Essay Topics

1. Growth is not always upward; sometimes, it’s inward

2. What you resist, persists; what you embrace, transforms.

Case Study

You are the Superintendent of Police in a city that has been experiencing rising incidents of online harassment targeting women. A recent case has attracted significant public and media attention: a young woman has committed suicide after being repeatedly harassed and blackmailed online. An investigation revealed that the harassment was carried out by a group of influential individuals, including the son of a prominent politician.

When you initiate action against the accused, you receive immense political pressure to slow down or drop the investigation. A senior politician contacts you directly, reminding you of your career prospects and how this case could harm your professional growth if you refuse to cooperate.

At the same time, the victim's family is seeking justice, and activists have begun to protest in large numbers, demanding accountability. The media is closely watching the developments, and public sentiment is strongly in favor of justice. However, the pressure from influential circles is mounting, and you risk being transferred or sidelined if you pursue the investigation aggressively.

Questions:

1. What are the ethical dilemmas involved in this case?

2. As the Superintendent of Police, what course of action would you take, and why?

3. Discuss the importance of integrity and accountability in public service, using this case as a reference.

Q. Morality is doing what's right regardless of what you're told. Obedience is doing what is told regardless of what is right. - H. L. Mencken. What does this quotation convey to you in the current context? (150 words)

Q."Intergenerational equity demands fundamental reimagination of current economic and developmental paradigms." Discuss this statement from environmental ethics perspectives. (150 words)

Q. "India's wetlands continue to degrade despite being under legal protection. Examine the implementation challenges of wetland conservation in India and suggest innovative approaches for their protection. (250 words)

Q. "Despite having a strong IT services sector, India lags in developing deep-tech capabilities." Analyze the structural and institutional factors behind this gap and suggest measures to build a robust innovation ecosystem. (250 words)

Q. The evolving interpretations of Article 142's 'complete justice' mandate by the Supreme Court have redefined judicial boundaries. Discuss its implications on separation of powers. (150 words)

Q. The Right to Education Act has completed over a decade of implementation. Has it succeeded in achieving its core objective of social inclusion? Discuss. (250 words)

Q. "The commercialization of traditional art forms has both preserved and distorted India's cultural heritage." Discuss. (150 words)

Q. The British response to the Revolt of 1857 marked a fundamental shift not just in administration, but in the entire ideological framework of colonial rule in India. Comment (250 words)

Essay Topics

1. Morality is a constant negotiation between intent and action.

2. The human mind is both a cage and a key.

Case Study

A textile dyeing unit was set up seven years ago near a growing semi-urban area, approved by the state government to boost local employment and industrial growth. While it provided jobs to thousands and contributed to the local economy, the unit discharged untreated effluents into a nearby river, leading to severe water pollution. This has caused skin and respiratory diseases among residents, contaminated the groundwater, and damaged agricultural productivity in surrounding villages. Despite repeated complaints, no action was taken until the situation worsened, triggering widespread protests by farmers, environmental groups, and affected citizens. The protests have disrupted public order, forcing the government to consider shutting down the unit.

However, closing the factory would result in mass unemployment for workers and affect businesses dependent on the dyes it produces. Additionally, ancillary industries and transporters linked to the unit would also face economic losses. As the District Magistrate, you are tasked with resolving the crisis and ensuring sustainable solutions to protect public health, restore environmental safety, and address economic concerns.

Questions:

1. What are the stakeholders involved in this situation?

2. What are the ethical, social, and administrative challenges involved in this situation?

3. Suggest immediate and long-term measures to resolve the crisis while balancing the needs of the environment, public health, and the economy.

Q. "Knowledge becomes evil if the aim is not virtuous." In today's world, social media platforms and data analytics are being used to manipulate democratic processes across nations. What ethical considerations should guide the regulation of information technology to protect democratic values? (150 words)

Q. "Moral development is as crucial as professional development." Discuss the statement with respect to corporate governance. (150 words)

Q. "Soil pollution is intrinsically linked to water pollution and biodiversity loss." Discuss how an integrated approach to environmental protection can help address the challenges of soil contamination in India. (250 words)

Q. "Multi-modal connectivity is crucial for optimizing India's logistics infrastructure." In light of this statement, examine the role of Bharatmala and Dedicated Freight Corridors in transforming India's logistics landscape. (250 words)

Q. "Diaspora diplomacy has emerged as a distinct component of India's soft power strategy." Evaluate the effectiveness of India's diaspora engagement initiatives. (150 words)

Q. Social audit mechanisms have emerged as important tools for ensuring accountability in governance. Evaluate their effectiveness with special reference to MGNREGA. (250 words)

Q. In what ways did the patronage of Gupta rulers contribute to the 'Golden Age' of Indian art and culture? Analyze with specific examples from literature, art, and architecture. (250 words).

Q. How do Himalayan rivers maintain their flow throughout the year while peninsular rivers show significant seasonal variations?(150 words)

Essay Topics

1. Tradition is not a burden, but a foundation for progress

2. Real development begins when the last mile is reached.

Case Study

Q. You share a private hostel room with Aman, a final-year MBA student who has been dealing with a series of personal and academic challenges. Due to a prolonged illness, Aman’s grades in the last two semesters have significantly dropped, putting his eligibility for campus placements at risk. His financial situation is also precarious, burdened by a substantial educational loan and a weak economic background.

As the final semester exams approach, Aman becomes increasingly anxious and confides in you about his plan to purchase exam papers to ensure he meets the placement criteria. He justifies his decision by referencing his poor health, economic hardships, and family responsibilities, portraying it as his only viable option. In desperation, Aman asks you for financial assistance to execute his plan, appealing to your friendship and sense of responsibility.

(a) What are the stakeholders involved in this situation?

(b) What are the ethical issues involved in this situation?

(c) What are your roles and responsibilities in this situation, and what course of action would you take?

Q. "Individual moral attitudes shape collective social consciousness." Comment with reference to public service. (150 words)

Q. "Gender sensitization in public administration requires more than just policy changes." Discuss. (150 words)

Q. "Private sector participation in internal security can be a game changer for enhancing resource optimization and inclusion." Discuss this statement while suggesting safeguards to ensure accountability. (250 words)

Q. "Financial inclusion is necessary but not sufficient for inclusive growth." In light of this statement, evaluate India's progress in achieving comprehensive inclusive growth. (250 words)

Q. How has economic statecraft evolved as a tool of foreign policy in the 21st century? Examine with special reference to India's strategic interests. (150 words)

Q. "The rise of delegated legislation in India, while necessary for administrative efficiency, poses challenges to democratic accountability." Examine this statement with suitable examples. (250 words)

Q. Examine how the physiography of peninsular India influences its drainage patterns, climate, and economic activities. (250 words)

Q. The emergence of the Bhakti movement in medieval India was not merely a religious reformation but a comprehensive socio-cultural revolution. Discuss. (150 words)