Mentors Comments: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/natural-disasters/-earthquake-swarm-in-palghar-why-maharashtra-district-is-being-hit-since-november-63073 The question wants us to write in detail about the meaning and give a brief description of the term earthquake swarm. It also wants us to discuss in detail about the reasons behind the Earthquake Swarms being witnessed across many parts of India. In the introduction, write a few introductory lines about… Continue reading What do you understand by an earthquake swarm. Discuss the reasons behind the earthquake swarms being witnessed across India. (15 Marks)

Mentors Comments: Ethics by Lexicon publications The question is based on the theme of ethics in international relations. One must discuss the relevance of ethics in international relations. In the intro, discuss what you understand by ethics in international relations. In the main body, explain first that Ethics is the study of the moral code… Continue reading Critically examine the importance of ethics in international relations and elucidate with suitable illustrations. (15 Marks)

Mentors Comments: The question expects us to explain what do we mean by decentralised cotton textile industry in India. Next, we need to explain the reasons why the cotton textile industry in India is decentralised in India In the Introduction, mention that at present, the cotton textile industry is the largest organised modem industry of… Continue reading Cotton textile industry in India is highly decentralized. Analyze the factors for this decentralization? (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment: https://www.epw.in/journal/2020/2/h-t-parekh-finance-column/revisiting-nbfc-crisis.html The article examines the crisis NBFCs found themselves in and the genesis of the crisis. In the intro, briefly  explain what are NBFCs. In the main body explain how NBFCs are a significant cog in the wheel of the Indian economy. State some figures to stress the overall importance of NBFCs in… Continue reading ‘While seemingly underdogs in the Indian financial markets, NBFCs punched above their weight in destabilising the Indian economy’. In light of the above statement examine the role of NBFCs in the Indian economy. Also, explain the reasons for the recent crisis they are facing and the role of Credit Rating Agencies in the crisis. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-warp-and-weft-of-religious-liberty/article30551695.ece The article discusses the challenges faced by the SC in balancing between the religious freedom granted to an individual as well as guarding the individual against the same in some cases. The article also discusses the options with the SC. One of the options discussed is the adoption of the principle of… Continue reading Whether the ‘anti-exclusion principle’ expounded in the Sabarimala verdict can be a better alternative to the ‘essential practice’ doctrine in balancing the religious freedom with the individual’s rights. Examine. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment: In the intro, briefly state how the internet could be used as a potential weapon by the anti-national elements. In the main body explain the modus-operandi of those who seek to leverage the internet for furthering their goals. Also, cite the example of meddling in the American Presidential elections by the use of… Continue reading Recently India was in the news for frequent internet shut-downs. Explain how the internet and social media could be used for subversive activities and how was it used for anti-national activities. Suggest the ways to deal with this threat. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/modi-cabinet-meeting-decision-coal-block-allocation-6208796/ https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/mining-deep/article30526562.ece In the intro, briefly explain the importance of coal for other sectors and industries and to the country as a whole. In the main body, describe the regulations that were in place and their effects on the sector- like less realisation of revenue, how India had to import coal and spend… Continue reading Recently the Government has freed the coal mining from certain restrictions and regulations and opened it for all. Critically evaluate the pros and cons of the move. (15 Marks)

Mentors Comments: The question expects us to bring out the various measures in the form of laws, rules, regulations, code of ethics etc that the government has brought in order to ensure that ethical values are practised and reinforced in governance. Moreover, we also need to give suggestions regarding what more can be done to… Continue reading Ethical values in governance show how well the ethical values are followed in governance and its structure. Discuss some of the measures taken to strengthen ethical values in governance and what more should be done in this regard? (15 Marks)

Mentors Comments: https://ourworldindata.org/fossil-fuels Amidst growing global fossil fuel consumption over the long-term and consequent scarcity it is essential for us to evaluate options of renewable resources and in this context Solar energy. The steady increase in energy consumption coupled with environmental pollution has promoted research activities in alternative and renewable energy fuels. Many countries in… Continue reading “Fossil fuels have, and continue to, play a dominant role in global energy systems. But with mounting scarcity of fossil fuels, solar energy is gaining more and more significance in India.” Discuss the availability of raw material required for the generation of solar energy in India and in the world. (15 Marks)

Mentors Comments: Give a brief introduction – mention the facts of the case and ethical dilemma which the anthropologist faces. Evaluate the options – give merits and demerits in terms of ethical issues listed above. State the course of action with proper reasoning and how it will address or adjust the demerits which you have… Continue reading You, an anthropologist, have developed cordial relations with a tribal community which was hitherto isolated from the rest of humanity. Notwithstanding increased interest of researchers and media for the newly discovered tribe, you are the only person from outside whom they trust. They are ardent believers in their goddess and, trusting you, take you to her abode on a holy mountain. To your surprise, you find that the mountain is a reservoir of Uranium that can be used in your power-starved country’s nuclear power plants. Besides, you are aware that Uranium being radioactive, it is highly risky to go near the mountain. You try to convince the people about the harmful effects it can have and the utilitarian value that it possesses for the country. However, they are in no mood to argue and politely ask you to leave. You fear that very soon the outside the world will find out about this and the vulnerable tribe would be displaced from their land. (a) Evaluate the following courses of action which you can take for their ethical merits and demerits: (i.) You would continue to convince the people yourself about the possible consequences and urge them to relocate. (ii.) You would call in local and national NGOs for protecting the rights of the people against the State and file a PIL in Supreme Court if the State proceeds with dispossession. (iii.) You would yourself tell the government and the scientific community about the reserves and let them proceed in their own way.  (b) Without restricting yourself to the above options, state the course of action that you would take and why? (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/weathering-the-storm-6206920/ The recently released IMD report ‘State of The climate of India’ confirms that extreme weather events have become more frequent in the county. In the intro, briefly describe what is weather events and what are the normal frequency with which the used to be extreme. In the main body describe what extreme… Continue reading What are extreme weather events? Explain the interplay between climate change and extreme weather events. What are the implications for India? (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/a-nation-losing-democratic-steam/article30526896.ece In the intro, briefly describe the background of CAA and what is its connection with the neighbouring countries?  In the main body describe the provision in the CAA which are likely to impact India’s relations with Bangladesh and why it is so. Also, explain the significance of Bangladesh for India. In the… Continue reading “By enacting CAA, India may miss the forest for the tree.” In light of the above statement describe the implications of CAA for the relation between India and Bangladesh. (15 Marks)

Mentors Comment: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/what-is-uluru-australias-famous-desert-rock-and-why-cant-you-climb-it-any-more-6091770/ From October 26, 2019, climbing Uluru, Australia’s famous desert rock, considered sacred by the local Anangu people, has been banned. The question is straightforward and aims to discuss Aeolian landforms in detail with special focus on Ayers rock as an example. In a short intro, define what Aeolian landforms are. In the… Continue reading Discuss the landforms of wind erosion in general while explaining the salient features of Ayers Rock of Australia. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comment: In the intro briefly describe the phase the Indian economy is going through and decreasing growth rate In the main body of the answer explain the benefit of each option and site some facts in favour of argument. Like tax cut only increases the spending power of a few who might not be… Continue reading With the Indian Economy sputtering, there is a growing demand for a cut in taxes. There is also a section clamouring in favour of boosting the demand and opposing the tax cuts. Evaluate the effects both the option could have on the economy. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comment: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-indian-constitutions-unitary-tilt/article30516202.ece The article describes the opposition to the CAA by the States and how the unitary tilt of our Constitution makes their opposition to the Act ineffective. In the intro of the question the federal structure of India polity. In the main body mention the provision in the Constitutions which are in the… Continue reading ‘The Indian Constitution has inherent unitary tilt’. In the light of the statement mention the provision in the Constitution which are in favour of the strong Centre and highlight its implications. (15 Marks)

Mentors Comments: While ethical arguments are must to convince on humanitarian grounds, the answer must also propose economic, equitable and more acceptable, pragmatic solutions.  The answer should reflect the understanding of reluctance in such issues and therefore must specifically address each point with a combination of short and long term solutions. Answer: Refugees have been… Continue reading You are the officer in charge of overseeing refugees’ related issues in a multilateral humanitarian organisation. There is an ethnicity-based civil war going on in a region and as a result, many people are being displaced. Hitherto, the economically better-off neighbouring countries have accommodated the streams of migrants with financial support from your organisation. The violence in the region has increased recently and the flux of people seeking refuge has grown substantially. With countries sealing their borders, the refugees are left in a vulnerable situation. You are sent to negotiate for humanitarian settlement of refugees with the neighbouring countries, who also happen to be a powerful economic bloc. However, they refuse any more accommodation on the following grounds: (a) Drainage of resources in the face of subdued economic conditions. (b) Domestic political repercussions. (c) Rehabilitation will encourage more influx and indirectly fuel the persecutors. (d) Permanency of settlement in face of better prospects than at home. What are the counter-arguments that can be cited to convince the countries for an immediate solution? Suggest some long term measures as well that should be followed to address the problem. (15 Marks)

Mentors Comments: Class XI and XII NCERT – Indian society The question is from GS paper I and aims to discuss the role of regional attitudes on the national unity of the country. One has to explain with suitable examples of the effect of regional attitudes on the national unity of the country. Start by… Continue reading “Regional assertiveness can prove to be a peril to National Unity.” Examine the statement with suitable examples? (15 Marks)

Mentors Comments: The answer should discuss concerns of right to be forgotten vis-à-vis right to freedom of expression and right to know.  The focus should be on the reasoning of arguments to justify the stand.  Clearly mention what restrictions and under what circumstances can such rights be breached. Answer: Fundamental rights are basic human freedoms,… Continue reading Mr X, once a struggling film actor, was accused and later exonerated of rape charges, which the jury found out to be motivated and fake. Not able to cope up with the situation, he changed profession and moved on. Thirty years later, while his closest friends know about the incident, his co-workers do not. One day, out of curiosity, he searches for his name on the internet, and to his surprise, finds that the third entry that comes up is an old report in a local newspaper about the rape charges he faced. Mr X is upset; after all these years, he would like to be able to disclose the event only to whomever he wants. He has heard about the decision of European Court of Justice which allows individuals to submit requests to a search engine to remove certain results from searches on their names, and citing the same, requests the search engine and media outlet to remove the results. Valid arguments can be advanced for making the Right to be Forgotten a fundamental right? What those arguments could be? What limitations, if any, can it be subjected to? Should there be any obligations on the search engines regarding cases, which are no longer relevant, as the one mentioned above? (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment: ISRO recently proposed the IDRSS and stressed that it will have many benefits in terms of communication with India’s satellites and the space missions like Gaganyan. In the intro part briefly describe India’s plans to launch a manned space mission and need for real-time communication in such critical missions. In the main body… Continue reading As a part of its proposed manned space mission, India will launch the Indian Data Relay Satellite System (IDRSS). What is Data Relay Satellite System? Discuss its intended benefits. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/kota-infant-death-toll-rises-infant-mortality-rate-india-healthcare-services-6205180/ There has been repeated incidents where a large number of children has died like Gorakhpur and Kota. The article examines the issues with such incidents and analyses who are the victim of such incidents. In intro, state some incidents and why it is a matter of concern for India. In the main… Continue reading The recurring incidents of a large number of children’s death points toward the short-comings in the public health-care system of the country. Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the system. (15 Marks)