IASbaba (TLP & Current Affairs) and UPSC Mains – Hit ratio of 80%

Hello Friends

Congratulations to all who have written Mains 2015. We hope you have performed well.  It has been a great journey with all of you through Think Learn & Perform (TLP)-2015 Series.

We hope TLP initiative and Current Affairs Analysis along with Monthly Magazine provided some assistance in Mains 2015.  Here in this article we have done an analysis on the significance of TLP, Current Affairs and way ahead for 2016 aspirants.

This article is not to boast about the HIT RATE of our initiatives in any case (In case you are interested in numbers – its more than 80%). It would be an injustice to say that these many questions, directly or indirectly came from our initiatives using key words of the UPSC questions. In that way if we frame questions over the year on all keywords in UPSC syllabus our hit ratio will be 100%.

Rather than numbers focus on the its significance and make a choice for its part in your preparation. You should work on smart study and smart thinking to keep your inputs minimum and in that maximize to your output.

Remember– A labor does more hard work than an intellectual siting in the office. But there is a difference. And you know what we mean 🙂 

We started 5 months back. And this was amongst the 600 odd questions we posed. Our HOT questions rightly captured the mood of UPSC examiners.

For example: In paper 2 the first question was-

Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizen a uniform civil code as provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy.

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That was one such. We have listed all such below.

We just want you to understand the relevance & importance of our initiatives that will prove worthy if you follow them religiously. UPSC questions are mix of basics, analytical and thought provoking in nature. By following our initiatives, we intend to develop these things. Those who have followed TLP and Current Affairs religiously are in better position to analyse its significance.

People say writing practice is immensely importance. We too agree. But it doesn’t mean one has to slog for years doing writing, writing and writing.

It is more important to understand the context, prepare basic stuffs and relate the contemporary issues at hand with static portions. Unless your basics are strong, you have to slog for years to develop good answer writing skills.

Aspirants who have worked on above foundation have always written brilliant answers since for them proper understanding, theme/context and decoding the question- is never a problem. They take less time in deciphering the question and presenting the appropriate content in line with the demand of the question.

Through TLP and other initiatives, we want you to develop these attributes so that everyone stands a chance and give stiff competition 🙂

On the same line and with some added features, we will start TLP-2016 very soon.

P.S: We request our sincere followers to share their experience of TLP with us and how it has added some value, if any in their preparation.

The initiatives of IASbaba were successful only because of YOU. We gladly acknowledge your support and look forward for more participation.

Go through the following and decide its worth yourself.

In paper 1

How difficult would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss.

These links will answer the above question

http://iasbaba.com/2015/11/3-nationalist-movement-in-india-before-the-arrival-of-m-gandhi-was-a-movement-representing-the-classes-as-opposed-to-the-masses-critically-analyse/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/11/2-non-cooperation-movement-could-not-bring-swaraj-in-one-year-but-it-did-give-a-new-direction-and-energy-to-the-national-movement-comment/

Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B R Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate.

http://iasbaba.com/2015/07/think-and-learn-upsc-mains-day-27/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/07/think-and-learn-upsc-mains-day-13/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/07/think-and-learn-upsc-mains-day-22/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/10/1-constant-development-is-the-law-of-life-and-a-man-who-always-tries-to-maintain-his-dogmas-in-order-to-appear-consistent-drives-himself-into-a-false-position-mahatma-gand/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/11/2-during-constitutional-debates-dr-b-r-ambedkar-advocated-for-reservation-of-socially-and-economically-backward-classes-now-even-after-almost-seven-decades-of-independence-reservation-still-exist/

It would have been difficult for the Constituent Assembly to complete its historic task of drafting the Constitution for Independent India in just three years, but its experience gained with the Government of India Act, 1935 .Discuss.

http://iasbaba.com/2015/08/q-4-the-present-indian-constitution-is-an-amalgamation-of-various-british-provisions-and-acts-introduced-in-the-previous-two-centuries-narrate-the-evolution-of-the-various-british/

To what extend can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars? Discuss critically.

http://iasbaba.com/2015/09/q-3-critically-examine-the-main-features-of-the-foreign-policy-of-the-nazi-germany/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/10/1-the-treaty-of-versailles-was-a-dictated-peace-do-you-agree/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/07/think-and-learn-upsc-mains-day-33/

Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the mains cause of population increase in India.

http://iasbaba.com/2015/12/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-17th-december-2015/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/12/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-11th-december-2015/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/10/1-inclusive-growth-without-rural-development-would-be-a-misnomer-comment/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/09/q-2-why-is-the-poverty-line-methodology-so-controversial-in-india-is-the-criticism-justified-narrate-the-evolution-of-various-methodolgies-and-critically-comment-on-each-of-them/

Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades.

http://iasbaba.com/2015/09/think-learn-perform-tlp-geography-day-2/

November Magazine– Distress Migration

Debate the issue whether and how contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit identity work towards annihilation of caste.

http://iasbaba.com/2015/11/4-the-denial-of-socio-economic-and-political-justice-to-the-dalits-has-more-to-do-with-present-day-institutions-than-the-law-of-the-land-discuss-further-would-you-agree-with-the-argument-that-it-i/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/10/3-what-led-to-the-caste-movements-in-western-and-southern-india-how-did-it-affect-the-local-socio-political-life-of-the-region/

Explain the factors responsible for the origin of ocean currents. How do they influence regional climates, fishing and navigation?

http://iasbaba.com/2015/11/1-what-are-the-short-term-and-long-term-causes-of-sea-level-change-what-effects-will-sea-level-change-have-on-the-world/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/10/5-examine-the-causes-behind-the-phenomena-of-ocean-water-circulation/

Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three Mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so?

http://iasbaba.com/2015/09/3-in-an-urban-area-the-precipitation-pattern-varies-greatly-from-that-of-rural-areas-why-also-explain-the-phenomena-of-fog-and-photo-chemical-smog-in-an-urban-area/

India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still suffers from water scarcity.

http://iasbaba.com/2015/07/think-and-learn-upsc-mains-day-32/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/10/tlp-geography-day-41-2/

OctoberMagazine https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B12w56GDVUrSbVNJaWNPMll1cDA/view?usp=sharing

The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are reaching the limits of ecological carrying capacity due to tourism. Critically evaluate.

http://iasbaba.com/2015/10/1-examine-the-causes-of-environmental-degradation-in-hill-areas-suggest-an-appropriate-development-strategy-for-the-hilly-tracts-of-india/

How far do you agree that the behaviour of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to humanizing landscape? Discuss.

http://iasbaba.com/2015/09/1-monsoon-is-our-finance-minister-and-it-is-not-just-capricious-but-perhaps-the-most-globalized-indian-do-you-agree-substantiate-your-arguments-by-taking-into-consideration-the-extreme-weather-eve/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/11/1-discuss-the-factors-responsible-for-long-term-climate-change-what-evidences-do-we-have-that-support-current-global-warming-explain/

Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart villages. Discuss this statement in the backdrop of rural urban integration.

http://iasbaba.com/2015/11/4-the-smart-cities-project-is-faced-with-multiple-challenges-and-ambiguities-in-terms-of-its-financial-model-governance-and-scale-critically-examine/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/09/iasbabas-monthly-yojana-september-smart-city/

What are the economic significance of discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible environmental consequences?

http://iasbaba.com/2015/09/tlp-geography-day-25-2/

 In paper 2

Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizen a uniform civil code as provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy.

http://iasbaba.com/2015/10/3-the-moment-we-stop-judging-the-issue-of-uniform-civil-code-through-the-lens-of-religion-and-majoritarianism-and-rather-strive-to-arrive-at-a-negotiated-understanding-with-respect-to-protection-of-h/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/10/1-do-you-think-that-the-absence-of-a-uniform-civil-code-is-repugnant-to-the-ideal-of-secularism-in-india-what-in-your-view-are-the-factors-that-have-stalled-the-process-of-moving-towards-a-uniform-c/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/10/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-13th-october-2015/

The concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasised in recent years. Highlight the drawbacks in the existing structure and extent to which cooperative federalism would answer the shortcomings.

http://iasbaba.com/2015/11/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-4th-november-2015/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/09/q-1-critically-examine-the-impact-of-coalition-politics-on-the-indian-political-system-make-a-case-on-the-need-for-cooperative-federalism-in-todays-world/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/07/think-and-learn-upsc-mains-day-3/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/11/5-cooperative-federalism-is-not-only-required-for-the-smooth-governance-of-the-country-but-also-imperative-for-pursuing-indias-relationship-with-the-immediate-neighbors-examinethe-statement/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/09/q-3-how-far-do-regional-groupings-pose-a-threat-to-the-stability-of-the-indian-federalism-trace-and-analyze-the-working-of-such-regional-groupings/

In the absence of well – educated and organised local level government system, Panchayats and Samitis have remained mainly political institutions and not effective instrument of governance. Critically Discuss.

http://iasbaba.com/2015/11/6-local-governance-in-india-is-characterized-by-tokenism-and-surrogate-representation-in-terms-of-participation-of-women-voice-of-the-marginalized-classes-and-rights-of-the-dalits-what-do-you-think/

Khap panchayats have been in the news for functioning as extra – constitutional authorities, often delivering pronouncements amounting to human right violations. Discuss critically the actions taken by the legislative, executive and judiciary to set the things right in this regard.

http://iasbaba.com/2015/07/think-and-learn-upsc-mains-day-13/

Resorting to ordinances has always raised concern on violation of the spirit of separation of power doctrine. While noting the rationales justifying the power to promulgate, analyse whether the decision of the Supreme Court on the issue have further facilitated to resorting to this power. Should the power to promulgate the ordinances be repealed?

http://iasbaba.com/2015/10/2-over-the-years-ordinances-have-turned-what-were-supposed-to-be-exceptional-powers-into-procedural-device-to-outmanoeuvre-parliament-justify-with-suitable-examples/

Examine critically the recent changes in the rule governing foreign funding of NGOs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976.

http://iasbaba.com/2015/09/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-8th-september-2015/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/06/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-29th-june-2015/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/11/1-civil-society-and-voluntary-sector-occupy-a-prominent-place-in-the-democratic-landscape-of-india-their-contribution-in-helping-the-state-reaching-out-to-the-poor-and-giving-voice-to-the-common-cit/

How can be the role of NGOs be strengthened in India for development works relating to protection of the Environment? Discuss throwing light on the major constraints.

http://iasbaba.com/2015/09/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-8th-september-2015/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/11/q-6-ngos-have-occupied-a-pivotal-position-in-the-democratic-space-of-the-indian-society-and-their-contribution-in-areas-of-agriculture-education-health-ecology-etc-cant-be-over-emphasized/

The quality of higher education in India requires major improvement to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of technical and higher education in the country. Discuss.

http://iasbaba.com/2015/08/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-4th-august-2015/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/08/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-13th-august-2015/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/11/5-higher-education-in-india-is-faced-with-challenges-that-range-from-lack-of-institutional-autonomy-to-heavy-bureaucratization-of-policy-making-in-light-of-the-given-statement-and-the-recent/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/08/think-and-learn-upsc-mains-day-40/

Public health system has limitation in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest?

http://iasbaba.com/2015/10/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-5th-6th-october-2015/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/08/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-5th-august-2015/

Though there have been several different estimates of poverty in India, all indicate reduction in poverty over time. Do you agree. Critically examine with reference to urban and rural poverty indicators.

http://iasbaba.com/2015/12/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-17th-december-2015/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/07/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-21th-july-2015/

In the light of the Satyam Scandal (2009), discuss the changes brought in corporate governance to ensure transparency, accountability.

http://iasbaba.com/2015/07/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-27th-july-2015/

September Magazine :DMAT and Vyapam Scams : Scams that invades intellectual space

If amendment bill to the Whistleblowers Protection Act 2011 tabled in the Parliament is passed, there may be no on left to protect. Critically Evaluate.

http://iasbaba.com/2015/08/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-15th-17th-august-2015/

For achieving the desired objectives,it is necessary to ensure that the regulatory institutions remain independent and autonomous. Discuss in the light of experiences in recent past.

http://iasbaba.com/2015/09/q-5-in-a-recent-move-public-account-committee-pac-had-intended-for-bringing-about-a-legislative-change-to-make-the-comptroller-and-auditor-general-cag-accountable-to-the-parliament-critically-e/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/11/7-the-lack-of-a-legal-architecture-for-the-intelligence-and-investigation-agencies-of-india-is-repugnant-to-the-ideas-of-democracy-rule-of-law-and-accountability-do-you-agree-is-parliamentary-over/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/09/q-1-the-cag-of-india-is-a-prosecutor-with-a-law-that-hobbles-its-functioning-a-judge-without-the-power-to-sentence-and-a-litigant-with-no-right-to-appeal-do-you-agree-substantiat/

Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pro and cons. Critically Examine.

http://iasbaba.com/2015/10/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-14th-october-2015/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/10/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-29th-october-2015/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/11/5-although-india-cant-compete-with-chinas-ventures-in-africa-in-terms-of-capital-investment-resources-and-scale-indias-core-competencies-and-expertise-in-human-resource-d/

Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in UNSC.

http://iasbaba.com/2015/11/5-the-recent-step-in-the-united-nations-general-assembly-to-start-text-based-negotiations-for-unsc-reforms-is-an-incremental-yet-landmark-moment-do-you-agree-critically-comment-what-are-the-major/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/11/5-why-is-the-permanent-membership-in-unsc-so-important-for-india-do-you-think-indias-claim-to-permanent-membership-is-valid-elucidate/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/09/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-14th-september-2015/

Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of Indian government to improve relationship with its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss

http://iasbaba.com/2015/09/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-5th-september-2015/

In paper 3

The nature of economic growth in India in recent times is often described as a jobless growth. Do you agree with this view? Give arguments in favour of your answer.

http://iasbaba.com/2015/10/2-labour-reforms-disinvestment-and-fdi-are-being-seen-as-imperative-measures-to-realise-the-full-growth-potential-of-the-economy-however-serious-concerns-have-also-been-raised-about-the-adverse-ef/

Livestock rearing has a big potential for providing non- farm employment and income in rural areas. Discuss suggesting suitable measures to promote this sector in India.

http://iasbaba.com/2015/12/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-8th-december-2015/

In the view of the declining average size of land holdings in India which has made agriculture non – viable for a majority of farmers should contract farming and land leasing be promoted in agriculture? critically evaluate the pros and cons.

http://iasbaba.com/2015/10/3-the-condition-of-farm-sector-and-farmers-is-stubbornly-stagnated-despite-several-support-measures-what-could-be-the-possible-reasons-for-it-analyze-each-reason-and-suggest-alternative-if-any/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/10/2-according-to-national-sample-survey-organization-33-of-all-farm-households-have-less-than-0-4-hectares-of-land-also-majority-of-farmers-in-india-are-small-and-marginal-farmers-critically-analyz/

How can the Digital India program help farmers to improve farm productivity and income? What step has the government taken in this regard?

http://iasbaba.com/2015/09/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-30th-september-2015/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/07/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-01st-july-2015/

September Magazine

October Magazine- Precise Farming

In what way could replacement of price subsidy with direct benefit Transfer (DBT) change the scenario of subsidies in India? Discuss.

http://iasbaba.com/2015/10/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-28th-october-2015/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/11/3-what-are-the-recommendations-of-shanta-kumar-committee-do-you-think-the-replacement-of-pds-with-direct-benefit-transfer-will-bring-a-positive-change/

What are the impediments in marketing and supply chain management in developing the food processing industry in India? Can e-commerce help in overcoming this bottleneck?

http://iasbaba.com/2015/07/think-and-learn-upsc-mains-day-16/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/07/think-and-learn-upsc-mains-day-28/

Success of make in India program depends on the success of Skill India programme and radical labour reforms.” Discuss with logical arguments.

http://iasbaba.com/2015/10/q-3-in-the-present-scenario-what-are-the-challenges-faced-by-india-in-the-area-of-skill-development-how-can-we-overcome-these-challenges/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/11/2-entrepreneurs-were-planted-in-backward-resource-rich-areas-thinking-that-the-growth-done-by-them-will-trickle-down-to-the-local-community-on-contrary-it-led-to-drain-of-resources-again-investors/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/07/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-30th-july-2015/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/07/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-16th-july-2015/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/07/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-22th-july-2015/

To what factors can be the recent dramatic fall in equipment cost and tariff of solar energy be attributed? What implications does the trend have for thermal power producers and related industry?

http://iasbaba.com/2015/07/think-and-learn-upsc-mains-day-24/

There is a clear acknowledgement that Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are a tool of industrial development, manufacturing and exports. Recognising this potential, the whole instrumentality of SEZs require augmentation. Discuss the issue plaguing the success of SEZs with respect to taxation, governing laws and administration

http://iasbaba.com/2015/12/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-2nd-december-2015/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/08/think-and-learn-upsc-mains-day-40/

The frequency of earthquakes appears to have increased in the Indian subcontinent. However, India’s preparedness for mitigating their impact has significant gaps. Discuss various aspects.

http://iasbaba.com/2015/11/2-india-has-actively-been-involved-with-its-close-neighbours-it-emerged-as-biggest-help-during-the-earthquake-crisis-in-nepal-while-it-initiated-economic-blockade-during-constitutional-crisis-comme/

http://iasbaba.com/2015/07/think-and-learn-upsc-mains-day-22/

Human right activists constantly highlight the fact that the Armed forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is a draconian act leading to cases of human right abuses by security forces. What sections of AFSPA are opposed by the activists. Critically evaluate the requirement with reference to the view held by Apex Court.

http://iasbaba.com/2015/07/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-2nd-july-2015/

June/JulyMagazine https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6YbwZa7rGX8c0VPWEFGMUstZEk/view

http://iasbaba.com/2015/11/6-whether-or-not-the-armed-forces-special-powers-act-afspa-should-continue-in-the-areas-declared-as-disturbed-is-a-political-question-which-requires-consultations-at-the-ground-of/

Religious indoctrination via social media has resulted in Indian youth joining the ISIS. What is ISIS and its mission? How can ISIS be dangerous to the internal security of our country.

http://iasbaba.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IASbaba-UPSC-Current-affairs-analysis-magazine-April-20151.pdf

http://iasbaba.com/2015/11/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-16th-november-2015/

The persisting drives of the government for development of large industries in backward areas have resulted in isolating the tribal population and the farmers who face multiple displacements. With Malkangiri and Naxalbari foci, discuss the corrective strategies needed to win the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) doctrine affected citizens back into mainstream of social and economic growth.

http://iasbaba.com/2015/11/4-the-denial-of-socio-economic-and-political-justice-to-the-dalits-has-more-to-do-with-present-day-institutions-than-the-law-of-the-land-discuss-further-would-you-agree-with-the-argument-that-it-i/