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What is Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT)? Describe various reasons for which India is being sued in different cases. Do you think that there is need to redraw the BITs in India’s context? Explain. (200 W/ 12 ½ M)

Source: https://thewire.in/law/why-high-profile-foreign-investors-and-multinational-companies-sue-india Model Answer: Foreign investments are inevitable to expand our infrastructure projects. BIT should offer certain degree of protection to investor as well it should actualise our developmental goals. In this context, model BIT deserves greater analysis to understand various features. The government had brought a new Model Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) in 2016… Continue reading What is Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT)? Describe various reasons for which India is being sued in different cases. Do you think that there is need to redraw the BITs in India’s context? Explain. (200 W/ 12 ½ M)

Political power is the key to all social progress. Critically comment in the context of lack of women political representative in India? (150 W/ 10 M)

Mentor’s Comment: This issue was highlighted by the Economic Survey of 2017-18. Introduction should mention general discussion on lack of women representation in politics despite they constituting 50% of population.  Also bring examples to support your argument. This connotes gender inequality leading to deprivation of power. Further, bring arguments about the need for more women… Continue reading Political power is the key to all social progress. Critically comment in the context of lack of women political representative in India? (150 W/ 10 M)

‘Affirmative action policies are objectionable because they come at the expense of recognition of merit.’ Discuss. (250 W/ 15 M)

Mentor’s Comment: Introduction should talk about the affirmative action – Affirmative action is like directly supporting the individual of some section of society. For example reservation across educational institutions and government jobs for SCs and STs and OBCs etc. Further, various policies for women and children. Further bring arguments against such affirmative actions like against… Continue reading ‘Affirmative action policies are objectionable because they come at the expense of recognition of merit.’ Discuss. (250 W/ 15 M)

To address agrarian distress, raising farm income is very important. How can it be done? Analyse. (150 W/ 10 M)

Mentor’s Comment: The question seems very important considering Mass farmer protests which erupted across the country over the past few months from Maharashtra to Bengal, with the October march in Delhi leading to violent clashes with the police. Introduction should mention about farmers going on street which indicates agrarian crisis and also the associated factors… Continue reading To address agrarian distress, raising farm income is very important. How can it be done? Analyse. (150 W/ 10 M)

Despite the world moving towards SDGs and increased Human Rights recognition, few section of the society are still being considered as Criminal by Birth. Analyze in the context of ‘De-notified and Nomadic Tribes’ and steps taken to end their discrimination. Are these steps sufficient? Suggest way forward. (250 W/ 15 M)

Urban planning can change the future of cities to happy cities Model Answer: Tribal population and culture constitutes an inseparable facet of Indian culture. The British saw tribes as obstructions to their control over land, forests and its resources, commerce. In the Criminal tribes’ act of 1871, they notified such tribes as criminal tribes, which… Continue reading Despite the world moving towards SDGs and increased Human Rights recognition, few section of the society are still being considered as Criminal by Birth. Analyze in the context of ‘De-notified and Nomadic Tribes’ and steps taken to end their discrimination. Are these steps sufficient? Suggest way forward. (250 W/ 15 M)

How did the architecture of Delhi Sultanate period reflect contemporary socio-politico-economic realities? (250 W/ 15 M)

Mentor’s Comment: This is a bit tricky question and here is the reason why : It is combining two different themes together. You have to discuss the architecture of the Delhi Sultanate period in terms of the socio-politico-economic conditions of that time. Your answers should be based on how the conditions of that era reflected… Continue reading How did the architecture of Delhi Sultanate period reflect contemporary socio-politico-economic realities? (250 W/ 15 M)

Examine the relationship between laws and ethics? Are they ever in contradiction? Are laws enough to promote ethical behaviour? Explain with examples. (250 W/ 15 M)

Mentor’s Comment: A question on laws and ethics has been a recurrent theme in all previous year papers. This is a basic question to test your conceptual clarity on the theme.   Model Answer: Laws and ethics both serve similar purposes of guiding human conduct so as to make it conducive to civilized social existence.… Continue reading Examine the relationship between laws and ethics? Are they ever in contradiction? Are laws enough to promote ethical behaviour? Explain with examples. (250 W/ 15 M)

Many economists are suggesting that RBI should intervene to stop free fall of Rupees. Discuss the pros and cons of RBI intervention? (150 W/ 10 M)

Mentor’s Comment: Introduction should talk about the condition of rupee and ever falling in its value in comparison to dollar. Further, the main body should discuss the points of reason for this free fall and its effect on India subsequently. For ex –  rising crude oil prices, tight supply and geopolitical concern, slowdown in foreign… Continue reading Many economists are suggesting that RBI should intervene to stop free fall of Rupees. Discuss the pros and cons of RBI intervention? (150 W/ 10 M)

The Electoral Bond is meant to bring transparency in political funding and electoral processes. However, prima facie it appears that the scheme cannot really deliver what it was intended to. Identify the lacuna in Electoral Bond Scheme and suggest suitable measures. (200 W/ 12½ M)

Source: Urban planning can change the future of cities to happy cities Model Answer: Mooted for the first time in the Union Budget, 2017, Electoral bonds were to be bearer bonds that are they would not be registered in the name of a specific owner but will pay to whosoever owns them. One can purchase… Continue reading The Electoral Bond is meant to bring transparency in political funding and electoral processes. However, prima facie it appears that the scheme cannot really deliver what it was intended to. Identify the lacuna in Electoral Bond Scheme and suggest suitable measures. (200 W/ 12½ M)

“The British Conquest of India was an outcome of neither a pre-planned strategy nor harmonious actions on the part of the British.” Elucidate. (150 W/ 10 M)

Mentor’s Comment: Introduction should explain about the British conquest which was a conquest by chance by taking advantages of opportunities prevailing at that time. Since obtaining the Diwani Right and fortification they slowly take their hold over Indian administrative systems. Further the main body should mention about the declining of Mughal Empire (first later Mughal)… Continue reading “The British Conquest of India was an outcome of neither a pre-planned strategy nor harmonious actions on the part of the British.” Elucidate. (150 W/ 10 M)

Ethics Case Study: You are a judge in High Court. You are hearing a case against a religious person who has a wide following in the area. He is convicted in a criminal case. The situation is very tense. The followers have all gathered around the city in large numbers. The judgement being delivered against him will erupt violence. How do the religious sentiments of people play a role in delivering judgments or affecting the official capacity of judges in such cases? In the above case, what qualities or attributes of the judge are at stake? What role does the external pressure play in affecting judgments in such cases? (250 W/ 15 M)

Model Answer: No organs of the government can be clearly distinguished from one another. They are related to one another in one or the other way. In the above case, if the person against whom the case is being processed is not convicted or punished due to the intense situation in the area, this will… Continue reading Ethics Case Study: You are a judge in High Court. You are hearing a case against a religious person who has a wide following in the area. He is convicted in a criminal case. The situation is very tense. The followers have all gathered around the city in large numbers. The judgement being delivered against him will erupt violence. How do the religious sentiments of people play a role in delivering judgments or affecting the official capacity of judges in such cases? In the above case, what qualities or attributes of the judge are at stake? What role does the external pressure play in affecting judgments in such cases? (250 W/ 15 M)

Many economists suggest that Minimum support prices for various agricultural commodities should be replaced by a system of price deficiency payments to farmers. Do you agree with the view? Critically discuss? (250 W/ 15 M)

Mentor’s comment Very good and technical question and covers a topic specifically mentioned in the syllabus. If you are unaware of price deficiency payments then you will lose the question. Price deficiency payment system is a system where a subsidy is provided on targeted produce in case the price falls below a pre-specified threshold. It… Continue reading Many economists suggest that Minimum support prices for various agricultural commodities should be replaced by a system of price deficiency payments to farmers. Do you agree with the view? Critically discuss? (250 W/ 15 M)

Custodial torture represents the worst form of human rights violation. Do you agree? Discuss India’s stand on the issue.(250 W/ 15 M)

Mentor’s comment Introduce with how custodial violence is considered as a violation of human rights by reputed bodies and commissions What is India’s stand on custodial torture as violation of human rights What is the way ahead for India to deal with custodial torture Conclude   Model Answer The torture of individuals in state custody… Continue reading Custodial torture represents the worst form of human rights violation. Do you agree? Discuss India’s stand on the issue.(250 W/ 15 M)

The legacy of WWII is getting diluted in the 21st century. Comment. (250 W/ 15 M)

Mentor’s Note: This is a multilayered question. The legacy of WWII are many and the present world affairs reflect how the achievements of post WWII world affairs are on decline. In the intro, mention the challenges that world faced after the second world war and how the new world order came into being : Integration… Continue reading The legacy of WWII is getting diluted in the 21st century. Comment. (250 W/ 15 M)

Ethics Case Study: India is facing the burning issue of cow protectionism which is also witnessed by many self-appointed “cow protectors” who have committed brutal attacks against Muslims and Dalits over rumors that they sold, bought, or killed cows for beef. You are a senior investigation officer and from source you got to know that a social activist involved in cow protection is smuggling cows in lure of money. While investigating you found that he is in contact with various slaughtering houses where he used to supply cows. He is a reputed activist and considered responsible and honest by other social activists which debars him from being doubted by others of any malpractices. He used to take advantages of this trust of masses on him and on the backdrop of it, he used to carry (transport) cows without any security problems. No one from the security was questioning him for such movement due to his reputation. 1. There is a sure possibility of being fire up communal violence upon his arrest which may trigger law and order problems everywhere. How will you control this situation? 2. Considering the entire situation, what course of action do you think is possible? Justify your actions with suitable measures. (250 W / 15 M)

Model Answer: The case involves the burning issues of cow protectionisms followed by mob lynching. A range of atrocities — assault, rape, lynching, intimidation — make up the roster of these crimes every day. In the above case where reputed social activist involved in cow trade, the investigating officer should gather all valid proof of… Continue reading Ethics Case Study: India is facing the burning issue of cow protectionism which is also witnessed by many self-appointed “cow protectors” who have committed brutal attacks against Muslims and Dalits over rumors that they sold, bought, or killed cows for beef. You are a senior investigation officer and from source you got to know that a social activist involved in cow protection is smuggling cows in lure of money. While investigating you found that he is in contact with various slaughtering houses where he used to supply cows. He is a reputed activist and considered responsible and honest by other social activists which debars him from being doubted by others of any malpractices. He used to take advantages of this trust of masses on him and on the backdrop of it, he used to carry (transport) cows without any security problems. No one from the security was questioning him for such movement due to his reputation. 1. There is a sure possibility of being fire up communal violence upon his arrest which may trigger law and order problems everywhere. How will you control this situation? 2. Considering the entire situation, what course of action do you think is possible? Justify your actions with suitable measures. (250 W / 15 M)

The policies of the Pre-Liberalization era are responsible for jobless growth phenomenon that we are witnessing since the start of liberalization in 1991? Discuss (250 W/15 M)

Mentor’s Comment: Introduction should explain about jobless growth supplemented with some examples like NSSO survey etc. Further main body will discuss about the policies of Pre-liberalized era which kept decreasing jobs and ultimately resulting into jobless growth. Points like, Focus on higher education, labour laws, import oriented economy, closed market etc… Next mention about Steps… Continue reading The policies of the Pre-Liberalization era are responsible for jobless growth phenomenon that we are witnessing since the start of liberalization in 1991? Discuss (250 W/15 M)

What do you understand by Fugitive Economic Offender? Recently Parliament has passed Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill to making it an Act. Discuss the need for this Act and concerns associated with it? (250 W/ 15 M)

Sources: https://www.livemint.com/Companies/fjzxN4pbr0JSTPM2tdBSjL/Fugitive-Economic-Offenders-Bill-needs-tweaks-Analysts.html http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/the-hindu-explains-the-fugitive-economic-offenders-bill-2017/article22908904.ece Mentor’s Comments       Highly probable question as this is an important development and was in the news for over 2 months. The questions is simple and straightforward. Start with mentioning what is fugitive economic offender. In the main body part ,first explain the need of the Act (mention examples of Mallya and… Continue reading What do you understand by Fugitive Economic Offender? Recently Parliament has passed Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill to making it an Act. Discuss the need for this Act and concerns associated with it? (250 W/ 15 M)

India is lagging behind in global demand of education and employability. Discuss India’s state of education sector and suggest necessary reforms needed. (150 W/ 10 M)

Source: https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-the-need-for-reforms-in-the-education-sector/ Model Answer: Progress in education is foundational – critical for a nation to build a skilled workforce, and also to help people improve their livelihoods as a country grows. If India wants to greater growth, it must transform its universities and other higher technical education institution to world class institutions, then its higher… Continue reading India is lagging behind in global demand of education and employability. Discuss India’s state of education sector and suggest necessary reforms needed. (150 W/ 10 M)

The rape of small girls on the scale at which it is currently taking place, especially in the north, signifies a breakdown of the ethical order of common living. Do you agree? Suggest solutions.(10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comment: Introduction should mention about the increasing incidents of rapes all across regions of India. The morality of people in north have decreased so down that the innocent children are made victims. Next, mention that this is certainly the result of breakdown of ethical order of common living. Bring examples of various incidents even… Continue reading The rape of small girls on the scale at which it is currently taking place, especially in the north, signifies a breakdown of the ethical order of common living. Do you agree? Suggest solutions.(10 Marks)

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