You are a Public Information Officer (PIO) in a government department. You are aware that the RTI Act 2005 envisages transparency and accountability in administration. The act has functioned as a check on the supposedly arbitrarily administrative behaviour and actions. However, as a PIO you have observed that there are citizens who filed RTI applications not for themselves but on behalf of such stakeholders who purportedly want to have access to information to further their own interests. At the same time there are these RTI activists who routinely file RTI applications and attempt to extort money from the decision makers. This type of RTI activism has affected the functioning of the administration adversely and also possibly jeopardises the genuineness of the applications which are essentially aimed at getting justice. What measures would you suggest to separate genuine and non-genuine applications? Give merits and demerits of your suggestions. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly talk about importance of RTI act in ensuring transparency and accountability in Indian democracy. Highlight the challenges of RTI act being used as a weapon or tool for vigilantism or vengeance leading to disruption in achieving the true benefits of the act. In the body discuss the various measures… Continue reading

What are the challenges India faces in its energy transition from the fossil fuel-based economy to the one based on renewable energy? Suggest the policy measures to make the transition smoother. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://vk.com/doc562341376_580128777?hash=7be250800100080451&dl=81f999027893d2691e In the intro, mention the fast transition toward renewable and clean to tackle global warming and climate change. In the body, discuss the challenges India faces like cost, lack of technology, lack of funding, regulatory challenges etc. In the suggestion mention investment in the research and development of the renewable especially battery… Continue reading

The relationship between the level of education and early marriage of women is well established in breaking the cycle of poverty, ill health, as well as the inter-generational cycle of malnutrition. Critically examine. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- Write a few introductory lines about India’s MMR, intrauterine growth restriction and poor birth outcome for gestational age and low birth weight (LBW) remain a grave concern for the women of India. In the body discuss in points the impacts of the early marriage on women. Now discuss How education of women leads… Continue reading

Mobota is a small and very poor country in Africa. A major epidemic of a new disease breaks out in Mobota. The only medicine in the market for this disease is a drug made in India by a new pharmaceutical company called Biomed. Since the drug has been developed at heavy cost and Biomed is partly owned by a major international company, the medicine is priced very high. Mobota cannot not afford to pay the price for the large quantities it needs to control the outbreak. What are the different options for Mobota’s health minister to deal with this situation? What according to you would be the best option & why ? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction identify the ethical issues involved in the case study and the stakeholders associated. In the body explain that access to medicines’ is crucial to sustenance of human lives and preservation of human dignity. It also provokes the concept of social equity as seen from developing countries suffering around the world… Continue reading

Declining benefits accrued from the Green Revolution to Punjab and the surrounding area have created problems of their own which have led to the agitation by the farmers of this region on various issues. In light of this, discuss the challenges faced by the farmers in the region of the Green Revolution and suggest the ways to deal with it. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/punjab-farmers-protests-farm-laws-7094357/ In the intro, mention the context of farmers’ protest against the Farm Laws. In the body, mention the role played by Punjab and the surrounding region in making India self-sufficient in food requirement by increasing the wheat and rice production. Next, mention the problems related to the Green Revolution. In the measures… Continue reading

Results of the elections in India have always been accepted by political parties without questioning the legitimacy of the results. In light of this, discuss the role of Election Commission of India in conducting elections in India and what are the factors that enable it to perform that role. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the intro, mention the context of disputed election results in the US. In the body, mention the role of Election Commission of India as a constitutional body. Powers given by it by the Constitution to performs its duties fairly and impartially like the process for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner of India.… Continue reading

Language is the lifeline of a civilization, it denotes the identity, culture and traditions of the people. It plays an important role in preserving music, dance, customs, festivals, traditional knowledge and heritage. In the backdrop of the statement analyse the linguistic diversity and richness in the country. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- Begin with brief write up on what you understand by linguistic diversity in Indian context. In the body explain that in India, there are more than 200 languages, being spoken by different groups. There exists ‘linguistic pluralism’ in India, which is a state of ‘mutual existence’ of several languages in a contiguous space.… Continue reading

In terms of connections to the rest of the world, it is less clear what the right policy mix should be. Do you agree with the view that focus on simultaneously managing the exchange rate and domestic inflation while maintaining an open capital account would help in the revival of India’s economic growth? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.financialexpress.com/opinion/trade-offs-for-growth-revival-why-indias-policymakers-need-a-new-roadmap/2142900/ In the intro, mention the importance of international trade and the openness of the economy for economic growth. In the intro, mention the how economy is connected to the world economy in terms of labour flows, goods and services glow and capital flows. In the next part explain how each of these… Continue reading

The Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance, 2020 seeks to prevent illegal religious conversions. However, several provisions of the ordinance have raised concerns. What are the concerns with the ordinance? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/up-love-jihad-law-religious-conversion-anti-conversion-law-7078370/ https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/personal-choices-the-constitutions-endurance/article33243159.ece In the intro, briefly mention the stated objective of the ordinance. In the body discuss the various provision of the ordinance which are concerning like violation of the right to privacy, violation of Article 21 and curtailment of freedom of conscience under Article 25 etc Conclude by mentioning the need for… Continue reading

The success of persuasion depends on three factors: source, message and target. Comment. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly define what persuasion is. In the body explain persuasion. Persuasion is a method of changing a person’s cognitions, feelings, behaviors, or general evaluations (attitudes) toward some object, issue, or person. Discuss the significance of four elements are present in all persuasion settings: (1) a source who delivers the persuasive… Continue reading

The share of the elderly in the population is expected to increase to 20 per cent of the population by 2050. Thus to ensure a life of dignity, social security and safety, enabling them to actively participate in economic development and the process of nation building is an absolute necessity. Discuss. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly start with key facts/data showing the increase in the elderly population. In the body, explain that equipping people in earlier age cohorts will help them remain in good health and involved in the community throughout the ageing process. Discuss how ageing is irreversible and inevitable.Explain that stronger partnerships between… Continue reading

The world has not responded responsibly to international refugees’ crisis. Does it show failure of ethics in international relations? Discuss. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction discuss who constitute refugees, provide for key statistics to highlight the dismal conditions of them across the world. In the body, highlight the fact that globally, more than two-thirds of all refugees come from five countries: Syria (6.7 million), Afghanistan (2.7 million), South Sudan (2.3 million), Myanmar (1.1 million), and… Continue reading

Being the largest consumer of antibiotics in the world, India faces a grave threat from growing anti-microbial resistance. What are the factors responsible for it? Suggest the ways to deal with it. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/a-looming-health-crisis/article33235263.ece In the intro, define anti-microbial resistance. In the body, discuss why growing resistance could turn into a health crisis. Next discuss the factors that are responsible for increasing anti-microbial resistance like farming, discharge of household effluents, lack of information among patients, excessive use etc. In the steps to be taken mention effluent treatment from the… Continue reading

What are the legal provisions and policy initiatives in India for the welfare of persons with disabilities? What are the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in India? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/international-day-of-persons-with-disabilities-united-nations-india-7078236/ In the intro, mention that as per the World Bank estimate over 40 million persons with disability are living in India. In the body mention, the Acts like The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act was passed in 2016, Mental Healthcare Act, signing of UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and schemes… Continue reading

Who was Tanaaji Malusare? Discuss the significant role played by him in the Battle of Singhagad? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In introduction briefly explain who Tanaaji Malusare was. In the body explain about him. Then discuss the significant contributions to Battle of Singhagad. Highlight the outcomes of the battle. Conclude with importance of such warriors in history.

What is ethical climate? Why is ethical climate important? Discuss with relevant examples. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction define what you understand by ethical climate. BIn the body explain that Ethical climate is the culture of an organization as it pertains to questions of right and wrong. It derives from the governance, values, norms and habits that exist within an organization. Ethical climate results from both a firm’s… Continue reading

What are the advantages and challenges in the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/farmers-protest-farmer-bill-msp-demand-agriculture-sector-7076046/ In the intro, mention circumstances which necessitated the contract farming. In the body mention advantages like the assurance for farmers, legal remedies, etc. In the issues mentioned in the article. Conclude by mentioning the need for addressing the issues in the Act.

Changing geopolitical realities in the Middle East has major consequences for Indian subcontinent countries. What are the challenges India along with other countries in the subcontinent faces as a fallout of the changing circumstances in the Middle East? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/mohsen-fakhrizadeh-iranian-nuclear-scientist-assassination-india-middle-east-relations-7074505/ In the intro, mention the rising isolation of Iran and rivalry with other Arab countries. In the body, discuss the rising tree trends- isolation of Iran and internal division in Iran, the transformation of relations Arab countries with Israel, the rising rivalry between Arab countries and Tukey, all of these changes have consequences… Continue reading

The protests erupting across India since the passage of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) are a testament to the centrality of secularism as the foundational principle that binds the country together and holds the key to India’s survival as a nation. Analyse . 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introdution, briefly define the concept of Indian Secularism. Explain in brief how the CAA, NRC have led to protests across the country and North-East states in particular. In the body, explain about Indian Secularism in detail and its significance. Provide measures to safeguard the secular fabric in India. Conclude with way… Continue reading

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