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Q.2 What are implications of pendency of cases with significant constitutional questions in the Supreme Court? How it affects the functioning of democracy. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/a-docket-full-of-unresolved-constitutional-cases/article37874576.ece In the intro, mention important cases which are pending in the Supreme Court such as dilution of article 370. In the body, mention issues with pendency such as violation of rights and asymmetric cost for individual, issue of accountability, partiality etc. Conclude by mentioning the need to faster resolution of such cases.

Q.4 While individual beliefs and values determine one’s subjective responsibility, it is the operational environment which guides/shapes the objective responsibility. Congruence between the two is inevitable for realizing the goal of objectivity in administrative decisions. Analyse. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Since the overall theme of the question is regarding objectivity in decision-making, firstly bring out why objectivity is required in administrative decision. Then, elaborate on its constituents and argue how a complementarity will lead to objective decision-making. Finally suggest some measures for ensuring the same.

Q.3 The roots of the cooperatives in India dates back to pre-Independence times. Its history is chequered with successes and failures. In this context, examine the challenges facing cooperatives in India and suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/cooperation-awaits-its-finding-raiffeisen-moment/article37858033.ece In the intro, mention the context of Verghese Kurien’s contribution to the success of one of the most successful cooperatives in India. In the body mention brief history of the cooperative in the colonial period. Next, mention the challenges such as excessive state control, lack of state support, corruption etc. In the… Continue reading Q.3 The roots of the cooperatives in India dates back to pre-Independence times. Its history is chequered with successes and failures. In this context, examine the challenges facing cooperatives in India and suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Q.2 While both India and Russia have drifted apart from the depth of past partnerships, there is a need for stabilising their political ties within the changed context. Comment. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/russian-president-vladimir-putin-india-visit-pm-modi-agenda-7657862/ In the intro, mention the recent visit of the Russian president. In the body, mention the changed geopolitical context in the form of rise of the assertive China, US-China rivalry, increasing closeness between China and Russia and its impact on India-Russia ties. In the next part, mention the need for strengthening the… Continue reading Q.2 While both India and Russia have drifted apart from the depth of past partnerships, there is a need for stabilising their political ties within the changed context. Comment. (10 Marks)

Q.4 Of all the aspects of international politics nothing has aroused more controversy than foreign aid. Do you think international aid is a form of neo-colonialism or is it just solidarity with the poor? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- In the introduction explain what do you understand by foreign aid and different types of foreign aid. In the body, explain how international aid can be a stepping stone for neo-colonialism. Justify with examples from Cold War period, recent example of China’s debt-trap diplomacy. Next, give arguments in favour of foreign aid such… Continue reading Q.4 Of all the aspects of international politics nothing has aroused more controversy than foreign aid. Do you think international aid is a form of neo-colonialism or is it just solidarity with the poor? (10 Marks)

Q.3 The purpose of the green revolution varied from the purpose of the white revolution. In the context of this, examine how the lessons from the white revolution can be applied as the government seeks to increase the income of the farmers. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/a-white-touch-to-a-refreshed-green-revolution/article37813445.ece In the intro, mention the government’s efforts to double the farmers’ income. In the body, contrast the purposes of the two revolutions as both shaped the Indian economy and agriculture in different ways. In the next part mention lessons such as inclusion and equity, keeping the social side in mind, ensuring the… Continue reading Q.3 The purpose of the green revolution varied from the purpose of the white revolution. In the context of this, examine how the lessons from the white revolution can be applied as the government seeks to increase the income of the farmers. (10 Marks)

Q.2 What are the parameters used in the National Institutional Ranking Framework? What are the issues with the ranking of State-run higher education institutions (HEIs) together with centrally funded institutions under the National Institutional Ranking Framework? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/recast-this-apples-and-oranges-ranking-method/article37831893.ece In the intro, mention the background of the NIRF. In the body, mention the five parameters used for the ranking: teaching, learning and resources; research and professional practice; graduation outcome; outreach and inclusivity, and perception. In the next part mention issues such as lack of adequate financing for the state-run institution and… Continue reading Q.2 What are the parameters used in the National Institutional Ranking Framework? What are the issues with the ranking of State-run higher education institutions (HEIs) together with centrally funded institutions under the National Institutional Ranking Framework? (10 Marks)

Q.1 It has been observed by some that emergence of a distinct “female vote bank” has made political parties and leaders take women related issues seriously. Critically examine in the context of electoral mobilisation in India in the recent times. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Contextualise the argument with recent examples such as reserving tickets for women only in elections, promising freebies, policies such as prohibition etc Highlight the limitations of the argument on multiple fronts such as low representation in legislatures, intersectional identities other than gender, no consolidated vote bank etc. On the positive side, mention some… Continue reading Q.1 It has been observed by some that emergence of a distinct “female vote bank” has made political parties and leaders take women related issues seriously. Critically examine in the context of electoral mobilisation in India in the recent times. (10 Marks)

Q.3 The global electric mobility revolution is today defined by the rapid growth in electric vehicle (EV) uptake. In the context of this, examine the opportunities offered by the battery storage revolution for India and discuss the measures taken by India to promote the EV ecosystem in India. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/indias-greener-future-electric-vehicle-evs-zero-carbon-emission-7649708/ In the intro, mention that India is among a handful of countries that supports the global EV30@30 campaign. In the body, mention the opportunities for India in the development of battery storage such as promoting sustainable development, economic opportunities, saving foreign exchange reserves, energy security etc. In the measures mention FAME II, PLI for… Continue reading Q.3 The global electric mobility revolution is today defined by the rapid growth in electric vehicle (EV) uptake. In the context of this, examine the opportunities offered by the battery storage revolution for India and discuss the measures taken by India to promote the EV ecosystem in India. (10 Marks)

Q.2 NFHS-5 places India’s total fertility rate (TFR) at 2.0. With ageing states increasingly relying on a workforce from relatively younger states to maintain their economic prosperity, it may be time for us to change our mindset about critical dimensions of India’s federalism. Comment. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/national-family-health-survey-demographic-transition-7649702/ In the intro, mention the findings of the NFHS-5 survey that indicates India reaching a replacement level of fertility. In the body, mention implications of the declining fertility rate and its asymmetric nature which forces the southern states to rely on the workforce from the relatively younger states. In the next part mention… Continue reading Q.2 NFHS-5 places India’s total fertility rate (TFR) at 2.0. With ageing states increasingly relying on a workforce from relatively younger states to maintain their economic prosperity, it may be time for us to change our mindset about critical dimensions of India’s federalism. Comment. (10 Marks)

Q.1 The recently released empirical data from the National Family Health Survey 2019-20 (NFHS-5) shows that States and UTs are experiencing a sharp decline in fertility rates. What are the key reasons for the decline? Do you think a policy limiting family size is still required? (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- In the introduction, explain total fertility rate and replacement rate. In the body, mention factual points from the survey substantiating the statement given. Next, mention the reasons for decline such as female education, postponement of marriage, access to family planning etc Next, mention that it would be odd to limit the family size… Continue reading Q.1 The recently released empirical data from the National Family Health Survey 2019-20 (NFHS-5) shows that States and UTs are experiencing a sharp decline in fertility rates. What are the key reasons for the decline? Do you think a policy limiting family size is still required? (15 Marks)

Q.4 “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter”- Martin Luther King Jr. Bring out what this quote means to you in the present context. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Write a short note to establish the relationship between humans and the society. Discuss the importance of speaking out as an essential condition for collective well-being. Elaborate upon the adverse consequences of passively accepting unjust laws or behaviour. Support your arguments with some examples. Conclude accordingly.

Q.3 While around half of the electricity is now being generated privately, most discoms are still state government-owned. What will the implications of using IBC proceedings against the discoms? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/discoms-privatisation-bankruptcy-code-insolvency-resolution-7648042/ In the intro, mention the recent clarification by the central government about triggering IBC proceeding against discoms. In the body, mention how state ownership of the discoms affects their operation due to political considerations such as charging lower tariffs, selectively enforcing against unauthorised use etc. In the next part mention implication of use… Continue reading Q.3 While around half of the electricity is now being generated privately, most discoms are still state government-owned. What will the implications of using IBC proceedings against the discoms? (10 Marks)

Q.2 “One of the many consequences of China’s assertive posture in Asia has been the emergence of geopolitical coalitions to limit Beijing’s regional dominance. Critically analyse. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/china-has-shown-how-not-to-conduct-business-with-other-states-7648058/ In the intro, mention the formation of AUKUS. In the body, mention the emergence of Quad and AUKUS and changing attitude of China towards these coalitions. Next, mention the two factors in the US policy towards China, regional pushback against China despite its hard power etc. The premature nature of claims about the terminal… Continue reading Q.2 “One of the many consequences of China’s assertive posture in Asia has been the emergence of geopolitical coalitions to limit Beijing’s regional dominance. Critically analyse. (10 Marks)

Q.1 While, the First World War had many far-reaching impacts on the Western Europe and the USA, but it affected India too. Elaborate the impact of First World War on India. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Briefly introduce First World War and its consequences. Elaborate on socio-economic impacts on India such as scarcity of commodities, inflation, increase in defense expenditure, forced recruitments etc Elaborate on political impacts on India that is impact on freedom struggle and its changed nature. Conclude appropriately.

Q.3 What are the risks involved in growing investors interests in cryptocurrencies? What are the factors responsible for such a shift? (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/t-20-investment-cryptocurrencies-bitcoins-7646351/ https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/controlling-the-crypto-genie/article37778096.ece In the intro, mention cryptocurrency bill seeking to prohibit cryptocurrencies. In the body mention the lack of underlying asset for cryptocurrencies and risks involved in such assets, lack of regulator, decentralized nature etc. Conclude by mentioning the need for regulation and avoiding outright prohibition.

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