AIR 43 · CSE 2021 · GS2 · 50 pages

Shubham Shukla: GS2 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1Why is the current Lok Sabha not having the post of 'Leader of Opposition' in spite of great importance of this post in the functioning of legislature?10 marks
  2. Q2Criminal defamation as legal instrument is often abused by the powerful to smother the freedom of speech. What is criminal defamation? Do you think is it justified in a liberal democracy like India?10 marks
  3. Q3List the parliamentary mechanisms available for the scrutiny of regulators. Also, discuss major steps through which parliamentary oversight of regulators can be strengthened.10 marks
  4. Q4Discuss the issues plaguing public policy formulation in India. Also suggest measures to strengthen the policy formulation process.10 marks
  5. Q5"Internet provides one of the most potent platforms for expressing people's voices in contemporary times". In light of the statement, discuss the effects of internet shutdown on the freedom of speech and expression.10 marks
  6. Q6Highlight the importance of State Finance Commission in strengthening fiscal federalism in India. Do you agree with the view that they have not been provided with the necessary environment to play their rightful role?10 marks
  7. Q7Social Audit involves citizen's participation in governance along with increasing accountability of the government towards citizens. Substantiate the statement with examples.10 marks
  8. Q8International relations are not the relations only between nations. Various other players like corporations, global institutions, lobby groups and NGOs, and also media are participants in their own right. How do you think the rise of social media has affected international relations?10 marks
  9. Q9What is Vaccine diplomacy? Explain the significance of Vaccine Diplomacy for India.10 marks
  10. Q10China has been recently extending its influence over small countries in India's neighborhood. How does it do so? What steps India needs to take to counter China's influence and safeguard its interests in the region?10 marks
  11. Q11Indian Union is a unitary state with subsidiary federal features rather than a federal state with subsidiary unitary features. Discuss various aspects of Indian federal scheme that showcases its unitary bias.15 marks
  12. Q12How has the Doctrine of Basic Structure settled a conflict between Parliamentary supremacy and judicial supremacy in India?15 marks
  13. Q13Highlight India's ambitions towards Arctic Ocean along with explaining India's Arctic Policy.15 marks
  14. Q14Does a top-down approach in the implementation of Uniform Civil Code augur well for the Indian version of Secularism? Critically Examine15 marks
  15. Q15"Parliament is for constructive policy making and not for political manoeuvres". Comment. Also, suggest reforms needed to make Parliament more productive, efficient and responsive.15 marks
  16. Q16Discuss the importance of women's representation in political decision making towards gender equality. Can reservation for women in Indian Parliament bring about behavioral change on women issues? Capture the divergent views15 marks
  17. Q17The agenda for next generation of digital governance is moving away from present departmental approach to a more personalized and proactive form of governance." Analyse the above statement in the light of adoption of data driven robust digital governance ecosystem.15 marks
  18. Q18Self Help Groups (SHGs) has emerged as an innovative programme in dealing with the feminization of poverty in India. To what extent, SHGs have been successful in achieving its objectives?15 marks
  19. Q19Comment on the role played by the diaspora in India's development process. Also, discuss the challenges in terms of engaging the Indian diaspora and suggest ways to translate these partnerships into benefits.15 marks
  20. Q20Despite India having immense soft power potential, it alone will not be sufficient to achieve India's foreign policy objectives. Examine15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 154 words written

Why is the current Lok Sabha not having the post of 'Leader of Opposition' in spite of great importance of this post in the functioning of legislature?

Opening · a definition

The post of 'Leader of Opposition' (LoP) is given to the leader of the largest opposition party in the house. Since 2014 & 2019, India hasn't seen a LoP due to

Body · points

  • Reason for not having LoP :

(i) against Mavalankar Rule = LoP to be given to largest party having atleast 10% of seats. No party fulfils the criteria.

(ii) No constitutional binding = defn. of LoP is statutory, recognition by chair of the house.

(iii) enforceability of 10% rule = upheld by the courts.

Importance of LoP :-

  1. Checks & balances on executive excesses
  2. leads opposition unity against misgovernance of majority coalition
  3. Part of important selection committee panels like CBI, CVC, etc.
  4. UK = Shadow cabinet & LoP in UK = Shadow PM = forming alternative government.

→ LoP is a post that ensures a breakstop against executive dominance, ensuring accountability & Rule of law under A 13

Close · no separate close

None written.