Mains Practice Questions

Q. Discuss the rise of Jainism and Buddhism in India. How do the teachings of Buddhism and Jainism intersect and diverge in their approaches? (250 words)

Q. How does climate change impact the lives of women? Discuss the role of gender-sensitive policies in addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation. (250 words)

Essay Topics:

1. No citizen shall ever be wealthy enough to buy another, and None poor enough to be forced to sell himself.

2. Economic growth cannot be achieved at the cost of environmental destruction and people’s right to healthy environment.

Case Study

You are a District Magistrate (DM) of a rural district known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional practices. The district has a diverse population, including various ethnic communities and tribes, each with its distinct customs and beliefs. The administration has been striving to balance the preservation of these traditions with the need for modernization and development.

Recently, a conflict arose between a government-led development project and the traditional practices of a tribal community. The project aims to construct a road through a forest area inhabited by the tribe, which they consider sacred and essential for their cultural practices. The community vehemently opposes the project, citing that it would not only disrupt their way of life but also harm the environment.

As the DM, you are caught between the mandate of the development project, which promises improved connectivity and economic growth for the region, and the ethical responsibility to protect the cultural heritage and rights of the tribal community. The local administration has received pressure from higher authorities to expedite the project, highlighting its significance for the overall development of the district.

In this scenario, discuss the ethical dilemmas you face as the DM and outline the steps you would take to resolve the conflict while upholding public service values and ethics in public administration.

Q. Discuss the role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership. How can emotional intelligence be developed and nurtured in individuals? (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the significance of probity in governance. How does it ensure accountability and transparency in public administration? Explain with examples. (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the strategic, environmental, and international implications of a nation's nuclear programme, considering its impact on global security and diplomacy. (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the significance of ecological hotspots in biodiversity conservation. Examine the challenges and strategies for their preservation in the context of climate change. (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the significance of judicial review in upholding the principles of the Constitution. Provide examples highlighting its role in India's democratic framework. (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the role of e-Governance in improving service delivery and transparency in India. How can it enhance citizen participation in governance? (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the role of classical Indian music in preserving cultural heritage and fostering national unity. Provide examples of its influence on society. (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the role of tectonic activities in shaping landforms. How do erosion and deposition contribute to the formation of various geomorphic features? (250 Words)

Essay Topics:

1. No matter how far you rise, you are still fundamentally equal to others.

2. Bureaucracy is not an obstacle to democracy but an inevitable complement to it.

Case Study

You are posted as the District Magistrate in a rural district of India with a significant population belonging to various caste groups. Despite legal provisions and affirmative action policies, instances of caste discrimination are prevalent in the district. Recently, a group of Dalit students from a government school in a predominantly upper-caste village have approached you, complaining of discrimination and harassment by their upper-caste classmates and teachers.

The students allege that they are often made to sit separately, are not allowed to use the common water source and face verbal abuse from their peers and teachers. They also claim that their grades are intentionally marked lower than those of their upper-caste counterparts.

Upon investigation, you find that the allegations are substantiated, and there is a deep-seated bias against the Dalit students in the school. The school management, dominated by upper-caste members, is reluctant to address the issue, citing "tradition" and "social norms."

As the District Magistrate, how would you approach this situation ethically and effectively to address the caste discrimination in the school? What steps would you take to ensure justice for the Dalit students and promote a more inclusive and equitable environment in the school?

Q. Discuss the impact of farm subsidies on agricultural productivity, income distribution, and food security in India. Suggest reforms for better effectiveness. (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the causes, consequences, and global efforts to mitigate ozone depletion. How can international cooperation address this environmental challenge effectively? (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the significance of Article 3 of the Indian Constitution in the context of territorial reorganization and its implications for federalism. (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the significance and challenges of India's 'Neighbourhood First Policy' in fostering regional cooperation and addressing geopolitical dynamics. (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the challenges and strategies involved in the integration of princely states into independent India. How did it shape post-independence India's territorial integrity? (150 words)

Q. Discuss the social repercussions of globalization on traditional cultures, identities, and social structures, emphasizing both positive transformations and challenges. (250 words)

Essay Topics:

1. Keeping the forest in sight, do not get lost in the trees.

2. In times of uncertainty, people yearn for certainty.

Case Study

You are the Human Resources Manager of a medium-sized company that operates in the service sector. The company employs a diverse workforce, including individuals from different cultural backgrounds and genders. Recently, an employee, Ms. A, who has been with the company for three years, has filed a complaint of sexual harassment against her immediate supervisor, Mr. B.

Ms. A alleges that Mr. B has been making unwanted advances towards her, including inappropriate comments about her appearance and unwelcome physical contact. She states that these incidents have been ongoing for several months and have created a hostile work environment for her.

Upon receiving the complaint, you conducted a preliminary investigation and found some corroborating evidence, such as witness statements and emails. However, Mr. B denies the allegations and claims that his interactions with Ms. A were friendly and professional.

As the HR Manager, you are tasked with handling this sensitive issue in a fair and impartial manner. Your actions will not only affect the individuals involved but also impact the overall work culture and reputation of the company.

In light of the above scenario, discuss the ethical dilemmas you face as the HR Manager and outline the steps you would take to address the complaint of sexual harassment, ensuring transparency, fairness, and compliance with legal and ethical standards.

Q. Discuss the ethical implications of corporate lobbying in influencing government policies. Suggest measures to ensure transparency and accountability in such interactions. (250 Words)

Q. Analyse the role of social media in shaping public opinion and political discourse. How can its misuse be mitigated to uphold ethical standards? (250 Words)

Q. Explain the objectives of public debt management. How does effective debt management contribute to macroeconomic stability? Discuss. (250 Words)

Q. Critically assess the future prospects of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in the context of evolving global climate change scenarios. (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the evolution of Centre-State relations in India since independence. How have constitutional provisions and judicial interpretations influenced these relations? (250 Words)

Q. Assess the effectiveness of India's flagship welfare schemes in promoting social justice and reducing inequality. Discuss with examples. (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the impact of the Non-Cooperation Movement on India's struggle for independence, analyzing its strategies and consequences. (250 words)

Q. Examine the social, political, and economic factors leading to the French Revolution, evaluating its long-term significance on global governance and societal restructuring. (250 words)