Mentors Comments: 1. Introduce by explaining the state of pollution in Delhi now. 2. Explain the anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic reasons for the state of air. 3. Suggest solutions. Answer: Air pollution is now the third-highest cause of death among all health risks, ranking just above smoking, in India. An environment think tank Centre for Science… Continue reading  What are the reasons for the unique state of pollution in Delhi? Examine the reasons and try to give solutions. (15 Marks)

“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 motivation… 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’. (15 Marks)

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 the Union of India. Secondly what were the mechanisms and steps used to overcome this challenge. In the intro, discuss the… Continue reading Discuss the problems that impeded the integration of the princely states into the Indian Union. How were these problems tackled? (15 Marks)

Mentors Comments: 1. Define GDP and highlight its significance as an economic indicator. 2. What issues are raised in using GDP as a standard? 3. Provide alternatives to GDP and give a futuristic solution Answer: Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is one of the most widely used measures of an economy’s output or production. It is defined… Continue reading The excessive focus on the numbers of GDP takes us away from the quality of living. Discuss the need to move away from GDP as an indicator of economic growth. (15 Marks)

Mentors Comments: 1. Mention the state of financial inclusion in India. 2. Highlight the challenges for the same and barriers in improving the situation. 3. Provide solutions to address the issue. Answer: Financial inclusion may be defined as the process of ensuring access to financial services and timely and adequate credit where needed by vulnerable groups… Continue reading What barriers does India face in including the last mile in its financial network? Suggest solutions for the same. (15 Marks)

(a) Discuss a few criteria used to define a trait as positive? 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… Continue reading Answer the following questions: (a) Discuss few criterias used to define a trait as positive? (7.5 Marks) (b) How does optimism work and what positive functions does it serve? (7.5 Marks)

Mentors Comment: Gandhi Ji published Hind Swaraj which contained an ideological critique of western civilization and its practices. When seen in isolation, these criticisms are mere rebuttal of what western nations and civilizations practiced and their institutions. But when seen in the light of the national freedom movement, you will realize that these criticisms were… 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. (15 Marks)

The above statement captures the essence of consequentialist and deontological approaches. Consequentialism talks of a good consequence regardless of whether the action was right or wrong. It says ends justify means.  Deontological view talks of the right action regardless of the end consequence. Meaning, the end is not important, it’s more important to follow the… Continue reading Is it as much of a mistake to define ‘right action’ as to define ‘good consequence’? (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments: 1. Define Antibiotic resistance. 2. What makes it a significant issue for India? 3. What challenges do we face in combating it? 4. Provide solutions. Answer: The term antibiotic resistance is a subset of antimicrobial resistance or AMR which is the ability of a microbe to resist the effects of medication. AMR is… Continue reading Discuss the issue of Antibiotic resistance, with special focus on the unique socio-economic conditions in India. What are the challenges India faces in combating the issue of Drug resistance? (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments: 1. Brief on the state of relationship/ recent visits 2. What makes the relationship a necessity for both nations? 3. What are the mutual advantages of each of the two countries? 4. Brief the challenges and highlight the road ahead. Answer: PM Modi’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia was seen as a watershed… Continue reading The partnership India and Saudi Arabia is the need of the hour for both the countries. Discuss. (15 Marks)

Mentors Comment: Look at the war of 1962 in the present-day context. After 1962, China suddenly became the leader of third world nations, a place which India was vying for under the leadership of Nehru. Therefore, base your answer on the rise of China post-1962 and how the war was used by the Chinese govt… Continue reading “The Sino-Indian War Was A Masterstroke That Placed China as The Leader of The Third World.” Analyze. (15 Marks)