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Virtue is not about practicing morality, the greatest virtue is to be inclusive of all life. Comment.10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction you have to briefly explain what virtues are.  In the body define “Inclusiveness”. Discuss that virtue is not just about practicing morality; explain this with example. Explain what makes it one of the biggest virtues that are quintessential to humankind. Such questions are best explained with illustrations. You have to conclude… Continue reading Virtue is not about practicing morality, the greatest virtue is to be inclusive of all life. Comment.10 marks

What is biosimilar technology? Discuss its application in the field of medicine.10 marks

Mentor’s comment https://finshots.in/archive/biocon-and-the-world-of-biosimilars/ In intro, explain in brief the concept of simple molecules as medicine and complex molecules as medicines. In the body, explain in detail why some diseases like cancer are difficult to treat and then explain in detail the working of biosimilar technique. And details like why it is difficult to produce and… Continue reading What is biosimilar technology? Discuss its application in the field of medicine.10 marks

The South China Sea has been witnessing growing militarisation day by day. And how the South China Sea situation plays out will be critical for our security and well-being. In light of this, examine the basis on which India should also contest China’s unilateral claims in the area and scope of engagement with the ASEAN countries in this regard.10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/south-china-sea-dispute-asean-countries-relations-vijay-gokhale-6460680/  In the intro, briefly describe issues of South China Sea dispute.  In the body, you have to elaborate the basis on which India should be considered as the stakeholder in the region. Such basis could include the fact that region doesn’t belong to China, the passage has been unimpeded for centuries, India’s… Continue reading The South China Sea has been witnessing growing militarisation day by day. And how the South China Sea situation plays out will be critical for our security and well-being. In light of this, examine the basis on which India should also contest China’s unilateral claims in the area and scope of engagement with the ASEAN countries in this regard.10 marks

Underlying the achievements of chatrapati Shivaji, describe how his policy was helpful in the expansion of Marathas? Also discuss the reasons for the fall of the Marathas. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In introduction,we have to briefly explain about Chatrapati Shivaji. In the body, briefly present his achievements – he increased the influence of the Maratha Empire from Deccan to Karnataka and gave it a place at the all India level, he built an efficient administrative system,set up an authentic revenue system for income and… Continue reading Underlying the achievements of chatrapati Shivaji, describe how his policy was helpful in the expansion of Marathas? Also discuss the reasons for the fall of the Marathas. 10 marks

Discuss in detail the various policies and programmes aimed to preserve and promote languages, folk dance, Art and culture of tribals in the country. (10 marks)

Mentor comment-   The answer must discuss the significance of preserving and promoting languages, folk dance, Art and culture of tribals in the country along with detailed elaboration of schemes and policies in this direction. In introduction we have to  briefly explain why we should preserve and promote our language and culture in general. The… Continue reading Discuss in detail the various policies and programmes aimed to preserve and promote languages, folk dance, Art and culture of tribals in the country. (10 marks)

Edward Snowden, a computer expert, and former CIA administrator released confidential Government documents to the press about the existence of Government surveillance programs. According to many legal experts and the US Government, his action violated the Espionage act of 1971, which identified the leak of State secret as an act of treason. Yet, despite the fact that he broke the law, Snowden argued that he had a moral obligation to act. He gave a justification for his “whistleblowing” by stating that he had a duty “to inform the public as to that which is done in there name and that which is done against them.” According to Snowden, the Government’s violation of privacy had to be exposed regardless of legality since more substantive issues of social action and public morality were involved here. Many agreed with Snowden. Few argued that he broke the law and compromised national security, for which he should be held accountable. Do you agree that Snowden’s actions were ethically justified even if legally prohibited? Why or why not? Make an argument by weighing the competing values in this case (20 Marks)  

Mentor’s Comment: The ethical dilemmas involved in this case study are- Legal Vs individual Responsibility Law vs morality Security vs transparency You can either agree with his actions or disagree. Substantiate your decision with your argument. Answer: Individual freedom and rights at one hand and larger interest of society or the nation on the other are… Continue reading Edward Snowden, a computer expert, and former CIA administrator released confidential Government documents to the press about the existence of Government surveillance programs. According to many legal experts and the US Government, his action violated the Espionage act of 1971, which identified the leak of State secret as an act of treason. Yet, despite the fact that he broke the law, Snowden argued that he had a moral obligation to act. He gave a justification for his “whistleblowing” by stating that he had a duty “to inform the public as to that which is done in there name and that which is done against them.” According to Snowden, the Government’s violation of privacy had to be exposed regardless of legality since more substantive issues of social action and public morality were involved here. Many agreed with Snowden. Few argued that he broke the law and compromised national security, for which he should be held accountable. Do you agree that Snowden’s actions were ethically justified even if legally prohibited? Why or why not? Make an argument by weighing the competing values in this case (20 Marks)  

The cross-border movement of insurgents is only one of the several security challenges facing the policing of the border in North-East India. Examine the various challenges currently emanating across the India-Myanmar border. Also, discuss the steps to counter the challenges. (15 Marks)

Mentors Comments: It is a straightforward question on security-related challenges w.r.t India-Myanmar border.  Give the intro of India Myanmar border in the intro and how it has been an open gateway for many insurgent groups in NE. Then, in the 1st part of the answer, discuss the challenges that India faces on its border with… Continue reading The cross-border movement of insurgents is only one of the several security challenges facing the policing of the border in North-East India. Examine the various challenges currently emanating across the India-Myanmar border. Also, discuss the steps to counter the challenges. (15 Marks)

What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s national self-esteem and ambitions’. Explain with suitable examples. (15 Marks)

Mentor Comments: India aspires to be the leader of the emerging global order (Ambitions in terms of economic, political), but that does not perfectly fit in the US’s strategy which is leading to friction between India and the US. In the first part of the main body, the theme of the discussion should be on… Continue reading What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s national self-esteem and ambitions’. Explain with suitable examples. (15 Marks)

Are we losing your local identity for the global identity? Discuss. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comment: The question is about the swift evolution our culture is experiencing under the influence of Globalisation. In the intro, state how Globalisation is as much about trade as it is about culture and traditions and ideas. In the body, examine the influence of this phenomenon in detail. For instance, watching Hollywood movies reshape… Continue reading Are we losing your local identity for the global identity? Discuss. (15 Marks)

In recent times, there has been an increasing concern in India to develop effective civil service ethics, code of conduct, transparency measures, ethics and integrity systems, and anti-corruption agencies. In view of this, there is a need being felt to focus on three specific areas, which are directly relevant to the problems of internalizing integrity and ethics in civil services. These are as follows: Anticipating specific threats to ethical standards and integrity in the civil services, Strengthening the ethical competence of civil servant and Developing administrative processes and practices which promote ethical values and integrity in civil services. Suggest institutional measures to address the above three issues. (20 marks)

Mentor’s Comment: In the intro, state the 2nd ARC’s fourth report that says corruption and lack of public welfare are the direct manifestations of the absence of ethics in administration. In the first part of the answer suggest the measures to address the problem of anticipating the threat. Suggestions could be- strong ethical management, strengthening… Continue reading In recent times, there has been an increasing concern in India to develop effective civil service ethics, code of conduct, transparency measures, ethics and integrity systems, and anti-corruption agencies. In view of this, there is a need being felt to focus on three specific areas, which are directly relevant to the problems of internalizing integrity and ethics in civil services. These are as follows: Anticipating specific threats to ethical standards and integrity in the civil services, Strengthening the ethical competence of civil servant and Developing administrative processes and practices which promote ethical values and integrity in civil services. Suggest institutional measures to address the above three issues. (20 marks)

The Indian government has recently strengthened the anti-terrorism laws by amending the unlawful activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 and the NIA Act. Analyze the changes in the context of the prevailing security environment while discussing the scope and reasons for opposing the UAPA by human rights organizations. (15 Marks)

Mentor Comments: The answer must debate over the cost of declaring individuals terrorist in the UPA act, in what way it violates various rights of individuals as well as of the organizations. In the introduction describe the recent amendments made to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act. The 1st part of the main body must… Continue reading The Indian government has recently strengthened the anti-terrorism laws by amending the unlawful activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 and the NIA Act. Analyze the changes in the context of the prevailing security environment while discussing the scope and reasons for opposing the UAPA by human rights organizations. (15 Marks)

“The long sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalized nations has disappeared on account of its newfound role in the emerging global order.’ Elaborate (15 Marks)

Mentor Comments: Discuss how modern India prefers to prioritize its own national interests over the collective interests of developing nations. In the 1st part of the main body, discuss how and why India, has long been hailed as a leader of the oppressed and marginalized nations or least developed nations  You can quote examples of… Continue reading “The long sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalized nations has disappeared on account of its newfound role in the emerging global order.’ Elaborate (15 Marks)

What are the continued challenges for women in India against time and space? (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- The question asks about the challenges faced by the women against time (in different periods of time) and space (at different areas, locations). In the intro, briefly state how women have to face the challenges that persist both in time and space. In the body, explain the challenges that deal with time- i.e.… Continue reading What are the continued challenges for women in India against time and space? (15 Marks)

In one of the districts of a frontier state, narcotics menace has been rampant. This has resulted in money laundering, mushrooming of poppy farming, arms smuggling and near stalling of education. The system is on the verge of collapse. The situation has been further worsened by unconfirmed reports that local politicians, as well as some senior police officers, are providing surreptitious patronage to the drug mafia. At that point in time a woman police officer, known for her skills in handling such situations is appointed as superintendent of police to bring the situation to normalcy. If you are the same police officer, identify the various dimensions of the crisis. Based on your understanding, suggest measures to deal with the crisis. (20 marks)

Mentor’s Comment: The dimension involved are-Social, economic, security, administrative, ethical and psychological. Measures that can be suggested to deal with the situation include- Value education at various platforms to instill dignity and self-worth. Motivating the youth. Organizing the female members (SHgs) and trained to explain the harmful effects of the drugs. Role modeling of the… Continue reading In one of the districts of a frontier state, narcotics menace has been rampant. This has resulted in money laundering, mushrooming of poppy farming, arms smuggling and near stalling of education. The system is on the verge of collapse. The situation has been further worsened by unconfirmed reports that local politicians, as well as some senior police officers, are providing surreptitious patronage to the drug mafia. At that point in time a woman police officer, known for her skills in handling such situations is appointed as superintendent of police to bring the situation to normalcy. If you are the same police officer, identify the various dimensions of the crisis. Based on your understanding, suggest measures to deal with the crisis. (20 marks)

Disaster preparedness is the first step in any disaster management process. Explain how hazard zonation mapping will help in disaster mitigation in the case of landslides. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comment: In the intro, briefly state what is disaster preparedness? In the body, explain the importance of disaster preparedness in the process of disaster management. It involves the preparation of an action plan, practicing it, and increasing awareness among the people. In the next part, describe how zonation mapping helps in disaster mitigation in… Continue reading Disaster preparedness is the first step in any disaster management process. Explain how hazard zonation mapping will help in disaster mitigation in the case of landslides. (15 Marks)

The performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to the absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of the policy process. Discuss (15 marks)

Mentor’s Comment It’s an analytical question. Performance, effectiveness, awareness and active involvement are the keywords in the question and demand of the question is to analyze relations between them in the context of the schemes for the vulnerable section of the society. In the intro, state the importance of uniform development of all sections of… Continue reading The performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to the absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of the policy process. Discuss (15 marks)

Do we have cultural pockets of small India all over the nation? Elaborate with examples. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comment: In the intro briefly describe India’s richness in cultural diversity. In the body, describe the process of the movement of the people from one part of this vast country to the other part for various reasons and employment being the major reason. After moving to the other place people start to form a… Continue reading Do we have cultural pockets of small India all over the nation? Elaborate with examples. (15 Marks)

In a modern democratic polity, there is a concept of the political executive and permanent executive elected people’s representatives forms the political executive and bureaucracy form the permanent executive. Ministers frame policy decisions and bureaucrats execute these. In the initial decades after independence, the relationship between the permanent executives and the political executives were characterized by mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation, without encroaching upon each other’s domain. However, in subsequent decades, the situation has changed. There are instances of the political executive insisting upon the permanent executives to follow its agenda. Respect for an appreciation of upright bureaucrats has declined. There is an increasing tendency among the political executive to get involved in routine administrative matters such as transfers, posting etc. Under this scenario, there is a definitive trend towards ‘politicization of bureaucracy’. The rising materialism and acquisitiveness in social life has also adversely impacted upon the ethical values of both the permanent executive and the political executive. What are the consequences of this ‘politicization of bureaucracy? Discuss. (20 marks)

Answer: Cooperation between elected representatives and bureaucrats is essential for democratic governance of the country. However, due to the ‘politicization of bureaucracy’, there is a deterioration in the functioning of the civil services. Values involved in the case Political neutrality and impartiality Integrity and probity Courage of conviction Following the code of conduct Legal responsibility… Continue reading In a modern democratic polity, there is a concept of the political executive and permanent executive elected people’s representatives forms the political executive and bureaucracy form the permanent executive. Ministers frame policy decisions and bureaucrats execute these. In the initial decades after independence, the relationship between the permanent executives and the political executives were characterized by mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation, without encroaching upon each other’s domain. However, in subsequent decades, the situation has changed. There are instances of the political executive insisting upon the permanent executives to follow its agenda. Respect for an appreciation of upright bureaucrats has declined. There is an increasing tendency among the political executive to get involved in routine administrative matters such as transfers, posting etc. Under this scenario, there is a definitive trend towards ‘politicization of bureaucracy’. The rising materialism and acquisitiveness in social life has also adversely impacted upon the ethical values of both the permanent executive and the political executive. What are the consequences of this ‘politicization of bureaucracy? Discuss. (20 marks)

Define the concept of carrying capacity of an ecosystem as relevant to an environment. Explain how understanding this concept is vital while planning for sustainable development of a region. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment In the intro define the term carrying capacity of an ecology. In the body explain why taking into account the carrying capacity of the ecosystems matters. It can warn us about the impending crisis in the ecosystem, it can help in efforts to reduce the degradation of the environment, it also helps reduce… Continue reading Define the concept of carrying capacity of an ecosystem as relevant to an environment. Explain how understanding this concept is vital while planning for sustainable development of a region. (15 Marks)

The need for cooperation among various service sectors has been an inherent component of development discourse. Partnership bridges the gap among the sectors. It also sets in motion a culture of ‘collaboration’ and ‘team spirit’. In the light of statements above examine India’s development process. (15 marks)

Mentors Comments: In the intro, mention the importance of cooperation in the service sector for the development discourse of the country.  In the body, examine the present scenario of the cooperation among the various service sectors of the economy like cooperation between education, skill development, health, how cooperation between the various sectors help to bridge… Continue reading The need for cooperation among various service sectors has been an inherent component of development discourse. Partnership bridges the gap among the sectors. It also sets in motion a culture of ‘collaboration’ and ‘team spirit’. In the light of statements above examine India’s development process. (15 marks)

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