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You are an officer in the labour department. You went to your brother’s wedding and saw that minors were employed by the wedding band company to carry their electric instruments. You know that it is an unlawful activity and it is your responsibility to take action against it. However, since it is a family wedding so they have asked you to look the other way. Some of the options available to you to handle this situation are as follows: 1. You will not take any action as this could be seen by the others as a deliberate action to spoil the wedding. 2. You will act strictly and remove them from the wedding and file a case against the band company. 3. You will talk to the band personal and give a notice to them that they should not employ any minor children after this marriage. Suggest any other possible option. Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving your reason for it. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction, briefly describe the case study. The answer should bring out ethical dilemma involved in this situation and you should weigh the given options based on various ethical approaches. Bring out the key facts of the case and identify the key dilemma involved. Evaluate the merits and demerits of the given… Continue reading You are an officer in the labour department. You went to your brother’s wedding and saw that minors were employed by the wedding band company to carry their electric instruments. You know that it is an unlawful activity and it is your responsibility to take action against it. However, since it is a family wedding so they have asked you to look the other way. Some of the options available to you to handle this situation are as follows: 1. You will not take any action as this could be seen by the others as a deliberate action to spoil the wedding. 2. You will act strictly and remove them from the wedding and file a case against the band company. 3. You will talk to the band personal and give a notice to them that they should not employ any minor children after this marriage. Suggest any other possible option. Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving your reason for it. 10 marks

Evaluate the growing threat for India security as an implication of Doha Accord and the revival of al-Qaeda. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/dormant-but-waiting-to-strike/article32895043.ece In the intro, mention the Doha Accord between Taliban and the U.S.  In the body, discuss the implications of the accord after the U.S. withdraws its troops from Afghanistan. The U.S. withdrawal would certainly offer an opportunity for al-Qaeda to grow in strength and strike across the borders in India. Conclude by… Continue reading Evaluate the growing threat for India security as an implication of Doha Accord and the revival of al-Qaeda. 10 marks

The growing economic prosperity of Bangladesh offers an opportunity for the region to enhance regional integration. In light of this describe the opportunity and challenges for India. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/international-monetary-fund-world-economic-outlook-gdp-bangladesh-india-economy-coronavirus-6792444/ In the intro, mention the IMF prediction about Bangladesh crossing India in terms of per capita income. In the body, discuss the progress Bangladesh has made in terms of economic development and its implications for India. In the next part, discuss the opportunity it offers like sharing of the market through regional… Continue reading The growing economic prosperity of Bangladesh offers an opportunity for the region to enhance regional integration. In light of this describe the opportunity and challenges for India. 10 marks

How does India see its place in the economic space of rising natural resource rich Africa? Discuss. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction highlight that an alliance between a nation with a billion people, with increasing demand and in need of resources, and an underdeveloped continent that is rich in natural resources would be mutually beneficially to all concerned. In the body explain first the richness of natural resource of African continent. Discuss… Continue reading How does India see its place in the economic space of rising natural resource rich Africa? Discuss. 10 marks

As India contemplates atmanirbharta, we should not forget that export dynamism is essential for the rapid and sustained high economic growth. Comment. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-trade-domestic-market-exports-covid-19-6725538/ Start the intro by citing the figures related to export in the time when the Indian economy expanded at a rapid pace. In the body, discuss the salience of export for the rapid and sustained development of the economy and how it influences the efficiency and global competitiveness of the domestic industries… Continue reading As India contemplates atmanirbharta, we should not forget that export dynamism is essential for the rapid and sustained high economic growth. Comment. 10 marks

What are the challenges facing the police administration in India? What are the reasons for the delay in the implementation of the Supreme Court guidelines given in the Prakash Sing case? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/still-awaiting-police-reform/article32887625.ece In the intro, briefly mention the issues of police reforms. In the body mention the various challenges like- inefficiency, political interference, shortage of manpower, lack of skill etc. In the next part discuss the lack of political will and reason for delay. Conclude by mentioning the need for the judiciary to ensure the… Continue reading What are the challenges facing the police administration in India? What are the reasons for the delay in the implementation of the Supreme Court guidelines given in the Prakash Sing case? 10 marks

A convicted mobster decides to make a charitable contribution. He offers more than $1 million to a hospital to build a children’s wing. He will make the contribution if the new pavilion is named after him. The hospital board accepts the gift, with that stipulation. Do you think the hospital was right in accepting the gift? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly describe the case study. In the body, explain the ethical issues and stakeholders involved in the case study. Also explain your course of action with possible merits and demerits. Conclude with a balanced solution.

Urbanization is considered as an agent of socio-economic growth. Do you think Indian Urbanization has helped in India’s socio economic growth? Discuss. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction, briefly define urbanization. In the body, discuss the following aspects: Discuss why urbanization is considered as an agent of growth. Like increase in employment opportunities, poverty reduction, women empowerment, access to better basic amenities, modernization, etc. In next part, discuss in Indian context benefit of urbanization on socio economic growth.… Continue reading Urbanization is considered as an agent of socio-economic growth. Do you think Indian Urbanization has helped in India’s socio economic growth? Discuss. 10 marks

Mahatma Gandhi fostered an attitude of encouraging multiple religious attachments in his discourse; in this context discuss what according to him constitutes practicing plurality? How can it be fostered? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly explain what religious plurality is. The answer body should have the following key points: Add a note on the importance of an identity. Religion in the diversified society like India and introduce Gandhi’s view on religion. Discuss on the various dimensions of Gandhi’s religious philosophy. In brief, elaborate on… Continue reading Mahatma Gandhi fostered an attitude of encouraging multiple religious attachments in his discourse; in this context discuss what according to him constitutes practicing plurality? How can it be fostered? 10 marks

Examine the objectives of Phased Manufacturing Policy (PMP)? What are the issues with the Production Linked Incentive scheme launched under the PMP to transform Indian into a major mobile manufacturing hub? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/phased-manufacturing-policy-that-is-hardly-smart/article32856521.ece?utm_source=lead&utm_medium=sticky_footer In the body, briefly introduce the Phased Manufacturing Policy. In the body, discuss the objective sought to be achieved under the scheme. In the next part, discuss in detail the issues recently launched PLI could face like- lack of value addition in India, competition from China due to subsidies, absence of domestic… Continue reading Examine the objectives of Phased Manufacturing Policy (PMP)? What are the issues with the Production Linked Incentive scheme launched under the PMP to transform Indian into a major mobile manufacturing hub? 10 marks

Inter-connectedness among the various challenges the world faces need more coordination among the nation-states, but it is paradoxical that they are less willing to cooperate and collaborate in tackling them. In light of this, examine the common challenges and the reasons for declining cooperation at the international level. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-message-in-the-peace-nobel-multilateralism/article32865518.ece In the intro, mention the latest common challenge like corona pandemic which requires coordination at the international level. In the body, discuss in detail the challenges like poverty, hunger, climate change, maintenance of peace, barriers to international trade etc. In the next part, discuss the reasons like growing nationalism, protectionism, the rise of… Continue reading Inter-connectedness among the various challenges the world faces need more coordination among the nation-states, but it is paradoxical that they are less willing to cooperate and collaborate in tackling them. In light of this, examine the common challenges and the reasons for declining cooperation at the international level. 10 marks

Discuss the landforms of wind erosion in general while explaining the salient features of Ayers Rock with special focus. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly define what Aeolian landforms are. In the body explain the salient features of landforms created by wind. Discuss separately with diagrams different landforms such as pedeplain, deflated hollows, mushroom tables etc. Discuss specifically the features of Ayer’s rock and its significance. Conclude with significance of wind driven landform formations… Continue reading Discuss the landforms of wind erosion in general while explaining the salient features of Ayers Rock with special focus. 10 marks

“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love”. Explain the significance of kindness as a virtue in one’s life. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction, briefly describe what kindness is. In the body define kindness. Elaborate on the salient features of kindness as a virtue using suitable examples from day to day life. Explain the viewpoints of leaders and social thinkers like Mark Twain from a compassion point of view considered “Kindness as a language… Continue reading “Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love”. Explain the significance of kindness as a virtue in one’s life. 10 marks

What is the importance of financial markets for the development of the economy? What are the issues financial markets face due to the role played by the Reserve Bank of India and the government? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/a-hollow-credit-architecture-indian-financial-market-6723855/ In the intro, briefly mention the importance of the financial market for the economy. In the body, discuss the issues with the role of RBI in determining the interest rate and how it is influenced by the government. Next, explain how the government favours lower interest rates, which has the same effect as refinancing… Continue reading What is the importance of financial markets for the development of the economy? What are the issues financial markets face due to the role played by the Reserve Bank of India and the government? 10 marks

Examine the role played by the Governor in the context of federalism in India. What are the reasons for the rise in conflicts between the Governor and the state governments? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/intemperate-letter-the-hindu-editorial-on-maharashtra-governor-communalising-government-response-to-pandemic/article32856514.ece In the intro mention the constitutional provisions for the Governor. In the body, mention the functions and important role played by the Governor as a link in the context of the federal structure of India. In the next part, mention the reason for the rising conflict between- the government of different parties… Continue reading Examine the role played by the Governor in the context of federalism in India. What are the reasons for the rise in conflicts between the Governor and the state governments? 10 marks

While there is no single solution for tackling climate change and its ill effects, cities across the world must now develop ability and capacity, and the will to take on the challenge. Elaborate. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly narrate the context of the question. In the body explain the associated issues. With the climate challenge becoming bigger and bigger, it is imperative that cities invest in resilience strategies so that lives, property, and urban infrastructure are not lost due to climate-induced devastations. Discuss the methods to overcome… Continue reading While there is no single solution for tackling climate change and its ill effects, cities across the world must now develop ability and capacity, and the will to take on the challenge. Elaborate. 10 marks

Explain the utility of CRISPR-Cas9 as an important gene-editing tool. What are the concerns related to the use of technology? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/gene-editing-the-good-first-and-then-the-worries/article32837842.ece In the introduction, briefly introduce the CRISPR-Cas9. In the body, explain in detail what CRISPR is and how it has turned to be an important tool for gene editing. In the next part mention the concerns like ethical concerns and the possible threat of misuse and need for the regulation. Conclude by… Continue reading Explain the utility of CRISPR-Cas9 as an important gene-editing tool. What are the concerns related to the use of technology? 10 marks

Formulation of Quad and its emphasis on the Indo-Pacific has to pay heed to the history and geopolitics of Asia. Comment. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/quadrilateral-home-truths/article32847152.ece In the intro, briefly introduce what Quad is. In the body, discuss how the idea of Indo-Pacific forms the fulcrum of the Quad. In the next part, discuss the various factors that need to be taken into consideration while building on the idea of Indo-Pacific. Various factors include-lack of the historical background… Continue reading Formulation of Quad and its emphasis on the Indo-Pacific has to pay heed to the history and geopolitics of Asia. Comment. 10 marks

Discuss the values and teaching of Guru Nanak and elaborate upon their relevance in the context of present social changes. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction discuss in short the facts related to Guru Nanak. In the body explain in detail the philosophies propounded by him. Then discuss that his teaching hold great value today in overcoming caste and religious discrimination, intolerance of other views, corruption, addiction of alcohol and drugs, clash of civilizations, terrorism and… Continue reading Discuss the values and teaching of Guru Nanak and elaborate upon their relevance in the context of present social changes. 10 marks

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