Mains Practice Questions

Q. Examine the profound influence of Indian philosophy and tradition on the conceptualization and formation of monuments and artistic expressions throughout India's history (250 words)

Q. Discuss the concept of Dependency Ratio with respect to India's aging population. Identify the key challenges faced by the elderly in India and suggest actionable steps to address their concerns. (250 words)

Essay Topics

1.The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.

2. The puzzle of existence is not in finding the missing pieces but in realizing that each piece is a mirror reflecting the whole

Case Study

You are the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of a state plagued by a deep-rooted culture of electoral malpractices, including booth capturing, intimidation, and violence. The ongoing general elections for the Lok Sabha have been marred by widespread incidents of booth capturing, casting a dark shadow over the credibility of the electoral process.

On the third day of polling, the situation escalated to unprecedented levels, with reports pouring in from multiple constituencies across the state. Intimidation tactics, such as threatening voters and election officials, were also widely reported. Additionally, instances of violence, including clashes between rival political factions, further escalated tensions.

The widespread incidents of malpractices had eroded public confidence in the electoral system, leading to disillusionment among voters.

As the CEO, you must take swift and decisive action to address this crisis and ensure the sanctity of the democratic process.

Questions:

1. What are the stakeholders involved in this case?

2. Given the gravity of the situation, outline your immediate strategy to address the ongoing booth capturing incidents and restore order in the affected constituencies.

3. Once the immediate crisis is addressed, what long-term structural reforms would you recommend to overhaul the electoral framework in the state?

Q. Emotional Intelligence is often considered a critical component of effective leadership and ethical decision-making. Suggest measures to develop it among civil servants. (150 words)

Q. In what ways do impartiality and nonpartisanship contribute to the ethical integrity of public service? Discuss practical challenges associated with maintaining these principles, along with strategies for their effective implementation. (250 words)

Q. Discuss the role of e-technology in transforming the agricultural sector in India. Elaborate on the various e-initiatives taken by the government to empower farmers in this regard. (250 words)

Q. What are the potential applications of genetic engineering in agriculture, medicine, and environmental conservation? What ethical concerns do these advancements raise? (250 words)

Q. Analyze the impact of electoral reforms after 1990 on the functioning of the Election Commission of India and their implications for democratic governance. (250 words)

Q. Assess the significance of the QUAD grouping in the Indo-Pacific region and analyze its implications for regional security, focusing on India's strategic interests and the evolving geopolitical landscape. (250 words)

Q. Examine the Himalayas' role as the 'Water Tower of Asia' and its impact on the regional climate and biodiversity of the Indian subcontinent. (250 words)

Q. Analyze the challenges posed by regionalism to national integration and governance, highlighting its implications on political stability and socio-economic development. (250 words)

Essay Topics

1 The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

2 Morality is simply the attitude we adopt towards people we personally dislike.

Case Study

You are a young IAS officer recently posted as the District Collector of Dantewada, a remote and impoverished district in the state of Chhattisgarh. Dantewada has been the epicenter of the violent Naxal insurgency, a protracted conflict between Maoist rebels and security forces that has claimed thousands of lives over the past few decades.

The Naxalites, claiming to fight for the rights of tribal peasants and the oppressed, have established a parallel system of governance in large swathes of Dantewada's forests and villages. They run their own courts, tax civilians, and have targeted government infrastructure and security personnel through deadly ambushes and landmine attacks.

Despite the heavy presence of paramilitary forces, the district administration's writ barely extends beyond the district headquarters. Most development funds allocated for Dantewada have been siphoned off by corrupt officials or remained unutilized due to the precarious security situation.

The situation in Dantewada is highly volatile, with regular incidents of violence disrupting governance and development efforts. As the senior-most civilian authority, you are under pressure to find an effective strategy to resolve this long-standing conflict.

In the above scenario:

1. What are the major ethical dilemmas involved in this issue?

2. What would be your priorities and action plan as the District Collector to restore administration and deliver development in this conflict-affected region?

3. Reflecting on this case study, what policy measures would you recommend for resolving protracted insurgencies through a comprehensive approach combining development, security, and grievance redressal?

Q.Define "Conflict of Interest" and explain how it influences the decision-making process of public servants. If faced with a conflict-of-interest situation, how would you resolve it? (250 words)

Q.Define "environmental ethics" and explain its significance. Choose one environmental issue and analyze it from an environmental ethics perspective. (250 words)

Q. Critically examine the role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in bridging the infrastructure gap in India. Suggest measures to create an enabling environment for more effective implementation of PPP models in the country. (250 words)

Q. Analyze the major factors behind the persistence of Left-Wing Extremism in certain regions of India. Suggest strategic measures required to combat this threat effectively. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the roles and significance of statutory, regulatory, and quasi-judicial bodies in governance, with examples, highlighting their impact on public administration. (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the significance and impact of India's participation in bilateral and global groupings on its national interests, with suitable examples. (250 Words)

Q.What are the diverse forms of Indian folk paintings in India? How do they reflect the rich cultural heritage and socio-cultural diversity of the country ? (250 words)

Q. Define demographic transition and explain the concept of demographic dividend.Discuss the significance of India's demographic transition in the context of its potential economic growth and global competitiveness. (250 words)

Essay Topics

1. Education is not a destination, it’s a journey that never ends.

2. Liberty consists in doing what one desires.

Case Study

In the aftermath of a severe natural disaster, a community finds itself in a dire situation, with thousands left homeless and lacking the most basic necessities. Heavy rainfall and infrastructure damage have severely impeded rescue efforts, exacerbating the frustration and desperation of the affected populace. As rescue teams arrive at the scene, they are met with hostility and violence, with some team members being assaulted, and one suffering severe injuries. In the midst of this turmoil, there are pleas from within the team to cease operations out of fear for their safety.

In the above scenario :

A. Examine the ethical dilemma involved in the case.

B. Examine the qualities of a public servant which will be required to manage the situation.

C. Suppose you are heading the rescue operations in that area, what will be your response?

Q. Discuss the ethical considerations and challenges in balancing private and public relationships, emphasizing integrity and accountability. Provide examples to support your arguments. (250 Words)

Q. Elucidate the impact of Swami Vivekananda's moral philosophy on contemporary societal values and its relevance in fostering ethical leadership. (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the various investment models prevalent in India, highlighting their features, advantages, and challenges. How can these models be made more inclusive and sustainable? (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the potential applications, challenges, and ethical implications of nano-technology in fields like medicine, environment, and communication. (250 Words)

Q. Compare and contrast the separation of powers, federal structure, and judicial review mechanisms in the Indian, US, and UK constitutional frameworks. Analyze their implications. (250 Words)

Q Discuss the impact of India's changing relations with its neighbors on regional stability and India's foreign policy objectives. (250 Words)