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Q.3 Examine the factors responsible for India’s low tax-to-gdp ratio. What are the measures implemented to increase it? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.livemint.com/opinion/online-views/a-structural-constraint-that-budgets-must-ease-11643648198894.html In the intro, mention the low tax to GDP ratio of about 10 per cent in India. In the body mention recent measures such as GST, changes in assessment methods, training of the officers, use of technology etc.  In the reasons mention lack of formalisation, narrow tax base, weakness in tax administration.… Continue reading Q.3 Examine the factors responsible for India’s low tax-to-gdp ratio. What are the measures implemented to increase it? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Q.2 How changing relationship between geopolitics and geoeconomics is influencing India? Suggest the approach for India to adapt to the changes. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/how-india-can-adapt-to-global-geoeconomics-churn-7750323/ In the intro, mention the increasing rivalry between China and the US. In the body, mention the economic rise of China and its worsening relationship with the US and the assertive behaviour with the neighbouring countries. Also mention China’s strategy of using economic dependence for political gain and its impact on the… Continue reading Q.2 How changing relationship between geopolitics and geoeconomics is influencing India? Suggest the approach for India to adapt to the changes. (10 Marks)

Q.4 Attitude is an important component that goes as input in the development of human being. How to build a suitable attitude needed for a public servant? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- In the introduction, define attitude and mention some factors shaping it. In the body, first, briefly mention role of attitude in development of a human being. Next, mention ways to build a suitable attitude needed for a civil servant- imbibing ethical values, practical approach to problem-solving, being compassionate etc Conclude appropriately.

Q.3 What are the factors that explains the ballooning food subsidy amount in the Union Budget? What are the implications of such inefficiencies in subsidy? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/what-indian-agriculture-needs-from-budget-7748835/  In the intro, mention the budgeted estimate of Rs. 2.43 lakh crores for food subsidy. In the body, mention the factors such as low issue price, large population coverage, high economic cost to FCI, weak PDS governance etc. In the implictions mention leakage and water export from India. In the suggestion mention,… Continue reading Q.3 What are the factors that explains the ballooning food subsidy amount in the Union Budget? What are the implications of such inefficiencies in subsidy? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Q.2 With its overriding focus on health and nutrition, early childhood care and education (ECCE) has hitherto been the weakest link of the anganwadi system. In the context of this, examine the role anganwadis can play in imparting ECCE and the challenges it can face in doing it. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/anganwadis-early-childhood-care-education-7746519/ In the intro, mention the importance of early education. In the body, mention the role anganwadis can play in ECCE by making several changes such as removing the non-ICDS work, training, budgetary allocation etc. Conclude by mentioning that nearly 1.4 million anganwadis of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) across India must provide… Continue reading Q.2 With its overriding focus on health and nutrition, early childhood care and education (ECCE) has hitherto been the weakest link of the anganwadi system. In the context of this, examine the role anganwadis can play in imparting ECCE and the challenges it can face in doing it. (10 Marks)

Q.1 The contemporary Indian society finds itself caught at the intersection of a growing aspiration to mimic the West and a revival of the conservative traditional outlook. Comment. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Write a short note on the essential differences between the Indian and the Western cultural outlook. Highlight the popularisation of the modern liberal ideas of the West and factors behind it. Throw some light on the revival of the conservative outlook in the recent years. Conclude appropriately.

Q.4 As the head of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), you are tasked to complete the construction of a power plant. The project needs to be completed expeditiously to fulfil the promise made by the government to ensure access to power for all. The selected site is in a remote area and is ideal for plant construction. However, the project would require relocation of the people living in the vicinity. Initially, the local community objected to disruption in their lives but were convinced later about the economic benefits that would accrue to the region through this plant. The project had started gathering pace, but recently a local NGO working for environment protection got involved with the local community regarding the issue. And now the local community has started protesting against any developmental activity in the region. As the officer-in-charge for the speedy execution of the project, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What course of action will you take and why? (20 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Highlight the stakeholders and the key issues involved in the case. Discuss the course of action that you will take. Mention the reasons for the same. Conclude with a way forward.

Q.3 What are the challenges India faces as it strives to reach the goal of net-zero emission by 2070? Suggest the strategy India should follow to maximize the developmental gains. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- In the intro, mention India’s announcement of adopting a net-zero emission target by 2070. In the body, mention the developmental challenges as India seeks to trade the net-zero trajectory. Developmental challenges include finding employment for the youth, poverty eradication which could involve an investment-led and manufacturing-intensive growth model. India could also face the imposition… Continue reading Q.3 What are the challenges India faces as it strives to reach the goal of net-zero emission by 2070? Suggest the strategy India should follow to maximize the developmental gains. (15 Marks)

Q.2 What are the contradictions in Europe’s polity today? How these contradictions can play role in India’s international relations with European countries? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/c-raja-mohan-writes-indias-challenge-in-european-geopolitics-7739874/ In the intro, mention the tension between Ukraine and Russia. In the body, mention contradictions such as geopolitical instability, the difficulty of integrating Russia, mistrust of each other etc. For India, it is necessary to exploit these contradictions for national benefits. Conclude by mentioning that the world is going through the moment… Continue reading Q.2 What are the contradictions in Europe’s polity today? How these contradictions can play role in India’s international relations with European countries? (10 Marks)

Q.4 Identify ten essential values that are needed to be an effective public servant. Describe the ways and means to prevent non-ethical behavior in the public servants. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- List down the ten essential values needed for an effective public servant with a brief explanation for each. Mention some ways and means to prevent non-ethical behaviour such as transparency and accountability, cutting down on discretionary powers, effective laws and regulations, codes of ethics and conduct etc Conclude suitably.

Q.3 Despite efforts at formalisation, the challenge of informality looms large for India. Examine the reasons for persistent informality and suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/indias-economy-and-the-challenge-of-informality/article38335803.ece In the intro, mention that despite witnessing rapid economic growth over the last two decades, 90% of workers in India have remained informally employed, producing about half of GDP. In the body, mention the reasons for informality such as excessive state regulation of enterprises and labour, also mention that political and economic… Continue reading Q.3 Despite efforts at formalisation, the challenge of informality looms large for India. Examine the reasons for persistent informality and suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Q.2 What are the reasons for the Government of India’s proposed move to amend the IAS service rules and why some State governments are concerned with it? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/ias-rules-amendment-officers-posting-states-7744865/ In the into, mention the concerns raised by certain states to the proposed changes. In the body, mention the reasons such as shortage of officers on Central deputation such as vacancies, the reluctance of officers to go on central deputation, better service conditions in the states etc. In the way forward suggest,… Continue reading Q.2 What are the reasons for the Government of India’s proposed move to amend the IAS service rules and why some State governments are concerned with it? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Q.1 Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- In the introduction, explain what is a mountain range along with some examples. In the body, mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world such as The Himalayas, Alps, Atlas, Andes, Rockies etc Along with the alignment also mention the role each one of them play in influencing the local weather… Continue reading Q.1 Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples. (15 Marks)

Q.3 A blind push to demonise and shut down traditional sources of energy and move to less reliable “clean” energy can have second and third-order effects. What are such effects? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/consequences-of-an-ill-considered-green-strategy-7743272/ In the intro, mention India’s commitment for net-zero emission. In the body, mention the example of Europe where higher demand for gas resulted in higher prices of urea and consequently high prices of food across the world. This also offers lessons for India. Conclude by mentioning the need to avoid bling push… Continue reading Q.3 A blind push to demonise and shut down traditional sources of energy and move to less reliable “clean” energy can have second and third-order effects. What are such effects? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Q.2 Our Constitution has a moral background — to secure justice for every section of our society; as also a spiritual basis — to preserve and protect all religions. How far India has succeeded in achieving this moral and spiritual basis? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/nirmala-sitharaman-writes-the-indian-republic-is-robust-and-thriving-7741664/ In the intro, mention that India marks its 73rd year as a republic and maintains a dynamic balance. In the body mention that in the past seven decades Constitution provided the stability and integrity that are critical to our republic. India has secured justice for all sections of society through various provisions… Continue reading Q.2 Our Constitution has a moral background — to secure justice for every section of our society; as also a spiritual basis — to preserve and protect all religions. How far India has succeeded in achieving this moral and spiritual basis? (10 Marks)

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