Mains Marathon

Day 25: To what extent has the increased visibility and active involvement of women in recent protests in India influenced the dynamics and outcomes of these movements? (150 words) 

Day 25: Critically analyze the rationale behind certain states’ demand for inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. (150 words) 

Day 24:

1. Critically analyze the necessity of a cautious approach towards  the internationalization of the rupee, taking into account the potential advantages and risks associated with such a move. (150 words)

2. How can ethical standards for social media use by civil servants be effectively ensured, and regulated? (150 words)

3. In light of the increasing prevalence of various forms of addiction among the youth, how crucial is empathy in facilitating their long-term recovery? (150 words)

4: Embracing a mindset of focusing on the process rather than the outcome can result in a sense of liberation from the burdens of success or failure. Elaborate. (150 words)

5. Discuss the potential and challenges of seawater rice cultivation in India. How can it contribute to enhancing food security and resilience in coastal areas? (150 words)

6. Critically examine the ethical challenges faced by public servants in upholding integrity and impartiality while dealing with diverse socio-cultural backgrounds and conflicting interests. (250 Words)

7. Risabh, a diligent journalist employed by a reputable media channel, witnesses his boss gaining significant popularity and high TRP ratings by addressing controversial topics in their prime-time show. Motivated by this success, Rishabh decides to create his own YouTube channel, where he emulates his boss's approach of selecting contentious issues filled with hatemongering. As a result, his channel experiences a rapid surge in followers and popularity, leading to substantial financial gains over the years.

One unfortunate day, a false news story about child abduction spread rapidly on social media. Sensing an opportunity, Rishabh decides to exploit this situation by creating a hate-filled video aimed at provoking sentiments within the majority community. Through his videos, he fosters an atmosphere of animosity towards the minority community, prompting illiterate youth to form mobs and attack minority boys. Tragically, this has led to two deaths and necessitates the imposition of a curfew in the affected area.

As the Superintendent of Police (SP) of the district, you are tasked with investigating this incident promptly and taking strict action against the culprits involved.

Consider the following statements:

1. Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.
2. How will you solve the given situation?
3. What should be the responsibility of social media /media in this case? (250 words)

8. Deepfakes have emerged as a major concern in the era of misinformation and fake news. Analyze the challenges posed by deepfakes in maintaining the integrity of visual media and suggest measures that can be implemented to combat their misuse. (250 words)

9. Recent incidents of communal violence have raised questions about social harmony and national integration. Discuss the role of law enforcement agencies and community engagement in preventing and managing communal tensions. (250 words)

10. Urban flooding has emerged as a significant environmental challenge in India, posing threats to lives, infrastructure, and the economy. Analyze the factors contributing to urban flooding and critically assess the measures taken by the government to address this issue. (250 words)

Day 23: You are a senior officer in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. You have been assigned the task of drafting a policy on organ donation and transplantation in India. You are aware that there is a huge gap between the demand and supply of organs in the country, and that many people die every year due to lack of organ donors. You also know that there are various ethical, legal and social issues involved in organ donation and transplantation, such as consent, coercion, exploitation, trafficking, commercialization, allocation, etc.

One day, you receive a call from your friend who works as a journalist. He tells you that he has come across a shocking case of organ trafficking in a private hospital in Delhi. He says that he has evidence that the hospital is involved in illegally procuring organs from poor and vulnerable people and selling them to rich and influential patients at exorbitant prices. He also says that he has found out that some of the doctors and staff members of the hospital are related to some politicians and bureaucrats who are your colleagues or seniors in the ministry.

He asks you to help him expose this racket and bring the culprits to justice. He says that he needs some confidential information from you regarding the policy on organ donation and transplantation that you are working on. He assures you that he will not reveal your identity or source, and that he will use the information only for public interest.

What will you do in this situation? Explain the ethical issues involved and justify your decision.

Day 23: You are a young and dynamic IPS officer posted as the Superintendent of Police in a district notorious for communal violence. You have been working hard to maintain law and order and prevent any communal flare-ups in your jurisdiction. You have also earned the respect and trust of the local people and the administration for your honesty, impartiality and efficiency.

One day, you receive a call from your senior, the Director General of Police (DGP), who is also your mentor and guide. He tells you that he has received a tip-off from a reliable source that a large consignment of illegal arms and explosives is being smuggled into your district by a notorious gangster who has links with some extremist groups. He says that the consignment is expected to reach a remote village in your district by nightfall, and that it is meant to be used for carrying out a series of bomb blasts in various places of worship during the upcoming festival season. He says that this is a very sensitive and urgent matter, and that you have to act swiftly and decisively to stop the consignment and arrest the gangster and his associates.

He also tells you that he has arranged for a special team of commandos from the state police headquarters to assist you in this operation. He says that the team will reach your district by evening, and that you have to coordinate with them and lead the operation. He says that he has full confidence in your abilities and judgment, and that he expects you to deliver results.

However, he also warns you that there is a catch. He says that the tip-off has come from a rival gangster who is an old enemy of the gangster involved in the arms smuggling. He says that the rival gangster has offered to provide more details about the location and movement of the consignment, but on one condition. He wants you to eliminate his enemy during the operation, and make it look like an encounter. He says that he will not cooperate otherwise, and that he has enough influence and contacts to sabotage the operation if his demand is not met.

He says that this is a golden opportunity to get rid of two birds with one stone, and that you should not let it go waste. He says that he understands the ethical dilemma you may face, but he urges you to be pragmatic and flexible in this situation. He says that sometimes, you have to compromise on some principles for the greater good of the society. He says that this is one such situation, where you have to choose between saving hundreds of innocent lives and following the rule of law.

He says that he will not force you to do anything against your will, but he expects you to do what is best for the nation. He says that he will support you in whatever decision you take, but he also reminds you of your duty and responsibility as an IPS officer. He asks you to think carefully and act wisely.

What will you do in this situation? Explain the ethical issues involved and justify your decision.

Day 22: In the 21st century, how far are the seven principles of public life suggested by Nolan Committee relevant? Analyse. (250 words).

Day 22: How would you differentiate between the laws, rules, regulations, and constitution? How do civil servants guide themselves in the arena of international ethics? (250 words).

Day 22: What is your understanding of good and ethical governance? What steps/processes would you like to suggest for resolving conflicts of interest in good governance? (150 words). 

Day 22: What do you understand by corporate governance? What is the role of ethical values in corporate governance? Explain. (250 Words)

Day 21: How does Sunderlal Bahuguna's statement, "Ecology is permanent economy," emphasize the critical interdependence between environmental sustainability and economic prosperity? (250 words)

Day 21: What are the key factors attributing to communal clashes in India, and how did Mahatma Gandhi's contributions play a significant role in addressing this issue? (150 Words) 

Day 21: What does the following quotation mean to you?

“Evil unchecked grows, evil tolerated poisons the whole system.” (150 words)

Day 21: What does following quotation mean to you?

“Freedom of mind is the real freedom.” - Dr B R Ambedkar (150 words)

Day 20: "Attitude is a product of one's upbringing and environment." Analyze the role of early childhood experiences and social surroundings in shaping an individual's Attitude towards life and work. (150 words)

Day 20: Discuss the role of Emotional Intelligence in effective leadership and decision-making. How can emotional intelligence be cultivated and nurtured in individuals? (150 words)