AIR 18 · CSE 2022 · GS2 · 52 pages

Siddharth Shukla: GS2 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1An independent umbrella body that brings the various central investigative agencies under one roof holds the key to shoring up their credibility. Discuss.10 marks
  2. Q2Discuss the significance of the Doctrines of Pith and Substance and Colourable Legislation with respect to Centre-state relations in India.10 marks
  3. Q3Do you agree with the view that there should be simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies in India? Discuss with suitable arguments.10 marks
  4. Q4Discuss the need for codification of parliamentary privileges in India, in light of the uncertainty and ambiguity around them.10 marks
  5. Q5While the Civil Services Board can be a step forward in making the Indian bureaucracy more effective, it has its own issues which need to be addressed. Analyse.10 marks
  6. Q6Highlight the potential of India Digital Ecosystem Architecture (IndEA) 2.0 in transforming the ecosystem of service delivery in India.10 marks
  7. Q7What is Civil Registration System? Highlight its importance and discuss the measures taken by the government to bring about improvements in it.10 marks
  8. Q8The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, provides an effective mechanism for empowerment of the intended beneficiaries in the society. Critically discuss.10 marks
  9. Q9Discuss the reforms that must be undertaken to strengthen the World Trade Organisation in order to address the vulnerabilities in the present global trading system.10 marks
  10. Q10State the significance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Also, discuss the need for a legally binding Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement.10 marks
  11. Q11Critically assess the role played by the National Human Rights Commission as a watchdog of human rights violations in India.15 marks
  12. Q12Discuss how the integration of information and communications technology (ICT) in the dispute resolution processes will help in overcoming the challenges associated with the functioning of courts and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) forums.15 marks
  13. Q13Despite various provisions concerning disqualification of legislators under The Representation of The People Act, 1951, the issue of criminalization of politics is still unresolved to a large extent in India. Discuss.15 marks
  14. Q14It is time for reforms, which recognise that urban local bodies (ULBs) need permanent, buoyant revenue sources to match the growing demands of an increasing urban population. Discuss.15 marks
  15. Q15The role of the civil society organisations (CSOs) in India is changing in contemporary times and has become increasingly more complex. Discuss.15 marks
  16. Q16Though the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) aims to address the inequity in development in India, there are a number of issues which plague the scheme. Discuss.15 marks
  17. Q17Highlighting the factors responsible for the growth of EdTech sector in India in recent times, discuss its benefits. Also, state the concerns associated with it.15 marks
  18. Q18Bring out the role of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers in delivering health services in rural India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken to overcome the challenges faced by them.15 marks
  19. Q19Discuss the various concerns that have arisen for India after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Also, suggest the measures that India should take in the given context.15 marks
  20. Q20Bangladesh is not only a key part of India's "Neighbourhood First policy" but also crucial for the "Act East policy". In this context, discuss the steps taken by the two countries to strengthen their relationship.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 149 words written

An independent umbrella body that brings the various central investigative agencies under one roof holds the key to shoring up their credibility. Discuss.

Opening

Recently the previous Chief Justice of India NV Ramanna underscored need for an umbrella organisation for central investigative agencies like NIA, CBI, ED and SFIO (serious fraud investigation agency).

Body · points

Diagram
* Credibility issue in investigation agencies * lack of autonomy → dependence on Department of Personnel and Training of CBI * Opposition by state governments * declining public trust

Advantages of an umbrella body

  1. Pooling of Resources - For eg. NIA lacks vehicles and infrastructure which could be provided by CBI.

  2. Enhanced Coordination - multiple agencies won't investigate same case.

  3. Increased autonomy by financially empowering umbrella body and

giving it legal status. 4. Improved coordination with state government 5 Declining functional overlap.

Arguments against umbrella body

  1. Sectoral expertise of investigating agency may decline. E.g Enforcement Directorate specialised in money-laundering case. 2 Overburdened body 3 May be considered anti-federal.
  2. Subversion of umbrella body may lead to loss of independence of other bodies.

Close · a way forward

5 No constitutional or legal basis of such a body.

An umbrella body must be preceded by centre-state consultation and requisite parliamentary deliberation.