedom and fraternity.

Body · points

CHALLENGES TO THESE IDEALS

(1) Sovereignty

  • Globalisation of issues like climate change, social media
  • Big Tech versus Big State
  • Left wing Extremism
  • Terrorism
  • Territorial threat from China

(2) Socialism

  • neoliberal economics
  • crony capitalism
  • lower tax base, tax erosion, Base Erosion and profit shifting
  • Corruption and black money

(3) Secularism

  • communalisation of politics
  • mob lynching

(4) Democracy

  • electoral funding issues
  • criminalisation of politics
  • Centralisation tendency
  • Parliament as mere notice and

(5) Equality

  • caste discrimination, khap panchayats
  • inequality of wealth and income
  • gender, ethnic and other ascriptional discrimination

(6) Freedom

  • Chilling effects of Cinematograph Laws, Sedition Law, Contempt of court law, etc
  • incapacitating due to undue pressure from "power" centres.

(7) Justice

  • long delays in judicial process
  • Judicial corruption (as argued by Vivek Katju)
  • Torture, custodial killings, etc justified by popular support

Close · a summary

India faced, faces and continues to face challenges - but the robustness of Indian Constitution is in its ever enduring of these challenges.