Mains Practice Questions

Q. "The caste system is adopting new identities and associational forms; therefore, it cannot be eradicated in India." Discuss. (250 words)

Q. Numerous voices contributed to the strengthening and enrichment of the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase. Elaborate. (250 words)

Essay Topics

1. The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.

2. We shape our tools, and thereafter our tools shape us.

Case Study

You are the District Collector of a coastal district. A severe cyclone is expected to make landfall in your district within 48 hours. The meteorological department has issued a red alert, warning of wind speeds up to 150 km/h, heavy rainfall, and potential storm surges.

Your district has a population of about 5 lakh people, with 2 lakh living in low-lying coastal areas at high risk of flooding. The district has limited evacuation centers, and moving such a large number of people on short notice poses significant logistical challenges. The district hospital is located in a low-lying area and houses 200 patients, including 50 in the ICU. Moving them would be risky and time-consuming.

Additionally, there's a large fishing community that is reluctant to leave their boats and homes, as they fear looting in their absence. Many of them also doubt the severity of the weather forecast, based on past experiences where cyclone warnings didn't materialize into major events.

Questions:

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

2. What immediate course of action will you take to ensure the safety and evacuation of the population, particularly those in high-risk areas?

3. What long-term measures can be implemented to improve disaster preparedness and resilience in your coastal district?

Q.  Explore the contrasting approaches of the Ethics of Care and the Ethics of Justice.  Discuss how a civil servant might navigate situations where these ethical principles seem to conflict.  (150 words)

Q. Critically examine the relationship between rights and duties in a democracy. How do individual rights sometimes come into conflict with societal duties? (150 words)

Q. Analyze the regulatory framework for genetically modified organisms in India. Discuss the potential benefits and risks associated with genetic modification technology. (150 words)

Q. Financial inclusion is crucial for achieving inclusive growth. Discuss the progress made in financial inclusion in India and the challenges that remain. (250 words)

Q. Explain the role of pressure groups or interest groups in influencing policy decisions in India. Analyze both the positive and negative aspects of their influence. (250 words)

Q. Discuss the strategic significance of India's engagement with African nations and how it aligns with India's broader foreign policy objectives. (150 words)

Q. Indian cuisine boasts a vast array of flavors and dishes influenced by regional geography and agriculture. Examine. (150 words)

Q. Analyze the significance of inland waterways for transportation and economic development. Discuss the geographical challenges associated with navigating rivers in India. (250 words)

Essay Topics

1. Every problem is a gift—without problems we would not grow.

2. No great mind has ever existed without a touch of madness.

Case Study

As the Superintendent of Police in Reasi, you have just received a distressing report about a terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims. The strike, which claimed the lives of nine civilians, has sent shockwaves through the region, shattering the relative calm that had prevailed in recent years.

The timing of the attack could not be more precarious, as the region gears up for the upcoming assembly elections. You now find yourself at a critical juncture, tasked with immediate relief measures and devising a comprehensive strategy to address this resurgence of terrorist activities while maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of civilians.

Political tensions are running high, and any misstep in your response could have far-reaching consequences for the entire Union Territory.

1. What are the key stakeholders involved in this case?

2. What will be your immediate course of action as the Superintendent of Police?

3. What will be your long-term strategy to address the resurgence of terrorist activities and maintain peace in the region?

Q. Ethical relativism suggests morality is relative to a particular culture or society. Discuss. (150 words)

Q. Analyze the ethical concerns surrounding social media use by public servants. Propose guidelines for ethical conduct based on public service values. (150 words)

Q. India faces increasingly frequent and severe heat waves. Suggest effective mitigation strategies for heatwave management in Indian cities. (250 words)

Q. Quantum computers hold immense potential for revolutionizing various scientific fields. Discuss by highlighting underlying principles of quantum computing. (150 words)

Q. "Social justice cannot be achieved without economic empowerment." Discuss this statement in the context of poverty alleviation programs in India. (150 words)

Q. The idea of "One Nation, One Election" has been recently debated in India. Discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages of implementing such a system. (250 words)

Q. Identify the major causes and consequences of land degradation and desertification in different regions of India. Also, suggest strategies for sustainable land management practices. (250 words)

Q. Was the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 merely a military rebellion, or did it reflect deeper social and political anxieties in colonial India? (150 words)

Essay Topics

1. Wisdom whispers in the winds of change, reminding us that growth springs from the fertile soil of adaptability.

2. Stars are born from the darkness they emerge from

Case Study

In Chandrapur, the local administration faced a dilemma as the Shivaji Stadium, a beloved but deteriorating venue for local sports, neared collapse. Concurrently, the town's economy was suffering from the closure of coal mines, leading to rising unemployment and the problem of migration. Serendipitously, two proposals landed on the District Collector's desk. A company offered to build a shopping complex on the stadium land, promising jobs for thousands, while Sports Authority of India proposed transforming the stadium into a multi-sport training academy to preserve local sports culture and potentially gain national recognition.

Both proposals required the entire stadium land, sparking heated debates at town hall meetings. Former athletes, unemployed miners, and young sports enthusiasts weighed in, torn between economic stability and preserving their sporting heritage. As the District Collector, you have to navigate this situation.

1. What are the stakeholders involved in the decision-making process for the future of Shivaji Stadium?

2. Discuss the potential socio-economic impacts of both decisions (tech park and sports complex) on Chandrapur.

3. What strategies can the District Collector employ to ensure sustainable long-term development and prosperity for Chandrapur?

Q. Distinguish between distributive justice and procedural justice. How can principles of equity be incorporated into legal and social frameworks to ensure a just society? (150 words)

Q. Discuss the ethical theories of utilitarianism and deontology. How do these theories differ in their approach to decision-making? (150 words)

Q. As human settlements expand and encroach on wildlife habitats, conflicts between humans and wild animals are increasing. Suggest measures for promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife. (250 words)

Q. Analyze the factors contributing to the fiscal deficit and suggest measures for fiscal consolidation while promoting inclusive growth. Also, briefly discuss the role of the FRBM Act in this context. (250 words)

Q. Evaluate the effectiveness of India's Act East Policy in strengthening its strategic and economic ties with Southeast Asian nations. Also delve into potential areas of cooperation between India and ASEAN countries. (250 words)

Q. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar famously referred to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India as “probably the most important officer in the Constitution of India”. Do you agree? (150 words)