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Land reforms included structural and institutional changes in the ownership pattern, land tenure system, modernization of agricultural operations and changes in the supportive institutions at the level of the village community. Comment . 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- Start by writing about the land reforms that were initiated in the post independent India. In the body address the structural and institutional changes with respect to the above mention factors. Elaborate upon how the above were achieved through abolition of intermediaries, tenancy reforms, ceiling on land holdings for land acquisition, massive investment… Continue reading Land reforms included structural and institutional changes in the ownership pattern, land tenure system, modernization of agricultural operations and changes in the supportive institutions at the level of the village community. Comment . 10 marks

What is Artificial Intelligence? Explain the ways in which it could help human beings? What are the issues associated with it? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/responsible-ai-the-need-for-ethical-guard-rails/article34086236.ece In the intro, briefly define AI. In the body, mention various ways in which it can help us: increasing crop yield, raising business productivity, improve access to credit, improve healthcare services etc. In the concerns mention increased carbon footprints, it could compound digital exclusion, job loss, racial discrimination, privacy concerns etc. Conclude… Continue reading What is Artificial Intelligence? Explain the ways in which it could help human beings? What are the issues associated with it? 10 marks

The National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021 seeks to give effect to the Supreme Courts judgement in 2018. Do you think that the proposed bill will succeed in avoiding the conflict between Lt. Governor and the elected government. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the intro, mention briefly the 2018 Supreme Court case. In the body mention the issues with the bill which affects the ability of the elected government of Delhi to implement its decisions. The other issue could be that the bill fails to give effect to the 2018 decision of the Supreme Court.… Continue reading The National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021 seeks to give effect to the Supreme Courts judgement in 2018. Do you think that the proposed bill will succeed in avoiding the conflict between Lt. Governor and the elected government. 10 marks

What do you understand by the following quote- ‘Life can be shaped in the desired way by changing your habits’. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- Begin by explaining the quote in your own words. In the body explain that one can shape our future in a better way changing our vices and unhealthy habits into a healthier and virtuous one. It can be only done by replacing bad habits with good ones. It will shape our life in… Continue reading What do you understand by the following quote- ‘Life can be shaped in the desired way by changing your habits’. 10 marks

The centrality of agriculture in India goes much beyond its immediate employment contribution. So, the growth process of agriculture should not be just more efficient, and inclusive of India’s small and marginal but also be sustainable — both financially and environmentally. In light of this, suggest the pathway for India’s agricultural growth. 10 Marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/agriculture-sector-farm-income-modi-govt-farm-laws-farmers-protests-7228496/ In the intro, mention that agriculture engages 42 per cent of the country’s workforce. In the body, mention the need for a diversified approach to growth in agriculture. Next, mention the factors to focus on such as access to infrastructure, diversification of high-value agricultural products, increasing the efficiency of value chain and… Continue reading The centrality of agriculture in India goes much beyond its immediate employment contribution. So, the growth process of agriculture should not be just more efficient, and inclusive of India’s small and marginal but also be sustainable — both financially and environmentally. In light of this, suggest the pathway for India’s agricultural growth. 10 Marks

A rising China has emerged as the biggest challenge to India and the US is increasingly an important part of the answer. Examine the elements that support this underlying transformation of India’s relationship with the two countries. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/quad-summit-india-china-relations-brics-nations-7229861/ In the intro, mention India’s contradictory membership of BRICS and the Quad. In the body, mention the few elements of transformation hostile China on border and U.S’s support, China raising Kashmir issue at the UNSC and U.S. support to block China, U.S. put pressure on Pakistan on cross-border terrorism while China protects… Continue reading A rising China has emerged as the biggest challenge to India and the US is increasingly an important part of the answer. Examine the elements that support this underlying transformation of India’s relationship with the two countries. 10 marks

Tribal and peasant movements and revolts were often put down in history as spontaneous movements, when uneducated, apolitical groups of people break forth in anger and not as conscious decision makers. But, the Santhals of the Rajmahal Hills did not revolt on a whim. Comment. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- Give a brief context about the Santhal and their uprising against ‘Dhikus’. In the body, mention how many peasant and tribal revolts and rebellions were spontaneous, disorganized and reactionary. Give examples. In the next part, write about the Santhal Rebellion. Mention the causes for the outbreak of the rebellion in brief. In detail,… Continue reading Tribal and peasant movements and revolts were often put down in history as spontaneous movements, when uneducated, apolitical groups of people break forth in anger and not as conscious decision makers. But, the Santhals of the Rajmahal Hills did not revolt on a whim. Comment. 10 marks

Gandhian trusteeship was an attempt at spiritualizing economics which preferred human dignity over material prosperity. Justify. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- Start by defining the core idea of trusteeship philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi. In the body further elaborate the concept of trusteeship with examples from Gandhian times to contemporary times. Gandhi’s economic ideas were part of his general crusade against poverty, exploitation against socio-economic injustice, and deteriorating moral standards. End the answer by stressing… Continue reading Gandhian trusteeship was an attempt at spiritualizing economics which preferred human dignity over material prosperity. Justify. 10 marks

India needs to recognise the national security threat emanating from strategic FDI. This requires identifying threats. In lights of this, examine the types of threats and suggest the ways to deal with it. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-foreign-direct-investments-rules-china-7225979/ In the intro, mention the threat of opportunistic takeovers when the market was down last year due to pandemic. In the body, mention how FDI could pose threat to the security of a country. However, FDI also serves important purpose in the economy. This requires identifying the FDI which could pose threat… Continue reading India needs to recognise the national security threat emanating from strategic FDI. This requires identifying threats. In lights of this, examine the types of threats and suggest the ways to deal with it. 10 marks

What are the factors contributing to growing nativism in the employment policies? Suggest the steps to be taken to deal with the issue. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/casting-the-asian-dice-on-a-west-asia-board/article34055851.ece In the intro, mention recent legislation passed by the Haryana government mandating reservation for locals in private jobs. In the body, mention factors such as high unemployment rates, populism, lack of ability of the states to create jobs, agglomeration effect, loss of power of the states to give tax benefits due to… Continue reading What are the factors contributing to growing nativism in the employment policies? Suggest the steps to be taken to deal with the issue. 10 marks

The rise of Indian Nationalism was a reaction against the despotic, discriminatory and devious policies and nature of the British rule. Critically Analyze. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- Start the answer by describing the genesis of Indian nationalism in the late nineteenth century. In the first part of the body, analyze as to how the Indian nationalism was a reaction against polices of the British. Mention about the Despotic nature of the rule, the racial discrimination, the lack of proper administration,… Continue reading The rise of Indian Nationalism was a reaction against the despotic, discriminatory and devious policies and nature of the British rule. Critically Analyze. 10 marks

Human values are not very difficult to maintain in normal times. It is in situations of mental stress and physical distress like the current pandemic that the colours of character go in for a real test on the touchstone of life. Examine. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- Begin by writing about commitment to moral and ethical values. In the body write about why it is difficult to practice and uphold in tough times. Give examples from the recent pandemic where values very grossly violated. Mention as to how real mettle of the person is test in tough times and give… Continue reading Human values are not very difficult to maintain in normal times. It is in situations of mental stress and physical distress like the current pandemic that the colours of character go in for a real test on the touchstone of life. Examine. 10 marks

Growing food subsidy bill highlights the need for revamping the Public Distribution System. What are the factors contributing to the increasing bill? Suggest measures to improve the system. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/a-case-for-a-revamped-need-based-pds/article34039080.ece In the intro, mention the estimate of subsidy for the financial year 2020-21 at about Rs. 4.23-lakh crore. In the body, mention factors such as high quantum of coverage which is about 67%, low issue cost etc. In the suggestions, mention reducing the coverage, increasing the price in slab etc. Conclude by… Continue reading Growing food subsidy bill highlights the need for revamping the Public Distribution System. What are the factors contributing to the increasing bill? Suggest measures to improve the system. 10 marks

India has many colleges and institutions offering higher education but few could get the spot in the list of top global institutes. Examine the factors responsible for this. Suggest the measures to deal with this issue. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-education-system-reforms-qs-world-university-rankings-7224376/ In the intro, mention the number of institutions making the top 100 in the QS ranking. In the body, mention issues such as a link between career prospects and education, systemwide growth opportunities, industries facing a learning curve for technology, quality of teachers, lack of motivation in teachers etc. In the suggestions… Continue reading India has many colleges and institutions offering higher education but few could get the spot in the list of top global institutes. Examine the factors responsible for this. Suggest the measures to deal with this issue. 10 marks

Explain the nature of non-cooperation movement which was observed across India. Why the non-cooperation was called off and what were its impact? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- Write in brief about non-cooperation movement and the context it was launched in. In the body mention how the above manifested in various parts of India such a Bombay, Bengal, U.P, Andhra, Assam and Punjab etc. Then give out the reasons for withdrawal of NCM. Mention the reaction of the nationalists and the… Continue reading Explain the nature of non-cooperation movement which was observed across India. Why the non-cooperation was called off and what were its impact? 10 marks

“Persuasion makes society work smoothly while physical coercion grinds it to a halt”. Giving examples, compare the effectiveness of persuasion as an influence tactic vis-a-vis coercion in bringing change in society. In what ways persuasion can be used by civil servants to remove social evils existing in society? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly define persuasion and coercion. In the body cite examples examine the conditions under which persuasion proves to be better tactic vs coercion. Suggest some ways/measures through which civil servants can use persuasion to remove certain social evils . Conclude with a way forward.

Farmer producer organisations (FPO) can act as an important institutional mechanism to organise small and marginal farmers. In light of this, identify the challenges faced by the FPOs and suggest the measures for their improvement. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/nabard-agrarian-distress-farmers-protest-farm-laws-7222830/ In the intro, mention the declining holding size in India. In the body, mention the challenges faced by the FPO-lack of technical skill, management skills, inadequate access to credit, lack of risk mitigation measures etc. In the measures mention that Banks must have structure products for FPOs, linking with input companies, using… Continue reading Farmer producer organisations (FPO) can act as an important institutional mechanism to organise small and marginal farmers. In light of this, identify the challenges faced by the FPOs and suggest the measures for their improvement. 10 marks

The IT Rules 2021 issued under Section 69A of the IT Act has been criticised for expanding the scope of powers granted under the Section. Examine the scope of the criticism. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/new-it-rules-ott-platforms-content-youtube-netflix-amazon-7222873/ In the intro, mention the rules which seek to regulate the OTT platforms. In the body, mention three issues: Section 69A can be used only in case of defence, security, sovereignty etc, it allows the central government to direct Government agency or intermediary, requiring an apology, disclaimer etc is not mentioned in… Continue reading The IT Rules 2021 issued under Section 69A of the IT Act has been criticised for expanding the scope of powers granted under the Section. Examine the scope of the criticism. 10 marks

Out of all the major European powers that came to India, the British were able to establish a long-lasting pan Indian Empire. Examine the factors responsible for it. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- Begin by giving the context to the question regarding the presence of various European powers present in India. Highlight the most important Anglo-French Rivalry. In the body explain in detail as to why British emerged victorious among other rival powers. Conclude by summarizing as how these factors all meant that by at least… Continue reading Out of all the major European powers that came to India, the British were able to establish a long-lasting pan Indian Empire. Examine the factors responsible for it. 10 marks

The Government in the anticipation of vaccine for Covid-19 had taken a list of frontline workers such as doctors, nurses, ward boys, police personnel and other essential workers to be vaccinated first. As the vaccine arrives, a limited number of vials of vaccine is disbursed as per pervious list that was recorded. You, as the Health Officer, are put in charge of making sure all the previously enlisted people are vaccinated in your city. The instructions given by the Government for vaccination are as follows: Only the people who were enrolled as Frontline workers in the list can be given vaccine. The health officer should ensure no enrolled Frontline worker, who is available on the day of vaccination, is left behind for whatsoever reason. The vaccination process has to be finished on the same day as vaccine arrives due to limited shelf life of the vaccine and limited cold storage facilities. In case there is any additional vial of vaccine or any of the enlisted frontline warriors are unable to take the vaccine due to any important reason, it is left to discretion of the Health Officer to select ‘most urgent’ cases from general public to be vaccinated from the extra vials remaining. On the day, the vaccination process goes seamlessly as the Frontline workers are vaccinated. At the end of the process it is found out that there are 3 vials remaining. You being an enlisted Frontline worker are yet to be vaccinated and there are some urgent cases in front of you as follows: A youth from rural village has qualified for international athletic meet in Russia but the international sports association is allowing only vaccinated candidates to partake in the meet. It’s a once in lifetime opportunity for the youth, who with immense difficulty arranged the finances for travel in absence of a sponsor. He also has a decent chance of winning laurels for the country. The mayor of the city, who had enlisted as an essential worker got himself vaccinated. After coming to know of additional vials, demands one for his wife. He states that his wife is diabetic, has high blood pressure and hence qualifies to be an urgent case. You even get a call from the Municipal Commissioner, who is your superior, to consider mayor’s wife for vaccine. A person who is immuno-compromised, is in need of a lifesaving surgery. Though the hospital is not insistent on vaccine but doctors feel it will be better if the patient is vaccinated. This will prevent the risk of nosocomial infection of Covid-19 as number of cases are on rise in the city due to the new strain and the hospital in which the surgery is to take place also treats covid-19 patients. A family friend who is a senior doctor, posted and enrolled for vaccine in the neighboring city, which also happens to be your hometown, has come to your current city for his personal work. As he is still in your city and unable to go back, he contacts you for vial of vaccine. He says that, in case you allow him vial of vaccine, he will get his designated vial allotted in the neighboring city to a person of your choosing. He reminds that it will be better that your mother who is Asthmatic and has breathing issues, takes a vaccine in his place in your hometown and you give him a vial here in your city. The Vaccine has a limited shelf life and will expire in a few hours. Given the above scenarios, who will you allocate the vaccine vials? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- Start by giving the context of the case study. In the body first highlight the facts of the case and mention all the relevant stakeholders. The guidelines for solving the case study are. One, follow the instructions given the government. Two, be compassionate and empathetic. Three, address all the issues arriving from the… Continue reading The Government in the anticipation of vaccine for Covid-19 had taken a list of frontline workers such as doctors, nurses, ward boys, police personnel and other essential workers to be vaccinated first. As the vaccine arrives, a limited number of vials of vaccine is disbursed as per pervious list that was recorded. You, as the Health Officer, are put in charge of making sure all the previously enlisted people are vaccinated in your city. The instructions given by the Government for vaccination are as follows: Only the people who were enrolled as Frontline workers in the list can be given vaccine. The health officer should ensure no enrolled Frontline worker, who is available on the day of vaccination, is left behind for whatsoever reason. The vaccination process has to be finished on the same day as vaccine arrives due to limited shelf life of the vaccine and limited cold storage facilities. In case there is any additional vial of vaccine or any of the enlisted frontline warriors are unable to take the vaccine due to any important reason, it is left to discretion of the Health Officer to select ‘most urgent’ cases from general public to be vaccinated from the extra vials remaining. On the day, the vaccination process goes seamlessly as the Frontline workers are vaccinated. At the end of the process it is found out that there are 3 vials remaining. You being an enlisted Frontline worker are yet to be vaccinated and there are some urgent cases in front of you as follows: A youth from rural village has qualified for international athletic meet in Russia but the international sports association is allowing only vaccinated candidates to partake in the meet. It’s a once in lifetime opportunity for the youth, who with immense difficulty arranged the finances for travel in absence of a sponsor. He also has a decent chance of winning laurels for the country. The mayor of the city, who had enlisted as an essential worker got himself vaccinated. After coming to know of additional vials, demands one for his wife. He states that his wife is diabetic, has high blood pressure and hence qualifies to be an urgent case. You even get a call from the Municipal Commissioner, who is your superior, to consider mayor’s wife for vaccine. A person who is immuno-compromised, is in need of a lifesaving surgery. Though the hospital is not insistent on vaccine but doctors feel it will be better if the patient is vaccinated. This will prevent the risk of nosocomial infection of Covid-19 as number of cases are on rise in the city due to the new strain and the hospital in which the surgery is to take place also treats covid-19 patients. A family friend who is a senior doctor, posted and enrolled for vaccine in the neighboring city, which also happens to be your hometown, has come to your current city for his personal work. As he is still in your city and unable to go back, he contacts you for vial of vaccine. He says that, in case you allow him vial of vaccine, he will get his designated vial allotted in the neighboring city to a person of your choosing. He reminds that it will be better that your mother who is Asthmatic and has breathing issues, takes a vaccine in his place in your hometown and you give him a vial here in your city. The Vaccine has a limited shelf life and will expire in a few hours. Given the above scenarios, who will you allocate the vaccine vials? 10 marks

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