Tuesday, July 31, 2012

GS Mains Model Paper 1

Dear Students 

We are releasing the first GS model test paper.The question paper has been set keeping in mind the recent trends that have emerged in the GS paper. 

 This mock test has been prepared from our e-correspondence course modules. Aspirants may mail/courier their answers for evaluation. For GS paper strategy and answer writing skills call Mr Pranav Bharadwaj, Academic Director, Smart Foundation at 88224 89467. Please visit our website for other information.

(Test Paper 1) 

Instructions Candidate should attempt ALL questions strictly in accordance with the instructions given under each question.

 Q1. Answer any three of the following in about 250 words each 20 * 3 = 60

a) Though treaty-making is an executive function. Parliamentary democracies should make ratification by Parliament obligatory? Discuss
b) Critically analyze the various issues concerning the 4.5% reservation for the Socially & Educationally Backward Classes?
c) In the wake of Census 2011, discuss the causes of dropped child sex ratio in India? Suggest policy measures that can be initiated to tackle this malaise?
d) Assess the relevance of “White Paper “as a tool of Participatory democracy? Discuss government’s strategy to curb black money generation from legitimate activities?

Q 2: Answer ONE of the following in about 250 words: 20

a) Analyse the main differences between the approaches of Tagore and Gandhi on social and political issues ?
b) He argued it would be “the crown of Swaraj constitution & not its foundation”?Critically analyse
Q 3: Answer one of the following in about 250 words 20
a) Evaluate the initiatives of the government for improving the Justice Delivery System in the Country?
b) Highlight the objectives & the role of National Mission of Empowerment of Women?

Q 4: Comment on any FIVE of the following in about 150 words each 12 * 5 = 60

a) List the major findings of the HUNGAMA survey 2011.
b) Infrastructure Development Fund
c) Measures to contain inflation.
d) What is Public debt management? Highlight its objective & importance?
e) Examine the role of the Joint parliamentary committee in our Parliamentary functioning?
f) Bharat Nirmaan Volunteers

Q5: Examine any THREE of the following in not more than 150 words each 12 * 3=36

a) Transition of Indian agriculture move from monsoon dependence to a more sustainable medium
b) Challenges of Fisheries and Livelihood in the New Era of Maritime Security.
c) The significance of a robust land acquisition bill towards achieving inclusive development.
d) Problems specific to the coastal communities with respect to climate change.

Q 6: In the context of the freedom struggle ,write short notes (not exceeding 50 words each) on the following: 5 * 3 = 15

a) Lady Mehribai Tata
b) Bi Amman
c) Margarate Cousins

Q 7 : Comment on the following in NOT more than 50 words each 5 * 6 = 30

a) IPv6 Implementation in India
b) New Department of Disability Affairs under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
c) Steps to stem rupee slide
d) WTO 5th trade policy review
e) Composition and function of the National Commission of Women
f) The MMDR Bill 2011
g) Salient features of the New Telecom Policy 2011

Q8: Attempt the following in not more than 50 words each: 5 * 4= 20

a) While brining out their salient features distinguish between Hindustani and Carnatic School of music.
b) Write a sentence each on any five of the following traditional folk dance forms:
i. Bardo cham
ii. Ali ai liyang
iii. Tertali
iv. Pavri Nach
v. Ghumra
vi. Kummi
c) What are the major styles of architecture in Medieval India?
d) List the various puppet forms in India.

Q 9 : Comment on the following on not more than 50 words each 5 * 5 = 25

a) GPON technology
b) INS Shayadri
c) INTOSAI
d) C band polar metric Doppler radar
e) E procurement system for transparent governance

Q10: Who are the following and why have they been in news recently?(each answer should not exceed 20 words) 2 * 7= 14

a) Kulandei Francis
b) Suma Chakraverti
c) Ustad Sultan Khan
d) Homai Vyarawala
e) M.K. Pandhe
f) Kamal Bawa
g) Shahryar

Friday, June 15, 2012

Gs Module 5

Dear Aspirants
Gs Module 5 has been released.This module analytically covers different topics from economy, policy & strategic issues. Special emphasis is also given on different sections of Modern Indian History, two markers special on History & geography is also included in the module.

Total number of topics covered 70. These topics are drafted along with synoptic reviews which will help students in following ways
  •  This will provide better understanding of the articles . 
  •   It will make memorization & revision of material easy. 
  •  As Prelims paper is analytical in nature Synoptic review will help students to  inculcate objective analytical content of the article in the first reading.   
  •  Point format presentation will help students to develop mains answer writing skills.
 Few sample questions based on topics covered in module 5 are given below. Detailed answers of these sample questions are given in module 5.

  • Discuss the key points with regard to the state finances report 2011-12. 
  •  Evaluate Globalisation as a "double edged sword" and list the challenges before RBI in view of the rapidly globalising economy? 
  •  How would a "Marshall Plan" provide stimulus to the BRICS economy in the present global economic disorder? 
  •  Discuss the changing pattern of FDI investments in Indian economy?
  •  Do Indian courts have the sovereign right to intervene in arbitrations seated outside India.? Analyse this with respect to the recent BIT treaties and the Vodafone case. 
  • What is "middle income trap"? What are its implications for the Sino indian economic relation
  •  Critically analyse the following statements with reference to the context in which they were made:(history)
a)“ A deep despair now pervades rural life all over our country, so much so that high-sounding phrases like home rule, autonomy etc appear to me almost ridiculous and I feel ashamed even to utter them”

b)“We all are sons of this land we have to live together …..Believe me there is no progress of India until Hindus & Muslim are not united”

c)He argued it would be “the crown of Swaraj constitution & not its foundation”

d)“It mattered not so much that something should be done as that attempt should be seen to made”

e)“Though mindful right of minorities ….we cannot allow minority to place their veto on the advance of majority”
  •  Examine the ideas of Tagore on Nationalism 
  •  Analyse the main differences between the approaches of Tagore and Gandhi on social and political issues 
  •   Discuss the broad contours of the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit. 
  •   List the priorities of the Universal Health Care syste with a comment on the role of the private sector 
  •   Discuss the Pranahita-Chevella project 
  •  Do the credit rating agencies exceed their mandate in the present globalised world?Answer with refernce to the recent S&P comment on the Indian economy 
  • Write a note on the edX initiative.
  • What are your views regarding the introduction of DRM in the amended Copyright Act? 
  •  Analyse the Indian CRIP proposal in context to greater democratic Web order?

For  details please visit our website

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Best of luck to all aspirants appearing for Civil Services Prelims ...
• Minimum loss in Gs & maximum attempt in CSAT
• Gs Paper is more about logic less about information...so handle it logically
• In Gs paper absolute statements are generally incorrect ,so scan them properly
• Use process of elimination at best
• Two hours are more than enough ,utilize them meticulously
……………………………………………………………………Best of luck