Dr. Gaurav J. Sontake

Dr. Gaurav J. Sontake is brain behind this website. He worked as freelancer with various institutes including Byju's and Vision IAS. He is author of 150+ Tricks and Mnemonics as well as Strengthen Your Argument Volume I & II. He was Ayurveda doctor before shifting to IAS exam preparation. During his preparation phase, he realised the need of simplified and affordable content. Based on this, he is creating simplified content for students. Dr. Gaurav enjoys travelling, reading and sometimes photography. Also, he loves interacting and guiding students.

[Solved] Highlight the differences between the two branches of Indian music- Hindustani and Carnatic systems. Do you think technology is ruining Indian classical music?

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Hindustani and Kamatak music developed into two independent systems of music emerging from the same, single source- Vedas. India had one system of music throughout the country till about the 13th century. Haripala, for the first time, mentioned the terms Hindustani and Carnatic (Carnatic) music. With the advent of Muslim rule in the North, the … Read more

Hathigumpha inscription

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The Hathigumpha Inscription is a seventeen-line Prakrit inscription inscribed in Brahmi script in a cave called Hathigumpha near Bhubaneswar, Odisha. It was inscribed by the Jain king Kharavela of the Kalinga kingdom during the 2nd and 1st centuries BCE. The Hathigumpha Inscription contains a biographical narrative of a ruler from ancient India’s eastern area, among … Read more

What does the term ‘public servant’ mean? What are the public interest principles and procedures that civil servant must follow?

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A public servant can be described as an individual who works for the state and whose main duty is associated with the welfare of the public and society. The duties include providing service to the public in the form of protection, administration, or maintenance. The following principles and procedures must be followed by public servants: … Read more

Eran inscription

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Eran inscription is crucial in reconstructing the history of the Gupta Empire. The capital of Erakina (Airikina) Pradesha or Airkina Vishaya, a Gupta administrative division, was Eran or Erakina. Eran is a historic town and archaeological site in Madhya Pradesh. As demonstrated by the various coins discovered here, it was one of the oldest mints … Read more

Junagarh Inscription

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Rudradaman’s Junagarh inscription is also known as Rudradaman’s Girnar rock inscription. Rudradaman I, the monarch of the Western Satraps, carved Sanskrit text on a rock. It is in Gujarat, India, near Girnar Hill, near Junagarh. The inscription was written in 150 CE. Inscriptions of Ashoka (one of fourteen Major Rock Edicts of Ashoka), Rudradaman I, … Read more

[Solved] What does ‘accountability’ mean in the context of public service? What measures can be adopted to ensure individual and collective accountability of public servants?

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Accountability is the obligation of those holding power to take responsibility and be held answerable for their behavior and actions. Actions to ensure public officials’ individual and collective accountability Improve transparency about the viability of large projects: Make use of technology to digitize information relevant to important projects and set project deadlines. Clarify what citizens … Read more

[Solved] What do you understand by ‘probity’ in public life? What are the difficulties in practicing it in the present times? How can these difficulties be overcome?

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Probity is synonymous with impeccably strong virtues in public life. It goes far above financial integrity or non-corrupt behaviour. Probity requires public servants to refrain from abusing their position in any way. Difficulties in practising probity in present times Morally lax environment Political pressures on civil servants Seniors’ lack of support Risks to an honest … Read more