In this blog we share sample topics and practice topics to prepare for the WAT and interviews 2023:
Sample:
Should Cricketers be banned from endorsing products as it diverts their attention from the game and they paid heavily by BCCI?
Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the world, and many cricketers have built successful careers both on and off the field. However, the question of whether cricketers should be banned from endorsing products has become a topic of debate in recent years. The main argument against cricketers endorsing products is that it diverts their attention from the game and they are paid heavily by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
On one hand, the argument that endorsing products diverts a cricketer's attention from the game is a valid one. Being a professional athlete requires a great deal of focus and dedication, and any distractions can have a negative impact on performance. Additionally, cricketers are already paid heavily by the BCCI, so some may argue that they do not need to earn additional income from endorsements.
On the other hand, there are also valid reasons for allowing cricketers to endorse products. For one, endorsing products can help to increase the visibility and popularity of the sport, which can ultimately benefit the BCCI and the cricket community as a whole. Additionally, many cricketers come from humble backgrounds and may not have the same financial security as other professional athletes. Allowing them to earn additional income through endorsements can help to provide for their families and secure their financial futures.
Furthermore, many cricketers are role models for young people around the world, and endorsing products can help to promote positive values and healthy lifestyles. Additionally, it can help to increase the positive image of the cricketers and help them to become more relatable to the public.
Overall, while there are valid reasons for banning cricketers from endorsing products, it is important to consider the potential benefits as well. Ultimately, the decision should be based on a careful examination of the pros and cons, with the goal of promoting the best interests of the sport and the cricketers themselves.
In conclusion, it is not necessary to ban cricketers from endorsing products. Instead, the BCCI should consider implementing guidelines that ensure that cricketers are not overburdened with too many endorsements, and that the endorsements do not interfere with their performance on the field. It is possible to strike a balance between allowing cricketers to earn additional income through endorsements, while also protecting their focus on the game and their performance.
Management Consultants with zero experience are paid heavily to consult with senior managers with a lot of experience, is this justified?
The use of management consultants has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many organizations turning to these experts for guidance and advice on a wide range of business issues. However, the question of whether management consultants with zero experience are justified in being paid heavily to consult with senior managers with a lot of experience is a topic of debate. On one hand, it can be argued that management consultants with no experience are not justified in being paid heavily for their services. These consultants may not have the same level of knowledge and expertise as senior managers, who have years of experience in their respective industries. Additionally, senior managers may already have the skills and experience needed to solve business problems and make strategic decisions, so the services of a consultant may not be necessary. On the other hand, there are also valid reasons for hiring management consultants with no experience. For one, consultants can bring fresh perspectives and new ideas to an organization, which can be valuable in today's fast-paced business environment. Additionally, consultants can provide valuable expertise in specific areas, such as marketing or operations, which may not be present within the organization. Furthermore, they can provide an objective, unbiased view of the company's internal processes and operations which can be helpful to the senior managers. Moreover, the consulting industry has evolved over the years. Today, many consulting firms hire entry-level consultants and invest in them for the long-term. They invest in their training, development, and mentorship. By the time these entry-level consultants are working with senior managers, they would have gained substantial experience and knowledge. In conclusion, whether management consultants with zero experience are justified in being paid heavily to consult with senior managers with a lot of experience is a complex issue. It is important to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of hiring consultants with no experience. Ultimately, the decision should be based on a careful examination of the specific needs of the organization and the expertise required to address those needs. It is important for the company to weigh the cost-benefit ratio and decide what is best for the organization, whether that is hiring an experienced consultant or not.
WAT and Extempore topics for IIM Executive MBA Interviews:
Latest Additions:
India's G 20 Presidency and Food Security the way forward ?
Is Buying cheap oil from Russia a moral thing to do ?
The Cold Peace between India and Pakistan Is there to stay ?
How can India end Child Marriage ?
Corporate Job cuts reasons and remedies
Government giving money to Bangalore flood victims, is it justified ?
Hindi should be made compulsory language of instruction in all IITs, IIMs, KVs and for conducting Govt Exams etc ?
Government should provide compensation to farmers for not burning stubbles ?
Does India Need a Population Policy ?
Global Hunger Index is Out, India is at No 107 (Serious). What should be done ?
Is Government justified in giving donations to Durga puja pandals ?
Social
One nation one ration card is the best way to go. Yes or no?
Is Social Media Asocializing us ?
IS CSR real or another way of advertisement ?
Is gender equality a distant dream ?
Are Joint families a thing of the past ?
Do problems related to cast, religion and gender still exist ?
Science and Technology
Data theft by Mobile apps
Will EVs really make a big difference w.r.t climate Change ?
Economy
Eventually everything will incur GST.
Will Bank consolidation improve productivity and reduce NPA ?
Will Bharat ever be Aatma-Nirbhar ?
Recession in the US and Australia will affect India ?
Ecology and Climate
Will India achieve 0 emission by 2070 ?
Or will India Increase its non fossil energy share to 50% by 2030 ?
Climate change strategy Implimentation - are we ready ?
Abstract
Work From Home - for or against?
Online Education Boon or Bane ?
Global
Is Russia Justified in attacking Ukrain ?
If China attacks Tiwan, Will US-UK Intervene ?
I2U2 Summit
Sports
Will Hockey come at par with cricket in the next 5 years ?
What do the Olympics and CWG medals tally tell us ?
Is Renumeration Parity between men and women necessary ?
1. Sample topic for WAT Preparation 2022
Do the recent heat waves globally signal that climate change is happening faster than expected?
As a general rule, the answer is not yes. Although climate models have improved greatly since the 1970s, the growth in greenhouse gas levels and average world temperatures has remained within the margin of error of predictions.
Many are perplexed by the lightning-fast transition from theoretical risk to an era of collapsing temperature records, megadroughts, and ubiquitous fires. Is the pace of climate change outpacing predictions.
Even though they aren't designed to predict localised temperature extremes, the computer models used to simulate the Earth's response to increasing atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations aren't too far off the mark. Yet the recent accumulation of extremely hot heat waves has led some scientists to question whether models are underestimating the frequency and intensity of such events, whether some factors are playing more significant roles than represented in certain models, and what this may mean for our future climate conditions in the coming decades.
2. Sample topic for WAT Preparation 2022
No coal-power plant in India by 2050 is possible, only if it can put its renewables plan in place. Do you agree?
Especially in the coal-based power sector, the country is experiencing a glut in power-generation capacity due to underutilised or idle units. The government has set an ambitious goal for renewable energy, and foreign investors are willing to finance only green projects. Does this mean that no further coal-based generation capacity will be added?
Electricity producers privately think the government should issue a guideline prohibiting the construction of new coal-based capacity, similar to the one issued for gas plants. Companies have told the government that they won't start developing new coal plants until thermal power plant capacity utilisation reaches 70%.
Up until recently (within the last decade or so), a power and energy minister's performance was gauged by the amount of capacity created (mostly through the use of coal). India’s fixation with electricity-generation capacity was recognised as a big commercial opportunity for businesses who established beeline to construct up projects. As a result, the country presently has an oversupply in terms of electricity-generation installed capacity with projects either being underutilised or kept inactive.
3. Sample topic for WAT Preparation 2022
Do we need more of breakthrough climate technologies in the next decade ?
Clean technology like silicon solar panels and lithium-ion batteries required decades to build up to the point where they might considerably reduce world emissions. If we want to keep global warming within 1.5 degrees Celsius over preindustrial levels, we will need to speed up those deadlines significantly. Many technologies now in development either haven't been adequately evaluated at scale or are too expensive to bring to market.
This shift will be fueled by the adoption of clean energy technology in the electric power, transportation, industrial, and construction sectors, which account for three-quarters of global greenhouse-gas emissions due to the use of fossil fuels. Technology to reduce agricultural and deforestation emissions, as well as methods to capture and store atmospheric carbon dioxide, will also be required. However, most of these solutions come with what Bill Gates calls a hefty "green premium," or the price difference between a clean choice and a carbon-intensive one. So, the adoption of renewable energy technology is not always cost-neutral.
4. Sample topic for WAT Preparation 2022
Can we justify delay in coal plant closures in blow to climate action?
Indicative points that can be covered:
A move to delay coal plant closures would keep fossil fuel capacity higher for years but would potentially stall efforts to hit climate goals.
Plans were drawn up in 2020 that proposed shuttering about 25 gigawatts by the end of the decade.
Nation grapples with surging electricity demand and a global energy shortage. Why not, therefore, to consider a proposal to shutter less than 5 gigawatts of existing capacity by the end of the decade.
India currently has about 204 gigawatts of coal power capacity and the plans under discussion would see that total expand to more than 250 gigawatts over the next decade.
Every investment in new coal infrastructure will load the power system with redundant capacities and hinder investments in clean power projects.
5. Sample topic for WAT Preparation 2022
How could an ageing workforce become India Inc's failing prospects?
Indicative points that can be covered:
Youngsters are delaying joining the labour market because of inadequacy of available jobs and they prefer opting for higher studies.
This is also indicated in the estimated representation of India’s workforce, by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy, tabled below.
Year Age group 40-50yrs Age group 15-20yrs Share of Graduates/Post Graduates
2016-17 42% 17% 12.9%
2021-22 57% 13% 12.2%
3. More than half of the workforce comprises of middle-aged group during the stalemated period of the Pandemic.
4. India needs to leap forward to the growth rates, which it aspires. But an ageing working population cannot, perhaps, reap the demographic dividends it was supposed to deliver.
5. Chances of reaping a demographic dividend further fades away, as the composition of the labour force and of the employed population is getting increasingly older and less educated.
More Practice WAT Topics 2022:
PM Modi announced that India had been successful in blending 10% sugarcane extracted ethanol in petrol. What does this mean for the mission of India to be Atmanirbhar in the Energy sector?
Is GDP a poor indicator of human well being?
Establishing ecological sustainability while securing livelihood for a billion people. How realisable is this target for India?
Climate is a reality now. What are some considerations that India needs to factor in to address it for future development?
Investing in "Research" in industry, science & technology, academia and human resource is imperative for India to become self reliant. Comment.
Steps you would recommend for India to reverse the economic slowdown.
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Practice Topic for WAT Executive MBA from IIM 2021-22
How can the Target Olympic Podium Scheme be implemented efficiently in India?
Launched in September 2014, TOPS is an initiative by the Government of India to boost the focus towards winning medals in the Olympics by Indian players.
Under the TOPS top sportspersons are identified by a TOPS Elite Athletes’ Identification Committee and a Mission Olympic Cell. They are provided access to training by world- class coaches and facilities, equipment, sports psychologists, mental trainers and physiotherapists.
A monthly incentive of ₹50,000 is provided to sportspersons under the categories like table tennis, tennis, weightlifting, wrestling, hockey, archery, athletics, badminton, boxing, shooting and para-sports.
Indian sports suffered from many problems like all sports except cricket, have been neglected and lack proper training facilities for the players. To top it sportspersons lacked facilities for sponsorship.
However, there are still some problems - some players like Ms. Aditi Ashoka realised that she qualified for the Olympic Games only 60 days before the scheduled date and could never avail the benefits of the scheme.
Apart from more autonomy to the decision makers at TOPS, it has been suggest that there could be newer games and disciplines which could be added to the list from a medal winning perspective. India spends 0.01 % of its GDP on sports. Can it be increased? TOPS is doing good work, but can it be extended to identifying sports talent in the nascent stage.
Practice Topic for WAT Executive MBA from IIM 2021-22
Use of coal and biomass must be stopped to control air pollution. Agree or disagree?
Highest air pollution in India happens because of burning of coal and lignite (1045 million tonnes yer year - 2019-20) followed by biomass like LPG, wood for cooking (500 million tonnes yer year 2019-20). These by far have the highest polluting potential.
Next, petroleum product contributed 240 million tonnes per year in 2019-20 followed by agricultural residues amounting to 100 million tonnes per year (2019-20).
The air quality of different cities is deteriorating with every passing day. PM 2.5 levels (particulate matter) has increased three fold over the last decade especially in cities like Delhi.
Therefore, to reduce air pollution the use of coal, biomass, landfills has to be reduced not only petroleum products.
Power production should be shifted to renewable resources. Stopping the use of coal and biomass is not easy. Millions of households have to eliminate use of biomass as cooking fuel.
Energy and land management practices and policies should be changed. Industries should be urged to shift from the use of coal. Farmers in India must stop burning of stubble to clear land. Most of the action plans address only 15% of the problem and they do not address 85% of the problem which is caused by coal, biomass and landfills. This can be achieved in only in phases in a graded manner.
Practice Topic for WAT Executive MBA from IIM 2021-22
Can India become self reliant in the defence manufacturing space?
Munition India Limited
Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited
Advanced Weapons and Equipments India Limited
Troop Comforts Limited
Yantra India Limited
India Optel Limited
Gliders India Limited, will function from 1st October 2021.
The Government of India has decided to convert the Ordnance Factory Board into the above mentioned seven new identities, each responsible for a special faction of the defence manufacturing space.
These will tackle the problems in India like overpriced purchase ( Ashoka Leyland trucks being purchased from Jabalpur Vehicle factory at a substantially higher price with no substantial additions), under quality purchase, long waiting periods for delivery, outdated technology.
Leadership of these companies is the key to success to optimally utilise the available resources at hand and find locally available solutions.
In addition to the Ordnance factory has its own set of problems - inefficient supply chains, lack of motivation to compete, lack of specialisation and too many products under a single wing.
In the US the defence manufacturing has grown by consolidation, similarly India would have to create a demand forecast to analyse the products and the requirements and get International partners on board. Given these are put in place substantial improvements can happen in this sector in India too.
Some more questions for WAT for Executive MBA from IIM 2021-22 interviews
There would be many challenges if COVID persists. Should digital learning and e-learning continue going forward? What would be the challenges faced if it continues.
Vaccination generally takes 10+ years to be developed. How was it developed in hardly six months during COVID?
Should college rankings be stopped? Do you agree or disagree?
When startups go for seed funding they lose a lot of control. Should they instead opt for bootstrapping?
Does India need bullet trains?
How can India utilise the current shift in the global supply chain to attract global investors?
How to do nothing?
The best tool for a good conversation is silence. Do you agree?
Is the Electric vehicle transition sustainable for India economically and environmentally?
So close, yet so far - Chandrayaan 2 has failed in it's objective but not as a mission. Comment?