Mains Practice Questions

Q. What are Microbial Fuel Cells? Discuss its possible applications in various fields. (150 words)

Q. “The appointment of the first Lokpal, though delayed, is an important step towards the cause of fighting graft in the government.” Comment. (150 words)

Q. Pressure groups, unlike political parties, are formed to address their immediate problems. Discuss the different methods adopted by the pressure groups to realise their goals. (150 words)

Q. There have been various statehood demands in India since Independence. What have been the reasons for such demands? Discuss. (150 words)

Q. How far is it justified to say that the problem of communalism in modern India is a product of colonial legacy? (150 words)

Essay Topics

1. “Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.”
2. Success is not a good teacher, failure makes you humble.

Q. What is Information Ethics? Explain how RTI Act can help in maintaining ethical governance in the country. (150 Words)

Case Study

Mr. Siddhant is the chairman of a cultural organization under the central government. The organization has a historical and cultural legacy. Recently he has been charged with the responsibility of organizing an international event by involving artists from different countries. For this event, he has roped in a famous personality from Bollywood as the brand ambassador and face of the event. This has helped in popularising the program at a wide scale and also in the generation of revenue. However, in the mid of the preparation, a female singer artist came in front of the media and accused the Bollywood personality of sexual harassment 10 years ago when she was a minor and searching for work. This accusation has sparked controversy and protest by the public. People are raising their voices against his involvement in the event. Meanwhile, the National Commission of Women has also approached Mr. Siddhant and demands the removal of the Brand Ambassador. Mr. Siddhant is in mid of the finalization of the event and all the preparations regarding inviting people from different parts of the world, their accommodation, etc have already been done. Initially, his consciousness pushed him to do something in this regard but because of external pressure, he is not sure about the right course of action. With reference to the above case study–

(a) What arguments can you give him to show that keeping quiet is not morally right?
(b) What course of action would you advise him to adopt and why? (250 Words)

Q. What do you understand by the Code of Conduct? Explain its utility in changing governance structure in India. (150 Words)

Q. India’s refusal to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) highlights its tendency for calibrated globalization. Comment. (150 words)

Q. Explain what is CSIR’S IndiGen Project? Critically evaluate its potential benefits in the health sector. (150 words)

Q. Displacement of tribals and other marginalised communities has been one of the major consequences of development process in India. Comment. (150 words)

Q. In order to realise the benefits of demographic dividend, health is one of the most critical prerequisites. Discuss in light of National Health Policy 2017. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the role of women in various social, political and environmental movements since independence in India. (150 words)

Q. Instances of the prevalence of bonded labour system in India are noticed now and then even long after its abolition. What are the reasons that have kept the bonded labour system still alive? (150 words)

Essay Topic

1. Happiness is only real when shared
2. Democracy is worth dying for.

Case Study

Q. You are posted as Superintendent of Police (SP) in a city where a horrific incident of gang rape and murder of an IT professional has shaken the conscience of the entire nation. Since the culprits are still at large, the public anger is mounting and the aggrieved family is refusing to cooperate in investigations because they have no faith in the local police. Earlier, when they tried to lodge a missing complaint of the victim in a nearby police station, they were turned away as the police said that the area falls outside their jurisdiction. In such circumstances when the police force is under heavy media scrutiny.

(a) What will you do to dissuade the rising mistrust between the public and the police?
(b) Also, bring out the long term measures to check this ever growing menace of violence against women. (250 Words)

Q. The basic thrust of the Citizen’s Charter is to render public services citizen-centric by making them demand-driven rather than supply-driven. How an organization should utilise citizen charter for effective governance? (150 Words)

Q. Examine the need of Code of Ethics for civil servants in India. (150 Words)

Q. What is ethical dilemma? Mention the different types of ethical dilemmas faced in government institutions and also suggest ways to resolve them. (150 Words)

Q. What are the key objectives of long pending labour reforms in India? Also, highlight the major constraints impeding labour reforms. (150 words)

Q. The efforts towards land reforms in India have been tardy and slow. Discuss the reasons for the poor progress of land reforms in India. (150 words)

Q. “Earn while you learn a scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful.” Comment. (150 Words)

Q. Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples. (250 Words)

Q. What is Scientific Social Responsibility? Do you think India needs a policy on Scientific Social Responsibility? (150 words)

Essay Topic

1. Anti-government feelings aren't usually anti-national.

2. Culling of vermin is the killing of mother nature.

Case Study

You are the head of a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that offers palliative care to cancer patients from the poor sections of the society. Since the last few months funding for your noble cause is dwindling due to which you are not able to fulfill the needs of the dependent people. One day, you are contacted by the owner of a big tobacco company who is willing to fund your NGO because he has to meet Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) targets. However, over the years working with cancer patients you have developed a deep hatred for tobacco companies. Now, the owner’s offer has put you in a moral dilemma. On the one side, you detest the thought of accepting support from a company that is doling out cancer through its products, and on the other hand, you feel that the company's aid is a godsend opportunity for your NGO to provide better care to patients.

(a) What are the various ethical issues involved here?
(b) Will it be morally right for you to accept money from the tobacco company? (250 Words)

Q. What do you understand by Probity? Explain its importance in governance with relevant examples? (150 Words)

Q. Does Corporate Social Responsibility suffice for everything that is needed in corporate ethics? Critically analyze? (150 Words)

Q. E-commerce is emerging as a key enabler and critical determinant of India’s growth and economic development. Analyse the above statement in the light of India's draft e-commerce policy. (150 words)