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Q.1 How does Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes taking place in it. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- In the introduction, shed light on some of the traditional social values of India. In the body, write some points on how has the society maintained traditional values through ages. Next, changes taking place in recent times in traditional values under the effect of globalization, rapid technological development, politics etc Mention a way… Continue reading Q.1 How does Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes taking place in it. (15 Marks)

Q.4 In case of crisis of conscience does emotional intelligence help to overcome the same without compromising the ethical or moral stand that you are likely to follow? Critically examine. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- In the introduction, talk about crisis of conscience with examples. In the body, first, define emotional intelligence and then mention its role in overcoming the crisis of conscience. Next, mention that at times EI alone might not be sufficient and suggest other means to solve the crisis of conscience. Conclude appropriately.

Q.3 What are the uncertainties the Budget for FY 2022-23 should take into account? Suggest the way forward to deal with uncertainties. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/dealing-with-the-macroeconomic-uncertainties/article38320728.ece In the intro, mention the high uncertainty and partial recovery of Indian economy. In the body, mention inflation pressure, incomplete recovery, low interest rate, normalisation of monetary policy in the US etc that need to be taken into account in Budget. In suggestions mention not government expenditure, not focusing too much on… Continue reading Q.3 What are the uncertainties the Budget for FY 2022-23 should take into account? Suggest the way forward to deal with uncertainties. (10 Marks)

Q.2 Myanmar — regardless of who governs its polity — is not only the decisive lynchpin for India’s Act East policy but critical for the economic development and security of India’s Northeast. Comment. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/why-india-must-engage-with-myanmar-7739864/lite/ In the intro, mention military coup in Myanmar.  In the body, mention need for recalibration in India’s policy toward Myanmar, dynamic economic engagement, security, engagement ruling military to stop highhandedness.  Conclude by mentioning the need for engagement with Myanmar as economic, security and foreign policy imperative for India. 

Q.4 Besides domain knowledge, a public official needs innovativeness and creativity of a high order as well, while resolving ethical dilemmas. Discuss with suitable examples. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- In the introduction, mention the demanding nature of job of public officials which often presents them with ethical dilemmas. In the body, first mention why domain knowledge is essential for resolving ethical dilemmas. Next, mention the importance of innovativeness and creativity on the job. Use examples to substantiate. Conclude suitably.

Q.3 What are the various security agencies guarding India’s border? Is India in need of a single security agency adequately equipped, suitably armed and trained in the advanced military to guard our borders? (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/why-india-needs-a-single-agency-to-guard-its-borders-7735976/ In the intro, mention the figures about India’s borders with various countries. In the body, mention borders with various countries and agencies guarding that border. Next, mention the issue of coordination, increased threat, practice of single agency adopted by the various countries etc to favour the single agency to guard India’s border.… Continue reading Q.3 What are the various security agencies guarding India’s border? Is India in need of a single security agency adequately equipped, suitably armed and trained in the advanced military to guard our borders? (15 Marks)

Q.2 What are the various loopholes in anti-defection provisions that are being exploited frequently? Suggest the way forward.

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/how-to-fix-the-anti-defection-loophole-7735959/ In the intro, mention the various instances of members of the party resigning from the House to destabilize the government or to join the other party. In the body, mention paragraph 4 of the tenth schedule that allows for defection by 2/3 of the members of the party, provision of article 164(1B)… Continue reading Q.2 What are the various loopholes in anti-defection provisions that are being exploited frequently? Suggest the way forward.

Q.4 You are Vice Principal of a degree college in one of the middle-class towns. Principal has recently retired and management is looking for his replacement. There are also feelers that the management may promote you as Principal. In the meantime, during annual examination the flying squad which came from the university caught two students red-handed involving in unfair means. A senior lecturer of the college was personally helping these students in this act. This senior lecturer also happens to be close to the management. One of the students was son of a local politician who was responsible in getting college affiliated to the present reputed university. The second student was son of a local businessman who has donated maximum funds for running of the college. You immediately informed the management regarding this unfortunate incident. The management told you to resolve the issue with flying squad at any cost. They further said that such incident will not only tarnish the image of the college but also the politician and businessman are very important personalities for the functioning of the college. You were also given hint that your further promotion to Principal depends on your capability in resolving this issue with flying squad. In the meantime, you were intimated by your administrative officer that certain members of the student union are protesting outside the college gate against the senior lecturer and the students involved in this incident and demanding strict action against defaulters. a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. b) Critically examine the options available with you as Vice Principal. What option will you adopt and why? (20 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- In the introduction, mention the context and identify the stakeholders. In first part, explain the ethical issues involved in the case. In the next part, examine the options, write down merits and demerits and mention the course of action you will take with suitable explanation.

Q.3 What are the lessons the Indian economy can learn from the expansion of the mobile phone sector in India? What are the challenges in replicating its success? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/the-mobile-phone-sector-has-lessons-for-indias-economy-7732417/ In the intro, mention how India transformed itself to become the second-largest manufacturer globally. In the body, mention the success of the mobile phone manufacturing sector and steps taken by the government such as automatic FDI, import duty, Phased manufacturing plan, manufacturing clusters etc. In the challenges mention lack of technology, investment, low-value… Continue reading Q.3 What are the lessons the Indian economy can learn from the expansion of the mobile phone sector in India? What are the challenges in replicating its success? (10 Marks)

Q.2 What are the proposed amendments to IAS Rule 1954? What are the concerns with the proposed changes? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/drop-the-ias-cadre-rules-amendments/article38299329.ece In the intro, mention the process of the deputation of an officer to the central government. In the body mention the proposed changes about the fixed number of a deputation from a state and about releasing such officers. In the next part, mention the issue of politicisation of the process and concerns… Continue reading Q.2 What are the proposed amendments to IAS Rule 1954? What are the concerns with the proposed changes? (10 Marks)

Q.3 What are the reasons for seeking online anonymity by a person? What are the issues with such anonymity? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-many-problems-of-online-anonymity/article38293402.ece In the intro, define anonymity. In the body mention the reasons for choosing anonymity such as speaking truth against vindictive governments, participation in online conversation without being judged, not let the views be tagged to the real person being spoken about, in the offline world etc. In issues mention the issue of… Continue reading Q.3 What are the reasons for seeking online anonymity by a person? What are the issues with such anonymity? (10 Marks)

Q.2 The functional autonomy of civic bodies must be increased and their governance structure strengthened. This could happen by ‘empowering them financially through higher resource availability. In the context of this, examine the challenges faced by the city governments and suggest the way forward. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/democratise-and-empower-city-governments/article38293949.ece In the intro, mention important role played by the local governments in dealing with the pandemic. In the body, mention the issues faced by the city governments such as financial problems due to lack of resources, lack of powers, the approach of treating cities as adjunct of state, lack of financial empowerment… Continue reading Q.2 The functional autonomy of civic bodies must be increased and their governance structure strengthened. This could happen by ‘empowering them financially through higher resource availability. In the context of this, examine the challenges faced by the city governments and suggest the way forward. (15 Marks)

Q.1 What are the main socio-economic implications arising out of the development of IT industries in major cities of India? (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- In the introduction, mention the location of IT industries in India. In the body, list down the socio-economic implications of development of IT industries in major cities such as migration, economic empowerment, gender parity, social infra development etc Conclude by mentioning that for development to be inclusive, industries need to be decentralized.

Q.3 Covid and its associated restrictions have been a perfect storm for the informally employed. Suggest the provisions that could be made in the next Budget to insure the most vulnerable against such shocks? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/naushad-forbes-writes-indian-economy-budget-gst-budget-deficit-7730640/ In the body, mention how Covid hit the informal sector and those employed there disproportionately. In the body, mention the provision to create jobs for unskilled by spending on infrastructure, the National Infrastructure Pipeline can play important role in this regard, focus on skill development and investment in education etc. Conclude by… Continue reading Q.3 Covid and its associated restrictions have been a perfect storm for the informally employed. Suggest the provisions that could be made in the next Budget to insure the most vulnerable against such shocks? (10 Marks)

Q.2 What are the objectives of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide of 1948? Why should India incorporate legal protections against genocide in its domestic legislation? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/preventing-genocide/article38288753.ece In the intro, mention the background of the convention and India’s role in it. In the body, mention that India has signed and ratified the convention. However, India’s domestic laws lack comparable provisions for the prosecution of any mass crimes, also India is in violation of its international obligation to criminalise genocide,… Continue reading Q.2 What are the objectives of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide of 1948? Why should India incorporate legal protections against genocide in its domestic legislation? (10 Marks)

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