💥UPSC 2026, 2027 UAP Mentorship November Batch
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Ethics Case Study: You are hearing a case in court. The case is that of rash driving where a 16 year old boy has hit 3 people on road. Out of them, 1 person who was the only earning member in the family died on the spot. The boy is the son of a reputed IAS officer in the city. At the time of accident, he had come from a party and was drunk. The officer is one of your good friends. He asks you not to punish the child as this would spoil his career and it was by mistake. He requests you that this judgement will have a big impact on the career of his son. What are the ethical conflicts in the case? What are the various options before you? Discuss them with their merits and demerits. Are moral and ethical values of parents and the upbringing of children by them to be held responsible in such cases? (200 W/ 12½ M)

Mentor’s Comment: The case study taken from Delhi BMW hit and run incident where man gets two year jail term. Read details from the below link. http://indianexpress.com/article/india/delhi-bmw-hit-and-run-man-gets-two-year-jail-term-4752538/   Model Answer: The case involves dilemma for the judge to give judgement where the minor if punished may not get an opportunity to rectify his mistake and… Continue reading Ethics Case Study: You are hearing a case in court. The case is that of rash driving where a 16 year old boy has hit 3 people on road. Out of them, 1 person who was the only earning member in the family died on the spot. The boy is the son of a reputed IAS officer in the city. At the time of accident, he had come from a party and was drunk. The officer is one of your good friends. He asks you not to punish the child as this would spoil his career and it was by mistake. He requests you that this judgement will have a big impact on the career of his son. What are the ethical conflicts in the case? What are the various options before you? Discuss them with their merits and demerits. Are moral and ethical values of parents and the upbringing of children by them to be held responsible in such cases? (200 W/ 12½ M)

Changing regulations every three hours makes life miserable for MSMEs and breeds informality (a sense of humour about the rule of law). Critically comment in the light of recent policy measures. (150 W/ 10 M)

Source: https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-changing-the-indian-state-from-bully-to-ally/ Model Answer: The MSME sector in India continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience in the face of trialing global and domestic economic circumstances. The sector has sustained an annual growth rate of over 10% for the past few years. With its agility and dynamism, the sector has shown admirable innovativeness and adaptability to survive… Continue reading Changing regulations every three hours makes life miserable for MSMEs and breeds informality (a sense of humour about the rule of law). Critically comment in the light of recent policy measures. (150 W/ 10 M)

A self-confident policy anchored in a clear understanding of national interest goes far in comparison to knee-jerk reactions occasioned by ego issues. In the light of the above statement critically analyse India’s Maldives policy in recent times? (250 W/15 M)

Mentor’s Comment: India being Maldives immediate neighbour has ensured security, infrastructure and finance for growth. Introduction should explain the general relation between both the countries. Further, mention about the issues which India witnesses in bilateral relation as a threat. Islamist radicalization, Role of China etc. Next, mention way forward, what needs to be done in… Continue reading A self-confident policy anchored in a clear understanding of national interest goes far in comparison to knee-jerk reactions occasioned by ego issues. In the light of the above statement critically analyse India’s Maldives policy in recent times? (250 W/15 M)

Till age old stigma exists within the majority sections of the Indian society, where women are treated with the patriarchal mindset, crime against women will continue in India? Comment. (200 W/ 12½ M)

Mentor’s Comment: Since ancient women are treated as object and continues to be the victim of violence in this male dominated society. The introduction should explain in general about the status of women in society and their potential to contribute in contrary. Further, explain about the role of patriarchy in crimes against women. Violent crimes… Continue reading Till age old stigma exists within the majority sections of the Indian society, where women are treated with the patriarchal mindset, crime against women will continue in India? Comment. (200 W/ 12½ M)

Rare Earth Elements

The rare earth elements (REE) are a set of seventeen metallic elements. These include the fifteen lanthanides on the periodic table in addition to scandium and yttrium that show similar physical and chemical properties to the lanthanides The REEs have unique catalytic, metallurgical, nuclear, electrical, magnetic and luminescent properties. While named ‘rare earth’, they are… Continue reading Rare Earth Elements

13th December 2018 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

Q.1) With reference to the UN Panel of External Auditors, consider the following statements: It is the only UN panel to ensure a transparent and accurate basis for the financial decisions made by the United Nations and its Specialized Agencies. India is the only Asian member of this Panel.  Which of the given statements is/are… Continue reading 13th December 2018 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

[RSTV-Big Picture] Humanising Prisons

The Supreme Court has once again on 13 December made a strong observation on the situation of prisoners lodged in jails. The Supreme Court has issued instructions to all state governments to make changes in prison rules. During the hearing, the court said that in all the states, prisoners’ rights should be fully taken care… Continue reading [RSTV-Big Picture] Humanising Prisons

The Supreme Court has once again on 13 December made a strong observation on the situation of prisoners lodged in jails. The Supreme Court has issued instructions to all state governments to make changes in prison rules. During the hearing, the court said that in all the states, prisoners’ rights should be fully taken care… Continue reading [RSTV-Big Picture] Humanising Prisons

Ethics Case Study: India looses too many lives due to heavy floods and other natural disasters every year. The nature and cause of floods across different parts of the states are different. In some areas flood situation is worsened due to high level of siltation and rising river bed. Poor maintenance and resultant failure of embankments and erosional activities are other contributing factors leading to recurrence of floods causing high magnitude of losses and damages. Floods in urban areas such as Guwahati are a result of yet another set of contributing factors such as inadequate urban drainage, poor maintenance of drains and improper land use planning. A single flood event cannot be attributed to climate change but shifting rainfall pattern is also influencing the characteristics of the floods. In such a context, disaster risk reduction efforts to reduce flood losses require due attention to not only the direct causes but also the social milieu, economic diaspora, natural environment, ethical and cultural practices etc. These processes are complex in nature owing to historical background and the present processes of development and urbanization. Culture influences to a large extent affect the implementation of strategies and policies. You have been appointed as a District Administrator tasked with disaster risk reduction. You are new to this place unknown to cultural and traditional practices. Everything from rescue to rehabilitation is dependent on you. 1. What are the courses do you think will be suitable for such areas and how you are going to deal with the situation? Justify your actions. 2. What are the ethical impediments you are likely to face in dealing with the people affected by floods?

Mentor’s Comment: The case study is taken from the floods situation in Assam and West Bengal which the trend shows is like an annual phenomena. This involves the ethical principles like Human values, moral and political attitude, integrity, public service, empathy, sympathy and fair treatment etc. The case requires you to assess the course of… Continue reading Ethics Case Study: India looses too many lives due to heavy floods and other natural disasters every year. The nature and cause of floods across different parts of the states are different. In some areas flood situation is worsened due to high level of siltation and rising river bed. Poor maintenance and resultant failure of embankments and erosional activities are other contributing factors leading to recurrence of floods causing high magnitude of losses and damages. Floods in urban areas such as Guwahati are a result of yet another set of contributing factors such as inadequate urban drainage, poor maintenance of drains and improper land use planning. A single flood event cannot be attributed to climate change but shifting rainfall pattern is also influencing the characteristics of the floods. In such a context, disaster risk reduction efforts to reduce flood losses require due attention to not only the direct causes but also the social milieu, economic diaspora, natural environment, ethical and cultural practices etc. These processes are complex in nature owing to historical background and the present processes of development and urbanization. Culture influences to a large extent affect the implementation of strategies and policies. You have been appointed as a District Administrator tasked with disaster risk reduction. You are new to this place unknown to cultural and traditional practices. Everything from rescue to rehabilitation is dependent on you. 1. What are the courses do you think will be suitable for such areas and how you are going to deal with the situation? Justify your actions. 2. What are the ethical impediments you are likely to face in dealing with the people affected by floods?

After 53 years, the Border Security Force is facing myriad challenges, ranging from the reassessment of operational philosophy and a personnel management dilemma to an acute disconnect of the leadership with ground realities. Examine. (200 W// 12½ M)

Source: https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-to-keep-india-safe-bsf-must-get-leaders-from-its-own-ranks-not-the-ips/ Model Answer: The Border Security Force, the world’s largest border guarding force, recently celebrated its 54th Raising Day. The Border Security Force is facing myriad challenges, ranging from the reassessment of operational philosophy and a personnel management dilemma to an acute disconnect of the leadership with ground realities. Border Security Force: BSF is… Continue reading After 53 years, the Border Security Force is facing myriad challenges, ranging from the reassessment of operational philosophy and a personnel management dilemma to an acute disconnect of the leadership with ground realities. Examine. (200 W// 12½ M)

In the wake of perceived failure of public institutions in India, many analysts have described the situation as ‘an emergency of Indian constitutionalism’. Do you agree with such an assessment? (250 W/ 15 M)

Mentor’s Comment: This question is very analytical in nature. It wants you to assess whether the public institutions are on a decline.  Introduce the answer in such a manner to indicate that you have understood the broader theme. In the body talk about some arguments raised on the legitimacy of major pillars of democracy and… Continue reading In the wake of perceived failure of public institutions in India, many analysts have described the situation as ‘an emergency of Indian constitutionalism’. Do you agree with such an assessment? (250 W/ 15 M)

Greek and Roman literary account proved extremely useful in writing the history of Ancient India? Discuss. (200 W 12 ½ M)

Mentor’s Comment: Start the answer by mentioning 2-3 lines about importance of literary accounts in writing history of Ancient India.After that discuss the important Greek and Roman works which deals with Ancient Indian history and how they help in writing the history of Ancient India. You also have to mention how in some ways their… Continue reading Greek and Roman literary account proved extremely useful in writing the history of Ancient India? Discuss. (200 W 12 ½ M)

12th December 2018 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

Q.1) The ENSURE portal for DBT transfer is related to activities in: a) Animal Husbandry b) Scholarships c) Farm Loans d) LPG subsidy Inspired by: [pib] “ENSURE” Portal for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-ensure-portal-for-direct-benefit-transfer-dbt/ Q.2) The PCS 1x is an initiative under: a) Ministry of HRD b) Ministry of Shipping c) Ministry of Commerce and… Continue reading 12th December 2018 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

He who has not forgiven an enemy has not yet tasted one of the most sublime enjoyments of life. – ‘Johann K. Lavatu’ (10 marks 150 words)

Model Answer: Forgiveness is a gift that is not expected from people having narrower view. It is a larger gift expected from great people. It is the quality that enables an individual to live with peace, contentment and happiness. A person who forgives his enemy is a great man to give chance to his enemy.… Continue reading He who has not forgiven an enemy has not yet tasted one of the most sublime enjoyments of life. – ‘Johann K. Lavatu’ (10 marks 150 words)

What is Bioplastic? Examine whether use of bioplastic is safe in comparison to petroleum based plastic or are likely to contribute more in global greenhouse gas emission if its use increases? (150 W /10 M)

Source: Urban planning can change the future of cities to happy cities Model Answer: Bioplastics are developed as an alternative to the petroleum-based plastics. Increased use of petroleum-based plastics is associated with producing more greenhouse gases. Recent reports have suggested that use of Bioplastics might not be safe. Bioplastics: Bioplastics are plastics derived from renewable… Continue reading What is Bioplastic? Examine whether use of bioplastic is safe in comparison to petroleum based plastic or are likely to contribute more in global greenhouse gas emission if its use increases? (150 W /10 M)

Critically analyse key features of proposal for enactment of Dam Safety Bill – 2018. (150 W/ 10 M)

Source: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=179939 Model Answer: There are more than 5200 big dams in India and about 450 dams are being constructed. In addition, there are medium and tens of thousands of dams. Due to lack of legal and institutional arrangements for dam protection in India, the dam safety issue is a matter of concern. Unprotected dams… Continue reading Critically analyse key features of proposal for enactment of Dam Safety Bill – 2018. (150 W/ 10 M)

India’s geology encompasses the entire geological history of the earth. Elaborate. What is the link between India’s mineral resource distribution and her geological structure? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comment: Introduction should explain about geological period. A geological period is one of several subdivisions of geologic time enabling cross-referencing of rocks and geologic events from place to place. These periods form elements of a hierarchy of divisions into which geologists have split the Earth’s history. Relate them to India as India is a land of diversity in its physiographic condition and various landforms… Continue reading India’s geology encompasses the entire geological history of the earth. Elaborate. What is the link between India’s mineral resource distribution and her geological structure? (10 Marks)

Polar Sciences – Arctic, Antarctic, Himalayas, etc.

ARCTIC India initiated its Arctic Research Program in 2007 with thrust on climate change in the circumpolar north. The major objectives of the Indian Research in Arctic Region are as follows: To study the hypothesized tele-connections between the Arctic climate and the Indian monsoon by analyzing the sediment and ice core records from the Arctic… Continue reading Polar Sciences – Arctic, Antarctic, Himalayas, etc.

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