Expectations should be tempered when we talk of growth next year. As there will be a revival in economic activity on all ends which will probably bear fruit in 2022-23 — FY 2021-22 will be a year of consolidation. In light of this, examine the policy architecture set in by the government and the central bank. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/economic-survey-union-budget-rbi-credit-policy-nirmala-sitharaman-indian-economy-7198562/ In the body, mention the large borrowing programme of Rs. 12.8 lakh crore. In the body mention the Atmanirbhar Bharat and focus on infrastructure in the Budget, the continuation of accommodative policies by the RBI, the threat of inflation, concerns on investment and consumption. Conclude by mentioning the role this year’s budget… Continue reading

Elaborate on the utility of bicameralism in the India political landscape. What are the implications of the passage of certain bills as Money Bills to bicameralism? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/voice-vote-as-constitutional-subterfuge/article33897261.ece In the body, briefly define the bicameralism. In the body, discuss the purpose of the bicameral legislature like stopping hasty legislation, protecting the interest of the states, second scrutiny of the bills, aiding the separation of power etc. In the next part, mention controversies and implications of the passage of the certain… Continue reading

Present the business case for gender equality in our society with suitable illustrations. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly write about the gender equality. In the body, explain the current situation of gender equality . Give some examples. Also explain how gender based segregation limits women’s empowerment. Conclude with the solutions.

Multisport mega-events like Commonwealth Games are arranged by governments of a nation. It involves huge sums of money, numerous public-private contracts and enormous public procurement. What are the possible ethical issues that may arise and how can we prevent corruption by government servants in these scenarios? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly discuss the case study. In the body, write the ethical issues and stakeholders involved in the case study. Mention different approaches. Conclude with a balanced approach.

Indian institutional lenders and investors are simply not demanding enough on sustainability from the companies. Rarely do they go beyond rule-based compliances and implement environment, social and governance or ESG goals with purpose and passion like their European counterparts. In light of this, suggest the measures to nudge the businesses to act on their environmental responsibilities. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-inc-must-follow-global-example-and-take-affirmative-action-on-climate-change-7194741/ In the body, mention the initiatives taken by the companies in Europe. In the body, mention the role SEBI can play through the Business Responsibility and Environment Reporting (BRSR) guidelines, role of investors and lenders, role of Central bank etc. Conclude by mentioning the need for the businesses to be a part of… Continue reading

Examine the innovative approach adopted by the Fifteenth Finance Commission for the devolution of funds to panchayats and municipal bodies.10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/mechanisms-for-devolution-of-funds-to-panchayats-municipal-bodies-from-the-fifteenth-finance-commission-could-catalyse-accountability-and-effective-governance-at-the-grassroots-7194739/ In the body, mention the increase of 52 per cent in the grants to local governments. In the body mention various innovative aspects such as allocations for incubation of new cities and shared municipal services, allocations for three tiers of panchayat, focus on urban agglomerations, entry-level conditions for availing grants etc. Conclude… Continue reading

Up to what extent India’s rural region will play a crucial role in fuelling India’s economic growth? Critically analyse. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- Start your intro briefly by giving data rural population in India. Divide body in three parts under different subheads: Discuss what role India rural region can plays in India’s economic growth. Discuss the present challenges faced by rural regions. Give discussion on solutions such as strengthening infrastructure, emphasis on industries like food processing,… Continue reading

You are stranded in traffic in your car. You are driving the car. A poor girl looking very frail approaches you and start begging for money. Looking at he frail appearance, out of compassion, you take out your wallet to search for a ten Rupees note. The girl who is standing very near to you snatches the wallet and starts running. A man on a motorbike who see this act, catches the girl and starts beating her in full view of public. Now the traffic is moving and your car is in the middle of the road. What will you do in such a situation? And why? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction present the summary of the case in question brieflly. In the body explain what action should be taken with merits and demerits. Conclude with way forward.

While there is an urgent need to revive the economy by generating employment, the COVID-19 experience tells us that there is also a need to provide social protection, especially to the 450 million informal sector workers. In light of this, examine the impact of pandemic on informal workers and also analyse the issues with draft rules of the labour codes. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/nirmala-sitharaman-union-budget-labour-codes-law-7193088/ In the intro, mention large proportion of informal workers in economy. In the body, mention the impact of pandemic on informal workers and lack of social security. In the next part, mention various issues as mentioned in the article. Conclude by mentioning the need to take into account these issues while forming… Continue reading

What causes vaccine hesitancy in the people. Suggest the ways to deal with it against the backdrop of lukewarm response to covid vaccine. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/combating-vaccine-hesitancy/article33854364.ece In the intro, define vaccine hesitancy. In the body, mention causes such as misinformation, superstition, lack of knowledge etc. In the measures mention awareness campaign, tackling misinformation on social media etc. Conclude by mentioning the importance of vaccination to defeat the covid.

Examine the salient features of the Indian independence Act (1947) relating to the transfer of power.10 marks

Mentor’s comment- Write introductory lines on why and what led to passage of Act. In the body write important provisions which are related to transfer of power. For instance it ended the British rule in India and declared India as an independent and sovereign state from August 15, 1947. Conclude with optimistic lines that Independence… Continue reading

A judge of the Supreme Court has been part of a judgment. Now the matter has been referred to a five judge bench in which he is also a member. The judge is known for his honesty and integrity. But there is immense pressure on him to recuse himself as his presence brings potential conflict of interest. But he refuses to do so. In your view, what should be the most appropriate conduct in this situation? Give adequate reasons for the justification of your view. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction first identify the stakeholders in the case and explain the case involved. In the body discuss the case of potential “Conflict of interest” involved; define what you understand by it, how such situations can be resolved. Give your opinion as to what should be the position of the judge; what… Continue reading

As the government plans to privatise the most PSUs except a few strategic ones, how it is carried out will matter. In light of this, suggest the pathway government should follow in the privatisation of these PSUs. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.financialexpress.com/opinion/time-has-come-for-5-year-plan-to-privatise-psus-a-separate-ministry-reporting-to-the-pm-to-ensure-it-happens/2196060/ In the intro, mention the government’s targets as mentioned in the budget. In the body, mention the selection criteria on the basis of performance when compared with the players in the private sector, restructuring before the privatisation, avoid Russian style or Latin American style privatisation, proceeds from the sale should be placed… Continue reading

Examine the principles used by the fifteenth Finance Commission for the horizontal distribution of funds and for the distribution of grants-in-aid. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/finance-commission-grant-kc-neogy-covid-crisis-7191633/ In the intro, mention the functions of Finance Commission as envisaged in the Constitution. In the body, mention the principle governing the horizontal distribution such as expenditure needs, equity and performance with the introduction of efficiency criteria of tax and fiscal efforts and by assigning 12.5 per cent weight to demographic performance. The… Continue reading

How were Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) and Non-Cooperation Movement (NCM) fundamentally different in their demands? Elucidate. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly write about both the movements. In the body start explaining the two movements and in what way they differed from each other. Although both the movements had the complete independence of India in mind, the manner in which they were executed and the methodology employed were remarkably different. Conclude… Continue reading

You are the director of a unit in a regulatory agency that is charged with monitoring the use of potentially harmful commercial chemicals. Geeta, a junior project manager under your supervision, is responsible for studying a broad-spectrum insecticide that is used not only in agriculture by small food-grain farmers and cotton farmers, but also in the livestock sector as an animal spray. She has been assigned to determine whether this product should be removed from the market. At a social event, Geeta met a man named Siddharth, who she later learned was the Mumbai representative for the insecticide manufacturer. After meeting Siddharth several times, she became rather fond of him and wanted to pursue the relationship further. However, Geeta realized that their professional roles created a potential conflict of interest for her, and she decided to tell you about the situation. She intended to continue seeing Siddharth and said she considered herself mature enough to maintain a separation between her professional and private lives. Geeta insisted that her feelings for Siddharth would not influence her judgment in any way; in fact she and Siddharth had never even discussed the chemical in question. What would you do in such a situation? While you evaluate the alternatives available to you, what are the moral codes and maxims that come to your mind as reference points for arriving at a decision? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly explain the case study. In the body, explain various approches with respective merits and demerits. Also explain the ethical issues involved. Conclude with a balanced solution.

For a country with sizable socioeconomic problems, it is quintessential to strategise well to combat climate vulnerability and associated risks. In light of this, suggest the measures India must adopt to make India resilient. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.financialexpress.com/opinion/policy-must-heed-climate-resilience-embracing-climate-adaptation-resilience-building/2195449/lite/ In the intro, mention Climate Risk Index tagging of India as fifth most vulnerable country. In the body, suggest measures first climate resilient linked to development, developing data registry, community driven approach etc. Conclude by mentioning the need to implement these steps to make India climate resilient.

The growing power of digital tech giants has necessitated the world’s democracies to get together to discuss global digital governance. In light of this, examine the challenges posed by the digital tech giants and suggest the measures to deal with these challenges. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/twitter-india-modi-govt-account-suspended-farmn-laws-protest-7190264/lite/ In the intro, mention the growing influence of tech giants in the world. In the body, mention the challenges posed by the growing powers-governance issues, privacy issue, taxation issue, security issues, the concentration of economic power, misinformation, and the rise of digital geopolitics etc. In the steps, mention the need for coordination… Continue reading

Coins form an invaluable source in reconstruction of India past. Explain with examples from ancient India. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- Start with briefly introducing how coins form a invaluable part in reconstruction of India’s Ancient past. Body should explain in detail coinage provides information about various different components of Ancient India. The body should be clearly demarcated in political, economic, social, cultural and technological information provided by the coins of the Ancient Indian… Continue reading

Agri-reforms and water accounting could address few problems of Indian agriculture. In light of this, examine the areas which could be transfored through reforms and impact of water accounting on agriculture in India. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/finance-commission-states-share-for-centres-expenditure-7188701/ In the intro, mention the need challenges agriculture face in India. In the body, mention reforms in agri-food policy from subsidy led to investment driven, from being consumer oriented to producer oriented and from being supply oriented to demand-driven. In water accounting mention depletion in water table and its long term impact.… Continue reading

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Join us across Social Media platforms.

Your better version awaits you!