Mains Practice Questions

Case Study

Mr. Verma, a distinguished IAS officer, has been known for his integrity and commitment to public service. He has earned a reputation for effectively implementing various development projects and policies. Over the years, he has developed a deep understanding of the challenges the state faces, including corruption, inadequate healthcare, and educational facilities, and unemployment issues. Motivated by his strong sense of duty and a desire to bring about meaningful change, Mr. Verma decides to contest elections to address these issues at a political level.

However, the state government refuses to accept his resignation, arguing that his expertise and experience are critical for the ongoing development projects. They assert that allowing him to contest elections would disrupt the state's administrative stability.

A. What are the Ethical Issues involved in the Case?

B. What are the guidelines for Civil Servants when it comes to running in elections?

Q. Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do." – Potter Stewart. Discuss the significance of this quote in the context of public administration and decision-making. (150 words)

Q. What is the difference between moral relativism and moral universalism? How do they affect your ethical judgments and actions? (150 words)

Q. What are open market operations (OMOs) and how do they affect the money supply and interest rates in the economy? (250 words)

Q. What are the basic principles and properties of quantum dots? Discuss their potential applications and challenges in different domains. (150 words)

Q. Analyze the repercussions of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict on India’s economy, energy security, and foreign policy. (150 Words)

Q. Critically examine the objectives, provisions and implications of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. (250 Words)

Q. What do you understand about the "Glacial Lake Outburst Flood" (GLOF)? Discuss the causes and consequences of GLOFs in the Himalayan region? (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the factors that contributed to the industrialization of Europe in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. How did industrialization transform European society during this period? (250 Words)

Essay Topics

1. Good governance is putting people at the center of the development process.

2. The greatest wealth is to live content with little.

Case Studies

You are the District Collector of a remote and backward district. You have been working hard to improve the living conditions of the people by implementing various schemes and projects. One of the projects that you have initiated is the construction of a Local Area Network (LAN) that will connect all the government offices, schools, hospitals, and panchayats in the district. This will enable better communication, coordination, and delivery of public services. You have also planned to provide free internet access to the villagers through this network.

However, you face several challenges and ethical dilemmas in executing this project. Some of them are:

The local MLA is opposed to your project as he fears that it will reduce his influence and control over the people. He has been pressuring you to stop the project or divert the funds for some other scheme targeting his vote bank.

The contractors who have been awarded the tender for laying the cables and installing the equipment are known to be corrupt and inefficient. They have been delaying the work and demanding more money. They have also been using substandard materials and compromising on the quality and safety of the network.

Some of the villagers are suspicious and resistant to your project as they think that it is a ploy to spy on them and collect their personal data. They have been spreading rumors and misinformation about the harmful effects of the network on their health and culture. They have also been vandalizing and sabotaging the network infrastructure.

Some of the government officials and staff are reluctant and indifferent to your project as they lack the skills and motivation to use the network. They have been avoiding training sessions and workshops that you have organized to familiarize them with the network. They have also been misusing and abusing the network for their personal and illegal purposes.

As the District Collector, how will you deal with these challenges and dilemmas? What values and principles will guide your actions and decisions? Discuss. (250 words)

Q. How can emotional intelligence help in resolving ethical dilemmas and conflicts of interest in public administration? (150 words)

Q. Character is like a tree, and reputation is like its shadow." - Abraham Lincoln. Discuss the importance of character in ethical leadership. (150 words)

Q. Explain the significance of foreign direct investment (FDI) for the Indian economy and analyze the reasons behind the recent decline in FDI inflows. Suggest remedial measures to enhance FDI in India. (250 words)

Q. What constitutes air pollution, particularly in the context of stubble burning? What measures can be implemented to mitigate its effects? (250 words)

Q. Recently, the conduct of many governors of states have been questioned, raising doubts about the constitutional propriety of their actions. In this regard, evaluate the need for the office of Governor in India. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the mechanisms through which the Indian Constitution establishes a system of separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Evaluate how this separation functions as a check on parliamentary sovereignty in the Indian context. (150 words)

Essay Topics

1. The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

2. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Case Studies

Ramesh is an employee at a prestigious multinational corporation known for his diligent work ethic. He consistently arrives at the office punctually, submits assignments on time, and occasionally extends his work hours to meet targets.

While Rajesh, serving as Ramesh's reporting manager, is a trusted leader responsible for a team of fifty individuals. His reputation within the organization is that of a sincere and results-oriented manager who excels in delivering under pressure. With a decade of unwavering service, Rajesh has garnered the admiration of top management, positioning himself as their go-to person during crises or periods of high workload. Consequently, he is on the cusp of a well-deserved promotion to a higher role within the company.

However, an unexpected challenge emerges for the company. A feedback form circulated among employees reveals an alarming number of negative reviews including that of Ramesh pertaining to Rajesh. These reviews accuse him of misbehavior, misconduct, and even allegations of mental abuse. This development puts the CEO of the company, the ultimate decision-maker, in a perplexing situation with regards to Rajesh's impending promotion.

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

(b) Critically examine the options available to the CEO of the company in the above situation.

(c) Which of the above would be the most appropriate for a CEO and why?

Q. Discuss the ethical dilemmas associated with space exploration and commercialization. How can governments and international organizations promote responsible space activities while considering the potential impact on celestial bodies and extraterrestrial life? (150 words)

Q. What do you understand by this quote: "Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching." - C.S. Lewis (150 words)

Q. Explore the potential of micro-irrigation in revolutionizing farming towards profitability and sustainability within the framework of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. (150 words)

Q. How has the Human Genome Project contributed to our understanding of genetic diseases and the development of targeted therapies? (150 words)

Q. What role does the Preamble play in guiding the interpretation and evolution of the Constitution, especially in the context of landmark judicial decisions? (150 words)

Q. “The Indian constitution was designed not for people how they are but how they ought to be “. Comment (150 words)

Q. How revolt of 1857 was a regime shift for India? Highlight the significance of the revolt. (150 Words)

Q. Discuss the development of science and technology in post-independence India. (150 Words)

Essay Topics

1. Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world.

2. Righteousness is the foundation stone of peace and good governance.

Case Studies

The state is facing a severe water crisis due to the prolonged drought. The groundwater level has dropped drastically and many wells and borewells have dried up. The farmers are struggling to irrigate their crops and the people are suffering from acute water scarcity. The situation has led to widespread protests and unrest in the affected areas. The Chief Minister is worried that this will hamper the party’s chances in the upcoming elections. However, the state has no funds to implement any long-term solutions, such as building dams, canals, or pipelines. The only option is to provide temporary relief by supplying water through tankers and trains. But this requires a lot of coordination and logistics, as well as a huge amount of money. The state can only afford this by diverting funds from other development schemes or by borrowing from the central government or external agencies. In this situation, the Chief Minister has asked the Chief Secretary, Ramesh Kumar, to find a way out of this crisis.

Imagine yourself as the Chief Secretary and discuss the different options available and how will you respond in this case?

Q. Ethical leadership is the cornerstone of good governance, as it inspires public trust and champions transparency, accountability, and inclusivity within government institutions. Comment. (150 words)