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. Q1Enumerate the major challenges hindering the realisation of inclusive growth in India (10M, 150W)10 marks
  2. Q2With the increase in adoption of digital technology and emerging startup atmosphere in India, there is a trend of growing gig economy. In this context, explain the pros and cons of gig economy and suggest ways to improve it. (10 M, 150 W)10 marks
  3. Q3Fiscal consolidation should not be linked with a fixed target rather it shld follow for flexibility as per the circumstances. Comment. (10M, 150W)10 marks
  4. Q4Discuss the major reasons for slow growth of MSME sector in India. What steps can be taken in order to help the sector grow and realise its true potential? (10m)10 marks
  5. Q5Explain with suitable example what do you understand by Devpt Financial Institutions? What are the prime objectives of DFIs in India. (10m)10 marks
  6. Q6Discuss the areas of agriculture sector that can be potentially benefitted due to growing AgriTech Startups and mention challenges that these startups might face in their functioning. (10M, 150W)10 marks
  7. Q7"India's focus on active involvement with multilateral grouping is putting under scanner its neighbourhood first policy". Explain with suitable examples. (10M)10 marks
  8. Q8Do you think India's foreign policy is becoming more China centric with the challenges of rising CHN? Comment (10m)
  9. Q9What can be the potential role of India in Afghanistan, with the changing political scenario in the country? Explain. (10M)10 marks
  10. Q10India's image as a soft power has helped it garner trust in the developing world. Examine the statement in the context of vaccine diplomacy.
  11. Q11Do you think that the period of high growth in Indian economy has mostly coincided with increasing inequality? Also, highlight some of the measures that can be taken to break this nexus of growth and inequality. (15M)15 marks
  12. Q12India is one of the highest net exporter of ground water due to very high water intensity of our crops. What are the steps that have been taken by the govt for increasing the water efficiency in our agri sector? Also highlight the challenges in this process. (15M)15 marks
  13. Q14While on the one hand food subsidies are a major drain on government resources, on the other hand they ensure accessibility and affordability of food to millions of people. Do you think there is a need to balance both the interests? If yes, suggest some measures that can be taken in this regard.15 marks
  14. Q15Despite the presence of a large working age population along with huge demand of products, improving situation of banks and greater infrastructure availability, the manufacturing sector in India has not been able to improve its share in GDP. Explain (15 M)15 marks
  15. Q16Examine the potential of public private partnerships to ramp up the health infrastructure in India, especially among States having the worst health infrastructure15 marks
  16. Q17Discuss the situation of millet production in India. Also throw light on challenges that this sector is facing along with the measures taken by government to improve it. (15m) India has an important role to play in security and sustainable development of the Indo-Pacific. In this context, appraise the role of BIMSTEC as an institution to facilitate greater role to India in the region. (15m)
  17. Q18The India-US relationship has been a source of strength in the midst of a global pandemic. Elaborate.15 marks
  18. Q19India depends heavily on the Middle East for its energy needs and is against any escalation of tension in the region. How can India play a greater role in the region amid rising tensions? (15M)15 marks
  19. Q20The Indian diaspora has played a critical role in strengthening the ties with many countries of the developed world. Enumerate the noted achievements that Indian diaspora has helped in? Also, highlight the steps taken by India to reach out to its diaspora worldwide. (15M)15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 209 words written

Enumerate the major challenges hindering the realisation of inclusive growth in India (10M, 150W)

Opening · a definition

UNDP has defined inclusive growth as "the process and the outcome where all groups of people have participation in growth and have benefited equitably from it."

Body · points

MAJOR CHALLENGES TO INCLUSIVE GROWTH

  1. Poverty & lack of access to basic necessities of life leading to under-utilisation of capabilities (Amartya Sen)

  2. Inequality: leading to unequal opportunities → vicious cycle

  3. Extractive political and economic institutions (Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson).

MANIFESTATION OF THESE CHALLENGES IN THE LIVED REALITY OF INDIA

  1. Digital divide in education (also visible in employment trends)
  2. Marginalisation of oppressed communities like Dalit, minorities etc
  3. The rural-urban divide
  4. Regional disparity in growth
  5. Inter- and intra-generational inequality
  6. WOMEN DIS-EMPOWERMENT
  7. Dis-enfranchisement due to migration
  8. Unequal burden of Climate Change on the poor and vulnerable

MEASURES FOR INCLUSIVE GROWTH

  1. Welfare State based on Socialist and Gandhian principles as envisaged in Directive Principles of State Policy
  2. Following Gandhian Talisman / Rawls' theory of justice / Sen's capability approach
  3. Realising the full potential of Article 21 - rights of livelihood, healthcare, clean environment and so on.

Close · a quotation

A society - especially a democracy - is judged by how it treats the most vulnerable - the last man in the queue.