Mains Practice Questions

Q. How is S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world? (150 Words)

Q. Describe the various causes and the effects of landslides. Mention the important components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy. (250 Words)

Q. “Despite India’s commitment to rural decentralization, Panchayats could not live up to their potential.” Discuss. (250 Words)

Q. What is the statutory basis for contempt of court in India? How far do you agree that the judicial institutions need protection? (150 Words)

Q. Industrialisation and Colonisation complemented each other in establishing British supremacy across the globe. Analyse. (150 Words)

Q. “Poverty is not only a condition of economic insufficiency; it is also social and political exclusion.” Substantiate. (250 Words)

Essay topics

1.Life is a journey imprisoned in time, except for a few moments that are free.

2. Prosperity abandons one who is satisfied with money.

Case Study

Pawan is working as an officer in the State Government for the last ten years. As a part of routine transfer, he was posted to another department. He joined in a new office along with five other colleagues. The head of the office was a senior officer conversant with the functioning of the office. As a part of general inquiry, Pawan gathered that his senior officer carries the reputation of being difficult and insensitive person having his own disturbed family life. Initially, all seemed to go well. However, after some time Pawan felt that the senior officer was belittling him and at times unreasonable. Whatever suggestions given or views expressed by Pawan in the meetings were summarily rejected and the senior officer would express displeasure in the presence of others. It became a pattern of boss’ style of functioning to show him in bad light highlighting his shortcomings and humiliating publicly. It became apparent that though there were no serious work-related problems/shortcomings, the senior officer was always on one pretext or the other and would scold and shout at him. The continuous harassment and public criticism of Pawan resulted in loss of confidence, self-esteem and equanimity. Pawan realised that his relation with his senior officer was becoming more toxic and due to this, he felt perpetually tensed, anxious and stressed. His mind was occupied with negativity and caused him mental torture, anguish and agony. Eventually, it badly affected his personal and family life. He was no longer joyous, happy and contented even at home. Rather without any reason he would lose his temper with his wife and other family members. The family environment was no longer pleasant and congenial. His wife who was always supportive to him also became a victim of his negativity and hostile behaviour. Due to harassment and humiliation suffered by him in the office, comfort and happiness virtually vanished from his life. Thus, it damaged his physical and mental health.

(a) What are the options available with Pawan to cope with the situation?

(b) What approach Pawan should adopt for bringing peace, tranquility and congenial environment in the office and home?

(c) As an outsider, what are your suggestions for both boss and subordinate to overcome this situation and for improving the work performance, mental and emotional hygiene?

(d) In the above scenario, what type of training would you suggest for officers at various levels in the government offices?

Q. Discuss the causes of high GHG emissions from the agriculture sector and the steps that can be taken to minimise the emissions. (250 Words)

Q. What does the following quotation mean to you?

“Every work has got to pass through hundreds of difficulties before succeeding. Those that persevere will see the light, sooner or later.”- Swami Vivekanand (150 Words)

Q. Attitude is an important component that goes as input in the development of human being. How to build a suitable attitude needed for a public servant? (150 Words)

Q. How and to what extent would micro-irrigation help in solving India’s water crisis? (150 Words)

Q. Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats. (250 Words)

Q. Critically examine the role of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in protecting and promoting human rights in India. (250 Words)

Q. Parliamentary oversight of regulators is necessary for the effective functioning and implementation of government policies. Analyze.

Q. Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of mineral oil in the world. (250 words)

Q. To what extent can the policy of ‘appeasement’ be blamed for the outbreak of the Second World War? (150 words)

Essay Topics

1. Only the dead have seen the end of war.

2. Ignorance, the root and stem of every evil.

Q. How do the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain. (250 Words)

Case study

You are a partner in a law firm. One of the clients of your firm is a man of high social repute and has a flourishing business. This client has empanelled the firm for the last five years. However, this client has been involved in what is being dubbed as India’s biggest bank fraud. The client is on the run and it is believed that he has escaped to a country which can extradite him only if provided with substantial proof. In connection with this case, investigating agencies raid your firm and find incriminating evidence against the client.

But you know that, there is still a lot of information available with the firm, which is vital for ascertaining guilt of the client. You realize that it is very important for the country to get hold of the client and bring him to justice.

Faced with this situation, what will you do? Critically examine various conflicts of interest and explain what are your responsibilities as a responsible citizen of the country. (250 Words)

Q. Impact of digital technology as a reliable source of input for rational decision making is a debatable issue. Critically evaluate with suitable example. (150 Words)

Q. Besides domain knowledge, a public official needs innovativeness and creativity of a high order as well, while resolving ethical dilemmas. Discuss with suitable example. (150 Words)

Q. How did land reforms in some parts of the country help to improve the socio-economic conditions of marginal and small farmers? (150 Words)

Q. Analyse the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages and obnoxious nexus. Also suggest measures required to be taken to eradicate the menace of terrorism. (250 Words)

Q. The Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution have often met with a wide and varied criticism. Analyse. (150 Words)

Q. Do you agree that there is a need for the codification of parliamentary privileges due to its misuse and curtailment of individual fundamental rights? (150 Words)

Q. Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (250 words)

Q. What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect global society? Has it been affecting Indian society also? (250 words)

Essay Topic

1. Indian culture today: a myth or a reality?

2. Modernism and our traditional socio-ethical values.

Q. Identify five ethical traits on which one can plot the performance of a civil servant. Justify their inclusion in the matrix. (150 Words)