AIR 27 · CSE 2025 · GS2 · 55 pages

Vikas: GS2 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1Resource collection and redistribution remains a keystone in federal structure. How enactment of 101st Constitutional Amendment Act strengthens federalism?10 marks
  2. Q2A Governor has no executive function to be performed independently under the Indian Constitution. Comment.10 marks
  3. Q3Civil services should focus more on the outcomes rather than on strict adherence to internal procedures. Critically examine.10 marks
  4. Q4How can e-governance initiatives be leveraged to strengthen Panchayati Raj institutions and enhance citizen participation in local governance in India?10 marks
  5. Q5Self help groups (SHGs) create collective efforts towards financial inclusion and robust social capital. Elaborate.10 marks
  6. Q6Lack of formal associations creates vulnerability to workers in new age companies. Analyze.10 marks
  7. Q7Skill development is a crucial factor in reaping the demographic dividend. How does the National Education Policy, 2020 complement the efforts under the National Skill Development Mission?10 marks
  8. Q8High healthcare expenses drag millions into situational poverty. In this light, discuss how the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) has become a safety net.10 marks
  9. Q9Taliban's policy on opium has led to a drastic drop in poppy cultivation. Analyze its impact on organized crime in India.10 marks
  10. Q10Geopolitical tensions unchecked often, turn into humanitarian crises. Discuss the role of ‘World Food Programme’ in containing poverty and hunger near battlegrounds.10 marks
  11. Q11Exigency of liberty of the individual should always follow the interests of the State. Discuss the statement with reference to Indian Constitutional provisions.15 marks
  12. Q12Do you agree that the directive principles function as 'Conscience of Constitution' apart from the fundamental rights? Substantiate.15 marks
  13. Q13Judicial legislation violates the doctrine of separation of power and creates a third chamber for legislation. Discuss.15 marks
  14. Q14Legislative immunity should be limited to actions that have a functional relationship to the discharge of the duty of a legislator. Examine.15 marks
  15. Q15'The Indian Constitution is structurally rooted in colonial legacy while philosophically resonates with modernity.' Comment.15 marks
  16. Q16Assess the impact of Article 244 in accommodating diverse cultural systems in India. What are the challenges in extending the provisions to new areas?15 marks
  17. Q17Examine the effectiveness of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act in creating equitable opportunities for differently abled persons.15 marks
  18. Q18Does the global hunger index reflect the ground reality in India? Discuss the significance of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana.15 marks
  19. Q19South Asia is one of the least integrated regions in the world in terms of trade. What are the challenges in building a robust regional economy? Suggest measures to overcome the challenges.15 marks
  20. Q20Growing isolation of Russia creates great stress on India-Russia relations and affects the balance of power in Eurasia. Examine.15 marks
  21. Q

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 170 words written

Resource collection and redistribution remains a keystone in federal structure. How enactment of 101st Constitutional Amendment Act strengthens federalism?

Opening · a constitutional or legal provision

As per Bommai case, federalism is a part of "Basic structure" of the constitution

Resource allocation as a keystone of federal structures

Body · points

  1. Fiscal federalism giving taxation powers to multiple levels of the government
  2. Distribution of tax subjects & non tax revenues like currency, banking etc
  3. Allotment of subjects under 7th schedule as per resource allocation

101st Amendment → led to the introduction GST. Its impact → (1) Cooperative federalism under GST Council constituted under Article 279A. (2) Reduced double taxation (3) Enabled state & central government to frame laws on GST imposed by centre & state

Limitations (1) low GST tax revenues to the states (2) Difficult for states to cooperate at GST Council (3) Use of cesses & surcharges has increased by 130% in last 5 years (4) Third tier government → PRIs & ULBs have suffered further

Way Ahead (1) Fiscal council → N.K. Singh (2) Say to states in Finance commission

Close · a way forward

Smooth working of federal model is crucial for realising vision of "Team India"