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Q.2 In the recent past, Parliament has passed quite a few bills whose constitutionality has been challenged by social sections affected by them. What are the implications of such challenges? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/parliament-session-opposition-farm-laws-repeal-7646332/ In the intro, mention the recent announcement of the government about the repeal of the farm laws. In the body, mention issues such by-passing of the select committee in the passing of most of the law, lack of deliberation, lack of coordination among the opposition, disregard for public opinion etc. In the suggestions,… Continue reading Q.2 In the recent past, Parliament has passed quite a few bills whose constitutionality has been challenged by social sections affected by them. What are the implications of such challenges? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Q.3 How do subsidies affect the cropping pattern, crop diversity and economy of farmers? What is the significance of crop insurance, minimum support price and food processing for small and marginal farmers? (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- In introduction, talk about the subsidies given by the government on various agricultural inputs. Examine the effects of the subsidies on cropping pattern, crop diversity and economy of farmers- although economically helpful for farmers leads to distorted cropping patterns, poor soil health, food inflation etc Mention the significance of crop insurance, MSP and… Continue reading Q.3 How do subsidies affect the cropping pattern, crop diversity and economy of farmers? What is the significance of crop insurance, minimum support price and food processing for small and marginal farmers? (15 Marks)

Q.2 Explain the salient features of the constitution (One Hundred and Third Amendment) Act, 2019. Do you think reservation can be treated as a poverty alleviation measure? Substantiate your views. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/questionable-criterion-the-hindu-editorial-on-ews-quota-income-limit/article37742415.ece https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/explained-why-is-the-centre-going-to-revise-income-eligibility-limit-for-economically-weaker-sections/article37729803.ece Begin by introducing the 103rd amendment act. Discuss the salient features of the act, where it is applicable, which constitutional articles have been amended etc. Give arguments in favour of the act- reduces poverty, inequality, open for all. Give arguments against the act- reservation meant for socially disadvantaged, arbitrary eligibility limit,… Continue reading Q.2 Explain the salient features of the constitution (One Hundred and Third Amendment) Act, 2019. Do you think reservation can be treated as a poverty alleviation measure? Substantiate your views. (15 Marks)

Q.4 We are living in an era where success and happiness is measured by how much we accumulate. An attitude of contentment is an antidote to this tendency of consumerism. Do you agree with this idea of contentment? Substantiate your views. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Discuss briefly the meanings of the terms ‘consumerism’ and ‘contentment’. Compare and contrast both. Explain how attitude of contentment helps check consumerist passions. Use ancient Indian political thought, views of Gandhi on trusteeship etc to make your case. Conclude suitably.

Q.3 The newly-created National Asset Reconstruction Company (NARCL) in the public sector offers hopes for the faster clean up of lenders’ balance sheets. In light of this, examine the scope of its success and challenges it may face in achieving its objectives. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/reserve-bank-bad-loans-india-national-asset-reconstruction-company-7634517/ In the intro mention the NPA percentage of the public sector banks in India. In the body, mention the functioning of NARCL which give it a distinct edge such as faster aggregation of distressed assets, its SR carrying sovereign assurance etc. Conclude by mentioning that the major challenges lies in execution.

Q.2 How India’s taxation policies have affected the poor? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/cop26-renewable-energy-anti-poor-tax-policies-7631945/ In the intro, mention reduction in corporate tax. In the body, mention reduced direct taxes and increasing proportion of indirect taxes in government revenue. In the next part mention its affects on the poor in the form of less money for the welfare measures. In the suggestion mention more direct taxes. Conclude… Continue reading Q.2 How India’s taxation policies have affected the poor? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Q.3 As the government seeks to introduce the Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021, examine the need for regulation of the cryptocurrencies and challenges in its regulation. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.livemint.com/opinion/online-views/the-fate-of-cryptos-and-divergence-in-regulatory-views-11637860607641.html In the intro, mention the approach taken to virtual currencies in announcements made by Beijing and European government. In the body, mention the provision of the bill seeking to introduce CBDC and prohibition of cryptocurrencies. Next mention the challenges in prohibition such as decentralised nature and stifling the growth of blockchain technology… Continue reading Q.3 As the government seeks to introduce the Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021, examine the need for regulation of the cryptocurrencies and challenges in its regulation. (10 Marks)

Q.2 Child marriages happen within a social and economic context, embedded in a set of beliefs about the status of women and girls, and their role as wives and mothers. We need a comprehensive approach to end child marriage. In context of this, examine the factors that explain the persistence of the child marriages in society and suggest the approach to end it. (15 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/child-marriage-education-covid-pandemic-7639949/ In the intro, mention NFHS4 findings indicating the prevalence of the practice of child marriage in India. In the body, mention the figures from the NFHS survey. In the next part mention social and economic factors such as poverty, level of education, role of women in family as wife and mother etc.… Continue reading Q.2 Child marriages happen within a social and economic context, embedded in a set of beliefs about the status of women and girls, and their role as wives and mothers. We need a comprehensive approach to end child marriage. In context of this, examine the factors that explain the persistence of the child marriages in society and suggest the approach to end it. (15 Marks)

Q.1 “Civil society helps in the democratization of our social life which in turn helps to sustain a democratic system of governance”. Analyze. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- In the introduction, briefly discuss civil society. Explain how civil societies help in the democratization of Governance- Mention points such as to empower citizens, to keep state power in check, to promote democratic values etc. Discuss the challenges of civil societies such as promoting private petty interests, lack of internal democracy, inadequate representation… Continue reading Q.1 “Civil society helps in the democratization of our social life which in turn helps to sustain a democratic system of governance”. Analyze. (10 Marks)

Q.4 The issues confronting humanity are multifaceted – from political conflicts and human rights abuses to pandemics and climate change. They are not contained within national borders, nor do they fit into the silos of separate government agencies or academic specialties. What is required is greater international cooperation, mutual respect, abiding by international laws and participative global decision-making. However, over the last decade, it has been observed that international relations have overshadowed these basic tenets of global governance and now we are at the verge of serious global catastrophic risks. When it comes to the structures of global governance, business as usual, is no longer an option. Not only an improvement in our understanding of risks is required but also taking responsibility to lead collective action for a coordinated global response. (a) What do you think are the factors hindering collective actions? (b) Provide a case for the moral obligation of the international community to come together and find solutions to the problems we face. (c) What should be the principles guiding such international cooperation? (20 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- Discuss the multiple challenges being faced by the global community. List the factors hindering collective actions for a global response such as increasing authoritarianism, increasing protectionism, rise in international disputes, institutional inertia etc Present arguments for international cooperation and global governance and suggest solutions in the context. Conclude accordingly.

Q.3 While the sources of growth in an economy are aplenty, there are very few that can potentially address the twin objectives of growth and inclusion.In context of this, examine the impact of the telecom sector on Indian economy and challenges facing the sector. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/growth-potential-india-telecom-space-7639938/ In the intro, mention the large growth dividend of the investment in the telecom sector. In the body mention that every 10 per cent increase in investment in telecom sector leads to 3.2 per cent increase in GDP growth for India. Next mention the significance assumed by the mobile for sophisticated financial… Continue reading Q.3 While the sources of growth in an economy are aplenty, there are very few that can potentially address the twin objectives of growth and inclusion.In context of this, examine the impact of the telecom sector on Indian economy and challenges facing the sector. (10 Marks)

Q.2 WTO members’ positions remain divergent on the equity and inclusion (AEI) for Covid-19 vaccines and other medical products. In light of this, examine the role played by India on the premise that “no one is safe until everyone is safe”. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/wto-covid-pandemic-correct-historical-wrongs-7639952/ In the intro, mention the demand for TRIPS waiver for ensuring the access to Covid-19 vaccines by all. In the body mention the challenges in ensuring the TRIPS waiver. Next, mention India’s leadership through the Vaccine Maitri programme which worked on the premise that “no one is safe until everyone is safe”.… Continue reading Q.2 WTO members’ positions remain divergent on the equity and inclusion (AEI) for Covid-19 vaccines and other medical products. In light of this, examine the role played by India on the premise that “no one is safe until everyone is safe”. (10 Marks)

Q.4 Increased national wealth did not result in equitable distribution of its benefits. It has created only some “enclaves of modernity and prosperity for a small minority at the cost of the majority.” Justify. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s Comments- In the introduction, mention about prevailing inequality in the society inspite of GDP growth in the past decade. In the body, mention the factors responsible for such skewed growth. Also mention different approaches like utilitarian approach, common goods approach etc and their drawbacks. Conclude with a way forward.

Q.3 India is witnessing new unicorns emerging every month, which are products of inflated valuations to tap more funds to burn more cash. In context of this, examine the factors driving the emergence if these unicorns and issues with their valuation. (10 Marks)

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/over-valued-unicorns-in-a-distressed-economy/article37653501.ece In the intro mention the PayTM ipo and fall in the valuation on first day.  In the body mention factors such as rising number of smartphone users and increasing trend towards adoption of technology, role of investors in providing capital etc. In the concerns mention limited population with high income and spending… Continue reading Q.3 India is witnessing new unicorns emerging every month, which are products of inflated valuations to tap more funds to burn more cash. In context of this, examine the factors driving the emergence if these unicorns and issues with their valuation. (10 Marks)

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