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Despite growing levels of agriculture credit, small farmers still lack access to it. What are the reasons for it. Suggest the measures to deal with the issue. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/in-agri-credit-small-farmers-are-still-outside-the-fence/article33651459.ece In the intro, mention the rising levels of agri-credit over the years. In the body, mention how agriculture credit has been increasing over the years- from ₹4.75-lakh crore in 2011-12 to the target of ₹15-lakh crore in 2020-21 with an allocated subsidy of ₹21,175 crore. Next, mention the exclusion of small and… Continue reading Despite growing levels of agriculture credit, small farmers still lack access to it. What are the reasons for it. Suggest the measures to deal with the issue. 10 marks

Over the last few years, there has been increasing evidence of the government and external partners working together on complex policy problems. In light of this, examine the advantages of a partnership with the private sector for governance. Also, explain the meaning of thought partnership and its implications for policymaking. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/roots-to-government-private-thought-partnerships/article33669744.ece In the intro, mention the need for wide consultation and co-working for policymaking. In the body, mention the advantage like experience, dealing with the vacancies and lack of manpower, efficiency in working with the private sector. In the next part mention how thought partnership is different from other partnerships and how it… Continue reading Over the last few years, there has been increasing evidence of the government and external partners working together on complex policy problems. In light of this, examine the advantages of a partnership with the private sector for governance. Also, explain the meaning of thought partnership and its implications for policymaking. 10 marks

Analyse the rise of social media as a consequence of lacunae in the traditional Indian society. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction start by talking about social media, how it has grown fast into our society impacting millions of lives. In the body discuss the lacunae present in our society that have contributed to the rise of social media; effect of globalisation, differential impact on women, generational gap that is ever widening… Continue reading Analyse the rise of social media as a consequence of lacunae in the traditional Indian society. 10 marks

What is the objective of the Right to Information Act? Evaluate the ethics underlying the provisions of this Act. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction start by explaining the background of RTI. In the body explain briefly the provisions of RTI Act 2005. The basic object of the Right to Information Act is to empower the citizens, promote transparency and accountability in the working of the Government, contain corruption, and make our democracy work for… Continue reading What is the objective of the Right to Information Act? Evaluate the ethics underlying the provisions of this Act. 10 marks

As per the OECD methodology, net support provided by Indian government to its farmers is negative for the year 2019. However, India’s expenditure on agriculture is consistently rising. What explains this conundrum? What are the concerns for India in the price support method of OECD? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/getting-it-wrong-on-indias-level-of-agricultural-support/article33629376.ece In the intro, mention figures about the support provided to the farmers. In the body, mention how the OECD methodology works by calculating the price difference in the domestic and international markets which is influenced by various factors exclusion of cost incurred for MSP etc . In the next part mention the… Continue reading As per the OECD methodology, net support provided by Indian government to its farmers is negative for the year 2019. However, India’s expenditure on agriculture is consistently rising. What explains this conundrum? What are the concerns for India in the price support method of OECD? 10 marks

How Socio-Economic and Caste Census is different from the Census? How linking and syncing of these data with other databases could help in the governance? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/a-new-framework-around-caste-and-the-census/article33638335.ece In the intro, mention the debate around full-scale Caste Census. In the body, mention the differences like confidentiality of data governed by statute in case of Census and openness of SECC data for policymakers, the inclusion of Caste in SECC. In the next part, mention the syncing of these data with various… Continue reading How Socio-Economic and Caste Census is different from the Census? How linking and syncing of these data with other databases could help in the governance? 10 marks

Assess the role of Indian Civil Services in facilitating and furthering the British Rule in India. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly narrate the background of Indian civil services and its coming in the Indian history. In the body explain that civilian administration had always remained in Indian hands, even under the Mughals, as part of a deliberate policy of assimilation. But the British saw themselves as a superior race and,… Continue reading Assess the role of Indian Civil Services in facilitating and furthering the British Rule in India. 10 marks

Explain tolerance and compassion in Indian context. How effectively can tolerance and compassion be used by the respective authority in the process of decision making in public administration? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction define what tolerance and compassion are. In the body explain why a civil servant /public servant should possess these virtues to justify the administration job better. Explain that public servants must have the ability​ ​to​ ​understand​ ​someone​ ​else’s​ ​experience​ ​of​ ​humanity and​ ​use​ ​that​ ​understanding​ ​to​ ​guide​ ​their decisions and… Continue reading Explain tolerance and compassion in Indian context. How effectively can tolerance and compassion be used by the respective authority in the process of decision making in public administration? 10 marks

Digital corporations can operate in a market without a physical presence. The current basis for taxing in a particular jurisdiction is a notion of a fixed place of business. In light of this, examine the challenges in taxing the digital companies and how India is dealing with such a challenge? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/digital-companies-cyber-tax-g20-countries-7154883/ In the intro, briefly mention the equalisation levy implemented by India. In the body, mention the issue of taxing the digital companies as they operate in countries different from the country to which they belong with a physical address. The country in which business is carried out faces the threat of losing… Continue reading Digital corporations can operate in a market without a physical presence. The current basis for taxing in a particular jurisdiction is a notion of a fixed place of business. In light of this, examine the challenges in taxing the digital companies and how India is dealing with such a challenge? 10 marks

With a view to the contentious issue of delay in the carrying out the death penalty, do you think that India should abolish the death penalty? Give reasons in support of your argument. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/a-case-to-dispose-of-mercy-petitions-swiftly/article33628342.ece In the intro, mention the issue of pendency of mercy petitions with the President and delay in carrying out the death sentences. In the body, mention the reasons for the delay in carrying out the death penalty in India. In the next part, give reasons for abolition like the rising proportion of countries… Continue reading With a view to the contentious issue of delay in the carrying out the death penalty, do you think that India should abolish the death penalty? Give reasons in support of your argument. 10 marks

Discuss the key features and significance of folk dance of North Eastern India. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- Start by explaining how dance and festivals are manifestation of creativity and are among the oldest art forms practised in India. In the body explain with examples that the folk dances capture the movements of everyday life as well as animals and birds. You can draw a map and show different forms of folk… Continue reading Discuss the key features and significance of folk dance of North Eastern India. 10 marks

The term ‘governance’, ‘good governance’ and ‘ethical governance’ though appear alike, mean different in our society. In this context, compare and contrast these terms in the light of governance structure in India. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction explain that the term ‘governance’, ‘good governance’ and ‘ethical governance’ appears to be used interchangeably and are intrinsically interlinked. Yet, each of them signifies different meaning in their own sense. In the body define all the three terms first, clearly and precisely. Then move onto explain what good governance implies.… Continue reading The term ‘governance’, ‘good governance’ and ‘ethical governance’ though appear alike, mean different in our society. In this context, compare and contrast these terms in the light of governance structure in India. 10 marks

What is deepfakes and the treats posed by it? Also mention the ways to deal with the threats associated with it. 10 marks

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-threat-of-deepfakes/article33612423.ece In the intro, define the deepfakes.  In the body, mention various threats from it-threat to democracy, threat to personal reputation, threat to the evidences being discarded as fake etc. In the ways to deal with it, mention use of A.I., training people an journalists, information campaign etc.  Conclude by mentioning the need to put… Continue reading What is deepfakes and the treats posed by it? Also mention the ways to deal with the threats associated with it. 10 marks

It is only when the people value and protect the freedom of expression and celebrate the culture of dissent democracy flourishes. Comment. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/supreme-court-india-judiciary-constitution-modi-govt-7154935/ In the intro, mention the importance of freedom of expression for democracy.  In the body, discuss the the importance of cherishing the values enshrines in the Constitution by people for it to sustain. Next, mention the importance if sense of justice in the people.  Conclude by mentioning the importance of protection of… Continue reading It is only when the people value and protect the freedom of expression and celebrate the culture of dissent democracy flourishes. Comment. 10 marks

Examine the biological significance of soil and give a bio-climatic classification of the soils found on the surface of the earth. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- Start with the definition of Soil. In the body discuss then the biological significance of soil; as a medium for plant growth, as a means of water storage, supply and purification, as a modifier of Earth’s atmosphere, as a habitat for organisms. Then move onto discuss the bio-climatic classification of the soils. Conclude… Continue reading Examine the biological significance of soil and give a bio-climatic classification of the soils found on the surface of the earth. 10 marks

“Good governance and anti-corruption measures as central to its poverty alleviation mission.” Discuss. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- Start by explaining that poor governance and corruption undermine the economies of developing countries as well as the World Bank’s core mission of poverty reduction and disproportionately affect the poor. In the body start by defining what Good governance is. Explain the importance of anti-corruption measures in general and more so specific to… Continue reading “Good governance and anti-corruption measures as central to its poverty alleviation mission.” Discuss. 10 marks

What is Bad Bank? What are the challenges it could face in the Indian context? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.livemint.com/opinion/columns/its-better-to-stop-the-creation-of-bad-debt-than-set-up-a-bad-bank-11610985109485.html https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/Why-a-%E2%80%98bad-bank%E2%80%99-is-tricky/article15477841.ece In the intro, briefly mention the rising level of NPA in Indian banks which is expected to grow further due to pandemic. In the body, explain what Bad Bank is. In the next part, mention various issues with its creation like ownership of the Bad Bank, in the government ownership constraints… Continue reading What is Bad Bank? What are the challenges it could face in the Indian context? 10 marks

India-Nepal ties are in a new transition after a brief interregnum in ties owing to some issues. In light of this, examine the issues that affect the relationship between the two countries and progress made on the various new initiatives. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/india-nepal-relations-in-a-new-transition/article33612401.ece In the intro, mention the souring of the relation between the two countries after the boundary issue. In the body, mention how some issues affected the relations like boundary issues and use of politicising the relations with India. In the next part, mention various developmental partnership projects like passenger railway line and Integrated… Continue reading India-Nepal ties are in a new transition after a brief interregnum in ties owing to some issues. In light of this, examine the issues that affect the relationship between the two countries and progress made on the various new initiatives. 10 marks

Discuss the starring role and influences of Basavanna as a social reformer. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the intro briefly write about Basavanna. In the body explain that his teachings and philosophy transcend all boundaries and address the universal and eternal. Discuss in detail his contributions to the Indian society. Explain the bringing of Lingayat faith by him, his contributions through Vachanas etc.  Conclude with his teachings that hold… Continue reading Discuss the starring role and influences of Basavanna as a social reformer. 10 marks

What do you understand by impartiality? why is it one of the most important value for civil servants? Discuss with relevant examples. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction define Impartiality. In the body discuss in what all contexts the civil servants need to practice impartiality, discuss the different types of Impartiality. Explain the importance of Impartiality as an attribute for a civil servant. You can present a case study to substantiate the above advantages of practicing impartiality to… Continue reading What do you understand by impartiality? why is it one of the most important value for civil servants? Discuss with relevant examples. 10 marks

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