Mains Practice Questions

Q. Examine India's recent engagements with Central Asian countries and their significance for India's strategic interests. (150 words)

Q. Critically analyze the One Nation, One Election proposal in light of India's federal structure and diverse regional political landscapes. (250 words)

Q. Discuss the concept of ocean thermohaline circulation and its role in global climate regulation. How could changes in this system impact Earth's climate? (250 words)

Q. Discuss the role of mudras in Indian classical dance and sculpture. How do these symbolic hand gestures convey meaning across different art forms? (150 words)

Essay Topics

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

2. Beyond the horizon of doubt lies the dawn of understanding.

Case Study

As the event coordinator for the upcoming Global Sustainable Development Summit in New Delhi, you face a complex challenge. The summit, scheduled to host a large number of world leaders and delegates from countries across the globe, aims to address critical issues of climate change, poverty alleviation, and technological innovation. However, just two weeks before the event, widespread protests have erupted across the city regarding the proposed sub-categorization of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). The protesters, numbering in the thousands, have blocked major roads and are threatening to disrupt the summit, citing it as an opportunity to bring international attention to their cause. Your team has received intelligence reports suggesting that some protest groups may attempt to infiltrate the summit venue or target the delegates' accommodations.

Additionally, there are concerns about the potential involvement of groups with vested interests who may seek to damage the relevant infrastructure. As the person in charge, you must ensure the safety and comfort of all attendees while maintaining the summit's integrity and schedule. The summit's success is vital for India's international reputation and for progressing global sustainable development goals.

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

2. What immediate steps will you take to ensure the summit’s security and smooth execution?

3. What contingency plans will you have in place if the protests escalate?

Q. How does the idea of 'moral agency' influence the responsibility of individuals in positions of power? (150 words)

Q. Examine the ethical significance of 'intent' versus 'outcome' in public service. How should civil servants weigh these factors in decision-making? (150 words)

Q. Examine the role of nuclear techniques in the development of science-based global food standards. How do these techniques enhance food safety and contribute to food security? (250 Words)

Q. Discuss the impact of cyber-attacks, particularly Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, on the operational efficiency of online platforms and analyze their broader implications for public discourse and national security. (250 Words)

Q. To what extent have poverty alleviation programs in India been effective in addressing the challenges of poverty? Examine the role of political will in the successful implementation of these programs. (250 words)

Q. Critically examine the significance of India’s energy cooperation with West Asian countries in ensuring its energy security. What are the key challenges and how can India address them?? (250 words)

Q. The concept of secularism in India is flawed as it seeks to negate the importance of our cultural and religious heritage. Critically examine (250 words)

Q. The level of excellence in Gupta numismatic art is not evident in subsequent periods. Comment. (150 words)

Essay Topics

1. When women are safe, nations are strong.

2. Poverty is not just about lack of money; it is about the denial of opportunities and choices.

Case Study

A recent tragic incident involving the alleged rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor at the State-run College and Hospital has sparked nationwide protests. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a 24-hour nationwide withdrawal of non-emergency medical services to protest against this incident and the subsequent vandalism at the hospital. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety and security of healthcare workers, particularly women, within medical institutions.

As the newly appointed District Magistrate of the area where the incident occurred, you are faced with a complex situation involving public outrage, law and order, and the provision of essential healthcare services.

1. Identify the ethical dilemmas posed by the IMA’s decision to withdraw non-emergency medical services in response to the incident.

2. Propose a balanced approach that addresses the concerns of healthcare workers while ensuring that patient care is not compromised during such protests.

3. Evaluate the role of leadership in managing the crisis, ensuring accountability, and restoring public trust in the healthcare system.

Q. Analyze the growing threat of cyberterrorism to India's internal security. Discuss the measures taken by the government to combat this menace. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the solid waste management scenario in India. Highlight the challenges and opportunities in achieving a sustainable waste management system. (250 words)

Q. "Climate change diplomacy has emerged as a critical aspect of international relations." Evaluate India's position and contributions in global climate negotiations, highlighting both challenges and opportunities. (250 words)

Q. The Right to Privacy has evolved through judicial interpretation. Trace this evolution and discuss its implications on contemporary issues like data protection and surveillance. (250 words)

Q. Discuss the impact of globalization on traditional Indian values and social institutions. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the contemporary relevance of Ashoka's Dhamma in the context of India's pluralistic society. (150 words)

Essay Topics

1. Economic progress cannot come at the cost of democracy and civil liberties.

2. The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven.

Case Study

You are the District Collector of a rural district with a high rate of female illiteracy and child marriage. A new government scheme has been launched to provide financial incentives to families who keep their daughters in school until age 18. However, implementation has been challenging due to deeply entrenched cultural norms.

Recently, you have received reports that some families are falsely claiming the incentives while still marrying off their daughters early. You must carefully analyze the situation, balance competing interests and take adequate steps to resolve this issue.

1. What are the stakeholders involved in this situation?
2. What actions will you take regarding effective implementation of the scheme and address other immediate social challenges?
3. What long-term strategies can be implemented to sustain the impact of the scheme and changing societal attitudes towards female education and child marriage?

Q. Discuss the ethical significance of the 'Golden Mean' How can this concept be applied to achieve balance in public policy decisions? (150 words)

Q. What is the 'ethics of care'? Contrast it with traditional ethical theories and discuss its significance in public administration. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the causes of urban flooding in India. How can sustainable urban planning contribute to flood resilience? (150 words)

Q. Discuss the role of digital payments in financial inclusion and empowerment . Examine the challenges and opportunities in expanding digital financial services to rural India. (250 words)

Q. Analyze the root causes of child labor in India. Also, discuss the effectiveness of government programs in eradicating child labor. (250 words)

Q. Discuss key indicators of good governance and suggest strategies for its effective implementation at the grassroots level in India. (150 words)