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India has achieved the political justice, but not the social and economic justice. Illustrate the steps required to be taken towards its fulfillment. (150 W/ 10 M)

Mentor’s Comment: This is a factual question asking what needs to be done to achieve social and economic justice. Introduction should talk about the preamble, that such justices are mentioned with their relevant meaning respectively in short. Further, need to explain what social and economic justice aims at achieving distributive justice and measures taken etc..… Continue reading India has achieved the political justice, but not the social and economic justice. Illustrate the steps required to be taken towards its fulfillment. (150 W/ 10 M)

Why did Buddhism spread outside India but Jainism could not? (150 W/ 10 M)

Mentors Comment: As mentioned earlier, art and culture question are factual and straightforward. This question is same too. Briefly introduce both the religions and then jump to the reasons for Buddhism spreading out while Jainism failing to do so. Role of royal patronage, characteristics of the religion, flexibility in practices and support from academicians and… Continue reading Why did Buddhism spread outside India but Jainism could not? (150 W/ 10 M)

Explain the following in not more than 70 words each. (a) Work ethics in government. (b) Orthodox loyalty to superiors in administration. (c) Accountability (d) Self-imposed morality v/s state imposed laws. (4×2.5=10 Marks)

Model answer: (a) Work ethics are the basic values that are followed by employees in an organization, It represents a commitment to the fulfillment of one’s official responsibilities with a spirit of dedication, involvement and sincerity. It also implies that a government functionary would love his work and not treat it as a burden. And… Continue reading Explain the following in not more than 70 words each. (a) Work ethics in government. (b) Orthodox loyalty to superiors in administration. (c) Accountability (d) Self-imposed morality v/s state imposed laws. (4×2.5=10 Marks)

What is the Twin Balance Sheet Problem of India? Will this lead to an economic crisis? What is the solution to avoid a crisis? (15 Marks)

Mentors Comment: Economic Survey recently highlighted the issue of TBS in its publication and since then, it has been a topic of interest for economists and bureaucrats because of the implications it can have on India and its economy. The question demands the discussion on three broader level. First discuss what is TBS. Simply discuss… Continue reading What is the Twin Balance Sheet Problem of India? Will this lead to an economic crisis? What is the solution to avoid a crisis? (15 Marks)

Will granting constitutional status to NCBC have significant impact on the socio-economic conditions of the OBC’s. Critically examine (10 marks)

Mentors Comment: NCBC bill was recently passed in the Parliament, which gives constitutional status to NCBC. The related act assigns several functions/ duties to the Parliament. But there are also several issues associated with the body, which need to be discussed upon, along with its impact on the socio-economic conditions of the OBCs. That’s the… Continue reading Will granting constitutional status to NCBC have significant impact on the socio-economic conditions of the OBC’s. Critically examine (10 marks)

It is said that most of the freshwater on earth is locked up in the Polar Regions. Can harvesting icebergs be the solution to the global water crisis? (250 W/ 15 M)

Mentor’s Note: Point out the increasing water scarcity in the world (and problem of desalination of seawater so far) and that around 2000 mts of ice are breaking away each year in the polar region, which contain some of the purest quality water in the world. End the intro with the mentioning of UAE Iceberg… Continue reading It is said that most of the freshwater on earth is locked up in the Polar Regions. Can harvesting icebergs be the solution to the global water crisis? (250 W/ 15 M)

Ethics Case Study: A newly appointed Medical Superintendent of a district Government Hospital receives complaints about the negligent attitude of the doctors in times of casualties. The patients are not properly attended. Incidentally it is the only hospital in the city and the vicinity for the poor and needy. What do you propose the Medical Superintendent should do and why? Evaluate various options and suggest suitable measures. (150 W/ 10 M)

Model Answer: Health is of utmost important for human life to survive and flourish. Availability of proper facilities like hospital, medicine and other necessities increases the life span and hence productivity which is also a necessary human right. The above case of negligence by doctors in times of casualties is a gross violation of human… Continue reading Ethics Case Study: A newly appointed Medical Superintendent of a district Government Hospital receives complaints about the negligent attitude of the doctors in times of casualties. The patients are not properly attended. Incidentally it is the only hospital in the city and the vicinity for the poor and needy. What do you propose the Medical Superintendent should do and why? Evaluate various options and suggest suitable measures. (150 W/ 10 M)

CBI has played a pivotal role of justice delivery in India since decades. However, the recent CBI crisis not only questions about CBI’s autonomous functioning but also about the Rule of Law under which it functions. Comment on the above point and suggest way forward. (150 W/ 10 M)

Source: https://www.firstpost.com/india/cbi-vs-cbi-india-faces-major-institutional-crisis-but-from-it-will-hopefully-emerge-a-stronger-democracy-5441831.html Model Answer:   Introduction- Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is India’s premier investigating agency that handles all high-profile cases. Its job is to ensure a fair and an impartial probe.   Body: The rule of law upholds the principle whereby all members of a society (including those in government) are considered equally subject to publicly disclosed legal codes and processes. Moreover,… Continue reading CBI has played a pivotal role of justice delivery in India since decades. However, the recent CBI crisis not only questions about CBI’s autonomous functioning but also about the Rule of Law under which it functions. Comment on the above point and suggest way forward. (150 W/ 10 M)

The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution is often referred to as a charter for autonomy of a wide magnitude, but it has failed to decrease the tension between different stakeholders at the ground level. Elaborate. (150 W/ 10 M)

Mentor’s Comment: Introduction should elaborate about the sixth schedule and its purpose in Indian Constitution and its various provisions. Main body should clarify about the reason of its adoption, features etc… Further, your points should talk about the reasons of failure at the ground level. Points like, conflicts between councils, autonomous functioning of some councils,… Continue reading The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution is often referred to as a charter for autonomy of a wide magnitude, but it has failed to decrease the tension between different stakeholders at the ground level. Elaborate. (150 W/ 10 M)

German diplomatic miscalculations were hugely responsible for WWI. Comment. (250 W/ 15 M)

Mentor’s Note: The question is quite straightforward as well as factual. You have to remember the events prior to WW1 to answer this question. The first chapter of MODERN WORLD HISTORY by NORMAN LOWE deals with the topic and you will have in depth coverage of the issue. In the intro, discuss the assassination of… Continue reading German diplomatic miscalculations were hugely responsible for WWI. Comment. (250 W/ 15 M)

What is social sin? Is there any standard definition of it? How can we abstain from social sin? And if we fail to abstain from so called social sin, what would be the consequences? (150 W/ 10 M)

Mentor’s Comment: Such factual questions are very much the part of ethics paper and we should be able to comprehend the meaning of the terms. The better analysis will be when we go into the micro perspective of the term and look with 360 degree angle. Here, in this question we need explain the social… Continue reading What is social sin? Is there any standard definition of it? How can we abstain from social sin? And if we fail to abstain from so called social sin, what would be the consequences? (150 W/ 10 M)

By 2020 India is projected to be the youngest nation in the world in terms of numbers. While this provides India greater opportunity, it also poses challenges. Explain the various challenges to be faced and suggest measures to turn it into an opportunity. (150 W/ 10 M)

Source: https://www.livemint.com/Opinion/Eo1PgYgUyKl9xgWLrLPwJP/Demographic-dividend-growth-and-jobs.html   Model Answer: Demographics can change the pace and pattern of economic growth. While China’s spectacular growth has already benefited from a demographic dividend, India is yet to do so. What is Demographic Dividend? Demographic dividend, as defined by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) means, “the economic growth potential that can result… Continue reading By 2020 India is projected to be the youngest nation in the world in terms of numbers. While this provides India greater opportunity, it also poses challenges. Explain the various challenges to be faced and suggest measures to turn it into an opportunity. (150 W/ 10 M)

What are the aims and mandates of Shanghai Cooperation Organization? How far do you think it will boost India’s relation with Central Asian Countries and China? (150 W/ 10 M)

Sources: https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2018/06/12/shanghai-cooperation-organisation-summit-2018/ https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/shanghai-cooperation-organisation-calls-for-global-front-to-fight-terror-groups/article24129891.ece Model Answer: Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which today has an ambitious regional and global vision, coupled with a strong economic mandate. The expansion of SCO last year to include India and Pakistan now makes this a powerful and strategic regional grouping, accounting for 40% of the world’s population, almost 20% of its… Continue reading What are the aims and mandates of Shanghai Cooperation Organization? How far do you think it will boost India’s relation with Central Asian Countries and China? (150 W/ 10 M)

The purpose of the social reform movements in 19th century was to ‘purify’ and ‘rediscover’ an Indian civilization that would be conformant with the European ideals of rationalism, empiricism, monotheism and individualism. Comment. (150 W/ 10 M)

Mentor’s Comment: The question revolves around the social reform movement of 19th century which was initiated by people like Raja Ram Mohun Roy, Ishwar Chand Vidya Sagar etc. The key words in the question are purify and rediscover. Therefore you have to base your answer on the fact that these reformers were not trying to… Continue reading The purpose of the social reform movements in 19th century was to ‘purify’ and ‘rediscover’ an Indian civilization that would be conformant with the European ideals of rationalism, empiricism, monotheism and individualism. Comment. (150 W/ 10 M)

On what ethical grounds do countries justify possession of nuclear weapons? What is your stand on the issue? (150 W/ 10 M)

Mentor’s Comment: The question is straight forward and simple. Nuclear arms are meant for destruction and possess the threat for humanity. However, there are various grounds on which countries justify the possession of Nuclear Weapons. However, we need to talk and explain only the ethical ground of possession of N-Weapon like proportionality, just cause, peaceful… Continue reading On what ethical grounds do countries justify possession of nuclear weapons? What is your stand on the issue? (150 W/ 10 M)

Recently India launched GSAT – 29 Satellite which is intended to serve as a test bed for several new emerging technologies. Examine the features of GSAT – 29 and analyze how it will cater to communication requirements of users from remote areas of the country? (150 W/ 10 M)

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/another-orbit/article25509395.ece https://www.livemint.com/Science/7RyYqbTd1XbVPcn7YG1FhJ/GSLVMkIIID2-blasts-off-injects-GSAT29-into-orbit.html Model Answer: The Indian Space Research Organisation has marked a big milestone by successfully testing its heavy-lift launcher while launching an advanced communication satellite. The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk III) launched GSAT-29, an advanced communications satellite, into a geosynchronous transfer orbit where the satellite’s closest approach to earth… Continue reading Recently India launched GSAT – 29 Satellite which is intended to serve as a test bed for several new emerging technologies. Examine the features of GSAT – 29 and analyze how it will cater to communication requirements of users from remote areas of the country? (150 W/ 10 M)

“Mere constructing toilets will not serve the issue, but it’s the perception of people which needs to be changed”. Analyse this statement and discuss ways to change and influence mindsets of people regarding toilet use in India. (150 W/ 10 M)

Mentor’s Comment: The question demands you to assess the issues related to the use of toilets. It may be socio-economic, infrastructural, cultural, attitudinal factors etc. explain them with relevant points. Out of all the factors, attitude plays a significant role. Quote ‘SQUAT survey’ conducted in 5 northern states and mention about attitudinal behaviour. One can… Continue reading “Mere constructing toilets will not serve the issue, but it’s the perception of people which needs to be changed”. Analyse this statement and discuss ways to change and influence mindsets of people regarding toilet use in India. (150 W/ 10 M)

The theory of plate tectonics has greatly contributed to our understanding of the earth. Comment. (150 W/ 10 M)

Mentor’s Comment: In the intro, start with the description of plate tectonic theory. In the main body you will  have to discuss the importance of theory in understanding rock formations and their eventual fate; evolutionary ecology of species; impact of climate change throughout our history; geography of the continents and how they got assembled and… Continue reading The theory of plate tectonics has greatly contributed to our understanding of the earth. Comment. (150 W/ 10 M)

The climate change raises some serious ethical issues on the part of all stakeholder, the individuals, the nation, the next generation and the nature. Most arguments against climate change policies are short-term economic arguments of various types that almost always raise serious ethical problems. Elaborate. (150 W/10 M)

Mentors comment: The question is straight forward and wants us to identify the ethical issues involved in economic dealing with climate change. The answer should start with general introduction of climate change and move to identify the three economic arguments opposing climate change policy. These are ethical questions because they imply that there should be… Continue reading The climate change raises some serious ethical issues on the part of all stakeholder, the individuals, the nation, the next generation and the nature. Most arguments against climate change policies are short-term economic arguments of various types that almost always raise serious ethical problems. Elaborate. (150 W/10 M)

What do you understand by artificial intelligence? How will it affect India? Discuss India’s preparedness in this field (250 W/15 M)

Mentor’s comment: The question is straightforward. You should start your answer by explaining what is AI?. After this Evaluate its effect on India (Both positive and negative). In the next part mention the key observations of the recently released  Niti Ayog report on AI. It talks about the preparedness of India wrt to AI. In… Continue reading What do you understand by artificial intelligence? How will it affect India? Discuss India’s preparedness in this field (250 W/15 M)

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