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The BSF, which is often hailed as India’s ‘first line of defence’ has been tasked with wartime and peacetime roles. Though it is quite adept at its peacetime role, its wartime preparedness needs an overhaul. Comment.10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://thewire.in/security/bsf-indias-first-line-of-defence-is-not-equipped-face-an-enemy-military-attack#:~:text=BSF%2C%20India’s%20′First%20Line%20of%20Defence’%2C%20is%20Not,Face%20an%20Enemy%20Military%20Attack&text=While%20the%20BSF%20discharges%20its,face%20of%20a%20military%20assault. In the intro, briefly introduce the BSF. In the body, explain why BSF is not well prepared for its wartime role. Mention the issues such as- ineffective weaponry, IPS leadership issue, the fallacy of presuming infantry attack by the enemy. Conclude by citing the serious implications of such preparedness in wartime situation.

India has been heading the World Health Organisation’s executive board. What should be India’s policy approach while heading the board as WHO is facing the credibility crisis amid Covid pandemic?10 Marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/seizing-the-moment-at-the-who/article31733278.ece In the intro, briefly mention the role of the WHO executive board. In body, you can mention the elements that should form the basis of policy approach, for example- focus on prevention of epidemic, review of the WHO and China’s initial response, equitable access to vaccine and patent pooling, avoid getting entangled… Continue reading India has been heading the World Health Organisation’s executive board. What should be India’s policy approach while heading the board as WHO is facing the credibility crisis amid Covid pandemic?10 Marks

What are the reasons for persistence of patriarchy in our society? What is the difference between public and private patriarchy? Explain.10 Marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly define what patriarchy is. In the body one must explain why patriarchy is a phenomenon that is consistently witnessed in the Indian society historically. Discuss the reasons in detail – historical milieu, power and cultural perception, the ideology of motherhood which restricts women’s mobility and burdens them with the… Continue reading What are the reasons for persistence of patriarchy in our society? What is the difference between public and private patriarchy? Explain.10 Marks

A Pandemic has broken out and the only key in sight is a drug developed by a group of doctors and scientists. The issue, however, is that the drug is not yet tested. If the standard testing protocol is adhered to, it would take at least a year to get the final approval for human consumption. By that time, the pandemic would have taken millions of lives already. The only possible way to expedite trials is to test the drug directly on human beings. It effectively means replacing animals with humans for trial. Furthermore, there would hardly be any volunteer for such trials. In the meantime, there is an idea floating around the countries. Why not choose the convicts of murders and rapes serving capital punishment for the trials? Even if they die during the trials, it would hardly be a loss to the society and if they survive, their lives would be of some worth for the society after-all. What do you think? Should prisoners be forced to undergo the trial? Examine and Substantiate your choice.10 Marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly explain how the current case captures the ethical dilemma where lives of humans are weighed against the larger good of society. In the body firstly, one must bring out the ethical values involved in the case such as – Violation of human rights, the debate of means vs. ends,… Continue reading A Pandemic has broken out and the only key in sight is a drug developed by a group of doctors and scientists. The issue, however, is that the drug is not yet tested. If the standard testing protocol is adhered to, it would take at least a year to get the final approval for human consumption. By that time, the pandemic would have taken millions of lives already. The only possible way to expedite trials is to test the drug directly on human beings. It effectively means replacing animals with humans for trial. Furthermore, there would hardly be any volunteer for such trials. In the meantime, there is an idea floating around the countries. Why not choose the convicts of murders and rapes serving capital punishment for the trials? Even if they die during the trials, it would hardly be a loss to the society and if they survive, their lives would be of some worth for the society after-all. What do you think? Should prisoners be forced to undergo the trial? Examine and Substantiate your choice.10 Marks

Mr. X worked in the human resources department that was interviewing applicants for a top job in a widget company. After reading many applications, one stood out way ahead of the others. Then he realized that he knew the applicant, Mr. Y. They had hung out together when they were teenagers. Mr. Y had been a wild kid and once was arrested for shoplifting and the possession of drugs. Mr. Y had completed mandatory counseling and, as far as Mr. X knew, Mr. Y had straightened out his life and had done well during the last twenty years. Mr. Y hadn’t indicated in his application that he had once been arrested and Mr. X feared that the company would never hire someone with a police record, no matter how minor or how long ago the offence was. Do you favor Mr. X revealing the information?10 Marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction you can explain briefly the demand of the case study. In the body identify the ethical questions involved in the case study first. Explain what are the possible approaches that are available to resolve the situation. Explain that global ethics and professional standards demand one to always act with integrity.… Continue reading Mr. X worked in the human resources department that was interviewing applicants for a top job in a widget company. After reading many applications, one stood out way ahead of the others. Then he realized that he knew the applicant, Mr. Y. They had hung out together when they were teenagers. Mr. Y had been a wild kid and once was arrested for shoplifting and the possession of drugs. Mr. Y had completed mandatory counseling and, as far as Mr. X knew, Mr. Y had straightened out his life and had done well during the last twenty years. Mr. Y hadn’t indicated in his application that he had once been arrested and Mr. X feared that the company would never hire someone with a police record, no matter how minor or how long ago the offence was. Do you favor Mr. X revealing the information?10 Marks

Against the changing geopolitical and security scenarios, there is a growing demand for decoupling of the Indian economy from China and reducing the dependence. What could be the challenges in doing so? Suggest the measures to achieve this goal.10 Marks

Mentor’s comment- In the intro, you can mention the backdrop of souring relations between the two countries and the disruption faced by the world in pandemic due to China’s dominance in the supply chains. In the body, you can mention the types of product that India imports form China and what difficulty India could face… Continue reading Against the changing geopolitical and security scenarios, there is a growing demand for decoupling of the Indian economy from China and reducing the dependence. What could be the challenges in doing so? Suggest the measures to achieve this goal.10 Marks

Structure of the UN built according to the conditions of 1945, fails to reflect the world as it is now. In light of this, examine the issues the UN and its agencies faces and why there is an urgent need for reform.10 Marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.economist.com/special-report/2020/06/20/the-uns-structures-built-in-1945-are-not-fit-for-2020-let-alone-beyond-it In the intro, you can mention the context of WW2 in which the UN came into being.  In the body, mention the issues such as overlap in functions of its various agencies, budget constraints, working in silos, inadequate representation in the security council etc. Need for reforms can be underscored by the… Continue reading Structure of the UN built according to the conditions of 1945, fails to reflect the world as it is now. In light of this, examine the issues the UN and its agencies faces and why there is an urgent need for reform.10 Marks

Are families a Universal social institution in India? Analyse.10 Marks

Mentor’s comment In the introduction  briefly explain how the family is recognized as an element of a broader kinship network that links ancestors and descendants of a person. In the body you can explain that it is the most permanent and most persistent of all social institutions which exerts constant influence in life of the members… Continue reading Are families a Universal social institution in India? Analyse.10 Marks

Discuss transparency and accountability as critical aspects in managing public health and pandemics. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction briefly explain that effective management of public health emergencies demands open and transparent public communication. In the body define transparency and accountability first. Explain why they become important in public health management systems and disease outbreaks. You can present the case of COVID-19 or severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) crisis… Continue reading Discuss transparency and accountability as critical aspects in managing public health and pandemics. 10 marks

There has been a growing demand for pooling of patents of the cure for Covid-19 at the global level. What could be the advantages of such a move? Also explain why such a move has been opposed by some.10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the introduction, you can mention the urgency of vaccine or medicine for Covid-19. In the body, you can highlight the various advantages of pooling of the patients. First and foremost would be the sharing of knowledge could accelerate the search for a cure. The could be the cost. You can also highlight… Continue reading There has been a growing demand for pooling of patents of the cure for Covid-19 at the global level. What could be the advantages of such a move? Also explain why such a move has been opposed by some.10 marks

Covid pandemic has highlighted a lot of structural issues in governance. Highlight them and suggest some solutions which can be adopted at various levels of governance.10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In the intro, you can mention that pandemic and disruption experienced in its wake has posed an unprecedented challenge to the governance. In the body, you can highlight the issues related to various aspect of the governance such as health, economic, law and order which has been facing challenges. Then you can mention… Continue reading Covid pandemic has highlighted a lot of structural issues in governance. Highlight them and suggest some solutions which can be adopted at various levels of governance.10 marks

Discuss the importance of scientific temper, what kind of public culture is needed to advance it? 10 Marks

Mentor’s comment- In introduction  define what you understand by scientific temper. In the body  first explain the role of science in life. You can answer such questions with suitable examples; from the article presented the best example is that of COVID-19. Explain that an unexpected outcome of COVID-19 is the growing awareness of how disease… Continue reading Discuss the importance of scientific temper, what kind of public culture is needed to advance it? 10 Marks

There was a mention of reforms related to agri-sector in the recently announced stimulus package. Examine the issues with segments of agri-sector which necessitated these reforms.10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/unpacking-the-reform-agriculture-trade-ordinances-farmers-6463963/ In the intro, mention the three areas with which these reforms will deal- ECA, Contract farming and APMC Act. In the body, mention the issues with each of these three- such as ECA does harm to farmers by placing restriction on stock traders can hold, in case of contract farming lack of… Continue reading There was a mention of reforms related to agri-sector in the recently announced stimulus package. Examine the issues with segments of agri-sector which necessitated these reforms.10 marks

The education system like other sectors has been disrupted due to the Covid pandemic. And this has resulted in a push for shifting learning in the classroom to online. Examine the challenges and opportunities involved in the adoption of online mode of education. 10 Marks

Mentor’s comment- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-lockdown-coronavirus-online-classes-e-learning-virtual-schools-6463946/ https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/coronavirus-pandemic-online-education-technology-6345621/ https://www.thehindu.com/education/traditional-vs-virtual/article31602383.ece  In the intro, you can mention how disruption due to pandemic has forced us to look for alternative and online learning could be one such alternative. In the body, first, mention the benefits of online mode-less investment on infrastructure,low cost, access to learning mechanism across the world, a large number… Continue reading The education system like other sectors has been disrupted due to the Covid pandemic. And this has resulted in a push for shifting learning in the classroom to online. Examine the challenges and opportunities involved in the adoption of online mode of education. 10 Marks

Land reforms remain an unfinished agenda even after 70 years of independence. Critically comment. 10 Marks

Mentor’s comment- In introduction,you have to  briefly highlight about the land reforms that have taken place in India post-independence.  In the body  discuss how land reforms were carried out post-independence and their results. Discuss the fact that only some state implemented it properly while the other sought to preserve the status quo. Discuss why land… Continue reading Land reforms remain an unfinished agenda even after 70 years of independence. Critically comment. 10 Marks

Discuss the possible role that behavioural economics can play in the fight against Covid-19. 10 Marks

Mentor’s comment- In introduction you have to briefly define what behavioral economics is. In the body explain the following aspects in detail –  What is Behavioural Economics? How Behavioural Economics can be applied in the Indian context in the resolving the issues posed by the covid-19 pandemic?  Also explain the perceived costs – monetary, time… Continue reading Discuss the possible role that behavioural economics can play in the fight against Covid-19. 10 Marks

With the economy in the tailspin amid pandemic, the news of India’s Forex reserves touching the $500 billion mark for the first time provided the semblance of solace. Examine the factors that could explain this increase.10 Marks

Mentor’s comment- https://finshots.in/archive/india-foreign-exchange-reserves/ In the intro, mention the importance of adequate Forex for a country. In the body, you can cite factors like declining oil import, foreign investment, change in the RBI’s stance etc. Conclude by mentioning India’s journey from 1991 to now in terms of Forex reserve.

Disaster Management Act-2005 has been invoked by the government to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic, but the provisions of the Acts suggests that it is not well suited to deal with the circumstances created by the pandemic.” Comment. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/law-to-deal-with-pandemics/ https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2020/04/26/covid-19-and-the-ambit-of-the-disaster-management-act.html In the intro, you can mention the lockdown situation and why various legal provisions needed to be invoked. In the body, you can mention the Report of the Task Force to review the DM Act 2013 which pointed to the lack of preparedness, problems in the ground-level implementation of instructions, lack… Continue reading Disaster Management Act-2005 has been invoked by the government to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic, but the provisions of the Acts suggests that it is not well suited to deal with the circumstances created by the pandemic.” Comment. 10 marks

Who was Rani Gaidinliu? Present a brief account of Zeliangrong movement. 10 marks

Mentor’s comment- In introduction,you have to briefly present facts about Rani Gaidinliu. In the body the answer must discuss the significance of the contributions of Rani Gaidinliu and Zeliangrong movement with its features.  You have to conclude by reasserting the significance of such leaders in the history of Indian freedom struggle.

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