Mains Practice Questions

Q. "Social justice without economic justice is incomplete." In light of this statement, examine how India's affirmative action policies have addressed both dimensions of justice. (250 words)

Q. "The Chairman of Rajya Sabha plays a crucial role in maintaining federal balance through their constitutional powers." Discuss. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the contribution of Mathura and Gandhara schools in the evolution of Buddhist art in India. (150 words)

Q. Why is the Bay of Bengal more prone to cyclones compared to the Arabian Sea? Discuss this phenomenon with reference to recent cyclones in India. (250 words)

Essay Topics:

1.The pursuit of equality often starts with the acknowledgment of difference.

2. In the desert of apathy, even a drop of compassion is an oasis.

Case Study

You are working as a senior officer in a public sector company. One day, a junior colleague, who is known for her diligence and commitment, approaches you in a distressed state. She informs you that her younger brother, a final-year engineering student, has been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness requiring urgent treatment costing Rs. 8 lakh. Being the sole breadwinner in her family, she is struggling to arrange the funds, as her meager salary barely covers her household expenses.

You sympathize with her situation but are unable to provide financial assistance personally. A month later, you notice her spirits have improved, and upon inquiry, she reveals that the treatment is underway, thanks to an advance payment facilitated by the head of the department using discretionary funds allocated for emergency employee welfare. She also shares that she has committed to repaying the amount in monthly installments, which she has already begun.

However, on reviewing the company's guidelines, you realize that the discretionary fund is meant strictly for official purposes and not for personal use under any circumstances. The department head's action, though well-intentioned, bypassed standard procedures and could attract legal and disciplinary consequences if discovered.

(a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case?

(b) As a senior officer aware of the situation, what course of action will you take?

(c) Suggest broader organizational measures to prevent misuse of discretionary funds.

Q. "Countries advocating global peace while maintaining military superiority through advanced weapons research face a fundamental ethical contradiction." How can this paradox be resolved? (150 words)

Q. "True compassion requires going beyond mere tolerance to active empowerment of marginalized communities." Discuss this statement in the context of public service delivery. (150 words)

Q. "Banning single-use plastics is not enough to solve the plastic pollution crisis." Discuss this statement with alternative strategies for sustainable plastic management in India. (250 words)

Q. What is the relationship between e-commerce growth and the required investment in logistics infrastructure and last-mile delivery capabilities?. (250 words)

Q. Discuss the strategic implications of India's expanding maritime engagement in the Indian Ocean Region. How does this align with its regional security objectives? (250 words)

Q. Discuss the electoral reforms introduced by the Government of India Act 1935. Critically analyse how these reforms expanded political participation while simultaneously maintaining colonial political restrictions. (250 words)

Q. "Plateaus are often termed 'treasure houses of minerals.' Discuss this statement with reference to the major plateaus of the world. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the transformation of Indian miniature painting from court art to a global artistic medium. How do these paintings reflect socio-political narratives across different historical periods ? (250 words)

Essay Topics

1. Growth begins at the edge of our comfort zones, both for individuals and nations.

2. Progress is the art of balancing innovation with preservation.

Case Study

A new and ambitious District Magistrate (DM) was recently appointed in a district plagued by severe water scarcity and recurring farmer suicides. During his initial field visits, he observed widespread illegal extraction of groundwater by industries, which exacerbated the crisis in rural areas. Despite a Supreme Court directive banning unregulated groundwater extraction, the industries continued to exploit resources, often bribing local officials to evade scrutiny.

One day, during a surprise inspection, the DM sealed a major industrial plant violating water extraction laws. Soon after, he began receiving veiled threats from influential industrialists and even faced indirect pressure from senior bureaucrats to revoke his action. The DM also discovered that the illegal activities were intertwined with the livelihoods of many low-income workers employed by these industries, creating a social and ethical conflict. As public protests against the plant's closure gained momentum, the DM was faced with a challenging decision: to uphold the law and protect long-term water security or to consider the immediate economic impact on local workers and their families.

(a) Identify the ethical dilemmas faced by the DM.

(b) What options are available to the DM in this situation?

(c) Suggest the most appropriate course of action with justifications.

Q. Evaluate the philosophical challenges posed by technological advancements to traditional concepts of administrative ethics and accountability. (150 words)

Q. In what ways does APJ Abdul Kalam's life reflect the principles of scientific temper and dedication to national development? (150 words)

Q. Examine the intersection of sustainable development goals and the Sendai Framework. How can integrated approaches to disaster risk reduction contribute to broader socio-economic development? (250 words)

Q. Evaluate the potential of nanotechnology in enhancing India's defense and strategic capabilities. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the impact of the European Union's evolving trade and technology policies on India's strategic interests along with potential areas of collaboration and conflict. (250 words)

Q. Examine the role of the Representation of People's Act,1951 in protecting and promoting electoral integrity. (150 words)

Q. Assess the role of constitutional mechanisms in addressing social inequalities and maintaining social harmony. Analyze their effectiveness and limitations. (250 words)

Q. Discuss the role of handicrafts and traditional artisan communities in preserving India's cultural heritage. (150 words)

Essay Topic:

1. Humanity is as much about coexistence as it is about competition

2. Preservation of the environment is not a liberal or conservation challenge, it’s common sense.

Case Study

Ravi, a Senior Manager in a government infrastructure project, is facing severe pressure to meet deadlines for a highway construction project vital to regional connectivity. Delays caused by land acquisition issues and contractor inefficiency have attracted sharp criticism from higher-ups, with a warning of possible suspension if targets are not met. Amid this, a private consultant approaches Ravi, offering insider information on upcoming regulatory clearances that could expedite approvals, provided Ravi ensures the consultant’s engagement on lucrative terms. Simultaneously, Ravi discovers financial irregularities in subcontractor invoices but worries that taking action might further delay the project and bring negative publicity to his team and organization.

Ravi is now caught between conflicting responsibilities: maintaining personal integrity, ensuring timely project completion, and safeguarding his career. Ravi must critically assess his options, balancing the organizational need for efficiency with adherence to ethical principles, while protecting the project’s credibility and his professional reputation.

(a) Identify and discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by Anil Kumar in this situation.

(b) Examine the possible courses of action available to Anil and evaluate their pros and cons.

(c) Recommend the most ethical and professionally appropriate course of action for Anil, justifying your choice.

Q. Analyze the potential long-term consequences of eroding non-partisanship in public institutions. How does this impact democratic governance and public trust? (150 words)

Q. "Moral courage is the highest form of accountability." Discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by civil servants in challenging administrative environments. (150 words)

Q. Analyze the strategic significance of technological indigenization for India's and economic sovereignty, with reference to recent developments in this area. (150 words)

Q. Evaluate the economic impact of GST implementation on small and medium enterprises in India. What strategies can be adopted to further simplify the GST framework to better support their growth and sustainability? (250 words)