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Today, it feels that it is the Judiciary alone that is shouldering the responsibility of deepening democracy and protecting social freedoms. Comment. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comment: The question deals with the separation of powers between three organs of government. However, the recent trend of frequent breakdown in legislature, it is believed that the judiciary has taken up the responsibility if legislature. The introduction should mention about this in general. Further, talk about the increasing role of judiciary in recent… Continue reading Today, it feels that it is the Judiciary alone that is shouldering the responsibility of deepening democracy and protecting social freedoms. Comment. (15 Marks)

Explain the main features of Montagu-Chelmsford reforms? How far did they implement the policy of administrative devolution? (200 W/12 ½ M)

Mentor’s Comment: This question has been asked due to 100 Years of 1919 act. The Act of 1919 (also called Montague Chelmsford Reforms) has many contributions towards constitutional development of India. The introduction should explain in general about the GoI Act 1919 with mentioning some of its contributions. Further, the main body should contain the… Continue reading Explain the main features of Montagu-Chelmsford reforms? How far did they implement the policy of administrative devolution? (200 W/12 ½ M)

‘When you are in doubt whether an action is good or bad, abstain from it’. – (‘Zoroaster’). What does this mean to you in present context? (150 W/ 10 M)

Model Answer: The actions of any individual when virtue ethics, legal ethics fail are guided by conscience. It is the conscience which guides one to decide between the two actions. But still sometimes, due to conflicts in the inner conscience a person is not able to decide which action is to be chosen. The best… Continue reading ‘When you are in doubt whether an action is good or bad, abstain from it’. – (‘Zoroaster’). What does this mean to you in present context? (150 W/ 10 M)

A major challenge today is to develop low-input, high-output agriculture. This cannot be achieved without technology. Can GM crops help in this regard? Critically discuss. (200 W/ 12½ M)

Mentor’s Comment: Introduction should explain in general about the issues faced by agriculture in present context. Like use of inadequate manure, use of unimproved seeds, primitive method of cultivation, regional disparities in crop production, small landholdings etc. Further, mention how can GM Crop help in this regard and associated potential risks with GM crops. Next,… Continue reading A major challenge today is to develop low-input, high-output agriculture. This cannot be achieved without technology. Can GM crops help in this regard? Critically discuss. (200 W/ 12½ M)

Critically analyze the Aadhar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill – 2018 which recently got passed in Lok Sabha. Do you think it’s a renewed attack on privacy? (200 W/ 12½ M)

Source: https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-a-renewed-attack-on-privacy-on-aadhaar-bill/   Model Answer: In the backdrop of the landmark Supreme Court’s verdict that imposed restrictions on use of Aadhaar by private companies, the center has brought amendment to the Aadhaar Act to enhance powers of UIDAI and ensure stringent safeguards against any violation of norms. The amendments brought are in sync with the… Continue reading Critically analyze the Aadhar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill – 2018 which recently got passed in Lok Sabha. Do you think it’s a renewed attack on privacy? (200 W/ 12½ M)

The treaty of versailles was mainly an armistice for 20 years.” Comment. (200 W/ 12½ M)

Mentor’s Comment: This question is asked because of 100 years completion of World War – I. The introduction should explain about the treaty and the reason behind its signing and the reason behind calling it as an armistice treaty. Further, mention the key highlights of the treaty. Like slashing military budget by Germany, demilitarize its… Continue reading The treaty of versailles was mainly an armistice for 20 years.” Comment. (200 W/ 12½ M)

‘Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air’. – ‘John Adams’ (10 marks 150 words)

Model Answer:  In order to achieve someone’s goals and objectives, one has to work, with commitment and devotion. There may be times when one has to confront failures and disappointments. During these times, it is the courage and perseverance which enable an individual to overcome the difficulties. When courage is there it enables one to… Continue reading ‘Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air’. – ‘John Adams’ (10 marks 150 words)

If implemented Social Media communication hub will transform India into a Surveillance state? Critically comment. (150 W/ 10 M)

Mentor’s Comment: Introduction should talk about Social Media Communication Hub and SC’s direction to government towards its creation. Further, explain the functions of this Hub. Next, mention how Social Media Communication hub will help in positive delivery. How will the Social Media Hub transform India into a surveillance state. Points like mass surveillance, profiling, effects… Continue reading If implemented Social Media communication hub will transform India into a Surveillance state? Critically comment. (150 W/ 10 M)

Bangladesh has been India’s most important allies strategically as well as economically. Highlight India’s interest in Bangladesh and analyze what does economic transformation of Bangladesh mean for the Subcontinent as a whole. (250 W/ 15 M)

Source: https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-the-centre-moves-east/ Model Answer: India’s links with Bangladesh are civilisational, cultural, social and economic. There is much that unites the two countries – a shared history and common heritage, linguistic and cultural ties, passion for music, literature and the arts. With Bangladesh, India shares not only a common history of struggle for freedom and liberation… Continue reading Bangladesh has been India’s most important allies strategically as well as economically. Highlight India’s interest in Bangladesh and analyze what does economic transformation of Bangladesh mean for the Subcontinent as a whole. (250 W/ 15 M)

Bhagat Singh was considered as one of the most influential revolutionary of Modern India. Through light on the significance of the thoughts of Bhagat Singh in the present times. (250 W/ 15 M)

Mentor’s Comment: Similar Question has been asked in 2018 mains. ‘Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times.’ This question holds significance in the context of the though evolution by our freedom fighters. Introduction should discuss the features of Bhagat Singh and his contributions. Further, mention about how… Continue reading Bhagat Singh was considered as one of the most influential revolutionary of Modern India. Through light on the significance of the thoughts of Bhagat Singh in the present times. (250 W/ 15 M)

With the decrement of ethics and moral values and increasing demand for standards such as accountability and responsibility in public services, what are the ethical concerns and dilemmas that may arise for a public servant? How can a public servant prepare himself to face these ethical challenges so as to perform his duties efficiently? ( 10 marks 150 words)

Mentor’s Comment: Introduction should talk about various types of dilemmas faced by the Public Administrator. Further, as a guide throughout in order to counter such dilemmas the administrators should follow certain laws, rules, regulations and conscience. Explain how each (laws, rules, regulations and conscience) help to overcome from such dilemmas. Next, mention how to resolve… Continue reading With the decrement of ethics and moral values and increasing demand for standards such as accountability and responsibility in public services, what are the ethical concerns and dilemmas that may arise for a public servant? How can a public servant prepare himself to face these ethical challenges so as to perform his duties efficiently? ( 10 marks 150 words)

What are the main functions of the EBRD? Recently India has become member of EBRD, what benefits will India derive from its membership? (10 M)

Mentor’s Comment: India has become the 69th shareholder of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). This has a lot of potential for Indian companies as it will open up opportunities for them in places such as Central Asia, Turkey and Georgia. Introduction should discuss about the EBRD and its main function. Further, mention… Continue reading What are the main functions of the EBRD? Recently India has become member of EBRD, what benefits will India derive from its membership? (10 M)

The recent year has witnessed increased anti-India protest in the Valley of Jammu and Kashmir with rising insurgency and intense counter insurgency operations causing acute distress. Discuss the region behind such prolonged situation and suggest suitable strategy to tackle the problem. (12 ½ M)

Source: https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-in-2019-a-new-outreach/ Model Answer: J & K Valley’s prolonged anti-India protest; rising insurgency, intense counter- insurgency operation has caused severe distress in the region. Demand for the political outreach emerged to prevent radicalisation of local youth which is the topmost concern for the Indian security establishment at present. What escalated the unrest in J&K? Radicalisation played a… Continue reading The recent year has witnessed increased anti-India protest in the Valley of Jammu and Kashmir with rising insurgency and intense counter insurgency operations causing acute distress. Discuss the region behind such prolonged situation and suggest suitable strategy to tackle the problem. (12 ½ M)

By offering an ideological critique of the western civilization in its modern phase, Gandhiji was effectively contesting the moral legitimacy of the Raj that rested on a stated assumption of the superiority of the west. Comment (10 marks)

Mentors Comment: Gandhi Ji published Hind Swaraj which contained ideological critique of western civilization and its practices. When seen in isolation, these criticism are mere rebuttal of what western nations and civilisations practiced and their institutions. But when seen in the light of national freedom movement, you will realise that these criticisms were the backbone… Continue reading By offering an ideological critique of the western civilization in its modern phase, Gandhiji was effectively contesting the moral legitimacy of the Raj that rested on a stated assumption of the superiority of the west. Comment (10 marks)

Family play eventually important role in transcending value system in individual which gets displayed on the profession as well. Weak value transcends to weak social, political and administrative system, leading in turn to degeneration of the whole nation whereas, the strong value leads to flourishments and success. Comment. (150 W/ 10 M)

Mentor’s Comment: The question itself shows the direction and hints to talk about points in answer. So not much needed to explain. However, please maintain good language with flow of content in answer. Model Answer: The individual is the first building block of the value architecture. The values that a person holds have been derived… Continue reading Family play eventually important role in transcending value system in individual which gets displayed on the profession as well. Weak value transcends to weak social, political and administrative system, leading in turn to degeneration of the whole nation whereas, the strong value leads to flourishments and success. Comment. (150 W/ 10 M)

The Indian political, policy and administrative systems have to adjust to the new realities of the transition to a middle- income country, in which poverty does not mean living at the edge of hunger but, rather, lack of income to take advantage of the opportunities thrown up by a growing economy. Discuss? (200 W)

Mentor’s Comment: Introduction should define poverty in the line of World Bank and link it to the existing poverty in India and its recent future prospects. Further the main body should discuss about the changing dynamics of Indian poverty in recent years. Points like, changing income level, rapid economic growth, increasing capabilities to invest and… Continue reading The Indian political, policy and administrative systems have to adjust to the new realities of the transition to a middle- income country, in which poverty does not mean living at the edge of hunger but, rather, lack of income to take advantage of the opportunities thrown up by a growing economy. Discuss? (200 W)

The All India Judicial Service (AIJS) is being proposed as a panacea to cure the chronic vacancy crisis plaguing the Indian subordinate judiciary. Discuss the pros and cons of setting up of AIJS in the context of NITI Aayog’s recent proposal. (200 W)

Source: http://www.catchnews.com/india-news/modi-floated-an-all-india-judicial-service-here-are-the-pros-and-cons-1478155153.html https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-we-dont-need-career-judges/ Model Answer: The vision document titled ‘Strategy for New India @ 75’, released by the NITI Aayog, amongst other things, proposes a spate of judicial reforms. The think-tank has come out batting for the creation of an All India Judicial Service, akin to the other central services like the IAS and the… Continue reading The All India Judicial Service (AIJS) is being proposed as a panacea to cure the chronic vacancy crisis plaguing the Indian subordinate judiciary. Discuss the pros and cons of setting up of AIJS in the context of NITI Aayog’s recent proposal. (200 W)

Manual scavenging has been called as a worst surviving symbol of untouchability. Critically discuss the measures taken by Government to eradicate this practice? (250 W)

Mentor’s Comment: Human Rights is a biggest concern in India. However, despite various government initiatives the practice of manual scavenging is still continuing in India. Explain what actually Manual Scavenging is and how it deprives the person from dignified life. Further discuss the steps taken by the government to eliminate the problem. One can also… Continue reading Manual scavenging has been called as a worst surviving symbol of untouchability. Critically discuss the measures taken by Government to eradicate this practice? (250 W)

Ethics Case Study: Manoj is the head of State RTO department where Sunil works as an officer in charge of clearing and approving the vehicles paper. Manoj’s friend Ankit works in a bank and notices that a portion of certain Mr. Mukesh’s pension is deposited every month into an account of one Reshma who turns out to Be Sunil’s wife. He suspects that the deposits are being made by a customer of Sunil and in return Sunil use to approve their papers. Ankit informs Manoj about the same based on his suspicion. Divulging the bank’s secret information from the bank, Ankit has commited a crime that too without having any concrete evidence. During investigation, Manoj lands on Mr. Mukesh’s home and finds that he is been hospitalized. He then turns to Sunil, upon which Sunil replies that Mr. Mukesh happens to be his father in law and the money deposited is for an Old Age Home, which his wife Reshma owns and runs. Manoj suspects that the money deposited must be of fraud that’s why is being deposited by unknown person(s). Manoj thinks of taking action based on his own investigation and mere suspicion. What should he do? Explore various options available to Manoj with suitable explanation and justification. (150 W/ 10 M)

Mentor’s Comment: In this case the major concern is the suspicion that too without having any concrete evidence for any fraudulent activities. We need to analyze the merit of the case and take action which is most relevant. Jeopardizing the organizational ethics and code of conduct will not be good in this case if favour… Continue reading Ethics Case Study: Manoj is the head of State RTO department where Sunil works as an officer in charge of clearing and approving the vehicles paper. Manoj’s friend Ankit works in a bank and notices that a portion of certain Mr. Mukesh’s pension is deposited every month into an account of one Reshma who turns out to Be Sunil’s wife. He suspects that the deposits are being made by a customer of Sunil and in return Sunil use to approve their papers. Ankit informs Manoj about the same based on his suspicion. Divulging the bank’s secret information from the bank, Ankit has commited a crime that too without having any concrete evidence. During investigation, Manoj lands on Mr. Mukesh’s home and finds that he is been hospitalized. He then turns to Sunil, upon which Sunil replies that Mr. Mukesh happens to be his father in law and the money deposited is for an Old Age Home, which his wife Reshma owns and runs. Manoj suspects that the money deposited must be of fraud that’s why is being deposited by unknown person(s). Manoj thinks of taking action based on his own investigation and mere suspicion. What should he do? Explore various options available to Manoj with suitable explanation and justification. (150 W/ 10 M)

What are the major impediments and concerns of India’s economic growth rate? Analyze in the context of India’s growth forecast as done by RBI recently. Also suggest way forward. (200 W/ 12½ M)

Source: [op-ed snap] Hope with concerns in 2019 https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-hope-with-concerns-in-2019/ Model Answer: India’s Growth forecast: India’s growth rate in 2018-19 is forecast at 7.4% by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). But it looks to be a touch-and-go situation. More likely, it will be slightly lower. Even though the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has stabilised,… Continue reading What are the major impediments and concerns of India’s economic growth rate? Analyze in the context of India’s growth forecast as done by RBI recently. Also suggest way forward. (200 W/ 12½ M)

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