Mains Practice Questions

Q. Evaluate the role of the e-NAM in reducing price disparities and improving market integration for agricultural commodities. What challenges does it face in its implementation? (250 words)

Q. Groundwater depletion is a growing concern in many parts of India. Evaluate the factors contributing to this issue and discuss sustainable water management practices that can address this problem. (150 words)

Q. The role of civil society in governance has evolved significantly in recent decades. Discuss its impact on policy formulation and implementation in democratic systems. (250 words)

Q. Analyze India's strategic objectives in joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). How has its membership impacted regional geopolitics? (150 words)

Q. Discuss the concept of 'social entrepreneurship'. How can it contribute to addressing societal challenges in India? (150 words)

Q. Assess the importance of the Civil Disobedience Movement in India's quest for independence. What were its key features and outcomes? (250 words)

Essay Topics

1. The walls we build today become the bridges of tomorrow.

2. The frontiers of innovation are mapped by the compass of imagination

Case Study

Rajiv is a Senior Engineer at a prestigious government research laboratory, overseeing the development of cutting-edge satellite technology for improved weather forecasting and disaster prediction. As project lead, he's responsible for selecting components and materials. While reviewing supplier proposals, Rajiv notices his sister's struggling startup has submitted a competitive bid with innovative solutions that could enhance the satellite's performance.

Rajiv is aware that awarding the contract to his sister's company could save it from bankruptcy, but it might also raise questions of nepotism and compromise the selection process's integrity. The laboratory management fully trusts Rajiv and would support his decision. He now faces a dilemma between his professional obligations and his desire to help his sister's business, knowing that his choice could have significant implications for the project's success, his personal relationships, and the ethical standards of government contracting.

1. Who are the stakeholders involved in this situation?

2. What are the ethical dilemmas involved in this case?

3. What should be the course of action for Rajiv to resolve this issue?

Q. "The commercialization of traditional knowledge raises questions about intellectual property rights and cultural preservation." Analyze the ethical considerations in protecting indigenous knowledge systems while promoting scientific progress. (150 words)

Q. "Ethical leadership often requires making difficult decisions that may be unpopular in the short term but beneficial in the long run." Discuss this statement with relevant examples. (150 words)

Q. Analyze the implications of the growing Russia-China strategic partnership for global power dynamics. How should India navigate its relationships with these two powers in this context? (250 words)

Q. Lateral entry of experts into civil services is seen as a way to bring fresh perspectives and expertise into governance. Discuss the merits and demerits of this approach. (150 words)

Q. What are Western Disturbances? How do they influence the weather patterns in North India? (150 words)

Q. Analyse the impact of the Russian Revolution of 1917 on India's nationalist movement. How did it influence Indian political thought? (250 words)

Essay Topics

1. Roots speak louder than branches.

2. Nature is the only book that contains true knowledge.

Case Study

You are the Superintendent of Police in a district known for its complex social dynamics and occasional communal tensions. Recently, a prominent religious leader from the majority community was arrested for alleged hate speech against minority groups. The arrest, though legally justified, has sparked widespread protests and unrest among his followers, who claim it's a politically motivated action.

As tensions escalate, you receive intelligence that a group of extremists is planning to vandalize minority-owned businesses and places of worship in retaliation. Your sources suggest that arresting the key instigators before they act could prevent the violence. However, you also learn that one of the main orchestrators is the son of a powerful state minister. Your immediate superior, the Inspector General, subtly hints that proceeding with these preventive arrests might negatively impact your career prospects, suggesting instead to increase general police presence and deal with any incidents "as they occur."

As the clock ticks and tensions rise, you must make a decision that balances your duty to maintain law and order, your career aspirations, and the complex social dynamics of your district.

1. Who are the key stakeholders involved in this situation?

2. What are the ethical dilemmas involved in this situation?

3. What will be your course of action, considering the potential risks to public safety, political pressure, and your ethical responsibility.

Q. Explain the concept of "negative responsibility" in ethics. How does it challenge traditional views of moral responsibility? (150 words)

Q. Climate change threatens to exacerbate global inequalities and create new ethical dilemmas around resource allocation. How should nations balance their own interests with global responsibilities in addressing this crisis? Examine the ethical principles that should guide international climate action. (150 words)

Q. Explain the concept of Agriculture 4.0 and discuss its potential role in ensuring food security in India. (150 words)

Q. What is space debris? Discuss the growing problem of space junk in Earth's orbit, its potential impacts on space exploration and satellite operations. (250 words)

Q. Evaluate the impact of the QUAD alliance on the Indo-Pacific regional dynamics and India's strategic interests. (150 words)

Q. Despite comprehensive legislative measures to protect Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, atrocities against these communities continue to persist in India. Examine. (250 words)

Q. Examine the role of Mauryan art and architecture in propagating Buddhist ideals across the Indian subcontinent. (150 words)

Q. To what extent has economic liberalization influenced the nature of social stratification in India? Discuss with reference to emerging class structures and consumption patterns. (250 words)

Essay Topics

1. Ethics are the gravitational waves rippling through the fabric of societal norms.

2. Consciousness is the universe's AI experiment in self-reflection

Case Study

You are the newly appointed CEO of a struggling public sector enterprise tasked with its turnaround. The company's inefficiency stems from overstaffing and outdated practices. Your analysis shows that laying off 30% of the workforce and implementing modern management techniques could make the company profitable within two years. However, this would cause significant hardship for the employees and their families in a region already facing high unemployment.

The government, while officially supporting reforms, has privately indicated they want to avoid layoffs before the upcoming elections. You must decide whether to proceed with the layoffs and reforms, knowing it's the best path for the company’s long-term viability but at the cost of short-term social and political ramifications. The case highlights the tension between professional ethics, political pressures, and personal moral values in a post-bureaucratic setting where traditional hierarchies and rules offer less guidance.

1. What are the stakeholders involved in this case?

2. What ethical dilemmas do you encounter in making this decision?

3. What steps will you take to address the situation while balancing competing interests?

Q. The concept of 'ethical consumerism' places moral responsibility on individuals for their consumption choices. Discuss the potential and limitations of this approach in addressing global environmental challenges. (150 words)

Q "Resilience is not about putting up with something difficult, but about creatively adapting to challenging situations." Discuss (150 words)

Q. How can 3D printing technology be leveraged to reduce waste and resource consumption in India's industrial sector? (150 words)

Q. Analyze the effectiveness of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in addressing urban air pollution in India. What additional measures can be implemented to improve air quality in major metropolitan areas? (250 words)