1. India, Democracy, Development
  2. Diplomacy, Globalization
  3. Religion, Society, Culture
  4. Education and research
  5. GS4: Ethics Paper

Write essay on following topics in 1500 words each.

India, Democracy, Development

  1. Importance of constructive criticism in a democracy. (Modi says criticism prevents democracy from wandering on a wrong path but that the same time baseless allegations weaken democracy.)
  2. All human rights revolve around three fundamental areas — dignity, freedom and equality
  3. Is Neo-leftist mindset an obstacle to development? [102nd Science congress says Neo-leftists are hurting scientific development- because of their constant opposition to GM-crops, nuclear power, privatization for efficiency etc.]
  4. The widening wealth gap and wasteful consumption. (This is one of the 3 themes at Parliament of World religions-2015 summit.)

Diplomacy, Globalization

  1. India with its non-imperialist and secular past- has lot of lessons for world peace and happiness. (RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat)
  2. India and China- the Epicentres of Asian geopolitics (Ramchandra Guha).
  3. Climate change: the tragedy of Commons.
  4. Can ever India catch up with China? (This Column)
  5. The inextricable linkage between Peace and Gender equality.

Religion, Society, Culture

  1. Has religion itself become a modern form of enslavement? [Context: Amir’s movie PK.]
  2. Fusion of science and spirituality in a world divided between Chauvinists and rationalists. [Context: Indians knew how to fly planes 7000 years ago.]
  3. Goodwill, Tolerance and Brotherhood: the three pillars of a Pluralist society.
  4. Terrorism is the corruption of society as a whole
  5. Has social media commodified our privacy and gamified our social-bonds? (This column)

Education and research

  1. Innovation has to be interdisciplinary in content and universal in application (Kerala Governor Sathasivam.)
  2. Market-oriented professional education or Academic liberal education? (Hamid Ansari says need fine balance between both)
  3. The problems of access, equity and quality in Indian education system. (Hamid Ansari)
  4. Reinventing India as an innovation nation (Lecture topic of Dr.R.A.Mashelkar)
  5. A home without books is like tree without birds. (yes, “if words are sharper than swords” can be asked in Mains-2014 then any clichĆ©d quote can be asked.)

GS4: Ethics Paper

Comment / elaborate / discuss following statements:

  1. “Planning is a continuous movement towards desired goals.” (Nehru)
  2. A leader is only as good as his team. Elaborate with a historic example.
  3. Examine the need and suggest remedies for “Spiritual and moral renewal” in public service. [Pope says it is must because even Church officials are misusing public funds meant for poor].
  4. Throw away morality and justice, and people will do the right thing, Throw away industry and profit, and there won’t be any thieves. (Tao Te Ching)
  5. Self- the source of power, knowledge and happiness.

Want to participate?

Two ways to share your essay points
Shortcut Longcut
Post comment below containing topic and keypoints of your essay. draft essay in MS word, upload It on Google drive. (or write on paper, scan and upload as pdf on google drive) Then comment below this article with two things:

  1. title and key-points of your essay
  2. URL link to your google doc

For earlier lists, visit Mrunal.org/essays.