Mains Practice Questions

Q. India has experienced a high rate of inflation in recent years. Discuss the major causes of inflation in the Indian economy and evaluate the effectiveness of the measures taken by the government to control it. (250 words)

Q. Parliamentary committees play an important role in exercising effective control over executive. How far do you agree with the argument that role of parliamentary committees has been declining in Indian Parliamentary functioning? (250 Words)

Q. Analyze the impact of development projects and policies on tribal communities in India. (150 words)

Q. What was Mahatma Gandhi's contribution to the Indian freedom struggle and how did his ideologies and tactics shape the course of India's struggle for independence? (250 words)

Q. Indian society has a deep-rooted history of caste-based discriminations. Discuss the contributions made by Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar in order to address this menace. (250 words)

Essay Topics

1. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is not an act, but a habit.

2. The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.

Case Study

You are the Mayor of a town/city that has recently seen a rise in cases of dog bites. The local community is concerned about the safety of their children and pets, and they have started to demand action from the authorities. As the Mayor, you are responsible for addressing this issue and ensuring the safety of the community.

Upon investigating the issue, you have discovered that many of the dogs in the area are strays, and some are owned by people who do not take proper care of them. You also found that the local dog population has grown significantly in recent years, and there is no effective system in place to monitor or control it.

What would you do in this situation?

Q. Codes of ethics and codes of conduct are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings and functions. Explain the differences between codes of ethics and codes of conduct and provide examples of each. (150 words)

Q. The Right to Information (RTI) Act is considered a cornerstone of transparency and accountability in democratic societies. Discuss the ethical implications and utility of RTI in promoting good governance and social justice. Analyze with suitable examples. (150 words)

Q. What are the key features and potential impacts of the newly announced Foreign Trade Policy 2023 by India on the country's international trade and economic growth? (250 words)

Q. What are the main challenges facing the production, distribution, and marketing of agricultural products in India, and how can they be addressed to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth in the agricultural sector? (250 Words)

Q. What are the key milestones in the 75-year diplomatic relationship between India and Thailand. Discuss how can both nations leverage this relationship to enhance their strategic partnership in the future. (250 Words)

Q. Analyze the role and responsibilities of the Speaker of Lok Sabha in ensuring effective functioning of the House. What measures can be taken to strengthen the impartiality and autonomy of the Speaker in performing their duties? (250 words)

Q. With reference to the recent incidents of land subsidence and landslides in the Himalayan states, what role do developmental activities play in the occurrence of such events? (150 words)

Q. Discuss the impact of El Nino and La Nina on global weather patterns, and how do they affect the economy of countries in the tropics? (150 words)

Essay Topics

1. To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.

2. Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.

Case Study

You are a government employee working in the Ministry of Finance. You are responsible for reviewing and approving financial transactions. One day, you receive a request for approval to transfer a large sum of money to a foreign bank account. The request is made by a senior official in your ministry. You are suspicious of the request and ask the official to explain why the money is being transferred. The official tells you that the money is for a secret project that is being carried out by the government. You are not satisfied with this explanation and ask the official to provide you with more information. The official refuses to provide you with any further information and tells you that you must approve the transfer of the money, or you will be fired.

Q. What should you do in this situation?

Q. How does corporate social responsibility impact Indian society and what are some potential benefits and challenges in implementation of corporate social responsibility? (150 words)

Q. What are the challenges of upholding ethical standards in public service? (150 words)

Q. How has India’s space program evolved over time and what are some of the key achievements of India’s space program? (250 words)

Q. What are the key challenges facing India’s tourism sector and what are some potential solutions to these challenges? (150 words)

Q. What were the historical underpinnings of the Indian Constitution and how did they influence its evolution? (150 words)

Q. Illustrate the role of Indian cinema and its contribution to India's soft power. Discuss its relevance in the context of India's cultural diversity and global aspirations. (250 words)

Q. Explain the development of the Indian classical dance forms, and their status as a global dance form. How has it evolved over time, and what are the different forms that exist today? (250 words)

Q. How did the Industrial Revolution impact society and the economy in Europe and North America? (150 words)

Essay Topics

1. The Internet is becoming the town square for the global village of tomorrow.

2. Take risks in your life, if you win, you may lead; if you lose, you may guide.

Case Study

Nila, a civil servant, is appointed as a District Magistrate in a remote and tribal-dominated region. The region has been facing several challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, high unemployment rates, and lack of access to basic amenities. The tribal population in the area is predominantly dependent on farming and forest produce for their livelihood. However, due to industrialization and urbanization, their land and forests are being taken over by big corporations for mining, deforestation, and other projects, leading to displacement and loss of livelihood for the local population.

As the District Magistrate, Nila is tasked with maintaining law and order, ensuring the welfare of the citizens, and promoting development in the region. She is also responsible for facilitating the smooth functioning of the projects undertaken by the corporations, which are expected to bring in investments and job opportunities for the locals.

However, as she spends more time in the region, Nila realizes that the projects are causing irreparable damage to the environment, depleting natural resources, and violating the rights of the tribal population. She also learns that the corporations are indulging in corrupt practices and exploiting the locals for cheap labor. On the other hand, Nila also understands that the region urgently needs investments and job opportunities to improve the standard of living of the locals.

What should Nila do in such a situation? What ethical principles should guide her decision-making process?

Q. Discuss the significance of integrity in public administration and the measures that can be taken to foster a culture of integrity in the civil service. (150 words)

Q. What is the relationship between ethics and aptitude? How does a person's moral character affect their ability to make rational decisions and act in the best interest of society? (150 words)

Q. India is faced with several internal security challenges, such as Naxalism, terrorism, and insurgency. Discuss the root causes of these challenges and discuss the measures taken by the government to address them. (250 words)