Author: Explains

GS I (Secularism) (Duplex)

A uniform civil code means that all citizens of India are to follow the same set of rules and laws irrespective of religion.Do you feel that it can strengthen secularism in the country ? What are the challenges involved in the implementation of Uniform Civil Code ?

Demand-

Strenghthning the secularism by uniform civil is possible or not. Problems in way and its solution shall be provided

 

Approach-

• – Problems related to the uniform civil code acceptance and implementation(3 marks)
• – Take stand In favor or against the secularism. Support that stand throughout by giving several examples (4 marks)
• -Provide challenges ahead and solution to it. (3 marks)

GS II (Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries) (Analytical) (Simplex)

German identity was constituted by being ethnically German. Their constitution gave expression to this identity. The Indian Constitution, on the other hand, does not make ethnic identity a criterion for citizenship. Examine.

Demand-

Different nations embody different conceptions of what the relationship between the different regions of a nation and the central government should be. This relationship constitutes the national identity of a country. Describe how India has got its identity.

 

 Apporach-

• – Explain the need of Indian constitution and various reasons of not making ethnic identity as criterion for citizenship. (5 marks)
  
• – Take the reference of constituent assembly thinkers which kept this provision out of context of our constitution. Discuss the Germany’s stand with reference to our constitution. (3 marks)
  
• – Explain with Pros and cons with respect to Indian society and other society’s in world (2 marks)

GS III (Agricultural produce and issues and related constraints) (Hattrick)

The incidence of farmers taking their own lives in higher in regions where cooperatives banks are weakest. Discuss.

Demand-

The rural outreach of the banks and cooperative credit system has to be discussed.

Approach-

• – Discuss on suicide of farmers crisis a nd distressed areas (3 marks)
• – Explain the relation between cooperative bank reach with farmers suicide rates. Impact of cooperative bank reach shall be emphasized. (4 marks) 
• –  Conclude on the ways to reduce the suicide with the improvements in existing system. (3 marks)

GS IV (Analytical) (Simplex)

You are Superintendent of Police One woman comes to you saying that she was raped by local gundas. She went to nearest police station. But police has refused to lodge the complaint saying that the area where she raped do not fall under their territory. She goes relevant police station but still her complaint is not listened. What you would do?

Demand:

Logical action is required.

Approach:

• ·         Woman needs to be calm down and assured for the appropriate action
• ·         Contact the heads of both police stations and ask reason for not lodging
• ·         Get the women’s FIR lodges and initiate the investigation with personal monitoring
• ·         Take the actions against the police officers and rapist if found guilty

GS I (Important Geophysical phenomena) (Hattrick)

In terms of natural disasters, the maximum losses happen because of floods. Maximum deaths in the country are because of floods. Many people go missing and get washed away in flood waters. What are the reasons for increasing these geophysical phenomena ? Do you feel that this can be avoided ?

Demand-

Losses due to flood and reasons for increasing the incidents shall be discussed. Provide the solution to minimise the losses

Approach-

– Losses in the various areas including deaths shall be discussed briefly (3 marks)

– Various reasons of floods shall be explained (4 marks)

– Suitable measures shall be suggested to reduce/avoid human damage (3 marks)

GS II (Governance) (Hattrick)

One of the landmark legislations of the country which transformed the nature of governance in the country is Right to Information Act passed in 2005. Judiciary is not an exception under RTI whose details like appointments, transfers or complaints against judges are not covered under any exemptions in RTI. Do you feel disclosure of information on appointments, transfers etc. would interfere in judicial independence?

Demand-

Pros and cons shall be discussed of both possible situation shall be discussed here. Balanced conclusion required at the end

 Approach-

-Explain that Judiciary is awkwardly positioned in terms of defending its judges as compared to executive and legislature. It cannot defend itself unlike other institutions.  (3 marks)

– Brief points like there is a need to determine the scope of disclosure of information i.e. how much information should be disclosed, at what stage they should be disclosed etc. (3 marks)

– There is no scope of RTI being misused as it is only for seeking information that already exists. Its making system more accountable, secrecy in appointments will be exposed if judiciary comes under RTI, it will also increase awareness etc and with balanced conclusion point (4 marks)

GS III (Security challenges and their management in border areas) (Duplex)

For many decades now, there has hardly been any defence procurement in India that has not faced controversy. The defence contractors including foreign companies have come under suspicion or allegations of shady dealings leading to their blacklisting affecting the defence preparedness of Indian military. Discuss.

Demand-

Recent Defence blacklisting policy shall be discussed here. The ways to curb this issues should be suggested. Avoid direct criticism

Approach-

– Brief on past deals which were rearly constraversial ( 3 marks)

– Explain the current scams and threats to Indian military and Country ( 4 marks)

– Suggest the ways along with challenges in future (3 marks)

GS IV (Ethics & moral values) (Hattrick)

There is demand of the reservations to various castes & communities in India.. Countrywide agitation has been seen recently. Is it moral and socially ethical to ask or give a reservation based on the caste system?

Demand-

Sensitive topic, Pros and cons are required. It needs very constructive criticism with well balance positive conclusion.

Approach-

 – Explain the advantages of reservation justifying its ethical & moral need in the society like India

–  Brief on the misuse of this provision of reservation without criticizing any specific community/caste. 

–  Take your stand in the answer and provide suitable backing to your stand

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• All questions on this series are available for revision at – Target Mains
• The DNA (Demand and Approach) Framework for each question is updated at the end of day

GS I (Simplex)

Do Vedas offer us direct evidence of social or political system in Vedic era, whether ordinary or elite? Critically examine.

Demand: Question’s demand is based on whether Vedas reveal about political/ social system during that period. You have to give the pros and cons to the answer.

 

Approach:

• –       Give references as to from where Vedas can provide evidence of these systems.
• –       You can divide your answer by giving references from Early Vedic Period and Later Vedic Period and evidences coming from each of them.
• –       Give the proper examination of points your are supporting in the same case.

GS II (Duplex)

The post Ottoman History of Turkey is marked by Coups and counter coups. Discuss why, Also highlight why India has never faced any coup till date.

Demand: Turkey has faced many coups and question is asking you to list the reasons for them. It also asks you to analyse why India hasn’t faced any. 

Approach:

• –       Background of coups in Turkey.
• –       Divide reasons between Primary and Secondary and explain each
• –       Give an Indian angle as to why India was immune to such coups.

GS III  ( Duplex)

What are the merits and demerits of direct benefits transfer (DBT) scheme in the Indian context? Enumerate.

Demand: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme to be explained in context of it’s merits and demerits. It has to be explained with relevant examples/ case studies.

 

Approach:

• –       What is DBT?
• –       Merits and Demerits of the scheme (with suitable examples wherever required)
• –       Case Studies of actual functioning of scheme (from newspapers)

GS IV (Analytical = Simplex)

As a district collector you are overseeing the post-flood relief operations in your district. While going through the progress made you realise that relief operations have been particularly sporadic and ineffectual in a particular village of the district. On further investigations you come to know that the district is mostly inhabited by people considered historically “lower class”.
(1) What immediate steps you shall undertake to sensitize your officers against class biases in relief operations.
(2) What long term plans, in your opinion, shall ensure that such incidents do not recur.

Demand: Question is focussing on your personal values and that too at a time of critical situation. The gravity of the situations does not allow you to think about the class you are protecting but getting any person suffering, out of it.

 

Approach:

• –       Discrimination is morally and socially wrong. Explain in brief.
• –       Divide the actions by officers on the following basis:
• –       Immediate Actions (Prepare a team which can look into the matter and do whatever should be done instantly)
• –       Long Term Actions (Relief operations require you to relocate people or provide people with their necessary habitat in terms of whatever they have lost in the floods)

GS I (Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism-Hattrick)

India has seen a rise in incidents of racism by its citizens against foreign nationals, especially Africans, in recent time. As a country with the maximum number of diaspora communities, India needs to be particularly worried by this development. Critically Discuss.

Demand- 

Increase in racism against the Africans and ways to tackle. Critical implications of these incidents on all factors.

Approach-

• – Explain the current situation in brief (3 marks)
• – Impact of the racism and challenges in future (4 marks)
• – Suggest ways to reduce considering various factors (3 marks)

GS II (Health, Governance) ( Hattrick)

Health care is a very important dimension of Good Governance. Critically Discuss. Do you feel that Government should scrap Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Health Care system ?

Demand-
Quality of health care is lacking in many regions of India and how its impacting the human capital and resources in good governance. Analysis of three health care system is also required.

Approach-

• – Brief on the three tier of health system & there situation in India (2 marks)
• – Aim of good governance in India and link to health care (3 marks)
• – Impact of poor health care three system on governance (4 marks)
• – Way out to deal with it (like setting up of AIIMS, Strengthening three tiers of health care) (3 marks)

GS III (Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism) (Duplex)

India’s role is very important in stopping the wave of terrorism which will be interest of the world. Discuss.

Demand-
The measures taken by India will directly and indirectly will help the world in countering/minimizing terrorism should be discussed in detailed

Approach-

• – Explain the measures taken by India-in past & present (3 marks)
• – Details on how the measures of India have helped the world (4 marks)
• – Future challenges in countering terrorism and India’s role in finding ways out (3 marks)

GS IV (Ethical dilemma)

You have been working with your team since many years. One of your Colleague Mr. A is very brilliant and hard working, he takes all responsibility which comes to him and gets things done efficiently. However, you have heard that Mr. A makes loose comments about girls and women. Mrs X who is working under A, comes to you, she is visibly disturbed. She tells you that Mr. A has been making undue advances towards her and has even asked her to go out for dinner with him. She wants to give a strong written complaint seeking action against Mr. A. what would you do and why ?

• – Calm the lady down first and assure her that you would do all possible
• – Talk to A about the general conditions of women in society, how they are being harrased at workplaces
• – Make him realise that whatver he is doing is not ethical and not acceptable
• – Try to make A understand that if he does not stop doing this he might face serious conswquences
• – He is hardworking and brilliant, so try not to get into argumenet as your team may loose the resource

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• – All questions on this series are available for revision at – Target Mains
• – The DNA (Demand and Approach) Framework for each question is updated at the end of day

GS I (Poverty and developmental issues) (Hattrick)

If India has to take its rightful place in the comity of nations, it must free itself from hunger, illiteracy, disease and destitution. Elucidate 

Demand-

The factors hindering developmental process is asked here

Approach-

• – Discuss the given factors in question one by one (4 marks)
• – Reasons shall be given and its implication on the country (3 marks)
• – Suggest the way out and challenges to tackle ahead (3 marks)

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GS II (Governance) (Static + Analytical) (Duplex)

Universities must be bastions of Free Speech and Expression. Critically examine.

Demand-

– Diverse and conflicting schools of thought should contend in universities, It should embrace free discussion and debate leaving behind narrow mindsets and thoughts.  

Approach-

• – Analyze the statement with current incidents (3 marks)
  
• – Discuss that intolerance, prejudice, hatred etc should not be allowed in institutions (4 marks)
• – Conclude by giving an example of Nalanda University or any other ancient university’s example. (3 marks)
  

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GS III (Agricultural produce and issues and related constraints) (Hattrick)

There is an imbalance in the availability of credit amongst small and big farmers within the agriculture sector. Critically examine

Demand-

– Credit availability per capita in some region is much lower than in other regions so it should be corrected 

Approach-

• –  Explain the reasons for this imbalance. (4 marks)
• –  Impact of such an imbalance. (3 marks)
• –  Suggest the ways out to tackle these imbalances. (3 marks)

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GS IV (Personal Values) (Analytical) (Simplex)

You are travelling in a train full of passengers and some kids. You have found that after such awareness by Hon’ble PM of India regarding Swatchh Bharat Abhiyan, some passengers are littering the floor of the train. As a responsible citizen of India what you would do ?

Demand-

A Balance discussion is required without getting into any fight or argument

Approach-

• – Start talking politely by telling them the importance of cleanliness.
• – Discuss why making litter is an issue for our country and PM’s vision on launching the campaign.
• – Quote some examples from your experience if possible and pass on good message to all the passengers & kids.

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• – All questions on this series are available for revision at – Target Mains
• – The DNA (Demand and Approach) Framework for each question is updated at the end of day

GS I (Role of women and women’s organization) (Static +Dynamic + Analytical-Hattrick)

Women should be permitted to enter the sanctum of sanatorium at par with men. Critically examine the statement. 

Demand-

The ban imposed some trusts prohibiting women contrivances the constitution.

Approach-

• – Discuss the past orthodox practices and current situation. Relate that to recent judicial judgment (4 marks)
• – Discuss in relation Article 14, 15, 25 to make impact in answer (4 marks)
• – Give future challenges and solution (2 marks)

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GS II (Governance) (Static +Dynamic = Duplex)

What does one mean by a political philosophy approach to the constitution?  Critically examine

Demand-

From evolution of Constitution to the present day political philosophy approach of constitution

 

Approach-

• – First, explain in brief the conceptual structure of the constitution (4 marks)
•  -Explain possible meanings of terms used in the constitution such as ‘rights’, ‘citizenship’, ‘minority’ or ‘democracy’ (3 marks)
•  – A philosophical treatment of a value is incomplete if a detailed justification for it is not provided. When the framers of the Constitution chose to guide Indian society and polity by a set of values, there must have been a corresponding set of reasons. (3 marks)

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GS III (Health) (Static + Analytical – Duplex) 

While India is closer to identifying the number of patients who seek private treatment, regulating the sector is a challenge. Discuss

Demand-

After efforts of so many years, still we are unable to curtail number of TB patients. Question is not on line of treatment but on the exact count of patients to target the disease in effective way.

Approach-

• – Explain the past and present method of data collection with difficulties involved in getting the accuracy of data (7 marks)
• – Suggest way out and solution to reduce the number in short (3 marks)

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GS IV  (Ethical Values – Hattrick)

There are a number of moral and ethical issues regarding surrogacy in India. Discuss

GS I  ( Population and Associated Issues – Hattrick)

India was ranked 108 out of 145 countries in 2015’s Gender Gap Index by World Economic Forum. Our neighbours have fared better than us. Discuss and suggest possible ways to reduce this gender gap.

GS Paper II (Governance- Analytical) (Simplex)

“Kashmir unrest should be engaged into a dialogue with all stakeholders within the ambit of Insaniyat, Kashmiriyat and Jumhuriyat.” 

Examine the above statement in the light of Government’s possible actions.

GS Paper III (Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organised crime with terrorism – Static + Dynamic) (Duplex)

Reservation in the private sector would bring down naxalism in the country. Do we need reservation in private sector? Critically examine.

GS IV (Moral & Values – Analytical + Dynamic) (Duplex)

Some people believe that a constitution merely consists of laws. Laws are one thing but values and morality quite another. What do you think? Elaborate your opinion.

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• – All questions on this series are available for revision at – Target Mains
• – The DNA (Demand and Approach) Framework for each question is updated at the end of day

GS Paper 1 (Duplex = Static + Dynamic)

Cyclones in India are quite often nowadays. What are measures taken by state & national government to reduce the casualty? 

Demand:

Static based with current approach

Approach:

• – Discuss old measures & new measures (3 Marks)
• – Recently state govt. took good measure  (5 Marks)
• – Discuss challenges & solutions ahead  (2 Marks)

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GS Paper 2 (Duplex = Analytical +  Dynamic)

A sport in India is seen broadly as a pastime and not something that needs to be encouraged on a professional level. Time and again, there have been several discussions regarding reforms in various bodies related with sports. Discuss.

Demand:

Reforms by Lodha Panel recommendations should be discussed here.

Approach:

• – Briefly explain the problems (3 Marks)
• – Possible solutions needs to be discussed with reference to Lodha Panel  (3 Marks)
• – Challenges ahead in implementation and ways to tackle them  (4 Marks)

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GS Paper 3 (Duplex = Analytical +  Dynamic)

Black Money has become a menace in this country. Discuss the steps taken by government to reduce the black money circulations ? Suggest ways ahead to curb more effectively.

Demand-

Black money, failure/success of scheme and future measures

Approach-

• – Problems with earlier act/ steps to curb Black Money, its implementation & Results  (3 Marks)
• – Recently, people were encouraged to disclose black money and its result should be analysed  (4 Marks)
• – Way ahead to reduce the transactions & black money  (3 Marks)

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GS Paper 4 (Simplex = Analytical)

You are district collector. You came to know that bridge on river has collapsed and two buses with passengers are carried away in river current due to heavy rains on upstream. You are recently appointed there as collector. How would you handle the situation? What would be your plan of action and steps to minimize the further damage 

Demand:

Immediate, medium and long term action is needed with rescue operation.

Approach:

Immediate-

• o   Rescue team has to be contacted with informing seniors.
• o   Take the help of local people as rescue team will take time to arrive
• o   Closure of the traffic in both directions
• o   Contact PWD department to know what are other bridges & locations in danger
• o   Find out number of people in bus and look for survivors

Medium-

• o   Form groups of local & rescue team at various places along the river
• o   Take the help of technology to find the survivors

Long term-

• o   Find out the reason why this happened
• o   Carry the structural audit all bridges
• o   Order investigation and take steps to avoid these

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• – All questions on this series are available for revision at – Target Mains
• – The DNA (Demand and Approach) Framework for each question is updated at the end of day

GS I (Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism & Secularism) (Static + Dynamic = Duplex)

Constitution provides right to practice any religion & free speech. Are religious conversions & hate speeches affecting social harmony? Critically examine 

Demand: Balanced approach is required considering the constitutional freedom without affecting society harmony.

 Approach:

• – Brief on recent conversions for political gain (3 Marks)
• – Brief account of vote bank politics through hate speeches  (4 Marks)
• – Practice of religion without any forcefulness & controlling hate speeches without hurting the sentiments through proper use of law  (3 Marks)
  

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GS Paper II (E-Governance- Hattrick)

India’s e-commerce industry is ripe for consolidation. Critically examine.

Demand:

Reduced  funding flows in India by investors compared to 2016 due to cash burns by start ups. Pros & Cons of consolidation.

Approach:

• – Discuss the reason for consolidation in detailed manner. Also highlight on pros and cons. (7 Marks)
• – Impact of this consolidation on e-commerce industry  (3 Marks)
  

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GS Paper III (Economic Development + Infrastructure – Dynamic) (Simplex)

1^st Unit of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant has become operational. Discuss its significance. Also enlist the challenges faced by upcoming nuclear plants in India with possible solution.

Demand:

After large public protest, it has become operational. List down the challenges with solution learning from Kudankulam.

Approach:

• – Discuss the social & economic significance of power Kudankulam plant to people (5 Marks)
• – Discuss the challenges with probable solution to move ahead for other power plants (5 Marks)
  

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GS Paper IV (Ethical Values – Hattrick)

You are a district collector. One video on social media has gone viral. This video is on beating the people brutally for 30 mins and looks from your district.  On the face of it, it shows that they are being beaten for keeping beef in their home. What would be your immediate action and long term measure?

Demand:

Balanced action is demanded instead of completely believing in video without investigating.

Approach:

• – Search the video filmed location & inform your seniors. Contact local police station and take the actual scenario
• – Try to take down the video from social media to avoid any communal tension
• – Study that why police did not approach for 30 mins of long time
• – Aid the victim as soon as possible and order the investigation of the people who took law & order in hand

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• – All questions on this series are available for revision at – Target Mains
• – The DNA (Demand and Approach) Framework for each question is updated at the end of day

GS I (Historical Analysis) (Simplex)

Close to seven decades post Independence the social equations in many villages & cities in India have not changed from what they have been for centuries. Such villages & cities continue to remain what Dr. B.R. Ambedkar called “sinks of localism, dens of ignorance and narrow-mindedness” Elucidate.

Demand:

Recent atrocities on people have to be discussed in the answer.

Approach

• – Age long atrocities still continues in the country. So explain about some of them. 
• – Discuss the possible reasons & solutions to this problem

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GS Paper II (International Relations – Hattrick)

Critically examine the West Asian Cold War between Saudi Arabia & Iran? Discuss its impact on India?

Demand:

Being neighbours, recent selling of US arms to Saudi would intensify the war with Yemen.

Approach:

• – Explain cold war & its reasons. Pros and Cons of the war.
• – Discuss the possible impact on India from the same.

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GS Paper III (Science and Technology – Dynamic) (Simplex)

Some players in Rio Olympics are experiencing Hyperandrogenism. What does Hyperandrogenism relate to? Discuss.

Demand:

Discuss problems and extra-advantage to players due to consumption of Hyperandrogenism.

Approach:

• – Explain definition of Hyperandrogenism. 
• – Reason for the high Hyperandrogenism and it’s consumption.
• – Brief about the controversy
• – Impact and it’s advantages

GS Paper IV (Ethical Values – Hattrick)

India is a country where sex education is a taboo and neither parents nor teachers impart it. Looking at above, pornography was recently banned but the ban was lifted in a one week’s time. Do you feel that freedom to access pornography is ethically right?

Demand:

Content of pornography is cruel but at the same time, in India, sex education is not properly provided. So balanced answer is required.

Approach:

• – Briefly explain Cruelty, Child molestation & access at very younger age can be dangerous. (Cons)
• – Discuss the sexual education status in India and damages due to improper knowledge. (Explanation)
• – Impacts of banning in very brief (Black marketing will be promoted)
• – Way forward like banning child pornography, cruel sexual acts etc. (It’s impact)

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• All questions on this series are available for revision at – Target Mains
• The DNA (Demand and Approach) Framework for each question is updated at the end of day