(a) 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 level of happiness. A positive quality may increase the experience… Continue reading Answer the following questions: (a) Discuss few criterias used to define a trait as positive? (b) How does optimism work and what positive functions does it serve?(250 words)

Mentors Comment: Briefly explain subordinate legislation in India. Discuss the criticisms of subordinate legislation and the need of scrutiny. Discuss mechanisms of scrutiny and control (Parliamentary scrutiny (debate, question hour, motions and committees); judicial interpretation and public consultation). Conclude with the need to reconcile subordinate legislation with parliamentary primacy in law making. Answer: Subordinate legislation… Continue reading Explain the concept of subordinate legislation in India. Also discuss the mechanisms for their scrutiny and control.(250 words)

(a) Cultural Relativism is of the view that moral or ethical systems, which vary from culture to culture, are all equally valid and no one system is really “better” than any other. This is based on the idea that there is no ultimate standard of good or evil, so every judgment about right and wrong… Continue reading Answer the following questions:. (a) How does the cultural relativism defines “good”? Which method does it follow for arriving at moral beliefs? (b)Why does cultural relativism supposedly make us more tolerant of other cultures and, critically examine the view that moral values are relative?(250 Words)

Mentors Comments: Write a basic definition of desertification in introduction. Then try to bring out areas/regions being impacted by it in India. Then elaborate some of the major reasons for increasing desertification in India. Finally give the steps take so far in combating it and analyse the effectiveness of those steps. Answer: Desertification is land… Continue reading Identify the regions being impacted by desertification in India. Bringing out the major reasons for it, analyse the effectiveness of steps taken to combat it.(250 Words)

Answer: “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… 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’.(250 words)

Mentors Comment: Provide a brief introduction about oceanic and continental relief. Discuss the reasons for formation of various oceanic reliefs. Discuss the significance of various oceanic reliefs. Answer: The lithosphere (crust and upper mantle) has two broad relief features — continents and ocean basins, which are created by the movement of plates along plate-tectonic boundaries,… Continue reading The mapping of ocean floor reveals complex and varied features, which rival the relief features on land. Discuss the reasons for the formation of main relief features of ocean along with their significance. (150 words)