Essay Topics:

Q. Sustainability is no longer about doing less harm. It’s about doing more good. (1200 words)

Q. Mutual assured destruction is a paradox: it guarantees peace by guaranteeing destruction. (1200 words)

In a tragic incident, more than twenty children in a state district lost their lives after consuming a widely used cough syrup later found to be adulterated. Dr Ananya, a senior health officer posted in the state’s Drug Control Department, has been tasked with investigating the matter and ensuring accountability.

As she delves into records, she uncovers alarming lapses in drug testing protocols, delayed inspections, and collusion between some local distributors and manufacturers. Parents and civil society groups are demanding immediate disclosure of investigation reports, punitive action against responsible parties, and systemic reforms to prevent recurrence.

Meanwhile, the state health department is under immense political pressure to manage public outrage and contain negative media coverage. Some senior officials subtly advise Dr Ananya to “handle the matter quietly” to avoid reputational damage to the government and influential stakeholders, warning that strict enforcement may jeopardise her career.

Junior officers involved in sample testing and reporting express fear of harassment, transfers, or legal consequences if they fully disclose the facts. At the same time, courts have taken suo motu cognisance, and multiple PILs have been filed seeking transparency in the investigation, compensation for affected families, and reforms in drug safety oversight.

Questions:

A. What ethical dilemmas confront Dr Ananya in this scenario?

B.  Evaluate the options available to her and their potential consequences.

C. Suggest the most appropriate course of action for Dr Ananya based on balancing administrative responsibility and citizen welfare.

D. Propose long-term systemic reforms to strengthen drug safety oversight.

Q. What does quotation convey to you in the present context?
“We want that education by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, the intellect is expanded, and by which one can stand on one's own feet.” – Swami Vivekananda. (150 words)

Q. “Moral absolutism can lead to rigidity, while moral relativism may justify injustice. A balance between the two is essential in ethical decision-making.”Justify with suitable illustration. (150 words)

Q. The Indian Ocean is emerging as the strategic heartland of the 21st century. Discuss the evolving maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and evaluate India’s preparedness to safeguard its strategic interests. (250 words)

Q. While mining drives economic growth and industrial development, it simultaneously threatens ecological balance. Examine how mining activities contribute to environmental degradation and suggest sustainable strategies to minimise their adverse impacts. (150 words)

Q. India’s foreign policy demonstrates a delicate balance between strategic cooperation with the United States and the pursuit of autonomy in relations with Russia and China. Comment.

Q. Do you think the recurrent resort to ordinances by the Executive undermines the principles of separation of powers and parliamentary accountability in India? Discuss.

Essay Topics:

Q. The individual is not a pre-given entity; he is constituted through power relations. (1200 words)

Q. Experience without theory is blind, but theory without experience is mere intellectual play. (1200 words)

Case Study

Ritika, an IAS officer posted as the Public Information Officer (PIO) in a state department, has been facing mounting challenges due to widespread mismanagement in handling RTI requests. Citizens frequently report delays exceeding statutory limits, incomplete disclosures, and arbitrary denials citing vague exemptions. Several RTI applications relate to public procurement, environmental clearances, and fund utilization, raising concerns about corruption and administrative opacity.

Despite repeated reminders and follow-ups, the backlog of pending RTI cases has grown substantially. Some senior officials in the department discourage timely compliance, fearing that disclosure might expose irregularities and implicate influential contractors or political patrons. A few junior officers have expressed fear that strict adherence to the RTI Act could attract harassment, transfers, or litigation. Meanwhile, civil society organizations and media outlets demand transparency, timely responses, and public accountability.

The state government, concerned about negative publicity and political fallout, has subtly instructed Ritika to “avoid unnecessary disclosure” and focus on maintaining departmental harmony. At the same time, the Central Information Commission and local courts are actively monitoring compliance, with some PILs filed questioning delays and partial disclosures.

Questions:

A. What are the ethical dilemmas faced by Ritika in this situation?

B. Evaluate the options available to her and their possible consequences.

C. Suggest the most appropriate course of action for Ritika based on administrative accountability and citizen-centric governance.

D. Propose long-term systemic reforms to improve RTI implementation, reduce backlogs, and protect officials from retaliation while ensuring transparency and participatory governance.

Q. Evaluate the ethical challenges posed by emerging technologies such as AI, Big Data, and Digital Governance. How should ethical frameworks guide their adoption in public administration? (150 words)

Q.“Ethical dilemmas are inevitable in administration, but ethical decision-making is non-negotiable.” Explain with reference to moral reasoning and conflict resolution. (150 words)

Q. AI holds the potential to bridge governance gaps or exacerbate digital divides. Examine how the IndiaAI Mission can promote equitable access to AI benefits across different regions and sectors in India. (250 words)

Q. Fiscal health determines the developmental resilience of a state. How can the FHI (Fiscal Health Index) help bridge the gap between fiscal capacity and fiscal performance across Indian states? (150 words)

Q. Transparency is the cornerstone of democracy, but without accountability, it risks becoming ornamental. Critically evaluate the effectiveness of the Right to Information Act, 2005, in promoting transparency, accountability, and participatory governance in India. (150 words)

Q. Examine the key factors driving women’s empowerment in India and analyse the major barriers that continue to impede its full realization. (150 words)

Q.“Decolonisation after the Second World War was both a moral reckoning and a strategic necessity.” Examine how the global balance of power and nationalist movements influenced the decolonisation process in Asia and Africa. (250 words)

Q. Pala architecture reflects a synthesis of religious devotion, royal patronage, and regional aesthetics. Illustrate with suitable examples. (150 words)

Essay Topics:

Q.1.The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way. (1200 words)
Q.2.History began when humans invented gods, and will end when humans become gods. (1200 words)

Case Study

Ashok, an IAS officer posted as the District Magistrate in a riverine district, has been facing mounting challenges due to rampant illegal sand mining along the riverbanks. Despite a ban during the monsoon season and strict environmental regulations, sand extraction continues unabated, driven by a nexus between local contractors, transporters, and influential political figures.

The illegal mining has caused severe environmental degradation, including riverbank erosion, falling groundwater levels, and damage to aquatic ecosystems. It has also led to frequent road accidents due to the overloading of trucks and the loss of government revenue.

Ashok’s administration has conducted several raids, seized vehicles, and filed FIRs, but the operations have met with strong resistance. Local miners, backed by political patrons, have staged protests accusing the administration of “anti-development” actions. Some officers in his team have received threats, and a few have even hinted that confronting the sand mafia could cost them their safety or postings. Meanwhile, honest junior officers look up to Ashok for moral leadership, while local media and environmental activists demand tougher action and transparency.

The state government, citing the importance of construction material for infrastructure projects, has asked Ashok to “avoid confrontation” and maintain law and order. However, environmental damage continues, and the judiciary has recently sought a report on compliance with mining regulations.

Questions:

A. What are the ethical dilemmas faced by Ashok in this situation?

B. Evaluate the options available to him and their possible consequences.

C. Suggest the most appropriate course of action for Ashok based on environmental ethics and administrative accountability.

D. Propose long-term systemic reforms to curb illegal sand mining while balancing development and environmental protection. (250 words)

Q. India’s rapid economic growth coexists with social inequalities and environmental challenges. Discuss the need for an ethical framework to ensure inclusive and sustainable development. (150 words)

Q. “Empathy transforms authority into service.”Discuss the relevance of emotional intelligence and compassion in administrative responsibilities. (150 words)

Q. “The proposed GST 2.0 seeks to address the structural inefficiencies of India’s indirect tax framework. Critically examine its rationale and challenges for transforming India’s indirect tax regime. (250 words)

Q. India’s space programme has evolved from a tool for scientific exploration to an instrument of socio-economic transformation.Discuss.(150 words)

Q. "South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) aims to promote knowledge sharing and sustainable development among developing countries." Examine India’s role in SSTC and its impact on global development partnerships. (250 words)

Q. Criminal defamation in India often conflicts with the right to freedom of speech. Critically examine the need to decriminalize defamation and suggest reforms to balance free speech and protection of reputation. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the geographical factors responsible for the uneven distribution of mineral and energy resources in India. How does this influence regional development? (250 words)

Q. Discuss how the Mauryan art and architecture reflected the ideals of the Mauryan state, especially Ashoka’s Dhamma and imperial authority. (150 words)

Essay Topics:

Q1. He who has a why to live can bear almost any how. (1200 words)
Q2. Ambition without wisdom is a tempest, while contentment without effort is a mirage. (1200 words)

Case Study

Ravi, an IAS officer, is serving as the District Magistrate in a politically sensitive district. A massive political rally, expected to attract nearly two lakh people, was organised by the ruling party to showcase its strength. Senior leaders were to attend, and the event had been widely publicised. Although Ravi’s office had earlier issued advisories on barricading, evacuation routes, deployment of police, and medical preparedness, many instructions were ignored by the organisers, citing budgetary constraints and urgency.

On the day of the rally, the situation turned chaotic. Entry and exit points were overcrowded, there was no proper crowd management, and medical facilities were insufficient. During the rally, a sudden push by people wanting to move closer to the stage created panic, leading to a stampede. Several lives were lost, many were injured, and the incident triggered widespread anger.

Different stakeholders reacted sharply. Families of victims demanded justice, accountability, and immediate compensation. Civil society groups and the media accused the administration of negligence. Opposition parties claimed the government had put lives at risk for political gain. The ruling party, however, pressured Ravi to downplay the incident and present it as an “unavoidable tragedy.” Some officials also suggested that highlighting lapses could invite unrest and even threaten Ravi’s career.

Ravi now faces a dilemma. As the administrative head of the district, he is responsible for public safety and upholding the rule of law. At the same time, he faces political pressure, the risk of transfers, and personal threats. His choices will have consequences not just for his career but also for the credibility of governance and the trust of the people.

Questions:

1. What are the ethical dilemmas faced by Ravi in this situation?

2. Evaluate the options available to Ravi and the possible consequences of each.

3. Suggest the most appropriate course of action for Ravi in light of constitutional values and principles of good governance.

4. What systemic reforms can be introduced to improve crowd management and ensure accountability in large political and public events in the long run? (250 words)