Mains Practice Questions

Case Studies

You hold a responsible position in a ministry in the government, One day in the morning you received a call from the school of your 11-year-old son that you are required to come and meet the Principal. You proceed to the school and find your son in the Principal's office. The Principal informs you that your son had been found wandering aimlessly in the grounds during the time classes were in progress. The class teacher further informs you that your son has lately become a loner and did not respond to questions in the class, he had also been unable to perform well in the football trials held recently. You bring your son back from the school and in the evening, you along with your wife try to find out the reasons for your son's changed behaviour. After repeated cajoling, your son shares that some children had been making fun of him in the class as well as in the WhatsApp group of the students by calling him stunted, duh and a frog. He tells you the names of a few children who are the main culprits but pleads with you to let the matter rest. After a few days, during a sporting event, where you and your wife have gone to watch your son play, one of your colleague's son shows you a video in which students have caricatured your son. Further, he also points out to the perpetrators who were sitting in the stands. You purposefully walk past them with your son and go home. Next day, you find on social media, a video denigrating you, your son and even your wife, stating that you engaged in physical bullying of children on the sports field. The video became viral on social media. Your friends and colleagues began calling you to find out the details. One of your juniors advised you to make a counter video giving the background and explaining that nothing had happened on the field. You, in turn posted a video which you have captured during the sporting event, identifying the likely perpetrators who were responsible for your son's predicament. You have also narrated what has actually happened in the field and made attempts to bring out the adverse effects of the misuse of social media.

(a) Based on the above case study, discuss the ethical issues involved in the use of social media.

(b) Discuss the pros and cons of using social media by you to put across the facts to counter the fake propaganda against your family. (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. ‘Probity is essential for an effective system of government and socio-economic development.’ Discuss. (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. What were the major teachings of Guru Nanak? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world. (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. Explain the changes in cropping pattern in India in the context of changes in consumption pattern and marketing conditions. (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. What are the direct and indirect subsidies provided to farm sector in India? Discuss the issues raised by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in relation to agricultural subsidies. (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. Account for the legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency of using Article 356 by the Union Governments since mid 1990s. (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. Discuss the contribution of civil society groups for women’s effective and meaningful participation and representation in state legislatures in India. (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. What are the main features of Vedic society and religion? Do you think some of the features are still prevailing in Indian society? (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. What were the major technological changes introduced during the Sultanate period? How did those technological changes influence Indian society? (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Essay Topics

1. Every soul is a melody which needs renewing.

2. Poverty is a great enemy to human happiness.

Case Studies

You have just been appointed as Additional Director General of Central Public Works Department. The Chlef Architect of your division, who is to retire in six months, is passionately working on a very important project, the successful completion of which would earn him a lasting reputation for the rest of his life. A new lady architect. Seema, trained at Manchester School of Architecture, UK joined as Senior Architect in your division. During the briefing about the project, Seema made some suggestions which would not only add value to the project, but would also reduce completion time. This has made the Chief Architect insecure and he is constantly worried that all the credit will go to her. Subsequently, he adopted a passive and aggressive behaviour towards her and has become disrespectful to her. Seema felt it embarrassing as the Chief Architect left no chance of humiliating her. He would very often correct her in front of other colleagues and raise his voice while speaking to her. This continuous harassment has resulted in her losing confidence and self- esteem. She felt perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. She appeared to be in awe of him since he has had a long tenure in the office and has vast experience in the area of her work. You are aware of her outstanding academic credentials and career record in her previous organisations. However, you fear that this harassment may result in compromising her much needed contribution in this important project and may adversely impact her emotional well-being. You have also come to know from her peers that aho is contemplating tendering her resignation.

A. What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?

B. What are the options available to you in order to complete the project as well as to retain Seema in the organization?

C. What would be your response to Seema's predicament? What measures would you institute to prevent such occurrences from happening in your organization? (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. Differentiate ‘moral intuition’ from ‘moral reasoning’ with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations in the context of ethical decision-making? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. Most of the unemployment in India is structural in nature. Examine the methodology adopted to compute unemployment in the country and suggest improvements. (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. Distinguish between 'care economy' and 'monetized economy'. How can care economy be brought into monetized economy through women empowerment? (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. “The Constitution of India is a living instrument with capabilities of enormous dynamism. It is a constitution made for a progressive society.” Illustrate with special reference to the expanding horizons of the right to life and personal liberty. (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. Explain the constitutional perspectives of Gender Justice with the help of relevant Constitutional Provisions and case laws. (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian society. (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children. (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Essay Topics

1. A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity.

2. Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.

Case Studies

Vinod is an honest and sincere IAS officer. Recently, he has taken over as Managing Director of the State Road Transport Corporation, his sixth transfer in the past three years. His peers acknowledge his vast knowledge, affability and uprightness. The Chairman of the State Road Transport Corporation is a powerful politician and is very close to the Chief Minister. Vinod comes to know about many alleged irregularities of the Corporation and the highhandedness of the Chairman in financial matters. A Board Member of the Corporation belonging to the Opposition Party meets Vinod and hands over a few documents along with a video recording in which the Chairman appears to be demanding bribes for placing a huge order for the supply of QMR tyres. Vinod recollects the Chairman expediting clearing of pending bills of QMR tyres. Vinod confronts the Board Member as to why he is shying away from exposing the Chairman with the so-called solid proof he has with him. The member informs him that the Chairman refuses to yield to his threats. He adds that Vinod may earn recognition and public support if he himself exposes the Chairman. Further, he tells Vinod that once his party comes to power. Vinod's professional growth would be assured. Vinod is aware that he may be penalized if he exposes the Chairman and may further be transferred to a distant place. He knows that the Opposition Party stands a better chance of coming to power in the forthcoming elections. However, he also realizes that the Board Member is trying to use him for his own political gains.

(a) As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Vinod.

(b) In the light of the above case, comment upon the ethical issues that may arise due to the politicization of bureaucracy. (Answer in 250 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. What does this quotation convey to you in the present context?
‘‘Do not hate anybody, because that hatred that comes out from you must, in the long run, come back to you. If you love, that love will come back to you, completing the circle.’’ Swami Vivekananda (Answer in 1 50 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. ‘‘What really matters for success, character, happiness and lifelong achievements is a definite set of emotional skills – your EQ – not just purely cognitive abilities that are measured by conventional IQ tests.’’ Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in support of your answer. (Answer in 1 50 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. Winning of 'Hearts and Minds' in terrorism-affected areas is an essential step in restoring the trust of the population. Discuss the measures adopted by the Government in this respect as part of the conflict resolution in Jammu and Kashmir. (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by our adversaries across the borders to ferry arms/ammunitions, drugs, etc., is a serious threat to the internal security. Comment on the measures being taken to tackle this threat. (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. ‘Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO’ In the light of the above statement point out the role of India in mitigating the problems. (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India. (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. Do you think marriage as a sacrament is loosing its value in Modern India? (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Q. Why is the South-West Monsoon called ‘Purvaiya’ (easterly) in Bhojpur Region? How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultured ethos of the region? (Answer in 150 words, UPSC Mains 2023)

Essay Topics

1. Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands – two equally harmful disciplines.

2. Mathematics is the music of reason.