Mains Practice Questions

Q. Highlight the impact of rural-urban migration on Indian society. Also, state the challenges faced by migrants in urban areas. (250 words)

Q. The Mauryan Empire's administrative structure has a significant and lasting impact on Indian governance. Comment. (150 words)

Essay Topics

1. Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.

2. Creativity is intelligence having fun.

Case Study

You are the newly appointed Secretary of the School Education and Literacy Department in a state known for the deep-rooted influence of the publishing mafia. As the Secretary, you face two major challenges. First, the mafia exploits the government's free book distribution scheme by colluding with officials to demand commissions, causing financial losses and compromising book quality. Second, they manipulate private school textbook purchases, forcing schools to buy expensive textbooks under the guise of quality education, which burdens students and families financially.

Your predecessor, an honest officer, attempted to tackle these issues but faced severe resistance from the publishing mafia, leading to their resignation. Determined to combat this mafia, you must solve this issue and ensure a fair and transparent system for textbook procurement and distribution.

1. What are the stakeholders involved in this case?

2. How would you address the exploitation of the government's free book distribution scheme by the publishing mafia?

3. What long-term strategies would you implement to ensure a fair, transparent, and high-quality textbook distribution system for all students?

Q. Emerging Brain computer interface technologies are blurring the lines between human and machine interaction. Analyze the ethical implications associated with advancements in BCIs. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the concept of conflict of interest in public service. How should a civil servant handle situations where personal interests clash with professional duties? (150 words)

Q. Ransomware attacks and cyber espionage are growing threats to national security. Discuss the evolving nature of cyber threats faced by India and suggest potential solutions to enhance cybersecurity measures.. (250 words)

Q. Climate change and biodiversity loss are intricately linked. Discuss potential solutions for addressing both challenges simultaneously. (150 words)

Q. The rise of regional powers and blocs is reshaping the global order. Discuss the potential implications for established multilateral institutions like the UN. (250 words)

Q. Discuss the role of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) in promoting transparency and accountability in the Indian administrative system. (150 words)

Q. Critically examine the social and economic barriers faced by women entrepreneurs in India. Suggest strategies to empower women to start and grow their businesses.

Q. The emphasis on Atma Nirbhar Bharat resonates with the Swadeshi movement. Compare and contrast the economic goals and strategies of the Swadeshi movement with contemporary attempts to promote self-reliance. (250 words)

Essay Topics

1. There's no shortage of remarkable ideas, what's missing is the will to execute them.

2. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier

Case Study

You are the District Magistrate of a hilly region in India. The central government has proposed a high-speed rail project that would pass through your district. The project promises significant economic benefits, including job creation and improved connectivity.

However, the project also faces opposition from environmental groups who argue that it will cause deforestation, disrupt wildlife corridors, and lead to increased pollution. Some environmental groups are also protesting highlighting the ecological threats of the project.

Local farmers are also concerned about the acquisition of their land for the project. As the District Magistrate, you have the responsibility of maintaining law and order and addressing various stakeholders' concerns.

Questions:

1. What are the stakeholders involved in this case?

2. As the District Magistrate, what are the various options available to you? Mention the pros and cons of each option.

3. Which option would you choose and why? Justify your decision using relevant ethical principles.

Q. "Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching." - C.S. Lewis. Discuss in the context of ethical conduct in public administration and its impact on public trust. (150 words)

Q. Analyze the impact of compassion on policy making and its importance in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. (150 words)

Q. The concept of Universal Basic Income is gaining traction as a potential tool for poverty alleviation. Evaluate the potential economic impact and challenges associated with implementing UBI in India. (250 words)

Q. Discuss the principles and potential benefits of Zero Budget Natural Farming for sustainable agriculture in India, considering both ecological and economic aspects. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the reasons behind India's decision not to sign the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol. Also, discuss the current refugee challenges that India faces. (150 words)

Q. Analyze the key aspects of the recent Supreme Court judgment on the Enforcement Directorate's powers under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and its implications. (250 words)

Q. What is Marine Cloud Brightening? Discuss its potential benefits and risks in the context of mitigating climate change. (250 words)

Q. Discuss the significance of the Vaikom Satyagraha in the context of India's social reform movement.(150 words)

Essay Topics

1. Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.

2. What one hears is often an opinion rather than a fact, and what one sees is typically a perspective rather than the truth

Case Study

As the District Election Officer, you have received troubling reports of alarmingly low voter turnout in your district over the past two election cycles. The data reveals a concerning trend of declining voter participation, particularly in certain villages within your jurisdiction. Despite the robust efforts undertaken by previous DEOs to encourage voter registration and mobilization, the numbers paint a disheartening picture, raising critical questions about the underlying causes behind this democratic deficit.

The situation demands your immediate attention and a comprehensive action plan to revive the spirit of civic engagement among the residents of these affected villages.

Questions:

1. What are the stakeholders involved in this issue?

2. What could be the potential reasons contributing to the decline in voter participation in these specific villages?

3. What strategies will you implement to improve voter awareness and education to ensure a higher turnout in the upcoming elections?

Q. Discuss the benefits and limitations of objectivity in maintaining public trust and ensuring fair governance. (150 Words)

Q. What does this quote convey to you in the present context -

“The superior man is modest in his speech but exceeds in his actions.” – Confucius (150 Words)

Q. Evaluate the multifaceted economic contributions of India's livestock sector within the socio-economic framework of the country. Also, mention the government initiatives taken related to India's livestock sector. (250 words)

Q. Examine the impact of exchange rate volatility on the Indian economy. What measures does the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) employ to manage exchange rates? (250 words)

Q. Discuss the challenges associated with the political developments in West Asia on India’s energy security and suggest ways to address these challenges. (250 words)

Q. “Judicial overreach can be antithetical to the idea of democracy”. Critically analyse the given statement. (250 words)