A topper · GS2 · 52 pages

Utkarsh Mishra: GS2 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1To what extent, in your opinion, have the ideals of the Preamble been realised in the country's 75-year constitutional journey?10 marks
  2. Q2The evolution of property rights in India reflects an intricate relationship that exists between individual rights and public welfare. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant constitutional provisions and case laws.10 marks
  3. Q3Under what conditions can the 'National' Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What are the consequences when such a proclamation remains in force? When was it last imposed in the country?10 marks
  4. Q4'Lack of a binding framework for pre-legislative consultations in India limits citizen engagement in the lawmaking.' Propose measures to strengthen the role of public consultation in the legislative process.10 marks
  5. Q5'The recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission have enabled the States to improve their fiscal conditions.' Comment.10 marks
  6. Q6In what ways do industry and business associations contribute to socio-economic development in the country? Explain with suitable examples.10 marks
  7. Q7"India's poverty lies in the eyes of the beholder." In light of this statement, examine the need for a credible and periodically updated poverty estimation framework in the country.10 marks
  8. Q8The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 falls short of achieving its intended objectives. Comment.10 marks
  9. Q9'Starved of funds, shackled by geopolitics, WHO is facing a crisis of capacity and credibility.' Discuss the statement in the light of USA's withdrawal and its accusation of the health body of being 'biased towards China and mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic'.10 marks
  10. Q10The world continues to operate in a 'my terrorist' versus 'your terrorist' paradigm. Explain. What strategies would you suggest to develop a unified, comprehensive, and rules-based global approach to tackle the menace of terrorism?10 marks
  11. Q11Briefly explain the procedure laid down in the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951 for the registration of political parties with the Election Commission of India (ECI). What are Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)? What concerns are associated with them? Does the ECI have powers to de-register a political party?15 marks
  12. Q12Assess the role of NITI Aayog over the past decade in promoting cooperative and competitive federalism.15 marks
  13. Q13'The post of Deputy Speaker goes beyond ceremonial significance and is indispensable to Indian parliamentary democracy.' Discuss with relevant constitutional provisions and conventions. Also, examine the implications of the prolonged vacancy of the Deputy Speaker's post.15 marks
  14. Q14Is the growing demand for stricter regulation of online content justified, or does it pose a threat to the right to freedom of speech and expression? Examine in light of recent judicial pronouncements.15 marks
  15. Q15Critically examine the 'in-house procedure' adopted by the Apex Court to inquire into allegations of misconduct against judges of constitutional courts in India.15 marks
  16. Q16Recent controversies over alleged malpractices in the electoral rolls have renewed demands for the mandatory linkage of Aadhaar with Voter ID. What is your opinion? Give reasons in support of your answer.15 marks
  17. Q17Lateral entry into civil services is seen as a reformative step, yet it continues to attract criticism and controversy. Discuss.15 marks
  18. Q18While rankings aim to benchmark the performance of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), concerns remain about whether current ranking frameworks reflect the broader goals of education. Suggest measures to make the ranking system more objective, inclusive, and aligned with educational and societal outcomes.15 marks
  19. Q19Examine the factors behind the growing salience of the Arctic region in international politics. Discuss, in this context, strategies for India to recalibrate its Arctic engagement.15 marks
  20. Q20Bangladesh is a key pillar of India's Neighborhood First policy, but recent developments on both sides threaten to disrupt the 'Sonali Adhyay' in bilateral relations. Analyze.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 212 words written

To what extent, in your opinion, have the ideals of the Preamble been realised in the country's 75-year constitutional journey?

Opening · a definition

As per K.M Munshi preamble is the political horoscope of this country. It consists of nature of Indian state and its goals.

The ideals have been realised in following manner

Body · points

  • A) Democracy → 73rd & 74th CAA, 106th CAA → 33% women reservation
  • B) Secularism → Maintenance law under CRPC (Shah Bano (Daniel Latifi case)), Sabrimala temple entry. Doctrine of essential practices | Triple Talaq Act, Hindu Succession Act.
  • C) Socialist → Right to Property removed, RTE, NFSA Acts, Ayushman Bharat.
  • D) Sovereign → Net 0 by 2070, UNGA resolution, 'strategic autonomy'

E) Equality → Civil Rights Act → SC/ST Atrocity Act → PVTG Development Mission F) Justice → Polluter Pay → PIL activism → RTI Act

However, much needs to be achieved as follows →

  1. Threats to democracy : Electoral Bonds case, cash & liquor distribution during election, criminalisation (46% of MPs) of politics.

  2. Dangers to secularism : UCC implementation, cow related lynching, hate speech.

  3. Socialist : slum proliferation, high OOPE (40%) in health, poor quality education (only 27% in ASER able to read text of IInd standard).

Close · a framework

Similarly, despite securing achievements, it is a long way to go. Both F.R & DPSP guide states to fulfill vision of preamble in a welfare state.