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Tipu Sultan was the fearless “Tiger of Mysore”, a powerful bulwark against colonialism, and a great son of Karnataka. Comment on how should the historical figure of Tipu Sultan be assessed today. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- Begin with brief write up on Tipu Sultan and the current controversy of adding topics about Tipu in academic syllabus. In the body explain in detail the contributions of Tipu Sultan in various fields during his short reign of 17 years. Provide the significance of the same during the times. Further you can… Continue reading Tipu Sultan was the fearless “Tiger of Mysore”, a powerful bulwark against colonialism, and a great son of Karnataka. Comment on how should the historical figure of Tipu Sultan be assessed today. 10 marks

Why net zero emission targets are considered to be unjust for developing countries? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/net-zero-emissions-target-is-unjust-for-developing-countries-like-india-7254931/ In the intro, mention the growing number of countries adopting zero-emission targets. In the body, mention the issues with the zero-emission target such as lack of equity, common but differentiated responsibility, lack of understanding of different needs of the developing countries and lack of accounting for the past contributions etc. Conclude by… Continue reading Why net zero emission targets are considered to be unjust for developing countries? 10 marks

Discuss the issues with the exemption of aided and non-aided minority institution from the provisions of the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act? 10 mark

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/rte-fundamental-rights-private-non-minority-institutions-7256439/ In the intro, briefly mention the objective of RTE. In the body, mention the issues such as enabling article i.e. Article 21A does not discriminate between minority and non-minority institutions, violation of Article 14, RTE contains provisions such as prevention of cruelty and quality checks so the exclusion of minority institutions deprive… Continue reading Discuss the issues with the exemption of aided and non-aided minority institution from the provisions of the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act? 10 mark

You can change your behavior by changing your attitude. Elucidate. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction, define attitude and behavior. Mention the difference between attitude and behavior. In the body with relevant examples elaborate on how attitude can be change and that change in the resultant behavior. How behavior and attitude affect us and the need to adopt behaviors which are of empathy, compassion, fortitude and… Continue reading You can change your behavior by changing your attitude. Elucidate. 10 marks

How updated and functional land record system can help revive the rural economy? What are the challenges in updating the land record system in India? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/how-updated-land-records-can-help-revive-rural-economy-7254912/ In the intro, mention the lack of clear and updated land record in India. In the body, mention the importance of updated land record system in availing the finance and other government schemes. In the hurdles mention the issue such as lack of skilled manpower, lack of digital infrastructure with the state,… Continue reading How updated and functional land record system can help revive the rural economy? What are the challenges in updating the land record system in India? 10 marks

The U.S. foreign policy has undergone a change in which engagement with countries will be done on issues with little or no trade-off among them. What does this change mean for India-U.S. relations? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-us-relations-joe-biden-foreign-policy-trade-climate-change-coronavirus-7253370/ In the intro, mention the various issues on which the U.S. has been dealing on a parallel line without trade-offs between them. In the body, mention the changes in the foreign policy of the U.S. in which issues such as trade, security, human rights, climate change each is dealt with separately without… Continue reading The U.S. foreign policy has undergone a change in which engagement with countries will be done on issues with little or no trade-off among them. What does this change mean for India-U.S. relations? 10 marks

The National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NBFID) Bill, 2021 seeks to create a development finance institution (DFI). In light of this, discuss the challenges DFI face in India. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.livemint.com/opinion/columns/nostalgia-holds-lessons-for-new-financial-institutions-11616951998342.html In the intro, mention the Budget announcement of the finance minister about the creation of DFI to finance the infrastructure. In the body, mention the past experience in India about the DFI in which interference from the executive results in the financing of the unviable project, this results in governance issues which… Continue reading The National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NBFID) Bill, 2021 seeks to create a development finance institution (DFI). In light of this, discuss the challenges DFI face in India. 10 marks

India, because of its proximity to Myanmar, its geopolitical role, and its interests, will inevitably be drawn into the situations unfolding in Myanmar occasioned by the military overturning the election results. Examine the factors Indian should consider as it frames its response to the situation. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/myanmar-coup-humanitarian-crisis-refugees-tatmadaw-7251890/ In the intro, mention the recent coup in Myanmar after its brief period of democracy. In the body, mention factors that India needs to consider such as sentiments of India Northeastern states, the wide base of the protestors including youth, India’s dependence on cooperation from Myanmar military on counterinsurgency and subversion, and… Continue reading India, because of its proximity to Myanmar, its geopolitical role, and its interests, will inevitably be drawn into the situations unfolding in Myanmar occasioned by the military overturning the election results. Examine the factors Indian should consider as it frames its response to the situation. 10 marks

The biggest contribution of moderates was not in making the Economic Critique of colonialism a potent weapon amongst nationalists but in laying solid foundations on which Indian National Movement could be built upon and flourish. Comment. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the intro explain the economic critique of nationalism which was one of the major contributions of moderates. In the body elaborate upon the economic critique of nationalism. Next, explain in detail the role of moderate in laying foundations for India’s struggle for Independence. Spreading nationalism to far and wide and protecting the… Continue reading The biggest contribution of moderates was not in making the Economic Critique of colonialism a potent weapon amongst nationalists but in laying solid foundations on which Indian National Movement could be built upon and flourish. Comment. 10 marks

Discuss the importance of the idea of “Urban commons” in the city planning. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- A good start would be defining what urban commons are. In the body explain that despite the undeniable importance of urban commons, commons research for the most part focuses on landscapes that are largely rural. Present a case study to explain and substantiate better. Conclude with importance that our cities can hold out… Continue reading Discuss the importance of the idea of “Urban commons” in the city planning. 10 marks

Uneven economic recovery from the pandemic on the global level poses a policy challenge to India. In this context, discuss the possible impact of uneven recovery and suggest the policy measures to deal with it. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/us-coronavirus-cases-relief-package-joe-biden-7243679/ In the intro, mention the prospects of fast U.S. recovery driven by vaccination and stimulus package. In the body, mention issues with such uneven recovery which requires measures different from those taken during the global financial crisis (GFC). In the suggestions, mention maintaining low interest rates, letting the currency depreciate etc. Conclude… Continue reading Uneven economic recovery from the pandemic on the global level poses a policy challenge to India. In this context, discuss the possible impact of uneven recovery and suggest the policy measures to deal with it. 10 marks

As Bangladesh celebrates the golden jubilee of its independence, it is also time for celebrating the enduring Indo-Bangladesh ties despite hiccups that have sometimes disturbed the waters. In light of this, examine the areas of cooperation and issues between the two countries. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-bangladesh-relations-narendra-modi-visit-7245361/ https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/remove-the-wedges-in-india-bangladesh-ties/article34163863.ece In the intro, mention the rapid economic progress of Bangladesh. In the body, mention areas in which two countries are enhancing cooperation dealing with the cross border terrorism, trade in which Bangladesh is India’s biggest trading partner, connectivity, tourism etc. In the issues mention Teesta river water agreement, CAA, killings of infiltrator… Continue reading As Bangladesh celebrates the golden jubilee of its independence, it is also time for celebrating the enduring Indo-Bangladesh ties despite hiccups that have sometimes disturbed the waters. In light of this, examine the areas of cooperation and issues between the two countries. 10 marks

Sense of morality must begin from the door of the leader who preaches it, Discuss the statement in the backdrop of principle of governance – “Yatha Raja Tatha Praja”. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction explain the saying. In the body discuss the importance of morality first, then explain how and why it is important for leaders to carry this sense of morality so as to induce the same in their followers. Explain in detail the principle of governance – “Yatha Raja Tatha Praja”. Discuss… Continue reading Sense of morality must begin from the door of the leader who preaches it, Discuss the statement in the backdrop of principle of governance – “Yatha Raja Tatha Praja”. 10 marks

While, the First World War had many far-reaching impacts on the Western Europe and USA, but affected India too. Elaborate on the impact of First World War on India. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- Briefly explain how the First World War had many far-reaching impacts on the Western Europe and USA. In the body explain that India being the biggest colony of Britain was pulled-off into British war efforts. The war had many effects on India; explain the effects ranging from social, political and economic etc. Discuss… Continue reading While, the First World War had many far-reaching impacts on the Western Europe and USA, but affected India too. Elaborate on the impact of First World War on India. 10 marks

How financing goverment spending by selling public sector asset differs in their effect on inequality from financing government spending by taxation? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/privatisation-public-sector-units-banks-india-fiscal-deficit-economy-nirmala-sitharaman-7243710/ In the intro, mention government’s proposal in the budget to privatise the public sector assets. In the body discuss the different effects government spending through selling of public asset have on inequality by increasing it and contrast it with the effects of taxation as discussed in the article. Conclude by mentioningh the… Continue reading How financing goverment spending by selling public sector asset differs in their effect on inequality from financing government spending by taxation? 10 marks

Though mutual efforts between Delhi and Taipei have enabled a range of bilateral agreements, the time has come to recalibrate India-Taiwan relations. In light of this, identify the areas in which the two countries need to step up effort to take their relationship to next level. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/recalibrating-india-taiwan-ties/article34144957.ece In the intro, mention growing India-Taiwan relations despite China factor. In the body mention the areas in which both countries can work together: cooperation in healthcare, bio-friendly technologies from Taiwan can help farmers in India, people-to-people connect, deepening economic ties based on Taiwan’s semiconductor industry and India’s lealdership in ITES etc. Conclude… Continue reading Though mutual efforts between Delhi and Taipei have enabled a range of bilateral agreements, the time has come to recalibrate India-Taiwan relations. In light of this, identify the areas in which the two countries need to step up effort to take their relationship to next level. 10 marks

“Ethics are less a goal than a pathway, less a destination than a trip, less an inoculation than a process.” Analyse. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction you must try to open/expand the quote by explaining the hidden meaning in the quote. The answer needs to be an account of examples qualifying that ethics doesn’t just mean the final end but the process that takes one to the end. Bring in philosophies of moral thinkers; ideologies that… Continue reading “Ethics are less a goal than a pathway, less a destination than a trip, less an inoculation than a process.” Analyse. 10 marks

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