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Institutionalization of social audit for major welfare schemes is the need of the hour as large part of the government’s budget is spent on them. What are the benefits of social audit? Citing relevant examples bring out the loopholes in its implementation. Also, suggest some measures for its improvement. (150 W)

Mentor’s Comment: The question seems to be straight and forward and desires us to show benefits of social audit. Introduction should comprise the rationale of institutionalizing social audit. Further, in the main body we need to link the institutionalized social audit with its possible benefits, focus on the role of community participation and compare it… Continue reading Institutionalization of social audit for major welfare schemes is the need of the hour as large part of the government’s budget is spent on them. What are the benefits of social audit? Citing relevant examples bring out the loopholes in its implementation. Also, suggest some measures for its improvement. (150 W)

Vulnerability towards women and children become even worse at the time of disaster particularly natural disaster where they suffer most. Assess the reason behind such phenomenon and suggest steps needed to address this issue concerning the recommendation of 2nd ARC. (200 W)

Mentor’s Comment: There is some information hidden in the first line of the question i.e. the women and children are the most vulnerable in society. Here the context is more about the people’s perception regarding women and discrimination and not disaster because disaster doesn’t discriminate, but people do. Here the introduction should mention about the… Continue reading Vulnerability towards women and children become even worse at the time of disaster particularly natural disaster where they suffer most. Assess the reason behind such phenomenon and suggest steps needed to address this issue concerning the recommendation of 2nd ARC. (200 W)

What do you understand by aptitude? What kind of aptitude is considered important for civil services? What measures have you taken to make yourself fit for being a civil servant? (150 W)

Mentor’s Comment: Introduction should mention the definition of aptitude and some types of it. The main body should discuss the qptitude/qualities needed by a civil servant to be effective. Like Physical Aptitude, Mental Aptitude etc. Further mention what measures you have taken to make yourself fit. Keeping oneself physically fit, developing value aspects through various… Continue reading What do you understand by aptitude? What kind of aptitude is considered important for civil services? What measures have you taken to make yourself fit for being a civil servant? (150 W)

Sharia Courts are an alternative dispute redressal mechanism that responds to the decline of the civil justice system, and addresses the needs of the poor. Critically discuss. (200 W)

Mentor’s Comment: The question has been asked in the context of AIMPLB’s recent decision of establishing Sharia courts in all districts of India. Introduction should explain about the Sharia courts and its constitutional mandates. Further, the main body should discuss about the status of Sharia courts in India and SC’s decision related to its existence.… Continue reading Sharia Courts are an alternative dispute redressal mechanism that responds to the decline of the civil justice system, and addresses the needs of the poor. Critically discuss. (200 W)

How do global pressure belt explain the formation of climatic regions across the globe? (200 W)

Mentor’s Comment: Here we need to establish the link between global pressure belts (determines wind belts) and different climatic regions across the world. Introduction should talk about global pressure belt and the wind system. It would be more better if shown with diagram followed by description of features mentioned in diagram. Pressure belts shifts northwards… Continue reading How do global pressure belt explain the formation of climatic regions across the globe? (200 W)

Ethics Case Study: Caste occupies distinct position in moulding the voting behaviour in India and this happens in spite of the adoption of several provisions which prohibits discrimination on the basis of caste. The political parties in India formulate their policies and election strategies always keeping in mind the caste factor. Even the candidates are selected keeping the caste factor in mind. Election campaigns are made in such a way that it makes the voters to feel their respective caste identities. How does caste determine political attitude and voting behavior of people? Do you think even after so many years of independence India has failed to segregate caste from politics? Critically comment. (150 W)

Mentor’s Comment: Read the following blog before attempting answer: https://www.civilsdaily.com/general-guidelines-to-solve-ethics-case-studies-for-ias-mains/

Do you think that farm size and productivity has an inverse relationship as assumed by our small and marginal farmers? Explain why? What are the important determinants/factors that can help increase farmers’ income? (200 W)

Source:              https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-for-the-farmer-things-to-do/   Model Answer: Farm size can be assessed in many ways such as by mapping land area, value of output, value of sales or profits etc. However, productivity on farm depends on many factors like quality input, labour, modern method, scientific management etc. With study in recent years it has been witnessed that… Continue reading Do you think that farm size and productivity has an inverse relationship as assumed by our small and marginal farmers? Explain why? What are the important determinants/factors that can help increase farmers’ income? (200 W)

Budget making in India is the sole prerogative of the Ministry of Finance. However, diverse opinions go into the process leading up to the presentation of Annual Budget. Provide a succinct illustration of the role of pressure groups in the budget making process of India. (150 W)

Mentor’s Comment: The  question  pertains  to  the  consultative  process  leading  up  to  the  finalization  and  presentation  of annual budget in India. Hence, the Introduction should identify the role of Ministry of Finance as the Nodal agency in this context. Further in the main body highlight the consultative process in budget making. Illustrate the role of… Continue reading Budget making in India is the sole prerogative of the Ministry of Finance. However, diverse opinions go into the process leading up to the presentation of Annual Budget. Provide a succinct illustration of the role of pressure groups in the budget making process of India. (150 W)

Analyze how changes in latitude and altitude lead to variation in temperature and vegetation? (150 W)

Mentor’s Comment: The question is very basic and it would be better to draw some diagram to clear the picture. Introduction should talk about the various factors responsible for temperature and vegetation, like latitudinal factor, altitudinal factor, sun’s angle on earth and solar incidence etc. Further, in the main body establish the relationship between temperature… Continue reading Analyze how changes in latitude and altitude lead to variation in temperature and vegetation? (150 W)

Ethics Case Study: You are living with one of your friend who is known to you since childhood. Your friend is actively involved in political debates, while you don’t have that much interest in politics. One day, he starts discussing with you on some topic but you continue to do your work without taking any interest in the discussion. He gets angry and starts telling you that youth being silent on important issues is the biggest worry for nation. He accuses you of being unpatriotic and anti-national. What is your opinion on your friend’s view? Critically comment. Do you think nationalism should be judged on objective factors like taking part in debates and speaking for national issues? (150 W)

Model Answer: The differing views between two people which contradict to one another are common and the solution lies in peaceful rational discussion rather than accusing one of being unpatriotic and antinational. If someone has some point to make and someone dismisses him by branding him as  anti national and unpatriotic just on the mere… Continue reading Ethics Case Study: You are living with one of your friend who is known to you since childhood. Your friend is actively involved in political debates, while you don’t have that much interest in politics. One day, he starts discussing with you on some topic but you continue to do your work without taking any interest in the discussion. He gets angry and starts telling you that youth being silent on important issues is the biggest worry for nation. He accuses you of being unpatriotic and anti-national. What is your opinion on your friend’s view? Critically comment. Do you think nationalism should be judged on objective factors like taking part in debates and speaking for national issues? (150 W)

There has been a significant change in defence planning structure in India. In the context of this explain about the features of recently established “Defence Planning Committee” and analyse how it can help in credible defence preparedness? (200 W)

Source: https://www.livemint.com/Opinion/YXsvzqyHhK6IoFqAK7MntO/Reforming-defence-planning-in-India.html Mentor’s Comment: Define the Defence Planning Committee and briefly explain about its context. It is to recommend about the comprehensive and integrated defence planning. Further, mention about its salient features. Like the committee will evaluate all relevant inputs relating to national defence and security priorities, foreign policy imperatives, operational directives and associated requirements… Continue reading There has been a significant change in defence planning structure in India. In the context of this explain about the features of recently established “Defence Planning Committee” and analyse how it can help in credible defence preparedness? (200 W)

Critically examine the key features of the Draft Personal Data Protection Bill 2018?

Mentor’s Comment: The bill is submitted by the Justice B N Srikrishna headed panel which has suggested measures to be taken in order to protect personal information of Indian citizens. The introduction should explain such things in short by mentioning about roles, duties of data processors and the rights of individuals and also about the… Continue reading Critically examine the key features of the Draft Personal Data Protection Bill 2018?

How did the railways contribute to the growth of Indian Nationalism? (250 W)

Mentors Comment: In order to answer this question, mix the negatives of Railways under British government and subsequent Indian National Movement. We all know that while British claimed that they introduced railways for the benefits of Indian people, in contrary it only helped the prolongation of British rule and misery for people of subcontinent. Therefore,… Continue reading How did the railways contribute to the growth of Indian Nationalism? (250 W)

How Emotional Intelligence helps a civil servant to bounce back from setbacks? Suppose inspite of best of precautions you fail to provide necessary articles to flood victims, and your whole team is demoralized, how you will be able to overcome the situation? (150 W)

Mentor’s Comment: Mention what is emotional intelligence, and its tenets.  Further mention how it helps civil servant to bounce back from failure or set back. For encouraging the team when the team is demoralized due to their failure to help the victims the leader should encourage his team not to keep their moral down by… Continue reading How Emotional Intelligence helps a civil servant to bounce back from setbacks? Suppose inspite of best of precautions you fail to provide necessary articles to flood victims, and your whole team is demoralized, how you will be able to overcome the situation? (150 W)

Biofuels in India are of strategic importance as it augers well with the ongoing initiatives of the Government such as Make in India, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Skill Development. In the light of the above statement critically examine the key features of the National policy on biofuels 2018?

Mentor’s Comment: The question has been asked in the context of recently notified National Policy on Biofuels – 2018 to ensure adequate and sustained availability of domestic feedstock for biofuels production. The introduction should explain this and its aims towards sustainable development. Further, in the main body, talk about the key provisions of the policy,… Continue reading Biofuels in India are of strategic importance as it augers well with the ongoing initiatives of the Government such as Make in India, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Skill Development. In the light of the above statement critically examine the key features of the National policy on biofuels 2018?

What are the factors which contributed to the rise of extremism or militant nationalism in India? Despite their heroic efforts, why did they failed to have significant impact on the Indian national movement? (250 W)

Mentor’s Comment: Explain about the militant nationalism which became a predominant philosophy of Indian nationalism. Introduction should talk how they became famous in short and about their impact, approaches and enthusiasm in freedom movement. Further, mention about the causes for the rise of extremism or militant nationalism. The good points will constitute like, understanding the… Continue reading What are the factors which contributed to the rise of extremism or militant nationalism in India? Despite their heroic efforts, why did they failed to have significant impact on the Indian national movement? (250 W)

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