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Corporate Firms with a better balanced gender ratio are better governed and deliver superior results. Do you agree? Discuss in the context of relevance of gender diversity in corporate governance. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction define what you understand by corporate governance. In the body discuss the following aspects in the answer: Why should there be gender diversification in corporates? What difference women make in corporate firms – list down advantages and disadvantages of it. Quote examples where the presence of women leaders in corporates… Continue reading Corporate Firms with a better balanced gender ratio are better governed and deliver superior results. Do you agree? Discuss in the context of relevance of gender diversity in corporate governance. 10 marks

Land degradation threatens India’s future if not dealt with in time. In light of this, examine the reasons for soil degradation and suggest the ways to deal with it. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.financialexpress.com/opinion/reform-land-ceiling-laws-incentivise-farmers-for-agro-ecological-plantations-and-agro-forestry/2113635/ In the intro, briefly mention the importance of soil for sustainable development. In the body, describe the various factors responsible for the degradation of soil like agricultural, industrial and commercial factors, urbanisation etc. In the next part, suggest the various ways to deal with it- policy changes, regulation of industries and industrial… Continue reading Land degradation threatens India’s future if not dealt with in time. In light of this, examine the reasons for soil degradation and suggest the ways to deal with it. 10 marks

As the regional and global order faces multiple transitions, the incentives for Delhi and Washington to sustain and advance India-US partnership are stronger than ever before. In light of this, examine the factors that are contributing to the deepening of the bilateral ties between the U.S. and India. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-united-states-22-dialogue-jaishankar-mike-pompeo-china-6887200/ In the intro, mention how changes in geopolitical order and the corona pandemic has been reshaping the world order. In the body, discuss how India and U.S. relations have been deepening in the last few years through Quad and 2+2 dialogue etc.. In the next part, discuss the new factors that have accelerated… Continue reading As the regional and global order faces multiple transitions, the incentives for Delhi and Washington to sustain and advance India-US partnership are stronger than ever before. In light of this, examine the factors that are contributing to the deepening of the bilateral ties between the U.S. and India. 10 marks

Though in theory, the Ryotwari settlement was supposed to prove better than the permanent settlement, in practice its impact was far worse. Critically analyse. 10 marks

Mentor’ comment- The introduction must highlight the circumstances that led to the introduction of Ryotwari which was supposed to be better than the Zamindari system. The body should clearly highlight how the Ryotwari Settlement seemed fair and practical on paper but the devil was in its implementation. All the drawbacks of the settlement must be… Continue reading Though in theory, the Ryotwari settlement was supposed to prove better than the permanent settlement, in practice its impact was far worse. Critically analyse. 10 marks

Is there a connection between a person’s moral life and their quality of life? Discuss with suitable examples. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction define what morality is. In the body discuss the following aspects – Ethics, or morality, is a system of principles that helps us tell right from wrong, good from bad. Explain the significance of morality. Then move on to discuss the threats morality as a principle face in today’s world.… Continue reading Is there a connection between a person’s moral life and their quality of life? Discuss with suitable examples. 10 marks

What are the reasons for the decline in the millet production in India? What are the steps taken by the government to encourage its production? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the intro, mention how cereal production could be beneficial financially and from the food security point of view. In the body, discuss the various reasons for decline like growing demand for refined food after the green revolution, the role played by the MSP, perception of millets being the food of the poor etc.… Continue reading What are the reasons for the decline in the millet production in India? What are the steps taken by the government to encourage its production? 10 marks

Elaborate on the transformation in India’s role at the UN from an outlier to the high table. What are the challenges India may face as a non-permanent member of the UNSC? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/indias-un-journey-from-outlier-to-the-high-table/article32932905.ece In the intro, mention that India’s role at the UN has undergone various transformation. In the body, mention three phases in India’s role at the U.N.: first phase until the end of the Cold War, the second phase- the 1990s decade and the third phase in the 21st century. In the next… Continue reading Elaborate on the transformation in India’s role at the UN from an outlier to the high table. What are the challenges India may face as a non-permanent member of the UNSC? 10 marks

As an issue, land degradation of land is much more complex than it appears. Explain in context of its relationship with climate change. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction first define what you understand by land degradation. In the body emphasize on the fact that land is both an issue and a solution to global warming and the fact is that the relationship between land and climate change is becoming increasingly complex. Explain in detail the land-climate link. Quote… Continue reading As an issue, land degradation of land is much more complex than it appears. Explain in context of its relationship with climate change. 10 marks

Imagine that you have been recently appointed as the head of the accounts department in a municipal corporation. Soon after you assumed your duties, you discovered that a clerk in your department was falsifying the payroll account by continuing to carry the names of some employees who have already been terminated. When the clerk picked up the payroll, he would pull out those cheques, endorse and cash them and keep the money. You have no difficulty in recognizing that this clerk is not only involved in unethical conduct but is also clearly violating the law. In this situation, the following two options are available to you. Which amongst these two would you choose as your response? Give logical arguments in the support of your answer. • Your responsibility for the image of the corporation may suggest firing the clerk quietly, involving as few other people as possible. • Your responsibility for maintaining the public trust may demand you to consider formal charges and prosecution. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly explain the case study. In the body, explain the ethical issues and stakeholders involved in the case study. Then mention the possible approaches with their merits and demerits. Also write about your responsibility for maintaining the public trust in this particular case. Conclude with a balanced approach.

Elaborate on the success of NPCI in transforming the retail digital payments in India. Do you think that making it the for-profit company would help it make more competitive? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/potholes-on-the-digital-payment-superhighway/article32911746.ece In the intro, give a brief description of NPCI. In the body, with some figures give the rising adoption of digital mode of payment and next describe how NPCI has contributed to it through various innovative instruments. In the next part, discuss the issues with making it for-profit company and problems. Conclude… Continue reading Elaborate on the success of NPCI in transforming the retail digital payments in India. Do you think that making it the for-profit company would help it make more competitive? 10 marks

“Although much has changed in the international system since 1945, the world body continues to see a tussle between ‘principle’ and ‘power’”. In light of this, elaborate on the issues with the structure of the UN and why it is in the need of the reforms. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/at-75-the-un-needs-a-rebirth/article32920536.ece In the intro, mention how the U.N. has been an enduring success as it enters its diamond jubilee year. In the body, mention the structure of the U.N. in and the issue of permanent members of the security council and veto how the veto yielded by these permanent members give rise to several issues like geopolitical… Continue reading “Although much has changed in the international system since 1945, the world body continues to see a tussle between ‘principle’ and ‘power’”. In light of this, elaborate on the issues with the structure of the UN and why it is in the need of the reforms. 10 marks

Was the Vesara Style of architecture simple a confluence of Nagara style and Dravida style or did it have its own unique features? Analyse. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly introduce Vesara Style and how it was a mix of both Nagara Style and Dravida Style. First part of the body should talk about the common features of both Vesara and Nagar style. The next part should focus about the common features of Vesara and Dravida style. The last… Continue reading Was the Vesara Style of architecture simple a confluence of Nagara style and Dravida style or did it have its own unique features? Analyse. 10 marks

You are an undergraduate student in a leading Law University. You go with your college friend Surender to his village to attend his sister’s marriage. Surender’s parents are farmers and are financially very poor. They have somehow managed to send him to the university by selling their land. After interaction with the family relatives attending the marriage, you find out that the bride is not of marriagable age, which makes it a case of child marraige. The family wants early marriage of the daughter to avoid huge demands of dowry in the future. You are well aware that child marriage is illegal in India. So, you discuss the issue with your friend who says that he is helpless and can’t do anything. Your friend feels that his family is already doing too much for him and he cannot argue and change his parents’ decision. In this situation, what are the possible actions you can take? Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of them. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction explain the situation briefly. In the body, suggest possible actions with possible merits and demerits. Take your final stand in the conclusion.

What is the offset clause in the defence procurement policy? How far has the offset clause been successful in enhancing the domestic capabilities of India in defence manufacturing? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/offset-dilution-in-defence-a-flawed-policy-turn/article32903639.ece In the intro, briefly describe what is offset clause in defence procurement. In the body mention, the objectives sought to be achieved through the offset clause in the procurement policy. In the next part, discuss how the policy benefited the aerospace industry and how the frequent changes in the policy created difficulty… Continue reading What is the offset clause in the defence procurement policy? How far has the offset clause been successful in enhancing the domestic capabilities of India in defence manufacturing? 10 marks

The preamble of the Indian Constitution summarises the aims and objectives of the Constitution. In light of this, elaborate on the philosophy, purpose and utility of the preamble. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-constitution-preamble-fraternity-fundamental-rights-6824790/ In the intro, briefly mention what is preamble. In the body, discuss the purpose served by the preamble like stating the source from which the Constitution draws its authority and stating the objects it seeks to achieve and promote. In the next part, discuss the objects the preamble seeks to achieve in brief.… Continue reading The preamble of the Indian Constitution summarises the aims and objectives of the Constitution. In light of this, elaborate on the philosophy, purpose and utility of the preamble. 10 marks

Briefly discuss various factors that control the formation of soil. Explain with suitable example. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction define soils in brief and their significance. In the body explain the process of soil formation in detail – The soil is one of the important components of the sustainability of an ecosystem because it is the vitally important natural medium for the growth of vegetation. The soil is one… Continue reading Briefly discuss various factors that control the formation of soil. Explain with suitable example. 10 marks

Gajendra, once a struggling film actor, was accused and later exonerated of rape charges, which the jury found out to be motivated and fake. Not able to cope up with the situation, he changed profession and moved on. Thirty years later, while his closest friends know about the incident but his co-workers do not. One day, out of curiosity, he searches for his name on the internet, and to his surprise, finds that the third entry that comes up is an old report in a local newspaper about the rape charges he faced.Gajendra is upset; after all these years, he would like to be able to disclose the event only to whomever he wants. He has heard about the decision of European Court of Justice which allows individuals to submit requests to a search engine to remove certain results from searches on their names, and citing the same, requests the search engine and media outlet to remove the results. Valid arguments can be advanced for making the Right to be Forgotten a fundamental right? What those arguments could be? What limitations, if any, can it be subjected to? Should there be any obligations on the search engines regarding cases, which are no longer relevant, as the one mentioned above? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly describe the case study. The body of the answer should discuss concerns of right to be forgotten vis-à-vis right to freedom of expression and right to know. The focus should be on the reasoning of arguments to justify the stand. Clearly mention what restrictions and under what circumstances can… Continue reading Gajendra, once a struggling film actor, was accused and later exonerated of rape charges, which the jury found out to be motivated and fake. Not able to cope up with the situation, he changed profession and moved on. Thirty years later, while his closest friends know about the incident but his co-workers do not. One day, out of curiosity, he searches for his name on the internet, and to his surprise, finds that the third entry that comes up is an old report in a local newspaper about the rape charges he faced.Gajendra is upset; after all these years, he would like to be able to disclose the event only to whomever he wants. He has heard about the decision of European Court of Justice which allows individuals to submit requests to a search engine to remove certain results from searches on their names, and citing the same, requests the search engine and media outlet to remove the results. Valid arguments can be advanced for making the Right to be Forgotten a fundamental right? What those arguments could be? What limitations, if any, can it be subjected to? Should there be any obligations on the search engines regarding cases, which are no longer relevant, as the one mentioned above? 10 marks

Innovation is a recombinant and brings tangential benefits through products and services that may not even have been its initial purpose. In light of this, suggest the ways to that could help turn India into a fertile ground to be a technology-led innovation garage. Also, elaborate on the incentives provided by the government to foster the innovation through various schemes. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-many-bright-spots-on-indias-innovation-horizon/article32903649.ece In the intro, briefly mention the innovation potential of India in terms of its population and growing adoption of technology. In the body discuss how India could act as the fertile ground for the innovation and mention some examples as mentioned in the articles. In the next part, mention the various government… Continue reading Innovation is a recombinant and brings tangential benefits through products and services that may not even have been its initial purpose. In light of this, suggest the ways to that could help turn India into a fertile ground to be a technology-led innovation garage. Also, elaborate on the incentives provided by the government to foster the innovation through various schemes. 10 marks

A new role and new philosophy have to be defined for the police to not only make it a capable and effective body but also one accountable to the law of the land and to the people whom they serve. In light of this, suggest the reforms and steps that need to be taken. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/hathras-case-police-reforms-india-6811520/ In the body, mention the various reform like sensitisation of police about their role, increasing the level of police service delivery and thereby increasing the confidence of people, next reforms needed are increasing the accountability in the police, bringing about the structural changes like-increasing the number of police personnel for per lakh… Continue reading A new role and new philosophy have to be defined for the police to not only make it a capable and effective body but also one accountable to the law of the land and to the people whom they serve. In light of this, suggest the reforms and steps that need to be taken. 10 marks

The first two decades of the twentieth century created conditions for the emergence of socialism in Indian setting. How did the socialist ideas sway the national movement from within Congress and outside it? Discuss. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction begin with the origins of socialism in Indian scenario and new dimensions it gave to the Indian national movement. The introduction to transition into body speaking about the causes which led to the emergence of socialism in India. The next part of body should address how socialism impacted the national… Continue reading The first two decades of the twentieth century created conditions for the emergence of socialism in Indian setting. How did the socialist ideas sway the national movement from within Congress and outside it? Discuss. 10 marks

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