Mentors Comments: 1. Define cryptocurrency. Giving examples of Bitcoin and Libra recently 2. List the economic, security, governance and technological benefits offered by cryptocurrencies 3. Mention the challenges posed by mainstreaming them – governance, security and crime-related 4. Provide suggestions to gain from them while not succumbing to the side effects https://www.livemint.com/opinion/online-views/cryptocurrencies-could-constrain-a-country-s-choices-1567447742065.html Answer: A cryptocurrency… Continue reading What is a cryptocurrency? What benefits and challenges do cryptocurrencies pose? (250 Words)

(a) An employee writing letter to Governor of his state making allegation against ‘head’ of his office. Section 19 of the Central Civil Service (Conduct) Rules 1964 provides a mechanism through which a civil servant can vindicate his grievance. The Civil Servant has to exhaust all options before which he can proceed to a court… Continue reading Explain why the following should be treated as misconduct as per central civil services (conduct) Rules 1964? (7.5*2=15 marks) (250 Words): (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.

Mentors Comments: 1. Discuss the key dimensions of the FTA being discussed 2. What is the necessity for the FTA, both for India and the EU 3. What are the challenges in finalizing the deal and implementation 4. Way ahead Answer: The European Union and India have been negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) since… Continue reading A Free Trade agreement with the EU is in the best interest of both the parties. Discuss. (250 Words)

(a) ‘Corruption’ ultimately makes democracy dysfunctional. Corruption is offense on the part of an authority or powerful party through means that are illegitimate, immoral, or incompatible with ethical standards. Corruption is a cancer that weakens the very root of democracy. It starts from a smaller level gradually progressing to higher levels in the government. Public… Continue reading Explain the following in 125 words each: (a) ‘Corruption’ ultimately makes democracy dysfunctional. (7.5 Marks) (b) Progressive decline in standards of ‘Public Duty’ (7.5 Marks)

Mentors Comment: This question is from the topic : the factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India) and quite a straightforward question too. Start with general intro on how various factors affect the concentration of various industries and discuss the spread of… Continue reading Despite the presence of significant amount of Floral Diversity and Density in the Tropics, why are most of the paper and pulp industries concentrated in the high latitudes of Northern Hemisphere? (250 Words)

Mentors Comments: 1. Mention how climate change and countries’ ambitions open up new opportunities in the Arctic 2. What are the various institutions and mechanisms to access its resources and where does India stand? 3. Also, mention the challenges India faces in this aspect 4. Conclude with a critical opinion on the resource extraction in… Continue reading Arctic is evolving as the new geopolitical conflict on global scenario. What benefits does it offer to India and where do we stand in the race to Arctic resources? (250 Words)

Mentors Comments: 1. Discuss recent examples of bank mergers in India 2. Mention the reasons why they are beneficial 3. Also discuss how mergers pose additional problems, rather than solving existing ones 4. Touch upon the aspect why they are not a solution- mention various committee recommendations on resolving PSB ailments https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/big-bank-theory/article29302726.ece/amp/ Answer: The Centre… Continue reading Do you think bank mergers are a solution for the Public sector banks in India? Critically discuss. (250 Words)

Civil servants must ensure that they analyze the performance of their juniors critically. They should let their juniors know about these shortcomings so that they can improve upon them. Following precautions are needed while criticizing the performance of subordinates: • Specificity: Criticism or comments should be specific. • Providing or suggesting a solution: The senior… Continue reading What precautions are needed while criticizing the performance of subordinates? Suppose you are head of a disaster management team. You have assigned the task of distribution of foodgrain to one of your subordinates which he is unable to handle properly. How will you comment on his performance? (250 words)

Mentors Comment: Understanding this question is quite important. It’s not a general question therefore you might find it little tricky. Its not asking you to answer what is caste, why is it good or why is it bad. Instead, the question requires discussion on the Changing Nature of Caste in Modern India. Basic premise of… Continue reading Caste in its old form is irrelevant and cannot exist in the modern or contemporary Indian society. Comment. (250 Words)