General Studies II

[Solved] The post of Speaker is crucial in our parliamentary democracy. In this context, contrast the Speaker’s institutions in India with Britain. Do you think the Indian Speaker’s Office should be modeled like the British counterpart? (15 mark) (250 words)

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In our Parliamentary democracy, the Speaker’s office plays a critical role. The Speaker is the guardian of Parliamentary democracy’s traditions. Within the House, she is the final interpreter of the Constitution. In the Warrant of Precedence, she stands next only to the President, the Vice-President, and the Prime Minister. The office’s expenses are charged to … Read more

[Solved] “The frequent use of the ordinance route for important legislation undermines parliamentary democracy.” Comment. (10mark) (150 words)

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The ordinance is an emergency provision, through which the executive can make laws when the parliament is not in session. Indian constitution under the articles 123 and 213 makes provision for an ordinance making power of union and the states respectively.  Ordinance-making power is an exceptional provision with the executive to respond to unforeseen circumstances. … Read more

[Solved] How does the Government of India Act, 1935 differ from the Government of India Act of 1919? Discuss the impact of the 1935 act on the present Indian Constitution.

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After World War I, the Government of India Act of 1919, also known as the Montague Chelmsford Reforms, was passed to appease nationalists. Similarly, the 1935 Act was enacted following three Round Table Conferences, by which time the national movement had reached a peak.  As a result, the Government of India Act 1935 was a … Read more

[Solved] “The Preamble embodies the basic philosophy and fundamental values on which the Constitution is based.” Discuss. Also, explain whether the Preamble is a part of the Constitution or not. (10mark) (150 words)

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The preamble to the Indian Constitution is based on the “Objective Resolution” that was adopted by the constituent assembly. The preamble contains the summary or essence of the Constitution. The term preamble refers to the introduction or preface to the Constitution.  Significance of Preamble The preamble contains the grand and noble vision of the Constitutional … Read more

Q.) During the pandemic, our attention and resources are diverted away from noncommunicable diseases (NCD). In this context, discuss the main reasons behind growing NCDs in India and analyse how India can handle this challenge. (15 mark) (250 words)

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Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular illnesses, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancer cause about 70% of global fatalities. Cardiovascular illnesses cause one in every four fatalities, especially among the young. India is the world’s diabetes capital, with over 10% of persons over 40 having diabetes. What interruptions has the pandemic caused? Disruption of primary … Read more

Q.) Explain how the new education policy tries to address the issues facing India’s higher education system. (10mark) (150 words)

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The number of universities and colleges in India has increased, but the country’s performance on several higher education indexes has not. Issues confronting India’s higher education system: Lack of industry-academic collaboration and outdated curriculum that emphasises theory over practice. Access is constrained in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas due to uneven geographical distribution of Higher Education Institutions … Read more

Q.10) Poverty is still the biggest challenge for good governance in India still today. Evaluate how far successive governments have progressed in dealing with this humongous problem. Suggest measures for improvement. (15 mark) (250 words)

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The Indian economy is booming. Despite this, poverty in India is very high. According to 2011 government data, 65 million Indians live in places lacking basic amenities, putting them at danger of diseases and hunger, both of which can be fatal. Progress of successive governments in Poverty alleviation: Poverty reduction: Between 2006 and 2016, India … Read more

Q.) “India has committed to eliminating malnutrition by 2022. However, due to a variety of factors, this plan appears to be unrealistic.” Comment. (10mark) (150 words)

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India has pledged to make the country malnutrition free by 2022. The National Nutrition Mission, National Nutrition Strategy, Mid-Day Meal Scheme, ICDS, PDS, NFSA, RKVY, Aspirational District Programme, Eat Right Movement, etc., have all been launched to achieve this goal. While these programmes have improved nutritional status, several national and international studies show that India … Read more