Month: December 2016

Topic: Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions;  9) Despite severe hardships faced by the poor, there is an overwhelming support to demonettization by the public. Explain this phenomenon on the basis ethics and morality.  Do you think such support would persist for …

Continue reading “9) Despite severe hardships faced by the poor, there is an overwhelming support to demonettization by the public. Explain this phenomenon on the basis ethics and morality. Do you think such support would persist for long time? Explain.”

Topic: Laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; 8) Differentiate between intuition, reason, conscience and truth. For an administrator, which of these matter most when it comes to helping the poor? Justify. (150 Words) Livemint

Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology 7) The principal agent of S&T development in independent India has been the central government. Do you think India could be at the top of the fourth industrial revolution by relying on initiatives of central government alone? What is the …

Continue reading “7) The principal agent of S&T development in independent India has been the central government. Do you think India could be at the top of the fourth industrial revolution by relying on initiatives of central government alone? What is the role of technology hubs like Bengaluru and Hyderabad in this direction? Discuss.”

Topic: Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure 6) It is argued that the current Indian Constitution gives the government near omnipotent powers that are not consistent with a free society. Do you think it’s for India to enact a new Constitution that is consistent with societies changing aspirations and …

Continue reading “6) It is argued that the current Indian Constitution gives the government near omnipotent powers that are not consistent with a free society. Do you think it’s for India to enact a new Constitution that is consistent with societies changing aspirations and realities? Critically comment”

Topic:  Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests 5) “Terrorism emanating from Pakistan and the China-Pakistan axis working against India are two of the major geo-political challenges facing the country.” Discuss.  (200 Words) Livemint (This question can be part of GS-1 and GS-3 paper too!)

Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate 4) In the light of increasing number of environmental refugees, discuss the significance of the UN Refugee Convention (1951) and the role of recent climate change agreements in addressing the plight of these refugees.  (200 Words) The Hindu

Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations 3) Both India and Afghanistan are the victims of state sponsored terrorism by Pakistan. Do you think India and Afghanistan should close all windows for engagement with Pakistan and deal with terrorism and development problems on their own? Critically comment. (200 Words) The Hindu

Topic: Colonization 2) “While the enlightenment project symbolised the intellectual supremacy of the West, the colonial project that followed was the material manifestation of liberal arrogance.” Elucidate. (200 Words) The Hindu  (Hint: You can find its answer in NCERT history books, not in the given article)

Topic: Colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism 1) It is said that some of the African countries are indebted to Cuba, especially during the leadership of Fidel Castro, for various reasons. Illustrate with examples. (200 Words) The Hindu

Topic: Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration 8) Differentiate between wisdom and knowledge. For a public servant, which one of these two is more important? Justify. (150 Words) EPW

Topic: Infrastructure: Energy 7) A suggestion is made in the media to the government to enact a “energy security and responsibility act” and set up a “department of energy resources and sustainability” in the PMO under the charge of a person with ministerial rank. Examine intention behind this suggestion? What are its merits and demerits? Discuss. (200 …

Continue reading “7) A suggestion is made in the media to the government to enact a “energy security and responsibility act” and set up a “department of energy resources and sustainability” in the PMO under the charge of a person with ministerial rank. Examine intention behind this suggestion? What are its merits and demerits? Discuss.”

Topic: Indian economy – growth and development 6) Do you think the recent demonetization move is an opportunity for India to become a digital economy? Critically examine. (200 Words) The Hindu The Indian Express

Topic: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies 5) Examine the criticisms made against functioning of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and in the light of these criticisms, discuss how its director should conduct himself.  (200 Words) The Hindu