AIR 99 · CSE 2024 · GS2 · 24 pages

Tejasvi Deshpande: GS2 answer copy

8 answers by Tejasvi Deshpande, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1The Indian philosophy of secularism is 'Sarva Dharma Sambhava' that is the destination of paths followed by all religions is same. Q2. Federalism refers to the relationship between Union govt. and state govt. in a nation. The Indian constitution mentions India, that is 'Bharat' a 'Union of States'.
  2. Q3The 106th Amendment Act 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' provides representation for women in Lok Sabha and State Legislative assemblies. Q4. The current govt. interim budget provided 'GYAN' priorities, where N represents Naari or Women. In this context, women's empowerment through govt. schemes with special focus on Self Help Groups is the govt's priority.
  3. Q5Recently, the Maldivian President attended India's Prime Minister's swearing-in ceremony, hinting a revival in ties.
  4. Q6Parliamentary Standing Committees are deliberative bodies where legislations are discussed in depth and scrutinised for better governance outcomes.
  5. Q7The recent elections for mayoral post in Chandigarh have brought to light the ineffectiveness and democratic dishonesty at play in local body elections.
  6. Q8India is the fifth largest economy in the world and yet, remains on the lower rungs of Human Development report (134). This paradox is a result of gaps existing in India's growth story.
  7. Q9During the G20 New Delhi leaders Declaration, India signed the India - Middle East - Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) with its Middle Eastern and European counterparts.
  8. Q10India is a bridge between the Global North and Global South (as divided by Brandt line) and is the 'voice of Global South'?

The answers

Question 1 · 333 words written

The Indian philosophy of secularism is 'Sarva Dharma Sambhava' that is the destination of paths followed by all religions is same. Q2. Federalism refers to the relationship between Union govt. and state govt. in a nation. The Indian constitution mentions India, that is 'Bharat' a 'Union of States'.

Opening · a definition

Secularism, in the Indian context, means equal respect to all religions. It implies that state will promote all religions equally.

Body · points

Secular values reflected by Constitution

(1) 'Secular' term added to Preamble by 42nd Amendment Act. → It before this secularism was implicit in the constitution (2) A14 'Right to Equality' ensures all persons are treated equally. (3) A15 prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion (4) A25 - A28 provide freedom of religion (profess, practice and propagate) in the society. (5) A 44 states that State shall implement a Uniform Civil Code.

Despite constitutional provisions regarding secularism, it faces challenges like:

(1) rising communalism and targeting of minorities Eg. North East Delhi riots (2020) (2) conflict between personal laws and A14, A15 Eg Triple Talaq (3) majoritarianism threatens minorities full expression → linguistic minorities i.e. not speaking Hindi

Thus, in order to protect the 'positive secularism' provisions and implement it, citizen awareness and tolerance for diversity is essential in Indian society.

India : essential federal features

(1) Independent judiciary i.e. courts are free from legislative and executive interference → SR Bommai case (2) 7th Schedule of Constitution : provides separate 'state list' for states → subjects like land, police completely under states in normal circumstances. (3) Under A 368 certain amendments need special majority and ratification from half state govts → GST law, 7th schedule (Constitutional rigidity) (4) Written constitution safeguards powers of the state (5) Constitutional supremacy as reiterated by courts in Kesavananda Bharati case protects basic structure (federalism is its part)

Yet, experts call Indian constitution quasi-federal or unitary.

(1) Emergency provisions (Part XVIII): Centre can take full control of states under President Rule (A356) (2) Constitutional flexibility - boundaries, name of states under Article 3 can be changed by law i.e. simple majority (3) Under A254 (Doctrine of Repugnancy) any conflict between state and central law, latter prevails

Close · a summary

Thus, the Indian constitution is an 'indestructible union of destructible states' and the balance of power is tilted in favor of Union.