GS3 (Internal Security) How does illegal trans-border migration pose a threat to India’s security? Discuss the strategies to curb this, bringing out the factors which give impetus to such migration. Previous Year 2014 Mains Question

GS2 (Polity and Governance) Land acquisition is a controversial subject in India. Discuss why the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 which came into force on January 1, 2014, is considered to have halted land acquisition. How is the Central govt dealing with this issue?

GS1 (Geography) What are the issues concerning Air Quality Standards? And why are Indian Air Quality standards not considered safe? For a discussion of this questions, see this blog by K Siddhartha. Similar Previous Year Question – Enumerate the National Water Policy of India. Taking river Ganges as an example discuss the strategies which may be… Continue reading 18 Nov 2016 | GS1 | What are the issues concerning Air Quality Standards? And why are Indian Air Quality standards not considered safe?

GS4 (Ethics in Public Administration) What are the 3 most important values for a civil servant? Discuss with examples. Similar Previous Question – What does ethics seek to promote in human life? Why is this all the more important in public administration? [2014]

GS3 (Internal Security) J&K has seen long-drawn out protests this year. Life is only beginning to return to normality. However, the same factors as before are still there, waiting for a trigger to come to the surface. In this regard what are some of the steps the govt. has taken over the years to improve… Continue reading 17 Nov 2016 | GS3 | J&K has seen long-drawn out protests this year. Life is only beginning to return to normality. However, the same factors as before are still there, waiting for a trigger to come to the surface. In this regard what are some of the steps the govt. has taken over the years to improve the situation in J&K?

GS2 (Polity and Governance) The Prime Minister’s plan for 100 smart cities could be derailed by its proposed funding formula. Can cash-strapped states and municipal bodies raise the desired amount of the project cost what the Union government wants them to? For a discussion of this questions, see this blog by K Siddhartha.

GS1 (Modern India) Many Governor-Generals and Viceroys left a big impact on India through the policies they pursued. Some helped bring about social reforms, and some increased divisions in society. Examine the good and bad impacts of such men using examples. Similar Previous Year Question – In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern… Continue reading 17 Nov 2016 | GS1 | Many Governor-Generals and Viceroys left a big impact on India through the policies they pursued. Some helped bring about social reforms, and some increased divisions in society. Examine the good and bad impacts of such men using examples.

GS4 (Ethics) Whistleblowers are often ostracised and harassed. What are the reasons for such hostile treatment? What steps would you take to make your dept less hostile towards whistleblowers?

GS3 (Disaster Management) Recently a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck New Zealand, however there were only reports of 2 casualties. What are the reasons for such low casualties in developed countries compared to developing countries like India? How can we improve the situation?

GS2 (International Relations) India’s choice should be more on becoming a soft power rather than a hard power. Analyse this statement in the light of relative advantages India enjoys in cultural, spiritual and knowledge spheres and suggest ways of leveraging that advantage. For a discussion of the main points, see this blog by K Siddhartha.… Continue reading 16 Nov 2016 | GS2 | India’s choice should be more on becoming a soft power rather than a hard power. Analyse this statement in the light of relative advantages India enjoys in cultural, spiritual and knowledge spheres and suggest ways of leveraging that advantage.

GS1 (Geography) Recently the World Meteorological Organisation warned that the world is likely to cross 1.2° C of global warming above pre-industrial levels in 2016. Reaching 2 degrees of warming or higher could result in devastating weather events. What are the ways in which global warming is affecting the world today? What are its likely… Continue reading 16 Nov 2016 | GS1 | Recently the World Meteorological Organisation warned that the world is likely to cross 1.2° C of global warming above pre-industrial levels in 2016. Reaching 2 degrees of warming or higher could result in devastating weather events. What are the ways in which global warming is affecting the world today? What are its likely impacts in the future?

Important from Prelims perspective only

GS4 (Ethics) Is ethical conduct in personal life necessary for an honest public servant? Or are the two unrelated? Discuss with the help of examples. Similar previous year question – Differentiate between personal and professional ethics. [CSM 2015]

GS3 (Science and Technology) A huge role was played by Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the recent U.S. presidential elections by analysing large amounts of information about voters and predicting political preferences. What are some of the ways in which AI is affecting the world? Do we need regulation to control the technology?

GS2 (Polity and Governance) Recently a private member’s Bill was introduced which sought to give more powers for mayors. It also tried to introduce provisions for direct election of mayors. Why are these provisions important for providing better urban governance in India? What are some of the problems related with urban local bodies?

GS1 (Indian Heritage and Culture) Heritage erosion has been seen as the greatest problem that undermines the socio-environmental stability and sustainability of India. To what extent it is serious and what suggestions can be made for its management. For understanding how to answer this questions, see these pointers by K Siddhartha. Here is a video… Continue reading 15 Nov 2016 | GS1 | Heritage erosion has been seen as the greatest problem that undermines the socio-environmental stability and sustainability of India. To what extent it is serious and what suggestions can be made for its management.

source This is part of the government’s move to remove outdated laws which don’t serve any definitive purpose. It’s basically to make the legal system more contemporary. The Law Commission panel had recommended repealing 252 laws over four reports submitted from September to November 2014. The two-member committee created by the PMO identified 1,741 central… Continue reading Govt. is repealing some old laws of Pharma. What are they and what about similar issues with IPC

GS4 (Ethics) Unfurling the tri-colour at the Andhra University grounds, Vishakhapatnam on the occasion of the 70th Independence Day, Vice-Chancellor, Mr. G. Nageswara Rao said youth should take up the ideas of Make in India and Start-ups. He said young minds should not only gain knowledge as the world is moving towards a knowledge society,… Continue reading 14 Nov 2016 | GS4 | What do you understand by human values? Indicate three human values which you consider universal in nature and highlight their importance in Civil Services.

GS3 (Indian Economy) This year India improved its rank in the WB Ease of Doing Business survey only marginally. The survey is said to have many shortcomings in terms of the parameters it uses to determine the rankings. Discuss these shortcomings and whether the rankings accurately reflect India’s attempts at reform.