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Sedition law has often been in news for all the wrong reasons. But it still remains an important legislation. Comment.

Mentor’s Comment: Introduction should give general details about sedition and its incorporation in 1870 as a fear of possible uprising plagued the colonial authorities. Further, the main body should talk about the definition and issues associated with the law. Definition can also form the part of introduction and main body will raise issues since its… Continue reading Sedition law has often been in news for all the wrong reasons. But it still remains an important legislation. Comment.

Many foreign scholars opined that Indians had no sense of history writing and whatever was written in the name of history is nothing more than a story without any sense. Do you agree with this view. Critically discuss? (150 W/10 M)

Mentors Comment: This is an important debate regarding Ancient India which was started by colonial historians. According to their opinion, ancient India’s “proper history” is missing in literature and therefore people of that time did not had sense of history writing. All we get is religious texts or glorified rulers of the era but not… Continue reading Many foreign scholars opined that Indians had no sense of history writing and whatever was written in the name of history is nothing more than a story without any sense. Do you agree with this view. Critically discuss? (150 W/10 M)

“If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are the father, the mother and the teacher.” – A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. Analyse. (150 W/ 10 M)

Mentor’s Comment: Talk about the corruption in general and why it originates as introduction to this question. Mention how character building since childhood is influenced by the Parents, Teachers, family and society. Mention what ethical values one learns from mother and father and teachers which develop a child to be a beautiful mind and contribute… Continue reading “If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are the father, the mother and the teacher.” – A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. Analyse. (150 W/ 10 M)

Planning Commission has played very important role in post independence economic growth. Concerning with the current scenario of slow economic growth and abysmal performance of various sectors, do you think there is a need to revive Planning Commission in order to bring stability and fuel economic growth? (250 W/ 15 M)

Sources: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/make-planning-fashionable-again/article25656407.ece https://www.civilsdaily.com/type/oped-snap/   Model Answer: The Planning Commission was set up by the Government of India in March 1950. Its core objective was to promote rapid transformation of Indian economy and a speedy improvement in people’s standard of living. It was mandated to do so through five-year plans. The formulation of the plans and… Continue reading Planning Commission has played very important role in post independence economic growth. Concerning with the current scenario of slow economic growth and abysmal performance of various sectors, do you think there is a need to revive Planning Commission in order to bring stability and fuel economic growth? (250 W/ 15 M)

While it is expected that electoral bonds will usher a new era of transparency in India’s electoral politics, however many skeptics believe that it would endanger democracy. Discuss (150 W/ 10 M)

Mentor’s Comment: Introduction should explain about Electoral Bond and its functioning like it cannot be purchased by paying cash. Further, talk how this will bring transparency. Limit in bond amount by one individual, involvement of banking institutions hence disclosing the details of donor and the donee, will curb black money and ill dumping of money… Continue reading While it is expected that electoral bonds will usher a new era of transparency in India’s electoral politics, however many skeptics believe that it would endanger democracy. Discuss (150 W/ 10 M)

Highlight the similarities and differences in the approach of Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom of their respective countries? (150 W/ 10 M)

Mentors comment: A straightforward question with straightforward approach. Just follow the question. Introduce them in the intro and jump to their comparison of ways and means in their respective countries. Stick the arguments and discussion to the national struggle alone and not in their personal lives and believes. Some differences : Mandela tried violent methods… Continue reading Highlight the similarities and differences in the approach of Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom of their respective countries? (150 W/ 10 M)

Explain why following should be treated as misconduct as per central civil services (conduct) Rules 1964? (a) An employee writing letter to Governor of his state making allegation against ‘head’ of his office. (b) A civil servant doing a part time job in an educational institution. (75 Words each/ 5*2=10 marks)

Mentor’s Comment: The question is straight forward and don’t require much suggestion. However, the knowledge of hierarchy in government, order of precedence and a fair knowledge of Civil Service Conduct Rules 1964 will provide good input in answer. Also the person who executes rules should and must be anticipated to follow it in all circumstances.… Continue reading Explain why following should be treated as misconduct as per central civil services (conduct) Rules 1964? (a) An employee writing letter to Governor of his state making allegation against ‘head’ of his office. (b) A civil servant doing a part time job in an educational institution. (75 Words each/ 5*2=10 marks)

The recent survey by National Bank of Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) shows worsening conditions of India’s Rural Economy with falling income and reduced employment. Identify the various factors responsible and suggest suitable measures. (150 W/ 10 M)

Source: https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-job-creation-at-the-farmers-doorstep/ Model Answer: Introduction: India is predominantly a rural country with two third population and 70% workforce residing in rural areas. Rural economy constitutes 46 per cent of national income. Despite the rise of urbanisation more than half of India‟s population is projected to be rural by 2050. Thus growth and development of rural… Continue reading The recent survey by National Bank of Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) shows worsening conditions of India’s Rural Economy with falling income and reduced employment. Identify the various factors responsible and suggest suitable measures. (150 W/ 10 M)

Critically analyse the recent government proposal of Lateral Entry into the Civil Services. (150 W/ 10 M)

Mentor’s Comment: The question can be important for mains as the decision has been implemented and may ask for analytical view or criticisms. The introduction should mention about Government’s decision of lateral entry in general way that is in both sectors public and private. Further, the question demands pros and cons of lateral entry and… Continue reading Critically analyse the recent government proposal of Lateral Entry into the Civil Services. (150 W/ 10 M)

The Permanent Settlement somewhat secured the interests of the Zamindars, post-poned those of the tenants and permanently sacrificed those of the state. Examine (250 W/ 15 M)

Mentors Comment: The statement of the question is quite straight and expectations from the answer are clearly their. You have to discuss the impact of Permanent Settlement on Zamindars, Farmers and East India Company. While discussing the finer points of permanent settlement and its impact on all these actors, you have to balance your answer… Continue reading The Permanent Settlement somewhat secured the interests of the Zamindars, post-poned those of the tenants and permanently sacrificed those of the state. Examine (250 W/ 15 M)

Most youngsters in India seem to be motivated more by the perks and privileges associated with government jobs than the prospects of public service. What would you do to change the scenario? (150 W/ 10 M)

Mentor’s Comment: Mention the reasons for youths’ attraction towards more perks and privileges rather than service. Bring example if any. Further, mention the trends and way to influence youngsters. Like use of social media, perks as lucrative and should be avoided, honesty, accountability and responsibility in public service, mention role model (if any). Also the… Continue reading Most youngsters in India seem to be motivated more by the perks and privileges associated with government jobs than the prospects of public service. What would you do to change the scenario? (150 W/ 10 M)

What is a Bad Bank, can it help create Good Banks in India? Critically analyse. (150 W/ 10 M)

Mentors Comment: The idea of forming a ‘bad bank’ in India was initially floated in 2017 when the Economic Survey suggested setting up a Public Sector Asset Rehabilitation Agency (PARA). Along with it, RBI floated the idea of PAMCs and NAMCs on the lines of Bad Banks. Therefore, it’s an important topic, given the challenge… Continue reading What is a Bad Bank, can it help create Good Banks in India? Critically analyse. (150 W/ 10 M)

Judicial Primacy in appointment of judges is a part of basic structure, however both proposed NJAC and the current collegium system violates that? Comment. (150 W/ 10 M)

Mentor’s Comment: Primacy has been decided in 2nd judges case. The ideal of Judicial Primacy as embodied in Art – 124 and 217 of the constitution has been lauded as a guarantor of Judicial independence in appointments. Referring that explain the meaning of Primacy in Indian judicial appointments. Further, compare how the Collegiums system (provides… Continue reading Judicial Primacy in appointment of judges is a part of basic structure, however both proposed NJAC and the current collegium system violates that? Comment. (150 W/ 10 M)

What are seismic waves? How have they helped in understanding the structure of the earth? (250 W/ 15 M)

Mentor’s Comment: Introduction should explain about Seismic waves as it has been the basis of most hypotheses developed on earth’s structure. How it gets generated. Further, mention the types and their respective features concerning the earth’s structure. How seismic waves are measured. Next, mention how these waves helped in understanding the features of earth. As… Continue reading What are seismic waves? How have they helped in understanding the structure of the earth? (250 W/ 15 M)

Mr. Biswas is a civil servant in the PMO office. Lately there has been a lot of activity happening around the present education policy and the right to education. Mr. Biswas gets an invitation from a news channel to a debate on the issue. The news channel assures that it will be a non political intellectual debate. The other invitees will be from other prominent field of education. Being a Civil Servant what should Mr. Biswas do? Whether he should express himself on a public platform or not? Suggest Mr. Biswas a suitable action in this regard. (150 W/ 10 M)

Mentor’s Comment: Case studies examine your attitude towards solving any issues. It depicts the comprehending skills of an individual towards solving a problem. In the above case, Civil Servants acts as an eye to the government policy and are in certain cases debarred from taking part in public debate in order to avoid government trust… Continue reading Mr. Biswas is a civil servant in the PMO office. Lately there has been a lot of activity happening around the present education policy and the right to education. Mr. Biswas gets an invitation from a news channel to a debate on the issue. The news channel assures that it will be a non political intellectual debate. The other invitees will be from other prominent field of education. Being a Civil Servant what should Mr. Biswas do? Whether he should express himself on a public platform or not? Suggest Mr. Biswas a suitable action in this regard. (150 W/ 10 M)

Examine the impact of climate change on Indian agriculture. Highlight India’s efforts to counter it with a special focus on National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA). (150 W/ 10 M)

Mentors Comment: NICRA will soon enter its second phase and was launched in 2011. At the same time, the relationship of climate change (CC) and agriculture is quite unique in India and it needs special attention. The question joins these three important topics together. Directive word is Highlight- The question wants us to mention the… Continue reading Examine the impact of climate change on Indian agriculture. Highlight India’s efforts to counter it with a special focus on National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA). (150 W/ 10 M)

The draft forest policy, 2018 has been released recently. But, it has attracted more criticism than compliments. Critically analyse the various contentions leveled against the policy. (250 W/ 15 M)

Mentors Comment: It has been in news since 2016 and new draft has been released this year. Its an important question for Mains- 2018. The question requires you to discuss the significance, consequences, shortcomings etc of draft national forest policy. In the introduction write 2-3 lines why there was a need for new forest policy… Continue reading The draft forest policy, 2018 has been released recently. But, it has attracted more criticism than compliments. Critically analyse the various contentions leveled against the policy. (250 W/ 15 M)

According to many Sociologists, in contemporary India, traditional joint families are being replaced by functional joint families. What do you understand by functional joint families? Why it is increasing in recent years? (150 W/ 10 M)

Mentors Comment: The requirement of the question is simple and clear. In the first part of the answer, discuss what are functional joint families. In the later part, discuss what are the factors that are helping the increase of functional joint families. Start with introducing the basic characters of joint families and how its now… Continue reading According to many Sociologists, in contemporary India, traditional joint families are being replaced by functional joint families. What do you understand by functional joint families? Why it is increasing in recent years? (150 W/ 10 M)

Ethics Case Study: A two year old male child is suffering from physical deformities and also is mentally retarded. The Physician informed that he would probably have lived to his fifth birthday but not more than that. The parents of the boy have no formal education and are working at a factory with a monthly salary of Rs. 3000 to sustain their life and another 3 children with no health insurance. Monthly expense for medication and special diet for the child is Rs 2,500. The parents have requested for the Physician to provide any sort of help as they don’t have enough money to take care of the child. They even said that if there could not be any way out, it will be better for them to let the child die. What should the doctor do and why? How the doctor should balance the Beneficence and non-maleficence? (150 W/ 10 M)

Mentor’s Comment: Case study is an essential part of Section B of Ethics paper and is scoring in nature. Case studies offer descriptions and data of situations, from which we have to: Firstly: Identify key points or issues Weigh up the situation Consider the information you do and don’t have Further: Define the problem/issue to be addressed… Continue reading Ethics Case Study: A two year old male child is suffering from physical deformities and also is mentally retarded. The Physician informed that he would probably have lived to his fifth birthday but not more than that. The parents of the boy have no formal education and are working at a factory with a monthly salary of Rs. 3000 to sustain their life and another 3 children with no health insurance. Monthly expense for medication and special diet for the child is Rs 2,500. The parents have requested for the Physician to provide any sort of help as they don’t have enough money to take care of the child. They even said that if there could not be any way out, it will be better for them to let the child die. What should the doctor do and why? How the doctor should balance the Beneficence and non-maleficence? (150 W/ 10 M)

What do you understand by Dutch disease in economics? Is it beneficial or harmful to the economy? Critically analyse in the context of contemporary Indian economy? (150 W/ 10 M)

Sources: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/what-is-dutch-disease-in-economics/article19883926.ece https://www.livemint.com/Opinion/pZzvKe7p1YaidTM2VIFnsI/Has-the-Indian-economy-caught-the-Dutch-disease.html   Model Answer: Dutch Disease refers to the phenomenon wherein countries that are rich in natural resources witness uneven growth across sectors. When resource-rich countries export their resources to the rest of the world, it causes the exchange rate of their currency to appreciate significantly. This, in turn, affects other sectors in… Continue reading What do you understand by Dutch disease in economics? Is it beneficial or harmful to the economy? Critically analyse in the context of contemporary Indian economy? (150 W/ 10 M)

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