A robust lawmaking process requires thorough scrutiny by Parliament. But the worrying trend here is that in rush to pass listed bills, there is not enough scrutiny of them – a crucial aspect in the entire process where parliamentary committees assess the merits and demerits of the bill in question. The non-scrutiny of bills by committees… Continue reading There is always a need for substantial scrutiny of bills by parliament committees. In the context of recent events of bypassing commitees, discuss their roles and suggest ways of strengthening them.(250 Words)

(a) What is conscience? Explain the following quote with respect to that – “In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place”. (Mahatma Gandhi) • The inner conscience is defined as that part of the human psyche that induces mental anguish and feelings of guilt when we violate it and feelings of… Continue reading Answer the following questions based on the concept of conscience: (a) What is conscience? Explain the following quote with respect to that – “In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place”. (Mahatma Gandhi) and (b) How is conscience shaped by the education, law, and authority? What is the importance of conscience in decision-making?(250 Words)

Mentors Comment: Introduce by describing the impact of the First World War on the economic and political situation in India. Analyse as to how the entire situation led to greater political consciousness, thereby intensifying the struggle for freedom in India. Give an appropriate conclusion. Answer The First World War (1914-1918) altered the economic and political… Continue reading The outbreak of the First World War in 1914 gave a new lease of life to the nationalist movement in India. Elucidate.(250 words)

(a) Traits are internal characteristics that define an individual. They influence the meanings we give to life events, the goals we select, and the actions we take. • The criteria are discussed below: (a) Examine whether a particular individual characteristic enhances or diminishes a person’s level of happiness. A positive quality may increase the experience… Continue reading Answer the following questions: (a) Discuss few criterias used to define a trait as positive? (b) How does optimism work and what positive functions does it serve?(250 words)

Mentors Comment: Briefly explain subordinate legislation in India. Discuss the criticisms of subordinate legislation and the need of scrutiny. Discuss mechanisms of scrutiny and control (Parliamentary scrutiny (debate, question hour, motions and committees); judicial interpretation and public consultation). Conclude with the need to reconcile subordinate legislation with parliamentary primacy in law making. Answer: Subordinate legislation… Continue reading Explain the concept of subordinate legislation in India. Also discuss the mechanisms for their scrutiny and control.(250 words)

(a) Cultural Relativism is of the view that moral or ethical systems, which vary from culture to culture, are all equally valid and no one system is really “better” than any other. This is based on the idea that there is no ultimate standard of good or evil, so every judgment about right and wrong… Continue reading Answer the following questions:. (a) How does the cultural relativism defines “good”? Which method does it follow for arriving at moral beliefs? (b)Why does cultural relativism supposedly make us more tolerant of other cultures and, critically examine the view that moral values are relative?(250 Words)

Mentors Comments: Write a basic definition of desertification in introduction. Then try to bring out areas/regions being impacted by it in India. Then elaborate some of the major reasons for increasing desertification in India. Finally give the steps take so far in combating it and analyse the effectiveness of those steps. Answer: Desertification is land… Continue reading Identify the regions being impacted by desertification in India. Bringing out the major reasons for it, analyse the effectiveness of steps taken to combat it.(250 Words)

Answer: “Selflessness” is characterized by low levels of self-centeredness and a low degree of importance given to the self. Holders of public office should take decisions solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their families or their friends. Selfish… Continue reading One of the foundational value of public service is ‘Selfless Service’. But life is not so black and white. There are grey areas that pushes to compromise with situation to survive. In this context critically analyze and illustrate whether a civil servant can serve ‘selflessly’.(250 words)

Mentors Comment: Provide a brief introduction about oceanic and continental relief. Discuss the reasons for formation of various oceanic reliefs. Discuss the significance of various oceanic reliefs. Answer: The lithosphere (crust and upper mantle) has two broad relief features — continents and ocean basins, which are created by the movement of plates along plate-tectonic boundaries,… Continue reading The mapping of ocean floor reveals complex and varied features, which rival the relief features on land. Discuss the reasons for the formation of main relief features of ocean along with their significance. (150 words)

Answer: The harm principle states that the only actions that can be prevented are ones that create harm. In other words, a person can do whatever he wants as long as his actions do not harm others. If a person’s actions only affect himself, then society, which includes the government, should not be able to… Continue reading Q.4) Discuss Mills concept of ‘harm principle’. Is it right not to interfere with what someone does if it does not harm other people? Is it also applicable in family system? (250 Words)