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GS 2 Mains 2020
How to score 140+ Marks in Mains 2020
By CA Rahul Kamar
2019 ANALYSIS, STRATEGY, SOURCES AND ANSWER WRITING
About GS II
Indian Constitution and Polity (90-115 Marks)
Governance and Social Issues (80-110 Marks)
International Relations (40-60 Marks)
Indian Constitution and Polity- 115 Marks (4 – 10 markers and 5- 15 markers)
Governance and Social Issues- 85 Marks (4- 10 Markers and 3 -15 Markers)
International Relations- 50 Marks (2- 10 Markers and 2 -15 Markers)
2019 subject wise breakup
Indian Polity & Constitution
Historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions
and basic structure.
Union-state relations, federalism and local bodies
Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.
Separation of powers ,
Dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.
Executive, Legislature and Judiciary
Pressure groups and other informal groups
Representation of People s Act.
All constitutional ,Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies and issues
related to their functioning
Indian Polity- Syllabus Key Areas
2019 Observation
Polity questions from static portion but need dynamic understanding Separation of powers, Supreme Court on Basic structure
debate
RPA 1951(Direct topic)
Amending power under Art.368
Powers of Attorney General
Issues largely in news are covered like Framer’s movements
Comparative constitutional Study (Federal lessons for France)
2019 Observation
Do you think that constitution of India does not accept principle of
strict separation of powers rather it is based on the principle of
‘checks and balance’? Explain.(10)
“The Central Administration Tribunal which was established for
redresal of grievances and complaints by or against central
government employees, nowadays is exercising its powers as an
independent judicial authority.” Explain.(10)
From the resolution of contentious issues regarding distribution of
legislative powers by the courts, ‘Principle of Federal Supremacy’
and ‘Harmonious Construction’ have emerged. Explain.(10)
Indian Polity – Questions 2019
What can France learn from the Indian Constitution’s approach to secularism?(10)
On what grounds a people’s representative can be disqualified under the Representation of People Act, 1951? Also mention the remedies available to such person against his disqualification.(15)
“Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution is a limited power and it cannot be enlarged into absolute power.” In the light of this statement explain whether Parliament under Article 368 of the Constitution can destroy the Basic Structure of the Constitution by expanding its amending power?(15)
Indian Polity- Questions 2019
“The reservation of seats for women in the institutions of local self-government has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian Political Process.” Comment.(15)
“The Attorney-General is the chief legal adviser and lawyer of the Government of India.” Discuss.(15)
Individual Parliamentarian’s role as the national lawmaker is on a decline, which in turn, has adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss.(15)
Indian Polity- Questions 2019
Major constitutional features like Secularism and Federalism
and debates around them ( Also in comparison with other
major democracies)
Major debates in the functioning of parliament, debates, role of
parliamentarians in democracy,
Judgments of supreme Court like Judicial review (2016),
Important Bills like Aadhar Act(2016), 101st AA in 2017
Issues and debates which are consistently in news.
Focus Areas - Low hanging fruits
Laxmi Kant for Static Knowledge
Complementing with new like SC/HC Judgements, Bills, political debates from Newspapers
2nd ARC
PRS Website
Various commissions
Indian Polity- Resources
Important Const Article Numbers
Preamble
Imp Supreme court judgements
Neutral view on controversial issuses
Don’t unnecessarily criticize government
initiatives
Update your notes
Answer writing - Polity
Governance and Social Issues- Key areas
Human Development, Inclusiveness, Poverty, Hunger and Malnutrition
Health, Education, Women.
Government Policies, welfare schemes for vulnerable sections and issues in their implementation
Role of NGO, SHGs
E-governance, ICT and other aspects of governance, Citizens Charter, RTI, Civil services and Issues related to the,
Governance and Social Issues- Key areas
What are the methods used by the Farmers organizations to influence thepolicy- makers in India and how effective are these methods? (10)
Despite Consistent experience of High growth, India still goes with thelowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that makebalanced and inclusive development elusive.(10)
There is a growing divergence in the relationship between poverty andhunger in India. The shrinking of social expenditure by the governmentis forcing the poor to spend more on Non- Food essential items squeezingtheir food – budget.- Elucidate.(10)
Governance and Social- Questions 2019
Implementation of information and Communication Technology (ICT)
based Projects / Programmes usually suffers in terms of certain vital
factors. Identify these factors, and suggest measures for their effective
implementation.(10)
‘In the context of neo-liberal paradigm of development planning, multi-
level planning is expected to make operations cost effective and remove
many implementation blockages.’-Discuss.(15)
Governance and Social- Questions 2019
The need for cooperation among various service sector has been aninherent component of development discourse. Partnership bridgesbring the gap among the sectors. It also sets in motion a culture of‘Collaboration’ and ‘team spirit’. In the light of statements aboveexamine India’s Development process (15)
Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerablesections is not so effective due to absence of their awareness andactive involvement at all stages of policy process – Discuss.(15)
Governance and Social - Questions 2019
Governance issues from recent debates-
Issues like Implementation of ICT,
Multi level Planning.
1 Question from Women (Reservation in LSG was in news),
Human Development, etc.
Issues related to health, education not covered rather broader issues like performance of welfare schemes
2019 Observation
Not particular book → Practical mindset
Schemes implementation → Critically analysis
Linked to GS 1 Society
Yojna & Kurukshetra
Economic Survey & Budget
EVERGREEN ISSUES –
SHG, NGO, RTI,
E-governnce,
Police reforms
Civil services role
Resources & Focus areas
Facts
Case studies
Practical examples
Answer writing & Resources
International Relations
India’s foreign relation and with major regions like West Asia, Central Asia, etc.
All International Organizations and Bodies
India’s increasing role in world affairs,
India’s maritime sphere,
Indian diaspora
International Relations- Key areas
‘The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship, one involving global and strategic partnership that will have a great significance for Asia and the world as a whole.’ Comment (10)
‘Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in the light of US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’.(10)
IR- Questions 2019
‘ “The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised Nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order” Elaborate(15)
“What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s National self- esteem and ambitions” Explain with suitable examples.(15)
IR- Questions 2019
US quitting UNESCO was a major international event,
India-US Relations,
India-Japan (Repeated),
Role in India in World Affairs.
2019 Observation
Not much role of static books
Fundamentals be clear – 12th NCERT – Democracy of India – issues &
Challenges
Cover international organization’s in News
Mostly internet IDSA
Newspaper editorial
IR- Resources
Important visits
Organizations in news
Summits
Make short notes on important countries and regions
MEA Website
IR- Resources
Cover heated debates throughout the year
Eg. Questions on Simultaneous election asked in 2017,
NJAC Issue in 2017,
Right to Privacy in 2017, etc.
Don’t think that high profile topics can’t be asked.
Bodies- at least one question every year-
NCSC(due to reservation issue),
ECI, and
CAG in 2018,
ECI and
NCW in 2017,
Must Cover topics – I.R.
Do not Ignore International organizations-
UNESCO in 2019
WTO in 2018
ECOSOC in 2017,
Must Cover topics
Diplomatic aspects & Historical Aspects
Security
Energy
Ocean
S&T
Economy
Covid Management
Answer writing – I.R.
MASTERING GS 2
Short synopsis on all long term heated debates.
Jot down ARGUMENTS and FACTS
What is required?
Have read Laxmi Kant many times
IR about country to country relations
Ignoring the broader debates and challenges in governance
Pitfalls and Traps
Interlinking of Laxmikant chapters with major political debates
(Only static Knowledge won’t work)
Keenly watching major loopholes in governance and
implementation of government schemes
Interlinking topics with ARC Report and covering it (Topics like
federalism related issues)
Linking of International news to dynamic changes in world affairs
Most ignored Areas
Value Addition Topics like Inclusive Development, federalism, Health, education,
etc. can be covered from NITI AAYOG 3 YEAR AGENDA- Jot
down imp points and take an edge
Analysis of bills, issues related to democracy can be covered well
from PRS Legislative research website
Governance issues like Federalism, Citizen’s Charter, and others
should be covered from II ARC REPORT.