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The Fifteenth Finance Commission (XVFC) has or the first time, a finance commission has carved out resources meant for distributable statutory grants and dipped into the states’ revenue share for national defence, as against the tax share, in order to finance the Centre’s exclusive expenditure obligation. What are its implications for federalism? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/finance-commission-states-share-for-centres-expenditure-7188701/ In the intro, mention the Rs. 7000 croses set aside from the states’ share as allocation for defence. In the body, mentio its implications-lack of the basis for doing so in the Constitution and setting of wrong precedent. The move is also departure from the operational term as well. Conclude by need… Continue reading The Fifteenth Finance Commission (XVFC) has or the first time, a finance commission has carved out resources meant for distributable statutory grants and dipped into the states’ revenue share for national defence, as against the tax share, in order to finance the Centre’s exclusive expenditure obligation. What are its implications for federalism? 10 marks

You are the District Magistrate in a district where a significant number of transgenders reside. While discrimination against the community is well known, commuters increasingly complain of harassment at their hands, especially at traffic junctions where transgenders are mostly involved in begging. This, at times, also leads to traffic management issues. You have received a number of complaints in this regard and have to act quickly to resolve it. However, a group of transgender associations argue that begging is their only source of livelihood. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Describe the ethical issues involved in this case. Discuss the attitude of people towards transgenders in general and reasons for the same. (b) What possible courses of action can be undertaken in such situations? Discuss their merits and demerits. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly explain the case study. In the body discuss the ethical issues involved and the reasons for differential attitude of people towards transgenders. Discuss possible course of action with merits and demerits. You may conclude by suggesting long-term solution/elaborating on your solution. Conclude with a balanced approach.  

Social control and socialization are two faces of same coin. Do you agree? Critically analyse. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- Start by defining what social control and socialization are. In the body explain that social control and socialization are closely related to each other. As a matter of fact, societies depend heavily upon effective socialization to internalize social norms and values as the individual’s guides and motives to action. Through socialization societies aim… Continue reading Social control and socialization are two faces of same coin. Do you agree? Critically analyse. 10 marks

What are some of the key sources of ethics and their ideals in India? Discuss. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- Start by stating the importance of Ethics in general and significance given to it in India. In the body explain that in the knowledge tradition of India, ethics has its origin in its religious and philosophical thinking. From time immemorial, various religious faiths have flourished here. Every religious and every philosophical system of… Continue reading What are some of the key sources of ethics and their ideals in India? Discuss. 10 marks

What are the factors that make Uttarakhand vulnerable natural disasters? Suggest the steps that need to be taken to deal make the state disaster resilient? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/a-resilient-future-for-uttarakhand/article33813220.ece In the intro, mention the recent glacial burst and the subsequent flood in the state. In the body, mention the various factors such as natural and man-made such as young mountains, intense rainfall, climate change, construction activity and subsequent ecological destruction, expansion of agricultural activities etc. In the step mention resilience planning,… Continue reading What are the factors that make Uttarakhand vulnerable natural disasters? Suggest the steps that need to be taken to deal make the state disaster resilient? 10 marks

What are the objectives of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill,2020. What are the concerns with some provisions of the bill? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/denying-women-the-right-over-their-bodies/article33804050.ece https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/mtp-bills-proposal-for-a-bureaucracy-to-vet-abortions-is-ill-judged-and-impractical-7183300/ In the intro, mention that the MTP Act of 1971 allowed termination of pregnancy in several limited circumstances. In the body, mention that the amendment extends the conditions and the duration in which pregnancy can be terminated. In the concerns mention violation of women’s right over their body, issues with the… Continue reading What are the objectives of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill,2020. What are the concerns with some provisions of the bill? 10 marks

In light of rapidly changing societal dynamics, examine the role of educational institutions in shaping the future of children especially when rise in crime among children has lately been observed. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly narrate that the educational institutions in our society are of considerable importance. In the body discuss first the changing societal dynamics; nuclear families and working parents not being able to give enough attention to the children, at a time when social media and technology is burdening the childhood with… Continue reading In light of rapidly changing societal dynamics, examine the role of educational institutions in shaping the future of children especially when rise in crime among children has lately been observed. 10 marks

What are the salient feature of National Rail Plan for 2030 and how it will benefit the Indian railways? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/national-rail-plan-maps-existing-railway-network-on-a-gis-platform-identifies-gaps-7183299/ In the intro, mention the introduction of the National Rail Plan in the budget. In the body, mention various aspects related to the plan-focus on increasing the share of railways in freight, bias towards passenger service, capacity development, mapping of the railway network on GIS platform, integration of National Infrastructure Pipeline with… Continue reading What are the salient feature of National Rail Plan for 2030 and how it will benefit the Indian railways? 10 marks

As in the historical past, Asia is big enough for both Asian giants to have complementary roles, share prosperity and be independent of each other and of the West. In light of this, examine India’s challenge in aligning its foreign policy in view of China’s rising global stature. 10 marks

  Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/taking-the-long-view-with-china/article33804031.ece In the intro, mention the rise of China and India as global super-powers. In the body, discuss the challenge India faces in dealing with rising China on various faces such as deciding the extent of security cooperation with the U.S., consolidation and expansion of BRI, challenges in the financial sphere, congruence… Continue reading As in the historical past, Asia is big enough for both Asian giants to have complementary roles, share prosperity and be independent of each other and of the West. In light of this, examine India’s challenge in aligning its foreign policy in view of China’s rising global stature. 10 marks

Economic upliftment is one of the most enabling elements to release women from oppression, violence and powerlessness. Discuss and also throw light on how far India has been successful in empowering women. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction present a brief introduction about status of women. In the body explain in what way economic independence becomes an enabling element for development. Comment upon the areas of success regarding women empowerment. Give examples of recent government initiatives and policies that aimed to empower women economically and make them independent.… Continue reading Economic upliftment is one of the most enabling elements to release women from oppression, violence and powerlessness. Discuss and also throw light on how far India has been successful in empowering women. 10 marks

Elucidate the human values and their types with special reference to Patanjali’s classification of virtues. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- Start by explaining what Values are. In the body explain values in detail with examples. Then move onto discuss the types of values. Elaborate that Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra makes complete sense that helps us inculcate four primary virtues i.e. Maitri= Friendship; Karuna= Compassion; Mudita= Joy; Upekshanam=Indifference. These virtues are fundamental for our own… Continue reading Elucidate the human values and their types with special reference to Patanjali’s classification of virtues. 10 marks

Discuss the role played by the construction of dams in the recent floods in Uttarakhand. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/dams-and-damages/article33795426.ece In the intro, mention the recent mishap in Uttarakhand that due to flash floods. In the body, discuss the impact of dams-use of explosive while constructing the dam, Chopra Committees report which cited the damage exacerbated by the dams, impact on climate change, ignoring of the threat of earthquake etc. Conclude by… Continue reading Discuss the role played by the construction of dams in the recent floods in Uttarakhand. 10 marks

What are the different mechanisms through which the Parliament can examine whether a government bill adheres to the constitutional principles? Also, examine the important role played by the parliamentary committees in examining the various provisions of the bill. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/farm-laws-sc-order-parliament-constitutionality-of-bills-7181744/ In the intro, mention the increasing instances act being challenged in the court over their constitutionality. In the body, mention the three ways in which the constitutionality of the bills can be checked first at the introduction of the bill, second while debating the bill and third when the bill is examined… Continue reading What are the different mechanisms through which the Parliament can examine whether a government bill adheres to the constitutional principles? Also, examine the important role played by the parliamentary committees in examining the various provisions of the bill. 10 marks

‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ has been the guiding light for Indian family system. Comment. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction in brief narrate the theory behind’ Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. In the body discuss the concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ first. Explain that Indian family system discourages individualism and encourages collectivism. India has grown and attained its current stature under the strong and supportive framework of its joint family system. Also explain that… Continue reading ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ has been the guiding light for Indian family system. Comment. 10 marks

Define emotional intelligence and explain its major components. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- Start with the definition of emotional intelligence. In the body explain in detail the four components of EI; self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, social skill management. Give examples to justify the importance of these components in detail. Conclude with significance.

The Union Budget has provided a stimulus to growth by focusing on the infrastructure. But this there are several concerns about such a push. In light of this, examine how the Budget provides a stimulus to the growth and what are the concerns about such provision in the Budget. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/budget-2021-economy-nirmala-sitharaman-7179042/ In the intro, mention the increase in the capital expenditure in the Budget. In the body, mention the allocation for infrastructure and in concerns mention execution challenge, the challenge of withdrawal of policy support and challenge in monetary policy. Conclude by mentioning the need to focus on the risks involved with such… Continue reading The Union Budget has provided a stimulus to growth by focusing on the infrastructure. But this there are several concerns about such a push. In light of this, examine how the Budget provides a stimulus to the growth and what are the concerns about such provision in the Budget. 10 marks

India has been at the receiving end of the international criticism for some of its internal affairs. Suggest the measures to avoid such criticism. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/modi-government-international-criticism-india-foreign-policy-7180217/ In the intro, mention the recent comment of the US government on the internet shutdowns in India against the backdrop of farmers protests. In the body, in the mention the need for closing the political divide and divisive issues, engaging more with the international community and explaining the complexities of the matters… Continue reading India has been at the receiving end of the international criticism for some of its internal affairs. Suggest the measures to avoid such criticism. 10 marks

Present a sketch of major Sufi orders in India. What was their goal? Explain. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- Start by explaining what you understand by Sufi orders. Sufism has a history in India evolving for over 1,000 years. In the body explain the three Sufi orders and Silsilahs . Provide first for their early history. The core concept of Sufi Movement is Darikh-i-Duniya / Wahad-ulwahjud, meaning “Universal Brotherhood”. It outwardly rejected… Continue reading Present a sketch of major Sufi orders in India. What was their goal? Explain. 10 marks

For effective functioning of civil services, what should be the main characteristics of aptitude? Elucidate with justification. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction define what Aptitude is. In the body define aptitude and briefly explain difference in aptitude and attitude.  Explain the main characteristics of aptitude; talk about professional competence, social competence, ethical competence, emotional competence etc. Discuss its importance in overall. Conclude with the significance.

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