GS2 UPSC2024Mains Model Answers
GS2 UPSC2024Mains Model Answers
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Note from the Editor
Dear students,
Our programs ensure you are exceptionally well trained in these 3 pillars
Example: syllabus topic ‘01. Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Lit-
erature and Architecture’ from ancient to modern times, which corresponds
to Art and Culture subject has 8 Microthemes that see repeated questions.
In total there are approximately 200 Mains Microthemes spanning across all
GS papers.
More often than not, preparing these Microthemes will require you to go
beyond core books. Hence, we have covered them extensively in our notes.
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UPSC CSE MAINS 2024
General Studies Paper-2
Microthemes Analysis
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GS-2 2024 UPSC Microthemes UPSC Syllabus Subject
“The duty of the Comptroller and Auditor Constitutional 09. Appointment to vari- Governance
General is not merely to ensure the legality of Bodies ous Constitutional posts;
expenditure but also its propriety.” Comment. Constitutional Bodies
(powers, functions and
responsibilities); Stat-
utory, Regulatory and
Quasi-judicial bodies
Public charitable trusts have the potential Donor Agencies 11.Development pro-
to make India’s development more inclusive cesses and the develop-
as they relate to certain vital public issues. ment industry —the role
Comment. of NGOs, SHGs, various
groups and associa-
tions, donors, charities,
institutional and other
stakeholders.
The Citizens’charter has been a land mark Citizens Charter 15. Transaparency and
initiative in ensuring citizen-centric adminis- accountability (institu-
tration. But it is yet to reach its full potential. tional and other mea-
Identify the factors hindering the realisation sures); Citizens Charter,
of its promise and suggest measures to over- E-Governance (applica-
come them. tions, models, successes,
e-governance is not just about the routine E-governance limitations, potential)
application of digital technology in service
delivery process. It is as much about multifar-
ious interactions for ensuring transparency
and accountability. In this context evaluate
the role of the ‘Interactive Service Model’ of
e-governance.
The Doctrine of Democratic Governance Civil Services 16. Role of Civil Services
makes it necessary that the public perception in a democracy.
of the integrity and commitment of civil ser-
vants becomes absolutely positive. Discuss.
In a crucial domain like the public healthcare Health 13. Issues relating Social Justice
system, the Indian State should play a vital to development and
role to contain the adverse impact of marketi- management of Social
sation of the system. Suggest some measures Sector/Services relating
through which the State can enhance the to Health, Education,
reach of public healthcare at the grassroots Human Resources.
level.
What are the aims and objects of the recently Education
passed and enforced, The Public Examina-
tion (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024?
Whether University/State Education Board
examinations, too, are covered under the Act
?
Poverty and malnutrition create a vicious Poverty 14. Issues relating to
cycle, adversely affecting human capital poverty and hunger
formation. What steps can be taken to break
the cycle?
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GS-2 2024 UPSC Microthemes UPSC Syllabus Subject
Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic Bilateral Rela- 18.Bilateral, regional and IR
importance of Maldives for India with a focus tions global groupings and
on global trade and energy flows. Further agreements involving
also discuss how this relationship affects In- India and/or affecting
dia’s maritime security and regional stability India’s interests.
amidst international competition?
Critically analyse India’s evolving diplomatic, Central Asia
economic and strategic relations with the
Central Asian Republics (CARs) highlighting
their increasing significance in regional and
global geopolitics.
The West is fostering India as an alternative Emerging World 19.Effect of policies and
to reduce dependence on China’s supply Order politics of developed and
chain and as a strategic ally to counter China’s developing countries on
political and economic dominance.’ Explain India’s interests, Indian
this statement with examples. diaspora.
Terrorism has become a significant threat United Nations 20.Important Inter-
to global peace and security’. Evaluate the national institutions,
effectiveness of the United Nations Security agencies and fora- their
Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) structure, mandate.
and its associated bodies in addressing and
mitigating this threat at the international
level.
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UPSC CSE MAINS 2024
General Studies Paper-2
Overlap with Civilsdaily’s
Smash Mains FLT
It goes without saying that matches are not exact. Some questions come very close in the
sense that their model answers are more or less the same. Others have an overlap with the
theme & demands. Some might appear far-fetched but none the less, they are useful to
demonstrate that our thinking is same as that of UPSC.
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GS-2 UPSC Questions Smash FLT’s Mapping PYQs
"The duty of the Comptroller and "Q. Exercise of CAG's powers in rela-
Auditor General is not merely to en- tion to the accounts of the Union and
sure the legality of expenditure but the States is derived from Article 149
also its propriety." Comment. of the Indian Constitution. Discuss
whether audit of the Government's
Policy implementation could amount
to overstepping its own (CAG) jurisdic-
tion.
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GS-2 UPSC Questions Smash FLT’s Mapping PYQs
The West is fostering India as an Q. The trajectory of Indian foreign Q. “What introduces friction into the
alternative to reduce dependence on policy is shifting from non-alignment ties between India and the United
China's supply chain and as a stra- to ‘Sabka Saath and Sabka Vishwas’ States is that Washington is still unable
tegic ally to counter China's political based on “engaging America, managing to find for India a position in its global
and economic dominance.' Explain China, cultivating Europe, reassuring strategy, which would satisfy India’s
this statement with examples. Russia and bringing in Japan.” Com- National self-esteem and ambitions”
ment Explain with suitable examples.
Critically analyse India's evolving Q. A number or outside powers have
diplomatic, economic and strategic entrenched themselves in Central
relations with the Central Asian Asia, which is a zone to interest to
Republics (CARs) highlighting their India. Discuss the implications, in this
increasing significance in regional context, of India’s joining the Ashgabat
and global geopolitics. Agreement, 2018.
What are the aims and objects of the
recently passed and enforced, The
Public Examination (Prevention of
Unfair Means) Act, 2024? Whether
University/State Education Board ex-
aminations, too, are covered under
the Act ?
Right to privacy is intrinsic to life Q. Examine the scope of Fundamental
and personal liberty and is inher- Rights in the light of the latest judge-
ently protected under Article 21 ment of the Supreme Court on Right
of the Constitution. Explain. In this to Privacy.
reference discuss the law relating to
D.N.A. testing of a child in the womb
to establish its paternity.
What changes has the Union Gov- "Q. In the Indian Federal system, Q. The concept of cooperative federal-
ernment recently introduced in the though states have enjoyed greater ism has been increasingly emphasized
domain of Centre-State relations? autonomy post LPG era, underlying in recent years. Highlight the draw-
Suggest measures to be adopted to structural issues still persist. Elucidate backs in the existing structure and the
build the trust between the Centre with recent examples and also suggest extent to which cooperative federalism
and the States and for strengthening measures to strengthen cooperative would answer the shortcomings.
federalism. federalism.
"
Explain the reasons for the growth of Q. “Accountability is the sine qua non Q. Judicial Legislation is antithetical to
public interest litigation in India. As a of democracy. In a democratic society, the doctrine of separation of powers
result of it, has the Indian Supreme the judiciary too must be accountable, as envisaged in the Indian Constitu-
Court emerged as the world's most though in a manner consistent with its tion. In this context justify the filing
powerful judiciary? independence.” In light of this, eval- of large number of public interest
uate the effectiveness of the existing petitions praying for issuing guidelines
judicial accountability mechanisms to executive authorities.
in India. Also, suggest measures to
strengthen accountability without com-
promising judicial independence.
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GS-2 UPSC Questions Smash FLT’s Mapping PYQs
Discuss India as a secular state and Q. Compare the provisions for safe- "Q. Analyze the distinguishing features
compare with the secular principles guarding individual liberty in the Indian of the notion of Right to Equality in the
of the US constitution Constitution and the United States Constitutions of the USA and India.
Constitution.
Q. India and USA are two large democ-
racies. Examine the basic tenants on
which the two political systems are
based.
"
The Citizens'charter has been a land Q. Though the objective of citizen char- Q. Citizens' Charter is an ideal instru-
mark initiative in ensuring citi- ter was to improve the public service ment of organizational transparency
zen-centric administration. But it is delivery, there is no corresponding and accountability, but it has its own
yet to reach its full potential. Identify improvement in the quality of services. limitations. Identify the limitations and
the factors hindering the realisation In the context of the above statement, suggest measures for greater effective-
of its promise and suggest measures discuss the inherent drawback in the ness or the Citizens Charter.
to overcome them. formulation and implementation of
citizen charter, and also suggest mea-
sures to overcome them.
In a crucial domain like the public "Q. Exclusion of citizens and denied Q. Appropriate local community-level
healthcare system, the Indian State healthcare due to faults in the system healthcare intervention is a prerequi-
should play a vital role to contain the is a major issue in the site to achieve 'Health for All ' in India.
adverse impact of marketisation of Indian healthcare system. How has Explain.
the system. Suggest some measures Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat
through which the State can en- Health Infrastructure Mission
hance the reach of public healthcare (PM-ABHIM) been able to fill these
at the grassroots level. gaps in the public health infrastructure,
especially in critical care
facilities and primary care in both
urban and rural areas?"
e-governance is not just about the Q. "Digital India on the back of Artificial Q. e-governance, as a critical tool of
routine application of digital technol- Intelligence (AI) is the future of e-gov- governance, has ushered in effective-
ogy in service delivery process. It is ernance in India." However, improper ness, transparency and accountability
as much about multifarious inter- setup of the e-government structure in governments. What inadequacies
actions for ensuring transparency can result in a variety of challenges. hamper the enhancement of these
and accountability. In this context Explain with suitable examples. features?
evaluate the role of the 'Interactive
Service Model' of e-governance.
Terrorism has become a significant Q. Discuss the impediments India is
threat to global peace and security'. facing in its pursuit of a permanent
Evaluate the effectiveness of the seat in UN Security Council.
United Nations Security Council's
Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC)
and its associated bodies in address-
ing and mitigating this threat at the
international level.
Discuss the geopolitical and geo-
strategic importance of Maldives
for India with a focus on global
trade and energy flows. Further also
discuss how this relationship affects
India's maritime security and re-
gional stability amidst international
competition?
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UPSC CSE MAINS 2024
General Studies Paper-2
Overlap with Civilsdaily’s
Samachar Manthan
Though GS-2 overlap with Current Affairs is huge, we wanted to highlight certain themes
have been repeatedly in news. It is important to stay in touch with the daily headlines to en-
sure you are both upto date and revising.
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GS-2 UPSC Questions Samachar Manthan Mapping
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UPSC CSE MAINS 2024
General Studies Paper-2
Model Answers
1. Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees
with particular reference to “one nation - one election” principle.
One nation-one election principle, which seeks to synchronize Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, aims
to decrease the frequency of elections and streamline the electoral process, thereby improving efficiency
and reducing costs.
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Challenges Associated With One Nation One Election:
1. Reduced Accountability: As Per Yogendra Yadav ONOE limits voters’ ability to hold governments account-
able regularly, as they get fewer opportunities to express discontent with the ruling party’s performance.
2. By-Elections due to the untimely resignation or death of an elected representative will still be necessary,
thus continuing some level of electoral process throughout the year.
3. Dilution of Local Issues: According to research by IDFC Institute, if elections are held simultaneously,
there’s a 77% likelihood of voters favoring the same political party or alliance for both state assemblies and
the Lok Sabha, national issues could overshadow local concerns.
4. Imbalance of Power: A national party dominating the Lok Sabha elections could also sweep the state
assembly elections, resulting in a lack of checks and balances on the ruling regime's powers.
5. Undermining Federalism by concentrating power at the center. States may lose autonomy and face re-
duced regional representation.
6. Political Instability: In the era of coalition governments, there could be increased instances of horse-
-trading and disqualifications of MPs or MLAs, leading to political instability.
7. Constitutional and Legal Hurdles: Eg- Ram Nath Covind panel suggested 15 amendments. There may be
issues in generating consensus, potentially delaying its implementation
8. Logistical Challenges such as the availability of electronic voting machines, personnel, and other resources.
Way Forward
1. Cluster State Elections: As suggested by Law Commission - two elections in five years or all elections falling
due in a calendar year should be conducted together.
2. Coupling the ‘no-confidence motion’ along with the ‘vote of confidence’ in an alternative government. Eg-
Constructive vote of no confidence in Germany
3. Building consensus among political parties and states through open dialogues, consultations, and
deliberations
However, since the issue is concerned with the federal structure which is part of Basic Structure of the Con-
stitution (S. R. Bommai Judgment), further scrutiny and analysis of one nation one election is the need of the
hour
Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals are Statutory instruments for alternative dispute resolution that aim to
provide speedy and cost-effective resolution of disputes outside of the traditional court system.
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Difference Between Lok Adalat And Arbitration Tribunals
Aspect Lokadalat Arbitration Tribunal
Definition A forum for resolving disputes through A quasi-judicial body established to re-
conciliation under the Legal Services solve disputes outside the court system
Authorities Act, 1987. based on an arbitration agreement.
Nature Conciliatory and informal. Adversarial and formal, similar to court
proceedings.
Authority Non-judicial, presided over by a judge Judicial authority to make binding
or a legal expert. decisions.
Legal Framework Governed by the Legal Services Au- Governed by the Arbitration and Concilia-
thorities Act, 1987. tion Act, 1996.
Process Dispute resolution through negotia- Resolution based on the arbitration agree-
tion, conciliation, and compromise. ment and arbitral award, with arbitrator(s)
acting as a judge.
Types of Cases Primarily civil cases, including family Primarily civil matters, especially
disputes, land disputes, and some commercial disputes; no jurisdiction over
minor criminal cases (compoundable criminal cases.
offenses).
Binding Nature The decisions (settlements) reached The arbitral award is binding on the par-
are binding and final if both parties ties and enforceable like a court decree.
agree.
Cost of Proceedings No court fee Parties bear the cost, which can be high
due to arbitration fees.
Powers and nature They can settle disputes based on Commercial disputes, business contracts,
of cases and settle- compromise, and their decisions are and international disputes.
ment considered as decrees of civil courts. Not applicable for criminal or matrimonial
disputes.
Appeal Mechanism Generally, no appeal is allowed if the Appeals can be filed in courts against arbi-
award is mutually agreed. tral awards under certain circumstances.
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Issue Way Forward
Lack of Awareness Sri Krishna Committee suggests including ADR in legal literacy programs.
Judicial UNCITRAL Model Law limits judicial interference.
Intervention Law Commission (246th Report) calls for amending the Arbitration Act to reduce
court involvement.
High Costs of NITI Aayog advises promoting institutional arbitration with cost caps.
Arbitration
As ‘Justice delayed is justice denied’. Both Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals need to be strengthened to
increase accessibility, affordability and quality of Justice in the spirit of Article 39.
The cabinet system is a government in which the real executive power rests with a cabinet of ministers who
are collectively responsible to the legislature (Article 75). Parliamentary sovereignty refers to the supremacy
of the Parliament in the legislative process.
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Role of parliament remains significant
1. Ultimate Legislative Authority: All major laws and budgets require approval from Parliament after due
deliberation.
2. Private Member’s Bills and Debates: Eg- Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill
3. Role of Committees: Eg- Public Accounts Committee (PAC), chaired by the opposition, scrutinized the 2G
spectrum case
4. Opposition’s Role in Parliament: Intense debates on policies such as GST illustrate how opposition parties
can mobilize public sentiment and challenge government actions effectively.
5. Judicial Oversight: Eg- SC striking down of Section 66A of the IT Act in 2015 (Shreya Singhal case)
Strengthening parliamentary processes is vital for a vibrant Indian democracy. Thus restoring the balance of
power between the executive and legislature is essential for effective governance.
4. “The duty of the Comptroller and Auditor General is not merely to ensure the
legality of expenditure but also its propriety.” Comment.
CAG is a constitutional body under article 148 that ensures Executive accountability in India. It audit the re-
ceipts and expenditures of the Central Government, State Governments, and other bodies that receive fund-
ing from the Government. B.R Ambedkar called CAG as most important office in Constitution of India.
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Issues with CAG
1. T hough legal and regulatory audits are compulsory, but proprietary audits are discretionary.
2. Paul Appleby criticized role of CAG as auditor by saying it has negative and paralyzing effect on
administration.
3. Accounts are audited after actual expenditure is made, a mere post-facto audit.
Adopting a British System where CAG is both Comptroller as well as Auditor General can strengthen role of
CAG as one of the bulwarks of the democratic system of government in India.
5. Analyse the role of local bodies in providing good governance at local level
and bring out the pros and cons merging the rural local bodies with the urban
local bodies.
The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments established the framework for Panchayati Raj and urban local
bodies, promoting inclusive development and addressing local issues effectively.
Challenges
1. Financial - Panchayats in India generate only 1% of their revenue through local taxes. The majority of their
income, approximately 95%, comes from grants by the central and state governments.
2. Parastatal Agencies: State-run bodies like urban development authorities and public corporations often
take over key functions, limiting the autonomy of local bodies. Eg- Delhi Jal Board
3. Improper Devolution of Functions: Many states have not fully devolved powers to local governments, leav-
ing them with restricted control over important governance functions.
4. Proxy Representation - Corporator pati/Mayor Pati syndrome/ Sarpanch Pati syndrome
5. Lack of Staff: local bodies face a severe shortage of skilled personnel, hindering their ability to perform
assigned functions. As of 2022, about 35% of municipal corporation posts remain unfilled, affecting service
delivery and governance.
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Pros And Cons Of Merging Rural Local Bodies With Urban Local Bodies
Pros Cons
• R
ural areas will benefit from improved infra- • Increased taxation: rural areas fears en-
structure from urban areas like roads, water, hanced taxation, as urban bodies levy higher charges
education, etc., aligning them with urban than village adding financial burdens on residents
development standards
• S
train on municipal resources: ULBs already strug-
• I ntegrated Development Strategy: Eg. transporta- gling with limited funds and manpower resources,
tion networks can be designed to seamlessly con- making it difficult to provide efficient and timely
nect urban centers with surrounding rural areas, services to merged areas.
improving accessibility.
• P
olitical resistance from both side: village lead-
• A
dministrative Cost Reduction: By consolidating ership will be wary of losing their influence, while
services, merging can lead to a decrease in admin- existing councilors in urban areas might resist
istrative overhead and streamlining of operations. diverting funds or staff at expense of their constit-
uencies.
• U
nified development and governance: the
merger will bring rural areas under governance • L ocal Needs Overlook: The unique needs and
frameworks of urban local bodies, enabling imple- priorities of rural communities may be overshad-
mentation of master plans, development control owed by urban concerns, leading to inadequate
regulations and economic growth strategies, attention to rural development issues.
fostering better planning and sustainable develop-
ment. • S
kewed Resource Distribution: There’s a risk
that resources may still be unevenly distributed,
• A
lready ongoing policies and frameworks like Dis- favoring urban areas due to their larger popula-
trict planning committee, Rurban mission have tions and political influence, thereby perpetuating
their essence in merger of rural and urban policy existing inequalities.
and developmental needs.
• I dentity and Heritage Erosion: Rural communities
may fear losing their unique identities and cultural
heritage in a merged governance system, as urban
priorities may overshadow traditional practices.
Way forward
1. Instead of directly merging rural bodies with urban ones, create independent municipal councils in peri-ur-
ban areas, improve infrastructure and governance, then merge with larger municipalities.
2. Revitalize gram sabhas and ward committees through inclusive discussions and use of social media to facili-
tate member communication.
Drawing from Gandhian Swarajya, any merger must ensure local self-governance and empowerment, where
both rural and urban needs are addressed without compromising the essence of decentralization.
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6. Public charitable trusts have the potential to make India’s development more
inclusive as they relate to certain vital public issues. Comment.
A public charitable trust is a legal entity (established under the Indian Trusts Act of 1882) that serves the pub-
lic by carrying out charitable activities. They are created to pool resources and assets to achieve philanthropic
goals. Eg- Tata Trusts, Azim Premji Foundation,etc.
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Way forward
1. Monitoring: There should be better coordination between Ministries of Home Affairs and Finance in
terms of monitoring and regulating illicit and unaccounted funds.
2. Streamlined Registration Process: Simplify and standardize the registration process for charitable trusts
across states to reduce bureaucratic hurdles. This can encourage more organizations to formalize their
operations.
3. Capacity Building and Training: Provide training programs and resources for trustees and staff of charitable
trusts to enhance their governance skills, financial management, and operational efficiency.
“Public charitable trusts and NGOs are crucial pillars of democracy. They fill the gap between government
actions and societal needs, ensuring more inclusive development.” – Amartya Sen.
United Nations defines poverty as “a state in which an individual or group lacks the financial resources to
meet their basic needs for a minimum standard of living." WHO defines malnutrition as “the condition that
results from eating a diet in which one or more nutrients are either not enough or too much, causing health
problems.”
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6. Productivity Loss and Economic Growth: Eg. The World Bank estimates that malnutrition costs between
5% and 11% of GDP in regions like Africa and Asia.
7. Social Exclusion: Malnourished individuals are often socially excluded due to their reduced economic and
social contributions, further deepening poverty.
8. Intergenerational Transfer of Poverty: Malnourished parents are less able to provide for their children,
who then grow up in poverty, continuing the cycle.
As Mark Winne states, “We cannot end hunger unless we end poverty.” Thus, Only by sustained efforts can we
regain progress towards goals of Zero poverty(SDG-1) and Zero Hunger(SDG -2).
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8. The Doctrine of Democratic Governance makes it necessary that the public
perception of the integrity and commitment of civil servants becomes abso-
lutely positive. Discuss.
As per OSCE, the Doctrine of Democratic Governance is a system of government where institutions function
according to democratic processes and norms, both internally and in their interaction with other institutions.
Commitment:
1. Responsiveness: Eg- Durga Shakti Nagpal, an IAS officer, took a strong stand against illegal sand mining in
Uttar Pradesh, showcasing her commitment to enforcing the law.
2. Effectiveness and Efficiency: E. Sreedharan, known as the “Metro Man,” exemplified commitment by
ensuring the timely and efficient completion of the Delhi Metro project, enhancing public perception of
governance.
3. Rule of Law: Sanjukta Parashar, an IPS officer in Assam, is known her active role in combating insurgency.
4. Inclusiveness: Armstrong Pame, an IAS officer in Manipur, built a 100 km road connecting remote villages
without government funds
5. Trust Building: Eg. IPS Atul Kulkarni started bharosa cell as grievance redressal platform for women and
transgenders.
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Challenges Way forward
1. C
orruption: Corruption scandals can significantly 1. 3
60-degree appraisal: Replacing lower-level
tarnish civil servants’ images, thereby tarnishing interviews with multi-stakeholder feedback (MSF)
image of whole administration. performance evaluations.
2. B
ureaucratic Red Tape: Excessive bureaucratic 2. I nsulating Civil Servants from Political Inter-
procedures can frustrate citizens, leading to neg- ference, establishing a civil service posting and
ative perceptions. Bureaucrats are often seen as transfer board, Professionalisation with Stability
unapproachable, diminishing trust. of Tenure & Competition
3. P olitical Interference: Civil servants face challeng- 3. Building a Citizen-Centric Administration: In
es due to political interference, affecting their 2004, the Hota Committee suggested using ICT
ability to act impartially. Instances of pressure to for effective and accountable service delivery
act against principles lead to skepticism about 4. Outcome-Oriented - Model Code of Governance
commitment. to compare governance standards.
4. Media Scrutiny: Negative media portrayals can 5. Clear guidelines should be formulated
shape public perception unfairly. Civil servants vil- for Mission Karmayogi which enshrines rule to
ified in the media despite acting in public interest role based governance.
create narratives undermining their integrity.
“Every civil servant of India should help the countrymen in making their dreams come true,”PM Narendra
Modi. With this vision,there is a critical need for positive public perception of civil servants to ensure effective
democratic governance.
As the economic and geo-political center of gravity of the world has shifted towards the indo-Pacific,
India has emerged as an ideal ‘swing state’, especially pursued by the west to counter China.
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India As An Alternative To Reduce Dependence On China’s Supply Chain
1. Expanding Manufacturing Base: Companies like Apple and Samsung are ramping up production in India,
reducing reliance on China’s manufacturing hubs.
2. Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience: The Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) with Japan and Aus-
tralia helps build secure, diversified supply chains outside of China.
3. Revising Trade Privileges: Renegotiations under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) enhance
India’s export potential to Western markets, directly competing with Chinese products.
India Being A Strategic Ally To Counter China’s Political And Economic Dominance
1. Indo-Pacific Strategy: NATO’s support for India’s role in the Indo-Pacific strengthens its position in
maritime security, providing a counterbalance to China's growing influence in the region.
2. Multilateral Influence: India’s growing role in the Quad and BRICS enables it to assert influence on
regional policies, effectively countering China’s dominance in global platforms.
3. Military Modernization: India’s procurement of advanced defense systems from the US, Israel, and
France strengthens its military capabilities, particularly along its contested borders with China.
4. Naval Cooperation: The Malabar Naval Exercises with the Quad nations (US, Japan, and Australia) signifi-
cantly enhance India’s naval capabilities and strategic presence along key maritime routes, countering
China’s assertiveness.
5. India’s diplomatic support from the UN and G7 summits during its border disputes with China highlights
strong Western backing, reinforcing India’s global standing and regional influence.
6. Defense Technology: The BECA agreement with the US improves India’s access to advanced defense tech-
nologies, giving it a crucial edge in surveillance and targeting capabilities against China.
7. Tech Collaboration: The Indo-US Artificial Intelligence Initiative promotes joint technological development,
reducing India’s reliance on Chinese technology while boosting its innovation capacity in key sectors.
VALUE ADDITION
Emerging global dominance of china
1. China’s Supply Chain Control Globally
a. Manufacturing Hub: China accounts for 28% of global manufacturing output Eg. It produces 70% of
the world’s smartphones.
b. Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) It involves over 140 countries and is projected to invest around $1
trillion to enhance trade connectivity across Asia, Europe, and Africa.
2. China’s Political and Economic Dominance
a. Economic Growth: second-largest economy with a GDP of approximately $17 trillion, maintained
an average growth rate of about 6% over the past decade.
b. Geopolitical Influence: China is a permanent member of UNSC and plays a dominant role in interna-
tional organizations like NSG,SCO,G20 and BRICS.
As S. Jaishankar noted, while economics and demographics will bring India and the West closer, “the real
difference would be made by politics and values.” For this partnership to thrive, both must align their world-
views and deepen collaboration to create a balanced global order.
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10. Critically analyse India’s evolving diplomatic, economic and strategic rela-
tions with the Central Asian Republics (CARS) highlighting their increasing
significance in regional and global geopolitics.
“India and Central Asia are bound together by a shared history, culture, and mutual interest in peace and de-
velopment.” - PM Modi
Strategic Relations
1. Security and Counterterrorism Cooperation: Engagement through platforms like Shanghai Cooperation
Organization (SCO) helps address security threats related to terrorism, extremism, and drug trafficking.
2. Balancing Regional Powers: India’s presence in the CARs counters the influence of China and Russia,
enhancing its geopolitical standing through diversified strategies, particularly soft power initiatives such as
education and cultural exchange.
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2. Geopolitical Importance in Eurasia
a. Strategic Location at the crossroads of Eurasia, CARs are crucial for major trade and energy corridors,
including the Ashgabat Agreement, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the International North-South
Transport Corridor (INSTC).
b. Great Power Competition: The region serves as a battleground for influence among Russia, China, and
the U.S. China’s BRI enhances its economic foothold, while Russia maintains security ties through the
CSTO. India aims to balance this competition while preserving its strategic autonomy.
3. Security Concerns due to Afghanistan’s Stability: Central Asia's security is closely linked to Afghanistan,
which poses risks of terrorism, drug trafficking, and refugee flows.
4. Multilateral Cooperation: SCO and Regional Stability: As a member of the SCO, India plays a role in
promoting regional stability and addressing transnational issues like extremism and border security, which
are critical for both India and the CARs.
11. What are the aims and objectives of recently passed and enforced, The Pub-
lic Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024? Whether University
/ State Education Board examinations, too, are covered under the Act?
The recent NEET-UG 2024 exam paper leak has put the question mark on integrity of examination system in
India. The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 , which was passed by the Indian Parlia-
ment to “to curb paper leaks, malpractices, as well as organised malpractices in recruitment examinations like
UPSC, SSC etc and entrance tests such as NEET, JEE and CUET.
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Provisions in the Act:
1. D
efining Unfair Means:
1. L eaking question papers or answer keys
2. A ssisting candidates during exams (unauthorized communication, providing solutions)
3. T ampering with computer networks or resources
4. Impersonating candidates
5. C onducting fake examinations or issuing fake documents
6. T ampering with documents for merit lists or ranks
2. Criminalisation of Cheating: Engaging in unfair means such as impersonation, leaking exam papers, or us-
ing unauthorized devices is considered a criminal offense with penalties including fines and imprisonment.
3. Penalties and Punishments:
1. Individuals:
a. Imprisonment ranges from 3 to 10 years depending on the offense’s severity
b. Fines up to Rs. 1 crore for organized crimes
2. S ervice providers:
a. Fines up to Rs. 1 crore for involvement in malpractices
b. Barring from conducting public examinations for 4 years
c. P ersonal liability for directors/management involved
3. O rganized crimes:
a. Harsher penalties, with imprisonment between 5 and 10 years and a minimum fine of Rs. 1 crore
b. The institution involved can face property attachment and forfeiture
4. Additional Measures:
1. E stablishing specialized courts for speedy trial of offenses
2. P romoting public awareness about the bill and its implications.
5. Empowering Authorities:
1. C onduct surprise checks at exam centers and seize electronic devices if suspected foul play
2. B lacklist service providers found guilty of malpractices
3. S hare information and coordinate across agencies to effectively tackle organized cheating
Challenges in implementation
1. Implementation Across Diverse Regions: The scale, availability, and capacity of resources, infrastructures,
and officials as well as coordination among them may impact the measures required by the Act.
2. Technological Infrastructure: smaller examining bodies and institutions can experience difficulties in
implementing such enhanced registration and verification methods as biometrics and central controls.
3. Resistance to Change: stakeholders involved in the examination activities may not accept change brought
by the Act from the traditional examination practices.
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Cambridge International Examinations (CIE)
They employed advanced scanning technology to detect unauthorized materials and utilized data analytics
to identify cheating patterns. CIE also provided training resources for teachers to design integrity-focused
assessments.
The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, is crucial in preserving the fairness of public
exams by combating malpractice. As Martin Luther King Jr. said,”Intelligence plus character—that is the goal
of true education,” emphasizing the importance of integrity alongside academic success.
12. Right to privacy is intrinsic to life and personal liberty and is inherently pro-
tected under Article 21 of the constitution. Explain. In this reference discuss the
law relating to D.N.A. testing of child in the womb to establish its paternity.
In K. S. Puttaswamy Judgment, the nine Judge Bench in this case unanimously reaffirmed the right to privacy
as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. The judgment overturned previous rulings
such as the MP Sharma and Kharak Singh cases, which had rejected privacy as a fundamental right. Privacy
includes bodily integrity, informational privacy, and personal autonomy.
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Justification for providing DNA testing
1. Legal Clarity: DNA testing provides accurate scientific evidence to establish paternity, which can resolve
legal disputes related to inheritance, custody, or support claims.
2. Judicial Rulings on Paternity Testing: Courts have increasingly used DNA testing in paternity disputes. Eg. in
Dipanwita Roy vs. Ronobroto Roy (2014)
3. Child’s Right to Know and Identity: The Supreme Court upheld a child’s right to know their parentage un-
der Article 21.
4. Ensuring Fair Justice: DNA testing can help in delivering justice in cases of adultery, marital disputes, or
allegations of paternity fraud
5. Preventing Misuse: Regulating DNA testing helps prevent sex-selective abortions and discrimination, pro-
moting the rights and equality of unborn children.
13. What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain
of Centre-State relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build the trust
between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism.
“Indian Union is a unitary state with subsidiary federal features rather than a federal state with subsidiary
unitary features.” - K.C. Wheare.
Centre-State relations in India are governed by constitutional provisions outlined in Articles 245 to 263, which
detail legislative, administrative, and financial relations.
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5. Disaster Response Funds: Enhanced flexibility given to states in using the SDRF for specific local disasters,
post the COVID-19 pandemic.
6. Greater Centralization of powers - Epidemic Diseases Act and Essential Commodities Act dueing COVID
7. River Water Disputes Amendment Bill (2019): This bill aims to streamline the adjudication process for in-
terstate river disputes, empowering the Centre to establish a Dispute Resolution Committee and reducing
the time frame for resolution.
Issues
Measures To Build Trust Between Centre And State And Strengthening Federalism.
1. Strengthening Inter-State Council with Regular meetings and enhanced powers can facilitate dialogue
and resolve disputes, promoting cooperative federalism. Eg: The revival of the Inter-State Council in 2016
after a decade showed potential for proactive issue resolution.
2. Impartial Role of Governors - Eg: Recommendations from the Sarkaria and Punchhi Commissions to en-
sure Governors are not seen as central agents.
3. State Involvement in National Policies especially those impacting concurrent and state lists, ensures pol-
icies reflect regional needs. Eg: Joint committees for policy areas like agriculture and education to ensure
state-specific concerns are addressed.
4. Punchhi commission recommended binding consent of state during central legislations from concurrent
list.
5. Cooperative Federalism Projects: Initiatives like Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat encourage cultural and educa-
tional exchanges between states and centre and particular state, helpful in building trust.
6. Judicial Precedents on Federal Balance: Upholding S.R. Bommai vs Union of India judgment, reinforces
state sovereignty and safeguards against arbitrary central dominance.
As B. R. Ambedkar rightly said, “Federalism is critical for the unity of India; it accommodates the country’s
diversity and allows states to flourish within the national framework.”
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14. Explain the reasons for the growth of public interest litigation in India. As
a result of it, has the Indian Supreme Court emerged as the world’s most
powerful judiciary?
The Supreme Court has defined Public Interest Litigation (PIL) as “a legal action initiated in a court of law for
the enforcement of public interest or general interest in which the public or a class of the community have
pecuniary interest or some interest by which their legal rights or liabilities are affected.” As per SC observer
Data, on an average, the Court receives 26,379 PILs every year.
Argument Against
1. Overreach: The Court’s decision to interfere in policy issues like setting the height of the Sardar Vallabh-
bhai Patel statue drew criticism for stepping into areas best left to the executive.
2. Inefficiency and Delays: As of 2023, the Indian judiciary had a backlog of over 4.7 crore cases, including in
the Supreme Court, leading to delays in delivering justice.
3. Inconsistent Decision-Making: In cases like Sabarimala Temple Entry (2018), where religious rights were
pitted against gender equality, the Court’s rulings led to divided public opinion and later contradictions,
illustrating inconsistency.
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4. Criticism of Policy Interference: The Supreme Court’s intervention in BCCI reforms (Lodha Committee
case) raised concerns that it was overstepping into the domain of sports administration, traditionally a
non-judicial area.
5. Lack of implementation of court verdicts hinder the successful implementation of PIL.
Way Forward
1. Striking a balance between legitimate cases and frivolous cases: Scrutiny panel or special PIL cells can be
set up for scrutiny at first stage.
2. Provision of strict punishment for frivolous PILs.
3. Court should be fully satisfied that substantial public interest is involved before entertaining the petition.
Justice P.N. Bhagwati thus cautioned that PIL must not degenerate into “publicity or private interest
litigation”. By striking balance between ensuring access to justice and preventing misuse, PIL can become cru-
cial tool for upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of marginalized and vulnerable citizens..
15. Discuss India as a secular state and compare with the secular principles of
the US constitution.
Secularism is a principle that advocates the separation of religion from politics and governance. It seeks to
establish a society where religious institutions and state institutions are independent of each other.
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4. Social exclusion based on religious identity - Eg. A 2021 Pew Research Center report found 64% of Indians
identify as “Hindus first” rather than “Indians first,” illustrating the rise of religious nationalism. Eg- boycott
on Muslim vendors in temple fairs in Karnataka (2022).
5. Challenges in Implementing Secular Principles: A 2019 Lokniti-CSDS survey found significant opposition to
the Uniform Civil Code: 55% of Muslims, 54% of Christians, and 40% of Hindus, highlighting the challenge of
achieving consensus on secular reforms.
Secularism and Harmony is not "political fashion" but it is "perfect passion" for India and Indians. Thus, Up-
holding secular values, fostering interfaith dialogue, and promoting inclusive policies are crucial for maintain-
ing a pluralistic society and strengthening the fabric of Indian democracy.
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16. The Citizens’ charter has been a landmark initiative in ensuring citizen-cen-
tric administration. But it is yet to reach its full potential. Identify the factors
hindering the realization of its promise and suggest measures to overcome
them.
As per 2nd ARC, Citizen Charter is a public statement that defines the entitlements of citizens to a specific
service, the standards of the service, the conditions to be met by users, and the remedies available to the
latter in case of non-compliance of standards. Adopted in 1997 in India, citizen charter still to realize it’s full
potential.
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Measures required (2nd ARC recommendations)
1. Customized Charters: Citizens’ Charters should be tailored to specific organizations preferably in local
languages rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, ensuring relevance to local contexts and
needs.
2. Stakeholder Consultation: The formulation of charters must involve extensive consultations with all stake-
holders, including citizens, NGOs and other civil society, to ensure that the charters reflect genuine needs
and expectations.
3. Clear Commitments should be specified regarding service delivery standards and outline remedies or
compensations for failures in service provision, enhancing accountability.
4. Regular Evaluation by independent agencies, to assess their effectiveness and ensure they remain rele-
vant and impactful.
5. Adoption of the Sevottam Model: The Sevottam model was suggested by the 2nd ARC in its 12th report on
“Citizen Centric Administration”. This model combines the principles of ‘service’ and ‘uttam’ (excellence)
and outlines a systematic approach:
a. Defining services and identifying clients.
b. Setting standards and norms for each service.
c. Developing capabilities to meet these standards.
d. Performing services to achieve the standards.
e. Monitoring and evaluating performance continuously.
f. Implementing continuous improvements based on evaluations.
The Citizens’ Charter is a commitment to service quality, transparency, and accountability, promoting respon-
sive governance. Reviving this program in government departments is essential for ensuring accountability to
both citizens and the organizations themselves.
17. In a crucial domain like the public healthcare system the Indian State should
play a vital role to contain the adverse impact of marketisation of the sys-
tem. Suggest some measures through which the State can enhance the reach
of public healthcare at the grassroots level.
Healthcare is a fundamental right crucial for individual dignity and welfare. Article 47 of the Indian
Constitution highlights the State's responsibility to ensure public health, affirming the commitment to provide
equitable access to healthcare for all citizens.
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4. Commodification of Healthcare: Eg. doctors prescribing unnecessary tests and medicines just to increase
profit.
5. Limited Focus on Preventive Care: Market-driven systems prioritize curative care over preventive mea-
sures, leading to under-investment in public health.
As the saying goes, “Health is wealth, not wealth in health,” emphasizing the importance of accessible health
care. By focusing on public investment and community health initiatives, the state can ensure health remains a
fundamental right, not a commodity.
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18. e-governance is not just about the routine application of digital technology
in service delivery process. It is as much about multifarious interactions for
ensuring transparency and accountability. In this context evaluate the role of
the ‘Interactive Service Model’ of e governance.
The World Bank defines e-governance as the use by government agencies of information technologies (such
as Wide Area Networks, the Internet, and mobile computing) that can transform relations with citizens, busi-
nesses, and other arms of government.”
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e-Governance being multifarious interactions for ensuring transparency and accountability
1. Enhancing Public Access: E-governance platforms facilitate easy access to information, promoting transpar-
ency in government processes such as budgeting and tendering.
2. Preventing Corruption: Digital records and traceable transactions significantly reduce opportunities for
corruption by minimizing human interaction.
3. Citizen Feedback Mechanisms: Interactive features, such as CPGRAMS, empower citizens to file complaints
and track resolutions.
4. Auditable Transactions: Eg. Performance dashboards, such as the Swachh Bharat Mission dash-
board, provide real-time data on initiatives like toilet construction, ensuring accountability through
traceability.
5. Standardized Processes: E-governance standardizes workflows across departments, enhancing fairness in
implementing government schemes. Eg. Social audit tools, like the Social Audit Network of India (SANI).
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19. “Terrorism has become a significant threat to global peace and security.’
Evaluate the effectiveness of the United Nations Security Council’s Counter
Terrorism Committee (CTC) and its associated bodies in addressing and miti-
gating this threat at the international level.
Terrorism is the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a govern-
ment, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives. Count-
er-Terrorism Committee (CTC) was established under UNSC resolution 1373 to enhance the capacity of UN
member states to prevent and combat terrorism.
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Challenges Faced by UNSC CTC in Counter-Terrorism:
1. Political Interests and Sovereignty Issues: Disagreements among member states, such as vetoes by Russia
and China regarding resolutions on Syria, hinder unified responses..
2. Disparities and Resource Limitations: E Eg. Global Terrorism Index 2022 indicated that terrorism caused
$8.6 trillion in economic losses globally, disproportionately affecting less developed nations.
3. Balancing Security with Individual Rights: Surveillance measures, like those under the UAPA,AFSPA in
India, USA’s PATRIOT Act, often infringe on civil liberties. A 2021 Pew Research survey found that 56% of
Americans are concerned about government overreach in surveillance.
4. Rapid Technological Changes: The use of encrypted communication, as seen in the 2015 Paris attacks,
allows terrorists to coordinate while evading detection.
5. Implementation Gaps: A 2023 review by the committee highlighted that 80 countries reported insufficient
resources to enforce effective strategies.
20. Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of Maldives for India
with a focus on global trade and energy flows. Further also discuss how this
relationship affects India’s maritime security and regional stability amidst
international competition?
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi said “India and the Maldives are not just neighbors; we are natural part-
ners. Our destinies are intertwined, and we share the same vision of peace and prosperity.”
Geopolitical and Geostrategic Importance of Maldives for India: Focus on Trade and Energy
Flows
1. Strategic Location: Maldives’ position on key global
maritime trade routes enhances India’s maritime domain
awareness and security.
2. Energy Security: Located along key maritime routes
between the Gulf of Aden and the Strait of Malacca, the
Maldives serves as a critical “toll gate” for nearly half of
India’s trade and 80% of its energy imports.
3. Regional Stability: Strong ties with the Maldives support
India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ policy, ensuring political sta-
bility and minimizing external influences like China.
4. Countering China: India seeks to prevent the Maldives
from falling into China’s Belt and Road Initiative debt trap,
preserving regional dominance.
5. Trade Hub Potential: The Maldives can serve as a logistics and shipping hub, complementing India’s trade
routes and boosting regional economic integration.
6. Maritime Surveillance: Geographic proximity aids India in enhancing surveillance and accessing deep-sea
resources through joint projects, strengthening maritime security.
7. Defence Cooperation: A Defence Action Plan was signed in 2016 to strengthen this partnership. India
provides nearly 70% of Maldives' defence training, both on the islands and in India's military academies.
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Challenges
1. Growing Chinese Influence: Eg- China signed 20 “key” agreements, including on tourism cooperation,
disaster risk reduction and the blue economy during visit of Xi Jinping.
2. Diplomatic Turmoil - undiplomatic words used by ministers in Maldives, President Muizzu asking India to
withdraw military personnel and choosing China for one of his first overseas visits
3. Domestic politics - The ‘India Out’ campaign against the presence of the Indian military on Maldivian soil.
4. India’s security interests hinge on the Maldives’ political stability; internal turmoil could disrupt coopera-
tion and threaten maritime security objectives.
5. Non-traditional threats: Piracy, terrorism, and drug trafficking require ongoing collaboration and intelli-
gence sharing between India and the Maldives.
6. Extremism: The Maldives’ susceptibility to extremism and radicalization demands joint efforts to counter
these security challenges.
Way forward
1. Promote Non-Reciprocal Development Assistance to counter ‘Big Brother Perception: Building on the
principles of the Munroe Doctrine, India should focus on providing nonreciprocal, consultative, and coop-
erative development assistance to the Maldives. '
2. Enhance Maritime Security Collaboration including joint naval exercises, surveillance operations, and
information sharing.
3. Engage in Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges: Programs that promote tourism, student exchanges,
and cultural initiatives will help build mutual understanding and strengthen bilateral relations.
4. Address Domestic Political Dynamics: India should be sensitive to the internal political landscape of the
Maldives, engaging with all political factions and civil society groups to ensure broad-based support for its
initiatives.
Sustained Diplomacy and strengthening People to People connect is essential to build trust and align ‘Neigh-
bourhood First’ policy with the Maldive’s ‘India First’ policy.
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We were the pioneers in UPSC to introduce Mentorship.
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Page 44
Key aspects of Civilsdaily’s Mentorship:
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Page 45
We precisely know where you are in your prep journey. We are constantly trying to ensure
that you stay on top of your preparation and hit your next milestone. Be it strategy, doubts,
post test discussions. We got your back.
CD Mentorship is not loose calls between mentors and mentees. It is a SYSTEM. Designed to
help you put your best foot forward. Our propriety technology ensures there are no lapses at
the end. Such sophisticated systems don’t exist anywhere.
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How do our stats look like?
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Mentorship is a busy department.
We have had a rather busy week before Mains with our mentors being on calls around the clock.
The heart of the Civilsdaily platform is the Foundation Program and Ultimate Assessment
Program (UAP). For years, aspirants have enrolled here because they couldn’t find such depth
and passion towards quality content and Mentorship anywhere. Their search inevitably ends
at Civilsdaily. Enrollment in these programs and Mentorship also makes us accountable to
aspirants for the value they get.
In the past few years, we’ve worked quietly in the background with hundreds of aspirants;
many now serve as IAS, IPS, IFS, and more. We are very proud of what we’ve achieved.
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Page 48
Here are some of the
recent rankers who
show us gratitude.