Mains Practice Questions

Q. "Indian cities are increasingly vulnerable to disasters, yet urban disaster management remains inadequate." Suggest measures to strengthen urban disaster resilience within the existing legal framework. (250 words)

Q. "Despite being one of the largest producers of agricultural products, India's food processing levels remain significantly lower than global standards." Discuss. (150 words)

Q. How can India leverage its demographic dividend while simultaneously addressing the challenges of skill development and employment generation? Discuss with reference to recent government initiatives. (250 words)

Q. The 42^nd Constitutional Amendment is often referred to as a "mini-constitution." Examine its impact on transforming the original constitutional framework. (150 words)

Q. What impact do regional disparities have on India's ability to harness the benefits of its diverse cultures for national growth? (250 words)

Q. Akbar’s patronage of the arts, literature, and architecture fostered a unique Indo-Islamic cultural synthesis. Discuss (150 words)

Essay Topics

1. Sustainability is no longer about doing less harm. It’s about doing more good

2. Science without conscience is the soul's perdition.

Case Study

You are a newly appointed Medical Superintendent at a government hospital in a tier-2 city, having achieved this position after years of dedicated service. The hospital recently received a substantial grant to establish a state-of-the-art cardiac care unit, a crucial facility as the nearest cardiac center is 200 kilometers away. During the procurement process for medical equipment, you discover that your immediate superior, the Director of Health Services, in collaboration with certain contractors, has inflated the equipment costs by 40% through manipulated tenders. The difference amounts to approximately Rs.12 crores, which could have been used to upgrade the pediatric ward that desperately needs ventilators.

When you raise this issue, the Director reminds you of your recent appointment and the fact that your spouse, also a doctor, was just transferred to this city after a three-year separation. He suggests that "administrative harmony" is crucial for your family's stability. Meanwhile, a reputed medical equipment supplier privately approaches you with documented evidence of the tender manipulation. You also learn that similar practices have been overlooked by your predecessors to "keep the system running." Now, you find your caught between ethical obligations and personal stability, and need to find a way out of this situation.

1. What are the stakeholders involved in this situation?

2. What are the ethical issues involved in this case?

3. What course of action would you take as the Medical Superintendent to address this situation effectively?

Q. "Conscience is a necessary but insufficient guide for ethical conduct in public service." Discuss (150 words)

Q. "Objectivity in public service requires acknowledging one's own biases." Do you agree? Illustrate with examples. (150 words)

Q. How has India's approach to environmental governance evolved since the Stockholm Conference 1972? Also highlight their impacts on biodiversity conservation. (150 words)

Q. How does the informal nature of India's workforce impact the goal of achieving inclusive growth? Suggest potential solutions for formalizing the economy while protecting vulnerable workers. (250 words)

Q. "India's decision to stay out of RCEP while pursuing other trade agreements reflects a strategic balance between economic interests and security concerns." Discuss. (250 words)

Q."The evolution of Lok Adalats represents a successful adaptation of alternative dispute resolution in India's justice system." Discuss. (150 words)

Q. The Coriolis force plays a fundamental role in determining not just the formation but also the behavior and characteristics of tropical cyclones. Discuss (250 words)

Q. The socio-religious reform movements of the 19th century laid the intellectual foundation for India's national movement. Comment (150 words)

Essay Topics

1. Change begins not at the surface, but in the roots unseen.

2. Economic growth without environmental consideration is wealth borrowed against tomorrow.

Case Studies

Rajesh Kumar, an IAS officer, has recently assumed the role of District Collector in an aspirational district of Madhya Pradesh. During his review of MGNREGA projects, he uncovers serious discrepancies, including incomplete projects and wage diversions to fake job cards. He finds that the local MLA, chairing the District Vigilance Committee, has been approving projects without proper verification, while a group of villagers confidentially shares evidence of corruption involving Panchayat officials and contractors. Notably, the previous Collector was swiftly transferred when attempting to investigate similar issues, and the influential MLA, closely connected to the Chief Minister, subtly suggests that cooperation could secure Rajesh’s tenure and potential rewards.

As Rajesh grapples with the situation, a local activist group files an RTI on these projects and threatens media exposure. They offer to share comprehensive corruption documentation but appear motivated by upcoming Panchayat elections. Rajesh faces a dilemma: conducting a thorough investigation would fulfill his duty but may provoke political backlash, impact his career, and risk disrupting ongoing development. Ignoring these irregularities, however, would perpetuate corruption and betray the trust of vulnerable villagers relying on MGNREGA for their livelihood.

Questions:

a) What are the stakeholders involved in this situation?

b) What are the core ethical issues confronting Rajesh in this situation?

c) What course of action should Rajesh adopt to navigate the situation?

Q. What are the key determinants of ethical behavior in human interactions? Discuss how understanding these determinants can help in promoting ethical conduct in public service. (150 words)

Q. "Ethical behavior is both taught and caught." Examine this statement in the context of role modeling in families and its impact on moral development. (150 words)

Q.How does mRNA technology differ from traditional vaccine approaches? Discuss its advantages and limitations in the context of emerging global health challenges. (150 words)

Q. Despite achieving high GDP growth rates, India continues to lag behind in human development indicators. Examine the reasons for this disconnect and suggest measures to ensure inclusive development. (250 words)

Q. Evaluate the effectiveness of BRICS as a platform for addressing Global South concerns in international forums. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the role of Speaker in ensuring effective parliamentary functioning. What reforms would you suggest to strengthen this institution? (150 words)

Q. Compare the factors influencing the location of automobile industries in developed economies with those in emerging economies like India. (150 words)

Q. "The First World War marked a watershed moment in India's relationship with the British Empire, fundamentally altering both economic and political dynamics." Discuss. (250 words)

Essay Topics:

Q1.The wisdom of nature flows through forests, to lose them is to lose a part of ourselves.

Q2.The absence of war is not peace.

Case Studies

Ravi is the Director of Research and Development (R&D) at a leading pharmaceutical company. The company is on the verge of launching a new drug that has shown promising results in clinical trials. Ravi's team has been tasked with selecting a contract research organization (CRO) to conduct the final phase of trials. He notices that his sister, who runs a CRO that specializes in clinical trials, has submitted a bid for the contract.

While Ravi knows that his sister’s CRO has a good reputation, he is also aware that her company has struggled to secure contracts recently due to increased competition. Selecting her company would help her financially but could also raise concerns about nepotism and compromise the integrity of the trial process. The company's board trusts Ravi’s judgment and allows him to make the final decision.

Questions:

(a) In what ways could Ravi's personal connection to the CRO impact ethical considerations in the research process?

(b) What course of action should Ravi take?

(c) How can Ravi justify his decision?

Q.Discuss the key drivers and challenges in India's innovation ecosystem. Suggest measures to enhance the growth of the Innovation ecosystem in India. (250 words)

Q. A Universal Basic Income in India could provide a foundation for social security while reducing the complexity of the welfare state. Critically Examine. (250 words)