Mentors Comments: http://www.ijemr.net/DOC/GlobalisationAndItsEffectOnRuralIndia(54-56).pdf http://www.scienceandnature.org/IJEMS-Vol5(4)-Oct2014/IJEMS%20Vol5(4)-8.pdf The question is in the context of the Effects of globalization on Indian society and more so specifically with respect to its effect on urban and rural society. The answer must first elaborate on what is Globalization, what are the causes of it, its impact and implications on rural and urban… Continue reading “The Indian urban and rural life is viewed as the two faces of the same coin. They are mutually interdependent and both have a greater impact of globalization.” In the light of the given statement, compare and contrast implications of Globalization on rural and urban society in India and examine how they are different from each other. (15 Marks)

Mentors Comments: Apart from covering the integrity of the team member, ethical issues should also include giving him/her benefit of the doubt as well as the opportunity for explanation. Evaluate the merits and demerits based on ethical dimensions of public service such as honesty, commitment to work in adversity, etc. Clearly state your course of… Continue reading You are the leader of a 5 member team that has been assigned to carry out social impact assessment of a project proposed in a Naxal area. Members have been allotted a remote village each to conduct surveys and ascertain views of local people. You are under strict instructions not to disclose the identity of respondents outside the project. While compiling data, you are puzzled by the responses from one of the villages. You accompany the point-person for that village the next day for verification. You randomly pick a person from the list of respondents and ask her for clarification of the response she had given earlier. She seems confused and denies any knowledge of the survey being conducted, let alone she is questioned. You try to verify this from other respondents and get similar replies. This raises serious doubts about the integrity and credibility of the survey process. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the situation? (b) As a team leader accountable for the credibility of the survey and working on a hard timeline, what are the possible options before you? List their merits and demerits. (c) Giving reasons, state the course of action you would follow. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment: India’s dependence on oil has always been its weakness which has always exposed it to security threats and economic threats whenever the region from which it’s oil come turns turbulent. In the intro part of the answer describe how science could help India wean away from oil. In the main body of the… Continue reading India’s dependence on oil could well be described as the chink in its armour. In light of the statement above, discuss how India could leverage science and technology to end its dependence on oil? (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/qassem-soleimani-quds-iran-us-donald-trump-india-6203258/ “In what ways would the ongoing controversy US-Iran Nuclear Pact controversy affects the national interests of India? How should India respond to this situation?” (UPSC 2018) In the intro, explain briefly what is unfolding in the Middle East in the aftermath of the Iranian General’s assassination by the U.S. In the main body… Continue reading With the rapidly changing circumstances in the Middle East India might have to walk the tight rope of maintaining the relations with the U.S. and Iran’. Discuss. (15 Marks)

  Mentors Comments: https://www.worldbank.org/en/webarchives/archive?url=httpzzxxweb.worldbank.org/archive/website01291/WEB/0__CO-22.HTM The question is based on the theme of urbanization and its impact on socio-economic growth. The answer must discuss in detail the effect of urbanization as an agent of socio-economic growth. In the introduction discuss the status of Urbanization of India in recent decades.   In the body discuss the following aspects:… Continue reading Urbanization is not a side effect of economic growth; it is an integral part of the process. Do you think Indian Urbanization has helped in India’s socio-economic growth? Discuss. (15 Marks)

Mentors Comments: Discuss the character of MNCs first with specific examples showing their disregard for human welfare. Then discuss various mechanisms at national and global level to address the deficiencies in policies and institutions. Answer: Developing countries are attracting a significant portion of global Foreign Direct Investments. Governments of such countries often compete fiercely for… Continue reading Developing countries are often very vulnerable to exploitation by multinational corporations. They support industrialization but lack of infrastructure is a major limiting factor. Further, without suitable laws and regulations, developing nations are ill-prepared for such endeavours. In their efforts to attract business, these nations often overlook the health and safety violations by the corporations doing business within their borders. Drawn by low-cost labour, new markets, and lower operation costs, corporations have little incentive to address environmental and human risks once they are entrenched. In this situation, there is an imminent threat of disaster. Discuss some feasible strategies to balance economic development and safety and security of people at large in developing countries with special emphasis on India. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/indian-economy-gdp-growth-agriculture-crisis-grain-management-farmers-6201226/ “What are the reformative steps taken by the Government to make food grain distribution system more effective” (UPSC 2019). The article mainly deals with the issues related to the efficiency of grain management and its implications for the Central govt. and it further suggests the improvements that could be made to the… Continue reading Despite the reformative steps taken by the Government, there is still a large scope for improving the efficiencies in the grain management system under the National Food Security Act(NFSA). Elaborate. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-constitution-secularism-caa-nrc-bjp-6201235/ The article elaborates on the quality of ongoing political and social discourse on the issue of secularism in India and focuses mainly on the problems associated with the shortcomings in the argument of the supporters of secularism. In the intro, briefly explain secularism in India and why its significance is debated in… Continue reading In India, debate on secularism often degenerates into a polarising polemic from both the sides- its defenders and opponents. In the light of the statement above, discuss the arguments made by the supporters of secularism and problems associated with it. (15 Marks)

Mentors Comments: Reaping the demographic dividend remains one of the foremost objectives of the Indian state. The change in population structure will raise several issues particularly those related to employment, social security etc. Hence this issue needs to be discussed in detail. The question expects us to answer the following points What kind of an… Continue reading Reduced fertility and mortality rate leading to a rapid increase in working-age population poses several challenges. Discuss while suggesting a way forward. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/should-the-fm-tweak-direct-taxes-to-spur-the-economy/article30463062.ece The article discuss the various possible changes that could be made to the direct tax structure and its effect on the current problem the economy is facing. In intro, discuss the present conundrum which we are facing regarding the economy in which we are facing the cyclic and structural slowdown simultaneously. In… Continue reading With the economy swinging fast between structural and cyclical slowdowns, analyse the effects of potential changes that can be made to direct tax regime of the country on the economy of the country. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/when-defection-is-a-mere-detour-for-an-mla/article30463693.ece  The article deals with the recent events including the Supreme Court Judgement in the case of application of Anti-Defection Law against the Karnataka assembly legislators. The question wants us to discuss the provisions of the law and amendments and changes made in it and the purpose of these changes. Subsequently, we have… Continue reading Despite various interventions and amendments, Anti-Defection Law has not proved to be an effective deterrent against defection. In light of the above statement discuss the measures to make the law more effective. (15 Marks)

Mentors Comments: http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/CAFRAD/UNPAN009319.pdf Ethics, particularly the practical aspect of it, more or less revolves around dilemmas of various sorts. However, the concept is often confused with “problem”, which has a very different meaning altogether. This is one of the basic concepts in ethics and is related to GS-4 syllabus under the following heading- Public/Civil service… Continue reading A dilemma is more demanding than a problem and it comes with a prescription to argue, not act. Comment. (15 Marks)

Mentors Comments: https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=185900 The Ministry of Women and Child Development has linked SHe-Box, the online portal to report complaints of Sexual Harassment at Workplace, to all the Central Ministries, Departments and 653 districts across 33 States/Union Territories. Since women safety and sexual harassment at the workplace have become important issues and a part of public… Continue reading In the wake of the worldwide campaign #MeToo, where women have related their experience of facing sexual harassment and abuse at the workplace, discuss the objectives and significance of SHe-box? (15 Marks)

Mentors Comments: https://www.livemint.com/Opinion/aqq3rGFH6Ir81HsT5sZpiI/Opinion–Reforming-capitalism-for-human-welfare.html The article discusses the lack of concern shown by the philosophy of capitalism towards human welfare and evaluates the role of government in doing a balancing act between the interest of industrial class and the interest of the people. The question is important in today’s scenario where income inequalities, environmental degradation etc… Continue reading There is a perception that there is a lack of concern shown by the philosophy of capitalism towards human welfare. Do you agree with this perception? Evaluate the role of government in doing a balancing act between the interest of industrial class and the interest of the people. (15 Marks)

Mentors Comments:  The question expects us to highlight the issues with the current regime in brief, discuss what kind of model is being talked about, mention about the advantages and disadvantages of one nation, one market model. Finally, we need to provide our view on unified markets and way forward. In the introduction mention that… Continue reading One nation, one market model is the reform required to deal with issues related to agricultural marketing. Discuss. (15 Marks)

Mentors Comments: https://www.financialexpress.com/opinion/pm-modis-job-promotion-scheme-gains-momentum-lowers-costs-for-employers/1376605/ Government schemes are important for mains. There can either be a direct question on schemes or information about schemes can help in preparing filler material for answers. The article highlights the role played by PMRPY in increasing formalization in economy, which is a major gain and hence needs to be prepared. Here,… Continue reading Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana has managed to increase formalization in existing companies. Examine. (15 Marks)

Mentor Comments: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/a-gender curriculum/article25540532.ece?homepage=true The article examines the role of education in ending sexism and misogyny that the present education system has failed to deliver. The question wants us to express our opinion as to whether or not, the unfolding of the MeToo movement in India points out to the failure of our education system.… Continue reading Both sexual harassment and the kinds of responses from the accused in the MeToo Campaign lay bare a critical failure of our education system. Do you agree? Comment. (15 Marks)

Mentors Comments: The answer must show an ethical conflict between the need to abide by the rules of recruitment (i.e. Rule of Law) versus showing empathy and compassion for someone who due to taxing circumstances may have astray the right path.  Arguments both for and against the decision must be shown.  Finally, devise a mechanism… Continue reading You are a Head of Department in a premier University. Recently a clerical staff in your department was terminated from the job as he was found under the influence of alcohol during office hours. In the previous month, there were a lot of complaints regarding his poor quality of work, tardiness and some incoherent behaviour. Later you came to know that this change in behaviour was concurrent with the death of his wife after a prolonged illness. It has also made him debt-ridden. This may be further compounded by the fact that he has a daughter to marry off soon and a differently-abled son to take care of. He desperately needs a job. He has applied for a position at a private University and has already given your name as a reference. He pleads you to give him a good recommendation and not mention his drinking, which he assures you is now under control. He also asks you to mention that he voluntarily left the University to address a family medical crisis and that the University was pleased with his work. You like this person and believe that he is a good worker when he is not drinking. But you doubt whether he has really overcome his drinking problem. Valid arguments can be advanced, both, for rejecting his plea with the consequence that his condition may become even worse and for accepting his plea with a noble intention, but keeping the third party in dark. What could those arguments be? Could there be any better way to get out of this dilemma? If so, outline the main elements of this third way, pointing out its merits. (15 Marks) 

Mentors Comments: Mention your understanding of terrorism. Highlight the reasons for terrorism. Mention various steps that need to be taken for tackling terrorist funding. Answer: Terrorism is a systematic use of strategy and force to threaten a population or a government for bringing about political, religious and ideological change. Terrorism has struck almost all nations… Continue reading The scourge of terrorism is a grave challenge to national security. What solutions do you suggest to curb this growing menace? What are the major sources of terrorist funding? (15 Marks)

Mentors Comments: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/a-duty-to-publish-on-rti-and-locus-standi-of-applicants/article30341726.ece Highlight the significance of RTI legislation. What are the limitations in its path to effectiveness? Suggest steps to address the same. The path-breaking Right to Information Act which has come into effect in 2005 has been heralded as the most significant reform in public administration in India in the last 72 years.… Continue reading RTI is an effective means to bring in transparency and accountability in administration. Only if it’s institutions are preserved. Comment. (15 Marks)