AIR 212 · CSE 2025 · GS2 · 62 pages

Yashvardhan Singh: GS2 answer copy

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

The questions

  1. Q1What is constitutional morality? How far does the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) align with the vision of constitutional morality as encompassed in the Indian Constitution?10 marks
  2. Q2Article 143 of the Constitution confers advisory jurisdiction upon the Supreme Court through a presidential reference mechanism. Examine the significance and scope of the Supreme Court's advisory jurisdiction under this provision.10 marks
  3. Q3Since Independence, the composition of the Indian Parliament has undergone a significant change with the changing socio-economic profile of the Members of Parliament(MPs). Analyse the impact of this shift on the overall quality of representative democracy in India.10 marks
  4. Q4In a rights-based democracy, institutions like the NHRC must evolve beyond symbolic presence to real-time impact. In this context, discuss the structural and functional issues within India's human rights framework.10 marks
  5. Q5Delimitation upholds the idea of 'one citizen, one vote', but its implications go against the principles of federalism. Comment.10 marks
  6. Q6"To make skilling meaningful, programs like PM Internship Scheme (PMIS) must ensure not just participation but employability-linked outcomes." Comment.10 marks
  7. Q7"Women-centric welfare schemes need to move beyond welfare to empowerment." Examine in the context of key women-centric welfare schemes.10 marks
  8. Q8"The increasing regulatory oversight on civil society organisations risks shrinking democratic space." Examine.10 marks
  9. Q9India's engagement with Africa is no longer limited to development cooperation but is increasingly shaped by strategic and economic considerations. Discuss.10 marks
  10. Q10The Indian diaspora in the Gulf region plays a pivotal role in shaping India's economic relations and people-centric diplomacy with West Asia. Discuss.10 marks
  11. Q11Despite increased political representation, Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) in Panchayati Raj Institutions continue to face barriers to effective participation and leadership. In this context, discuss the challenges EWRs face and suggest reforms needed to enable gender-inclusive grassroots governance.15 marks
  12. Q12The semi-presidential system in France presents a distinct model of power-sharing between the President and Prime Minister. Compare this model with India's parliamentary system, with emphasis on the constitutional safeguards each offers to ensure executive stability.15 marks
  13. Q13The principle of checks and balances in the Indian Constitution is often challenged by the judiciary's expanding role in legislative and executive domains. Highlighting the reasons, assess its impact on the functional separation between various organs.15 marks
  14. Q14The credibility of the electoral process rests on the autonomy and neutrality of the Election Commission. Do you think the Election Commission of India is facing credibility issues in sustaining public trust in electoral democracy?15 marks
  15. Q15Cooperative societies are integral to India's socio-economic development. Examine the governance and autonomy challenges faced by Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCSs) and discuss how the recent Multi State Cooperative Societies (Amendment Act, 2023) seeks to address these issues.15 marks
  16. Q16"Weak institutional independence of Information Commissions has diluted the effectiveness of the Right to Information (RTI) regime." Discuss in the light of autonomy and independence of the Information Commissions.15 marks
  17. Q17"Civil services in India were envisioned as instruments of neutrality and efficiency, yet they are increasingly perceived as rigid and politicised." Examine the issues responsible for this perception and suggest corrective measures.15 marks
  18. Q18Despite consistent economic growth and social sector spending, India continues to perform poorly in global human development rankings. Examine the structural issues that inhibit equitable and inclusive human development.15 marks
  19. Q19"The expansion of BRICS offers opportunities for India to strengthen its voice in global economic governance." Discuss how India can leverage the BRICS Plus to advance the interests of the Global South.15 marks
  20. Q20"Act East Policy is as much about regional balancing as it is about economic diplomacy." Analyse this statement in the context of India's engagement with ASEAN amidst shifting power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 198 words written

What is constitutional morality? How far does the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) align with the vision of constitutional morality as encompassed in the Indian Constitution?

Opening · a definition

Constitutional morality refers to policy formulation, administrative decision of public actions alligned with constitutional goals of provisions in real sense.

Supreme court in many cases of judgements has reiterated over constitutional morality.

Uniform civil code

Body · points and prose

→ Article 44 (DPSP) → refers to same personal laws for all citizens → Irrespective of religion, race, caste. or sex (non-discriminatory) → Uttarakhand & Goa have already implemented

UCC aligned with vision of constitutional morality

(1) upholds Article 14, 15 & 21 → non discriminatory personal laws over all religions & sex

→ Right to dignity of life for women u/a 21

(2) Implementation of Article 45 → Article 45 explicitly talks about UCC

(3) Fundamental duty to empower women under article 51 A. Eg: Protection from domestic violence in live-in relation

(4) State's responsibility to protect citizens. Eg: Prohibiting social evils like polygamy.

(5) Constitutional right to pre-birth or unmarried offspring It legitimises offspring from unmarried couple & provide equal inheritance rights.

However, UCC must strike a balance between:

  • religious freedom
  • Individual autonomy
  • constitutional morality.

Close · a way forward

UCC is a necessary step in realisation of constitutional morality however community participation & special concerns of minorities must be considered.