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You reside in a village notorious for instances of honor killing. You have known some of you schoolmates being the victims. In this scenario, one of your friends comes to you seeking help. This time the case is reverse. The father of the boy had threatened to commit suicide if he marries a girl from a supposedly lower caste. His mother too is bedridden after knowing this. Their disagreement to for the marriage is solely based on the girl being from a Lower caste. The parents are also under tremendous pressure from society. The boy is now under tremendous pressure from the other people from the society, as he will be considered the reason of his parents’ death if he chooses to stick with his decision of marrying that girl. He also has two school-going younger siblings. You personally have always believed that the caste discrimination must go and have always fought against it. You otherwise share a cordial relationship with the boy and also with his parents. Analyse the situation with ethical angles involved in it. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction start by briefing the case and introduce the issue and ethical angles involved. In the body list down the facts in the case and the associated challenges like – honor killing, schoolmates being victim, family pressure, caste system etc. Discuss the possible steps that you would take. Conclude with a… Continue reading You reside in a village notorious for instances of honor killing. You have known some of you schoolmates being the victims. In this scenario, one of your friends comes to you seeking help. This time the case is reverse. The father of the boy had threatened to commit suicide if he marries a girl from a supposedly lower caste. His mother too is bedridden after knowing this. Their disagreement to for the marriage is solely based on the girl being from a Lower caste. The parents are also under tremendous pressure from society. The boy is now under tremendous pressure from the other people from the society, as he will be considered the reason of his parents’ death if he chooses to stick with his decision of marrying that girl. He also has two school-going younger siblings. You personally have always believed that the caste discrimination must go and have always fought against it. You otherwise share a cordial relationship with the boy and also with his parents. Analyse the situation with ethical angles involved in it. 10 marks

India will have to swim against the tide to capture the shrinking pie of the global trade. This requires fast tracking reforms to improve the investment climate and attract investment. Comment. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.google.com/amp/s/indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/national-statistical-office-india-gdp-trade-revenue-6603891/lite/ In the intro, mentions the economic disruption caused by the pandemic across the world.  In the body, discuss the opportunity India could utilise to increase its share in the global trade. But doing so would require several reform- like labour laws, regulatory hurdles, multiple compliances, dispute resolution, consistent policies etc.  Conclude by… Continue reading India will have to swim against the tide to capture the shrinking pie of the global trade. This requires fast tracking reforms to improve the investment climate and attract investment. Comment. 10 marks

Despite facing difficulties in following converging policies due to changing global order, India-Russia relations continues to have relevance. Discuss. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/with-china-as-backdrop-new-delhis-moscow-watch/article32663538.ece In the intro, mention the the importance of Russia for India as “all-weather friend”. In the body, discuss the changing nature of global order in which Russia has been deepening its ties with China while India is drifting towards the U.S., also mention Russia’s relations with Pakistan. Next, discuss how despite these… Continue reading Despite facing difficulties in following converging policies due to changing global order, India-Russia relations continues to have relevance. Discuss. 10 marks

Discuss the contributions of Ashfaqullah Khan in the Indian freedom struggle with special focus on his contributions to Hindustan Socialist Republican Association. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction start with dew key facts related to Ashfaqullah Khan. In the body comment on the aspects such as – Ashfaqulla Khan (1900 – 1927) was a freedom fighter in the Indian independence movement. In 1920,Mahatma Gandhi had launched his Non-cooperation movement against the British rule in India. But after the Chauri… Continue reading Discuss the contributions of Ashfaqullah Khan in the Indian freedom struggle with special focus on his contributions to Hindustan Socialist Republican Association. 10 marks

To ensure the success of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, India needs action plan. Discuss. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/atmanirbhar-bharat-project-pm-modi-coronavirus-economic-package-india-6603893/ In the intro, briefly introduce the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. In the body, mention the aims and opportunities in the Abhiyan while discussion the need for action plan and its implementation to succeed in the plan. Conclude by mentioning the potential of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan to transform the economy of the country.

What are the implications of the outcomes of the ongoing Afghan peace process for India? Also elaborate on the issues with India’s Afghanistan policy as Taliban gains the legitimacy. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/the-opening-in-doha-6603890/ In the intro, mention the U.S.-Taliban peace deal. In the body, mention the implications for India in terms of the role of Pakistan and its relations with Taliban. Next, mention India’s reluctance to deal with Taliban and implication of such stand. Conclude by mentioning the need for flexibility in India’s policy to… Continue reading What are the implications of the outcomes of the ongoing Afghan peace process for India? Also elaborate on the issues with India’s Afghanistan policy as Taliban gains the legitimacy. 10 marks

‘Honour killing’ has been in news in recent times. It involves the homicide of a member of a family by other members, due to the perpetrators’ belief that the victim has brought shame or dishonour upon the family. Analyse this problem in detail and indicate not only the social but also the emotional and attitudinal factors responsible for this problem? Also, distinctly bring out why: (a) The youth in such areas do not speak up against these practices. (b) The conviction rate in ‘honour killing’ cases is extremely low. (c) Women, who have to face the brunt of this crime the most, do not speak against it collectively. Discuss some feasible steps, which could be effective in controlling this serious problem. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly explain the case study. In the body  answer analyze various aspects of the problem of honour killing- social, emotional and attitudinal. While explaining this problem, the second part of the question should be simultaneously dealt with. Finally, suggest some practical and relevant suggestions to overcome these problems. Supreme Court’s… Continue reading ‘Honour killing’ has been in news in recent times. It involves the homicide of a member of a family by other members, due to the perpetrators’ belief that the victim has brought shame or dishonour upon the family. Analyse this problem in detail and indicate not only the social but also the emotional and attitudinal factors responsible for this problem? Also, distinctly bring out why: (a) The youth in such areas do not speak up against these practices. (b) The conviction rate in ‘honour killing’ cases is extremely low. (c) Women, who have to face the brunt of this crime the most, do not speak against it collectively. Discuss some feasible steps, which could be effective in controlling this serious problem. 10 marks

Why India being a country which prides itself on enjoying unity in diversity planning for a common script? Will a common script like Bharati bring down communication barriers in the country? Analyze. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly explain the significance of Bharati script. In the body first discuss the basic details about Bharati. Draw a comparison with other countries and highlight the importance of a common script. Conclude by explaining that how a common script for the entire country is hoped to bring down many communication… Continue reading Why India being a country which prides itself on enjoying unity in diversity planning for a common script? Will a common script like Bharati bring down communication barriers in the country? Analyze. 10 marks

You are the officer in charge of overseeing refugees’ related issues in a multilateral humanitarian organisation. There is an ethnicity based civil war going on in a region and as a result, many people are being displaced. Hitherto, the economically better-off neighbouring countries have accommodated the streams of migrants with financial support from your organisation. The violence in the region has increased recently and the flux of people seeking refuge has grown substantially. With countries sealing their borders, the refugees are left in a vulnerable situation. You are sent to negotiate for humanitarian settlement of refugees with the neighbouring countries, who also happen to be a powerful economic bloc. However, they refuse any more accommodation on the following grounds: (a) Drainage of resources in face of subdued economic conditions. (b) Domestic political repercussions. (c) Rehabilitation will encourage more influx and indirectly fuel the persecutors. (d) Permanency of settlement in face of better prospects than at home. What are the counter-arguments that can be cited to convince the countries for an immediate solution? Suggest some long term measures as well that should be followed to address the problem. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly explain the case study. In the body explain the ethical issues involved. The answer should reflect the understanding of reluctance in such issues and therefore must specifically address each point with a combination of short and long term solutions. Conclude with a fair and balanced approach.

Assess India’s progress in climate action. What would be the implications of giving up use of coal for India’s economic progress. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/reject-this-inequitable-climate-proposal/article32634171.ece In the intro, mention India’s commitment and climate actions. In the body, mention the various figures related to India’s emission and where it stands in comparison with the developed world. Next, mention the various actions like adoption of renewable, gradual giving up of hydrocarbons, investment in innovation etc. Next, mention the economic… Continue reading Assess India’s progress in climate action. What would be the implications of giving up use of coal for India’s economic progress. 10 marks

Regulations of free speech is fundamentally social and political problem, therefore, over reliance on legal instruments often fails to solve the issue associated with it. Comment. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/sudarshan-tv-case-hate-speech-propaganda-6601740/ In the intro, mention the problem in regulation of free speech. In the body, elaborate on the issue of regulation of free speech in the context of the fundamental right of free speech. Next, mention the difficulties and problems of its regulation by the government. How regulation by the government could result… Continue reading Regulations of free speech is fundamentally social and political problem, therefore, over reliance on legal instruments often fails to solve the issue associated with it. Comment. 10 marks

What do you understand by the term ‘Invasive Alien Species’? Discuss the threats posed by them to the native ecosystems, habitats and native species. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction start by explaining the term invasive alien species. In the body provide examples and present the scenario of harm posed by invasive alien species in India. Explain the various threats posed by them. Strengthen your answers by providing the proven case studies. Discuss the measures and need for a policy… Continue reading What do you understand by the term ‘Invasive Alien Species’? Discuss the threats posed by them to the native ecosystems, habitats and native species. 10 marks

Discuss the utility of income support schemes in averting the financial crisis in the wake of the pandemic. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-economy-coronavirus-pandemic-brazil-welfare-government-spending-6598893/ In the intro, mention the economic disruption caused by the pandemic. In the body, mention the need for action to prevent the unfolding economic crisis. Such actions could focus on either supply-side or the demand side. Next mention the importance of focus on the demand side, and the importance of income support… Continue reading Discuss the utility of income support schemes in averting the financial crisis in the wake of the pandemic. 10 marks

Examine the role played by linguistic identities in the evolution of the idea of federalism in India. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/nationalism-and-the-crisis-of-federalism/article32623644.ece In the body, discuss how linguistic identities helped in the evolution of the idea of federalism as discussed in the article. Conclude by mentioning the need to strengthen the spirit of federalism when it is being questioned in relation with issues such as GST compensation.

Examine how an organization’s work culture influences or communicates ethics towards society at large. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction write about the work culture of an organization. In the body explain the factors influencing the ethics of society at large.Define work culture. Discuss that ethics form an essential part of the foundation on which a civilized society is built. Ethics of society is shaped not only by individual factors… Continue reading Examine how an organization’s work culture influences or communicates ethics towards society at large. 10 marks

Telecom sector has been at the forefront of the digital revolution unfolding in the country. However, the telecom sector is also facing several issues in India. Discuss the various challenges facing the telecom sector in India. Suggest the role government could play in solving these problems. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/telecom-sector-operators-jio-airtel-market-monopoly-6597556/ In the body, mention the important role played by the telecom sector ensuring the digital connectivity in India. In the body, mention the various problems faced by the sector and from policy issues to the financial issues. Also mention the issue of unfolding monopoly or duopoliy in the sector. In the next… Continue reading Telecom sector has been at the forefront of the digital revolution unfolding in the country. However, the telecom sector is also facing several issues in India. Discuss the various challenges facing the telecom sector in India. Suggest the role government could play in solving these problems. 10 marks

Discuss the important role played by the various parliamentary committees in the functioning of the parliamentary system. Also discuss the issue of fixed tenure of the departmental committees.

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/parliament-and-its-panels/article32613874.ece In the intro, mention the important role played by the committees in deliberation on any topic. In the body, mention the limits of the house to discuss the topic in-depth due to various limitations and how committees can deal with the issue in detail. Next, mention how committees also help in avoiding… Continue reading Discuss the important role played by the various parliamentary committees in the functioning of the parliamentary system. Also discuss the issue of fixed tenure of the departmental committees.

Even after local coal-iron resources are depleted, the steel and heavy engineering industries do not frequently shift their location, why? Analyse. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly highlight the locations of coal-iron resources in India. In the body explain first why the steel and iron industries were initially located in and around the raw material regions and now there has been a shift from such a trend. Discuss the causative factors of such a trend; transport… Continue reading Even after local coal-iron resources are depleted, the steel and heavy engineering industries do not frequently shift their location, why? Analyse. 10 marks

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