The traditional cultural and spiritual values, which have been the mainstay of our civilization, seem to be losing their grip over society and politics due to Corruption. The corruption is prevalent in all the field of governance whether executive, legislature, judiciary, civil society, etc. each is supporting other to compromise national interest by providing service… Continue reading The corrupt have many masters. The honest serve none”. In the light of the above statement discuss the reasons for decrement of ethics in public service. (200 words)

Mentors Comments: 1. Present the recent case of tensions in the Middle East and the reasons behind it 2. What are the causes of continuing tensions in the region 3. How does that impact India – economy, people, strategic, etc., 4. What could India do, to contain the impact Answer: West Asia is currently in… Continue reading If West Asia burns, India faces heat. Discuss in the background of continuing tensions in the Middle East and the challenges it poses for India. (200 Words)

Mentors Comments: 1. Present the numbers on disinvestment targets and achievements 2. Discuss how it is useful for the economy – revenue, efficiency, etc., 3. Present the challenges in making an effective disinvestment policy – selling at lower prices, etc. Answer: Disinvestment, or divestment, refers to the act of a business or government selling or… Continue reading Why do governments resort to selling off the family silver, to raise revenues? Critically examine the relevance of disinvestment. (200 Words)

When the country attained independence, we had a set of political leaders who had sacrificed everything they had for the Nation. They were all of impeccable status and had unquestionable credentials. However down the years, gradually but firmly greed for money and wealth put loyalty to the country and its people into oblivion. This has… Continue reading Our politicians profess to live for the people, and swear by them in every speech. But there is no other section of humanity, which so flagrantly robs the people and works against their interests. Substantiate with examples. (200 words)

Affirmative action policies have been a matter of intense debate. India has one of the largest programs for affirmative action in the form of reservations across educational institutions and government jobs for its socially disadvantaged groups – the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) and the Other Backward Classes (OBC). Further, it has various… Continue reading Affirmative action policies are objectionable because they come at the expense of recognition of merit.’ Discuss.( 200 Words)

Mentors Comment: Issue of GM crop is quite old and have been in the current affairs domain since last couple of years because of the various stands taken by governments and litigation in SC.  Discuss GM crops, its features and its present scope in India in the intro. Then discuss the concerns that are raised… Continue reading A wealth of research shows that GM crops make for good science and good economics and India needs to embrace both? Discuss. (200 Words)

Mentors Comments: 1. Discuss the objective behind introducing the legislation. 2. What are its provisions – also slightly touch their need 3. Discuss various challenges it poses – punishments, the autonomy of states, etc., 4. Give way ahead – both on road safety and the provisions of the act https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/at-a-rossroads/article28801088.ece  The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill,… Continue reading What are the provisions of the recently passed Motor Vehicles Act? What are the issues surrounding it? (200 Words)

Mentors Comments: 1. Define Fertility Rate and give the number for India 2. Briefly highlight its significance in population growth 3. Discuss the challenges facing India – literacy, regional variations, health, etc., 4. Touch briefly on solutions to address the issue https://www.livemint.com/opinion/columns/opinion-the-country-s-population-can-be-an-asset-it-is-not-a-liability-1568313646428.html  Answer: The total fertility rate (TFR) in simple terms refers to the total… Continue reading What is Total Fertility Rate? Why is the number significant? What challenges does India face in achieving the Replacement Rate of fertility? (200 Words)