Mains Marathon 2024

Day 53: Full Length Test 5 (GS Paper 4)

Q1.(a). Ethics is about how we meet the challenge of doing the right thing when that will cost more than we want to pay. Comment. (150 words)

(b). Critically evaluate the belief that values are either evolving or eternal. How can societies successfully balance traditional values with evolving ones? (150 words)

Q2.(a). Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference, especially in public service where the impact on society is profound. Discuss. (150 words)

(b). Ethics and politics are inseparable; politics without ethics is a disaster waiting to happen. Elucidate.(150 words)

Q3.(a). Impartiality and non-partisanship are not merely ideals but essential practices that preserve the integrity and effectiveness of civil service. Illustrate. (150 words)

(b). How can families effectively address and prevent sexual violence through early education and communication with their children? (150 words)

Q4.(a). Evaluate the role of Emotional Intelligence(EI) in crisis management and emergency response within government agencies. How can EI contribute to more effective and empathetic handling of crises? (150 words)

(b). Explain how conscience functions as a source of ethical guidance in decision-making. Illustrate with examples how personal values influenced by conscience can impact professional conduct.(150 words)

Q5.What do each quotation convey to you in the present context :

Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.- Dalai Lama (150 words)

The price of greatness is responsibility- Winston Churchill (150 words)

The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity-Dwight D. Eisenhower (150 words)

Q6.(a) Analyze the impact of corruption on the effective deployment of public funds. How can transparency and accountability be strengthened to combat corruption? (150 words)

(b) Assess the ethical issues related to refugee and asylum seeker policies. How should countries ethically address the responsibilities and rights of individuals fleeing conflict or persecution? (150 words)

Q7. An IAS Officer assumed the role of an Election Commission observer for the State Assembly elections, gained attention when he shared a photo of himself standing in front of an official government vehicle on Instagram.

However, the Election Commission expressed its strong concern regarding the officer's Instagram post and promptly removed him from his role as a General Observer. He had also been barred from any election-related responsibilities until further notice.

The officer received an immediate directive to depart from the constituency. Additionally, all government-provided facilities within the State, including the car featured in his social media posts, were withdrawn.

Nonetheless, the officer maintained that there was nothing inappropriate about the post and offered an explanation for the motivations behind it. He stated, "A public servant, using a vehicle funded by the public, while on official duty with other public officials, and sharing photos with the public was not meant for publicity or self-promotion."

In the given scenario :

A.Does the act of sharing personal achievements related to official duties on social media potentially breach the Code of Ethics for Civil Services?

B.What ethical issues might arise from such behavior ?

C.What measures can be taken to prevent the overlap of personal branding and professional responsibilities? (250 words)

Q8.A recent incident occurred at a Metro Rail station where a farmer was initially refused entry due to his attire being considered "inappropriate" by security personnel. Despite having a valid ticket, the farmer, who was wearing a white shirt and carrying clothes on his head, was stopped at the security checkpoint.

His access was granted only after a fellow passenger intervened, highlighting that the farmer did not pose a security threat and was not breaching any Metro Rail regulations. Following the incident, the security supervisor was dismissed, and Metro Rail management apologized for the inconvenience, emphasizing their commitment to inclusivity in their services.

In the given scenario :

A. Identify the ethical issues involved in the incident.

B. How would you handle this incident to ensure fair treatment ?

C. What key elements would you include in a revised policy to promote inclusivity in public transportation? (250 words)

Q9. In a recent incident at Delhi's Thyagraj Stadium, athletes and coaches have faced notable interruptions in their training schedules due to claims of a conflict of interest involving civil service officers in Delhi. The athletes allege that these officials have been using the stadium for personal activities, notably walking their dogs, which has led to the athletes being forced to wrap up their training sessions prematurely.

Nevertheless, the officers asserted that they have never requested any athlete to vacate the stadium, which rightfully belongs to them. Whenever they make visits, they ensure it is after the scheduled closure time. They are careful not to leave their pet on the track and instead permit the pet to roam on the sidetrack, always mindful not to disrupt any athlete's practice session.

But, the parents of a trainee athlete described the situation as “unacceptable’’ and found it as a gross misuse of power. After these complaints, the government took swift action against the accused officers and transferred them outside of Delhi.

In the given scenario :

A. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.

B. What actions could be taken to address conflicts of interest and ensure the fair use of public facilities like sports stadiums for their intended purposes? (250 words)

Q10. The CEO of NextTech, a leading technology company, has developed a revolutionary facial recognition system that promises to enhance security and efficiency in public spaces, airports, and government buildings. Several international clients, including law enforcement agencies, have shown interest in acquiring the technology.

However, there are concerns about potential misuse of the system for mass surveillance, privacy violations, and discrimination against certain communities.

In the given scenario :

A. What ethical issues should be considered before selling facial recognition technology abroad?

B. What safeguards are needed to ensure responsible use of the technology? (250 words)

Q11. In a recent local government scandal, a city councilor has been accused of accepting payments in exchange for voting in favor of certain development projects. The allegations involve the councilor receiving monetary bribes and gifts from private developers in return for supporting their projects during council meetings.

An internal ethics committee of the city council conducted an investigation into these allegations. The committee found the councilor guilty of "corruption and breach of public trust." The investigation revealed that the councilor had accepted substantial financial contributions from developers and had used their influence to secure favorable outcomes for these projects. The committee recommended disciplinary actions, including suspension from the council.

However, the councilor has contested the findings, arguing that the investigation was biased and that the committee lacked the authority to impose suspension. The councilor also claimed that they were not given a fair opportunity to present their side of the story during the inquiry.

In the given scenario :

A. Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.

B. What measures should prevent and address corruption among public officials?

C. What steps can restore public trust and ensure fair decision-making in local government? (250 words)

Q12. A young civil engineer joins a reputable construction company that is working on a large government infrastructure project. Initially, she is excited about her job, as it offers her valuable experience and a good salary, which helps her support her family. However, after a few months, she discovers that the company is cutting corners by using substandard materials to save costs. This compromise in quality poses a serious safety risk to the project, which includes bridges and buildings that will be used by the public.

Disturbed by her findings, she brings up her concerns with her senior colleagues, who advise her to remain silent. They tell her that speaking out could lead to her dismissal and jeopardize the completion of the project, which would affect everyone involved. She is conflicted, as she does not want to lose her job and cannot afford to be unemployed due to her family’s financial dependency on her.

Despite her colleagues’ advice, her conscience troubles her, as she fears the potential disaster that could occur if the project fails due to poor-quality construction.

In the given scenario :

A. Why is it ethically wrong for her to stay silent about the safety risks?

B. How can she handle the dilemma of risking her job versus ensuring public safety ?

C. What actions should she take to address the issue responsibly?

Day 52: Full Length Test 4 (GS Paper 3)

Q1. The real issue with India’s economic growth is not just the pace but the nature.Comment.(150 words)

Q2. The undervaluation of care work in India is a missed opportunity for economic advancement.Elucidate.(150 words)

Q3. Reintroducing the Inheritance Tax in India could be an effective tool for wealth redistribution. Examine(150 words)

Q4. The existing cropping patterns in India are often driven by short-term gains rather than long-term sustainability. Elaborate. (150 words)

Q5. Examine the impact of Nano Urea on soil health and nutrient management in India. (150 words)

Q6. Assess the role of technology and innovation in improving food security in India. (150 words)

Q7. Analyze the existing frameworks for AI governance on a global scale and within India. (150 words)

Q8. Air pollution has become an "obvious environmental status" in India, often perceived as a manifestation of economic progress. Critically examine. (150 words)

Q9. Specify the factors contributing to disaster vulnerability in India. How does urbanization exacerbate flood risks in Indian cities? (150 words)

Q10. The interplay between organized crime and terrorism in India highlights the need for integrated strategies that address both criminal and extremist threats concurrently. Elaborate.(150 words)

Q11. Critically examine the challenges of achieving inclusive growth within a market economy. Do you think investment in infrastructure is crucial for fostering rapid inclusive growth in India? (250 words)

Q12. Assess the contribution of the food processing sector to improving agricultural output, minimizing food waste, and increasing agricultural exports in India. What role do government policies play in this sector's development? (250 words)

Q13. What are the primary challenges to the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India? Evaluate the effectiveness of the government’s reforms in streamlining food grain distribution. (250 words)

Q14. Discuss the role of inconsistent policies and inadequate infrastructure in limiting the success of the MSME sector. What measures can be taken to address these issues? (250 words)

Q15. Analyze the recent developments in the biotechnology sector in India. Identify the major risks involved and suggest appropriate solutions to enhance sector stability and growth. (250 words)

Q16. Evaluate the role of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) in shaping global intellectual property norms. How has it impacted access to essential medicines, technology transfer, and economic growth in low and middle-income countries? (250 words)

Q17. Examine the goals of the Great Nicobar Project and analyze its potential threats to the local biodiversity and ecosystems. What steps can be taken to minimize these environmental impacts?"

Q18. Fostering increased cooperation in global climate finance is not just a necessity, it is an imperative for addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change. Discuss (250 words)

Q19. How has the changing nature of Naxalism impacted rural development and internal security in India? Evaluate the effectiveness of recent counter-naxal strategies in these areas.(250 words)

Q20. What are the emerging threats to India's nuclear security? Propose measures to enhance the strength and security of India's nuclear program. (250 words)

Day 51: Full Length Test 3 (GS Paper 2)

Q1 .Discuss the concept of the Right to Be Forgotten and its legal status in India. (150 words)

Q2. The Basic Structure Doctrine shields the Constitution but limits the parliamentary process. Examine (150 words)

Q3. Discuss how the Indian Constitution's approach to judicial review compares with that of the United States Supreme Court. (150 words)

Q4. Evaluate the role of the Governor in ensuring the smooth functioning of federal governance in India. (150 words)

Q5. The Collegium system reflects a delicate balance between judicial independence and executive control. Comment.(150 words)

Q6. What are the reasons for the lack of administrative decentralization despite advances in political decentralization at the grassroots level? (150 words)

Q7. The Leader of the Opposition is not just a parliamentary figurehead but an integral part of the system of checks and balances. Elucidate.(150 words)

Q8.Critically evaluate the arguments for and against including Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule. (150 words)

Q9. Analyze the evolving dynamics of bilateral relations between India and Myanmar in light of India's decision to cancel the Free Movement Regime.(150 words)

Q10. How can India and Africa capitalize on their trade potential to foster mutual economic growth? Identify the main challenges and propose solutions to strengthen their trade ties.(150 words)

Q11. Discuss the justification for the judiciary’s role in issuing guidelines and directives in public interest cases. How does this practice reconcile with the principle of separation of powers as outlined in the Indian Constitution? (250 words)

Q12. Examine the legal provisions that govern the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)'s authority to operate within a state and the constraints imposed by states on this authority. How do these provisions affect the CBI’s investigative functions? (250 words)

Q13. Critically assess the role of lateral entry in enhancing administrative capacity within the Indian civil services. Suggest further reforms to enhance bureaucratic efficiency. (250 words)

Q14. Discuss the regulatory and policy changes introduced by the Telecommunications Act, 2023. What are the potential benefits and challenges posed by the new regulatory measures? (250 words)

Q15. Evaluate the methods used by pressure groups in India to influence public opinion and policy decisions. What are the key challenges they encounter in achieving their goals?(250 words)

Q16. Assess India's performance in the Global Gender Gap Index 2024. Identify the critical challenges and propose strategic measures to enhance gender parity in the country. (250 words)

Q17. Discuss the major challenges faced by persons with disabilities (PwDs) in India. What measures can be implemented to empower PwDs, particularly in light of the Supreme Court's guidelines to prevent discrimination in visual media?"(250 words)

Q18. Analyze the impact of the ongoing political crisis in Bangladesh on India-Bangladesh relations. How can India navigate the challenges to maintain stability and strengthen bilateral ties during this period of uncertainty? (250 words)

Q19. Assess how heavy militarization and ongoing conflicts in West Asia affect India’s interests. What strategies should India adopt to effectively navigate its relations in this volatile region?(250 words)

Q20. How does the G20 shape global economic governance and development? Discuss India's strengths and limitations within the forum in dealing with global issues.(250 words)

Day 50: Full Length Test 2 (GS Paper 1)

Q1. Discuss the impact of Vedic philosophical concepts on modern Indian thought and culture. (150 words)

Q2. Evaluate the significance of rock-cut architecture in understanding the spread and interaction of religious traditions in ancient India. (150 words)

Q3. Robert Clive laid the foundation of British India while Warren Hastings served as its administrative architect. Explain (150 words)

Q4. Analyze the role of the Vaikom Satyagraha in the social reform movement in India. (150 words)

Q5. Assess the relationship between the Indian Renaissance movement and the rise of Indian national consciousness. (150 words)

Q6. India’s intervention in the Bangladesh Liberation Movement was driven by a complex interplay of strategic interests, regional stability concerns, and humanitarian considerations. Elucidate. (150 words)

Q7. The migration patterns in India illustrate the country's economic disparities and developmental challenges. Elaborate. (150 words)

Q8. Evaluate the potential shifts in family dynamics and social norms that could arise from the legalization of same-sex marriage in India. (150 words)

Q9. What are intrusive forms? Provide a brief description of the different types of intrusive forms. (150 words)

Q10. How does the distribution of Fold Mountains globally relate to the patterns of seismic and volcanic activity? Discuss with examples. (150 words)

Q11. To what extent have the architectural and artistic traditions of the Indus Valley Civilization shaped contemporary infrastructure and cultural expressions? (250 words)

Q12. The famines in British India were not merely due to food scarcity but were closely linked to colonial economic and administrative policies. Critically examine. (250 words)

Q13. Examine the economic policies of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. How did Nehru's approach to economic reconstruction affect India’s economic trajectory? (250 words)

Q14. Discuss the factors that contributed to the decolonization process in Asia and Africa. How did historical colonial policies and practices influence the post-colonial development of former colonies? (250 words)

Q15. Analyze the issue of sexual exploitation of women within the Indian entertainment industry. How can rising cases of workplace harassment be effectively addressed and prevented?

Q16. Examine the need for and challenges associated with the Supreme Court's ruling that allows for the sub-classification of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for reservations. (250 words)

Q17. Evaluate the current state of mental health care in India. What changes are needed to effectively address the increasing demand for mental health services? (250 words)

Q18. Communalism is not an isolated phenomenon but part of a broader pattern of identity politics that capitalizes on historical grievances and current socio-political vulnerabilities.Elucidate.(250 words)

Q19. Evaluate the role of the Himalayan glacier melt in the changing hydrology of major Indian rivers. How does this phenomenon reflect the broader challenges posed by climate change in South Asia? (250 words)

Q20. Examine the synergy between globalization and technological development in India and its effects on resource efficiency and conservation efforts. (250 words)

Day 49: Full Length Test 1 (Essay)

Write two essays, choosing one topic from each of the following sections A and B, in about 1000-1200 words each :

Section A

1. Reason is the natural order of truth, but imagination is the organ of meaning.

2. Power corresponds to the human ability not just to act but to act in concert.

3. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

4. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.

Section B

1. An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.

2. Gender is not something we are born with, but something we learn.

3. The future will be green, or not at all.

4. If you want peace, prepare for war.