Mains Practice Questions

Q. Highlight the significant role played by coral reefs in maintaining ocean ecosystems. Discuss the impact of climate change on corals. (150 words)

Q. Rashtrakutas contributed heavily to the Deccan's architectural legacy. Discuss (150 words)

Essay Topics

1. E-Governance: the most easy, effective and economical governance.

2. There are no “natural disasters”- only inadequately planned human settlements.

Case Study

Dr. Ankur Sharma is a surgeon. He comes from a well-educated family. Rahul, his little son, is 7 years old and is showing some troubling behaviour patterns. Rahul has been taking pleasure in hurting and torturing creatures for the last two years. It all started when he would pick up some insects such as cockroaches and worms and take delight in cutting them to pieces with a blade. The family keeps some pets including rabbits and some days ago Mr. Sharma detected the boy vivisecting a rabbit in a lonely corner of their garden. By the time Mr. Sharma intervened it was all over, and young Rahul was almost relishing the sight of his bloody hand. Mr. Sharma, of course, scolded the kid but they are worried about the gruesome incidents likely to happen from this kind of perverse behaviour.

What actions should the parents take? Select from the following options:

1. They should ignore the incidents as childish pranks.

2. They should explain to Rahul the need to behave kindly towards animals and to avoid violence in all forms.

3. They should take Rahul to a psychiatrist for counselling and treatment.

4. They should not let Rahul out of sight when he is alone.

Q. What duties do government employees have in terms of ethics that are generally accepted? (150 Words)

Q. Discuss aspects of Hindu ethics which are relevant to modern administration. Give examples to justify your answer. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the various challenges related to waste-water Management in India. Highlight the recent government initiatives to resolve waste-water management. (250 words)

Q. With the rise of maritime territorial disputes and rising tension across the world, there is renowned focus on maritime security by India. Discuss the challenges faced by India in achieving maritime security. (150 words)

Q. Highlight provisions of proposed Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022. Discuss whether it protects citizens' right to privacy? (250 Words)

Q. With the Global task of G-20 presidency turns towards India’s table, discuss India's role as leader of global south. (150 words)

Q. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) India is set to become the world’s most populous country by 2023. Critically examine the challenges and opportunities of rising population. (250 words)

Q. “Pala period witnessed the last great phase of Buddhism and of the Buddhist art in India”. In the light of the statement highlight the main features of Pala art. (250 words)

Essay Topics

1. Trade money for time, not time for money. You’re going to run out of time first.

2. Without development of knowledge and reason, a civilization cannot advance.

Case Study

Ashwani Sood is a farmer who resides in a village of moderate size in the Sitamarhi district of Bihar. He was once chosen to lead the local Panchayat. He has a 25-year-old young son Divyansh. Being the only son of the family, Divyansh was pampered and became spoilt. He was arrogant, always wanted to have his way and would pick up a fight at the slightest opportunity.

A primary school teacher of the area was shot in the head by Divyansh in full view of a large number of persons. He was arrested and remained in jail, despite several attempts to come out.

The MLA of the district is happened to be a part of state cabinet and is also a longtime friend of Ashwani and is currently very influential in the government. The present District Magistrate (Sanjit) has good relations with the minister as he had worked under this Minister in the secretariat before he came to this district and was also recommended by him.

Later, the cabinet minister from the district called Sanjit for recommending parole to Divyansh.

The Minister did not claim that Divyansh is innocent; his pleading was restricted to the circumstances the family was passing through as his mother had died recently. The Minister’s request has created a somewhat difficult situation for Sanjit. This Minister rarely intervenes in any administrative day-to-day functions.

What would be the course of action should Sanjit follow and why?

Q. How can information and communication technology help in reducing corruption? illustrate your answer with two examples (250 words)

Q. “The unexamined life is not worth living”, how would you interpret this statement of Socrates? (250 words)

Q. “Indian Biological Data Bank will reduce the dependency of Indian researchers on American and European data banks.” In the light of the statement, discuss key features of indigenous data bank centre. (250 words)

Q. Despite being the second-largest producer of tea globally, there are challenges faced by the Tea industry in India. Highlight some government initiatives to promote the growth of the tea industry. (250 words)

Q. Highlight the Indo-US relations in the changing geopolitical scenario. Discuss the nuances between the relation of two countries. (250 words)

Q. Whether electoral bonds are effective in ensuring fair, just and open elections? Discuss the various concerns regarding electoral bonds. (250 words)

Q. Highlight the earthquake distribution in the world. Discuss the vulnerability of India to earthquake-related hazards. (250 Words)

Q. To what extent has the urban planning and the culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provides inputs to the present-day urbanization? Discuss. (250 Words)

Essay Topics

1. In history lies all the secrets of statecraft.

2. Peace cannot be kept by force but can be achieved only by mutual-understanding.

Case Study

Q. Industrial chemicals are produced on a big scale by a conglomerate. It suggested establishing a second unit. Due to its negative impact on the environment, many states rejected this proposal. But one state government acceded to the request and permitted the unit close to a city, brushing aside all opposition. Further, the unit was set up 10 years ago and was in full swing till recently. The pollution caused by the industrial effluents was affecting the land, water, and crops in the area. It was also causing serious health problems to human beings and animals. This gave rise to a series of agitations demanding the closure of the plant. In a recent agitation, thousands of people took part, creating a law-and-order problem necessitating stern police action. Following the public outcry, the State government ordered the closure of the factory. The closure of the factory resulted in the unemployment of not only those workers who were engaged in the factory but also those who were working in the ancillary units. It also very badly affected those industries which depended on the chemicals manufactured by it.

As a senior officer entrusted with the responsibility of handling these issues, how are you going to address it?

Q. Discuss how a good character is necessary for holding higher positions in civil services. (250 words)

Q. What do you understand by probity in governance? Based on your understanding of the term, suggest measures for ensuring probity in government. (250 words)

Q. What are the unique features of James Webb telescope which makes it superior to its predecessor Space Telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race? (250 words)

Q. India's data storage center industry had leap-frogged at least a decade in the past couple of years. Discuss (150 words).

Q. How does India see its place in the economic space of rising natural resource rich Africa? Discuss. (250 words)

Q. Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the parliament to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness. (250 words)