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Electronics is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world and it is increasingly finding applications in all sectors. India has rightly accorded the high priority to electronic hardware manufacturing. In light of this, examine the measures and policies introduced by the government and issues with them. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the intro, mention the significance of the sector for the country. In the body, mention the Phased Manufacturing Programme, Production Linked Incentive Scheme, National Electronics Policy etc. In the issues, start from the issues in mention lack of focus on R&D, issues in PLI Scheme like-manufacturers could still continue import and limit the… Continue reading Electronics is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world and it is increasingly finding applications in all sectors. India has rightly accorded the high priority to electronic hardware manufacturing. In light of this, examine the measures and policies introduced by the government and issues with them. 10 marks

Do you think that administration of many temples by the Government in India fits well with the secularism espoused in the Indian Constitution? Also, examine the implications of the recent judgement in the Padmanabhaswamy case. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/padmanabhaswamy-case-kerala-pb-mehta-6515406/  https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/a-template-to-manage-temples/article32142228.ece In the intro, mention the concept of secularism in the context of the Constitution. In the body, either agree or disagree with the view by giving reasons for your argument. In the implications of the recent judgement, mention the problems created by the private management of the temples, questions over the 26th Amendment,… Continue reading Do you think that administration of many temples by the Government in India fits well with the secularism espoused in the Indian Constitution? Also, examine the implications of the recent judgement in the Padmanabhaswamy case. 10 marks

One of the scientists working in the R & D laboratory of a major pharmaceutical company discovers that one of the company’s bestselling veterinary drugs, B has the potential to cure a currently incurable liver disease that is prevalent in tribal areas. However, developing a variant of the drug suitable for human beings entailed a lot of research and development having a huge expenditure to the extent of R 50 crores. It was unlikely that the company would recover the costs as the disease was rampant only in poverty-stricken area having very little market otherwise. If you were the CEO, then— (a) Identify the various actions that you could take; (b) Evaluate the pros and cons of each of your actions. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction discuss the stakeholders involved, identify the ethical concerns in the case. In the body suggest what are the possible solutions and alternatives available to you. Suggest the best possible way that can address all the stakeholders equally. Conclude with suitable solutions.  

Despite having the potential to transform itself into the exporter of agri-inputs, India ends up being the importer of some of them. In light of this examine India’s potential to become the exporter of agri-input products and suggest the measures to achieve this. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/atmanirbhar-bharat-self-reliance-indian-agriculture-6513827/ In the intro, mention the case of Urea import. In the body, focus on the three-seed, fertilisers and machinery. In the case of seeds India, has been exporter but still, there is a lot to do in this case. In case of Urea, gas price and government policies need to be revised,… Continue reading Despite having the potential to transform itself into the exporter of agri-inputs, India ends up being the importer of some of them. In light of this examine India’s potential to become the exporter of agri-input products and suggest the measures to achieve this. 10 marks

India-Iran relations, though based on the foundations of mutual interests and cultural ties have been increasingly circumscribed by the compulsions of geopolitics. Comment. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/iran-ties-need-quiet-diplomacy/article32118419.ece In the intro, mention the importance of Iran for India. In the body, elaborate the foundations of India-Iran relations like India’s energy security, shared concerns over Afghanistan, maritime security etc. In the geopolitical circumstances constraining both the countries mention the U.S. sanctions and the Issues India faces due to such sanctions, Sanctions… Continue reading India-Iran relations, though based on the foundations of mutual interests and cultural ties have been increasingly circumscribed by the compulsions of geopolitics. Comment. 10 marks

You are an engineer in a plant outside a small community. You work during normal hours, but are on call afterwards; the plant operates continuously. There are some large vessels in the plant that contain hazardous vapors. Although your company has an excellent safety record, several groups in the community have expressed concerns over the danger it poses, and have published letters to the editor in the local paper every month or so. In the middle of a winter night, your plant manager calls reporting that several feet of snow which have accumulated since yesterday have caused a section of the roof in the plant to collapse. Little more is known yet, but as an engineer you are expected to help. You are the first person the manager has called, and they need to know what step to take next. Considering public opinion, how much must you know before notifying the public? What would be your next step in this case? How can you react in a safe manner while saving your as well as the company’s face? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction, briefly explain the case study. In the body discuss the key points-technical as well as managerial that you should get information about in order to give proper and adequate information to the public. Explain how you will approach the issue as an in-charge of engineering department. Also mention what information shall… Continue reading You are an engineer in a plant outside a small community. You work during normal hours, but are on call afterwards; the plant operates continuously. There are some large vessels in the plant that contain hazardous vapors. Although your company has an excellent safety record, several groups in the community have expressed concerns over the danger it poses, and have published letters to the editor in the local paper every month or so. In the middle of a winter night, your plant manager calls reporting that several feet of snow which have accumulated since yesterday have caused a section of the roof in the plant to collapse. Little more is known yet, but as an engineer you are expected to help. You are the first person the manager has called, and they need to know what step to take next. Considering public opinion, how much must you know before notifying the public? What would be your next step in this case? How can you react in a safe manner while saving your as well as the company’s face? 10 marks

Despite the various support measures by the government, DISCOMs continue to suffer from several woes. Analyse the reasons for DISCOM’s financial woes and suggest measures to deal with the problems. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.financialexpress.com/opinion/discom-loan-package-a-boon-for-power-sector/2026595/ In the intro, mention the inability of Discoms to meet the UDAY objectives on time. In the body, mention high AT&C losses, delays in tariff revision, diversion of funds meant for capital expenditure to service debt, higher tariff PPAs etc. Measures could be the privatisation of discoms, pre-paid metering, separation of agri-feeders,… Continue reading Despite the various support measures by the government, DISCOMs continue to suffer from several woes. Analyse the reasons for DISCOM’s financial woes and suggest measures to deal with the problems. 10 marks

There have been instances of the toppling of state governments by the mass resignation of elected MLAs. In light of this, examine the issues in the Anti-defection law and suggest the measures to prevent the toppling of the state governments with the mass resignation of MLAs. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.firstpost.com/politics/madhya-pradesh-crisis-another-reminder-that-indias-anti-defection-law-is-rife-with-problems-needs-serious-rethink-8139101.html In the intro, mention the stability of the government as one of the objectives of Anti-defection law. In the body mention the issues like suppression of decision-making power of representative, bringing down the level of discussion in the parliament, freedom of speech of an individual representative is curtailed, loyalty to party instead… Continue reading There have been instances of the toppling of state governments by the mass resignation of elected MLAs. In light of this, examine the issues in the Anti-defection law and suggest the measures to prevent the toppling of the state governments with the mass resignation of MLAs. 10 marks

“Recently announced ‘Janata curfew’ to combat the COVID-19 pandemic sets as a classical example of social influence and persuasion as imperative measures to ensure behavioural change through public policy”. Elucidate. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction , briefly discuss the context of the question, explain what and why is the ‘Janata curfew’. In the body , explain first the significance of public policy. Discuss that to effectively implement the public policy, active participation of citizenry is imperative. Define social influence and persuasion; present the case of… Continue reading “Recently announced ‘Janata curfew’ to combat the COVID-19 pandemic sets as a classical example of social influence and persuasion as imperative measures to ensure behavioural change through public policy”. Elucidate. 10 marks

Examine the factors responsible for large production of corn and wheat in the North America and compare it with suitable states of India. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly set the context of the question with some key facts of production of wheat and corn. In the body explain first the factors contributing to large production – geographical factors, industrial setup, availability of technology etc. Then move onto discuss the wheat production in the Northern America. State the… Continue reading Examine the factors responsible for large production of corn and wheat in the North America and compare it with suitable states of India. 10 marks

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan has the aim of reviving the Indian economy. Examine its objective and how it seeks to revive the economy. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/skill-india-for-atmanirbhar-bharat-m-venkaiah-naidu-6505990/ In the intro, briefly introduce the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. In the body, specify the twin objectives like the short term and long term objectives, in the next part of the answer mention the three steps- like local to local, reducing imports gradually and producing globally competitive products. Conclude by highlighting the potential of… Continue reading Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan has the aim of reviving the Indian economy. Examine its objective and how it seeks to revive the economy. 10 marks

India-EU ties with many common interests assume significance as rule-based order is being challenged by the rise of exceptionalism. Comment. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/india-should-believe-in-the-eu/article32094669.ece In the intro, set the tone of answer by mention China’s rise and its tendency to challenge the international laws. In the body, mention commonalities between the two, like-enhancing strategic autonomy, global standing, interest in diversifying value chains and action on climate change, also mention the significance of relationship in economic terms… Continue reading India-EU ties with many common interests assume significance as rule-based order is being challenged by the rise of exceptionalism. Comment. 10 marks

”Gandhi’s ecological intelligence warned us of making a cult of materialism that will recoil on itself and have what we consume, consume us.” Elaborate. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly set the context of the question. In the body explain how in times of a health crisis, Mahatma Gandhi showed exceptional care and extreme sternness. Quote the examples of South African plague that he handled. Explain that Gandhi’s ecological intelligence warned us of making a cult of materialism that… Continue reading ”Gandhi’s ecological intelligence warned us of making a cult of materialism that will recoil on itself and have what we consume, consume us.” Elaborate. 10 marks

Examine the circumstances that led to the rising demand for data localisation. What are the advantages and issues with data localisation? 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.financialexpress.com/opinion/data-nationalism-its-time-india-enacts-data-protection-bill-to-enforce-property-rights-of-residents/2024134/ In the intro briefly explain the what data localisation is. In the body, as advantages you can mention the security of data, advantages to the domestic companies, better regulation of data, etc. As issues, quality of service provided could decrease, higher cost for the companies, wrong signal to the investors etc.  Conclude… Continue reading Examine the circumstances that led to the rising demand for data localisation. What are the advantages and issues with data localisation? 10 marks

Covid -19 pandemic has exposed the shortcomings in the system of global governance. Examine these shortcomings and suggest the measures to improve it. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/enabling-people-to-govern-themselves/article32071943.ece In the intro, mention the failure of WHO to act on time in dealing with Covid-19. In the body, as shortcomings mention difference in functions and abilities, issues with working in silos, inter-connectedness of issues, inability to address local problems with local solutions etc. As suggestions mention revamping of the institution, furthering… Continue reading Covid -19 pandemic has exposed the shortcomings in the system of global governance. Examine these shortcomings and suggest the measures to improve it. 10 marks

Ethics are less a goal than a pathway, less a destination than a trip, less an inoculation than a process. Illustrate. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction define what you understand by Ethics. In the body there is a need of narrative of examples justifying that ethics doesn’t just mean the final end but the process that takes one to the end. Bring in philosophies of moral thinkers, ideologies that justify means are equally important as that… Continue reading Ethics are less a goal than a pathway, less a destination than a trip, less an inoculation than a process. Illustrate. 10 marks

Discuss the concept of geomagnetism and explain the impact of the recent shift in the Earth’s magnetic pole.10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly explain geomagnetism and mention the facts related to recent shift in Earth’s magnetic pole. In the body explain the aspects of geomagnetism. Discuss the shift and the impact of the shift in detail. Explain how these changes can affect health and safety, and economic well-being in a myriad of… Continue reading Discuss the concept of geomagnetism and explain the impact of the recent shift in the Earth’s magnetic pole.10 marks

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