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Farmers, mainly smallholders, across India continue to face various constraints in carrying out farming activities. What are the constraints faced by the smallholders? Suggest the ways to deal with the issue.10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the intro, mention the report by the World Bank titled Enabling the Business of Agriculture (EBA). In the body, mention the constraints faced by the smallholder in accessing agricultural inputs, markets, finance, human resources, and information. In the suggestions mention the role of the government in creating enabling environment through a suitable regulatory… Continue reading Farmers, mainly smallholders, across India continue to face various constraints in carrying out farming activities. What are the constraints faced by the smallholders? Suggest the ways to deal with the issue.10 marks

Discuss the factors that contributed to India’s growing engagement with the Quad. What are the implications of India’s engagement on the regional geopolitical concerns? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/quad-strategic-opportunity-or-quagmire/article34029799.ece In the intro, briefly introduce the Quad. In the body, discuss the circumstance which led to India’s growing engagement with the Quad: China’s expanding footprint in South Asia and the Indian Ocean Region, Belt and Road Initiative, hostilities on the northern border etc. In the implications mention China’s growing hostility, shifting focus from… Continue reading Discuss the factors that contributed to India’s growing engagement with the Quad. What are the implications of India’s engagement on the regional geopolitical concerns? 10 marks

Ancient Indian sculptural art is highly rich in its traditions. Trace the development ancient Indian sculpture that go back to the Indus Valley civilisation. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- Start by giving a brief intro about the glorious and rich Indian sculpture. In the body as you have to trace the development of Indian sculupture, divide your anser in to various time period starting from Indus Valley, Maruayn age, Post Mauryan age, Gupta age and Post Gupta age. Also, cover about the… Continue reading Ancient Indian sculptural art is highly rich in its traditions. Trace the development ancient Indian sculpture that go back to the Indus Valley civilisation. 10 marks

The debate on the benefits and costs of public versus private banks is not new. It is more relevant in India today as it seeks to privatise public banks. In light of this, examine the factors driving privatisation of banks in India. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/privatise-public-sector-banks-banking-sector-rbi-nirmala-sitharaman-7219966/ In the intro, mention the proposal of bank privatisation in India. In the body, mention the various challenges like inefficiency and poor capital allocation plaguing the banking system in India which turns to be the driving factor of India’s decision. Conlcude by mentioning the need to balance between financial inclusion with efficiency… Continue reading The debate on the benefits and costs of public versus private banks is not new. It is more relevant in India today as it seeks to privatise public banks. In light of this, examine the factors driving privatisation of banks in India. 10 marks

‘India’s expanding partnership with the US is marked by a fascinating political puzzle. It also rests in the continuing underestimation of Delhi’s capacity to rework its great power relations to meet India’s changing interests and circumstances.’ In light of this, examine the factors shaping India’s relationship with the U.S and how these factors have transformed the relationship.10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/quad-group-india-us-relations-joe-biden-7219965/ In the intro, mention the recent digital meet of the Quad foreign minister after just a few months into the Biden presidency. In the body, mention various factors shaping India-U.S. ties: trade ties influenced by India’s growing economic power, security ties shaped by China’s hostile policies, human rights issue in India, cooperation… Continue reading ‘India’s expanding partnership with the US is marked by a fascinating political puzzle. It also rests in the continuing underestimation of Delhi’s capacity to rework its great power relations to meet India’s changing interests and circumstances.’ In light of this, examine the factors shaping India’s relationship with the U.S and how these factors have transformed the relationship.10 marks

You are transferred to Food and Civil Supplies department of Mirzapur as the Assistant Director. Before you report, you make a call to a college friend of yours who is a local news reporter to enquire about the affairs of the district. He tells you that, corruption is rampant across the administration including the Food and Civil Supplies Department. Not only that, those officers who do not fall in line are coerced to give in by force by local politicians and their goons. As you report, you see that many of trucks carrying grains to be distributed as PDS are being diverted to the black market for rebranding and selling at higher prices. You immediately swing in to action and stop the trucks for inspection and you ascertain that indeed they were being diverted for the black market. You ask the local station to book a case but the SHO refuses citing political pressure. But irrespective of that you do not allow the trucks to move and seize them for the time being. Next day you are visited by Mr Munna Tripathi, who is the son of the local MLA. He offers you a hefty bribe which you out rightly refuse. Upon refusing he threatens you with dire consequences if the trucks are not allowed to leave within the next 24 hours. What are the options in front of you? Analyze the pros and cons of the each. Which option will you choose? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction mention the facts of the case and the major ethical issues involved along with the stakeholders. In the body give the alternatives which you can take as the course of action. Evaluate their pros and cons.Give solutions for any cons that arise from the possible solution. In the conclusion stress… Continue reading You are transferred to Food and Civil Supplies department of Mirzapur as the Assistant Director. Before you report, you make a call to a college friend of yours who is a local news reporter to enquire about the affairs of the district. He tells you that, corruption is rampant across the administration including the Food and Civil Supplies Department. Not only that, those officers who do not fall in line are coerced to give in by force by local politicians and their goons. As you report, you see that many of trucks carrying grains to be distributed as PDS are being diverted to the black market for rebranding and selling at higher prices. You immediately swing in to action and stop the trucks for inspection and you ascertain that indeed they were being diverted for the black market. You ask the local station to book a case but the SHO refuses citing political pressure. But irrespective of that you do not allow the trucks to move and seize them for the time being. Next day you are visited by Mr Munna Tripathi, who is the son of the local MLA. He offers you a hefty bribe which you out rightly refuse. Upon refusing he threatens you with dire consequences if the trucks are not allowed to leave within the next 24 hours. What are the options in front of you? Analyze the pros and cons of the each. Which option will you choose? 10 marks

Discuss the pros and cons of Daylight savings time. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction define what DST is. In the body discuss briefly the origin of the concept and its inception. Suggest the positives such as; Saves energy, Longer Daylight Hours Promote Safety. Longer daylight hours make driving safer, lowers accident rates. Negatives range – It can also cause sleep loss, health problems, workplace… Continue reading Discuss the pros and cons of Daylight savings time. 10 marks

Mr. Julian Assange was indicted in 2019 on 17 counts of violating the Espionage Act of U.S.A for obtaining and publishing secret military and diplomatic documents. He was charged with violating the Computers Fraud and Abuse Act in the U.S. The publication of the material exposed wrongdoing by the United States in Iraq and Afghanistan, and rights groups have hailed their release as valuable information for the public. Mr. Assange’s promotion of government transparency has made him a hero to many, but he has also been criticized as a publicity seeker with an erratic personality. On the other hand, the U.S. government considers Mr. Assange an individual who has put lives at risk by revealing names of U.S. personnel and informants who provided valuable information in dangerous places like war zones. In 2012, Mr. Assange entered the Ecuadorean Embassy in London to escape an extradition request from Sweden, where he faced rape accusations. He spent seven years in the embassy, but was arrested by the British police in 2019, and later sentenced to 50 weeks in prison for skipping bail when he entered the embassy. The charges in Sweden have been dropped, and Mr. Assange has completed his 50-week sentence. He is not accused of any crime outside the United States, but he remains at the Belmarsh prison in London while Britain decides on his extradition. His bail requests have so far been rejected. Several doctors have said that Mr. Assange suffers from depression and memory loss and could attempt to kill himself if he were extradited. Personal liberty still eludes WikiLeaks founder and Editor-in-Chief Julian Assange, despite a ruling by a United Nations legal panel that has declared his confinement “arbitrary and illegal”. Analyse ethical issues involved in the above case. Should Mr Julian Assange be pardoned? State your opinion. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- Start by giving the context of the case study. In the body identify and mention in detail all the ethical issues involved. Then use the above ethical issues to determine whether or not Mr Assange should be paradoned. Here it is important that you use ethical theories and thinker to justify you answer.… Continue reading Mr. Julian Assange was indicted in 2019 on 17 counts of violating the Espionage Act of U.S.A for obtaining and publishing secret military and diplomatic documents. He was charged with violating the Computers Fraud and Abuse Act in the U.S. The publication of the material exposed wrongdoing by the United States in Iraq and Afghanistan, and rights groups have hailed their release as valuable information for the public. Mr. Assange’s promotion of government transparency has made him a hero to many, but he has also been criticized as a publicity seeker with an erratic personality. On the other hand, the U.S. government considers Mr. Assange an individual who has put lives at risk by revealing names of U.S. personnel and informants who provided valuable information in dangerous places like war zones. In 2012, Mr. Assange entered the Ecuadorean Embassy in London to escape an extradition request from Sweden, where he faced rape accusations. He spent seven years in the embassy, but was arrested by the British police in 2019, and later sentenced to 50 weeks in prison for skipping bail when he entered the embassy. The charges in Sweden have been dropped, and Mr. Assange has completed his 50-week sentence. He is not accused of any crime outside the United States, but he remains at the Belmarsh prison in London while Britain decides on his extradition. His bail requests have so far been rejected. Several doctors have said that Mr. Assange suffers from depression and memory loss and could attempt to kill himself if he were extradited. Personal liberty still eludes WikiLeaks founder and Editor-in-Chief Julian Assange, despite a ruling by a United Nations legal panel that has declared his confinement “arbitrary and illegal”. Analyse ethical issues involved in the above case. Should Mr Julian Assange be pardoned? State your opinion. 10 marks

The 26th Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on the Climate Change will be important because this will be the first occasion after the Paris Climate agreement that countries will be expected to “ratchet up” the nationally determined commitments they made as part of that agreement. In light of this, examine the factors that should form the basis of India’s stance at the negotiations. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/climate-change-cop-un-convention-paris-climate-agreement-7216163/ In the intro, mention the nationally determined contributions. In the body, mention the factors that form the basis of India’s stance- delinking with China, finance issues, resisting the pressure to commit to the decision that could limit its development prospects etc. Conclude by mentioning that India needs to follow the path on… Continue reading The 26th Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on the Climate Change will be important because this will be the first occasion after the Paris Climate agreement that countries will be expected to “ratchet up” the nationally determined commitments they made as part of that agreement. In light of this, examine the factors that should form the basis of India’s stance at the negotiations. 10 marks

While seeking to develop digital health infrastructure through the National Digital Health Mission, we should be mindful of certain considerations for design choices and policies to achieve the desired social objectives. Comment. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/national-digital-health-mission-harsh-vardhan-healthcare-sector-7218715/ In the body, mention the objectives of the National Digital Health Mission. In the body, mention issues such as pathways to define public good so that digitisation facilitate better diagnosis and management, balancing public good with individual rights, concerns and benefits with linking digital identities etc. Conclude by mentioning the need to address… Continue reading While seeking to develop digital health infrastructure through the National Digital Health Mission, we should be mindful of certain considerations for design choices and policies to achieve the desired social objectives. Comment. 10 marks

Deliberate on the archaic, gendered constructs and divisions present even today in our country and their deep but differential impacts on women and men with suitable illustrations. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- Start by explaining the fact that Indian women have been shouldering a debilitating burden of unpaid household and care work for ages and it’s no different even today. In the body discussabout what unpaid labour is. Its connection with Indian women household. Explain in what way the gender gap in time spent is… Continue reading Deliberate on the archaic, gendered constructs and divisions present even today in our country and their deep but differential impacts on women and men with suitable illustrations. 10 marks

Discuss the various aspects of the ‘Reforms-Linked, Result-Based Scheme for Distribution’ (RLRBSD), what are the challenges in its success? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.financialexpress.com/opinion/power-struggle-centres-reform-scheme-is-a-mere-bailout-package-for-discoms/2206553/ In the intro, mention the staggering debt of the discoms. In the body, mention the objectives related to reducing AT & T losses, reducing the gap between cost of electricity and the price at which it is supplied to zero, provision of Rs. 3 lakh crore through various channels, provision of smart… Continue reading Discuss the various aspects of the ‘Reforms-Linked, Result-Based Scheme for Distribution’ (RLRBSD), what are the challenges in its success? 10 marks

There has been a growing pattern of domicile based employment preference. Besides the issue of the constitutionality of such policies, what are the other implications? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/haryana-bill-local-candidiates-reservation-7214632/ In the intro, mention that Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh are the states which have either contemplated or provided reservation in the jobs based on domicile. In the body, mention Article 16(3) which allow Parliament and not the state legislature to provide domicile-based preferential treatment. In the other issues, mention it… Continue reading There has been a growing pattern of domicile based employment preference. Besides the issue of the constitutionality of such policies, what are the other implications? 10 marks

With one example from your own life and experience, describe an event/incident which made you realize the importance of compassion. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- Start by mentioning about compassion or a quote about compassion from a great personality. This is a very open ended questions and need you to describe an incident in life which made you more compassionate. The incident you mention must be relevant to compassion. Be mindful not to come across as condescending and… Continue reading With one example from your own life and experience, describe an event/incident which made you realize the importance of compassion. 10 marks

What do you understand by the ‘age structure’ of a population? Discuss its relevance for economic development and growth. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- Start with the definition of ‘age-structure’. Discuss the concept and explain age structure of population. Relate it with demographics transition model and reasons for changing age structure. Explain how age structure changes in response to changes in levels of development and the average life expectancy. Discuss and present its relevance for economic growth.… Continue reading What do you understand by the ‘age structure’ of a population? Discuss its relevance for economic development and growth. 10 marks

“To be persuasive we must be believable; to be believable we must be credible; to be credible we must be truthful.” Discuss in the light of relevance of the virtue of truth in Public administration. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- Start with the definition of the virtue of “Truth”. In the answer body first briefly explain the meaning of the statement. The statement is given by Edward R. Murrow. It suggests that when a person is truthful, we generally consider him/her as good and ethical person. This improves the credibility of person i.e.… Continue reading “To be persuasive we must be believable; to be believable we must be credible; to be credible we must be truthful.” Discuss in the light of relevance of the virtue of truth in Public administration. 10 marks

The Permanent Court of Arbitration decisions against India in the Vodafone and Cairn cases points to the necessity to rethink in India’s approach to the Bilateral Investment Treaties. In light of this, examine the issues with India’s stand its implications. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/despite-arbitration-tug-of-war-mutual-settlement-is-key/article33983317.ece In the intro, briefly describe the purpose of bilateral investment treaties (BITs). In the body, briefly mention the basis of two cases and the Permanent Court of Arbitrations (PCAs) decision in the cases. In the next part, mention India’s position on sovereignty and the issue of honouring BITs. In the implications mention… Continue reading The Permanent Court of Arbitration decisions against India in the Vodafone and Cairn cases points to the necessity to rethink in India’s approach to the Bilateral Investment Treaties. In light of this, examine the issues with India’s stand its implications. 10 marks

India needs to realise that in today’s fragmented world the power of any aspiring global player depends on the number and quality of its bi- and multilateral relationships. In light of this, examine the potential of India’s partnership with the European Union. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/recalibrating-relations-with-eu/article33974083.ece In the intro, mention the democratic thread running between the two. In the body, mention growing assertiveness of China in the region which necessitates India to look for partners, India also stands to benefit from big market size of the block, cooperation on climate change, security, technology, trade and investment etc. Conclude by mentioning… Continue reading India needs to realise that in today’s fragmented world the power of any aspiring global player depends on the number and quality of its bi- and multilateral relationships. In light of this, examine the potential of India’s partnership with the European Union. 10 marks

Elucidate the main aspects of the policy of Dhamma as propounded by Ashoka and to what extent are they relevant to present-day India. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- Start by explaining what the Policy of Dhamma is. In the body discuss in detail the principles underlying the policy of Dhamma; People should live in peace and harmony. Everyone should practice the principle of ahimsa, i.e. non-violence and non-injury to all living beings. Explain in points, how the policy of Dhamma was… Continue reading Elucidate the main aspects of the policy of Dhamma as propounded by Ashoka and to what extent are they relevant to present-day India. 10 marks

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