Mentors Comments: Bipin Chandra, India after Independence The question is about comparison of the methods of Gandhi and Pandit Nehru and more so specifically with respect to Socialism as a goal of Nationalism and about how they have left an imprint on our constitution even today. The answer should highlight the approach of Gandhiji towards… Continue reading A good mix of both Gandhian and Nehruvian socialist ideals has ensured the development fruits to reach all citizens. Discuss the difference in the approach of Gandhi and Nehru to the issue of Socialism as a goal of National Policy and also discuss the impact of their views on our Constitution and Government policy. (15 Marks)

Mentors Comments: First part of the answer should outline the strategy to manage such situations and a course of action to prevent such incidents in future. Second part of the answer should bring out the use of emotional intelligence in these kinds of circumstances. The third part of the answer should outline factors (emotional and… Continue reading You are an IPS officer in New Delhi. There has been a steep rise in incidents of racial discrimination in the area falling under your jurisdiction. Recently, a young boy from the North East was beaten badly by a mob in a market area. This has led to protest by students from the North East region. They have gathered outside your office and are demanding strict action against the culprits. (a) What will be your strategy to manage the situation. Bring out a plan to counter such incidents in the future. (b) What is the use of emotional intelligence in such situations? (c) What are the social and attitudinal factors responsible for racial discrimination. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/redesigning-indias-ailing-data-system/article30609571.ece In the intro, briefly describe what is a national accounting system. In the body, describe the current issues facing the national accounting system and the overall analytical framework. Also, briefly describe the impact of these issues on the economy. Describe the ways in which the changes in the accounting system are needed.… Continue reading Do you agree with the view that the present national accounting and analytical framework is the need for change in the approach. Give reasons in support of your argument. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment: In the intro, briefly state how both the countries have the post of president but with entirely different roles. In the body, explain the broad similarities like the adoption of the quasi-judicial process by both the Houses, along with the similarities also elaborate on the differences in the process and the criteria for… Continue reading What are the similarities and differences in the approach adopted by the US Constitution and that of the Indian Constitution towards Impeachment of their President? (15 Marks)

Mentors Comments: India’s struggle for independence by Bipin Chandra The question wants us to probe into the Rajkot Satyagraha, discuss its background, its outcomes and how it conspicuously highlighted the paradoxical situation existing in the Princely states. In the introduction write a few introductory lines about the  Rajkot Satyagraha. E.g mention the reasons behind Rajkot… Continue reading The Rajkot Satyagraha brought into clear focus the paradoxical situation that existed in the Princely States. Analyze. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/why-make-in-india-has-failed/article30601269.ece In the intro, briefly state what the ‘Make in India’ is. In the main body briefly explain the objectives which were sought to be achieved while launching the scheme and to what extent the desired results are achieved. Also, explain the reasons for falling short of achieving the desired results under ‘Make… Continue reading How far has the ‘Make in India’ succeeded in achieving its desired goals? Give reasons in support of your agreement. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/equitys-weak-pulse-and-commodified-medicine/article30601664.ece In intro briefly explain what is implied in the word ‘commodification’. In the main body, explain how the medical sector is being turned into a market and how limited the footprint of the government and lack of all-encompassing healthcare systems like NHS in the UK has wide implications for the healthcare system… Continue reading The commodification of healthcare system in India is at the root of the multitude of problems the system faces today. Comment. (15 Marks)

Mentors Comments: There are four sub-parts of the question. First, explain the various forms of begging relating it with poverty. Then discuss the ethical concerns related to begging. Discuss the various attitudinal aspects of people and the source of such attitudes. In the last part of the question discuss the need for a multi-pronged strategy… Continue reading A common sight in India at traffic signals, railway stations and urban markets, is that of a destitute woman, begging, with a child in her arms. At times, out of pity or out of fear, from being cursed by God, or out of irritation, we tend to give them some coins or money and drive them away. In this context, bring out the ethical issues associated with beggary. Indicate the socio-economic reasons behind it. Also, discuss the attitudinal aspects of people towards beggars. What feasible steps can be taken to effectively control this serious problem of our country? (15 Marks)

Mentors Comments: Modern Indian History by BIPIN CHANDRA PAL (NCERT TEXTBOOK OLD) The question wants us to look into the social and economic conditions of the people in India, in the eighteenth century. In the introduction write a few introductory lines about the eighteenth-century India. E.g India of the 18th century, failed to make sufficient… Continue reading Social life and culture in the 18th century were marked by stagnation and dependence on the past. Comment. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-perils-of-rbis-fixation-on-inflation/article30578704.ece In the intro, describe the mandates of RBI. In the main body describe how RBI is tasked with various mandates and managing these various mandates like inflation targeting and financial stability and regulations may not always yield the desired results. Also mention the recent inflation data which crossed 7%. Also mention the… Continue reading The RBI’s responsibility to regulate the financial sector may have taken a backseat after the adoption of inflation targeting as the main objective. Critically analyse the statement. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment: In the intro, briefly describe what Demographic Dividend is. In the main body, describe with the support of some facts and figures demographic composition of India in terms of age and how it is going to have high working-age people in the near future and how now skilling them well and not creating… Continue reading ‘The Demographic Dividend in India could easily turn into a Demographic Wasteland if not paid enough attention’. In light of the statement above elaborate what measures have been taken by the government to enhance the capacity of youth to be more productive and more employable? (15 Marks)

Mentors Call: Ethics by Lexicon  The question is in the context of essentials of information sharing and citizen charter in public service. The answer must discuss in detail the aspects of information sharing in public services and the significance of citizen charter in public service. In a few introductory lines define what is information sharing… Continue reading “Information sharing is the key to the Government’s goal of delivering better, more efficient public services that are coordinated around the needs of the individual.” In light of the statement, explain the essentials of information sharing and citizen charter in public service. (15 Marks)

Answer: The early development of the historical study of Buddhist art and architecture in India is definitely closely linked to the British discovery of Buddhism. It began with the reports of the explorations of the Buddhist sites in northern India conducted by Alexander Cunningham and his colleagues under the aegis of the Archaeological Survey of… Continue reading “Despite the Britishers being colonizers, they helped in rediscovering some of the treasures of Buddhism which were in a deplorable state.” Give your opinion with suitable justifications. (15 Marks)

Mentors Comments: https://rti.gov.in/rticorner/studybypwc/progress_made.pdf The question wants us to write in detail about the key stakeholders in the implementation of the RTI Act and define in detail the role played by them. In the introduction, write a few introductory lines about the RTI Act. e.g mention the huge role played by the RTI Act in giving… Continue reading Discuss the role played by key stakeholders under the Right to Information Act of India. (15 Marks)

Mentors Comments: The question is from the static portions and probes upon the phenomena of SFS and the features of Mid-Atlantic ridge. In the introduction, explain the concept of seafloor spreading. In the main body, discuss: Seafloor spreading is an endo-genetic process occurring at divergent plate boundaries.  Mention details of the characteristic features of Mid-Atlantic… Continue reading Explain the mechanism of sea-floor spreading and briefly mention the characteristic features of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. (15 Marks)

Mentors Comments: In the intro, briefly describe what is federalism. In the main body, explain the various clauses of the article and their importance in the proper working of federalism in India. In conclusion, stress the importance of the said article in resolution of disputes between the states.

Mentor’s comment: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/theres-a-hole-in-the-gst/ In the intro, briefly explain what is GST. In the main body, explain what the  term ‘revenue neutral’ meant and why it was not implemented properly. What are the other issues involved in the below expected collection and suggest the way forward. In conclusion, stress the need to increase the collections by… Continue reading Account for the consistent below expected GST revenue collection. Suggest ways to increase it. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment: https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-of-the-day-economic-reforms-are-best-done-brick-by-boring-brick/ In the intro, briefly describe what do you mean by economic reforms. In the main body, describe how economic reforms are carried out. Sudden reform like in 1991 or stealth reform brought in through executive orders and third type in which it is brought in slowly but incrementally and elaborate on its… Continue reading Do you agree with the view that economic reforms in the country are best-done brick by brick instead of big-bang reforms? Give reasons in support of your argument. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/education-policy-india-schooling-6216711/ In the intro, briefly describe what constitutes preschool education. In the main body describe the importance of preschool education for the overall education system, also explain how it is not getting the required attention. Stress the consequences of its neglect for the education system. In conclusion, describe the need for focus on… Continue reading For all our attention on education in the country, preschool education is still a largely neglected area, affecting the overall education system. Analyse. (15 Marks)

Mentors Comments: https://tamayaosbc.wordpress.com/2014/08/21/what-is-governance/ The issue is related to GS-4 syllabus under the following heading – Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds,… Continue reading What do you understand by governance? Also, discuss some of the indicators of  good governance. (15 Marks)