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Especially since the 14th Finance Commission award, the existence of ‘Special Category States’ has been called into question. Examine? (150W/10M)

Mentors Comment: With the demand of Andhra Pradesh for SCS, the issue is again back in limelight and there has been loads of commentary going on about it. 14th FC did not explicitly ended the status but reduced the number of states to few and hence, any new demand from other states for the SCS… Continue reading Especially since the 14th Finance Commission award, the existence of ‘Special Category States’ has been called into question. Examine? (150W/10M)

Distinguish between the twin concept of Imperialism and Colonialism and identify the three distinct ages of British colonial in India. (250W/15M)

Mentor’s Comment: This is a very basic question having two parts, 1st one is clearly asking the meaning of both the concept i.e. Imperialism and Colonialism. Mentioning the meaning will clarify the motives of British rule in India. However, both the term evolved in modified context in practical (cite examples if possible). Further, explain the… Continue reading Distinguish between the twin concept of Imperialism and Colonialism and identify the three distinct ages of British colonial in India. (250W/15M)

What do you mean by SMART Governance? Highlight its significance in the context of Indian Bureaucracy. (150W/10M)

Mentor’s Comment: Mention the meaning of SMART Governance with its features. How the features of SMART Governance helps in daily dealing of Governance helping executives to tackle the situation effectively. Model Answer: Introduction: SMART Governance is about using technology to facilitate and support better planning and decision making. It is about improving democratic processes and… Continue reading What do you mean by SMART Governance? Highlight its significance in the context of Indian Bureaucracy. (150W/10M)

What are the myths and realities associated with GM food? Do you think India should maintain its still-rich genetic diversity for the future of our agriculture instead of going for GM crops? Critically comment. (150W/10M)

Sources: https://rajyasabha.nic.in/rsnew/publication_electronic/gen_modify_crops.pdf https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/should-we-grow-gm-crops/article19226398.ece Introduction: GM Food is a food which has been produced using organisms that have been engineered genetically (Genetically Modified Organisms) to survive in natural stresses also. This refers to as traditional cross breeding and involves selecting plants and animals with the most desirable characteristics (eg. Disease resistance, High Yield, Good Meat Quality)… Continue reading What are the myths and realities associated with GM food? Do you think India should maintain its still-rich genetic diversity for the future of our agriculture instead of going for GM crops? Critically comment. (150W/10M)

What are the merits of the idea of conducting simultaneous elections for state assemblies and Parliament? Are there compelling reasons for India to consider this option? Critically examine. (150W/10M)

Sources: https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:B4_oZguTHWcJ:https://indianexpress.com/article/india/prime-minister-narendra-modi-niti-aayog-election-financial-year-merits-and-demerits-of-simultaneous-elections-and-change-in-fiscal-proposals-by-pm-modi-4626089/+&cd=3&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=in https://www.livemint.com/Opinion/MgitLxJasfNAbKDhnCQgUJ/Simultaneous-elections-are-a-bad-idea.html Introduction: Recently, the concept of simultaneous election in India has been reinitiated which entails for holding elections for Lok Sabha (Lower House) and State Legislative Assemblies together which was in practice prior to 1967. The idea behind this is to curb policy paralysis, improvement in governance and to more extent limit the… Continue reading What are the merits of the idea of conducting simultaneous elections for state assemblies and Parliament? Are there compelling reasons for India to consider this option? Critically examine. (150W/10M)

Prohibiting women entry and worshiping in spaces dominated by male custodian of religion is not just a matter of violating women’s equality in matters of faith but also their dignity and continuation of male appropriation of religion. Critically analyse in the context of recent landmark judgment given by Supreme Court. (250W/15M)

Mentor’s Comment: This question is very contemporary based on the burning issue of violation of women rights for entering into temples. The SC has also pronounced its verdict allowing women into temple, but still the protest and restriction continues. Introduce about the violation of women rights citing some customary laws  which prohibit women of certain… Continue reading Prohibiting women entry and worshiping in spaces dominated by male custodian of religion is not just a matter of violating women’s equality in matters of faith but also their dignity and continuation of male appropriation of religion. Critically analyse in the context of recent landmark judgment given by Supreme Court. (250W/15M)

Examine the relevance of the following in the context of civil service citing examples. (10 Marks) a)Probity b)Taking Accountability c)Delegation d)Developing Others e)Consultation and Consensus Building

Mentor’s Note Similar question was there in 2017. These values have been mentioned repeatedly in PM’s speeches and various government reports. Such values and many more need to be covered in good detail. So, Explain the points, bring its essence in your own words furnished with good examples…. Model Answer a) Probity – Probity is… Continue reading Examine the relevance of the following in the context of civil service citing examples. (10 Marks) a)Probity b)Taking Accountability c)Delegation d)Developing Others e)Consultation and Consensus Building

The double burden of malnutrition threatens India’s demographic dividend. Assess India’s strategy to counter the same.(150W/10M)

Mentor’s Comment Introduce with what is the double burden of malnutrition. Followed by how it threatens the demographic dividend of India by giving its negative impacts on youths productivity. Steps taken by government to counter the challenge of malnutrition. Conclude with suggestions. Model Answer Malnutrition in India has always been synonymous with undernutrition. Not anymore.… Continue reading The double burden of malnutrition threatens India’s demographic dividend. Assess India’s strategy to counter the same.(150W/10M)

How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the regular judiciary? Critically analyse the performance of the NGT with respect to its mandate.(250W/15M)

Mentors Comment: Question is simple and straightforward. You have to discuss how Ac of 1919 or Montagu Chelmsford Reform (MCR) influenced our present day constitution. Most of the discussion on constitution takes into the account GoI Act of 1935 and how it influenced provisions in our constitution. But of not more then equally important was… Continue reading How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the regular judiciary? Critically analyse the performance of the NGT with respect to its mandate.(250W/15M)

Trace the evolution of different land revenue systems in different parts of British India. (250W/15M)

Mentor’s Comment: This is a very basic question and a fair idea about NCERTs, some standard book can best help in framing a good answer. However, the question demands that the origin and evolution of different revenue systems in India with example as its intro.  Mention a general heading analyzing all the different revenue systems… Continue reading Trace the evolution of different land revenue systems in different parts of British India. (250W/15M)

What do you mean by Emotional Intelligence? How will you apply emotional intelligence in administrative practices? (150W/10M)

Mentors Comment: Introduction should mention the essence of EI in one’s own word. Furnish example to bring clarity. Further talk about practical aspects of applying Emotional Intelligence in administration and the reasons for it rather than defining what an Emotional Intelligence is (here)? We need practical aspect i.e. application part. Then, bring the modern concept… Continue reading What do you mean by Emotional Intelligence? How will you apply emotional intelligence in administrative practices? (150W/10M)

While Globalization has destroyed many traditional practices and Industries in India it has also given new lease of life to some of them who were on the ventilator. Examine. (250W/15M)

Mentors Comment: The statement of the question is inclined to get your balanced perspective of Globalization on traditional practices and industries in India. Hence it will have both the discussions in the answer. Start with introducing Globalization and its introduction in India. Then discuss how globalization has negatively affected culture, traditions and industry in India.… Continue reading While Globalization has destroyed many traditional practices and Industries in India it has also given new lease of life to some of them who were on the ventilator. Examine. (250W/15M)

Discuss the problems that impeded the integration of the princely states into the Indian Union. How were these problems tackled? (250W/15M)

Mentors Comment: The question has two parts and they are crystal clear in their demands. First you have to discuss what were the challenges that Indian leadership faced while integrating these princely states into Union of India. Secondly what were the mechanisms and steps used to overcome this challenge. In the intro, discuss the role… Continue reading Discuss the problems that impeded the integration of the princely states into the Indian Union. How were these problems tackled? (250W/15M)

Why did the February Revolution in 1917 ultimately fail? What were the consequences for Russia of the failure of Kerensky’s Provisional Government? (250 W/15M)

Mentors Comment: Question is quite straightforward and you may not have problem in attempting it. Start with introducing Feb Revolution and what changes it bought. Then in the first part of the answer, discuss why the provisional government, established after Feb Revolution, failed. WW1, Land, Bread and Peace were the major factors. After here, discuss… Continue reading Why did the February Revolution in 1917 ultimately fail? What were the consequences for Russia of the failure of Kerensky’s Provisional Government? (250 W/15M)

Young people with ethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active politics. Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward. (150W/10M)

Approach: Mentor’s Comment: Explain the perception of politics among youth. The reasons for such perceptions i.e. the dealing of today’s politics like corruption, criminality etc. Bring the possible reasons why the ethical minds are not attracted towards politics. Mention that the politics is not bad by bringing points in support of good politics. Then suggest… Continue reading Young people with ethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active politics. Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward. (150W/10M)

RTI Amendment Bill 2018 will make CICs servile subordinates of the central Government? Examine (150W/10M)

Source: https://www.moneylife.in/article/rti-amendment-bill-2018-will-make-cics-servile-subordinates/54821.html Mentors Comment: RTI Amendment Bill 2018 has been in news and commentary since last couple of months and therefore its a fresh topic. You will not have much task in approaching this question then. Start by introducing the amendment bill and its salient features like what are the provisions that it is trying… Continue reading RTI Amendment Bill 2018 will make CICs servile subordinates of the central Government? Examine (150W/10M)

It is said that article 239AA gives responsibility without power to the Delhi Government? Do you agree with the view? What should be done to remove this anomaly? (150W/10M)

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/arvind-kejriwal-versus-anil-baijal-delhi-governor-responsibility-without-power-4962304/ Model Answer: Introduction: The 69th constitutional amendment created Article 239AA and called for the formation of an assembly and a council of ministers in the Union Territory of Delhi. Powers were transferred and the assembly was conferred with executive and legislative powers on all state subjects barring three – law and order, police… Continue reading It is said that article 239AA gives responsibility without power to the Delhi Government? Do you agree with the view? What should be done to remove this anomaly? (150W/10M)

While social movements seek to bring in social change, counter movements sometimes arise in defence of status quo. Comment and bring examples to support your point.       (150W/10M)

Approach: Since this is the basic question, a fair knowledge of NCERTs and other standard books will help in developing content and framing answer. Though some hints are as follow: Main idea of the question: The movements which are being organised by the group for bringing social change and age old practices. However, in retaliation… Continue reading While social movements seek to bring in social change, counter movements sometimes arise in defence of status quo. Comment and bring examples to support your point.       (150W/10M)

1st November 2018 | Daily Answer Writing Enhancement | Question 4

Young people with ethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active politics. Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward. (150W/10M) Mentor’s Comment: Explain the perception of politics among youth. The reasons for such perceptions i.e. the dealing of today’s politics like corruption, criminality etc. Bring the possible reasons why the ethical… Continue reading 1st November 2018 | Daily Answer Writing Enhancement | Question 4

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