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Q.4 “Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is”. Explain. Further examine the role of religion in formation of political attitude in the Indian context. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- This is the quote given by Mahatma Gandhi, which underlines the importance of religion in shaping political and moral attitude of people. The answer can be framed in the following manner: • Elaborate the statement and its assumptions in detail. • Discuss how religion played an important role in shaping political attitude in… Continue reading Q.4 “Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is”. Explain. Further examine the role of religion in formation of political attitude in the Indian context. (10 Marks)

Q.3 Examine the issues with India’s GDP data and the narrative of the economic recovery based on it. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/gdp-data-indian-economic-recovery-7704719/ In the intro, mention that the current series was released by NSO in 2015 using 2011-12 as a base year. In the issues mention the double deflation problem, absence of updating of sectoral weight, disproportionate impact on unorganised sector not taken into account. Conclude by mentioning the need to take into account… Continue reading Q.3 Examine the issues with India’s GDP data and the narrative of the economic recovery based on it. (10 Marks)

Q.2 What made Indian diplomacy hectic during the year 2021 was a distinct change of style of openness and readiness to deal with friends and foes alike. Comment. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/from-selective-to-universal-engagement/article38094454.ece In the intro, mention distinct challenges posed to diplomacy by COVID-19. In the body, mention how pandemic and geopolitical changes set the stage for hyper activism in Indian foreign policy. Mention changes such as leadership change in the US, efforts to get China to disengage in Ladakh, Afghanistan crisis, climate change negotiations etc.… Continue reading Q.2 What made Indian diplomacy hectic during the year 2021 was a distinct change of style of openness and readiness to deal with friends and foes alike. Comment. (10 Marks)

Q.3 The shift from fossil fuels to clean energy will be turbulent. Examine the characteristics trend emerging from this shift? Suggest the steps India needs to take to make the transition less turbulent.

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/preparing-for-a-green-energy-shift-in-2022-7702711/ In the intro, mention that one hundred and thirty-three countries have committed to net-zero emission targets. In the body, mention features of the shift such as cost, the dominance of fossil fuels during the transition, resurge in “OPEC plus” dominance, new centers of energy power, etc. The suggestions for India mention nurturing… Continue reading Q.3 The shift from fossil fuels to clean energy will be turbulent. Examine the characteristics trend emerging from this shift? Suggest the steps India needs to take to make the transition less turbulent.

Q.2 What are the issues with postponing the upcoming Assembly elections? Suggest the way forward.

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/why-ec-cant-delay-upcoming-polls-7702748/ In the intro, mention the Allahabad High Court urging EC to postpone the election due to the increasing threat of Omicron. In the body, mention the constitutional challenges as Constitution provides fixed term to every assembly, the House stands dissolved as the term ends. The term of the House can be extended… Continue reading Q.2 What are the issues with postponing the upcoming Assembly elections? Suggest the way forward.

Q.1 Gandharan images represent the influence of the presence of Hellenistic colonies and the large-scale trade and exchange that occurred in this cultural crossroads. Comment.

Mentor’s comment- In the intro, mention the present location that roughly constituted the Gandhara region. The body mention various factors that influenced the art form such as Hellenistic realism, influenced by Persian, Scythian, and Parthian models which was the result of cultural assimilation.  Conclude by mentioning that how understanding the evolution of art form help… Continue reading Q.1 Gandharan images represent the influence of the presence of Hellenistic colonies and the large-scale trade and exchange that occurred in this cultural crossroads. Comment.

Q. 4 You are a director of a reputed educational institution. A student of your institute commits suicide. You have come to know that mental harassment by the faculty was the reason behind the suicide. Revealing the reason for suicide could have severe implications for the institution and the rest of the students. However, sweeping the true reason under the carpet could result in the repeat of such an incident. Identify the ethical issues involved in the case. What are the options available to you?

Start with an introduction, stakeholders and ethical issues. Highlight 3-4 options with analysis. Mention a final course of action focusing on short-term and long-term solutions.

Q.3 What are the issues with National Electricity Policy (NEP) and the Tariff Policy (TP) as policy documents?

-In the intro mention that both the NEP and the TP emanate from Section 3 of the Electricity Act 2003 (henceforth EA 2003). -In the body, mention issues in documents such as exceeding the domain, also mention complexity and lack of user-friendly nature, unnecessary caveats and provisions etc. -Conclude by mentioning the need to address… Continue reading Q.3 What are the issues with National Electricity Policy (NEP) and the Tariff Policy (TP) as policy documents?

Q.2 India has recognised the importance of middle powers in the Arab Gulf to a fast-evolving global order. In context of this, examine the role Arab Gulf countries are playing in Afghanistan and India’s approach towards the region.

Mentor’s comment- –https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/vying-for-influence-over-kabul/article38057847.ece -In the intro, mention a special session of OIC hosted by Pakistan. -In the body, mention the role played by Qatar in the Afghanistan issue. Next mention rivalry between Qatar and Saudi Arabia and the economic blockade and implications for the region. Also mention India’s bond with the countries of the region… Continue reading Q.2 India has recognised the importance of middle powers in the Arab Gulf to a fast-evolving global order. In context of this, examine the role Arab Gulf countries are playing in Afghanistan and India’s approach towards the region.

Q.4 Examine the role played by ethics in private and public relationships.

Mentor’s Comment: Introduction: Define Ethics and specific examples of the private and public sphere Body: Talk about how ethics influences private relations with examples. Talk about how ethics influences Public relations with examples. Conclude with what steps can be taken in both sphere to strengthen ethics.

Q.3 India is pioneering the concept of digital public goods that enhance the ease, transparency and speed with which individuals, markets and governments interact with each other. How can India use the opportunity to embark on digital diplomacy?

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/made-in-india-digital-diplomacy-7695385/ In the intro, mention how the foundation made on Aadhar is transforming our lives. In the body, mention the opportunity for India to take made-in-India digital public goods to hundreds of emerging economies across the world. Next mention factors such as reusability of code, short gestation period, compounding nature of digital public… Continue reading Q.3 India is pioneering the concept of digital public goods that enhance the ease, transparency and speed with which individuals, markets and governments interact with each other. How can India use the opportunity to embark on digital diplomacy?

Q.2 The twin dangers that would inflict irreparable damage to the Indian judiciary, are the lack of diversity and the secrecy around the appointment of judges. Comment.

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/judiciary-is-indian-democracys-only-flicker-of-hope-7695389/ In the intro, mention the role of a judiciary as a guardian of the Constitution. In the body, mention the challenges of lack of representation of various sections of society including women, SC, ST, and OBC. In the next part, mention the issues with the selection process and lack of transparency in… Continue reading Q.2 The twin dangers that would inflict irreparable damage to the Indian judiciary, are the lack of diversity and the secrecy around the appointment of judges. Comment.

Q.1 What are the factors responsible for the concentration of the iron and steel industry around the Great Lakes in the USA?

Mentor’s comment- In the intro, briefly mention how the region surrounding the Great Lakes combines the various factors necessary for the iron and steel industry. In the body, mention the combination of various factors such as raw material such as coke, iron ore, and limestone, availability of power, water, and transport facilities, etc contributed to… Continue reading Q.1 What are the factors responsible for the concentration of the iron and steel industry around the Great Lakes in the USA?

Q.4 You are representing India in an international bidding for oil exploration in a country. Other, richer countries are also bidding for the project. You are sure that your bid of exploration is better as well as cheaper than that of others, and that you will definitely win the bid. A day before the auction, you come to know that other countries are employing every means, including bribing the authorities for being successful. Some of the officials of the home country have also contacted you and made some demands in exchange for assurance of India winning the bid. You are aware of the criticality of this bid in terms of domestic economic and strategic implications. Based on above information, answer the following questions. (a) Specify the ethical dilemma(s) that you face in this situation. (b) Do ethical concerns really matter in international transactions or are they secondary to domestic interests? (c) What will be your course of action in the above situation? Justify with merits and demerits. (20 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Identify the ethical dilemmas that you face. Highlight the importance of ethical concerns in international transactions vis-a-vis domestic interests. Then mention the course of action that you would follow. Justify it by taking into account the merits and demerits of the decision.

Q.2 ‘Once a speaker, Always a speaker’! Do you think the practise should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Introduction: describe the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha in short. Issue: Recently, the Speaker’s role has become a reason for conflict between the opposition and ruling parties for alleged partisanship. Role of the Speaker: Explain how Speaker plays a crucial role in issues such as money bill, maintaining the decorum in… Continue reading Q.2 ‘Once a speaker, Always a speaker’! Do you think the practise should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India? (10 Marks)

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