GS2 (Polity and Governance) What is the difference between competitive and cooperative federalism? Are both mutually exclusive concepts or can they go together? Discuss.

GS1 (World History) What factors accounted for the rather sudden rise of Europe to world dominance? How was this small region was able to transform immensely larger portions of the world and to maintain its commanding position for so long? For a background/discussion of this question, read this blog by K Siddhartha

GS4 (Ethics) Are women at a disadvantage in the workplace in terms of moving up the hierarchy, pay etc? Explain the reasons and also discuss why we should aim for gender parity.

GS3 (Indian Economy) In order to attract more investment in the hydrocarbon sector the government has replaced production sharing mechanism with revenue sharing mechanism. Explain the differences between both of these models. Will revenue sharing model be able to solve the issues related to production sharing? Discuss.

GS2 (Polity and Governance) MPLADS scheme in India is not only a blunt violation of the principle of separation of power, there have also been reports of gross misappropriation of funds under this scheme. Comment with respect to the CAG observation on the functioning of the MPLADS. Should it be abolished?.Give pros and cons.

GS1 (Secularism) Western secularism clearly separates state and religion. Secularism as practiced in India allows active involvement of state in religious matters of the minorities and sometimes this involvement borderlines appeasement. Critically comment with respect to secularism practiced in India since independence.

Evolution of Forest Laws in the British Period 1856: Lord Dalhousie emphasized the need for a definite forest policy. Railways were first introduced to India in the year 1853 from Mumbai to Thane. Increasing difficulty of obtaining adequate supplies of timber (needed for the great extension of railway lines then being undertaken) was one of the main… Continue reading Evolution of Forest Rights in India from 1856 to 2006 | In Depth Analysis of FRA & Its Issues

GS4 (Ethics in Public Administration) There have been multiple instances of threatening, harassment and even murder of various whistle-blowers in India. An engineer, Satyendra Dubey, was murdered in November 2003; Dubey had blown the whistle in a corruption case in the National Highways Authority of India’s Golden Quadrilateral project. Two years later, an Indian Oil… Continue reading 7 Nov 2016 | GS4 | While it is important to expose a wrongdoing, a whistle-blower should have the moral backing behind his act of whistleblowing. Comment.

GS3 (Environment) What do understand by Green tax and Compensatory Afforestation? Critically analyze that whether the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Bill 2015 will create a benchmark futuristic regulation or in its present form would squander away staggering amounts of money on meaningless efforts.

GS2 (Judiciary) While the judiciary has been at forefront in the fight to make the administrative and electoral system transparent and accountable, it has displayed the attitude of touch me not when it comes to applying the same principles to itself. Critically comment with respect to the recent NJAC ruling and other judgments related to… Continue reading 7 Nov 2016 | GS2 | While the judiciary has been at forefront in the fight to make the administrative and electoral system transparent and accountable, it has displayed the attitude of touch me not when it comes to applying the same principles to itself. Critically comment with respect to the recent NJAC ruling and other judgments related to it in last few years. Also suggest what should be the ideal method of selecting the HC and SC judges.?

GS1 (Indian society) In recent years why are dominant castes in many states demanding for reservation. What should Government do to arrest this trend?

Justice is not in Law, Justice is in all about how we treat each other Instructions: Write the following essay in 1000-1200 words. Some pointers on how to address the essay are given here by K Siddhartha. Download FREE Target Mains compilation – Click here to know how

GS4 (Case study) You have just taken over as the head of office in an administrative department. In the office there are 8 people working for the past 20 years as daily wagers who are not regular government employees. One-year back, the ministry of personnel had issued clear guidelines that such people cannot be employed… Continue reading 5 Nov 2016 | GS4 | You have just taken over as the head of office in an administrative department. In the office there are 8 people working for the past 20 years as daily wagers who are not regular government employees.

GS3 (Science and Technology) The Civil Aviation Ministry recently launched its Regional Connectivity Scheme called UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik). Discuss the main features of the scheme. What are the challenges that lie ahead for India to connect a large number of unconnected places and people with airways.

GS2 (Polity and Governance) Discuss the effect of reservation for women in Panchayati raj bodies in the process of women’s political empowerment. Critically analyse if women’s reservation is a sufficient condition for politically empowering women.

GS1 (Geography) What are the environmental changes that have occurred due to depletion of ozone layer. Analyse if the recent decision of phasing down the use of HFCs will reverse the process of this change and help to achieve the targets of keeping world temperature within limits.

GS4 (Ethics in Public Administration) “Success Will Come and Go, But Integrity Is Forever.” – Steve Forbes (Editor in chief – Forbes magazine) “The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.” – Bob Marley (Jamaican Singer) “In… Continue reading 4 Nov 2016 | GS4 | What do integrity and intelligence refer to? Explain both in the context of Civil services, giving examples.

GS3 (Science and Technology) Discuss how the recently launched INSAT 3DR satellite will improve weather monitoring.

GS2 (Governance and Polity) The only solution to recurring river water sharing disputes between states is to bring water in the Concurrent list or Union List. Critically discuss in the light of the recent Cauvery dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

GS1 (Geography) What are the likely impacts of global warming on food security, fisheries and ecosystem? Discuss in the context of the recently released IUCN report on ocean warming.