Q.1) An interesting event which is happening in last few years is Russia and China’s continued attempts to frame global and regional politics through a similar lens, and the growing divergences between India and them. In the light of the above statement, Discuss the Challenges facing the RIC and steps required to address these challenges.

Source: https://www.civilsdaily.com/op-ed-snap-looking-for-balance-in-power/

 

Q.2) With violence decreasing and the knowledge economy growing, society is making progress towards gender equality. But there’s a long way to go, and the law plays an important role in shaping the way women are viewed. In the light of the above statement discuss some of the gender discriminatory laws in India.

Source: https://www.civilsdaily.com/op-ed-snap-gender-based-laws-a-double-edged-sword/

 

Q.3) The World inequality report 2018 highlighted that Income inequality in India has worsened over the past three-and-a-half decades. Discuss the reasons behind this phenomenon and steps needed to improve the situation.

Source: https://www.civilsdaily.com/income-inequality-in-india-worsens-but-slower-than-russia-and-china-report/

 

Q.4) Critically discuss the salient features of the Financial Resolution and deposit insurance bill?

Source: https://www.civilsdaily.com/op-ed-snap-perils-of-going-cashless/

https://www.civilsdaily.com/op-ed-snap-bail-in-doubts-on-financial-resolution-legislation/

 

Q.5) What do you mean by E-cigarettes? Discuss the rationale behind its use and key concerns associated with it.

Source: https://www.civilsdaily.com/maharashtra-fda-approaches-law-and-judiciary-dept-over-ban-on-e-cigarettes/

 

Q.6) What is the Wassenar arrangement? What advantages will India get from being member of the Wassenar arrangement?

Source: https://www.civilsdaily.com/op-ed-snap-in-an-elite-club-on-indias-wassenaar-entry/

 

Q.7) What do you understand by PETCOKE? What are its harmful effects? Recent reports indicate that India is the biggest importer of PETCOKE generated in USA. Discuss the reason behind this unusual trend.

Source: https://www.civilsdaily.com/sc-eases-petcoke-ban-for-2-sectors/

https://www.civilsdaily.com/india-is-biggest-importer-of-u-s-oil-refinery-by-product-petcoke/

 

Q.8) Discuss the salient features of the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill, 2016? It is considered that the bill will provide women with much needed work life balance. Critically analyse. (200 Words)

Source: https://www.civilsdaily.com/maternity-benefit-amendment-bill/

https://thewire.in/195658/amendment-maternity-act-tool-gender-diversity/

 

Q.9) In the recently concluded elections in Nepal leftist groups emerged victorious. What impact it will have on Indo-Nepal relations and Nepal-China relations, also suggest steps which India should take to improve relations with the new Government in Nepal.

Source:  https://scroll.in/article/861272/a-communist-win-in-the-nepal-elections-is-bad-news-for-india-but-great-for-china

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/with-eye-on-china-india-to-step-up-relations-with-nepal/articleshow/62075326.cms

 

Q.10) Discuss the argument for and against the Women Reservation bill?

Source: https://www.civilsdaily.com/will-womens-reservation-bill-be-passed-in-lok-sabha-this-winter-session/

 

Ethics Questions

Q.11)  You are posted as SDM in a tehsil. Your husband is also a civil Servant and remains busy throughout the day because of the work pressure. You have a small child aged 2 years. You are finding it difficult to manage your job with the child as your job sometimes requires you to work in odd hours. One day when you discuss the matter with your husband, instead of finding a solution or cooperating you, he abruptly asks you to leave the job and look after the child as he earns well. You have no financial burdens as such and quitting the job would also give you sufficient time to spend with your child who is too young. Given below are some options. Discuss them with their merits and demerits. Also suggest which course of action would you take and why?

(i) Resign from the job and look after your child.

(ii) Continue your job and call your mother in law to look after the child or appoint a caretaker for the child.

(iii) Have an argument with your husband that why only you should compromise with your job.

(iv) Getting your child admitted in a crèche near your office

 

Q.12)   The showing up off the strength, power through the use of beacons, etc is very much prevalent in India. It brings hatred and discomfort among the minds of general public. What are the pros and cons of the government’s decision of curbing VIP culture by banning red beacons?  Do you think a certain class of people should be given special benefits and important status in the society? Give arguments in support of your answer.