Mains Practice Questions

Q. Do you think that "politics" and "ethics" are incompatible? Provide reasoning supported by examples. (150 words )

Q. "You must be the change you wish to see in the world”. What do you understand by this statement? How can this principle be implemented in real life? (150 words)

Q. Examine the concept of deep industrialization in India, underscoring its importance and potential obstacles in fostering economic and societal progress. (250 words)

Q. Investigate the factors contributing to the escalation of plastic pollution in the IHR (Indian Himalayan Region). What steps need to be taken to mitigate the crisis in the region? (250 words)

Q. The efficacy of the reservation policy depends on its capacity to authentically elevate the most disadvantaged segments of society. Evaluate this statement in light of the Maharashtra State Reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Bill, 2024. (250 words)

Q. Analyze the factors behind the Supreme Court's decision to strike down the Electoral Bonds Scheme. Propose recommendations for improving transparency in political funding in India. (250 words)

Q.Evaluate the present condition of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) in India. What reforms would you suggest to ensure a prosperous future for children in the country? (250 words)

Q.Examine the factors that increase the Himalayan region's susceptibility to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and suggest strategies for mitigating the associated risks. (250 words)

Essay Topic

1. Power doesn't corrupt people, people corrupt power.

2. Man is born free and everywhere he is in chains.

Case Studies

As the municipal commissioner of a significant city, renowned for your integrity and steadfast adherence to the law, you find yourself confronted with a serious situation following a tragic incident at a construction site. A multipurpose mall project, employing numerous daily wage laborers, experienced a devastating roof collapse during a monsoon night, resulting in the loss of lives of four workers, including two minors, and leaving many others critically injured. This catastrophic event has stirred public outcry, prompting the government to initiate an inquiry.

Upon preliminary investigation, a troubling pattern of irregularities has surfaced. It has been revealed that substandard materials were utilized in the construction, and the building deviated from the approved plans by including an unauthorized additional basement. Despite periodic inspections by municipal building inspectors, these discrepancies went undetected. Furthermore, the construction encroached upon designated green belt and slip road areas outlined in the city's Zonal Master Plan.

Complicating matters, your predecessor, a senior colleague, and an acquaintance approved the mall's construction, raising questions about potential collusion between municipal officials and the builders. Also, pressure from within the municipal corporation to temper the inquiry has emerged, with colleagues urging you to proceed cautiously. Additionally, the builder, who wields considerable wealth and influence, is a close relative of a powerful state cabinet minister. He has attempted to influence the investigation in his favor by offering financial incentives and implying potential legal repercussions under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act if matters are not resolved to his advantage swiftly.

(a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.

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

(c) Explain your selected course of action.

Q. What does this quotation convey to you in the present context?
The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others- Mahatma Gandhi (150 words)

Q. What does this quotation convey to you in the present context?
Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference- Winston Churchill. (150 words)

Q. Critically evaluate the need and feasibility of legalizing Minimum Support Price (MSP) in India. (250 words)

Q. Analyze the remarkable accomplishments and challenges faced in India's pursuit of space leadership. (250 words)

Q. Evaluate the need to create regional branches for the Supreme Court in India. (250 words)

Q. Assess the importance of the India-Maldives relationship. Identify the challenges within this bilateral relationship and suggest strategies to overcome them. (250 words)

Q. What are the concepts behind El Niño and La Niña events? How do these phenomena impact the monsoon and air quality in India? (250 words)

Q. Implementing paid menstrual leave policies worsens gender equality. Examine.(250 Words)

Essay Topic

1. Truth can be stated in a thousand different ways, yet each one can be true.

2. The external world is only internal nature writ large.

Case Studies

As the officer entrusted with overseeing environmental compliance in the region, you have encountered a complex challenge stemming from numerous small and medium industries holding environmental clearance certificates while continuing to pollute air, water, and soil, resulting in adverse health effects on the local population.

Upon discovering the widespread violations, you took decisive action by issuing notices to all industrial units to apply for fresh environmental clearance. However, your efforts were met with resistance from some industrial stakeholders, vested interest groups, and local politicians. Additionally, there was apprehension among workers about potential job loss and economic insecurity.

Despite pleas from industry owners highlighting potential financial losses and product shortages, and appeals from labor unions to avoid closure, you remained steadfast in your commitment to environmental protection. This stance, however, exposed you to threats from unidentified sources.

In the face of adversity, you found support from colleagues advocating for uncompromising environmental compliance and local NGOs calling for the immediate closure of polluting units.

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

(b) Based on the above case study, what are the options available to you?

(c) What type of mechanism would you suggest to ensure environmental compliance?

Q. Do you think Artificial Intelligence (AI) compromises ethical principles? How can AI be transformed into responsible decision-makers? (250 words)

Q. Identify the foundational values of civil services. Describe the ways and means to prevent non-ethical behaviour among civil servants. (250 words)

Q. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reconciles the need for economic growth with environmental preservation. Comment. (250 Words)

Q. Examine the significance and potential impact of brain chip implant technology on the evolution of human-computer interaction. (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the significance of BRICS as a non-Western forum in reshaping global governance in the 21st century, with special reference to India's perspective. (150 Words)

Q. Discuss the concept of "intelligence diplomacy" and its significance in contemporary international relations. (150 Words)

Q. How do seismic shadow zones provide evidence for the existence of Earth's core? (150 Words)

Q. Examine to what extent do innate differences contribute to disparities in education, income, and social status? (150 Words)

Essay Topic

1. Once all struggle is grasped, miracles are possible.

2. An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.

Case Studies

You are serving as the Inspector of Traffic Police in a bustling city. One day, a convoy of a union minister is scheduled to pass through the heart of the city, resulting in a significant disruption to the regular traffic flow. The convoy's movement causes a massive traffic jam, leading to chaos on the streets. Amidst this situation, an ambulance carrying a critically ill heart patient is stuck in traffic.

The patient's condition is deteriorating rapidly, and any delay in reaching the hospital could prove life-threatening. As the Inspector of Traffic Police, you find yourself caught in a dilemma, torn between the responsibility to ensure the smooth movement of VIP convoys and the urgent need to facilitate the timely passage of the ambulance for emergency medical services.

(a) What option does the inspector (traffic police) have in these circumstances?

(b) How does the Inspector (Traffic Police) manage the delicate equilibrium between accommodating VIP convoys and prioritizing emergency response services?